Entry #172: Transformation

The wind at dawn shakes trees bare and brings smells of salty ocean.

A woman and her dog step out onto the front yard. The dog yelps with excitement.

A cool breeze passes.

She is staring at her car, wanting so much to drive into the night, over the hill and across state lines. And then she will pull over and rest, only to drive again until she sees the view of a foreign city.

It would be a city that held in its possession every single one of her much beloved furniture that she had to throw out over the years. And, the library would be shelved with books that she had lost, and books she wanted to read, but never got around to. Her neighbors would be old friends- how she remembered them best. They would hug each other after being so distant and they would marvel at how great it felt to be together again.

Her memory, which was once so broken and hazy, is now lucid and solid. She feels its weight and the barren trees are now full of leaves, with faces of former lovers and friends poking out. Some are staring with sadness and accusations, while others have moved on. And still, there are the blank faces.

She stands feeling naked and cold, like the simple drawing of a woman's figurine in all that white space.

The dog, recognizing the state of her owner, says; let's go find a really Good Man, who will take care of the garden and will remember where you left your keys. He will buy you your favorite Mexican candy from the liquor store and will also remember your love for old leather and the Ballet.

Let's go inside, she said.

How is it that she can want such newness in her life and nothing at all?

She walks into the kitchen and opens the refrigerator door. Her husband walks in and she is still standing there, staring at its contents as if though somewhere inside, there was a map to that foreign city.

Entry #171: Donald Judd or Walmart?

Quiz.

Entry #170: The Unrealized Gehry Building?

Below is a conceptual model of the proposed Art Center building, as designed by Frank Gehry for a cool 9 million. Cost is projected at 20 million. The current milieu at Art Center makes this nearly impossible.

Dreams do die. hard.





It looks too messy and boxy as well as blocky and disordered. I get a sense of panic from it. Is this what they are going for? Get that project done kid! Or is the Gehry name suppose to remove the casual observer's sense of agitation?

Also, where will students gather and where is the sense of community and camaraderie that is so vital at any educational institution? I guess you can project movies on the boards to the side, but again, too much agitation to really pull it off. I'm totally over this guy.

LA Times article about Art Center's PR problem.

The petition

Entry #169: Enter Dwell for Design 08 Exhibition for FREE!

This morning's sun managed to break through before 6am. Promise of a good weekend to come?

Dwell on Design 08 is happening in downtown LA and it should be a rad show! Dwell has reached their ticket sales goal for the Dwell on Design Exhibition, and has now extended their coupon code offer for a free Exhibition ticket to anyone that has not already purchased a ticket to this fantastic event. BDODEC is the code that you need. And the link is here. Tell them that Design Nature sent yooooou :)

Dwell on Design '08
June 5 - 8, 2008
Los Angeles Convention Center

And HERE you will find the show guide, which will not be printed this year, in a nod towards conservation, sustainability, and saving money. These things fit together like pinky swears between best friends?

Entry #168: You Didn't Hear it From Me

June 4, 2008: AAMA proposes their own LEED version. It is AAMA's intent to have a more comprehensive program for Green product definition and credibility.

Goes all the way down to the actual product and code designation (something that LEED sorely lacks).


!!