Danner Boots

I frequently see posts about boot manufacturers and their latest creations and/or takes on old classics. Rarely, do I read anything about Danner boots, a company I think is up there with the best of them. I purchased my Danners (pictured below) in 1997. I have been wearing them a lot since our move to the Northwest. I have to say that I could not be more happy with a pair of boots. They stay warm when it is cold and keep the water out. The orthopedic insert in the heel makes them extremely comfortable. I even wore them to trek across Ireland several years back. I think they, along with stamps in my passport from countries throughout the Middle East, contributed to an extended stop and chat with the guards at the Northern Ireland border. I still haven't been down to the Danner Outlet Store in Portland. I am curious if anyone out there has been to it, and if it is worth checking out?

Danner provides a recrafting service that I might have to take advantage of one of these days to get them back to looking like this.

Hiro Kurata

I have felt like it is difficult to stay excited with the core of young artists out there. Hiro Kurata is one of the few young painters who has really captured my interest lately. There is something about this guy's work that intrigues me and draws me in. Kurata was born in Osaka Japan, educated at Parsons School of Design, and has shown at prestigious galleries such as Joshua Liner Gallery and the Richard Heller Gallery in the past few years. His work really needs to be seen in person to fully appreciate. This is a piece I purchased last year. Spend some time checking out his work online at his website shiloku.com. I am excited to see how his work progresses over the next 5 years.

Small Towns

Visiting the city yesterday reminded me that sometimes it is nice to be able to visit the city without having to live in the rat race. My wife and I have both lived in big cities (e.g., New York & San Francisco) and really thrive on the culture that cities provide. My current job has taken me to a small town about a half an hour outside a big city. I have to say that although I miss so many things about living in the city, there are so many cool things about living in a small town. This little snack shack is really close to my house. It is hard to believe that stuff like this still exists in small towns in the USA.

Farms

There is something amazing about old barns and farm houses. I have posted a few pictures of my local favorites including a few shots from my own property.

OS Gemeos in San Diego (MCASD)

I purchased a drawing by the Brazilian artists Os Gemeos from the Luggage Store Gallery several years back. Since that time I have always enjoyed seeing their work in galleries and on the street. I have especially fond memories of checking out their murals in New York while visiting my wife (who I was only dating at the time). I had the chance to see some of their work in my hometown of San Diego last month. Their work never fails to inspire.

Painting on the Horton Plaza Parking Garage

Paintings from Viva la Revolución: A Dialogue with the Urban Landscape at the MCASD

The Fellowship- Frank Lloyd Wright

Over the years I have read several books about the architect Frank Lloyd Wright. I recently finished The Fellowship: The Untold Story of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Taliesin Fellowship. Although this book has not been well received by many Wright fans, I could not put it down. The authors (Friedland & Zellman) do an amazing job of capturing the complexities of Wright and his inspiring and at times depressing life. In addition, they portray a fascinating time in history that is hard to fathom. This book is focused on Wright and his life more than his architecture. It explores Wright's complicated leadership style, his willingness to assume huge levels of risk, pursue his vision, change the way we all live, and his many dysfunctional relationships. You finish this book wondering how one individual could live such a colorful life. More info about Wright (including a list of 20 books he authored) can be found at franklloydwright.org