What's Buzzing at LACMA?

     Recently, while perusing the LA County Museum of Art, our very own David Harris came across some very mesmerizing “buzz.” But not in the form of the juicy Hollywood chatter characteristic to the area. The sound he was hearing was literally buzz: the collective drone of over 100,000 miniature toy cars circulating through a model metropolis. He had discovered artist and sculptor Chris Burden’s visionary toy-car megalopolis project “Metropolis II.” After four years of work, Burden continues to tinker with his unfinished project: a contemporary model city featuring a weaving road circuit in which cars travel up to 230 mph: Slot cars on steroids. When witnessed first hand, Metropolis II is both visually and audibly awe-inspiring, the ongoing product of a mind that is unafraid to follow an artistic vision to extreme ends.

     But beneath its impressive physical presence and complex design lives Burden’s inspiration for the piece: a sentimental outlook on childhood that is evident in his overarching philosophy as an artist. Burden has been using toys in his art since the 1970s, claiming that the tools used to inculcate children into adults are a revealing reflection of society. The manner in which children use and ultimately discard toys represents a valuable insight to the passing of time and the shifting of eras.

     Despite his lofty philosophy, one thing is for certain: Burden’s Metropolis II is a truly impressive piece of art. Unique in its perpetual exuberance, Burden successfully evokes the energy of a modern city while using pieces that are quite elementary. For a child with creative aspirations and a slot car set at home, a visit to the metropolis at LACMA could be stimulating, inspiring and maybe even life changing. Hey-at the very least it will bring Dad back to the glory days of playing with his childhood train set.

     The LA County Museum of Art is super kid friendly, and is definitely a must-see if you are looking for quality family time during a trip out west. 





Check out a brief documentary on Metropolis II below…

Inspiring Imaginative Youth through “Green” Playtime

Let’s face it, parents have been giving their kids classic wooden toys, building blocks, and plastic puzzles since the wheel was invented. The conventional wisdom: cheap, sturdy, safe and natural. This thinking has battled technology and withstood the test of time, even as most toy stores have become accompanied by robotic interludes of beeping buttons and batteries. But to our dismay, these beautifully simplistic toys too often get lost in the shuffle of intricate and complex technology.

To our delight, a conservative response to the cyber-toy revolution has manifested itself in the form of new versions of these classic toys; created by innovative, minimalistic and green designers. London-based designer Oscar Diaz is returning to the golden days, taking a unique approach to playtime. He has created a new line of “Tube Toys,” which are without bells and whistles, or fancy packaging. In fact, its packing is the toy. The “tubes” come with stickers, wheels, and pre-cut slots that allow your child to assemble his car (or fire engine, train or tractor), resourcefully using every piece provided to him or her. The beauty of Diaz’ design lies in the fact that the box is the body of the toy, the only waste being a plastic wrapper.

            While rudimentary in appearance, its beauty lies in simplistic design and Diaz’s vision for a more creative youth. He argues that more complex toys only hinder a child’s inquisitive and imaginative nature, limiting him or her to a rigid and unoriginal path. A basic toy, like his “tubes” allow a child’s creative mind to run wild. “A toy is just a bit of structure for them to support their narrative. The Tube Toys intend to create that structure,” claims Diaz. 

Oscar Diaz’ perspective is truly refreshing as he endeavors to inspire inventive and imaginative play. Here at ducduc we love to see innovative, green and simplistic design. His Tube Toys will be available in two weeks via NPW. You can see his other designs on his website.

Also check out our friends over at “Organic BabyChick,” who continue to create fantastic, non-toxic and consciously constructed toys, available at their online store.

*Quote courtesy of Fast Company Design

Power folding Origami stroller

At our retailer Bel Bambini in Orange County recently we saw the incredible power folding Origami stroller. It's like when your family bought a car with power windows. The old ones just won't do!

Happy Holidays!

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Christmas is just not Christmas unless you can go sit on Santa's lap and tell him what you want! Our Chief of Christmas, Brady, recommends taking the kids to go see Santa this weekend, december 10-11, at ABC Home. As you can see, Gray totally approves. If it were up to her, she would go twice! Click here to find out where Santa will be.

Sissy+Marley

Papa and me, Mama and me, Big + Little - we love Sissy+Marley's simple, chic perspective on the mommy and me idea. And our Morgan crib managed to make the cut. Check it out here.

Inspiration from the press