Materials Inspiration

I worked on this in class Oct. 27 as an icebreaker before creating the inspiration page. These are characteristics I would like to see in the materials used in the gallery.

Charette: Inspiration Images

These images inspired me because each expresses a characteristic, feeling, or reaction that I want to create and/or evoke in the craft gallery in The Shops at Buffalo Bridge. The gallery should not take itself too seriously. A sense of delight or magic should be present. The selection of works should stand the test of time -- nothing faddish or trendy. The space and the works should be dynamic and vibrant. Sometimes the works should challenge customer to step out of their comfort zone. As an illustration of this, my dog, Minnie, is stepping out into the snow -- out of her comfort zone!

With the exception of the middle top and bottom photos, I took all of the photos in this collage over the last ten years. You will notice that the subjects of 99% of these photos (I'm not sure about the top middle one) are of nature or something that is made of natural materials. The art pieces I plan to sell in the gallery will be made of all natural materials.

Cites:
Top row middle photo: http://farm1.static.flickr.com
Bottom row middle photo: art glass bowls by Robert Kaindl

Lane Crawford Gallery

This retail outlet is in Hong Kong. The Lane Crawford company pushes the boundaries of design at its stores by creating theatrical backdrops for their products. They prefer "gallery-like" showrooms for their products, which are designer products from around the world. These sparkly and dramatic display stations convey the message that the products showcased in them are special and very distinctive. Although these displays would probably overpower the products in a craft gallery in The Shops at Buffalo Bridge, I like the concept of creating a theatrical backdrop for a product, such as in the Alexander McQueen store I discussed in the previous post. http://thr36ixty5ive.wordpress.com/2008/04/

Research for Craft Gallery Project

In researching art and craft galleries I found that a lot of the galleries crowd in a lot of smaller merchandise and a few large pieces. In many cases, this causes the environment to appeared very cluttered and would give me ADD. What I would like to do is have displays that force the patron to view one piece at a time. That is what I like about the displays in the Alexander McQueen store. (Visual Merchandising, page 140, Tony Morgan, LK Publishing 2008) I know it is not a craft gallery, but I like the design.

In the Chinese Arts & Crafts Store in JD Mall, Hong Kong, China, the layout is very linear and symmetrical. I like the back lit metal and glass shelving. (Top Shops 2, page 130, by Eduard Broto, Links Books 2008) Although the layout is not revolutionary, it would be an efficient way to use space if you had a long, narrow space to deal with.

In the store called Salire in Fukuoka, Japan, (Top Shops 2, page 222, by Eduard Broto, Links Books 2008) there is a central display that radiates out to the periphery of the store. In the center of the room a vertical element, in the form of a spiral created by stacked boxes, connects the ceiling to horizontal planes (displays) of varying lengths and heights that radiate from the center. The planes are repeated on the ceiling and serve as opportunities for lighting. I like this layout because it has some common elements with The Shops at Buffalo Bridge, such as the paths radiating from a central point and the planes at varying heights.

What appeals to me in the Moroso Gallery (NYC) (Top Shops 2, page 234, by Eduard Broto, Links Books 2008) is the ceiling, walls and flooring that create a neutral backdrop for the merchandise. Also, even the lighting, if it is not merchandise, is very subtle.

Grovewood Gallery, Asheville

www.grovewood.com If I lived my dream, I would have a gallery like the Grovewood Gallery in Asheville. The gallery I imagine for The Shops at Buffalo Bridge will carry less varied merchandise since it will be much smaller than the Grovewood Gallery. However, this is an example of handmade wood furniture that I would like to have in my craft gallery.

Hillsborough, NC Textile Artist, Hillis Chatelain

This piece is entitled "Precious Water."
http://www.hollisart.com/gallery_figurative.php

Work by NC glass artist, Robert Levin

This is a wall ikon by Robert Levin. www.robertlevin.com

Examples of merchandise in Craft Gallery

This is a bowl turned from a manzanita root, by my husband Bob Mascarella. www.woodartz.com

Craft Gallery for The Shops at Buffalo Bridge

For several years, I have wanted to open a craft gallery so regional artists will have a venue to show and sell their work. Also, I enjoy interacting with craftsmen and artists while learning about their techniques and where they get their inspiration, materials and so on. The craft gallery that I envision for The Shops at Buffalo Bridge will show superior works of a few regional furniture designers as well as woodturners, glass artists, sculptors, and textile artists. I want to offer original works that you don't see anywhere else in this region. A craft gallery is appropriate for this site because of North Carolina's rich folk arts history and because of the Cone Mills' history as a textile mill. At the former mill, skilled workers used their hands to work looms that created flannel blankets. The mill originated as an effort to boost the economy of this area after the devastation of the Civil War. Since the mill buildings are being restored and renovated as multi-use space, the mill will have the same purpose of helping to boost the economy -- this time by bringing in several small businesses. I think bringing in regional artists and craftsmen will give The Shops at Buffalo Bridge a cultural connection with the Greensboro community that would be missing if we brought in chain stores.

BRANDING

Debbie N. and I have been brainstorming ideas for branding of our group project. We are exploring the idea of connections. These images show the work we did on this over the weekend. We chose the one on the second row down -- 2nd from the left (on the largest page).

Shops at Buffalo Bridge Entrance Version 3

This latest and probably final version of the entrance conveys our concept of connection. The suspended concrete dividers surrounded by glass planes shows a connection to the bridge on the interior through tension and connection to the floating planes and glass cubes. The material surrounding the dividers, glass and glass doors is 3 Form with a wood veneer. It will let light through and cast interesting shadows, especially at night. Also, it is a "Wovin" design that is compatible with the brick of the building and with the history of the building as a textile mill.

Challenge Three: Week One: More of Entrance Exploration

Sketchup drawings of entrance showing interior and exterior as well as materials. On the wall with the new entrance doors, the materials are brick, brushed metal, wood, and glass. I wanted to repeat some of the old and new materials in this area. The wooden triangles at the corners of the door "frame" form an implied "X" which repeats the "X" formed by the pathways from the bridge. The brushed metal medallions represent the order and simplicity of the columns on the interior, and the glass represents the 2-story glass retail cubes. I am working on a way to continue the path from the bridge through the exterior of the building where it will form the wheelchair ramp. I'd like for it to continue through by implying the line with materials or in an interesting way vertically as well.

Challenge Three: Week One - Entrance Sketches

I have been working on ideas to show a connection between the interior and exterior that conveys our bridge concept. So far, I have been attempting to show this connection through materials. In group discussion today we decided to go forward with the idea of opening up the corner of the building, where the current loading dock is, by taking out the window panes and door, thereby creating a covered entryway that does not disturb the exterior view of the mill.

Sketches for Challenge Three

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Drawings 1 and 2: These are some ideas I have for the entrance to The Shops at Buffalo Bridge. I want to show a connection between the interior and exterior by repeating some of the materials, such as steel, glass and wood.
Also, I want to continue the ramp/bridge through to the exterior where it will become a ramp for wheelchairs/handicap patrons. The continuation will show through flooring materials. Where the ramp begins, of course there will be a railing.
Drawing 3: Interior/Entrance - A triangular shaped planter will balance the triangular shop to the left of the entrance. Colorful glass will serve as a focal point at the entrance and a wayfinding device throughout the interior. Colorful flags are on the ceiling to create interesting lighting draw the eye upward and to the old machinery left in the ceiling. Benches are provided for the convenience of patrons.