getting started

Today, I finally decided to start a blog. I know the biggest question is why? I dunno i just want to do one. I really wanted to start a diary of thoughts and designs i am working on. Just making it a way to track how i spend my time. So on this great day in Baltimore, right in the heart of Hampden (hampdonia as i call it) with all my typos and poor grammer I am doing it. 

This week i am doing something i really passively like to do, destruction and construction, and who doesn't. I am taking a week to finally rebuild my front counter area. I am still working on individualized transoms and a crazy metal and glass sink that i think i like so much that I am dragging my feet on. I have to say i really love seeing evolve. In the photo below you will see what it looks like today, i hope to work on it this week and start getting glass in it.

Last week i finished installing Corey's transom and another transom. Installed and out the door as i have been joking, i do not think this should become my slogan for my studio, i will have to work on that. In doing those i finished up this coffee table design i have been mulling over in my mind. It came out just as i envisioned it, i really love incorporating the wood and the metal with most of the color in the glass. I cannot wait to make the dining room table and the side table. Then it will be onto the benches and maybe even a couch. i have always wanted to make a couch, there is something about the complexity of making a couch that really intrigues me. Well till next week we will see what in the heck i get done and what i am up to then.

Artistic Lampost decorations. “Operation Lampost”

This collaborative project between the Merchants of Hampden and local artists grew out of a desire that local business owners had to contribute to the neighborhood during the holiday season.  The idea of winter decorations

came after meeting with local artist Steve Baker. These lamppost decorations would be designed and made by Hampden based artists and displayed on the Avenue through the holidays.  Hopefully, this ongoing project will continue and more decorations and ideas for further collaboration will grow.

      

Some of the artists involved this year are Renee Tatallino and Jim Pollack who both bring a sense of whimsy to discarded and usually abandoned items. 

Each artist approached the theme of winter in a way which unique and innovative. George Breme and his family utilized hi-tech construction materials and found objects to represent snow.  While some artists chose to create highly representational works around the theme, others approached it in a more abstract

 and personal way.

The lamppost decorations will be on view until the end of winter solstice in March. On the 5th of December the artists will be available to speak about their pieces from 6 to 8pm as part of the First Friday event in Hampden, they will start at Ma Petite Shoes and Chocolates and will be available for comments 6 to 6:30 pm. It will be a brilliant opportunity to bring the family to see this truly amazing display, shop, eat, and make merry.

A special Thank You to Porter, Chris and Al for helping install these, sometimes very bulky, lamppost decorations. 

Thank you to The Hampden Village Merchants Association, Eye Candy, Mick the Pirate, Red Tree and Inside Out Designs for supporting this effort. 

With Gratitude to the artists involved who are Brenda Carroll, Jim Pollock, Renee Tantillo, George Brehm and Family, Lauren Preller, Ian Hochberg and Steve Baker.