Multifunctional Wallpaper

Buzz Beast Website: Kicki Edgren Nyborg.

Cool digs from Swedish designer Kicki Edgren Nyborg. You can insert invisible shelving for books and lamps with the wallpaper! Not only do the colors add to the room, but you can reduce the amount of furniture!

Incandescent Lamps

Buzz Beast Website: Sergio Silva, Oyule.

Taking another look at Buzz Beast for a work by Sergio Silva titled, "Oyule." When I clicked on this link, the images just blew my mind. What an awesome concept to use light bulbs for their purpose--even if the light bulb goes dull. This work features parrafin oil and a wick within glass light bulbs. Just light a flame and Thomas Edison would be proud.

A Toy Bedtime Story

Buzz Beast Website: Ryan McElhinney, Toy Lamp.

 Buzz Beast Website: Ryan McElhinney, Toy Lamp. Close-up of work.

Awesome link on Buzz Beast for an artist who made lamps featuring a base made with various childhood toys. The toys are adhered together and lacquered in either gold, white, black or bronze. Reminds me of some pieces from an art student we met during the JMU/GMU Exchange show a couple years back. She made bowls with epoxy-glued plastic army men and board game pieces. A great way to reuse what we already have...childhood memories and physical remnants. Great Website too for other works. Enjoy!

"The Gates," by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, February '05

Large, billowing fabrics flutter above my head. I lift my feet up to reach the clementine-colored cloth. As the cloth reveals its texture, I gasp in child-like exhilaration. My eyes light up as I view miles of curtains flowing throughout the foliage. This is breathtaking.

Those words express everything I felt in February 2005 when I viewed “The Gates” by Christo and Jeanne-Claude in New York’s Central Park. Each time I remember that day, I am struck with joy and appreciation for having the opportunity to do so.

At the time, I was a sophomore studying management and I had taken an art class on a whim and to fulfill my fine arts requirement for my degree. Who knew that this experience would add to a life-changing decision? Our professor recommended that all the students take one of the three art field trips during the semester to NYC. By the first trip, I knew that I only had a couple days left until the city removed the work. Christo and Jeanne-Claude intended viewers to quickly view the work within 15 days rather than provide a permanent or longer-lasting piece. Luckily, I was one of thousands to experience their work, and I knew this would be my closest chance.

After researching numerous Websites, I understood that these environmental works took decades to come to fruition. The artists must go back and forth with the city and country to earn approval for the works, provide procedures for set-up and removal, and document their intention for the viewers. I’ll consider myself extremely lucky if I ever view another installation by them again.

On 18 November 2009, I learned that Jeanne-Claude, wife of artist Christo, passed away. She was 74; the same age as Christo because both were coincidentally born on the same exact date. Christo promises to continue their work and to display them in other parts of the world, including the United Arab Emirates. Although Jeanne-Claude is gone, I remain inspired by their work. Thank you.