Frank Gehry

Here is yet another incredible architect.

Frank Gehry is a Canadian-American architect. Much of his work falls under the category of "deconstructivism." This type of architecture has no rules, no boundaries and no limits. His work is non traditional and gives the impression of being unfinished.

Some of his most famous works include the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, in Los Angeles, the Dancing House in Prague, and Experience Music Project in Seattle.

Gehry is considered a modern architectural icon and celebrity - a "Starchitect." This term typically refers to architects known for their dramatic, influential designs which often achieve fame and notoriety through their spectacular works.

I have put together a small collection of some of his works. What do you think about Gehry's talent?

Singapore's Green Roof Art School

If your school looked like this, wouldn't you want to go every day?! I sure would.

The school of Art, Design & Media at Nanyang Technological University campus is located in Singapore. It is a 5 storey building completed in 2006.

The premise and key feature of this building is its transparency and connectivity to nature. Internal glass walls help enhance the flow of the building, allowing you to see through rooms. You can walk right outside onto the green rooftops of the building and still feel like you never went inside!

Lights are built into the roof, so at night people can see inside the building and watch what goes on in the art school after hours.

Now why do we not have schools like this around here? Yes, I know we don't have weather like they do in Singapore but still, Canada can be creative!

I think cool designs like this can really help to inspire students and teachers, within their academic environment. Look at what is surrounding you?! How can you not be amazed and really appreciate the natural things around you in a place like this?

According to the master plan for this area of Singapore, this section of land was meant to be left as a "green area." In order to be in line with its original plan, the architect carved into the land within the natural constraints that the valley allowed. As a result, the architect allowed the existing landscape to play a critical role in creating the building. This is the definition of a "non" building.

As far as architectural design has come, it really speaks to how creative expression has evolved. In my opinion, to have a vision and make it a reality is without a doubt one of the most rewarding things for a creative mind.

Miss Artiste

One thing I was never very good at is Art. In elementary school, high school - whether it was drawing, painting, shading, carving, and overall creativeness....I just did not have the talent. That is one thing I have always admired about my sister - she's soooooooo artistic. Since we were kids, she had such a talent for art, and I will be honest - I always made her do my art assignments for me in school. So a big thank you Claudia!

Anyways, I thought I would take the time to showcase some of her work! The great thing about art is that it is so expressive and can really give you a sense of the artist who painted it, or the sculptor who moulded it. Every piece of work tells a different story and conveys a different message.

Her work is ALL over our house and she never fails to amaze me. So look out in a gallery near you for her work! In the mean time, tell me what you think about some of her work!!

Guess what's coming back....

That's right....its OVERALLS!!! aka Dungarees for those fashionistas out there. Who knew we would actually see this "farmer-esque" piece of clothing would ever come back in style.

Designers such as Ralph Lauren, Jean Paul Gaultier and Roberto Cavalli bring overalls to their 2010 collections...and who knew - the overall could actually look pretty goood?! Leave it to Gaultier to re-work the overall, and make them with a conical bra - he is so fabulous.

I had a pair of overalls when I was .....umm 7? maybe I should have kept them? or not.

The fact of the matter is, there IS a lot one can do with the dunagree - wear it with a flouncy blouse, a blazer and some heels, with a lumberjack shirt, or sport the silky satin ones with a sheer blouse and spectacular clutch. There are so many ways one can make this work.

I don't think I will be taking the plunge by sporting the overalls this season - there are so many other trends I could see myself pulling off over this one!

Let's talk local for a minute..

YES, I know....its been a while since my last post.. and to be completely honest, the reason is that I have just been feeling a little bit un-inspired. Worry not my friends, I think I've found some inspiration.

I know I refer a lot to Europe...it's just because really - how can anyone NOT be inspired and in awe of the incredible history, architecture, authenticity and overall amazing-ness of Europe. Mind you, I have not been everywhere...but I plan on it - - one day.

Anyways, I was thinking - what interests me about where I live? Thinking....thinking......not a whole lot. One place I do love is the city of Toronto. Why? Because there is so much to do, there is always something going on...and there is something for just about anybody down there.

So, I was doing a little research and came across this new building to be put up in Toronto. We have seen a wave of some new, modern architecture in Toronto recently - including OCAD, and the redesigned ROM building. I find modern architecture quite interesting because although there may be simple lines, and at times minimalistic structures - the product is always so interesting. You could tell a lot of stories with some of these new designs, and they can be quite unpredictable.

British architect, Will Alsop designed the new Filmport Complex for Toronto. It is going to be one of the largest film studios in North America. As you can see, the building is a massive arc - and "curves as it rises." Pretty cool..and interesting idea. Nice to see some new buildings which not only create more visual interest in the city, but foster creative talent.

Thoughts? ...

Travel!

Here is a small glimpse of some of my travels this past summer. This video takes you through Venice, Italy and Southern France. They are just a couple examples of some of the beautiful places I have been in Europe. I took all the pics myself!

One of the most amazing things about traveling is the experience and freedom. This video features Jill Scott's "Golden" - a song about taking your freedom and experiencing life - - One thing we should all do.....Live life like it's GOLDEN.