bookofjoe

Picasso at 9

[Dove and Dog (c. 1890). Paper cuttings. 2" x 3.3" and 2.4" x 3.6". Museo Picasso, Barcelona.]

Wrote Julius Purcell in the Financial Times:

These two small pieces show the skill of a child who was capable of cutting out any shape that he fancied for his own amusement and that of his cousins and sisters, using paper and scissors.

Analysts of his work see in these examples a precedent of the collages and paper sculptures pertaining to his Cubist Period as well as of the later models and sculptures in metal plate.

In any case, there is no doubt that many years later he recalled this technique when he created similar figures for his children to play with.

The two works were displayed in Malaga's Museo Picasso show, "Picasso's Late Sculpture: Woman."

Lola and Conchita would request an animal.

"Start with the claw this time," they might say, then they'd crowd around their brother.

The scissors would snick the blank paper, from which would fall an effortless Newfoundland, a hen, or a dove.

Little Pablo never drew an outline before turning out his precocious découpages for his sisters.

The tale (whose source is little Pablo himself) offers a useful foreshadowing of the later showman attended by admiring females, but it would just be another piece of folksy Picassiana were it not for the proof offered at Malaga's Picasso Museum show.

Dated 1890, somewhat yellowed now, the nine-year-old's tiny paper dog can be seen with spiky fur under the chin, while the dove's wing is suggested by an artful cut.

It's hard to tell which is more miraculous, the survival of these frail party pieces or the miniaturist bravura of their child creator.

Original IBM ThinkPad

"This is the notepad (the pencil and paper kind) that in the late 80s /early 90s

inspired an IBM researcher to name the company’s new mobile computer the ThinkPad."

"To me, the IBM ThinkPad was the classic laptop computer to have."

"At least that was the case until I went full time Apple and the Chinese got a hold of the brand."

"At any rate, it is interesting to see the little promotional giveaway that inspired a massive brand."

[via A Continuous Lean]

Leica LUX Grip: World's Most Expensive iPhone Stand

From the website:

The LUX Grip creates the perfect symbiosis between Leica and iPhone.

With legendary ergonomics, high-quality materials, and intuitive design, it brings real photographic character to the smartphone.

The mechanical two-stage shutter release, a precise setting dial, and two individually assignable FN buttons open up endless possibilities for creative image composition.

Its modular design makes the LUX Grip a durable companion for several iPhone generations.

2-hour USB-C full charge delivers 1,000 images.

It offers a secure connection at all times with magnetic MagSafe technology and Bluetooth.

The Leica LUX app completes the system with iconic Leica Looks and by simulating legendary lenses, such as the Summilux-M or the Noctilux-M.

The one-year PRO version of this app is included free of charge with every Grip product registration.

A finely handcrafted cognac-colored leather pouch is available as the perfect accessory for the Leica LUX Grip.

NOTE: The Leica LUX Grip only works in conjunction with the Leica LUX app. The pre-installed iPhone camera app cannot be operated with the Leica LUX Grip.

$329.