Book: ABC3D by Marion Bataille
RRP: $30.00
www.abc3dbook.com
This book is one for every designer’s bookshelf, which reminds me – I need to get one! From the lenticular animated cover that changes with the angle of your hands all the way to the Z, ABC3D is as much a work of art as it is a pop-up book. Each of the 26 three-dimensional letters move and change before your eyes in this ultimate pop-up book for grown-ups. It’s too hard to explain in only a few lines, so click here and check this short movie out, showing each letter just popping out of the page like some amazingly designed miracle! If you want (or need) one for yourself, click here.

Movie: Female Agents
Released 22 January, Rialto Nationwide
Suze is a showgirl who excels in the art of seduction. Gaelle is a chemist and explosives expert. And Jeanne is a prostitute who has already killed in cold blood. Parachuted into Normandy, they are joined by Maria, a Jewish Italian radio operator and the final member of the team. Based on true events, true stories and real heroines, Female Agents is a powerful rendition of the challenges that faced female World War II Resistance fighters, who were constantly in the shadow of men and received little importance for the roles they placed in a violent and horrific war. Heroism is not just for men! Check out the trailer here.

Art: James Jean
www.jamesjean.com
There are artists in the world that are great, and there are artists in the world that are just AMAZING. This is where Californian award winning artist James Jean comes in. His work has featured in print, fabric, large-scale installations and animation for clients such as DC/Vertigo Comics, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Atlantic Records, Playboy, Nike and most recently, Prada (check his work out here on the Prada Fairy Bag). His illustrations are very beautiful and exquisitely created and every time I visit his blog www.processrecess.com it’s all the inspiration I need to feel creative and energised in my design work for weeks. Check his website out by clicking here.

Music: Jolie Holland
23 Feb, The San Francisco Bath House, Wellington and 24 Feb, Galatos, Auckland.
After her last sell out New Zealand tour in 2005, the Texas-bred singer/song-writer is returning fresh from releasing her new record ‘The Living and The Dead’. This latest offering has a new rock approach that is built upon the folk, blues and jazz sounds that populated her three acclaimed previous albums. Holland composed the songs for her new album during a writing retreat in New Zealand, on the road across North America and Europe and as well as in her old home-town of San Francisco. Tickets $44.50 + BF and are on sale from December 31st from undertheradar.co.nz. Thanks to Mystery Girl. Have a listen to Jolie here.