I guess that’s likely why this diagrammatic animation of a hyptotrochoid turns my crank… remember Denys Fisher’s spirograph?

France, and elsewhere…

Botanist Patrick Blanc builds engaging vertical forests and vegetal walls. I like the concept and the cooling effect in summer is undeniable (my own low-energy home in the woods has featured a vine-covered west-facing facade for nearly three decades—with strictly indigenous species however)… yet I’m not sure how practical and sustainable these would be in an urban setting. Still, I like what he’s doing and I do find it inspiring… see more here.

(thanks, Nola)

Winnipeg Beach, Manitoba

Ev has been busy preparing for the second round of the 8th WAVE Artists Studio Tour, a self-guided event that takes place this Saturday and Sunday (5 and 6 September). She’ll have a selection of recent sculptural works (like this, this, and this) on display, as well as new series of thrown vessels and assemblage jewelery. The Fishfly Gallery in Winnipeg Beach also has some of her works on display (like this and the piece shown above). If you are in Manitoba, please do drop by… if not, you can see more of Ev’s work at What? Clay Art & Curios.

Images above: Third Time Lucky (with detail), a figurative slab-built stoneware sculpture, finished with burnished steel low-fire glazes and iron oxide stain, with found porcelain hand and bifocal eyeglasses; 430mm x 230mm x 545mm high. Ev’s comment: “Beach safety is always top of mind when living in a lakeside community… combine this with the fear of myopic perspective and you have ready-made irony within reach.”

Starting on the Polish border, then spreading almost everywhere…

The start of World War II took place on 1 September 1939 with the German invasion of Poland, followed by declarations of war on Germany by most of the countries in the British Empire and Commonwealth, and by France. The war was the most widespread in history, a global military conflict involving a majority of the world’s nations and the mobilization of over 100 million military personnel. Over seventy million people were killed (the majority of whom were civilians) making this the deadliest conflict in human history.

Interlaken, Switzerland

My brother Phil and his sprightly wife Tammy are preparing for the scenic but grueling Jungfrau Marathon this weekend. Billed as “the most beautiful marathon in the world,” the 42-km race starts to the blare of alpenhorns in the lakeside city of Interlaken with a relatively flat first half before gaining a total of 1800(!) vertical meters and an alpine finish on the Kleine Scheidegg across from the famous north faces of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Best wishes… and congratulations (in advance)!