Noteworthy | All New 5

Barbara Ruffini 

Noteworthy

Curating Art, Film, Architecture, Music, Food, and Literature in an effort to bring a bit of unexpected joy to one's day.

Arthur

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 Draped | Design

Andrés Reisinger loves pink. His homage to the whimsical hue manifests in a series of digital artworks titled 'Take Over' that reimagine major cities with tactile, bouncy, fluffy — and at times hairy — flosses draping over historic architecture. The fabrics are rendered in hyperrealistic detail, making it difficult to tell whether the images are real or digital.

See it all here

 Hot List | Eats

Condé Nast Traveller has released its annual Hot List, which highlights the best new restaurants in the world. 

The list includes restaurants from all over the globe, from New York City to Tokyo to Lima, with a focus on places that are pushing the boundaries of cuisine and creating truly memorable dining experiences. 

Good eats here

 Carbonized | Architecture

Shou sugi ban or yakisugi, also known as carbonized wood, has been used in Japanese architecture for centuries. The wood preservation technique involves charring the surface of the wood with fire. This process, first used in the Edo period (1603-1867), creates a hard, dark finish resistant to rot, decay, and insects. 

Though rooted in Japanese tradition, carbonized wood is increasingly being used in modern architecture around the world, due to its unique beauty and environmental benefits.

More here

 Sky Gazing | Sculpture

British artist Peter Newman has created a new sculpture called Skystation. As an object to be both observed and used, its contours, modeled after the human body, encourage people to stop, recline, and gaze up at the sky in a moment of reflection. 

The sculpture encourages conversation, contemplation of the sky above, and enjoyment of the architecture of Canary Wharf that frames it.

More

 3D Printed | Play

Wilson has created a basketball that does not need to be inflated or fear being deflated. The basketball is made from a 3D-printed elastomeric polymer and is designed to be more durable and long-lasting than traditional basketballs.

I am sure there is still some work to be done and it may not meet expectations, but you have to admit, it does look pretty cool.

See it here

 Sea Going | Architecture

Some of the world's most famous architects have turned their talents to designing superyachts, creating luxurious and innovative vessels that are both works of art and feats of engineering.

Info here

 "Feeling Good" 1965 | Listen

Recorded by Nina Simone for her album "I Put A Spell On You", "Feeling Good" is a raw anthem of self-affirmation, determination, overcoming adversity and finding joy in the simple things of life.

And let's not forget the horns that kick in at the 40-second mark.

Take a listen and let me know what you think.

Listen here

 Jump In! | Design

Are the coolest pools the ones that offer the best respite on days when you feel that you’re about to overheat, or the ones that make the best use of creative and innovative design? While you could argue it either way, with these stunning creations, you won’t have to choose. Located across the world, these unique dips are sure to impress both the swimmer and the design aficionado. Even better, there’s more than one world record holder on this list—from the deepest pool to the tallest outdoor one—making them that much more alluring.

More here

 O'Keeffe On Paper | Art

Presenting more than 120 rarely-seen works on paper that demonstrate how O'Keeffe used charcoal, watercolor, pastel, and graphite to revisit and riff on organic forms. It is the first museum show to explore O’Keeffe’s serial process and—somewhat incredibly—the first exhibition devoted to her at MoMA since 1946.

“To see takes time,” Georgia O’Keeffe once wrote. Best known for her flower paintings, O’Keeffe (1887–1986) also made extraordinary series of works on paper. Reuniting works that are often seen individually, with key paintings, MoMA offers a rare glimpse into the artist’s working methods and invites us to take time to look.

See it here

 Barn Find | Design

A treasure trove of 230 classic cars was recently been uncovered in the Netherlands in what’s being hailed as the greatest "barn find" in automotive history. The extraordinary collection, amassed over the course of four decades by Dutch connoisseur Ad Palmen, went under the gavel earlier this month. 

The selection of rare models showcases Palmen’s impeccable taste, with cars hailing from Italy, France, Germany, the U.K., and the United States. Featured makes include Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Ferrari, Lancia, Facel Vega, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Ford.

The vast single-owner collection is regarded as one of the most exclusive and well-preserved of its kind in Europe. Highlighted models include a Lancia Aurelia Spider, Alfa Romeo 2600 SZ, Ferrari 400 Automatic i, Jaguar XJ-S 4.0 Convertible, and a Mercedes-Benz 300S Roadster.

Details here

 Sliced Barn | Architecture

Sometimes it’s the seemingly simple interventions that make the biggest impact. This is certainly the case for ‘Secret Sky’ by Catie Newell of Alibi Studio. Together with a team of specialists and volunteers, Newell has cut a triangular-shaped slice out of an existing wooden barn in Hume, Michigan. Set against the rural Midwestern landscape, the precise incision allows the sky to enter and permeate the building and makes the façade appear like a 2D frame.

Newell‘s design is just as impressive at night with the soft light from the inside turning the building into a large, glowing lantern.

See more here

 King Pleasure | Art

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s contributions to the history of art and his explorations of multifaceted cultural phenomena - including music, the Black experience, pop culture, Black American sports figures, literature, and other sources - will be showcased through immersive environments providing a unique insight into the late artist’s creative life and his singular voice that propelled a social and cultural narrative that continues to this day.

This exhibition of over 200 never-before-seen and rarely shown paintings, drawings, multimedia presentations, ephemera, and artifacts tell the story of Jean-Michel from an intimate perspective, intertwining his artistic endeavors with his personal life, influences, and the times in which he lived.

We should go to DTLA and see this one for ourselves.

Details here

 "Mad About You" 2000 | Deeper

When the Belgian group Hooverphonic released their 3rd album "Magnificent Tree", we played it on repeat for days on end, with the song "Mad About You" quickly rising to the top of the list.

For some reason 23 years later "Mad About You" showed up on Youtube and I was reminded of its haunting beauty, The fact you can see the orchestra accompanying the band only serves to further illuminate the layers of bass, strings, horns, and guitar. And don't forget Arnaert's voice.

Take a listen and a look, and let me know what you think.

Enjoy here

Marfa! | Wanderlust

I have been intrigued with Marfa for nearly three decades, but I'm not sure where my fascination with this West Texas town began. Was it the movie "Giant," the border patrol blimps, or perhaps the mysterious Marfa Lights? While all of these elements may have contributed, it was really Donald Judd's passion for and commitment to the area that sealed it.

I've often thought about making the long drive to Marfa to attend the annual Chinati Foundation Community Days celebration, which has honestly been marked on my calendar for over 20 years.

But what really has me thinking it is time to visit is the soon-to-be "printed" rooms at El Cosmico Hotel. While 3D-printed buildings have yet to fully take off, the hotel's plans to leverage the printing process and build organic shapes is a game changer. 

They are even using sand from the site to tint the concrete material, helping the buildings blend in seamlessly with the surrounding desert landscape. 

Have you been to Marfa?

Shall we go?

Courtesy of Architectural Digest

 Monet’s Water Lilies Using 650,000 LEGO Bricks | Art

Renowned artist Ai Weiwei's latest work "Making Sense," is on display at The Design Museum in London. The exhibition includes a massive Lego recreation of Claude Monet's famous Water Lilies paintings, where he explores themes of perception, nature, and art through technology and mass production.

Other highlights include dozens of objects and artworks from Ai Weiwei’s career that explore the tensions between past and present, hand and machine, precious and worthless, and construction and destruction, such as his priceless Han dynasty urn emblazoned with a Coca-Cola logo, which epitomizes these clashes. 

Read and see more here

An interview with Weiwei courtesy of Christie's

 Desert X 2023 | Sculpture

Desert X, a biennial outdoor art exhibit spread across California’s Coachella Valley, now decorates the desert landscape with a series of sculptural works and site-specific installations. 

Created by multiple artists from diverse backgrounds, the installations draw on a range of concepts, including childhood dreams, science fiction characters, conspiracy theorists, and cowboy culture, to present a sculptural spectacle that opens up new ways of looking at the arid setting. 

The collection of works includes a sculpture made of ‘sleeping’ containers, an old car taken over by otherworldly creatures, clusters of silver balloons flying in the sky, as well as a giant board game base embedded in a desert field.

Nice weather these days and closer than Marfa for most :)

See more here

 "Old Man" 1972 | Deeper

There is no question we are all busy. Firing on all cylinders through the day gives us little time to sit back, focus on something beyond the next task at hand, take a breath, and relax. 

Listening to music has always been a great short escape for me and lately, I have found even more pleasure and dare I say space, listening deeper.

So give it a try. Yes, you have heard Neil Young sing this before, but this time give it a real listen and find the underlying layers that make this song great. Things like the drums dropping 30 seconds in, James Taylor playing banjo at the 1:13 mark, and the slide guitar that follows. And how about that deep bass pulling everything along?

 Even better, you can find these moments in any song, providing you a chance to get reacquainted with the music you love while taking a well-deserved break.

Listen here

 Penumbra | Photography

Australian artist Ian Strange utilizes dramatic single-source lighting to create a play of light and shadow, which illuminated and obscured several homes in suburban Cincinnati. 

The first work titled 'Ley Avenue' created a massive shadow of a home across the street and the surrounding neighborhood. The second work titled 'Walnut Street' transformed a residence into a striking white silhouette of light, by wrapping the entire structure with a light-reflective material commonly found on street signs.

See more here

Turrell | Light

Some time ago I was invited to a party near the Santa Monica end of Sunset Blvd. The homeowners had an incredible collection of contemporary art that they kept in a separate building on their property. Their own private museum. They had some wonderful pieces too, but to be honest, I do not remember a single one... 

Why, you ask? Well, they also had a third building. A round structure perched on the hillside above their home. This building was designed and built by James Turell and I remain enamored with it to this day. I have seen my share of "somethings" over the years and this was "really something".

The Hardanger Skyspace in Norway was also designed by renowned artist James Turrell and it is another breathtaking work of art that offers visitors the same unique and immersive experience I had in Santa Monica. 

The Skyspace features an oculus that seamlessly frames the sky, creating endless lightscapes that change with the time of day and weather.

The interior of the space is designed to be minimalist, with simple white benches and walls that allow the sky to be the star of the show. Turrell also integrates unseen LED lights that evenly bathe the interior with colors that best set off the sky beyond. Visitors can comfortably sit back on the benches and gaze up at the sky, losing themselves in the endless sea of colors and moods that the Skyspace frames. 

Turrell's vision is awe-inspiring, blending art, architecture, and nature into an unforgettable experience.

Read more here

And if that is not enough, 
we should really talk about Turrell's Roden Crater

 Let's Move a 12-ton 
Bridge By Hand | Marvel

There are seemingly only so many ways a bridge can move: pivot upwards like the flippers of a pinball machine, swing open horizontally like a set of French doors, or lift up like an elevator. 

Now, there’s another way, and it solves some age-old problems. It comes in the form of a new, one-of-a-kind footbridge that rolls like a 12-ton bale of hay and can be moved with human strength alone.

Read more here

See more here

Ceramicist to the MICHELIN Stars
| Beautiful Things

It’s a gray winter’s day in Union City, New Jersey, but inside Jono Pandolfi’s studio in the former Yardley Soap Factory with windows framing postcard views of Manhattan, it feels light and airy. 

The studio hums with activity. In one area, three women jigger clay that will become their signature bowls, while a man who previously rolled pizza dough in a nearby factory works the rollers. Other rooms are equally busy, with glazing, sorting, packing, and shipping. 

This hive of activity is the antitheses of the “starving artist” trope and there’s one reason why: Jono Pandolfi’s ceramics grace the tables of the hottest and best restaurants across the United States.

Love this story!

Read more here

Tony, Who? | Design

Take a tour of Robert Downey Jr.'s futuristic Malibu home, built using a technique called "Binishell" that creates concrete domes with the help of massive air-filled bladders. 

With stunning ocean views and an eco-friendly design, this living sculpture is something to see. Downey shares his love for the unique abode and provides insight into the building process. 

And, as if that wasn't enough, learn how the Binishell method just might change the way we build homes in the future. 

It's an article that'll make you say, "Tony Stark, who?"

Courtesy of the NY Times

Kapoor | Sculpture

For fans of artist Anish Kapoor, there's exciting news - a new version of his iconic Cloud Gate sculpture has been installed in Manhattan. 

While the original "Bean" sculpture in Chicago stands freely in Millennium Park, this newly installed work has been cleverly wedged at the base of Herzog & de Meuron's beautiful 56 Leonard residential building in TriBeCa. 

Kapoor's sculpture, with its reflective surface and curvaceous form, will certainly captivate passersby and provide an additional dose of delight to the heart of the city. 

A great confluence of architecture and art.

See more here
and here

Architecture + Autos | AI

The impact of world-renowned architects on our built environment is undeniable, with their distinctive styles leaving a lasting impression on the landscape. 

But have you ever imagined what it would be like if these architects applied their unique design aesthetics to creating vehicles? This is the thought-provoking question that the design team of Moss and Fog explore through their use of Midjourney, generating intriguing and futuristic AI-generated cars that embody the signature styles of famous architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Santiago Calatrava, and Zaha Hadid. 

The resulting designs are surreal and captivating, offering a fresh perspective on the intersection of architecture and transportation.

Much more interesting than another article about Chat-GPT, right?

See more here

Banksy | Art

In the Ukrainian town of Borodyanka, a powerful message has been immortalized through a striking mural painted by the British artist Banksy. The artwork portrays a young boy triumphing over an older man in a judo match, an image that is widely interpreted as a symbolic victory over Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is renowned for his black belt expertise in the sport. 

Banksy's mural, which was painted on a demolished wall during a secret trip to Ukraine, has captured the attention of the world and is now being honored with a Ukrainian postage stamp on the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion. 

This powerful work serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people, as well as the enduring power of art to convey messages of hope and defiance in the face of adversity.

Read more here

Toroidal | Design

Since its invention by Archimedes in 200 BC, the propeller has remained largely unchanged for over a century. However, in recent years, several teams have been exploring new iterations of this age-old technology.

One of the most exciting developments in this field has come from the MIT Lincoln Laboratory and US-based Sharrow Marine, which addresses two of the biggest challenges facing traditional rotors - their noisy operation and inefficient use of energy - by developing twisted, toroid-shaped propellers. These innovative designs dramatically reduce noise while maximizing performance, without any energy waste.

Beautiful and geeky at the same time.

More here

Nancy Rubins | Sculpture

Take a video journey into the creative world of Nancy Rubins, where she shares insights into her artistic process and the themes that inspire her sculptures and drawings. 

Her works reflect a deep interest in space, depth, and the passage of time, and she is renowned for her remarkable ability to connect and suspend pieces in complex structural arrangements. The sheer skill and innovation required for such intricate designs are awe-inspiring. This talk offers rare insight into the thoughts of an artistic visionary. 

Not be missed, I say.

Watch the video here

Eggleston's Lovely Nostalgia | Art

So many wonderful things converge when it comes to William Eggleston's photographs and the collection of until now unseen works at David Zwirner NYC (until December 17th) is further proof of his talent and vision. 

There is undoubtedly the composition, the density of color, and the sense of discovery, but I must ask does nostalgia work into it? 

Do we love his work more because we no longer see the cars, the clothes, or the roadside attractions he captured? 

What do you think?

Courtesy of DesignBoom
 and David Zwirner Gallery

Andor World Building | Film

According to Andor Creator Tony Gilroy, “There’s a process of climbing into the aesthetics of any project, big or small,” 

Sometimes, it starts with movie references. Other times, it’s a mood board with photographs, sketches, and color palettes. Yet, when it came to Andor, the Star Wars series which just aired its season's final episode, it went well beyond either of these.

“It was pretty clear that we were going to have to design, but I don’t think I realized we were going to have to design absolutely everything,” Gilroy says. “I never realized before how intrinsically design could be enmeshed with narrative and storytelling.”

Film nerdy, yes, but good stuff!

Courtesy of Fast Company

Land Bridge | Nature

Houston is cloaking a six-lane highway with a 'land bridge' prairie for wildlife and the community.

Houston’s largest urban wilderness and recreation park, is nearing the completion of its transformational Land Bridge and Prairie project. The nearly 100-acre project reconnects the north and south halves of the park by providing safe pedestrian passage over busy Memorial Drive.

Even better, the newly created prairie re-establishes endangered native Gulf Coast prairie as well as savanna, wetlands, and reforested areas to promote regional biodiversity and strengthen surrounding ecologies.

A great confluence of nature and design.

See more here

Light Architecture

Using illuminated drones to ‘rebuild’ the Sagrada Familia, the Colosseum, and other landmarks.

A pair of Dutch artists create real-life, life-size visualizations of famous architectural landmarks as if they were restored and future projects as if they were completed. 

Super cool.

Courtesy of ArtNet

The Comfort of Uta Barth | Art

"The camera sort of teaches you to see in a really different way and to experience your environment in a different way, and to pay attention to the act of looking.” - Barth

Uta Barth's work impressed me from the first time I was introduced to it by family friends Nancy and Judy, and I have not so secretly coveted her pieces ever since.

There is something extraordinary in the way Barth "teaches" us to see things differently through her work and the Getty Center retrospective tracing Barth’s career from her early experimentations as a student at UCLA to her most recent work is the perfect place to get to know her.

Courtesy of The Getty Center
Listen to Barth here

Torqued Ellipses and Bach | Listen

Their size, precision, weightlessness, warm velvety light-absorbing patina, reflectivity of sound, and an overwhelming dose of "how could one possibly fabricate this?" is awe-inspiring. 

I only wish I could have witnessed Cellist Mario Brunello perform Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major: Prelude in the midst of Serra's sculpture Transmitter in person.

Look and listen here

See this one below for yourself at LACMA

OCMA | See

Over the years there have been some amazing shows presented at the Orange County Museum of Art. In particular Charles Ray, Chris Burden's A Tale of Two Cities, and Richard Diebenkorn's Ocean Park Series all come to mind.

With the new Morphosis-designed museum complete, I am looking forward to everything that comes next.

And did I mention it is free for the next 10 years?

Here's a deep dive into the Architecture with DesignBoom 
and Artnet

and OCMA here

Ground Breaking | Read

"On the first night, 21 Rolls-Royces jammed into the restaurant’s tiny parking lot off the Sunset Strip. The dining room — painted pale pink and beige with a wood beam ceiling and bursts of flowers throughout — held 40 tables, and all were packed. At one point the crush of diners became so intense cooks began handing out wood-fired pizzas to the crowds gathered around the open kitchen, who had grown ravenous after rounds of free Champagne."

For a tremendous take on Spago and Puck's lasting impact on nearly every restaurant of import that followed, read on.

How Spago Changed Everything

Simply Because | Ride

Yes, the prose in the article below is a bit dry and technical, but the photos more than make up for it.

Check out this 1962 Volkswagen Type 2 Double Cab Transporter

Like A Rolling Stone | Read

Jan Wenner is considered to be one of the greatest editors of our time.

So it should come as no surprise, his memoir "Like A Rolling Stone" is something special. In it, he walks us through the creation of Rolling Stone magazine and all that follows. 

With literary luminaries like Hunter S. Thompson and Tom Wolfe on the payroll, interviews with the kings and queens of rock and roll, and a healthy dose of politics and culture, how could this memoir go wrong?

 Audible has a free clip to listen here

New York Times review here

Zaha Hadid | Architecture

To say architect Zaha Hadid was a force of nature is an understatement. Zaha Hadid Architects driven by Hadid's vision despite her passing in 20216 continues to push architecture well beyond the expected, something that speaks to her vision and her legacy.

The Dezeen article is a touch clinical, but the images more than makeup for it. 

Amazeballs!

 Courtesy of Dezeen

with more Hadid buildings here

How Moroccan Mint Tea and ‘Dagger Brushes’ Fuel Wild and Whimsical Drawings | Art

Fifteen years ago, I was introduced to Marcel Dzama at Richard Heller's Gallery in Santa Monica and I was all in from there. 

Maybe it was the playful tone of this watercolor of kids on pogo sticks, maybe it was the fact Dzama had used root beer to get the shorts just the right color brown, but mostly it was the sidelong glance one pogo kid was giving to the lizard masked kid (it is a mask, right?) next to him. 

Quietly worried, that pogo kid looks.

After all these years, it is good to see Dzama continuing to do great work. Read the interview, check out his Subway Station murals and let me know what you think.

 Interview courtesy of Artnet

and Brooklyn Subway Station murals here

Ferrari's First SUV | Design

They say, Enzo Ferrari, vowed never to produce a four-door car.

However, with 80% of cars sold in the US being trucks and SUVs, Ferrari has recently decided to jump into the market and has released its first four-door, four-seat, four-wheel-drive vehicle. And even though it doesn’t call it an SUV, that’s exactly what the $400,000 (estimated base price) 717-horsepower, V12, Purosangue is.

 Courtesy of Architectural Digest

The Midcentury Motel Where A Certain Someone Wrote Their Greatest Album | Music

There’s something special about room 13 at Hotel June Malibu, a small boutique hotel tucked along Pacific Coast Highway in Point Dume. Though it’s the most popular room at the property, some can’t quite put their finger on why— it’s been described as having a specific energy, as a quiet, private hideaway.

Courtesy of Architectural Digest

Design Was Alive And Well At Burning Man

Once again, Burners gathered at the collection of camps referred to as Black Rock City. With the goal of leaving no trace behind, they brought in material, built, and days later deconstructed their installations.

Are you curious about what they created in the middle of nowhere? Here is some of their best stuff.

Courtesy of Dezeen

Meow Wolf Denver | Experience

Meow Wolf has collaborated with 300 artists to create a series of immersive installations made from mostly salvaged material for its new Shears Adkins Rockmore Architects-designed venue in Denver.

Known for its artfully crafted experience space in New Mexico, Meow Wolf has expanded its reach by opening the Convergence Station venue in a narrow gap between three viaducts (the location and building are cool unto themselves) near downtown Denver.

As someone who has been, I highly recommend checking out Meow Wolf if you have the chance. Any expectations you might have based on images or videos will be blown away. This is something quite amazing.

More here

Flight Deals To Inspire Your Next Big Adventure | Wanderlust

I'm not going to sugarcoat it - this year’s summer travel scene, complete with lengthy airport lines and ongoing flight disruptions, wasn’t exactly motivating. But as we transition into fall, with its cooler, more comfortable temps and reduced crowds, the international travel some of us may have held off on during a chaotic first half of the year is suddenly feeling a lot more enticing again. Even better, fall is often a great time to score a great flight deal.

Read on, courtesy of Afar

Architecture + AI

Yes, we have "talked" about this before, but the AI space is moving fast, so hold on.

With just a few words, stunning visual worlds can be conjured from the ether. Through the fast-evolving genre of artificial intelligence known as text-to-image generation, new tools have opened up the doors to a cornucopia of visual creations.

Among those field testing these tools are architects and designers. Some are beginning to use them as powerful new avenues for visualizing early-stage concepts, testing out approaches to projects in the works, and even giving their non-designer clients a way to play a more active role in the design process.

Courtesy of Fast Company and Arch Paper

50 Years In The Making | Art

It’s not hyperbole to say that Michael Heizer’s City is a work of art unlike any other.

Five ​​decades in the making, the Land Art pioneer’s magnum opus stretches for a mile and a half, like an abandoned alien complex in the desolate Nevada desert.

Groomed gravel paths give way to towering concrete shapes and massive mounds of earth. So primal and powerful are Heizer’s forms that they recall ancient structures—temples, pyramids, henges—more than they do modern industrial ones. The whole thing runs a mile and a half long and half a mile wide, making it among the largest artworks in the world—though few actually know where it is and even fewer have seen it in person.

Courtesy of The NY Times (a long read) and Artnet

First Take | Music

There is a show in Japan called First Take that challenges musicians to record a song in one take. No overdubs, no splicing in different passes, or second chances.

Harry Styles and his band are the only westerners who have ever been invited to perform on First Take and there is no denying this particular song and this particular take are something extraordinary.

Take a listen and let me know what you think.

Hear it here

The Next Level Of Off-Grid Living | Wanderlust

Luxury travel trailer company Bowlus recently launched ‘Volterra,’ an all-electric aluminum RV with new and improved features.

Equipped with an impressively higher battery and freshwater storage capacities, AeroSolar charging, a high-speed Starlink connection, and a limited-edition interior color scheme, this new home on wheels makes off-grid adventures that much easier.

See what $310,000 gets you here

Some Exceptional Art With Some Carneros Terroir Added For Good Measure

Founded in 2011, The Donum Collection is one of the largest accessible private sculpture collections in the world.

More than 50 monumental works, including open-air sculptures, are on The Donum Estate, with over a third of them being site-specific commissions. Thoughtfully placed throughout the 200-acre estate, each piece plays with scale, nature, and imagination.

And for a deeper dive into the inspirations behind artist Olafur Eliasson's candy-colored pavilion, above, you can start here.

Oaxaca's Number One! | Wanderlust

Oaxaca, Mexico, has always been one of my favorite cities. Between the food, the art, the architecture, the people, and the mezcal, it is hard to beat. So, it comes as no surprise that Travel + Leisure readers recently named it their No. 1 city, too.

If you are on the fence on this one, here's a rundown of the best places to eat and drink to make your decision easier.

The Great LA Art Rush

“If you are an artist and you’re trying to reach the whole world with your art, if it isn’t being seen in L.A., it’s not gonna happen,” says Pace CEO Marc Glimcher.

The Los Angeles gallery scene is seeing an influx of established New York art galleries moving into town as of late — 11 so far are here or on their way.

Read more

Jean Nouvel | Architecture

Here's a fascinating film documenting the work and travels of the Pritzker prize-winning French architect Jean Nouvel. It offers behind-the-scenes insights into several of Nouvel's much-anticipated projects, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and New York’s 53W53 skyscraper.

Good stuff.

See it here

Artificial Intelligence - Text Generated Images | Art (?)

formula one, forest, trees, heavy atmospheric, crash, debris, pacific northwest, decay, dark, rainy, accident, 8K

Imagine typing the string of words above, including an artists' name to drive the image's style and having a computer translate what you are describing, and then creating an image as above. 

These AI systems generate amazing images with clear and sometimes not-so-clear human input. Add to that the AI component is "learning" what makes a "good" image at every render and you now have a system that is making better images with every hour that passes.

And how about...

environment, mythical beast emerges from the sea, sailing ships, volumetric lighting, low key, sea monster, heavy atmosphere, J.M.M. Turner, Craig Mullins

There are several systems out there, but Mid Journey seems to be one of the better efforts available. Give it a try or join and sit on the sidelines, watching the feed fill up with some amazing AI-generated work. Many are far from perfect, particularly if you zoom in on them, but I find it fascinating the feeling many of these images invoke, despite their failures.

A word to the wise though, this one is a rabbit hole in both time and fun. If you do jump in, please let me know what you think.

See more images here

Read about it here

Ruminate on whether this is art here

Dylan 1 of 1 | Music

Bob Dylan just sold a new one-of-a-kind recording of his hit single “Blowin’ in the Wind” for $1.77 million at Christie’s London.

The song was recorded with producer “T-Bone” Burnett, who played electric guitar and piano on Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue tour in the mid-1970s. Burnett has developed a new analog audio format, dubbed Ionic Originals, and the unique Dylan single is the first ever made.

“Sixty years after Bob first wrote and recorded ‘Blowin’ In The Wind, he is giving us a new recording of his song; one that is both deeply relevant for our times and resonant with decades of the artist’s life and experience,” Burnett said.

The music, the analog recording, the new technology, the musicians, the moment in time, and the price all make for a compelling story.

More here

The $500m Smiley Face Business | Design

Nearly 50 years ago, one man ‘invented’ the modern smiley face. Then, another man halfway across the world made it into a multimillion-dollar cash cow.

The Smiley Company office in London, England, is a wonder to behold. Smiley paintings line the walls. Smiley push pillows adorn the couches. There are smiley backpacks, smiley t-shirts, smiley exercise balls, smiley toys, smiley chocolates, and even smiley chicken nuggets.

This simple icon — a yellow circle, two dots, a smile — retained relevancy through 50 years of cultural movements, from free love to raves to the digital revolution.

And in the process, it became a family-owned global licensing empire worth more than $500m per year.

Now that is something to smile about.

Read more here

Pool | Art

These shimmering blue bodies of water have provided a glittering canvas to some of our time's greatest artists, From Hockney to Dali and a few notables in between, you will not be disappointed. 

See them all here

Even better the Hockney pool is easily visited at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

LA's New 6th St. Viaduct | Architecture

Descend one of the pedestrian ramps of the 6th Street Viaduct and there is a point at which it boomerangs under the bridge’s deck, suspending you above the Boyle Heights flats a couple of dozen feet below. You’ll catch glimpses of rail yards and old warehouses drenched in graffiti. Hovering overhead is the underbelly of the bridge, a gentle concrete curve that evokes the ribbed carapace of some land-dwelling kaiju.

“I love this space,” says its architect Michael Maltzan. “This is like a huge civic hall.”

See more here

Glenstone's Serra Sculptures Recieve Their Own Building | Art

There is no question Richard Serra's work commands its space. Many of his pieces are so large that there are few museums that are able to present them well. Dia Beacon and the Guggenheim Bilbao have done a tremendous job of this and I am excited to see what Glenstone has built specifically for its collection of Serra sculptures.

Read more here

Corten Steel Connection | Architecture

If the Serra sculptures above get you thinking about the velvety texture and deep color of corten steel, you will appreciate the soft curve-shaped steel volume that was created to connect two historic buildings at The Refugee Museum of Denmark.

And if you like the looks of the exterior, you will love the interior.

See more here

Fireflies | Wonder

Landscape photographer Daniel Kordan traveled to Japan to capture one of nature’s most magical spectacles — fireflies’ mating season. The short photo series displays an enchanting light show where the beetle’s love efforts are translated into flashes of light.

See them here

The Hotel Belvedere | Film

(Sorry, but we might get a little film nerdy on this one.)

Built in 1882, this lone hotel sits on a hairpin turn on Switzerland’s Furka Pass. Surrounded by mountains, it has green shutters that open from six narrow windows, and red letters that spell
H-O-T-E-L across the front. It looks lonely, slightly out of place, like it was summoned into being by someone who needed somewhere to stay for one night. It looks, in other words, like it belongs in a Wes Anderson film.

At least that’s what Wally Koval thought when he posted it in June 2017, the first picture on his new Instagram account: @accidentallywesanderson. Three years, 1 million followers, and 1,200 photos later, Koval is publishing a book with the same name. Accidentally Wes Anderson features photos from all seven continents taken by photographers around the world who have captured strange, beautiful, and compelling locations that evoke the famous director’s aesthetic.

While unaffiliated with the project, Anderson himself wrote the foreword of the book. How cool is that?

Get the whole skinny on Koval's work here

And now the nerdy part - Besides the subject matter, there are key factors that make Koval's images ripe for Anderson, with symmetry and composition being the biggest contributors. For a shallow dive into what makes Anderson's movies so visually iconic, check out this incredible breakdown here

Happy Hills | Wonder

Some will say I should have saved this summer write-up for the fall, but it is just too good and I could not wait.

Every autumn a hillside along Oregon's highway 18 greets passersby with a massive smiley face. The design, created by Hampton Lumber in 2011, features a mix of douglas fir and larch planted during the reforestation of the area. The larch trees have been planted in such a way that during the fall, when their needles turn yellow, they create the body of the face while the douglas fir makes up the eyes and mouth.

And the best part, if it holds up as long as they believe it will, you have 30 to 50 years to see it.

1955 Mercedes Sells At Invite Only Auction | Design

Knowing there are only two of these eight-cylinder, 300-horsepower beauties in existence. One with a red interior and the other with blue. 

Knowing that this one has less than 4,000 miles on it. Knowing that Mercedes has owned the two ever since they were built. What would one have to pay to own what many consider the "Mona Lisa" of cars?

Would $75 million do it?

$100 Million?

Find out here

Philippe Starck Brings Nature Back To The City Of Lights | Architecture

The entire exterior of the Villa M hotel is covered by a hidden framework of deep black steel beams, planted with trailing plants that spill over its edges and frame views of the city out of the hotel's bedroom windows.

I do believe I could spend a few nights here

38 Essential OC Restaurants | Eat

Orange County has often been considered something of a little sister to the much larger and more densely populated LA County just up the road. But the truth is there’s much more to it, including a vibrant and diverse culinary community that is more than worthy of a little attention.

If you are further afar, please forgive me these temptations, or better yet, file this away and let's have a meal or two the next time you are in the OC.

Dieter Rams | Design

For over fifty years, Dieter Rams has left an indelible mark on the field of product design and the world at large with his iconic work at Braun and Vitsoe. The objects Dieter has designed have touched the lives of millions of people––so many of us have had (or envied) a Braun coffeemaker, shaver, stereo, calculator, speakers, or alarm clock. Or an Oral-B toothbrush. Or a Vitsoe 606 shelving system. Or any of the hundreds of other products Dieter has designed or overseen the design of.

His work has influenced the way most of today's consumer products look, feel, and function. The computer or phone you're reading this on looks the way it does because of Dieter Rams. Dieter's influence also extends to his "Ten Principles of Good Design," a list of edicts that champions simplicity, honesty, and restraint, and still applies to design theory and practice today.

If you know of Rams you will love this documentary and if you don't know him, you should. It was directed by Gary Hustwit (Helvetica) and it was scored by Brian Eno.

Hmmm, maybe we should talk about Eno's seminal analog (think tape loops) album "Music For Airports" sometime soon...

Gerhard Richter At 90 | Art

When Gerhard Richter came out of retirement with a show of new paintings and photographs in, the works were both unexpected and wonderful,

I love Richter's art and have always appreciated the arch of his work. Knowing this, I should not have been surprised by his latest efforts, but to come out of retirement at 90 with this!

Lovely.

More info here

Dennis Hopper And The Invention Of L.A.’s Contemporary Art Scene

Dennis Hopper did what?!

A recently-published cultural history reveals how Hopper and his wife brought together everyone from the likes of Andy Warhol, Ed Ruscha, Peter Fonda, and the Byrds to their Hollywood Hills home and in turn altered the West Coast Art scene. Their influence on the shape-shifting 1960's LA pop-cultural scene was undeniable.

Foster's Automobiles | Design

The Guggenheim Bilbao has one of the largest gallery spaces I have ever seen under one roof. In fact, it is almost too big, but when you get the right works in there the space sings. Richard Serra's collection of massive Torqued Ellipses have never looked so good as they did when they were in that gallery and I think the same must be true for this iconic collection of automobiles.

British architect Norman Foster has designed the displays for and curated the exhibition Motion: Autos, Art, Architecture at Guggenheim Bilbao.

Spread out across an entire floor of the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Bilbao, the exhibition features cars from the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as architecture and artworks connected to speed and movement.

More info here

Scott Galloway | Hustle

A smart guy, this Scott Galloway. Yes, at times outspoken, but smart nonetheless.

When you consider Apple’s brand, you might think of its category-leading advertising. But in fact, the tech giant spends less than 30% of what Samsung, Alphabet, and Verizon do on advertising. Instead, Apple reallocates its capital into purchase and post-purchase.

What does all this mean? Scott lays it all out for you here.

Great stuff from an individual worth following.

With nearly a decade of helping family, friends, and referrals find a place to call home, I am here to support your real estate needs. Whether that's in our coastal backyard or leveraging Compass' national presence clear across the country to find the best agent for you, I am happy to lend a hand.

Let's talk,     

Arthur      

Arthur Jeppe
Machoskie and Associates

M: 949.373.6235
arthur.jeppe@compass.com
DRE#: 01951274

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