Planes and Intersections

Ah the surfaces model.  It begins in a much more difficult way than that of the sticks, but it becomes something so much more amazing and fun.  At least that was my experience today.

I utilized my map very well on this one and really tried to emphasize the parallelogram without being redundant or obvious.  In using the 30 and 45 degree angles from my map, a few really great spaces began to take shape.  I'm assuming that is kind of the point of this exercise, to bend and intersect the planes using the map and hopefully something interesting emerges.  In my case, I tend to look for those beautiful interiors such as this one:

This view reminds me of Yoshio Taniguchi's design of the MOMA.  I have a thing for museums. There is just something so delicate about creating a space that should be the background to the art, but really it becomes more than just a complement to the art.  Steven Holl did the same on the addition to the Nelson Atkins in Kansas City which is a tie for my favorite museum design.

Oh, and I added more than just 5-10 sticks.  It's finished now, I refuse to add anything else because I'm afraid it's on the verge of becoming redundant and there is nothing that I hate more than a design that is so obvious it slaps you in the face.

Eric Owen Moss spoke to us today.  He sort of laid out the idea behind SCI-Arc, I guess in case anyone didn't already know.  I knew, which is why I chose to apply.  Basically SCI-Arc is not a school of ideas in itself, but the idea that everyone should experiment and strive for something new, that has never been done before.  There should be no labels on the work that comes out of SCI-Arc, no systems or rules of particular styles are to be followed, but instead should be questioned.  I liked his example that at SCI-Arc, we wish to get into the cracks that are inherent in the differing styles of architecture and from there see what hasn't been seen.  The idea in itself is incredibly abstract and I believe that is the point.  Basically it goes back to my philosophy for life, which is to question everything.  I think me and this school are going to work out just fine.

Sticks are lines and lines are points, let the model building begin.

Today we began constructing a three dimensional representation of our drawing by using the plexi-glass box as a map.  We used wooden posts (actually bamboo kebab skewers) and manipulated them in such a way as to create a relationship between the three sides and our overall drawing. The piece was then taken out of the plexi-box and more sticks were added to complete a small cubed piece that represents something much larger.

My stick model is not complete, but very close.  I am thinking of only allowing myself 5-10 more sticks, carefully placed to complete this piece before I move on to using planes.  I'm attempting to create spaces that hold significance and utilize the parallelogram shape that my drawing developed into.  Ok, maybe there is a lot more work to do.  Perhaps tomorrow night is my late night in the studio.  We shall see how it goes.

P.S. Check out SCI-Arc's pictures of M+M studio on facebook.  I am in a few of them, working away :)

Mayline vs. T-Square, Mechanical Pencil vs. Lead Holder

Today was the second day of Making + Meaning, a summer studio at SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture.)  The studio is comprised of 80 students, half of which are beginning the M.Arch 1 program this fall (that's me!) and the other half are people wishing to gain more knowledge of architecture to:  A) decide if they want to pursue architecture as a career or B) build their portfolios and resumes for grad school applications for next year.

Alexis Rochas is the director and he has a passion for drafting tools.  While I agree with most of his obsession (confession: I've always been obsessed with office supplies) I HATE the fact that we had to have a Mayline on the first day of class and that they cost $220 at the supply store.  Also, why don't they make 48" T-Squares?  Such B.S. really.  The architecture supply market has a monopoly on this stuff.  And they know in today's digital age that you are only going to use that thing for like one semester an then it's gonzo.  Obviously I have an issue with the price of the Mayline, but I admit that it is pretty nice thus far.  I'm highly skilled at a T-Square, but this is nice for a change.  Also given the fact that I absolutely love hand drafting and find it to be a lost art form, I have been quite content in my little studio space the past few days.

Our first drawing was based on a grid system we created the first day with 20 horizontal and 30 vertical lines and dots at their intersections.  Today we had to experiment using other marks such as arcs, curves, dots, lines, etc... This created many intersections and I feel that the important issue at hand is how to address these intersections.  Originally I used points radiating outward in one area, arcs radiating outward and getting more intense on the exterior in another area and then the 30 and 45 degree angles which later became my overall theme.  The original idea, which has now became a background to the angles, was for these 4 different marks to merge in areas of high density and the question of collaboration versus conflict.  I likened the page to a representation of an urban landscape with high density downtown spreading out and converging into the more suburban areas which also have areas of intensity.   Instead it became more about the series of 30 degree angles moving from a few moments of intensity to moments of sparsity and 45 degree angles doing the same but in the opposite directions.  This brought intersections that allowed me to create my own little "weird" shapes, as my instructor told me.  Then this parallelogram shape became my theme with which I completed the drawing, making the entire page visually become one large parallelogram.  When I was finished I realized how three dimensional the piece looked and how my small little weird shapes became almost planes of an axonometric of some sort.

After our drawing was complete we had to chose three 8"x8" snapshots and they were photocopied and put onto a transparent adhesive which we put onto our three sided plexi box that we made.  Tomorrow we get our next step in the design process.  I'm thinking we will use the designs on the plexi to create a 3D piece, though I'm not sure what materials we will utilize, but I am very excited to find out!

shattered: the coolest thing to happen to nail polish

lavender under white shattered

I have no idea how I came across this last night, but I knew I had to have it ASAP.  Thanks to my grandma who always gets me JcPenny gift cards for every holiday, I found myself in the JcPenny salon asking "where is your OPI shattered?!?"  It was not out in plain view and the women I had spoke with on the phone a few hours before TOLD me that had it.

They had it, it was locked up.  They keep this stuff locked up because it is that awesome!

There are only a few colors to choose from right now, but the possibilities are almost endless with the combinations.  You just put regular nail polish on, the usual 2 coats or whatever (they say it works BEST when used with OPI color underneath, but it's probably no different with another brand.  I haven't tried it, but I feel like nail polish is all the same...)  Then, after the bottom color dries you brush on the shattered and watch it do its thang.  You can try brushing it different directions and changing the thickness of which you apply it for different effects.  I like the way it looks when applied diagonally.

I can't wait for 4th of July, it's gonna be all red, white, and blue shattered all over my nails!

hot pink under turquoise shattered

Dark Chocolate Kit Kats, the Japanese got it right!

I'm completely addicted to these now.  I will never eat a regular Kit Kat again, and trust me, there have been many times I have eaten more than my share of Kit Kats in a single day.  This brings an interesting question:  Why do brands offer different versions of their treats in different countries?  I'm sure massive amounts of marketing studies go into deciding which product will succeed with particular demographics, but what about what I want?? When I was in Beijing, my friend introduced me to these amazing Oreo wafer treats, similar idea to the Kit Kat, but by Oreo.  They are amazing, and I want them in the States!  Until then, I will mosey over to Mitsuwa anytime I crave a delicious Kit Kat.

Incredible Design from Japan

I had to share this because it is so unique and I think it is beautiful.

the organic dilemma.

I always try to buy organic fruits and vegetables.  I'm particular about my eggs, lettuce, tomatoes, and check labels on anything packaged making sure there are no artificial dyes, preservatives, or HFCS.  I don't mind spending the few cents extra for higher quality food or the extra money for free range hormone free chicken for Danny.  One thing I don't do is buy organic milk.  It's just that it is 2.99 for regular, vs 5.99 for organic, I don't drink cow's milk, and Danny claims he dislikes the taste of the organic.  But every weekend at Trader Joe's as I lift the regular 2% milk from the case, I get this bad feeling coming over me, like I am doing something wrong.  When did I become so radical?  Am I radical?  I often feel I belong in Portland, but at least I am in LA where being the way I am is not looked at like such a freak, as it is my hometown of Poplar Bluff, Missouri.  I know my family thinks I'm a weirdo.

What are your food purchasing dilemmas?  I can't be the only one who has them :)

Living room makeover begins

We are finally getting around to adding some life to our living room by painting the walls and getting a decal for the tv wall.  Right now it has been a bit of hodge podge on the walls.  I have art I have wanted to put up, but need a new frame.  I have some art on the walls, but never really took care in placing it.  Basically we have finally decided we are probably going to be living here for a long time, so we may as well make it our own.  But what color to choose?  Even though I was set on grey, this was one of the lightest I found on a swatch that was true grey with not blue or purple undertones and it is still too dark for me.  Danny and I are both leaning toward the lightest yellow.  We also thought maybe just doing the tv wall in the blue or grey and making it an accent with the other two walls being white or the yellow.  Ugh, I am really not sure yet.  Perhaps some more sampling is in store for next weekend.

Either way, the tv wall will have an awesome decal on it. I am leaning toward these:


from DabbleDown on Etsy


from Kinky Wall on Etsy


From PlanetWallArt on Etsy


From What is Blik?

I'm thinking if the wall is yellow, going with a deep charcoal colored decal.  If the wall is blue or gray, going with a red or orange decal.  Pretty excited!

Grad School

I have wanted to go back to school since about 2 minutes after I graduated from undergrad.  I have always wanted to be an architect, but I just let a few things get in my path and thought I would try being an interior designer for a little while first.  Working at my first job, making the saddest wage a professional with a bachelor's degree should ever make, doing work that was more than often boring and not really gaining much knowledge of design or being inspired at all, I found myself looking up architecture schools in LA.  I ended up applying to UCLA, USC, and SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture.)  About a month ago I found out I was accepted to SCI-Arc, but it seemed I would not be getting any financial help.  Well, $36,000 a year for 3.5 years (meaning taking 52,000 in loans a year to barely cover tuition and living expenses) was not going to be possible.  I was holding out for more affordable UCLA, until one Saturday at 4 am I awoke to a rejection email. That same day later in the afternoon I received a congratulations email from the Director of Admissions at SCI-Arc letting me know I was being offered a half scholarship, renewable each year upon academic success.

All of that said, I will be attending SCI-Arc to get my M.Arch 1 beginning this July.  I am pretty stoked and can't really think about too much else.  I told my boss and she is letting me stay until I start school.  Now I am taking a distance Physics course to finish off my pre-req's and then it will be all about architecture for the next 3.5 years.

I'm hoping to make time to keep up with this blog during that time.  At the very least I will post my projects on here.

Happy Easter!

Being the non-traditional people that we are, this was our Easter dinner.  Avocado enchiladas with corn.  To drink: Trader Jose's (a Trader Joe's brand of beer like Corona, only tastier and half the price.)  Happy Easter everyone!

The Recipe:

Avocado Enchiladas (makes 5 servings)

Sauce:

1 tsp oil

1 small yellow onion, finely diced

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tsp sugar

2 tbs cumin

1.5 tbsp dried oregeno

6 oz beer (1/2 can/bottle)

14 oz crushed or diced tomatoes

1/2 cup water

1 tbs balsamic vinegar

Filling:

4 ripe avocados

1/2 cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

1/2 onion, finely diced

juice from 1 lime

10 corn tortillas

enough shredded mozzarella or monterey jack cheese to top the enchiladas.

Heat oil in saucepan. Add onion and saute for 5 minutes.  Add garlic, sugar, cumin, oregano and saute another 2 minutes.  Add beer, tomatoes and water.  Simmer for 20 minutes.  Add vinegar.  Heat oven to 400 F.  Chop avocados and toss with cilantro and onion and lime juice.  Spread 1/2 cup of sauce on bottom of casserole.  Dip tortillas in remaining sauce.  Spoon 3 tablespoons filling into each.  Roll up and arrange, seam side down in casserole.  Pour remaining sauce over top of enchiladas and sprinkle with cheese.  Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.  Remove foil and bake 5 minutes longer.

Eclectic Cakes

Today is the grand opening of my new bakery, Eclectic Cakes!  Check out the cupcake tab up there ^ and place your orders!  The first person to order cupcakes or cake balls gets there first 1/2 dozen free.  That means if you order 12 cupcakes, you only pay $15 and if you order a dozen cake balls you only pay $5!!  I only ask that you tell everyone you know in LA about my delicious cupcakes!

Thanks!

Belated Beijing Trip

As I'm sure you all know, I took my first trip to the Orient a few weeks ago.  Sorry for taking so long to really talk about it, besides posting my disturbing picture of my back a few posts ago, then another disturbing photo of a garlic clove in someone's ear.

Well, I am fully back into the daily grind, but really wishing I were still on vacation.  China was a great experience, one I am glad to have a great friend who lives there and speaks the language, otherwise I don't know how we would have survived.  Especially me, being vegetarian.  I was a little naive going into China, thinking that most people would at least know some English.  This was not the case.  My friend Katie was around most of the time and her boyfriend (who is Chinese) spoke English well enough to help us as well.

My favorite things about Beijing:  Nan Luoguxiang, which Katie's boyfriend calls "rocker street" and literally knows everyone and every shop and bar in the area.  Tasting and buying tea at the East Market.  The guy we bought it from was so passionate about tea it was inspiring.  The Great Wall, especially the less touristy part that Katie took us to because after you hike up, you get to ride a tobaggon back down to the village below.  Overall the whole trip was really awesome and I'm glad to have friends in many places across the globe to share these experiences with.

Is that a garlic clove in your ear?

Why yes, yes it is.  I hate medicine.  Luckily I have a supreme immune system and rarely, if ever, get sick.  When I feel anything coming on, I drink loads of herbal tea and hot water, eat fruit, and stay away from dairy.  Yesterday at work I started feeling icky and I was out of tea.  When I got home my ear started hurting like a full sinus infection with ear ache was brewing.  I was not about to have that.  After a quick google search for homeopathic way to keep an earache from developing I discovered the healing power of garlic.  Seriously, I just peeled a clove, cut off the two sharp ends and stuck it in my ailing ear.  Within minutes I felt relief.  I left it in there for at least 30 minutes and massaged my lymphatic drainage massage for a few minutes.  Voila!  I wake up this morning still feeling a little stuffy, but no earache.  Check out this link here for more information.

My most unusual souvenir from Beijing

Yes, that is my back.  No, the Chinese government did not give me lashings as I went through customs.  Though it looks like something from The Passion, this is something that I paid to have done to me.  It's referred to as "gua sha" or skin scraping and it is a Chinese Medicinal practice that is supposed to remove disease and sickness from your body.  The red you see is not bruising, it's sub-cutaneous blemishing caused by the extravasation of blood from the peripheral capillaries.  

First she oiled my back and gave me a mini massage.  Then she proceeded to run her rock down the sides of my spine enough times to not really hurt, but to the point where I would tell myself, "If she does it one more time I'm saying 'ow!'"  Then she moved on to my other meridians, at least I guess that what she was doing since it's pretty symmetrical.

Danny and I just didn't do this with no knowledge of it, my friend has had it done multiple times before, and for the equivalent of $5 USD each, we had to give it a try.  I really felt light and mobile and awake after having it done.  Though I must say that it was uncomfortable during the process and it was sore like a bruise the next day on the flight home.

Would I do it again?  Only in China.

cake pops at Starbucks

Cupcakes are old news, the new things are cake pops.  The babies are popping up at local cupcakeries and online shops all over LA.  I have made some myself with left over frosting the "muffin" top of the cake, then you coat it in chocolate.  Anyways....  I am really proud of Starbucks being on top of the bakery trends by offering three flavors of cake pops.  I think today must have been the first day of it because I got one of the three flavors that were on display.  For you lucky people reading my blog, I will let you know that tomorrow through Saturday from 2-5 pm you get a free cake pop with any drink purchase.  You know me, I couldn't wait a day so I paid for mine and just finished it right now.  It was really good actually.  Super moist and really flavorful.  Bravo Starbucks.  There are three flavors: birthday cake (yum.), rocky road, and tiramisu.

Anyway, get yourself to your local participating Starbucks over the next few days from 2-5 for a free cake pop and find out how awesome they are!!