Monday, February 27, 2012

Paper Sculptures - Peter Gentenaar

I appear to be on a paper sculpture kick this week! These lovelies are from artist Peter Gentenaar of the Netherlands. Currently being exhibited at abbey church of Saint Riquier, close to Abbeyville, Somme, Northern France.

Paper Sculptures - Peter Gentenaar

Paper Sculptures - Peter Gentenaar

Paper Sculptures - Peter Gentenaar

Paper Sculptures - Peter Gentenaar

Paper Sculptures - Peter Gentenaar



Sunday, February 26, 2012

Fennell House - Robert Oshatz, Architect

I've featured the work of Robert Oshatz before (see Wilkinson House) and have more of his wonderful organic architecture to add to our growing collection of houses for people who march to the beat of their own drummer.

What draws me to organic architecture is not just the use of non-traditional curves in spaces normally designed as a series of boxes, but the broader ideal of living the life you choose. In my opinion, there just isn't enough creativity out in the world. People choose traditional structures because they want to fit in, they find safety in sameness. I think life should be a celebration of difference, of uniqueness. Everything we do in life can be art, if we would only choose to show our own distinctive qualities that make us special.

Fennell House - Robert Oshatz, Architect

Fennell House - Robert Oshatz, Architect

Fennell House - Robert Oshatz, Architect

Fennell House - Robert Oshatz, Architect

Fennell House - Robert Oshatz, Architect

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Paper & Crystal Sculptures from Geraldine Gonzalez

A nice big collection of art eye candy today from French creative genius Geraldine Gonzalez.  The image that first caught my eye was the Jellyfish Hanging Lamp, which I hunted down to her website and discovered a treasure trove of lovely creations. Some works are made from paper and some from crystal.

The widows on her site are also spectacular!

Paper Sculpture by Geraldine Gonzalez

Paper Sculpture by Geraldine Gonzalez

Paper Sculpture by Geraldine Gonzalez

Crystal Sculpture by Geraldine Gonzalez

Crystal Sculpture by Geraldine Gonzalez

Crystal Sculpture by Geraldine Gonzalez

Crystal Sculpture by Geraldine Gonzalez
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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Elrod House - John Lautner, Architect

John Lautner's Elrod House is a justifiably famous piece of architecture - one that I particularly like because it works WITH the site instead of just bulldozing a flat pad and building yet another McBox house. The history of the house and detailed pictures are worth a trip to the Elrod House website.  

What I particularly like is the use of the native rock in the area to make you feel like the house was just snuggled into the hillside with minimal changes. The master bath is my favorite from the photographs. 

Elrod House - John Lautner, Architect

Elrod House - John Lautner, Architect

Elrod House - John Lautner, Architect

Elrod House - John Lautner, Architect

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Bayou-luminescence Art Lighting Installation from ISSSStudio

From the list of things that caught my eye in the past week - this gorgeous lighting installation from ISSSStudio. Made from a translucent urethane rubber, the "shade" stretches over a steel framing system. The installation sits in a alleyway in New Orleans inviting passersby to stop and explore.  The larger piece is designed so that people can actually walk into it.

I can think of dozens of variations on this for art installations and even residential loveliness. I imagine walking through a garden at night, with beautiful structures lit up, the scent of Jasmine in the air...sigh.

Bayou-luminescence Art Lighting Installation from ISSSStudio

Bayou-luminescence Art Lighting Installation from ISSSStudio

Bayou-luminescence Art Lighting Installation from ISSSStudio

Bayou-luminescence Art Lighting Installation from ISSSStudio



Thursday, February 16, 2012

Lovely Beaded Jewelry from So Young Park

Beads. Beaded jewelry. Wearable art beaded jewelry. Can you see why I'm on-board? These designs from So Young Park Studios are unbelievably beautiful and I want them all!

Especially check out the items in "Concept Wear" - I've included a bracelet from that section below but some of the other pieces are just ...wow. If you are into wearable art jewelry at all, you NEED to visit this site!

Art Jewelry Necklace by So Young Park

Art Jewelry Bracelet by So Young Park

Art Jewelry Necklace by So Young Park

Art Jewelry Earrings by So Young Park

Art Jewelry Bracelet by So Young Park

Monday, February 13, 2012

Creative Spaces at the BBC

I've been ogling these Meeting Pods at BBC North for a while - what a terrific design concept! I love the organic shapes and the way the Pods create a sense of privacy yet are still open. I can totally see myself sneaking away from my desk to snuggle into one of those Pods to do some creative dreaming and idea generating.

One thing that is so tragically missing from most "creative" places are actual spots to be creative. No wonder people run away from their work spaces to locations where they can slip into right brain mode more easily.

Dream plan if I had piles of money: build a creative space in the Los Angeles area that functions as an idea factory. Any funders out there...you know where to find me!

Meeting Pods at BBC North

Meeting Pods at BBC North

Meeting Pods at BBC North

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Sea Ranch Chapel - James Hubbell, Architect

There can just never be too much James Hubbell in my world, so today we are going to explore the Sea Ranch Chapel in Sea Ranch, CA. If I do ever manage to get married, it will be here, surrounded by art and beauty.

Of all the James Hubbell stained glass work that I've had a chance to view, the leaded art glass at Sea Ranch Chapel is amongst my favorite of Hubbell's designs.
The amazing roof design comes in a close second.

Sea Ranch Chapel - James Hubbell, Architect

Doors to the Sea Ranch Chapel - James Hubbell, Architect

Art Stained Glass - James Hubbell, Architect

Glass Work, Sea Ranch Chapel - James Hubbell, Architect

Ceiling and Glass Work Sea Ranch Chapel - James Hubbell, Architect

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Wilkinson Residence - Portland, Robert Oshatz, Architect

This lovely piece of interesting architecture has the feel of being in a treehouse - entirely intentional on the part of Robert Oshatz, architect. The lot is a steep slope, which lent itself to a house that feels as if one is living in the forest canopy. The owners not only wanted a home in harmony with nature, they wanted one that flowed like music.

Looking at some of Oshatz's other work, his love of curves means he will be making more appearances on this blog!

Wilkinson Residence, Portland Oregon - Robert Oshatz, Architect

Wilkinson Residence, Portland Oregon - Robert Oshatz, Architect

Wilkinson Residence, Portland Oregon - Robert Oshatz, Architect

Wilkinson Residence, Portland Oregon - Robert Oshatz, Architect
         

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Stone Church, Karuizawa - Kendrick Kellogg, Architect

Today's bit of organic architecture goodness is another of Kendrick Kellogg's wonderful architecture. The Stone Church in Karuizawa is created around the 5 elements of stone, wood, sunlight, green, and water to bring the church into harmony with nature.

What I love about this is the way light has been used to fill the chapel and create different moods depending on time of day and season. The stonework is aesthetically breathtaking, as is the use of greenery in the chapel. I especially like the way the Stone Church blends comfortably into the surrounding forest. This is organic architecture at its finest!

Stone Church in Karuizawa - Kendrick Kellogg, Architect

Front Entry to the Stone Church - Kendrick Kellogg, Architect

Stone Church in Karuizawa - Kendrick Kellogg, Architect

Stone Church Lighting - Kendrick Kellogg, Architect

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Bioethanol Fireplaces from Acquaefuoco

These fantastic fireplaces caught my eye the other day on Beautiful Life and I'm now trying to figure out where I can put the outdoor models in my back yard. Not only are the overall designs wonderful, but they are eco-friendly and use bioethanol fuel so no need to run gas lines.

Also in the plus column - no fumes (or ashes.) Check out the full line from Acquaefuoco at their website.


Outdoor wall fireplaces that burn bioethanol.

Indoor bioethanol fireplace from Acquaefuoco.

"Sail" fireplace from Acquaefuoco.

Oval wall fireplace from Acquaefuoco.

Teardrop wall fireplaces from Acquoefuoco.