Friday, February 27, 2009

Unusual Houses...


... make great public art!

If you have an extra $300,000 to spend and are willing to move to Festus, Missouri, than this home could be yours! If you are interested in learning more, it is listed on ebay.

I love the idea of living in a home like this. Creative, using the natural surroundings. Right up my alley. All except moving.... Not interested in that.

Whoever does, maybe they could hold Festivus parties (remember Seinfield?) in their new home in Festus. How fun would that be?

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Horses in town?


I love a surprise! I've been meaning to document this for some time. This is at the end of a short alley in downtown Ann Arbor. I love this little treat that cheers me up every time I walk by. Little unexpected finds (even if they are now known) make an urban area more appealing and fun. The fact that this appears to be a horse family makes it that much more charming. 

Monday, February 23, 2009

A small collection


I rescued these from a neighbors patio when he moved out of my condo complex. He had a 3 year old son and had painted these for him. Unfortunately the father was diagnosed with lung cancer (never a smoker) and he was forced to move. 

When he left I didn't want to see these buried or lost so I brought them home. I've always loved painted rocks. They are such an unexpected pleasure when looking at a garden. Right now they are waiting for warmer weather, just like the rest of us....

Saturday, February 21, 2009

The 2009 collection...


No, this piece is not part of a collection from a runway. It's not that kind of collection. It is part of Chris Roberts-Antieaus work and she refers to it as part of her "2009 collection". 

Anyway, I've been a fan of her work for some time. She is in the Original Ann Arbor Art Fair every year and is often the featured artist on their promotional materials. She has a following all over the county.

I prefer her animal themes, which she seems to be getting away from. I have two pieces. 'Long Dog' given to me by a friend and 'Growling Puppy' that I bought several years ago. 

However, if someone where to offer this to me, I'd take it in a heart beat. I love it's size and of course, it is a water theme. Water is what relaxes me. Plus, it is the quintessential hallway piece. It is hard to find something that can command small spaces. This would do it.  

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Knitting for pets!


I've always thought that knitting would be fun, but have never been inspired until now. 

These are photos of some of the items you can learn how to knit in a book called, "Pet Projects: The Animal Knits Bible" by Sally Muir and Joanna Osbourne. I might just have to pick up a copy for myself. Maybe just the book, but I'm considering needles too!

When Bear and Cooper where alive, I saved Bears hair (he had so much of it)! I always had this idea of weaving his hair into yarn and then knitting a sweater. Well, they are both gone now, but I still have Bears hair. Maybe I could knit a sweater for Mr. Knuckles?

Monday, February 9, 2009

Dubai's Rotating Skyscraper

Four years ago, architect David Fisher was admiring the view from a friend's New York City apartment. "My friend said, 'Look at this view!' And I thought, Why can't we rotate the entire building so everybody can see?"

Construction begins soon in Dubai. This picture is a mock up of the building and how it will look as it rotates. There are 200 units on 80 floors, that will all have great views as the floors complete the 360 degree rotation. 

Wind turbines and solar cells positioned between each floor should provide enough electricity to power the entire building, and possibly others nearby. "This is not just a tower," says Fisher, "it is a green power plant."

Apartments in the Dynamic Tower range from $3 million to $30 million. There are over 1,100 people on the waiting list. However only 200 will be able to use the drive-in elevator that allows residents to park right outside their front doors. Conjures up interesting images about taking a spin in your sports car, doesn't it?


Sunday, February 1, 2009

What do you think, is this art?



This was forwarded to me the other day. Apparently this is a very effective form of speed control. 

People approach the "pot hole" and slow way down so as not to damage their car. They then position their car to straddle the hole and are jubilant when they make it across without feeling a bump. 

I find this humorous and rather cleaver at the same time. This is a creative way to make a living and at the same time make driving safer as long as one doesn't get rear ended while showing down!

This reminds me of a take on Julian Beever's chalk work. He would spend hours drawing on pavement and asphalt creating images that were mind bending. I wonder if who ever created this, saw his work and realized they couldn't spend hours drawing on the pavement , so they came up with this version instead.