a little different than barbie's dream house

I've never really bought into the idea that one buys Playboy for the 'articles', however, this one from a vintage 1960's issue may just change my mind. Well, kinda.

Now, I'll believe it when someone says they buy Playboy for the 'illustrations'.

Isn't this architectural section just to die for!!!! Look at the light!

Click here to see it larger.

And get a load of the master bedroom. This is certainly THE bachelor pad.

You can find the rest of the article here. No naked women, just an article with sweet illustrations...I promise!

[via Apartment Therapy]

thank you for thanking me

If you've followed this blog for any time, you probably know that I am obsessed with all things mid-century modern---but particularly the designs of the Eames---and even more specifically, the molded plastic chairs.

Last year, when I won a teaching award, I put the money I received towards the purchase of four of these beauties for our dining table. Since we don't have children yet, I consider these my babies. Well, it seems my students had been paying attention to this infatuation as well, because at my surprise going-away party they presented me with this poster.

But here's the real kicker....not only did I receive this incredibly thoughtful poster, but the chair as well!!!!! The students pooled together their money to buy me a new baby, Andy Aqua. I was speechless then, and am still in awe of their generosity today. What a present!!!!!!!

The reason I am sharing this news now, nearly three months after the event, is because I finally received the real chair, which had been on backorder, this week! It is going to work great with a new desk Edgar has been busy making me this summer.

To all who contributed, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Photos of the chair [and desk] soon to come.

the best form of recycling

Inspired by the remainders of the topographical map my students made several semesters back, which, sadly, had to go into the recycling bin this morning. While I'm learning I can't save everything, I CAN at least draw it.

on this, the last day of class

A reminder for my students at UNCG, who've contributed to a wonderful 3.5 years of design inspiration and sketching, and for whom I have the deepest respect. I wish you the best.

I never planned on being a teacher...but through you're questions, processes and lightbulb moments I've found such happiness. Thank you.

cleaning up + looking FORWARD : less is more

From the inspiration wall...

via an IIDA promotional mailer

when life gives you blueberries

It's not everyday you find a blueberry pie in your mailbox, but then again, it's not everyday your path crosses with someone as sweet as Stoel Burrowes. Stoel is both my teaching colleague, and friend. In fact, I think everyone that knows Stoel would call him a friend--he's that kind of person. A master woodworker, Stoel teaches many of the beginning design courses at UNCG. The same love and devotion he puts into crafting one-of-a-kind tables and chairs, he puts into expanding and developing young minds. Sincere, witty, kind and thoughtful: Stoel represents the student-centered teacher at its best. I feel privileged for the time I've spent teaching with and learning from Stoel.

return to fallingwater

Stop three : Fallingwater.


It goes without saying that I was very excited to make a repeat visit to this masterpiece in the woods. It is such a sweet spot.

But what is, in some ways, even more exciting, is that this field trip allows me to see what I think are improvements to my drawings. Despite [or perhaps because of] the fact I sketch nearly everyday, rarely do I see my significant growth. Enter sketches from the same locations spaced exactly one year apart. The differences might not be mind-blowing [particularly to anyone besides me] but there are changes nevertheless. This is exciting.

See last year's sketches from Fallingwater here and here, and Monticello here.

cleaning up + looking back : love notes

Please bear with me as I continue to document the contents of my school office. While it may seem a bit sad, I can assure you it is really a celebration for me, revisiting the good times I've had teaching and thinking about what the future holds.

My mom always stressed the importance of the proper thank you note. Growing up, she constantly reminded us that it was never too late to say thanks [which reminds me now that I owe this acknowledgement to several people]. Evidently there are a lot of other moms out there saying the same thing. During my time teaching I've had the fortune to collect many thoughtful notes from students here and there...and they make such a difference. I would never say that teaching is a thankless job...seeing people learn and grow is a thank you in and of itself, but kind words of acknowledgement make it that much sweeter!

privy to privies

Stop one on our tour : Thomas Jefferson's beloved home, Monticello.

I started to remove my little note at the bottom of this drawing in Photoshop. But then I began to wonder for whom I would be doing it. Certainly not for me...it's these little moments, the conversations, the memories that I cherish most as I look back at the sketches. Sure, the drawing might be 'prettier' without the privy conversation...but would it be any more accurate? I think not.

backseat sketcher

Returned late last night from a weekend trip back to Monticello and Fallingwater. Loved it just the much the second time as the first. I could move into Fallingwater today and never leave. Sketches from the homes coming soon. In the meantime, here's a glimpse from the bus ride.

peachtree perspective

A couple of weeks ago I traveled down to Atlanta for the Interior Design Educators Council Conference. Between conference sessions, I had a bit of time to sit in the massive lobby of the Peachtree Westin (designed by John Portman) and sketch. I wish my students had been along as this was quite the challenge in one-point perspective, which we're covering in class now.

cleaning up + looking back : magazine mark-up

Could have sworn I posted this marker study before, but looking back through the archives it seems I didn't. The sketch (based off a magazine image) was made the same day as this demo.

cleaning up + looking back : it's a monster

I've begun the process of s l o w l y cleaning out my office at school in preparation for the semester's end. I plan on scanning and posting several of the things I find along the way, before they hit the trash or get stashed away in a notebook, never to make a repeat appearance.

Among the memories I uncovered this morning is a monster from a few semesters back...and I do mean monster.

At the time I was team-teaching a speaking-intensive course. In order to help students get past their anxieties, everyone was asked to draw their public-speaking monster. This is mine. We all have one, don't we?

What does your monster look like?

active ants

Here's hoping you had a wonderful weekend!

I apologize for the lack of activity here lately.  I've been trying my darndest to catch up during a busy time at school.  By the way, can I tell you how proud I am of the students in my studio right now? I think they are trying extra hard...for me. I really appreciate it.

These are some process sketches I made months ago that I'm going to use on a class handout. I think the scale figures look a little like ants...very active ants.

trying out as tammy faye

Just when you think you've got your act together...you come home from a long day at school, look in the mirror and see this:

As if the dark circles weren't enough punishment, there is a nice eyeliner mishap to boot. I wish I could say this was the first time I'd paraded around in front of students looking silly...but oh no, there was size tag incident and the chocolate + corduroy debacle (thank goodness there is no sketch to go along with that) and....

Oh my. What would I do if I couldn't laugh?!?

If you're in 2nd year studio and saw me looking like this yesterday, I'm expecting a good explanation for why you didn't tell me....here, in the comments...pronto.

the jetta went down to georgia

First Day of Kindergarten : August 1985 : Same haircut.

I won't be posting anymore this week as I'm heading out of town today to a conference in Athens, Georgia. My friend Debbie [who, like my sister in 1985, also happens to drive a Jetta] and I are presenting about the ways in which design thinking applies to all community-based projects. We're hoping the presentation we make can turn into a series of workshops to share with schools, non-profits and community organizations elsewhere. Do you represent one of these groups? Have any interest in learning more?

It's all very exciting...so let's see!

Also, this is my first time in Athens. Any recommendations on where to go, what to see...what to draw?

makeshift shelter

Thanks to everyone who commented or gave some thought to the question I raised a few days back about the role art and design can play in social justice. This is something I'm working to explore in my own work, both in and out of the classroom. In fact, at the time I posted the question here, my teaching partner, Stephanie, and I were actually formulating some ideas for a quick studio project that I'd like to share with you today.

Here's the abbreviated project statement:

In the wake of the devastating earthquake that recently hit Haiti, we cannot help but think how fortunate we are to have shelter that offers protection from outside elements and, equally important, affords us with a sense of security.

In this first project, we ask you to examine ways in which you can provide peace of mind within a public space using only found objects. The goal here isn’t merely to provide cover, but to explore the notion of how interiors shape experience. Over the next week and a half, working in teams, you will consider the notion of interiority, process solutions and outcomes, and design a shelter for a given activity. Your will then construct your design vision in the lobby of Gatewood Friday, January 29th.

With a few additional requirements along the way (met by a few additional moans and groans) the students developed five shelters for five activities (sleeping, studying, snacking, sketching and socializing) using only five found objects (no money could be spent), two fasteners and no power tools. I'm quite pleased with the results, which you can see more of here.

photo courtesy of cassandra gustafson

body language

This semester I've divided my drawing course into five units (objects, people, spaces, buildings and places) aimed at helping students develop the skills of perception and communication they will need as interior designers. Last week we kicked off the people unit with quick gestures. I love these fast-paced exercises. There is such a sense of satisfaction that comes from quickly capturing the essence of a person on paper, deciding on the spot what information is important to focus on and what to leave to the imagination.

If you'd like, you can follow our class via the fine documentation of my teaching assistants at our class blog here.

lots and lots of variables

If you could see into my brain today, I have a feeling it would look something like this: a blind contour gone awry. Too many things to keep track of, not enough brain power to do it.

But I'm going to push through. I am. Wish me luck!

speed sketching

You've heard of speed dating? Well this is the results of speed sketching...a fun exercise undertaken by my drawing class last week. In an effort to get students to loosen up in their new sketchbooks, I had everyone lay 3 objects out on their desk. They drew these objects until I called 'time'...at which point they left their sketchbook and traveled to another student's desk to pick up on the drawing where the previous sketcher left off. After 5 or 6 more switches students were able to go back to their own desks and see the results of the collaboration.

I love what resulted in my own sketchbook! I'm intrigued by how the style of the first drawer, influenced the sketches of others. For instance, if someone begin in a tight and precise manner, all the subsequent drawings in that book would be tight and precise.

I later decided to add watercolors (which I haven't used in forever!) to the sketch in preparation for a demo I did the medium this morning. Stay tuned for more on this.