Driven to Abstraction

photo from the internet

I did a design workshop that allowed people to delve into their imaginations. Participants learned about abstract art and its roots in early civilizations, quilt making and abstract expressionism. We then used Scratchboard, a medium that allows for the removal of material in order to create spectacular pieces. The board is covered in clay that is removed with a pen that looks like a fountain pen which has a nib on it. The clay is literally scratched off of the posterboard under coating. It is a medium that has a great deal of potential.

From Abandoned To Beautiful The Stoney Island Art Bank

The Johnson Archive @ The Art Bank

I was honored to be given the opportunity to be part of Chicago's first Architectural Biennial. I led two lectures on Sustainable Architecture and Design and it was fabulous. My lectures of course had an artistic bent to them and people were allowed to design and even build models of their green creations.

I was given this opportunity by the fine people at The Stoney Island Art Bank. This is an initiative of Theaster Gates, an artist who believes strongly in revitalization. He started the Rebuild Foundation on Chicago's Southside. It is the foundation's goal to bring art and development to the area. Shows, lectures, movies and even classes are offered at the foundation's sites. Along with the Art Bank are: The Dorchester Project, Black Cinema House, Dorchester House + Community Art and The Listening House.

The foundation's development projects use found and reclaimed objects in order to build and the outcomes are beautiful. So if you find your self on the Southside head over to one or all of the venues. I promise they will inspire.

Japanese Modern

Look at these structures. Beautiful in their simplicity. I will be teaching a Sustainable Architecture course and was wondering what we could do with cardboard rolls and then I saw this. These structures remind me of rolls of cardboard or squished toilet paper even but they really are great. Nestled within the trees you can just imagine how quiet it is in this area. These buildings ooze elegance. the gentle slope of the wooden stairs, the tall windows and wide open spaces within are all features that make one wish this was their home. There is a balance within this setting that allows one to explore both soft and hardscapes. Imagine how much could be created in this setting of whites, browns and greens.

Urban Echo: Sustainability Think Tank

At the Urban Echo Sustainability Think Tank we have been looking at sources of inspiration. One of the areas we are looking into is the art of innovation and design. We found a great video on HULU called Billions in Change. Leading the way to developing for those in need Manoj Bhargava (creator of 5 Hour Energy) and his small team of designers, developers and tinkers are looking to change the world. No area of study is out of their reach. They look to bring electricity to those in darkness, health to those in need of it and water to those who thirst. Though a bit daunting(few people have the bucks they have to bring their designs to fruition), this video is a must see.

Sustainable Archtitecture and Design

Look at this structure. They put the nature right within the building itself. The idea of placing a park right in the midst of an urban setting places this concept on another level.



Small spaces are the rave right now. Their size alone make them incredbly green. They take less energy, less build material and can be placed in small areas.

Some do's:
These are some ideas that really make a difference in design and the feel of a sustainable home.



Heating and cooling are huge parts of sustainable design. Now that fuel is no longer as cheap as it used to be, builders must look to consciously build in ways that conserve energy.Window placement, landscaping wall thickness and building materials make a difference.

The 606 Bridges Communities

Chicago is at it again. The 606 is one of its newest undertaking and it bridges neighborhoods for miles. At one end there is a spiral that marks the solstices. The trail, built on a former train tracks undulates it way through the city. It was the goal of the design team to reuse as much of the materials they could in order to build sustainably.

West of downtown, in a neighborhood that was already walk-able the 606 give people the opportunity to sit, linger and enjoy the space in which they live. The 606's neighborhood is densely populated so it allows for a place to slow oneself, it is a place to breathe.


The greenspace allows for walking, biking, running or just sitting in nature. It is a wonderful addition to the city.

Designing for Children

The most fun and my greatest passion is designing toys and books for kids. It amazes me how much we can use our imaginations in this endeavor. You can literally go anywhere your creativity will take you and try to see if what you imagine is doable. This, to me is living. I have been on this journey towards creating which has brought my to the realization that making up crazy words and crazy looking characters makes me smile and make me extremely happy.

Here are some examples of works I have created or am in the midst of bringing into the world.

Monsters in a Box! Love it!
Stick Puppets

Stories: Said The Fig Tree To The Stream

Creating for kids afford the most use of one's imagination. It really is the best.