Friday, May 22, 2009

Daily Door


Things we forget

The following post-its are part of a project called "Things we forget." The author puts up one post it a day in Singapore. Here are just a few of my favorites.









A few weeks ago - I found the San Francisco equivalent to Singapore's "Things we forget." While the calligraphy may be a bit rougher around the edges - I always appreciate sentences beginning with "Please."





Monday, May 18, 2009

Simplicity: Thoughts for Monday

Q: Is there a specific object that changed how you think about design?
A: I've always been told that the egg is something that can't be improved upon.  Giving it some thought, I agree.

--William Krisel, mid-century architect, in conversation with Dwell Magazine

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Stopping to smell the roses...

While it is infinitely rewarding to share inspiration with one's readers - for me, the best thing about contributing to our blog is that it serves as a constant reminder to open my eyes and take stock of the world around me.  While meandering through Pacific Heights this afternoon, I noticed some roses growing on an old Victorian.  After snapping a shot with my ever-ready digicam, I decided to take a city walk to see how many more I could find.  Boy was I in for a treat: roses were everywhere!  I found at least one bush on every block.









It is a amazing what you notice when shift your focus.  You'll be surprised by what you often overlook in your very own neighborhood.

--whitney

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Heath Ceramics

The time is ripe for Spring Cleaning! We here at the Light Telescopic, eager as always to find the most spectacular, most inspiring, and most special things this big, wide world has to offer, are equally aware of the importance of editing. The fewer less-than-inspiring elements we surround ourselves with, the more we can really appreciate the things which really move and delight us. The world is full of so many options, all vying for our attention, that amassing things has become the easy part, and paring it down to the truly meaningful objects, passions, and people can be a real challenge.

Do I digress?

Today saw me engaging in an all-out Spring Cleaning Catharsis, in the middle of which I was presented with an irresistible invitation from my roommate: a quick trip to Sausalito to the Heath Ceramics factory Open Studio.

Heath Ceramics, family-owned until 2003, has been manufacturing beautiful, hand-crafted ceramic tableware and tile in their Sausalito studio since the 1950s.  Using Midcentury potting traditions, their kitchenware is all fired and hand-glazed here in the Bay Area, using locally-sourced materials, lending each piece its one-of-a-kind finish.

Beyond the Heath aesthetic (rustic yet elegant, organic yet geometric), one other thing I really admire about this company is their clear commitment to sustainable design: the pieces are not cheap-- but the cost covers quality materials, local manufacture, and fair pay for their workers.  And the company's ongoing commitment to traditional Midcentury Modern design ethos: efficiency, functionality, and beautiful clean lines, ensures that their wares are investment pieces.  Employing thoughtful design and careful manufacture means that these pieces will stand the test of time: a truly "green" concept.



But enough about politics... did I mention they are gorgeous? And how they feel so nice and earthy and cozy in the hand?




And here is some Heath Tile... rustic yet refined:


Being surrounded by good design for the afternoon definitely infused my Spring Cleaning efforts with renewed energy. Even so,  I did end up picking up a little present for myself anyway: this cool 60s-style ashtray.  Already at home on my nightstand and making itself useful as a catch-all for change, hairpins and jewelry.


Note to Whitney: Ashtrays as decor items... do I smell a future post?  I'm handing this one over to you, can't wait to see what brilliant ideas you come up with!

Ciao!
--gillian


Friday, May 1, 2009

Daily Door


Maps!

I’ll let you in on a little secret: Gillian is the mastermind behind the written words on this site…. We’ve known each other so long that she can usually read whatever jargon I’ve hastily posted and transform it into something magical with a few minor but often priceless changes.

On this rainy afternoon I’ve found a lovely collection of maps that I’d like to share. Since I can’t seem to find the words to express myself I’m going to let these images do the talking. Hopefully, my partner in crime will eventually be able to put some words to my visual story...










*Ed. note: Nothing left for me to say...  These beautiful photos took the words right out of my mouth! 
*Ed. note II:  This doesn't happen often.
--g