Lisa Hoffman

juicy links? "Stick" with me

You're going to thank me for this one in spite of the crappy photo above. It's a study in "what NOT to do when you are given a good camera". As I was walking past the BLINK Gallery in Boulder, Colorado I was knocked unconscious by this sculpture. The entire window was stunning, but I had NO time, being late for a dinner thing, so I snapped and ran. Doesn't matter. Here a better shot:

Ahhh, that's better. Meet the talented and creative Geoffrey Gordon. His work is TRULY inspirational. Think wacky and crazed rabbits. Like Liz McGrath, Tim Burton and Louise Nevelson in a centrifuge. Stretched-out cats....wild birds. Wait til you see these creatures!!! I'm jumping up and down.I wanna get lost in Geoffrey's woods.  Being a fan of all things Tree-related AND loving the slightly creepy edge...this distracted and inspired me for hours. No DAYS. Go and see.

Move over, Peter

Look at this guy! His name is Rodney Alan Greenblat. He went to my rival high school outside of Washington D.C., but we won't hold THAT against him. He landed in the East Village in the early 80's, making a name for himself in pop culture along side pals Keith Haring and Kenny Scharf. Wouldn't you have loved a coffee date with THAT crew?  Check out his site and be sure to read his bio...more interesting than many...Here it is: WhimsyLoad. Excellent name, wouldn't you say?
I love this guys work. I may have to give Peter Max the ring back (not really..just kidding Peter).
Here's something else great. The work is not THAT expensive. Below, a sculpture to hold an IPOD??!!! STOP IT. Okay, those are expensive, but SHOULD BE.

My new crush

 

I live in the land of highways and people who toss cups of ice on bicyclists for fun. There are HUGE SUV's and pick-ups driven by nuts. There. Get the picture? Add to that my long commute. Beautiful, yes. We have crap public transpo. Why scooters? how about 100 MPG?...too bad I have a strong desire to remain intact. This is one crush that must remain unrequited. For now. Anybody out there drive a scooter this cute?
My Boulder dealer is Sportique. A family owned business...my favorite kind.

Dialog?...what dialog?

Here I go again....when everyone else is watching the characters and listening to the dialog, I'm Room Watching: "...wait!...STOP!...did you see THAT!!???".
 Unless you've been on Mars for the last few months, you know that SEX AND THE CITY, the movie, came crashing into theaters recently. You need not be a fan, or even familiar with it's 4 female character leads and their stories, to appreciate the inspiration that flew from the talented hands of set designer, Jeremy Conway.
He took sets that the huge fan-base grew to know and love over the years, and "evolved" them into what he perceived would be a current spin. When we entered a redecorated apartment for Carrie (played by Sarah Jessica Parker, for you Martians- wink) I think that I grabbed my friends leg. I really can't remember...it's a blur. From that point on, they could've turned down the sound for all that I cared.

I went on a search for all the info that I could gather about the sets. My friend Lynne Perrella patiently listened while I raved and foamed at the mouth:
"...the walls were my shade of hyacynth!...the upholstery was actually in one of my Blog posts!...and WHO did the art hanging by her door???"
Infinitely patient, Lynne (having never seen the show) found an article for me that reviewed the sets.
I then found a design Blog that I'm mad about this week: Casa Sugar...and guess what? SHE had the same reaction and went on to INTERVIEW the designer. Read it and track the links!

I read that Jeremy found a ton of the stuff at THIS fab place...The Rug Company , a gorgeous web site as well! So those are my links for you to enjoy this weekend. You don't have to be into interiors to be inspired by pitch-perfect design and innovation. Grab your inspiration from, well...everywhere!

Hey Colorado!

Miz Angela Cartwright is in town!
She and Sarah Fishburn will be at the Barnes & Nobel on College Avenue in Fort Collins tomorrow night (Thursday the 12th- 7:00 pm). Go over and say Hello, get a book or two. Can you imagine getting a bunch of Holiday gifts out of the way before July 1?...how cool are YOU??!!!
Have Sarah and Angela write something for your BFF.
Now, go to Sarah's Blog for more local details. For my far-away readers.....you can snag one of these books at your local stores or on Amazon. Happy Shopping!

Extreme Creativity

I prepared a post about this fantastic Design Blog, when my co-worker Shane TOTALLY stole the show with his creation. Yes, it's an altered Rubik's Cube!!!...and get this: each little charm represents an element. There's a Buddhist script that goes along with that, but Shane would have to tell you himself, but LOOK...

When Shane isn't working as a day councilor, he is doing a million interesting things. I've seen him work a piece of paper into something very 3-D and sculptural - always a brilliant engineering feat. Sheesh.

The morning after...

"Sightings" was a success!

More photos and the story to follow. This morning, I'll be sipping coffee and just feeling the glow of happiness from seeing my students so proud, and knowing that the audience had a great time. The photo above is the stage manager from The Dairy Center for the Performing Arts in Boulder. Patient and delightful. Thanks Craig, couldn't have done it without you!

Come and see "Sightings"

In case you happen to be in the Boulder, Colorado area....please join us.

If not? send us Luck and Love via the airwaves!

This production will be the result of a huge collaboration of teachers, community (at times, we have elementary and middle school kids performing with our adult students) and the dedication and commitment of the fabulous staff. Hope to see you there, or just Feel the Love!

Studio Work

Power tools and Paint.

Here's to June and Caroline Douglas's ceramics. Good company at all times.

Good Idea

I was walking down the street in Denver when I saw the meter above. It was in the middle of the sidewalk so you really couldn't miss it. The banner (in the sun's reflection) reads: Denver's Road Home.
More details. No, really...read this:
I really want to know who thought of this and write them a Big, Thank You note. I'm guessing that Mayor Hickenlooper had something to do with it. That's really his name. Really. He's a tree planting environmentalist (I LOVE those) and works like a fiend for the poor.
I emptied every cent of change into this "meter" then slapped my forehead
when I needed coins for my parking meter. Oh well, a little walking never hurt.
So I'm giving snaps to The City of Denver for  making it easy to Help. I'm giving Slaps to our new-ish Museum of Contemporary Art-Denver for having...wait for it....NO HANDICAP PARKING. NOTHING. NOT ONE SPACE. Are they kidding me???!!!.  When asked, the gentleman casually replied: "Yeah, we're working on it...." How can that be legal? ...so I'm writing a letter to the board to tell them that I am personally disappointed, to say NOTHING of the disabled community.
So. Something sweet, and something sour.
Hey, here's a thought: Forward this post to your city council member and suggest that your city follow Denver's Meter lead!.....Now THAT would be Sweet.