1.17.2010

Pretty Dreary

Note: the title has nothing to do with the China Design Now exhibit. Scroll down for the dreary part...


Part of my new years resolution was to see 1 art show or museum every month. This month we went to the China Design Now exhibit at the Portland Art Muesumn. It was a really cool exhibit showing the graphic design, architecture, pop culture, and so much more happening in China. It was interseting to see how traditional elements were reinvented into something more modern. For instance, I noticed modern executions of calligraphy elements on several of the poster designs. I also enjoyed the typography on the entrance to the exhibit. The red film on the windows leading into the exhibit was a nice way to set the tone of the entire space.

It was also facinated by the creativity and bold gestures in the arcitecture category. I don't mean this in a bad way, but alot of the projects look like design school projects because they are high concept and seem to have no constraints. I am slightly jelous of the designers and the amount of expression that is allowed like in the Digital Beijing Building that looks like a circuit board. Or the building with the hexagon pattern windows which was one of my personal favorites.

On a different note...

When we were leaving the museum the fog was thick around the tops of the buildings. I love the simplicity of this photograph. The fog makes some lovely negative space so that the graphic stripes on the building become the focus. There is always something beautiful going on when you take time to look.

1.01.2010

New Years Resolutions!

I am very optomistic about starting fresh in a new decade. These are some of my resolutions that I'm excited about.

1. Read one book a month.

2. Try at least one new recipee a month. I really want to find new and itneresting ways to eat veggies. If I find any good recipees I will share them on the blog.

3. See at least one art show or museum a month. There are so many artists and creative people in Portland. I don't have any excuses to fall short on this one.

4. Swing dance more! Try to learn the tango!

5. Make one garmet a month. I got this book for Christmas and I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and start making my own clothes. Eventually it would be great to have a handmade wardrobe. But for now I will start with baby steps.