Tom Kundig

Three weeks or so ago, I saw an article in the Wall Street Journal that caught my eye. The cover of the Personal Journal had the image below. I was instantly captivated. I'm a fan of architecture of all sorts but lately I've noticed that I'm becoming more and more of a modern architecture fan. There is something about the glass and metal that draws me. Perhaps it is the sparseness of the places. But I am particularly a fan of the mixing of modern architecture with the natural world. And this house (The Pierre) designed by architect Tom Kundig does that beautifully.

Kundig works for Olsen Kundig Architect firm in Seattle Washington. This sod-topped private residence is located on San Juan Islands, WA. It is a beautiful setting and the house blends in perfectly. So much of the house is worked into the rocks.

After finding this house I went looking for more of Kundig's work. And I found the room below. This is The Brain, a work studio created for a Seattle-based filmmaker. This is not the house, just the studio. The lights are suspended on pulleys so they can be raised and lowered to a desired light environment. With the glass walls and the bookcases, I am infatuated with this studio. I can't imagine a more perfect place to create.

I really enjoy Kundig's simple lines and use of natural materials. Below is the Delta Shelter, a cabin in Washington that is available for rental. If I had the money, I'd be the next on the list.

 And last there is the Chicken Point Cabin in Northern Idaho. This one is also available for rental. With a wall and a view like that, sign me up.

Strange and Wonderful Art

As you all know I've become something of an Art fanatic in the last couple years. I actively scour the internet for new and interesting artists. I read art blogs daily to find new artforms and new artists. In my desk at home I have stacks and stacks of post-it notes with artist names and still I look for more. And recently I've taken to hovering in the art section of the magazine racks looking for an art magazine that would offer some new and unique artists. I know that ArtNews tends to be the standard but only about half of the work they cover is stuff I'm interested in.

But I think I've finally found my magazine. Last weekend Jeff and I were at Barnes and Noble and I wandered over to the magazine rack just to check things out. I was glancing over the titles when this image below caught my eye.

This is the work of James Jean, whose work I was only slightly familiar with. I picked up the magazine, Hi Fructose, and flipped through the first couple pages. And by the time I actually reached the table of contents, I was hooked. I love modern art and this is modern at its most strange and wonderful. With a touch of creepy thrown in. Every artist interested me. The ads alone made me want to seek out the artists. It was filled with a nice mix of media. I learned a bit more about James Jean who might be my favorite out of the issue although the sculpture of Kate MacDowell is fascinating. See image below

It was strange because going to the website for Hi Fructose I remember that I picked up last months issue as well and was enchanted, although at that time I didn't have the cash to buy it. So I think I've found my art magazine. Strange, beautiful, modern, and unique. Everything I want in a magazine. And in an art style.