Here's the walnut shelf in the wine bar
Here's the walnut shelf in the wine bar
Here's the walnut shelf in the wine bar
Modern Alexander home in Alabama
Modern Alexander home in Alabama
Rusty and Lisa Alexander have built a beaitiful modern home in Muscle Shoals. And they got it right. With the help of master Architect/designer Phil Kean a masterful example of modern architecture was accomplished. We got in on the tail end of the project, but were able to place an awesome (if I do say so m. s.) dining table and a simple walnut bar in their very cool adjoining wine bar.
The only problem is that I haven't been able to get good pics that showcase either the bar or the dining table - or the house for that matter. Just be patient, this home will be attracting photographers that know what they are doing.
Modern Alexander home in Alabama
Documentary film maker Andrew Reed on his movie
Documentary film maker Andrew Reed on his movie
Andrew came by again this morning to get a little more tape for his documentary. But, I was most happy to get the camera turned around on him to hear about his very important documentary plans. So many good efforts toward bringing attention to the tornado devastated town of Phil Campbell Alabama.
Documentary film maker Andrew Reed on his movie
Videographer Andrew Reed stopped by
Videographer Andrew Reed stopped by
Andrew Reed, the Phil Campbell resident thats making a movie about the I'm with Phil fund raising campaign, stopped by this morning to document the next step in the table making process. One of his first questions was "what makes me different than other furniture makers". Since I don't really know much about how "normal" furniture is made, I really didn't have a good answer for him. But I think, as we starting carting this big log around from the trailer to the sawmill, he kinda started figuring it out on his own.
He'll be back by Thursday morning to get a bit more. Relishing in traversing through life from back to front as possible, I'm going to try to remember to interview him, and blog his plans and dreams for his movie. Side note; Not sure why, but it seems that almost every photographer or videographer I meet, seems so much more confident, better looking, younger, and better speaker than me (the interviewee).
Videographer Andrew Reed stopped by
working out the leg detail for the 2012 New American Dining Table
working out the leg detail for the 2012 New American Dining Table
Gosh, I've my ideas have been across the galaxy and back with the design of the dining table for the 2012 New American Home that will be open for all to see in February. I think the second visit to the Rosenbaum/Frank Lloyd Wright home helped me zero in on what I believe will be close to the final iteration of the leg detail.
The entire project's beautiful new modern aesthetic, has inspired a new direction for this Alabama furniture maker. Although continuing to use locally sourced, sustainable, organic timber, these furniture designs clearly lean more modern than is typical around this studio.
With upcoming deadlines for photo shoots, etc, we are going to have to zero in on something, and get going soon. Might just have something that's moved out of this digitial 3d and into an actual real 3d dining table (the kind that you can actually sit down to with friends and enjoy a meal).
working out the leg detail for the 2012 New American Dining Table
High Point Market Previews Fall 2011
High Point Market Previews Fall 2011
We just received the High Point Market Preview guides in the mail yesterday. All though we are saving our two page spread for the "Resource Guide" that will awaiting designers the first day of market, we have small photo "previews" throughout. I'll take a few pics and share - when I get a bit more caught up.
High Point Market Previews Fall 2011
OWN (Oprah Network) crew in town this weekend
OWN (Oprah Network) crew in town this weekend
Now this one might be hard to believe. But it's true. This weekend (Brooklyn) Phil Campbell flew back to Phil Campbell (through Birmingham) to begin chapter II of his fund raising efforts for the town. And, a couple of ABC produces, a reporter, and a video crew met him for a weekend of interviews/video, and whatever they do to prepare for an 8 to 12 minute segment on Oprah's new network.
I originally met Phil briefly, along with the Mayor of Phil Campbell, and more than a dozen other Phil Campbell's from around the world, at the 100 year anniversary/celebration the small town of Phil Campbell had that was held soon after the devastating tornado.
I was so impressed with the efforts of these "Phil Campbell's" from around the world that arrived to their namesake town that so desparately needed their help, that I offered (to Phil and Mayor Jerry Mays) to make a table (from a downed tree from the storm) to be used in their fund raising efforts.
Well, I didn't hear back from them, and I got back to work, and pretty much forgot about it all. But then, a few months ago, "Brooklyn" Phil Campbell reached out, and said that if I was still interested in donating a custom table, he thought it would significantly help the promotion and fund raising efforts. Well, I wasn't kidding. I was in.
Then, when I first heard about Oprah wanting to video and air the story - well, let me say I didn't go running to the bank. But this weekend it really did happen. At least the video/reporter/producer part of it all. And it does seem like they have every intention of airing this thing. -- Amazing really. Because looking round the town; It has been cleaned up significantly. Much of the debris has been cleaned up. Lot's of trees hauled off. But clearly, no where near back on their feet. It's really sad. Everywhere you look you see buildings/schools/ what looks like nothing but problems. And the high school is just sitting there. Seems to be some problem with the insurance company wanting to rebuild, and engineers saying no way.
Even if Phil Campbell had all the money they need to rebuild, (and they don't!) it would take years to get somewhere near "normal" again.
OWN (Oprah Network) crew in town this weekend
Stopped back by Frank's for needed inspiration
We've been designing/building three pieces for the 2012 New American Home showhouse in Winter Park Florida. The coffee table is complete and looking great. The top to the dining table is quite unique and complete as well. I thought I had the legs all ready, that is until I placed them under the table. They looked great, but just a little too organic for this modern home.
So, I stopped back by the beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright/Rosenbaum museum home just down the street for a little more inspiration for this project. And I think it did the trick.
In addition to finding a new direction for the legs of the dining table, I also came away with just how much of a wooden boat this beautiful example of Unisonian design ebbs (and also flows). Low ceilings, narrow hallways, narrow doors, and small rooms all make it seem quite boaty. But a wonderful boaty at that.
"Brooklyn" Phil Campbell returns - this time bringing more friends
Brooklyn Phil Campbell returned to the tornado ravaged town of Phil Campbell yesterday. And this time, he brought even more friends. After a morning of interviews, video and downed tree sourcing, we gathered again for dinner. Here Phil shares his plans for part II of his fund raising efforts.
Sunday's tour of the Rosenbaum - Frank Lloyd Wright home
Sunday's tour of the Rosenbaum - Frank Lloyd Wright home
Our new friends, Beth and Frank Young, and family drove up from Birmingham for a wonderful visit, lunch, and a tour of the studio. (Beth is an amazing, quite published conservation photographer who's work is mezmerrizing). Frank was interested in seeing our local Frank Lloyd Wright home, and we were so fortunate that it was open. Since I haven't seen it in a few years, I was more than game.
Well, I'm still floored by it all. It must be true that We can't appreciate what is right in front of us if we are looking off into the distance. Well, can say that I now see the light. And what a wonderful gem of a light it is.
The Rosenbaum Home must have just been too accessable. Mom and Stanley Rosenbaum were friends and worked together in the English Department at UNA (I guess it was Florence State Teacher's College at the time). My best friend growing up lived right down the street. And I must have walked/biked/loitered past it hundreds of times as a kid. And from time to time, there'd be parties there, or we'd drop by (with parents) on occasion.
Sunday's tour of the Rosenbaum - Frank Lloyd Wright home
planing two walnut slabs
planing two walnut slabs
We've been looking around the studio for just the right two walnut slabs to be the desk on display in Winter Park's 2012 New American Home. This will actually be the second (or third) desk piece to enter our own "contest" to determine the winner. These beautiful walnut slabs wouldn't quite fit in our indoor 20" planer. So we brought them outside to the Lucas, where we can plane up to 60" diameter slabs with ease. I can still hear the Kohler Engine out there, so they much not quite be planed.
Will be working on this desk for the remainder of the week.
planing two walnut slabs
Working on September's Monolog
Working on September's Monolog
Yesterday our writing angel completed the content for this month's MonoLOG. Today I'll be taking pics of a few new pieces, silhouetting them in Photoshop, and placing it all on the MailChimp template. Should be all ready to be electronically published first thing in the morning.
Working on September's Monolog
The art of mop buckets
The art of mop buckets
This morning, I saw a beautifully designed mop bucket in our bathroom, all ready for business. Linda, being a big Target' fan, I was guessing it came from there. She confirmed that it's a Michael Graves design. Honestly, I don't shop. And I don't keep up with who the hottest designers are. But even I have heard of Michael Graves.
It's almost shocking just how far design has come in my lifetime. From a few people who have an appreciation for it, to the masses. From museums to Target. From paintings, now to mop buckets.
That doesn't mean I'm on board 100%. Yes, I think the design of that mop bucket is exceptional. And, to bring creativity into the mundane job of mopping, is quite amazing. On the other hand, is it functional? Does it work well, or better? Was it purchased only because it's beautiful? (I'll ask Linda when she comes upstairs). Or did we really need another one? If we tossed the previous (mop bucket) that was working perfectly well, we'd certainly be adding to mass polluting of our environment - for art's sake.
Then, we've got the how was it made, from what was it made, and where was it made? Gosh, that alone could probably take a theises or two.
I was always good with questions. Never had many answers. But I think if we as consumers could slow down a moment, before making each purchase, and ask ourselves (or the label) a few of these questions, it might be a good start (even if we don't find many answers). Remember, awareness is the first step toward sobriety/or is it recovery/or is it change????
The art of mop buckets
Florence Farmer's Market - peanut pumpkin
Florence Farmer's Market - peanut pumpkin
New find for me at the farmer's market this morning. The Peanut Pumpkin. If Mattie hadn't been there to educate me, I think I would have made a run for it.
Actually, I purchased it just for the amazing, natural design. Will try to get a couple of good still shots before we dine on it next month.
Florence Farmer's Market - peanut pumpkin
Trail of Tears Remembrance Motorcycle Ride
Trail of Tears Remembrance Motorcycle Ride
Driving back from Phil Campbell, it was quite obvious that this is the annual Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride, from Chattanooga to Oklahoma. Thousands of motorcycles everywhere you look. Here, on South Seminary, right across from my studio, I took this video with my Iphone of a few of the choppers, harley's and unique individuals making this annual tribute each year.
Trail of Tears Remembrance Motorcycle Ride
Ran down to Phil Campbell this morning
Ran down to Phil Campbell this morning
In advance of next weekend's Oprah (producer) & Brooklyn Phil Cambell's visit to Phil Campbell Alabama - who will be here to video a short segment for her (Oprah Network show), I met with local videographer Andrew Reed. We confirmed what Phil Campbell Police chief Chief Merrill Potter information regarding an alleged tornado killed tree just across from City Hall. This big ole oak, which is still standing, lost it's entire limb structure.
I've been wanting to build a piece of furniture from a downed tree (from the tornado), to help the "I'm with Phil"
campaign in bringing support and funds to try to rebuild this desperate city.It's really amazing what "Brooklyn Phil" Campbell and all the Phil Campbell's have done to raise awareness to this local community. I'm honored and look forward to helping out in this small way.
Above, videographer Andrew Reed interviews the selected devasted tree.
Ran down to Phil Campbell this morning
It's all Cuban @ Puerto Sagua Miami Beach
It's all Cuban @ Puerto Sagua Miami Beach
Although I only seem to get down to Miami a few times each decade - I'm afraid I have been around a while. And, in addition to one of Linda's favorite restaurants anywhere (Joe's Stone Crabs - which is only open the winter season that hasn't begun), I usually enjoy eating (notice I didn't say dining) at one of the old, 1940's Cuban spots that are still around. Last visit to Miami it was the Versailles. I don't remember exactly where it was, but it was off the beaten path - and nowhere near Miami Beach. fyi: it is quite awesome as well.
Now Puerto Sagua might be a bit more of a sticky table and real dive feel, but this place is going to be hard to beat. The day's special was the roast chicken with fried plantain, rice and "real" cuban black beans. The roast chicken was so good. Must have had some lemon in the wonderful marinade. LOVE the fried plantains. - Good thing we can't get them up here. But the beans (not quite in the picture) are just amazing. I just spooned them over the rice, and went to town. Puerto Sagua, although quite a bit more of a dive, is every bit as good as the famous Versailles, and it right there on South Beach (700 block, just behind our Hotel-that was also really great - The old 1940's Beacon - right on Ocean Drive.
Again, it's a total dive, but just my kind of dive!
It's all Cuban @ Puerto Sagua Miami
Below is another Cuban specialty, the Café con leche, or "coffee with milk", which is a Cuban espresso served alongside a cup of steamed milk. These Cuban's seem to love their coffee even more than we do! There are walkup windows throughout South Beach where you can order a cuban coffee (or sandwich) 24hours a day.
Just as a side note. I've been wanting to get down to Cuba of quite a while. Gosh, around a decade ago, i went to the trouble of sailing my 33 Pearson down to St. Petersburg (FL), planning to join the Sailboat regatta that had been racing from St Pete to Marina Hemingway (Cuba) for a few years. It seemed to be a working work around the US laws that have been prohibiting US citizens from "spending money in Cuba". We paid an entry fee (to the regatta management), they in turn made arrangements for dockage, food, and fuel - that was included in the entry fee. Well, luck would have it, that, with my boat sitting at the marina in St Pete, only a couple of weeks before the race, we received notice from immigrations of a cease and decist order regarding the race.
So, so far at least, as far as I gotten to Cuba has been a boat in St Pete marina, a few visits to Key West, and this visit to Puerto Sagua in Miami Beach.
Should I ever get over there for a little visit, I'll be sure to take pics and let you know if the real Cuban food is as good as this amazing Cuban food in Miami.
Taschen Books, another amazing form of creativity
Taschen Books, another amazing form of creativity
Although we haven't purchased many, Linda and I have been mesmerized by Taschen books for decades. To me, they are the Apple Computer of publishing - maybe better. They somehow are able to describe - through photography translated to the printed page, amazing three dimensional forms. And the limited to the forms they describe so eloquently seems to have almost no limit - other than beauty, creativity or art.
What a wonderful few minutes we shared with the lovely store manager at the Miami store in the Lincoln shopping district.
I love Taschen. Love their stores. Can't wait to visit their New York store that has library type seating. I've just added one to my list (previously of one) all time favorite retailers - Taschen.
p.s. my next photoshoot might just include one (of my three) Tashen's.
Taschen Books, another amazing form of creativity
Back from HD Boutique Miami
Back from HD Boutique Miami
Just got back from Miami - and we are whooped. Miami's great fun. Really amazing that this unique city is geographically classified as "southern". But, I'm quite proud that it is.
This was an interesting show catering to the Hospitality industry. Kindof the little sister to the larger and more grand HDExpo in Las Vegas.
We made lots of new friends, and look forward to continuing to study the "Hospitality" side of things.
Back from HD Boutique Miami
HD Boutique Expo Miami 2011
HD Boutique Expo Miami 2011
Linda decided I needed some help on this trip and has agreed to join me for a quick two day excursion to Miami. That is, if I promise to take her to her favorite restaurant (at lease in Miami) - Joe's SC/South Beach.
We won't be exhibiting, just meeting with some customers and walking the show / with thoughts of exhibiting next year.
If you will be in Miami for the show Monday (tomorrow) or Tuesday, and would like to talk tables, or just say hi, just say the word! Miami's always fun. But we are over due a visit since it's been almost three years since our last visit. - Gosh, now that I think about it, last visit to Miami I returned in a wheelchair!