artpost: not recent, but still interesting

Bike Accident, 2005
by Julie Fullerton Batten

From the surreal photography series Teenage Stories, using miniature villages and teenage girls.

just another day on earth, but with SYD freaking MEAD.

From Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH, VISUAL FUTURIST: The Life & Art of Syd Mead.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

"We are giddy with excitement. Why? Well, we're turning 5 this May, and Syd Mead is coming to help us celebrate with a double feature – a presentation and Q&A with him, followed by a screening of Blade Runner: The Final Cut! Join us for the fun on May 14 at the Empire Theatre on Granville St. It has been years since Syd Mead, one of the most influential designers of our times, has been to Vancouver. He'll be speaking about his approach to design and the visionary work with which he has made his indelible mark on popular culture and our perceptions of the future. But wait – there's more! Our long-time supporter, Sophia Books, will be there with Syd's latest DVD – you might even be able to get the man himself to sign a copy for you. On top of that, Tangible Interaction is coming back with their Zygotes – a massive interactive hands-on display of fun meeting technology that the whole crowd can take part in. Reserve your tickets now and don't miss out on this huge event!"

"Syd Mead is a living legend amongst designers – he has been called a "visionary" and a "visual futurist". From his beginnings in automotive design at Ford, Syd developed a style and philosophy that has spawned an enormous body of work filled with futuristic yet realistic creations. Syd's work shaped the modern conception of the future with his designs for Blade Runner, Tron, Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Aliens. Films that forged a vision which still reverberates through the motion picture industry today. Few artists or designers have been as fortunate as to be involved with such a variety of industries around the world. Whether it be designs for vehicles, film, theme parks, interactive games, toys, products, theatre sets, ships, planes, or architecture, Syd has managed to leave his mark and provided his unique perspective each and every time. Today Syd lives and works in Southern California, where he continues to design, illustrate, speak and inspire. Mr. Mead will introduce the film."

6:00 pm: Mixer
7:00 pm: Main Presentation
9:30 pm: Blade Runner: The Final Cut - FREE*
* Priority given to main presentation ticket holders

Members: $15 / Non-members: $25 / Groups (5+): $20 (online only)

Info and online registration: