A Small Rant on a Hot Day

CHANGE. 

COMMUNITY. 

DESIGN IMPACTS HOW PEOPLE LIVE AND RELATE TO ONE ANOTHER.

ART IS NOT ISOLATED BUT SHOULD BE INTEGRATED INTO EVERY ENVIRONMENT.

These truths I hold self-evident. 

I am being tested at every turn these days.  I live in what should be a perfect set-up that enfolds privacy but close proximity to others, walking distance to the city and its services but surrounded by broad lawns with 100-year-old trees.  This is small foot print living and I am one of the elite of this world: an educated, intelligent, talented woman of means.  What’s not to like?

Absolutely NOTHING!  Except that “change” for most people is a threat to be avoided with all effort possible because “the devil you know is better than the devil you haven’t met yet.” “Community” brings with it a willingness to become involved with each other and shared issues and I am feeling alone in the struggle on my little corner.

As for “art” and “design,” I might as well introduce cannibalism.  Most Americans know about as much about one as the other. It is a tragic oversight in our educational, political and even professional conversation.  And I’m not talking about “the history of painting” or “Drawing 101”. I’m referring to the choices we make every day and “settling” for the easy, the convenient, the “o.k.- is- good -enough” trap.

For too much of our lives, most of us feel overwhelmed and merely keeping our feet traveling forward and our heads straight requires all the energy we can muster. I do appreciate that.  And if you are raising teenagers or corn, if you are fighting for civil rights or better health care, if you are doing ANYTHING that’s hard, that’s exhausting, that forwards civility, BRAVO AND HATS OFF TO YOU!   

BUT THE DESIGNED ENVIRONMENT STILL COUNTS. IF YOU DON’T KNOW – OR DON’T WANT TO KNOW HOW TO MAKE IT BETTER – PAY ATTENTION TO THOSE THAT DO.  SPEND SOME MONEY IF YOU CAN.  DO THE WORK IF YOU’RE ABLE.

AT THE VERY LEAST, GET OUT OF MY WAY!

Garage doors show "before" and "after"...too much for my neighbors. I got slapped on the wrist.
The lattice wall shows most recent change. It was pink before...we painted and added trim and thanks to dear Jeff Kell, I had photo showing exactly what change would look like. Oooooops....