Category Archives: Creativity

Western Australian Flora……..

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If nature is inspiration…….Australia is its home.  Upon my recent visit to Australia I visited King’s Park and Botanic Garden in Perth.  The beauty includes gardens of indigenous wild flowers, majestic trees, fascinating wildlife and expansive views of the City of Perth and Swan River. Refered to as ‘the bush in the city’, it is a popular destination to stroll, play, relax and learn.  Originally named ‘The Perth Park’ when it was founded in 1890, the part was renamed ‘Kings Park’ to mark the accession of King Edward VII to the British Throne.  The Western Australian Botanic Garden opened in 1965 and includes about 2,300 species of mainly Western Australian plants.  An interesting fact….the south west of Western Australia is Australia’s only terrestrial biodiversity hotspot, with more than 315 rare plant species.  Western Australia has a rich collection of over 12,500 native plant species representing about 5% of the recorded vascular plant species on Earth.  Over 80% of the plant species in Western Australia are unique to the area, found nowhere else on earth.  The natural connection of art and nature is integrated with the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority support for art and craft through its ownership and management of Aspects of Kings Park Gallery Shop’ The shop is considered of international standard and offers art and design pieces reflective of the integration of conservation and environmental education. 

Villa Student Projects Presented in Australia…..

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IDEA, the Interior Design/Interior Architecture Educators Association is comprised of universities from Australia and New Zealand offering programs in interior design and interior architecture.  This year their conference and exhibition, Interior Design:- a state of becoming, was held September 6 to 10 in Perth, Australia, hosted by Curtin University.  The conference opening coincided with the exhibition opening, An Interior Affair: A State of Becoming. This was held at Form gallery. Curators fo the show are Marina Lommerse, Curtin University, Australia Jane Lawrence, University of South Australia, Australia Sven Mezhoud, Monash University, Australia Stuart Foster, Massey University, New Zealand. The event was also covered by Gallery Watch, a television program dedicated to support and promotion of the Australian art scene.It was an excellent event to bring all conference participants together to socialize, theorize, meet and greet.   delegates had expectedly travelled from across Australia and New Zealand but also included South Africa, Indonesia, United Kingdom, Canada, United States and other countries.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jjo22EpFuAU

The conference theme explored the world of the interior as a state of constant and dynamic ‘becoming’ rather than ‘being’. Asking questions such as:- how do we reconsider the interior and the occupant becoming ‘old’? Where is the value in constantly ‘becoming’ new? How do we re-vision the history of interiors in the light of ‘becoming’? What are the potential roles and responsibilities for Interior Designers / Architects in addressing becoming homeless and ‘being’ disadvantaged?  Sandra Reicis, Associate Professor of Interior Design at Villa Maria College, Buffalo, New York, saw the relationship to a recent Villa student project.  The submitted abstract was reviewed by the conference committee and selected for presentation.  “The Millennium Dream Home: quality of life and quality of surroundings”, documented the project research and design process, including the work of sophomore level students Harrison Walsh and Jillian Schultz.  Challenged to re-think and re-define the American Dream Home the projects demonstrated inclusiveness and domicile adaptiveness, drawing on historical precedent and universal design principles to create well-designed and beautiful interior spaces. As demonstrated in the student diagram above, the use of rotation was integral to the final form and spatial design of the first floor plan by Walsh. Design inspiration was derived from works of fine art on display at the Albright Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, NY. This fused glass piece, crafted by Schultz, was an inspiration from a work by Georgia O’Keefe. The story behind the art piece led Schultz to an exploration of courtyards and passageways, which became integral to her final project. The paper was presented under the topic of interior: in its everydayness together with presentations by Jane Simon, MacQuarie University, Sydney, Australia, Vanessa Galvin, Curtin University, Perth, Australia and Mary Anne Beecher, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.  Other topics included interior: in flux, interior: as performance and interior: as virtual.  The conference included Keynote speakers, Beatriz Colomina, see Interior Design live wire and Charles Rice.  Images of the gallery show can be downloaded here.

A visit to Sydney art galleries…..

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Sydney has many museums and art galleries….and I was fortunate to visit two.  The Art Gallery of New South Wales, located in the Sydney Botanic Garden has a Classical facade, making it a city landmark, with a contemporary addition in the back which flows seamlessly on the interior.  The permanent collection includes Australian, Aboriginal, European, Asian and Contemporary art. Not only is entry to the gallery free, but there are also free daily guided tours.  The addition includes two restaurants with outdoor patio seating.  As part of the Botanic Gardens the local wildlife has discovered a wonderful location for their own mid-day snack.  The birds seem to understand they need to wait patiently until the human guests have departed.  Nonetheless the wait staff gently discourage the birds….although I was not the only amused patron taking photos of these feathered friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Museum of Contemporary Art is located in an area known as the Rocks and Circular Quay. It too has free admission.  The collection began when Sydney art collector John Power died in 1943, leaving his entire collection to the University of Sydney.  By 1991 the collection, which included works by Hockney, Warhol, Lichtenstein and Christo was moved into the 1950’s Art Deco style building.  The building has a contemporary entry that stands out on Circular Quay West. The interior of the building boasts a beautiful view of the harbour and Sydney Opera House, and is an excellent continuation of the exterior design aesthetic. Providing free admission may be a reason that the galleries are well attended by locals, tourists and school groups, and may help to explain the popularity of art in Australia.

In Search of an Opera House…….

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In a perfect visit to Australia the first stop would be the Sydney Opera House.  Located on the Bennelong Point, the opera house came to be as the result of a design competition.  933 architects registered, 230 submitted designs and in January 1957, with the firm endorsement of Eero Saarinen, Jorn Utzon was announced as the winner. Although the composition may be based on the simple opposition of three groups of interlocking shell vaults placed on a terraced platform, the experience of the building is filled with wonder at the complexity and detail that have created an iconic structure that is undoubtedly one of the best known of the 20th century.  On my recent visit to Australia I was able to tour this magnificent building.  I could photograph many parts of the interior, although I could only appreciate the various halls and theatres.  Although the pallette of materials is limited to primarily wood and concrete, the effects of the design and the interplay of light and shadow create an interior like no other.  Although Utzon did not complete the interior spaces, with his exit from the project politically motivated, a degree of the interior spaces nonetheless followed his original design.  In 1973 the building was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II. In later years, Utzon was called upon to design updates to the interior of the building. Today, only one space remains that is still wholly design by Utzon himself, which is aptly named The Utzon Room.  Featuring a brilliantly colored woolen tapestry measuring 14 meters in length, the room is a venue for parties, special events and small performances. The author, Sandra Reicis, is standing in front of the tapestry.  The Sydney Opera house was a building design that was well ahead of its time and far ahead of available technology.  Simply put….a miracle.Views of the exterior shells shows the tile work.  Tiles are two-toned white and off-white to resemble clouds.

Villa Alumni Talent at Work at Liberty Hound…..

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L2K Design, a partnership between Kristin Ertel and Laura Wax is the creativity behind one of the city’s newest waterfront restaurants, the Liberty Hound.  Opening to rave reviews the food is great but from a designer’s standpoint, the ambience and physical surroundings are even better.  Both Kristin and Laura obtained their design education from Villa Maria College.  Laura Wax is a member of the second graduating class of the Villa Interior Design BFA program and was able to take advantage of our out-of-town internship opportunities, spending much of the spring semester of her senior year in Manhattan.  I would say some of the NYC design chic is evident at the Liberty Hound with just the right amount of Buffalo style.  Located in Canalside at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park the restaurant has a comfortable interior and a cozy patio to enjoy our wonderful Buffalo summer nights.

Excellence in Art and Literature….as seen in SKALD

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“Underneath the intense and undefined nature of a student’s college life, there lies a calculated process of experiential learning and engagement.”……..SKALD 2012.  A literary and artistic publication of Villa Maria College, the recently published edition features works from almost all programs at Villa and includes a distinctive collection from the Interior Design Program. Emphasizing a global perspective, the Junior level studio showcases the talents and abilities of student Sandra Zygaj Borowski.Senior Nicole Sansano explored the properties of glass in the Introduction to Fused and Leaded Glass course.  This is one of the required courses for the Villa certificate program in Historic Preservation.  Pictured is a fused and slumped glass vessel. Emily Bolles is a sophomore and used the modern fairy tale theme for her Studio loft design project.

You can view the entire SKALD publication by clicking here

A Villa Connection at Artpark…..

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A magical space called ‘Emerald Grove’ has opened at Artpark, and the creator is Jesse Walp.  He’s a sculptor, artist, designer and dreamer, and he is also an instructor in Interior Design and Fine Arts at Villa Maria College.  His enthusiasm and energy is embodied in his work and is evident in this ambitious installation. He was selected by Artpark for this special project and spent many days on sight, exploring the potential for his design.  He brought his work onto campus, where he shared the design process with Villa students, who were able to learn through example and experience through practice.  Seeing the work completed and installed was a special experience not only for myself but for the little ones who were visiting, playing and clearly enjoying Emerald Grove.  Created in the Villa Maria College Art Shop, which is our on-campus wood working facility, the project is also a testament to the capacity of the shop and the potential for students to dream big.  Look for Jesse on campus this fall, teaching Furniture Design and Two Dimensional Design…..and before the summer is out…..take a ride to Artpark and experience Emerald Grove…….located above the Niagara River with spectacular views and a magical atmosphere. Check out this article in the Niagara Gazette – http://niagara-gazette.com/nightandday/x748661996/Emerald-Grove-takes-root-in-Artpark. and look at Jesse’s web site http://jessewalp.com/home.html.

Joan Miro…..from businessman to Catalan artist

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Our morning started with a visit to the Fundacio Joan Miro.  Located at Montjuic, the gallery was design by Miro’s friend, architect Josep Lluis Sert in 1975.  Miro himself donated many of the works that are on display today.  Joan Miro’s life as a professional artist followed a  career as a businessman.  He attended the Barcelona School of Fine Arts above La Llotja.  Thrown out for poor draughtsmanship, he went on to become one of the 20th century’s most original talents.  His work is remarkable for its playful abstracts. He spent much time in Paris, and although he was opposed to the Spanish dictator Franco, he return to Spain in 1940 but lived mainly in Mallorca. He developed a Surrealistic style, noted for vivid colors and fantastical forms. A theme that runs through much of his work is the woman and the bird.  His work is on public display throughout the city, from a sidewalk mural on La Ramblas to the Dona i Ocell ( Women and Bird) sculpture at Parc De Joan Miro.

Font Magica….or the Magic Fountain

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Fountains and cascades descend in terraces from the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.  This National Palace was built for the 1929 International Exhibition.

 

 

 

Located in Montjuic it provides a spectacular vantage point to view the city of Barcelona.  In 1992, the Olympics were held on the southern slopes.  This was not our first nor our last visit to Montjuic.  Home to many galleries and a beautiful park-like setting, we would be back again.Approached from the Placa d’Espanya, between brick pillars that are based on the campanile of St. Mark’s from Venice, the water, light and music show is truly spectacular.  This marvel of engineering was built by Carles Buigas.  The music ranges from the classical to Disney classics, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Queen……singing Viva Barcelona!  We spent an evening at the Fountains…….and it was one of the truly memorable moments of the trip.  This is the most spectacular show of its kind. This was a perfect evening to end a perfect day……the weather was terrific and our driver provided door to fountain service!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgzGa3EbPW0

 

strolling the Park Guell…..

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From a less than successful planned housing community we have a highly successful and wonderfully creative public space…… and another wonderful example of Antoni Gaudi’s genius. The dream of industrialist Eusebio Guell, the park was commissioned in 1910 to be a private housing estate on a hillside high above Barcelona.  Although only two houses were built, the original public spaces are still the most unique and creative that have ever been conceived.  Two fairy-tale like gatehouses are the entrance pavilions for the Park. Gaudi works with the topography to create curving arcades, serpentine seating, pathways and shaded walkways.  Water trickles from the mouth of the park’s multicolored, mosaic dragon, which greets visitors at the flight of steps that leads to the hypostyle hall.  The hall was intended as a market area to service the residents of the original housing project.  The ceiling features mosaic representation of the sun.  The 86 classical columns appear almost conventional in Baudi’s work.  These columns support the open-air square above, which features an ergonomically designed bench that curves around the edges.  Clad in a mosaic design called trencadis the area was intended for markets and public events.  From here are impressive views over Barcelona and the harbor. One of the homes on the property is still owner occupied.  A second home was Gaudi’s own residence, designed for him by one of his students.  He lived here until his work on the Sagrada Familia consumed his time, and he moved into the church to dedicate his life to his final project.  His home is now a museum.   The Casa Museu Gaudi contains furniture designed by the architect and includes benches and cupboards from the Casa Mila.