Coraline the Movie

I saw the Real 3-D movie Coraline this weekend, truth be told, I saw it twice. I have never seen a 3-D movie before and I think animation is the perfect match for this type of technology. I think it blends well with an imaginary world, although I have never seen a live action 3-D movie. I loved this little movie, the story of Coraline is based on a short novel by Neil Gaiman.

The movie is directed by Henry Selick, director of two of my other favorite movies of mine, Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach.

There is a blurring of the sweet and sinister in all three of these films, which I tend to enjoy. In Coraline's world it involves; a lesson in the 'grass is greener on the other site', bravery and gained confidence in testing oneself and putting other before oneself.

Neil Gaiman's site Mouse Circus has more clips from this wonderful film. I am reading the book right now, so I will let you know more about Coraline later.

Green House Houston: Cordell House

There is a great development company here in Houston, Texas doing some exciting green design utilizing recycled shipping containers. Katie Nichols from Numen Development posted a link on facebook about one of their most recently completed projects, the "Cordell House". So, I thought I might share some details of this project for those of you, whom this facebook link might not be available.

As I mentioned before the development team for this project is Houston's own Numen Development and Houston architect Christopher Robertson of Robertson Design designed the house. Houston photographerJill Hunter was asked to photograph the completed project.



Jill Hunter took some really beautiful photographs of the Cordell House. Here are a couple really nice exterior shots of the house.



Are you enticed yet??? Dwell are you making note of your next feature and cover?? Here is a link if you just can't get enough and want to see more of this beautiful house. Cordell House. If you want to read more about the Cordell House project, I have a link for that too... just click here. Never fear all links should open in a new window or tab, so you can get it all.

If you love Jill's photos and happen to view her site from my links, you might want to also note that she will be having a show at Galleria Lazzara. There will be an artist reception Thursday, February 12th, at Galleria Lazzara. 7-10pm 5400 Mitchedale, suite b7. Please go an enjoy the show

RDA Spring Lecture Series Transparency in Graphic Design No.4: Michael Rock of 2x4

Michael Rock is tonight's speaker. His studio is named 2x4. He talks about a designers work speaking for itself and in itself should be the communication. So, today before the lecture, I am going to share some of his studio's works. I am keeping the words to a minimum today, but I do have to note that he worked on a project for Prada with one of my favorite artists, James Jean. The project name was Trembled Blossoms.

RDA Spring Lecture Series- Transparency Exposing Graphic Design Ellen Lupton

Tonight I attended the 3rd in the series of four lectures given by the Rice Design Alliance. Tonight's speaker was Ellen Lupton. Ellen is the director of the Graphic Design MFA program at MICA as well as a writer, twin, mom, D.I.Y evangelist, bra fitting aficionado and curator of contemporary design at Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum.

I grabbed one of her books at the lecture, "D.I.Y. Design it Yourself". I had looked up her site before attending and was crossing my fingers that the books would be available since there was a book signing. I was happy to find out, this was the case. And of course, I had to get it signed as a gift to my alter ego, nom de plume Katsola. Yeah, thank you Ellen!

Her lecture focused on supporting the statement "think more. design less" and the concept of 'Design it Yourself' as it relates to both designers and non designers. I found this juxtaposition very interesting. While some might balk at the thought of everyone being a designer, it's important to note that sometimes the best design comes from keeping things streamlined and focused. As an example, Ellen spoke about a topic in a forthcoming book, 'Is a Toaster Necessary?'. To sum it up Yes... if you want or love toast, you do need a toaster to make fabulous toast. She and her twin did the leg work and found the standard basic issue toaster will out as the pontiff of crispy toastyness. She also made the point to all the women in the audience that the cup of a bra is all about the fad and fashion and the band of the bra was, you guessed it the 'foundation' of nice breast display. And to further illustrate this point she shared with us some of her lovely illustrations. Which I must say were quite fun. I have charge myself with creating an illustration, inspired by Ellen.

I really enjoyed this lecture so this is part 1 of 2 since I am tired and needing to get to bed.