Me Musing . . . about photos I took today, June 22, 2009 . . .

Is interesting that this re-do project of the Old Red Barn has been muchly encouraged by people who have heard about it . . . maybe because there are sooooo many in the area that love that old barn! And even those from far-away who have read the first installments are sending 'you go gal' emails!

Quite a change from 1997 when first I moved here and bought the other 'little project'!

Today I took some photos of the inside, which to some will I'm sure be overwhelming, but for me, I'm thrilled that at least it has a floor and walls!!!!

Studio to be

Door from studio area into the 'main' area
for sewing/bowls/etc.
I adore this door and the old black doorknob!

'main' area ~ windows face back of property

more of 'main' area

I went back through my favorite design book last night and typed up segments that really spoke to me . . . both years ago when I first read them, and again now. Here they are:

(Ricardo Legorreta is probably the most renowned architect working in Mexico. Whenever I need a pizzzzzzazzzzz of colour or ideas, I open his architectural book of projects and writings and they always lift me into imaginative places!)

My favorite things of Ricardo Legorreta . . .

~ Legorreta's intention was to create a true sense of spaciousness in which one's attention is focused on a piece of art, an intimate corner or the guests themselves, rather than on simply moving through the space.

~ A life characterized by enjoyment of all things, able to change direction at a moment's notice and afternoon naps

~ There is extraordinary power that landscape and architecture can bring to each other when they become one

~ Water used in unconventional ways

~ Walls can be used in powerful ways to suggest strength, peace or light

~ The use of natural light to manipulate the effect of materials and textures and colours

~ Windows are not just windows but voids that enhance a space in a particular way

~ Colour used to enrich a space, and enhance one's experience

~ 'The Vernacular' (of a particular region or 'of the ordinary people') represents freedom from rules, enviable simplicity and embracing the mystery . . . it touches the heart and most of all . . . it is FROM the heart

~ 'The Vernacular' transcends the rigidity that we learn in school, in which there always has to be a reason for doing everything. In vernacular there is NO reason, just pure emotion. Why do certain windows have certain dimensions? JUST BECAUSE I like it! Learning to place elements where I feel they should be without any explanation . . . YESSSSSSSSSS!

~ Use of native colours and materials

~ Mystery and emotion: the poetry of space

~ To arrive at a place and find peace, yet not be able to say why!

~ If you design a space of mystery and beauty and magic, people will be drawn to it

To me, the old red barn has a roofline that is reminiscent of old rural Japanese houses, so I typed these as reminders:

My favorite things of Japanese Homes and Gardens . . .

~ Osamari means 'effortless fit' . . . (will be my Mantra throughout this project)

~ Nothing looks rough or unfinished . . . even in a barn!

~ How do you want to live in a house?????? In a garden???????

~ Cottages and barns belong to the past, yet they are thoroughly contemporary

~ The features of a Japanese house are supposed to unfold gradually, just like a Japanese garden where the winding paths conceal the full view, letting the visitor discover its charms one by one

~ Partial or framed views are more intriguing (like from the window of a Shroom**). Calculate the line of sight from a seated posture to make sure the eye falls naturally on the desired focal point. Sweeping views are overwhelming and distracting
** A Shroom is an outdoor 3 sided 'room' . . . with a roof and bench for contemplation or rest, usually with a small window at one end for viewing a special tree or flower or 'framed' view

~ Each garden has long views and small garden views

~ The typical 'residential garden' is not for strolling but for a serene picture to be enjoyed on a daily basis from the comfort of the interior. (like the moon rising over the curly maple as viewed from the bath window!!!)

~ In a Japanese house the garden is an integral part of the design, merging inside and outside space. Without the garden, the house is not a home!

~ The inner awakening of one's aspirations to live a humbler, more fulfilling and beautiful life is an act of Grace

~ "You offer to yourself and to the world at large what you have ~ the flowering of a creative spirit. You are pure because you live with Nature. You are sure because you live in knowing. You have surrendered your entire existence to Beauty. You are the hyphen between imagination and transformation, between aspiration and perfection. To perceive your outer life is to feel the beauty of your heart's simplicity. To comprehend your inner life is to swim in the sea of your soul's serenity. Your beauty without is worth invoking and your beauty within is worth cherishing."
~ Sri Chinmoy

Living life as a beautiful artform is my Highest Aspiration . . .
Che'usa Sienna Wend

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