Those of you that know me, know that I love tote bags. LOVE. I have a ton and seem to use every one of them. Yes- I carry way too much stuff. BUT I NEED IT. Or if I don’t, I MAY need it. If there’s an earthquake, and I get stuck for hours, I’ll have plenty to do, right? Never a second wasted.
I actually only brought my wonderful FRED PERRY bag (size large) and small plaid tote with me to SF. Shocking, I know!
Today to work? I have a giant shopping tote (for all my craft stuff), a extra large soft tote (for all my paperwork and journaling), my computer bag, my FRED PERRY bag and a medium IKEA tarp tote (for all the art therapy supplies). Not bad, not bad. A light day. And oh, just in case, my purse does have two rolled up totes… JUST. IN. CASE.
So needless to say, I have been coveting the Tote Bag book by Jitesh Patel (2011) for awhile now. A book about totes, that comes with a tote? Hello!
My daughter forced me to get a copy on this latest visit to SFMOMA (info about the exhibit we saw will be coming in another post). Why did I even hesitate?! I adore it. Totes are the perfect medium for bringing your message to the world. I need to get on this.
The book itself is beautifully presented and the artists are fascinating. The soft supple feel of the book makes it feel like a journal. I’m a fan! Thank you, Jitesh, for this fabulous book!
From Jitesh’s site:
The tote bag is an eco product for this century, destined to replace disposable plastic bags. The canvas bag has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more people have become environmentally conscious, concerned about climate change and aware of the impact of their carbon footprint. The media reminds us all to be more conscious of the world we live in, and environmental issues are inescapable.
The tote bag artworks that are most striking, inventive, ironic and original have formed the basis of this book. I have received many positive and encouraging responses from designers while researching the topic; most have commented that it was a great subject for a book. I hope the readers of this book will share our enthusiasm.
Jitesh is a talented artist and designer. I encourage you to explore his work.
I haven’t unwrapped the tote bag from the book yet. May just leave it the way it is. The mysterious unused tote.
See also:
San Francisco Portrait #1 Honey Mahogany
San Francisco Craft Project Series Part 1: Sockshop on Haight
San Francisco Portrait #2 Tony
San Francisco Portraits 3 and 4: TC and David
San Francisco Journal: Doc Martens
San Francisco Craft Project Series Part 2: sock bunny
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I will continue to share my incredible weekend in San Francisco (that I spent with my daughter and her friends) through a series of portraits and journal entries over the next week or so.
