I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT CEDAR - YOU BE THE JUDGE

I have to confess, I love the character an aged cedar shake roof has. I always have and always will. What I don't love is the life expectancy these days (roughly 15-25 years) depending upon a number of factors from the environment its installed in and the care/maintenance performed on it, to the quality/type of wood and its installation.

While researching a number of historically correct options, I discovered an environmentally friendly alternative for our new coach house called Enviroshake. The product is composed of a 95% reclaimed material mixture including post-industrial plastic(s), recycled elastomers and cellulosic fiber materials and has earned a superior LEED certification because of it. Manufactured in Ontario, it has the authentic look of real cedar shakes without the maintenance. In fact, it has a lifetime warranty. 

Well the roof is well under way (no doubt almost complete by the time I post this blog) and I am beyond excited!

Images: 1-6   John B. Murray Architect
Images: 7-10 Philip Mitchell design Inc. 

Richard Barnes - Animal Logic

Ever since I was compelled to purchased a piece of New York photographer Richard Barnes work at the Art with Heart fundraiser for Casey House, I have taken an more of an interest in his work. Now the subject matter found in his Exhibition Animal Logic is not exactly for everyone! The natural history museum's process of collection, curating and display of it's exhibits and the occasional human presence within it might not appeal to the general art enthusiast, however I have never really been someone attracted to what is necessarily popular or conventional. I appreciate Richard's attention to detail when it comes to his compositions and am strangely attracted to the complex, somber layers of some of his images. His work can be found in a number of private and public collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Here is a small selection of his work.

The piece I purchased - Giraffe, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, 2005

Images: Richard Barnes

BLACK POINT - ONE INCREDIBLE PROPERTY

While searching real estate websites late one night (I am not the best sleeper and happen to be obsessed with real estate), I came across an interesting new listing for a fairly impressive estate located in Nova Scotia's Black Point. Built as a summer camp by a successful Halifax family in the 1950's, the property that is co-listed by Tim Harris & Barbie Nunn-Porter of Tradewinds Realty was so intriguing I took a drive out to see it in person.

From the moment I drove into the property through the iron gates and along the weathered stonewall, I couldn't help feeling as though I was in another time. The endless water views, the mature evergreen forest and the remnants of what was clearly once an amazing place to spend the summer combined to take my breath away. 

Slowly the property reveals itself and at the end of the meandering driveway the most charming 1950's log / board & batten / shingled home stands majestically on an elevated portion of the over 5 acre property with spectacular views of the ocean in 3 directions. The house definitely needs some one to love and restore it to its original glory, has the most interesting proportions and architectural detailing. Designed around a central entrance courtyard that has an impressive outdoor fireplace, you can picture the amazing summer cocktail parties or family dinners enjoyed during the warm breezy summer evenings.

The materials for this vintage charmer are no less impressive then its views. Hand hewn beams, 14" plank floors, mammoth natural stone fireplaces & hand forged hardware all add to the homes charm and character. Lets hope someone with a vision and passion for restoration rescues this beauty.

Interior Images - Tim Harris

MARTINI ANYONE?

Anyone who know me well, knows I love a good martini. I always keep a bottle (or two - one never know who might be dropping in for a cocktail?) of Martini & Rossi vermouth in my cupboard. Something people might not know about me is that I also love the work renowned Swedish director Jonas Akerlund. So when I stumbled upon this commercial for Martini Gold that he collaborated on with the super talented design duo, creative directors Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana and that stars the Model/Actress (and it must be said - Italian sex symbol) Monica Bellucci (who I recently found out is actually married to another amazing actor I love - Vincent  Cassel), I was super excited to say the least! This stylish, theatrical commercial is so quintessentially Italian that its perfect! 

It's Official - I Am Ready For Warmer Days!

While perusing some old photos of our previous gardens (Mark & I are slightly obsessed with Hydrangea), I find myself dreaming of warmer weather. Don't get me wrong, I love all the seasons, even the white, icy chill winter brings (and the resulting evenings curled up by a toasty fire with a good drink), but I am officially done!

I can't wait for spring and all the wonderful teasing of the senses that come along with it. The wonderful scent in the air and vivid pops of colour from gardens filled with flowers. It's so close I can almost feel it. I am ready to move on! Goodbye winter and hello spring.

I am obsessed - with Valeria Nascimento!

Ever since I was exposed to Brazilian born Valeria's Nascimento Artwork at Art Toronto, I cant stop thinking about her pieces created out of porcelain. They are extraordinary! 

These large scale installations at the Tiffany & Co. - Canary Wharf, London are really amazing both in scale and feel. She is currently represented at the Woolff Gallery in the UK, but has participated in a number of international shows.    

The pieces have an ethereal quality almost a weightlessness to them. the subtle compositions draw me in and continually stimulate my thought. So much so, that even though we don't have one square inch of wall left (and countless pieces of art in storage), I am still seriously considering purchasing a piece.  

Images - Valeria Nascimento