Frank Gehry’s AGO

In my inaugural post I quoted famous Architect, Frank Gehry (born in Canada in 1929)   “Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.”   The belief that “architecture is art” is at the heart of Frank Gehry’s essence.   Gehry’s recent Toronto project is reflective of his philosophy.

From November 14th to 16th, 2008,  the Art Gallery of Ontario will be open to the public free of charge to celebrate the rebirth of this space by Toronto architect, Frank Gehry.   Gehry’s process is remarkable; he begins with full scale models of every wall, angle, and light source; and builds to a crescendo that is our AGO.  The sculptural architectural elements and the treasures that it holds is befitting a world class town like Toronto.

The furnishings themselves are works of art.  The AGO worked with the finest prevailing artisans in Canada and Denmark, including award-winning Toronto-based furniture manufacturer, Teknion.  Each piece was hand-picked by Gehry to bring contemporary style and comfort to the patrons of the arts. 

Gehry’s jewel, the staircase, sits in “the historic heart” of the AGO.  ‘When he first unveiled his design plans, Gehry described the sculptural staircase as a space where people might bump into each other and perhaps even fall in love.’

The new restaurant FRANK, will feature local agriculture and Ontario wines, and is sure to be the place for art and food lovers to gather.  FRANK, a play on words, describes the atmosphere of serious art critics, identifies the architect behind it all, and the artist, Frank Stella, whose work is on display through out the restaurant.

All this attention to the finite details is not meant to overshadow the art within, but rather to pay homage to the more than 4000 incredible works of art on display in the 110 bright galleries-within-the-gallery.  

Truly a journey for the eye, the mind, the heart and the soul.

   

 

New York has gone M.A.D.

 Reprint from the Colour Association of the United States

MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN
2 COLUMBUS CIRCLE
NEW YORK, NY 10019
212.299.7777

All of New York is celebrating the opening of a new building for the MAD (Museum of Arts and Design)museum, designed by Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works Architecture, which is three times the size of their previous building. The new building features the familiar objects from their permanent collection and now has more room for special exhibitions of contemporary art, craft and design, an entire floor dedicated to eduction and public programs, and the nations first resource center / gallery for contemporary jewelry.

STEVEN AND CHRIS – daytime lifestyle show hosts

 

On Wednesday, September 17^th I was fortunate enough to be invited along with a couple of friends, to the taping of the Steve and Chris  Show.   You know Steve and Chris – they were the original “Designer Guys”.   

 

 

 

Chris, me and Steven

I had my picture taken with Steven and Chris last year (January 2007) when they launched their furniture line at Decor-rest.  They haven’t aged a bit – except that they are wearing a lot more make-up this time, but then, so am I.

 

 

 

 

the Steven and Chris show

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They are daytime lifestyle show hosts now – and since airing in January 2008 they have apparently improved their guest line up and their set.  I must confess that I had not seen the new show but was pleasantly surprised, and have been recruited.  These guys exude warmth, yet appear quite shy (Steve more than Chris), and are funny too.

 

 

 I checked out the Steven and Chris site as I am writing this blog and see that the show  aired on September 22nd (yesterday) at 2pm on CBC (I never did get a reply to my enquiry about the date the show would air).   

 

The fashion segment  with Moe Kelso showcased some great looks, I particularly loved one pair of black patent stiletto wedge heels ($495 / Ports) you’ll know what I mean when you see them.  Everyone loved Steve’s craft (I know he takes a lot of heat for some of them) – but these cement bowls  are an excellent do-it-yourself-ers Christmas gift.  I know I’ll be doing it myself.

 

I am glad to say there were very few retakes.  For those of you who have not gone to a taping before, suffice it to say there is a whole lot of clapping going on.  On this episode “what you see is what you get” when you tune in, with the exception of the set people running on and off between what will be commercial breaks, to rearrange the furniture on the set.

 

Segueing from retakes, here comes a shameless plug…  A few years ago I was a contestant on HGTV Alliance “Design to Win” game show (episode 6) hosted by Derek James (of Marriage Under Construction fame).  There were quite a few retakes, my husband and friend were among the clappers in the audience.  The show, where players buzz in to win on Canada’s only Design Trivia Game Show, was cancelled after episode 6.  I hope it wasn’t my star performance – slamming the button to ring in with the wrong answer, again and again.   I did manage to win third place and was rewarded handsomely with a Cuisinart® Griddler,  which I am still using today.   

 

Tune in – let me know what you think.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to: Importers and Distributors of REAL STONE

I didn’t want this article to be filed under comments and not get the attention it deserves. 

 

I wanted to respond personally to George: 

 

I am glad you read the blog and I welcome your comments.  The article “Granite, a wealth choice or a health choice” was written, impartially, by me, in response to an article from the  Marble Institute of America (hence the link to the site) – which I think is clear in the line “Recently the Marble Institute of America, the trade association representing the natural dimension stone industry including granite and other natural stone, has refuted the findings that in-home testing has uncovered potentially harmful levels of radon being emitted by granite countertop surfaces.  Unfortunately, as is often the case, opposing sides are committed financially to the outcome weighing in their favour.”  Don’t read more into it.   I wrote it because the marble industry refuted the information being peddled by the man-made “fake-stuff” industry.  Rather than just reading the headlines people should make informed decisions – hence, I wrote, “Where there is fear there are fear mongers, so it is good to be cautious and do your research.  Examining all the facts presented will help you come to a conclusion that is not just a wealth choice, but more importantly a health choice, for you and your family.”    I did not take sides on this issue – as from an aesthetic point of view both products are equally acceptable.

 

As for which product is “green” – this was not a position I took or endeavour to at this time.   While I support your comment, that in order ‘for the consumer to make an educated decision between the two products it is necessary to also study the process of the engineered stone’, I can not provide any further comment on green-ability.

 

There should never be anything wrong with the consumer seeking to be informed – I advocate this.  The words, “honesty” and “integrity” weren’t used in my article but both sides of this debate should seek to achieve it – and there would be no debate.

 

As a member of the design industry I don’t promote any one product over the other – I will introduce a client to new product lines, take into consideration the application of the product, offer my opinion on my personal likes and dislikes should the opportunity present itself, but in the end I honour my clients decisions.  

 

Thank you George for writing, I hope that this has resolved any concerns that you had that I was promoting man-made stone over granite/natural stone – I wasn’t.

Christmas – already???

It is already September, the first week of school is behind us and homework is trickling in – for most parents the thought of the additional workload created with the new school year is overwhelming -  so you must use your day time hours wisely.  Those of you without children living in the home may not have the pressure of homework assignments and extracurricular activities but I guarantee the fall brings the same feelings of change. 

 

The beginning of September for many signals a time to redecorate.  Though I would never want to be heard to say this out loud – Christmas is coming – it will be upon us before we know it.  ‘Wait’, you say, don’t we have Thanksgiving and Halloween to celebrate first.   Yes, of course, but if you had plans of redecorating for either of those occasions it is already too late.

 

Christmas is just fifteen weeks (and three days) away.   In the world of home furnishings, most manufacturers and distributors won’t guarantee Christmas delivery past an order date in the middle of October.  For a redecorating project I prefer to aim for the beginning of October to avoid disappointment.  What that really means is, if you have dreamed of having a beautiful ‘Homes and Gardens’ showplace home for this Christmas you have three weeks to put your plan together and execute it. 

 

 

If your project is to be more extensive than that, say a kitchen renovation, don’t create an unrealistic time line that will put added pressure on you and your architect/contractor/construction crew/decorator.   Rather than rushing to get your dream project done quick, opt instead for getting it done right.    

 

Set your home presentation apart from the rest, consider unveiling that new kitchen in February, after the busy Christmas season has passed and doldrums have set in, most invitees will be anxious to attend your reveal and your home will get the full attention it deserves.

Granite: a wealth choice or a health choice

There is growing controversy surrounding granite countertops and what their contibution to the increase in indoor radon levels, is or is not.   Recently the Marble Institute of America, the trade association representing the natural dimension stone industry including granite and other natural stone, has refuted the findings that in-home testing has uncovered potentially harmful levels of radon being emitted by granite countertop surfaces.  Unfortunately, as is often the case, opposing sides are committed financial to the outcome weighing in their favour. 

Concern is growing and may well be warranted when we consider Radon is the second most frequent cause of lung cancer, after cigarette smoking. 

This is not a new phenomena:   In 1984 “the danger of radon exposure in dwellings was discovered when an employee at the Limerick nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania, set off the radiation alarms authorities found source of the contamination was high levels of radon –in his house’s basement, and it was not related to the nuclear plant.  Following this highly publicized event, national radon safety standards were set, and radon detection and ventilation became a standard homeowner concern.”  In 1995  “ Solid Surface, The Journal of the Solid Surface Industry (Volume 1 Number 1)”, included an article entitled “Granite & Radon“.   In May of 2008 the University of Akron Ohio Department of Geology and Environmental Science conducted a study which would appear on its face to be impartial despite being  linked to the Marble Institutes site, and is worth a read if you have concerns.   

The Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction, found on the website of the US Environmental Protection Agency, states that, in the United States, radon gas in soils is the principal source of elevated radon levels in homes.

Where there is fear there are fear mongers, so it is good to be cautious and do your research.  Examining all the facts presented will help you come to a conclusion that is not just a wealth choice, but more importably a health choice, for you and your family.

“home d’zyn” blog, meet “home d’zyn” ezine

It’s a another big day in August,  at my design office. 

August 1st was the first official day operating under the new design business name of Heather Clark Smith  Design.

And today, I am happy to announce, was the release of the first issue of my design ezine (newsletter), home d’zyn.   Anyone that has known me or done business with me, will recognize that name as the previous name of my business (which after many years of hearing home d’zyn pronounced dizzin’ it seemed a change was in order).

 

 

It was so apropos that on this day I would open an email newsletter from The Color Association of the United States and the first article was about “Heatherette” and M.A.C.  (though the article wasn’t so current).   This Heather loves M.A.C. cosmetics so it was definitely worth reading on.   The “Heatherette” brand, the brain child of Richie Rich and Traver Rains, collaborated with M.A.C. for the release in March, of the spring/summer 2008 cosmetics collection in hot metallic pink compacts, titled “Heatherette for MAC”.   

As I wrote in the last blog (raspberry) pink is/was the signature colour of this summer and as I wrote in the newly released home d’zyn newsletter, pink remains strong for fall and winter.

Just another example of art imitating life – or is life imitating art.

 

 

 

What was hot this summer? What’s next?

This past winter saw a shift from black to grey as a backdrop to other colours and hues; and this summer we saw grey emerge as a softer shade of stone, putty and granite.  

 

What were we seeing a lot of this summer?

Grey: looks great complimented by bright crisp whites which we are seeing everywhere.  

White: can be combined with black, or dark blue or shades of brown.  

Flora and fauna: Keep a look out for giant chiselled flora and fauna on fabrics and wall coverings in bolder, brighter 21^st century colours.  

Accent colours:  of sunshiny yellows, turquoise blues and magentas.  I for one, am glad to see purple is still hot.

Strong raspberry pink: is the signature colour of this summer.

Renewable resources: like wood, bamboo and cork for furniture, flooring and accessories gives us beauty and a sense of responsibility for the earth.

Steel: We are continuing to see steel inside and out from kitchen appliances, barbeques, sinks, planters, nightstands and patio tables.

 

It’s not too late to introduce these colours and materials into your design scheme to feel fresh and current.  We still have a few good months to spend outdoors, and many of these colour combinations will survive well into the fall.  As more and more Canadians extend their outdoor living experience the desire for well equipped climate friendly kitchens and living rooms will remain strong.   The demand for renewable resources will continue to grow as the consumer becomes more and more environmentally responsible.

 

 

Watch for the inaugral post of ‘home d’zyn’ the ezine newsletter published by Heather Clark Smith Design.   There you will read about the colour trend predictions for the 4^th quarter of 2008 and into 2009, as well as, other decorating tips, including articles about being “green”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can do it myself – but why would I

That day on the site (Habitat for Humanity building site) took me back a few years when I wasn’t afraid to try anything – to the mid nineteen ninety’s, when I was on my own and the owner of an investment property, I waved off the assistance of a man, who would later become my husband, opting instead to show my “I can do it myself” feminist side.  Among my many accomplishments – I  - climbed on the two story steep peaked roof to re-shingle it (but I eventually turned that job over to the professionals); changed light fixtures, guided through the process the first time, by a friend over the phone; installed a kitchen faucet; caulked the bathtub tiles;  painted my drab and outdated kitchen cabinets with white melamine paint and the counter with black melamine paint; laid a inexpensive but classy looking check pattern black and white linoleum tile on the floor; and faux painted the foyer walls a very vogue mustard yellow – but my only real renovation faux pas was when I dug out my entire front lawn leaving the neighbours to look out their windows at a big pile of dirt, while I pondered the merits of good landscaping.

 

Soon after completing all my jobs I sold that house, by myself, at asking price, which was above market value, to the first  person that walked in the door – should have asked more!   Obviously my sweat and tears paid off.     

 

The moral of this story – necessity is the mother of invention – I needed to do those jobs to make this home comfortable for me to live in, on a nominal budget – and luckily I succeeded,  probably because I was younger and had more gumption.  Now I am quite happy to pay professionals to do the work that I can not and do not want to do which gives me the time to do the work that I love to do, for the people that can’t do it for themselves.

 

Design, like any other profession, requires study and dedication; but equally important is an eye for style, a mind for numbers, a love of colour and textures, a desire to pull it all together, and the good sense to know when to call in other professionals.    Today when I do that kind of job,  I design the space inside and out,  and hire the roofer, electrician, plumber, tiler, kitchen installer, flooring specialist, painter and landscape designer.   I have confidence in the team to do a professional job – and I no longer need to prove “I can do it all myself”.

 

 

 

 

Habitat for Humanity – Women Build

Thursday, July 24, 2008 will go down as the day I faced my recently acquired phobia of heights and wobbly ladders, and mastered my fear of power tools.   The weather did not favour the construction crew on the Georgetown Habitat for Humanity building site – but we all hung in there.

 

This was my first day on site but by no means was it the first day of construction.  I was assigned to house C.  The foundation walls were erected and some of the floor joists were installed.  My first assignment was to help move the lengths of wood supports on the site to my house – if you slide them through the window opening and then have someone guide them to the basement floor it takes less energy – that meant climbing the wobbly ladder up, then down into the house.  The top of that ladder was the bottom of the first floor but seemed a lot higher as I stepped from the ladder onto the top of the wall where I balanced for what seemed like minutes, then carried my leg around and onto the top rung on the other side of the ladder.  At one point I “took the elevator instead of the stairs” – I missed the bottom four rungs and landed on my toosh.  There would be more of that, as I slid off the mounded dirt trying to maneuver the long lengths of wood, tripped and fell back into the mud, got my footing stuck under a plank, and on several occasions jammed my toes into the steel toe of my boot as I jumped down off the mound of dirt.   But I kept going, sweating (and I hate to sweat), lifting, helping, hammering –  one large LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beam was lifted into position on the walls, the headers were positioned over the window frames, and more joists were put into place. 

 

I decided to tackle my fear of that first floor wall when a request was made to climb up onto it to hammer the boards in, I volunteered – besides being very awkward with the hammer, I was very nervous about falling off the wall (a little like humpty dumpty) – and wouldn’t you know it, the rain came.  As the weather changed from sun to clouds and the first crack of thunder was heard followed by a flash, then rain – the song rang out “unplug the power tools”.   I couldn’t get down off the wall and got drenched.   I think I may be more of the fetch and carry kind.   But I wasn’t giving up, I wanted to learn to comfortably operate the skill saw, so I took a quick lesson, and off I went zipping 11 ¼” pieces out of an 8’ , 2” x 4” plank.     

 

It was great to spend the day “working outside”, for Halton Women Build week, under the direction of many a skilled tradesperson – half of them from the Women In the Skilled Trades program (W.I.S.T.).  There was a feeling of accomplishment, a certain comaradery, and an anxiousness to return and build some more.  

 

Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build Program promotes the involvement of women in the construction of Habitat houses.  Habitat for Humanity’s mantra “offering a hand up not a hand out” is seen on the site where the future home owner invests sweat equity in their own home construction. The soon to be proud owners of these new homes, are lucky to have such dedicated volunteers steering the assembly of the three homes. 

 

I am scheduled to return to this site in the coming weeks.   I am also a volunteer builder with Habitat for Humanity Toronto and a member of the Women Build Key Club.  My goal for the Toronto chapter was to raise $500.00 by the end of May to help construct the first Women Build homes in Toronto – I fell short of the goal necessary to participate in the building blitz but none the less I am eager to participate in this all women project.