Dylan Gold started his design career in graphics. After a few years, he decided to switch gears and moved to Sweden to study furniture design. Returning to the United States, Gold began to formulate his unique and playful twist on contemporary hand made furnishings. The above “twisted” is an example of his ability to create fully functional works that question ever so slightly intent.

More examples of Gold’s furniture after the jump.

Exhibiting through April, 2010, Strange Comfort brings together new and never before shown works by Brian Jungen. Jungen takes from the familiar and repurposes objects to create new material that references and comments on Native American themes and imagery. For example, his “Blanket No. 7″ (see after the jump) is made from basketball jerseys. Jungen has also worked frequently with sneakers, turning them into masks with reference to the Northwest Coast.

Strange Comfort is now on view at the National Museum of the American Indian and complemented by a comprehensive stand alone component.

Phat Knits were created by Dutch designer Bauke Knottnerus, a graduate of the Design Academy Eindoven. Filled with foam, these massive knits can be formed into a variety of interior objects. Seats and bedding are the obvious, but the potential for more sculptural pieces (not that all are not sculptural) is also there. (via Frame Mag).

Further examples after the jump.

Kristen Coelho works in porcelain producing simple forms with subtle abstract glazing. Having trained in Adelaide, Australia, Coelho moved to London in the early 1990s. There she became fascinated by the history and tradition of British Art Pottery. This interest spilled into an exploration of late 19th-century enamel wares, which spurred her own experimentation with surfaces. Since returning to Australia in 1998, Coelho has become a lecturer in Ceramics at the University of South Australia.

She is represented by Matin, a gallery specializing in contemporary art and craft.

More examples of Coelho’s brilliantly simple production after the jump.

Once Upon a Chair offers a review of contemporary designs trends influenced by craft, folklore, nature and technology. Much attention is granted to design with a social impact – those designs that focus on sustainability and ethical production. This falls in line with renewed interest in artisan collaboration, fusing together traditions of hand craft and technological advance. Daily Icon has reviewed the book in full, and their take on the contents is well worth checking out.

Once Upon a Chair is published by Gestalten, with forward by Andrej Kupetz the Managing Director of the German Design Council. A few selected page views follow.

A rather interesting exhibition now on view at the Museum of Arts and Design – Read My Pins: The Madeline Albright Collection. The exhibition is the first major showing of Albright’s collection, which includes more than 200 pins. As jewelry, Albright’s pins became a hallmark of her tenure as Secretary of State expressing her moods and serving as a signature element of her dress. The exhibition brings together the collection as an exploration of the potential of jewelry to communicate feeling.

Up until January 10, 2010.

Artists from all over Minnesota submitted proposals for The Precious Object. In the end, fourteen were chosen for the exhibition, the inaugural show from mnartists, each expressing ideas about the desire for handcraft in a world filled with technology. Issues explored include nature, simulation, craft, and collecting.

Above is work by Linda Jatzo, Vince Malberg, and Ginny Maki. After the jump view installations by Andy Ducett and Techno Deluge.

The Precious Object is sponsored in part by the Hennepin County Public Library, and on view at the Minneapolis Central Library through January, 2010.

Based in Syracuse, NY, Zeke Leonard produces stunningly simple furniture and objects from reused material. His career began in theater design and upset with the continual trashing of his creations, Leonard decided to reverse the process. In short, rather than throw away what he’s made, he know makes things out of objects that have been thrown away. The result is a series of inventive furnishings and objects that are at once playful and functional.

After the jump check the Notirondack chair  and Birdhouse. Much more can be viewed on Leonard’s website.

James D. Julia Auctions in Fairfield, Maine hosts its annual rare and historic firearms sale October 6-7. Items range from the morbid death mask of FBI most wanted bank robber John Dillinger to a 1968 Browning pistol with a gold trigger, pearl hand grips, and a fancy engraved barrel. The sale can be previewed in person Oct. 2-5 or online here.

Above is lot number 2408, a Belgian Knuckleduster Revolver. estimated at $7,000-$9,000.

More highlights from the auction after the jump.

Discover artistry and ingenuity in Martin Donnely’s September 18-19 historic tool auction. Enthusiasts can expect a wide a range of early cabinetmaking, metalworking and other specialized craft implements, many of which were customized and decorated by their users. Highlights include a pair of nineteenth century polished steel calipers shaped like lady’s legs. Preview the items the day of the sale in Nashua, New Hampshire, or online here.

More lots after the jump.