tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14522060290282991502024-03-13T14:42:13.373-07:00amber murraydesign + researchmurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-1308883448678746262011-10-23T14:58:00.001-07:002011-10-23T14:58:43.283-07:00it's only natural.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6273786741/" title="beauty shot by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6273786741_841ed0b318.jpg" width="500" height="270" alt="beauty shot"></a><br />
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order your very own 2012 Naturalist Almanac <a href="http://freetimeindustries.com/artwork/2265076_2012_Naturalist_Almanac.html">HERE.</a>murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-20321534682463338442011-09-07T17:45:00.000-07:002011-09-07T17:45:05.295-07:00DWELLthe firm I work for (<a href="http://www.workshopad.com/architecture/">workshop a|d</a>) is in DWELL this month!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6125745314/" title="DWELL1 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6084/6125745314_d6d14b52b3.jpg" width="378" height="500" alt="DWELL1"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6125751740/" title="DWELL2 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6125751740_56778e2440.jpg" width="379" height="500" alt="DWELL2"></a>murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-77071484879607076092011-09-03T15:32:00.001-07:002011-09-03T15:36:33.578-07:00free time in thailand<a href="http://freetimeindustries.com">free time</a> is very pleased to have received our copy of the Thai magazine <a href="http://www.art4d.com/">art4d</a>. it is the first magazine to solely feature a free time product! it features work from all around the world, so we are very flattered. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6109962005/" title="fti1 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6109962005_6fa0cdf9f6.jpg" width="363" height="500" alt="fti1"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6110470002/" title="freetime2 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6110470002_d2cb1dc529.jpg" width="361" height="500" alt="freetime2"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6109941933/" title="freetime3 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6109941933_4d0f1ea268.jpg" width="363" height="500" alt="freetime3"></a>murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-70421878024043710202011-08-09T12:53:00.000-07:002011-08-09T12:57:37.031-07:00evening cruise in the thousand islands<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6026581642/" title="photo 4 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6026581642_f8949ba730.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="photo 4"></a><br />
american flag, classic boat, strapping young man, and pizza.<br />
AMERICA!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6026028355/" title="photo 2 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6026028355_134c067296.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="photo 2"></a><br />
driving up to anna's place to pick up the fine lady.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6026581380/" title="photo 4 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/6026581380_c7c9ba7355.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="photo 4"></a><br />
hi puppy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6026009433/" title="photo by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6026009433_450b62999e.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="photo"></a><br />
cruzin.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6026563230/" title="photo 3 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6026563230_37248e9609.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="photo 3"></a><br />
american sunset.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6026007047/" title="photo 3 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6026007047_fa4f95fe74.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="photo 3"></a><br />
of the thousands of islands, many of them have little adorable houses on them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6026006125/" title="photo 4 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6147/6026006125_2df28dcdc7.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="photo 4"></a><br />
time for pizza and opening more beer!<br />
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murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-69076979579461697002011-08-08T08:37:00.000-07:002011-08-08T08:37:10.136-07:00NYIGF with JOINIn less than a week, I will be in New York City with <a href="http://join.iacolimcallister.com/">JOIN</a> for <a href="http://www.nyigf.com/Home.aspx">NYIGF</a>.<br />
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JOIN, featuring the work of eight Northwest designers and collectives, will combine forces with the <a href="http://americandesignclub.com/">American Design Club</a> and “<a href="http://www.nyigf.com/Buyers/NYIGFDivisions/ATheYoungDesignersPlatform.aspx">A+: The Young Designers’ Platform</a>” to assemble a new section dedicated to emerging design. Positioned just outside the entrance to Accent on Design, visitors entering and exiting the fair will have an opportunity to take extra time to experience new work from up-and-coming designers:<br />
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<a href="http://www.graindesign.com/">GRAIN</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blkpineworkshop.com/">BLK PINE WORKSHOP</a><br />
<a href="http://iacolimcallister.com/">IACOLI & McALLISTER</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fruitsuper.com/">FRUITSUPER DESIGN</a><br />
<a href="http://retailmadeplain.com/collections/all">plainMADE</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ladiesandgentlemenstudio.com/">LADIES AND GENTLEMEN STUDIO</a><br />
<a href="http://freetimeindustries.com/home.html">FREE TIME</a><br />
<a href="http://www.randlgoods.com/">R&L COODS</a><br />
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xxx<br />
amber<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6021757699/" title="bows grape sm by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6021757699_904c7b9dcb.jpg" width="500" height="323" alt="bows grape sm"></a><br />
<a href="http://retailmadeplain.com/collections/all">plainMADE</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6022313828/" title="HexWeight1 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6022313828_de23240383.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="HexWeight1"></a><br />
<a href="http://iacolimcallister.com/">IACOLI & McALLISTER</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6022313656/" title="P1330747 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6022313656_8fca5ec032.jpg" width="500" height="380" alt="P1330747"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blkpineworkshop.com/">BLK PINE WORKSHOP</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6022340944/" title="NaturalistAlmanac_8-2-11-01-1crop by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6022340944_178ca96708.jpg" width="500" height="437" alt="NaturalistAlmanac_8-2-11-01-1crop"></a><br />
<a href="http://freetimeindustries.com/home.html">FREE TIME</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/6022313204/" title="024_benblood_8064 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6022313204_3f5c4d2f62.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="024_benblood_8064"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.graindesign.com/">GRAIN</a><br />
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The New York International Gift Fair is located at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 655 W 34th Street in New York, and will be open 9:00 am - 6:00 pm August 14 - August 17, 2011 and Noon - 6:00 pm August 18, 2011. 35,000 attendees from 50 states and more than 85 countries are expected to attend the five day fair. JOIN will be located in the new emerging design section at the base of the escalators leading to the Accent on Design exhibit floor. <br />
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About JOIN<br />
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JOIN promotes emerging independent American design by providing designers a forum to show work, get feedback, and share resources. By organizing design shows and events, we strive to be the adhesive and a resource that binds a thriving, but fragmented, furniture and product design community in Seattle.murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-21133278193667155172011-07-16T20:41:00.000-07:002011-07-16T20:48:56.002-07:00MY NEW RAD JOBI am very excited to say that I just finished a really amazing week at the office of <a href="http://www.workshopad.com/architecture/">Workshop for Architecture | Design</a> and <a href="http://www.lairdesign.net/">LAIR design</a>. I was hired to work for both, so my days should always be full of a wide range of design problems to solve and communicate... which is my dream situation! Sometimes the two collaborate on projects, sometimes not, but each is stronger by having the other one there for expertise and input.<br />
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I first came into contact with them back in April when I was looking for architecture stories to write for <a href="http://www.pacific-standard.com/index.html">Pacific Standard</a>. I was so impressed with the execution of their design intent that I emailed them right away asking if we could meet up... but I didn't hear anything until just a few weeks ago when they were looking for someone to hire. Thanks Universe!<br />
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I will still be working on projects with <a href="http://freetimeindustries.com/home.html">Free Time</a>, <a href="http://augustpublication.com/">August</a>, etc.<br />
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Here is some of their work.<br />
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nearpoint<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5944658593/" title="Picture 5 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img alt="Picture 5" height="332" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6129/5944658593_28e6a8060e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5944658707/" title="Picture 6 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img alt="Picture 6" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/5944658707_2ce8aa15da.jpg" width="459" /></a><br />
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north capitol hill<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5945216062/" title="Picture 14 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5945216062_3c50d0cf08.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Picture 14"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5945216228/" title="Picture 15 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5945216228_21fe2a11f3.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Picture 15"></a><br />
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gig harbor<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5944660799/" title="Picture 21 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5944660799_1bddb6a642.jpg" width="500" height="349" alt="Picture 21"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5945216842/" title="Picture 20 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5945216842_5bd4fc508b.jpg" width="500" height="380" alt="Picture 20"></a><br />
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coleman triplex<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5944659433/" title="Picture 11 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5944659433_2abb961986.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Picture 11"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5945215872/" title="Picture 13 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5945215872_562cabd1d0.jpg" width="485" height="500" alt="Picture 13"></a>murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-33851714180484111962011-07-09T15:56:00.000-07:002011-07-09T15:56:26.312-07:002012 Naturalist Almanac<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5920108368/" title="process_data by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5920108368_7203d765db.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="process_data"></a><br />
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As you might already know, <a href="http://freetimeindustries.com/home.html">Free Time Industries</a> is at the very end of a fundraising campaign via IndieGoGo. The goal was to raise enough money to send Amber to the New York International Gift Fair late this summer with three new products. So far we have raised over $1,000, which is amazing. THANK YOU!!!! This is enough for the plane ticket and the booth space, but we still need a little bit more to, at the very least, print the 2012 Naturalist Almanac.<br />
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We are confident that profits from the almanac alone will be enough to keep Free Time going for another year, and even be enough to bring the Emergency Button and Tool Holster to market too. This is why we need your help! Please visit the IndieGoGo site to watch our video, contribute if you can, and/or help us spread the word. <a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/HELP-FREE-TIME-BRING-PRODUCTS-TO-MARKET">//////\\\\\\HERE///////\\\\\\\//////\\\\\\\</a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5920108564/" title="Seasons_calendar_v12 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6001/5920108564_760e973a32.jpg" width="500" height="345" alt="Seasons_calendar_v12"></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold;">More on the 2012 Naturalist Almanac:</span><br />
Due to the particularities of time, we humans are in a constant diluge of change. The earth spins past the stars above, cultural events punctuate history, seasons renew, and living organisms go through their individual rhythms. But we have a choice: to let time overtake and inhibit us, or be prepared and become empowered by it. <br />
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This is why Free Time Industries (with the help of our amazing intern Riley Hoonan) has created the 2012 Naturalist Almanac - it is a tool to the essential and the natural. It tells you where you are, what is to come, and how to prepare for it, all in twenty-six-by-twenty-six inches. <br />
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Starting at the center, the almanac tells you how to find the North Star, length of daylight, solstices, seasons, daylight savings, important days, living via the astrological signs, and keep track of moon and menstrual cycles. The almanac also gives seasonal information on topics such as hunting, fishing, foraging, building, health, gardening, raising ducks, weaving, raising bees, starting fires, and natural cleaning methods. The almanac is meant to be rotated at each season, creating a new ritual for the passing of time. We have gone through an intense research and design process to bring all this information together in a meaningful way. <br />
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You can pre-order an almanac via the IndiGoGo fundraising campaign with a $50 contribution. I have attached progress images to peak your interest. Each will be printed in Seattle,WA and comes with brass brads at each corner and 4 brass tacks.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5920108434/" title="details by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6144/5920108434_a6269e274f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="details"></a><br />
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Thank you! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. amber@freetimeindustries.commurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-44773538282733545192011-06-11T20:15:00.001-07:002011-06-25T11:14:35.245-07:00HELP FREE TIME<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/21693763?byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/21693763">free time industries</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/wrightmight">Patrick Richardson Wright</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br />
We need to raise some funds to bring three new products to market! Sales will keep Free Time going for another year or more. Please visit our campaign on IndiGoGo to contribute and learn all the details: <a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/HELP-FREE-TIME-BRING-PRODUCTS-TO-MARKET">HERE</a> <br />
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OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP:<br />
If you like what we are doing, please spread the word. Become friends with us on Facebook, email this link to your friends, and talk about us at cocktail parties! <br />
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THANK YOU!!! OXOXOXOXOXOXOXmurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-90366990589179185192011-06-08T12:00:00.000-07:002011-06-08T12:11:44.403-07:00a personal manifesto<div class="BasicParagraph" style="mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My passion for architecture and design is directly connected to a life-long fascination with the multitude of relationships than exist between humans and the world that surround us. Throughout my career, I have constantly looked for opportunities to learn more about material properties, methods of making, ways of living, and architecture history. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="BasicParagraph" style="mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="BasicParagraph" style="mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It is therefore my goal to be a designer who is hyperaware of the potential of design, and have the skills to effectively articulate that potential in written and graphic form. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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photo by kyle johnson</div><div class="BasicParagraph" style="mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOHx_JMbHRrlje2DI81irYZlDoLbuk18eBag75Ll4bRKj55_qcJHxNKv-ADUGFVk_C7A1M5EzaziKU1Hx0wbYb5xiwVSXGJ_va4Dd6PgMjSrDRPx16pbtKKNNTo63vh1wxHll1As9pvg/s1600/5711316183_2b296beda9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOHx_JMbHRrlje2DI81irYZlDoLbuk18eBag75Ll4bRKj55_qcJHxNKv-ADUGFVk_C7A1M5EzaziKU1Hx0wbYb5xiwVSXGJ_va4Dd6PgMjSrDRPx16pbtKKNNTo63vh1wxHll1As9pvg/s320/5711316183_2b296beda9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</div><div class="BasicParagraph" style="mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-55623385930381824982011-05-31T10:59:00.000-07:002011-05-31T11:00:39.819-07:00CALL FOR VIDEOS<div style="text-align: justify;">Hello Beauties and Magicians, </div><div style="text-align: justify;">As many of you know, August publication is underway in development! We are calling upon the talents of great lovers and makers to put forth compelling visions into the world.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">August manifesto:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>At the juncture of beauty, romanticism, and the mystic lies August. A publication dedicated to the relationship between man and nature.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/22439234" width="400"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/22439234">The Mountain</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/terjes">TSO Photography</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">About videos:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Essentially, we are doing an open call for video shorts that pertain to NATURE, space, architecture, interiors, curiosity, intimacy, romanticism, occult, mystical, spirit, hauntings, magic, terrain, sacred grounds, sacred experience, house plants, greenhouses, earthships, waterfalls, albinos, textiles, cosmos, sex, worship, religion, myth.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Video not to exceed 60 seconds. Can be anything that falls under the above list. Can be as short as 10 seconds. Please format so we can play in quicktime. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Email a link to video - amber@augustpublication.com</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">or</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Email submission as attachment, or yousendit.com / wetransfer.com / dropbox.com </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">or</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please mail disc to:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Amber R Murray</div><div style="text-align: justify;">August Publication</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1617 Yale Ave. #212</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Seattle, WA 98101</div>murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-70573578542475719132011-05-17T12:23:00.000-07:002011-05-17T12:28:40.705-07:00seattle waterfrontOn May 19, design project lead, James Corner, will present first design directions for the future waterfront. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5731327660/" title="photo-5 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/5731327660_7db6e1ea6a.jpg" width="500" height="116" alt="photo-5"></a><br />
The event starts at 6:30, but be sure to come early for music, great views and sample tempting treats from some of Seattle's popular mobile food vendors - Maximus/Minimus, Where ya at Matt, and Street Treats will be selling food from 5:00 - 6:30PM!<br />
<br />
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm Mobile Food Vendors and Live Music<br />
<br />
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Presentation, Q & A, and Activity Stations<br />
<br />
Bell Harbor Conference Center<br />
2211 Alaskan Way<br />
Seattle, WA 98101<br />
<br />
rsvp@waterfrontseattle.orgmurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-85288490285435895982011-05-09T17:57:00.000-07:002011-05-09T17:57:51.962-07:00spacesuit<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5705013625/" title="DeMonchaux1 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2048/5705013625_7bc2a245bf.jpg" width="500" height="214" alt="DeMonchaux1"></a><br />
<br />
Nicholas de Monchaux is an architect, urbanist, writer, and Assistant Professor of Architecture & Urban Design at UC Berkeley. I love learning about people like him because they vary the landscape of what a designer is supposed to be.<br />
<br />
The topic of his latest book, <a href="http://fashioningapollo.com/">Spacesuit: Fashioning Appolo</a>, is especially interesting since I grew up in Cape Canaveral. I saw the Challenger explode in my my front yard.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5705013537/" title="DeMonchaux2 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2696/5705013537_428bbc6d6a.jpg" width="405" height="500" alt="DeMonchaux2"></a><br />
<br />
An in-depth interview is on <a href="http://bldgblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/spacesuit-interview-with-nicholas-de.html">BLDGBLOG</a>. All images were snagged from there.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5705580698/" title="DeMonchaux24 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/5705580698_8579720d1d.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="DeMonchaux24"></a>murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-59194826927513789832011-05-06T15:47:00.000-07:002011-05-06T18:14:43.838-07:00the swing blade desktop sharpener<a href="http://freetimeindustries.com/home.html">Free Time's</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">swing blade desktop pencil sharpener</span> was accepted into the "use me" competition hosted by <a href="http://www.americandesignclub.com/">the american design club</a>. It was posted on <a href="http://mocoloco.com/fresh2/2011/05/06/pencil-sharpener-by-free-time-industries.php">mocoloco</a> today, so we thought we should post some background information. <br />
<br />
The American Design Club (AmDC) was seeking unapologetically functional design for its sixth show, set to coincide with the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) 2011. Submitted designs had to exhibit a strong sense of purpose, intelligent use of materials and the ability to do one thing extremely well. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5693915265/" title="freetime_useme1 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/5693915265_99aa0a7cce.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="freetime_useme1"></a><br />
<br />
The competition prompted us to look at a sharpener inherited from my great-great-grandfather; grade school teacher, Fredrick Clay. Because of the superior lead points created by the precision of the swinging blade, this unique tool has been handed down for generations.<br />
<br />
We worked to reverse engineer the sharpener by examining the design decisions made by its originator. After striping down the tool to its basic architecture, we were able to combine elements and reduce unnecessary visual complexity. The stabilizing feet, the guide angle, and the collection bowl were integrated into one simple element. The resulting form factor is canted, providing the perfect angle for smooth stable sharpening.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5694488686/" title="freetime_useme2 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5694488686_e5a1f50b85.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="freetime_useme2"></a><br />
renderings of our design.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5694487354/" title="sharpener1 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img alt="sharpener1" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5694487354_676be9f025.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
original 1904 sharpener <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5694045595/" title="sketch by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img alt="sketch" height="402" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/5694045595_0181a62a83.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
sketchesmurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-90855704109575104362011-04-28T11:02:00.000-07:002011-04-28T11:02:01.718-07:00light memory installa few images from the install last night for <a href="http://suzannestefan.viewbook.com/">suzanne's</a> show.<br />
come to the opening of "light memory" on may 5th at <a href="http://far4.net/shop/">{far4}</a> 6-8 pm:<br />
1020 First Ave | Seattle | WA | 98104<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5665219162/" title="IMG_3814 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5665219162_45650d719e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3814"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5665220148/" title="IMG_3840 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5665220148_64febf84f1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3840"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5664654273/" title="IMG_3836 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5664654273_b400ac65f6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3836"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5664651495/" title="IMG_3842 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5664651495_f73bce393c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3842"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5664653593/" title="IMG_3869 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5664653593_30657c210d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3869"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5664652733/" title="IMG_3876 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5664652733_08b4b86907.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_3876"></a>murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-2375191943551115942011-04-26T12:36:00.000-07:002011-04-27T14:36:18.560-07:00the high line in national geographic<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5658286815/" title="screengrab 106 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5658286815_d8106799e8.jpg" width="500" height="392" alt="screengrab 106"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5658860130/" title="screengrab 109 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5658860130_d0e3453444.jpg" width="500" height="396" alt="screengrab 109"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5658859776/" title="screengrab 107 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5658859776_b1ae7a1882.jpg" width="500" height="403" alt="screengrab 107"></a><br />
photography by diane cook and len jenshel.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fieldoperations.net/">field operation's</a> high line was in <a href="http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/04/ny-high-line/goldberger-text">the national geographic</a>. <br />
<br />
i am working on a story about field operation's seattle waterfront project, and find it especially exciting to see their work portrayed in a magazine with the manifesto: "inspiring people to care about the planet since 1888". <br />
<br />
make sure to see the next presentation by field operations for the <a href="http://waterfrontseattle.org/">seattle waterfront</a> may 19th at bell harbor conference center. rsvp@waterfrontseattle.orgmurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-34008716523163630142011-04-26T12:16:00.000-07:002011-04-26T12:20:10.618-07:00the ny times agrees<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5658784950/" title="MOSS-1-articleLarge by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5658784950_ddcbf2c43a.jpg" width="500" height="263" alt="MOSS-1-articleLarge"></a><br />
<br />
apparently my new moss hobby is right on. a day after <a href="http://armarchinc.blogspot.com/2011/04/moss-hobby.html">my post</a> about moss, the new york times posted <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/20/us/20moss.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=moss&st=cse">this article</a>.<br />
<br />
what is most interesting is that i have seen the raccoons that they refer to going at it for hours ... i chose not to blog about <i>that</i> however.murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-52948434531195031442011-04-18T16:14:00.000-07:002011-04-21T10:53:50.254-07:00nordic memories<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/3633381858/" title="100_1168 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3633381858_6f082b08ef.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="100_1168"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/3632561007/" title="100_1155 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3632561007_7489abd1b6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="100_1155"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/3633382958/" title="100_1170 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3379/3633382958_463709c47a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="100_1170"></a><br />
just had a nice skype session with my older sister emily today and it got me thinking of an amazing hike we went on june 2009. the place is called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preikestolen">preikestolen</a>. she is there sitting on the edge in the second photo.<br />
she lives in london so i don't get to see her very often :(murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-10886224704813128452011-04-18T15:53:00.000-07:002011-04-21T10:55:39.733-07:00a new pacific northwest pastime<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5633016934/" title="IMG_2249 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5633016934_57f7d6403f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_2249"></a><br />
my new hobby is to go on moss hunts while it is raining. here is a little bouquet i put together for <a href="http://ashleyrosehelvey.blogspot.com/">ashley</a>.murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-75492185249627077692011-04-08T22:01:00.000-07:002011-04-08T22:07:04.882-07:00summer art<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5602431060/" title="summerartseries2011card by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5602431060_72ffaac911.jpg" width="341" height="500" alt="summerartseries2011card"></a><br />
illustration by <a href="http://jonathanhudak.com/blog/">jonathan hudak</a><br />
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i am helping organize and market this summer art series with <a href="http://far4.net/shop/">{far4}</a> - stay tuned for more.murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-6636247909388349452011-04-05T14:42:00.000-07:002011-04-05T14:58:34.927-07:00A CONVERSATION WITH SUZANNE STEFAN<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5590770005/" title="image_3586 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img alt="image_3586" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5176/5590770005_e20ee1d675.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
When you are at the home of sculptor and architect <a href="http://suzannestefan.viewbook.com/">Suzanne Stefan</a>, there is one thing that becomes very clear; everything she comes into contact with has been carefully siphoned through her aesthetic filter. The colors are mostly nudes, creams, and bleached woods, the music is calm, the candles float in water, and the few books that she has on display are on the works of Peter Zumthor, James Turrell, and Luis Barragan – champions of light and space.<br />
<br />
Stefan first learned to explore light through the medium plaster while attending architecture school. The school chose a few students to participate in a seminar led by sculptor Carlton Newton, and she was one of them. Following the introductory course, she continued to teach new first year architecture students the various techniques each semester. Ten years later, she still balances her professional life as a practicing project architect with her more abstract experiments of light and space through her sculpture.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5590770313/" title="image_3597 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img alt="image_3597" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5590770313_828db160ff.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">the above images are from the artist.</span><br />
<br />
<b>AM: Tell me a little about your process and approach to sculpture.</b><br />
<i>SS: With each piece there is always a new discovery, so I need to pay close attention to the process: what type of plastic I used to create the folds, the ratio of mixtures, the heat and humidity, the surface I am casting against, and the additional fibers I sometimes add. There is an amazing range to be found in those variables alone. <br />
<br />
In the beginning they were just about my fascination with light and shadow, but then I started burning away the form generating materials, so then they also began to be about the memory of light – which is different, but related.</i><br />
<br />
<b>AM: It sounds like your work is very much about the discoveries you make along the way, how do you plan future work?</b><br />
<i>SS: I always begin with images I create in my mind, if that makes sense. From there, I usually sketch and plan the order, scale, and intended surface, but the results always have an element of surprise. </i><br />
<br />
<i>For example, once I was making multiple sculptures for a series, and one of them was accidentally ignored. In my neglect to shake the mould thoroughly as the others, I was able to discover that the air bubbles created voids at the most beautiful points in the surface. The process of making is therefore a large part of the art itself. </i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5590770609/" title="amangiri_1_photo by marwan al-sayed by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img alt="amangiri_1_photo by marwan al-sayed" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5590770609_975e16e66b.jpg" width="281" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">above is a detail from </span><a href="http://www.amanresorts.com/amangiri/home.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Amangiri</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">, for which Stefan was a project architect | photo by Marwan Al-Sayed</span><br />
<br />
<b>AM: Do you ever think about integrating your sculpture into architecture?</b><br />
<i>SS: Of course. For me it is only a shift in scale, and other tools and people would be needed. The scale I work in allows me to work alone and control many of the factors within the process. Everything is at the human scale too; the sculptures need to be small enough for me to handle, the folds are only as fine as my fingers can create, and the thickness depends on how much I can mix and pour.</i> <br />
<br />
<i>Besides, I think a really good architect can see sculpture as potential architectual space itself. Architecture is just a larger form of sculpture, and a successful design is related to the quality of light it creates. It is even more successful if it functions too.</i><br />
<br />
<b>AM: Off the top of my head, I can name India, Belgium, East Africa, New York, Virginia, Switzerland, Arizona, and Washington as some of the places you have lived, are there any observations on light you have made?</b><br />
<i>SS: The type of light in the northern countries is very different from the ones positioned further south – not just the angles of the sun and the shadows that form, but the duration of its presence. That can make a big difference on how it is experienced, and how it is perceived. People all over have different relationships with - and understandings of - light. I observe them and try to integrate my understandings into my work. In the hierarchy of my aesthetic principals, light is certainly in the top position.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5590771259/" title="amangiri_4_photo by wendell burnette by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img alt="amangiri_4_photo by wendell burnette" height="333" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5590771259_ebabd8cd60.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">above is a detail from </span><a href="http://www.amanresorts.com/amangiri/home.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Amangiri</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">, for which Stefan was a project architect | photo by Wendell Burnette</span><br />
<br />
To see Stefan’s recent work, please come by <a href="http://far4.net/shop/">{far4}</a> between May 1st – June 3rd, with an opening reception May 5 for the <a href="http://www.firstthursdayseattle.com/profile.php?id=157">First Thursday art walk</a>.murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-76331706018313836932011-03-13T14:02:00.001-07:002011-03-13T14:02:43.056-07:00help japan<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5523418991/" title="i_helpjapan5 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5251/5523418991_f1497c731a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="i_helpjapan5" /></a><br />
here are <a href="http://youhavebeenheresometime.blogspot.com/2011/03/3-ways-to-help.html">three ways.</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5524004508/" title="JAPAN-QUAKE/ by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5524004508_6b238ea40d.jpg" width="500" height="327" alt="JAPAN-QUAKE/" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5523412557/" title="JAPAN-QUAKE/ by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5523412557_2b3f274fc5.jpg" width="500" height="340" alt="JAPAN-QUAKE/" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5523410939/" title="JAPAN-QUAKE/ by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5523410939_b090cf6579.jpg" width="500" height="336" alt="JAPAN-QUAKE/" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5524005338/" title="JAPAN-QUAKE/ by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5217/5524005338_9e36cfd02a.jpg" width="500" height="329" alt="JAPAN-QUAKE/" /></a><br />
images from <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/03/japans-earthquake---the-aftermath/100023/#img22">the atlantic.</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5524003752/" title="Hkg4680942 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5211/5524003752_128e05619c.jpg" width="500" height="343" alt="Hkg4680942" /></a>murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-44605904767191770152011-03-11T18:06:00.001-08:002011-03-11T18:06:43.540-08:00while you are at SAM:Remix tonight..<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5518890308/" title="she_stormed2 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5518890308_42f19fff67.jpg" width="500" height="382" alt="she_stormed2" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5518298957/" title="annifleishmann by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5095/5518298957_7497ca4397.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="annifleishmann" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5518890232/" title="holloway_august2 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5518890232_6026947de7.jpg" width="500" height="367" alt="holloway_august2" /></a><br />
<br />
Make sure you take a look at the work of Betty Bowen award winner <a href="http://local-artists.org/user/4957">Ellen Lesperance</a> [near the elevators on the 2nd floor, just past admissions desk] if you haven't yet.murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-57606940760180859902011-03-09T10:29:00.000-08:002011-03-09T10:35:01.011-08:00{far4} exhibit seriesI am excited to announce that I will be helping <a href="http://far4.net/shop/">{far4}</a> with their summer art exhibit series.<br />
<br />
Tentatively the list includes:<br />
May | <a href="http://suzannestefan.viewbook.com/">Suzanne Stefan</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5512215365/" title="stefan by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5512215365_e4eba1f540.jpg" width="500" height="312" alt="stefan" /></a><br />
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June | <a href="http://www.glassartistsgallery.com.au/edisonosoriozapata.html">Edison Osorio + Josephino Munoz + Luisa Restrepo + Hector Flores + Valerica Florescano + Edison Osorio</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5512215327/" title="osorio by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5178/5512215327_3d3a8b4773.jpg" width="500" height="232" alt="osorio" /></a><br />
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July | <a href="http://far4.net/shop/?main_page=product_info&cPath=87_114&products_id=585">Trevor Jackson</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5512812170/" title="jackson by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5512812170_9d181b3165.jpg" width="478" height="472" alt="jackson" /></a><br />
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August | <a href="http://intuitionkitchenproductions.com/">Mike Levitt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5512812206/" title="levitt by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5512812206_33f03614b1.jpg" width="500" height="371" alt="levitt" /></a><br />
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September | <a href="http://jonathanhudak.com/blog/">Johnathan Hudak</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5512812248/" title="hudak by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5512812248_65f45ed5a3.jpg" width="500" height="403" alt="hudak" /></a>murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-68529493751620701922011-03-02T21:17:00.001-08:002011-03-02T21:17:54.252-08:00SAM REMIX march 11<a href="http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/exhibit/interactives/NickCave/index.html">NICK CAVE | MEET ME AT THE CENTER OF THE EARTH</a><br />
I will be volunteering <a href="http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/calendar/eventDetail.asp?eventID=21091&month=2&day=11&year=2011&sxID=&WHEN=">the event</a> and would love to see you there. - amber<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5493151783/" title="nickcave-soundsuits-2009 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5091/5493151783_aa336f7ceb.jpg" width="500" height="313" alt="nickcave-soundsuits-2009" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5493744954/" title="nick-cave-soundsuit3 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5136/5493744954_a4ab616b45.jpg" width="480" height="473" alt="nick-cave-soundsuit3" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5493151837/" title="nick-cave-soundsuit2 by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5493151837_bb83c77954.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="nick-cave-soundsuit2" /></a>murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452206029028299150.post-58766747057595413102011-02-22T15:27:00.000-08:002011-02-22T15:47:16.483-08:00water visions<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5469691354/" title="seattle vision by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5469691354_1b00af541f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="seattle vision" /></a><br />
I want to draw a parallel between two things: the Erie Canal and the <a href="http://www.waterfrontseattle.org">Seattle Waterfront</a>.<br />
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In 1817, there were about 100,000 people living in New York City. Mayor DeWitt Clinton had drawn a Cartesian grid over the island of Manhattan, but it was sparsely occupied at that time. Then, through gathering private funding, Clinton built the Erie Canal. Within a few years of the canal opening (in 1825 officially) the grid filled up, and New York City established itself as the financial capitol of the world for the next 200 years. <br />
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Such a title could easily have gone to New Orleans, whose position at the mouth of the Mississippi was a more natural passage to harvest the massive commodities that lay on the interior of our virgin country. Instead, goods were taken from the interior, through the canal, and then out to the rest of the world. No other city had a chance after that. <br />
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Notably, Seattle is now faced with a unique opportunity to envision itself at the center. We are going to finally take down the double-decker concrete highway that separates Seattle form its waterfront, rebuild the seawall, and design an entirely new scenario. <br />
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To start the envisioning process, this past Thursday about 1,100 people met at the Seattle Aquarium. The evening was well planned with many multimedia incentives to get people talking about what they wanted for their waterfront - Mayor Mike McGinn and James Corner, the design lead from <a href="http://www.fieldoperations.net">Field Operations</a>, gave talks too.<br />
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Rightly so, McGinn’s primary point was to make us think “how are we going to pay for this?”, but left us with no answer. Corner on the other hand, using his “arsenal of eidetic operations”, painted a compelling picture of the Seattle waterfront becoming the literal gateway to a new powerhouse of commerce that has assembled around the Pacific Rim. Learning from Mayor DeWitt Clinton, it seems plausible that if we go about this project the right way, we could procure private funding and come out stronger than ever before.<br />
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Great cities are built, but they don’t stay on top forever – is it actually possible that Seattle, through major feats of vision, finance, and politics, could become the next center? I don’t think that anyone can say if that is actually possible, but I do think we should continue with broad-scale visions to make sure we don’t miss any monumental opportunities. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5469097455/" title="Opening of the Erie Canal by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5469097455_2b4197b9fc.jpg" width="500" height="470" alt="Opening of the Erie Canal" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5469691240/" title="erie canal by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5217/5469691240_068bfc472b.jpg" width="500" height="291" alt="erie canal" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29698084@N04/5469691298/" title="1811 map of nyc by djtsquare, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5469691298_b180ceae49.jpg" width="500" height="207" alt="1811 map of nyc" /></a>murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158451906920929294noreply@blogger.com0