More images from last week’s trip to Hawaii to come. Pseudo-Tsunamis, sandy beaches, clear water, Islamic art at Doris Duke’s Estate, and scads of food and design inspiration.
Honu in Hawaii
March 8, 2010
Last night’s Oscar-Winning Animated Short Film, Logorama, proves just how permeating modern advertising is. The 16-minute film was comprised solely of well known logos and characters from over 2,500 large corporations.
Nicolas Schmerkin, the film’s producer, says “The brain can register 14 logos in less than one second. Making the logos characters with sets and props is about what we’re living. I’m not talking about what the logos represent. They’re used for what they are.” It took longer than Avatar to produce.
I was a terrible movie watcher this year, seeing only 2 out of all the nominees. Both were documentaries that I watched in flight. The Cove, won for documentary feature and follows an impressive team of activists, filmmakers and freedivers (a woman from Vancouver) as they embark on a covert mission to penetrate a remote and hidden cove in Taiji, Japan, shining a light on a dark and deadly secret. Utilizing state-of-the-art techniques, including hidden microphones and cameras in fake rocks, the team uncovers how this small seaside village serves as a horrifying microcosm of massive ecological crimes happening worldwide.
Everyone should see Food Inc. It’s a reality check and a reminder to re-connect with where your food is coming from, how it is processed and how to support a positive food economy. It’s worth watching just to hear what farmer Joel Salatin has to say. He’ll make you want to ditch your skinny jeans for a pair of overalls and get your hands on a family of pigs and chickens.
My pick for best dressed:
from www.moviephone.com
Categories: it's graphic.
March 3, 2010
You guessed it Amy! Clam Chowder it is. A trip to central California a couple of summers ago reminded me of the glories of a good chowder. I made this recipe for the first time in Ucluelet BC and was proclaimed as “the best soup I ever tasted” by my nephew, the professional clam digger. It’s better with fresh clams and a few chunks of salmon thrown in, but this recipe can be made from pantry staples.
clam chowder ready to serve
You guessed it Amy! Clam Chowder it is. A trip to central California a couple of summers ago reminded me of the glories of a good chowder. I made this recipe for the first time in Ucluelet BC and was proclaimed as “the best soup I ever tasted” by my nephew, the professional clam digger. It’s better with fresh clams and a few chunks of salmon thrown in, but this recipe can be made from pantry staples.
Quick Clam Chowder
Serves: 4
Active Time: 15mins
Start to Finish: 40 mins
6 thick bacon slices, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 small fennel bulb, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled, chopped
1 1/4 teaspoons dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 large unpeeled white-skinned potato, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 6 1/2-ounce cans chopped clams in juice
1 8 3/4-ounce can corn kernels, drained
pinch saffron
Chopped fresh parsley & homemade croutons
Preparation
Cook bacon in large saucepan over medium heat until crisp. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour out all but 3 tablespoons drippings from pan. Add next 5 ingredients to pan; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour over; stir 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add milk to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium and cook until slightly thickened, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Add potatoes, clams with juice, and drained corn. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are tender, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add the saffron at the end and let simmer for a few minutes more. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Divide soup among bowls, sprinkle with bacon and parsley, and serve.
Categories: flavor of the week.
March 2, 2010
A new recipe on the way… any guesses?
travel inspired recipe
Categories: artsy, flavor of the week, on the road.
March 1, 2010
image from www.stylemepretty.com
I call it “Mellow Yellow Wedding”: “Mum’s Ray Yellow”, “Groom Grey”, and “Gracious Green”.
Categories: it's graphic.
February 26, 2010
Vasati Homes logo
Last month saw the launch of a logo and web page for Vasati Homes in Vancouver BC. Offering custom residential design and construction, the stylized home in the logo design uses greens to reflect the meaning of “vasati”: an integral architectural concept based on the natural laws of spacial energy used to bring the living space in resonance with nature and its inhabitants.
Vasati Homes requested a one page web site to provide easy access to an image gallery and contact info. Update: site no longer active, but here’s a screen shot:
Categories: portfolio.
February 24, 2010
dresses by Holly Stalder
I’m inspired by this fashion designer from Portland, Oregon. Stalder’s designs begin with her favored raw materials: salvaged antique fabrics and trims. Modern designs with a hint of the past, and what great photography for an independent designer! Her Etsy Shop and website.
Categories: artsy.
February 17, 2010
www.waggingtailsadventures.com
A website was launched last week for Wagging Tails Adventures, a new company in Victoria BC offering daily adventure hikes for dogs, pet sitting, doggie daycare and pet taxi services. This lively site shows the adventurous, animal-loving side of owners Mark and Jenn who were inspired by their rescue dog Zeus. He showed them that proper socialization and exercise makes a much happier and healthy companion. Stay tuned for the before and after of their logo in an upcoming “logo whisperer” post.
Categories: portfolio.