mobile.homes

If you are lucky enough to have experienced a Calder sculpture, you know the beauty of those gently floating colored shapes breathing in and out like slow moving creatures emerging from thin air.

(Image: Calder Foundation)Sumac II, 1952

I have always dreamt of designing and making my own mobile; to create an ephemeral work, one that is both substance and air, stillness and movement, shadow and light

But until I find the courage to tackle my own version of a Calder, I've been working on a project for a cute little baby mobile...

It started with paper houses. The colored planes that make up the houses interlock. I use no glue or fasteners.

The next version in wood is already in the works. I chose birch plywood with it's beautiful lines and pattern to animate the little objects.

..Maybe the slowly moving houses in the sky will inspire one or two future architects.

SKETCHBOOK MONDAY: better late then never

Ok, it's Tuesday. You know it and I know it. Oops. Yesterday slipped away somehow and I had no time to get here to post. But, alas, I'm here now and Sketchbook Monday is in full effect. I dug through the archives for these sketches. I thought I would post a few that show what a sketch ultimately becomes...

What seem like scribbles in the sketch above left are actually the beginning thoughts for the Birds Clutch, above right. Can you see it? Squint, no?
And below is an idea I had for a mobile made from plywood cut into the iconic for of little houses. I did make a few little houses and a couple of mobiles. Those ended up being made of paper. I gave them as gifts and, of course, didn't get any good photos. But, there are a few bad ones here you can check out.
I think this is a project I need to pick up again and see where it goes! I'm inspired.

kitchen.kitchen.and one more kitchen

I recently bought the condo I have been living in for some time. It's a great loft space in an old High School. The neighborhood (Jamaica Plain) is funky and populated with interesting people, their dogs and lately it seems an onslaught of cute toddlers.

There are big old tudor houses and weeping willows, great places to eat and a farmer's market on Saturdays. Although sadly that will end soon as the bitter new England winter sets in.

But to the point of my post...

This building was renovated and made into apartments in the 80's. A time when developers where cutting corners and dry wall was the greatest thing since sliced bread.

It's also about as boring as sliced bread.

So, as we sell apartments and fresh young faces start to populate the halls, the itch to start taring down drywall and renovation is inevitable. I've been asked by some neighbors for ideas, and the kitchen seems to be the biggest problem area.

Most of them are small, cramped, galley kitchens with old appliances and dreadful "wood" cabinets.

I took out my drafting tools and went to work.

I designed three options for what was a boring old galley, each offering a different feature.

No clients yet, but the ideas are circulating and I'd love to see a few of these built!

KITCHEN A : Open plan if you are the minimalist sort.

KITCHEN B: Framed Opening for a bit more separation from surrounding rooms. More storage too.

KITCHEN C: Storage Wall if you really cook and have lots of stuff. The asymmetry of the plan adds drama.