posted by
tracy on 2009.12.16, under
Art16:
If you haven’t been to see the Gee’s Bend exhibit at The Boise Art Museum (BAM), you must! This collection of quilts comes to us from a small, secluded area in Alabama created and imagined by African-American women during the 20th century.
These quilts are modern and abstract and very much “beyond” the times. You will be amazed at the vibrant colors, dramatic pattern, and texture. Viewing these quilts no doubt creates an emotional experience.
The BAM exhibit has 25 actual quilts (some as old as 1940) as well as 20 prints inspired by the quilts. It will be showing through January 17th, 2010.
Information from: http://boiseartmuseum.org/
12:
After a 2 week long whirlwind tour through Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark and Sweden) this spring, I returned full of inspiration. Scandinavian design and architecture is a strong influence for us at seed Interiors, and we look to these countries to be a definition of what good design is: something that serves a functional purpose, yet is beautiful.
Scandinavian design is not born from excess, but of a simple desire for purposeful beauty. Two famous designer/architects from Denmark, Arne Jacobsen and Poul Henningsen (PH), have become icons throughout the world, and their work has inspired some incredible design.
Arne Jacobsen, probably most famous for his chair designs: the Number 7, Swan, and Egg Chair, practiced architecture throughout Denmark as well as Germany and Great Britain. His chair designs are known and loved throughout the world and for good reason. I had the opportunity to visit his famous Bellavista Apartments (pictured) located in Klompenburg, Denmark (just outside Copenhagen). Near this site, he also designed a theatre (pictured) and restaurant. Just down the highway, winding along the sea were several lifeguard towers also of his design, as well as a very modern little gas station (pictured). Each design I encountered was at once sleek and modern, yet warm, and although completed some 70+ years ago, still have a relevance and beauty to them. All of the buildings were painted white (mostly brick construction) with accents of stained cedar and metal, contrasting perfectly against the slate blue of the sea. This is a perfect example of Scandinavian (or specifically, Danish) design—the use of clean lines with simple, natural materials.
PH, or Poul Henningsen, is best known for his design of the PH Artichoke light fixture, now manufactured and sold by Louis Poulsen. This fixture, an icon in the Architecture and Design community now, was born out of PH’s longing for a more modern take on the every day lamp. He designed 100 different lamps in his lifetime, some of them truly revolutionary. The first was manufactured in 1926—which shows that good design will never go out of style. PH was definitely not a conventionalist, but an inventor, and was often searching at how politics and culture came together.
”All political art is bad – all good art is political.”-Poul Henningsen
“Future comes by itself, progress does not.”-Poul Henningsen
08:
It seems like we are continually confronted with the question from clients, “what does my space need to make it feel complete?” or “why does my space feel so cluttered?”. With both questions, nine times out of ten it has to do with plants or the lack thereof.
Many clients of ours have a plethora of plants, trees, and artificial and natural floral arrangements engulfing their spaces. The overall effect is visual assaulting and overwhelming. Other clients have a hard time maintaining plants and/or natural arrangements, and don’t want to invest a lot of money in expensive plants that they will end up torturing and ultimately killing.
We understand this challenge, but have some great indoor plants options that are interesting and architectural, but don’t require much maintenance.
Jade Plant: Jades are evergreen plants with thick branches and smooth, rounded, fleshy leaves that grow in opposing pairs along the branches. Under the right conditions, they may produce small white or pink star like flowers in early spring.
Sansevieria Cylindrica: This stunning species has green-grey leaves, which are striped and smooth, exuding a combination of modernity and simplicity. For a novice or a plant expert, this trendy succulent stands out as a wonderful conversation piece. Each leaf is about 1.2 inches thick and can reach a height between 2 to 5 feet.
Cactus Combo Bonsai: Cacti are an intriguing group of plants that create such unusual plant forms. They have strong defense mechanisms and temperature and moisture adaptability. Each combination is a mix of cacti varieties planted in a low ceramic dish. Seek specialist or grower advice for a good combination to thrive in your space.
Pencil Cactus or Milkbush: Quite easy to grow if placed in direct sunshine or very bright indirect light. This plant produces sap which may cause skin and eye irritation.
Lucky Bamboo: Also known as Ribbon Plant, this variety is not actually bamboo. It is member of the lily family that grows natively in the deep shade of tropical rainforests. But it is a beautiful segmented plant that, unlike true bamboo, is easy to grow indoors
Of course, the most beautiful plant isn’t complete without the perfect pot or planter. Size, shape and color are so important when selecting the right container for your plant. Check out Lechuza for modern, sleek and classic pots and planters! www.lechuza.com
21:
Materia - New materials present opportunities for fascinating innovations.
Materia stimulates and inspires architects, designers and producers to apply these materials to their designs. The company is a knowledge centre for developments and innovations in materials, and their applications for architecture and design. Materia is familiar with many innovative materials from all over the world, as well as having knowledge of their specific characteristics. This knowledge is published worldwide by Materia using various media. http://www.materia.nl/
Robin Reigi -Transparency affords Environmental Responsibility.
Robin Reigi provides designers with the most unique architectural materials available by introducing them to talented manufactures eager to bring their innovative products to market. Consistently bridging the gap between talented makers and would be users has earned Robin Reigi the position as the most trusted source for fresh ideas in the material world.
Robin Reigi considers transparency to be a critical step toward environmental responsibility. Robin Reigi provides full disclosure of the environmental status of our all of our materials whatever shade of green. They strongly encourage all of our manufacturers to publicly address the environmental impact of their products. http://www.robin-reigi.com/category.php
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