People
The Brothers Dressler – twin woodworkers, Jason and Lars Dressler are the talk of the town this week. The talented Toronto-based duo has work featured in two satellite exhibits during the Toronto International Design Festival (the Come Up To My Room retrospective and the Northern Lights exhibit at Atelier 688). And at the IDS11 itself their work is featured in two of the IDS’ Feature Exhibits: Sibling Revelry and Studio North.
The Sibling Revelry exhibit asks 4 teams of siblings to create unique 600 square foot concept spaces. Speaking with the CBC’s Matt Galloway about the show earlier this week, the Dresslers talked about producing a building made from 2x4s and windows found around Toronto. This structure will also house their furniture creations. Indeed repurposing and upcycling salvaged materials is at the core of their design mandate. Dedicated to producing socially conscious and responsible furniture and objects they want to challenge definitions of waste and value. To this end, Brothers Dressler embrace the constraints and challenges working with found materials pose, allowing these to focus a project’s potential.
"Creatures" constructed of found wood, scrap material, and salvaged hardware
They will be introducing their Cut Ups series as part of the IDS11’s Limited Edition/Studio North exhibit. In this series they transform waste material – the off cuts from their studio- into a range of products from furniture, lighting and household objects to toys and jewellery.
Brothers Dressler creations are always beautiful, their respect for the natural world shining brightly through. I have long been enamoured by their pieces, how they are infused with such character.
Places
If you’re overwhelmed by the number of offsite events this week, consider sticking to Toronto’s west-end where a hub of energy and talent is on display all within a few block radius. The blocks between Grace and Bathurst Streets on Dundas St W will be transformed into a gallery, during Do Design coordinated by the Trinity Bellwoods BIA. This is an emerging gallery district in Toronto, also one that boasts some wonderful recently opened cafes and eateries. From the 27th to the 30th, the two merge with storefronts – even a lumber yard – bedecked in designers’ creative wares. Enjoy a wonderful meal at The Black Hoof, while also taking in the work of industrial designer Katherine Morley, or wander down the street with a cup of jo from Ella’s Uncle who’s featuring work by Lubo Brezina (walking by his shop, I am always stopped in awe). Full listing of participating businesses is available on the Trinity Bellwoods BIA site.
Katherine Morley ceramics from the How to Eat Meat series. Image via Do West
In addition to this initiative, there are some wonderful exhibitions happening in these blocks including Capacity and MADE at Home.
Toronto Design Offsite has created a helpful app to those of you carrying iPhones. Check out their site for the download and stay in the know!
Periphere's Iceberg Table on display at Dialogue 38. Image via Moco Loco
