Yesterday afternoon the lighting was just perfect so Derek and I went snowshoeing in our backyard to document the two new “shawls” I knitted and a pair of earrings I made. The wool shawls are so cozy and I love how they hug my body, as well adding a nice texture and warmth to any outfit. The amazing light captured the gorgeous warmth of the wood house contrasting with the cools of the birch trees, which cast wonderful shadows on the house.
Recently, I have been thinking a lot about container living. Through my research I came across this wonderful artist retreat situated on 50 acres on the fringes of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park in Scotland, called Cove Park. The retreat was founded in 1999 by Eileen and Peter Jacobs as a place for artists of all kinds to research and develop new projects. Cove Park has created two different types of accommodations that are environmentally focused. The Pods, designed by Andy McAvoy, are made of green oak and their curved roofs are turfed to blend in with the environment. The Cubes, designed by Urban Space Management, are converted freight containers joined together to produce individual units of accommodation and work spaces.
What a place to get inspired and create!
{via Been–Seen }
A few years ago a friend of mine reminded me that sketching 10 minutes every day will keep your drawing skills in tune. Her advice was taken seriously and I began to tote my sketchbook with me everywhere I went. During that time I was traveling through South America and I sketched every day during that 6 month period. I had so much fun keeping a sketchbook journal: sketching, drawing, pasting, adding…it was such a wonderful way to capture my trip, improve my drawing skills, and explore my creativity all at the same time.
Recently, I haven’t been as dedicated to sketching but I am ready to bring it back into my daily life. Below are some inspirational sketchbooks that remind me how much fun it is to explore your inner creativity with no rules and no guidelines!
Jenny Ambrose
{via DzineBlog.com}
Irina Vinnik
{via DzineBlog.com}
{via Creativeoverflow}
{via Creativeoverflow}
Anna Ruskova
{via Creativeoverflow}
Mattias Adolfsson
{via Design Instruct}
{via SOEY MIlk}
I love the concept of Buenos Aires photographer Irina Werning series “Back to the Future” in which adults recreate their childhood photographs.
{viaThe Best Part}
Conceptually based around memories, dreams and nostalgia Kareena Zerefos‘ “from the merangerie” series creates a juxtaposition between a sense of intensity and a child’s playful imagination. I really enjoy Kareena’s technique of fading realistic portraits into a raw illustrative style. The mix of graphite, ink, and markers is beautiful executed.
{via eclectic cow}
Derek and I have been exploring the area in and around Jackson, WY on cross-country skis, downhill skis, and hiking boots and have just fallen in love with it. Teton National Park is a 15 minute drive from our house. It has amazing cross-country and backcountry skiing, as well as an incredibly beautiful and contemporary visitor center. After a brilliant day of exploratory cross-country skiing we were lured into the eye-catching structure. Designed by the Seattle-based office of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, the building’s tactile materials and expressive forms reflect the jagged shaped mountains to the west, while the douglas fir columns in the interior evokes the idea of a forest. This is definitely a worthwhile building and exhibit to check out!
{via House Variety}
When I lived in Boston, my finance and I built a swing for our artist loft, which I posted about on June 14, 2010. It was a perfect seat, great entertainment, and a beautiful design. I always like seeing creative materials/designs for indoor swings. Here is a cool one I just came across, the Swing Necklace, by German interior designer Johanna Richter, made of either beechwood or wool felt.
{via TheDesignerPad }
This winter we are living in Jackson, WY and have immersed ourselves in the beauty and awesomeness that surrounds us every day. Daily we are exploring the area, either on our downhill skis, cross country skis, or hiking boots. Between my enjoyment for winter activities and my recent project of designing a hotel room, I was instantly captivated by the Whitepod Resort in Switzerland. Designer Sofia de Meyer, developed this unique hotel that links man and nature in a very eco-friendly way. Set amongst the majestic Swiss Alps with stunning views of Lake Geneva, the 15 dome-like pods are designed to blend in with their surroundings, not only visually but also by having a low impact on the environment.
{via TheDesignerPad }
I have been asked to design a hotel room for a fundraising project and it really activated my creative energy! Instantly, the The Gladstone Hotel in Toronto popped into my head. I stayed there two years ago and fell in love with the concept. The Gladstone Hotel is a historic Victorian/turned Art Hotel in Toronto. Each of the 37 rooms is designed by a local artist from various disciplines including visual artists, interior designers, architects and material-based artists. Each room has its own vision, concept, and personality creating a unique experience for each guest. Not only is it a hotel, it is community oriented gathering place, holding a diverse array of events from film screenings, art exhibitions, wedding parties, and fundraising events hosted by artists, community groups, business, and individuals.
karen blackerby 