george nelson

model of the american national exhibition

We have brainwashed ourselves into equating the new with the good, and the newest with the best, and the only remaining holes in the synthetic padding wrapped around our uneasy convictions are those intermittent fits of modernistic anxiety, so often expressed in nostalgic fads.     -George Nelson

A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of visiting the George Nelson Exhibit at the Bellevue Arts Museum.  Though Mr. Nelson may be most known for his contribution of the coconut chair,  quirky timepieces, and Herman Miller print collateral, I think I was most inspired by his simple observations--of social trends, national perspective, and personal contribution.

gray

olympic sculpture park

Today on the daily made: moody snapshots.

Took a walk through the winter mist this afternoon--through the Sculpture Park, along the Sound. Soaking in the Seattle gray before I head east tomorrow morning.

Listening to Girl from the North Country on repeat and hoping for a bit of sunshine.

l'hiver

As promised, a mid-winter mixtape.

Leaving Home / Yo La Tengo
Midnight City / M83
Once in a Lifetime / Talking Heads
Sleep the Clock Around / Belle and Sebastian
I Married Myself / Sparks
The Way It Goes / Gillian Welch
Lay In a Shimmer / Pantha du Prince
Tusk / Fleetwood Mac
Where Do You Go To (My Lovely) / Peter Sarstedt
Golden Hours / Brian Eno
Speaking in Tongues (featuring David Byrne) / Arcade Fire
Apple Bed / Sparklehorse
Mama, You Been On My Mind / Jeff Buckley
Suzanne / Leonard Cohen
La Terre Tremblante / Marco Beltrami
Good Vibrations / The Beach Boys

Stay warm.

déja vu

blues and grays from my window

As I sat by my window this morning, catching up with my sister (the inspired mind behind glimmerglimpse), I experienced the familiar phenomenon of déja vu. Below, a snippet from the conversation.

h: Ah, this is déja vu--right down to the lady walking down the alley in the long purple coat and pink hat.
m: Wow, really? You know what déja vu is, right?
h: Yes. My mind is playing tricks on me.
m: What?
h: My mind is playing tricks on me--making me feel like I've been here before.
m: No! It's a sign that you're on the right path. That you're exactly where you should be.
h: Oh. I like that.

I do like her version much better than mine. Especially at such a transitional period in my life, it's nice to believe that I am exactly where I should be. Even if that is without steady work, confused about the future, and feeling particularly impulsive about life decisions.

So, thanks to M.

Mid-winter playlist to follow.

simple snacking

homemade hummus

2 cups cooked garbanzo beans
3 tablespoons tahini
3 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil

Blend until creamy. Garnish with olive oil, chopped parsley, and a dash of paprika.

winter in the west

snowshoes, seattle

I've been extremely distracted by the weather.

wishlist

blender
brita
loveseat
pre-fab cabin in the woods
wallet
new shoes in red, black, and brown
new uniforms in black and tans
new apartment
car
travel plans
speakers for the kitchen
wok
inn
trip to coastal maine or nantucket
self control
motivation

january

month one, january

Printed prototype for month one of the new twenty-twelve calendar. Astoria color-wash print (available soon in Artshop) with plenty of space to fill in holidays, birthdays, and personal notes.

project one

snowflakes and blackbirds, from my window

There is still snow on the ground, light flurries in the air. The streets are quiet. Seattle seems to shut down when the snow falls.

What's the plan for the daily made? First a late morning coffee, then snow-shoeing to downtown for lunch. Order packaging for HANDSworkshop, and finally today's project: a twenty-twelve calendar. Sixteen days into the calendar year, I am determined to replace the outdated December hanging on my wall.

hello

Welcome to the new home of the daily made.