Blackwing Blog

When Bob Dylan Played Caffe Lena

Andrew Nguyen

In the summer of 1961, just months after moving to New York, Bob Dylan was set to play his first out-of-town gig at Caffe Lena. With only a small repertoire of songs and little experience, by many accounts,...
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Blackwing Vol. 200 - Behind the Design

Andrew Nguyen

Our Blackwing Vol. 200 is a tribute to coffeehouses and the creative culture they help cultivate. Each pencil features a metallic copper design inspired by classic copper coffee roasting machines found in many coffeehouses during the 1950s and...
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Good Folk: The Story of Caffè Lena

Andrew Nguyen

Caffè Lena’s doors opened in 1958 and are still open, earning it the distinct title as the longest continuously running coffeehouse in America and a recognized historical and cultural institution.
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Makers Series — Jason Patterson

Andrew Nguyen

We had the opportunity to sit down for a chat with portrait artist, woodworker Jason Patterson. Using historical documents and meticulous research, Jason’s transformative work is centered around telling stories of African American history from his local community...
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When Corita Kent Met Charles and Ray Eames

Andrew Nguyen

In 1956, one of the most compelling designs of the 20th century was introduced to the world, the “Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman.” Also known as the 670 and 671, this furniture set remains one of the most...
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Bruce Lee's Writings

Andrew Nguyen

Despite his renown as an international cultural icon and martial artist, Bruce Lee was also a prolific writer and philosopher. He was an ardent journaler and throughout his life, kept notebooks filled with everything from daily observations to...
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