Having recently joined a pottery studio and working with clay, there is always an element of the unexpected. I’ve explored unforeseen creative events, capturing ‘happy accidents’—highlighting imperfections. This has led me to examine artistic philosophies, creative guidelines and influences in the pursuit of perfect imperfection. So, how do we encourage happy accidents? Here are four guidelines from highly respected artists whose advice has withstood the test of time.
Read MoreWe bid you, ADU!
Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU for short, can be a great addition to your property. There are two variations: attached (ADU) and detached (DADU) and both offer many benefits to the owner. To inspire you for your own DADU, above is an SZ fly-thru rendering, featuring a SIRE (Structurally Insulated Rammed Earth) wall.
Read MoreWhat is Design-Build?
So, you’ve decided to build a house and you’ve found an Architect that has created a design vision so lovely that it will see you into your old age (or young age, where ever you may be in life). Now what? Do you go out and search for a General Contractor (GC) to bring that vision to reality, or did you hire an Architect that is also a GC? That is the difference between Design-Build (D/B) and Design-Bid-Build (D/B/B). If you chose the former, then you will need to obtain multiple bids from GCs, choose one, and have them go back and forth with your Architect to align on project scope, budget & constructability.
Read MoreFirst Friday Art & Wine: Lucia Neagu - Self-Realized.
By Keith Imper, Mercer Island
The next artist in line to be featured at the Suzanne Zahr Gallery through the months of October and November is local painter Lucia Neagu (Nay-a-Goo). Ms. Neagu, a Mercer Islander, makes her residence in one of the condos behind New Seasons, which she states, “is convenient for a person my age.” However, the one problem with that statement is the 82 years-young artist hailing from Romania acts more like a 22-year-old as she bursts up her stairs with verve and vigor, making me think twice about my own health.
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