Claudia Castaneda

I feel like having a dance party. 

Why not!?

Catie Newell, Salvaged Landscape: 

http://www.treehugger.com/culture/detroit-house-goes-from-arson-to-art.html

http://www.cathlynnewell.com/Salvaged-Landscape

http://www.artprize.org/catie-newell/2011/salvaged-landscape

http://www.notcot.org/post/35715/

http://www.good.is/post/catie-newell-s-salvaged-landscape-an-arsoned-detroit-house-becomes-public-art?utm_content=prev-next&utm_medium=post-page-top

http://www.core77.com/blog/architecture/catie_newells_salvaged_landscape_reclaims_an_arsoned_building_in_detroit__17772.asp

http://www.flickr.com/photos/metroblossom/5464393700/

http://www.taubmancollege.umich.edu/architecture/news_and_events/news/?news=548

Rachel Whiteread, House :

http://www.artdesigncafe.com/Rachel-Whiteread-House-1993-library-2010

Rachel Whiteread Interview - The EYE about House

http://www.artangel.org.uk/projects/1993/house

Independent UK article

The Guardian

Taking off from our facebook conversation concerning the conference presentation I went to. 

It was the presentation of the first issue of the magazine/journal Millepiani Urban. The conference took place in this occupied art center space that is directly in front of these two bad boys (which are currently paused in construction). 

Pretty much the discussion was held by two of my professors (Tiziana Villani and Bert Theis) about gentrification in areas (specifically the the gentrification of the Isola neighborhood in Milan), urban politics, and the history of Situatonist philopshy. 

It was interesting.  

Look Katie: snowglobes! Maybe I can get my hands on one for you.

And on the 7th day, Dino slept
Milano, Italia 
22 aprile 2012

©2010-2012 ~dragseal

Listened to this man 
Life changed
Spazio Elastico, NABA
Milano, Italia 
23 aprile 2012

A snippet of my Fuori Salone 2012 day adventures (note: low quality upload, deal). 

This will have to make up for the lack of photos/posts the past few days. I won’t lie, I’m trying to remember what I saw/did/drank.

It’s quite possible that I am too old to keep up with the Milanese lifestyle, but I plan on staying strong.

Grohe SPA SWAG
(Fuori) Salone Internazionale del Mobile
GROH Spa/Design
18 aprile 2012

The destruction of the temple (producer: MACO Creations)
The open work ( Producer: Household S.T.O.)
Apparecchiare La Cittá
The Basement, Temporary Museum of New Design
(Fuori) Salone Internazionale del Mobile
Milano, Italia
20 aprile 2012

Miss Van der Rohe NABA Fuori Salone Workshop
Libraccio
Milano, Italia 
21 aprile 2012

La libreria di quartiere non smette di esercitare la sua funzione aggregativa nel contesto della vita metropolitana. In collaborazione con il Libraccio, storico riferimento per i lettori milanesi, gli studenti sono chiamati a riflettere sul la permanenza dell’oggetto libro nell’era del digitale.
Agli iscritti al workshop viene chiesto di “sposare” due volumi presenti nella libreria e di mostrare, attraverso un disegno, una fotografia, una piccola elaborazione tridimensionale o altro, l’esito di tale “matrimonio”. L’intera figliolanza verrà poi esposta al Libraccio del Naviglio Grande attraverso un molto intricato allestimento.

DOCENTE: Valentina Dalla Costa e Massimo Martignoni (x)

“We’re with Laura Messa” (who is taking the photo)

GROHE Spa party swag

Today was pure Fuori Salone. I don’t really have much to update on my life, other than the fact that it’s pretty spectacular. 

I’ll forget about the fact that my feet hurt like no other because the past two days attending events from Salone Internazionale del Mobile have been pretty awesome. 

Things I’ve Learned:

1. Always dress to impress, regardless if you’re not planning on going to a VIP party, because you never know when you’ll be handed an invite.
2. If you say you’re from San Francisco, everyone thinks you’re a young badass designer. 
3. Always carry an umbrella in your bag. 
4. Working snazzy events (such as the Alumni Event at Domus) has so many perks. 
5. Always carry a business card, even if it just contains your name and the occupation of being awesome. 
6. “I’m with Laura Messa,” has by far been the best way to get into a pretty exclusive design party. Inside joke for life.
7. If there’s free swag being offered, don’t hesitate, just take it.
8. No matter what, always act like you are a badass and you belong - even if you’re wearing jeans and woolen hoody. Confidence opens doors.
9. I absolutely adore free drinks and free food events.
10. You think you’ve seen the biggest, most luxurious looking shower - but really, you haven’t. There’s always one that’s even more ridiculous (and consequently more awesome) in the next show room. Always.

Tomorrow time for some workshop for a fuori Salone event. I’m actually going to ‘show’ something, who knew! Then more madness at various events around town. Including the Finassage at NABA, Dance Design and the Temporary Museum of New Design show room. Excited. 

Note: All of this is related to school. I love my life right now.

Salone Internazionale del Mobile
Temporary Shop - Temporary Museum of New Design
Via Tortona, Milano, Italia 
19 aprile 2012

Universitá di Milano

Salone Internazionale del Mobile

17 aprile 2012

After a full day of playing around on SketchUp and doing basic landscape/floorplan renderings, I was able to have my first taste of the Salone del Mobile here in Milano. 

One word: FICATA.

I didn’t get to see too much since we didn’t head out until around 8 in the evening. But what I did see has me excited for the rest of the week. Few things that lay ahead.

• Temporary Museum of Design
• Dance Design
• Virtual Mapping at Le Collone 

For now, working on workshop stuff and the group show set for Hoffmann’s course. 

Hollywood in Milano
Salone Internazionale del Mobile
Via Tortona 
Milano, Italia
18 aprile 2012

1929 silent documentary film, “Man with a Movie Camera” from Russian director Dziga Vertov

If you love film, history or both. Or if you claim to be a cinephile, you need to see this. 

16 aprile 2012

So. The Salone Internazionale del Mobile opens tomorrow here in Milano. If you’re into design or interior design this is the Big Mamma of events. 

Fortunately we don’t have class after tomorrow until the end of the Salone (Sunday) so I plan to attend a few events (mostly Fuori Salone). I’m actually currently doing a workshop, come Thursday we will be finishing up and installing our works. The project consists of selecting two books from Libraccio (this amazing bookstore in Milan) and ‘marrying’ the two in some way. 

My selections? 

Dante’s Divine Comedy and Sendak’s Where The Wild Things Are, thus the reason for the image prefacing this entry. I am still not sure what I’m going to do. I was playing around on the computer for a few minutes this evening and came up with some parallels that are interesting, but I’ll probably do a few different things and go from there. 

In other news: there’s a glass of water on my desk and I don’t remember how it got there. Either I am losing my memory more quickly than I thought or I’m living in an Italian version of Goldilocks. I’m going to go with the latter.

Also, this is going to count as today’s photo because I spent the majority of the day doodling Max and Dante in my notebook and, well, I didn’t ‘take’ any other photos today since I was busy learning about installation design and re-watching “A Man With A Movie Camera.” 

Tomorrow the adventure begins with actually doing some installation design by hand and with SketchUp. I’m kind of excited.

And, yes, I know. My posts need to have more wit, but I’ll blame my lack of wit and entertainment on the fact that I am slowly losing my grasp of the English language. 

April Showers
Milano, Italia 
15 aprile 2012

Lenses
Museo Nazionale del Cinema
Torino, Italia
14 aprile 2012

ethics of photography
the document
Porta Venezia, Milano, Italia
00:01
13 aprile 2012

“Death of Street Art”
By Sever
Detroit

Photo from Tats Cru

minusmanhattan:

Spongebob by Paopao.

Via Scaldasole
Milano, Italia
15 aprile 2012

Via Torricelli, Milano, Italia

Via Vettere, Milano, Italia

Via Torricelli, Milano, Italia

Via Conchetta, Milano, Italia

Via Cardinale Ascanio Sforza e Via Torricelli Milano, Italia

Stazione Romolo, Milano - Italia

“Paint for Love”

Milano, Italia

Milano, Italia

Milano, Italia

Milano, Italia

millumino:

Lugano, Switzerland

millumino:

Lugano, Switzerland

Lugano, Switzerland

Lodi

Milano, Italia

Porta-toilette, Lungo Dora Savona, Torino, Italia

Dear Riomaggiore, 

To say I miss you, would be an understatement. When I scrambled on your rocks back in June and jumped about the tide pools, I thought I wouldn’t see you for a very long time (after all it’d been almost two years since we had last seen each other). I tried to spend as much time as possible among your colorful doorways and lively boats. 

I didn’t know you would surprise me in September. It was such a lovely surprise. Thank you. Although, I was a little sad that you erased the drawing I made for you and Manarola in your tunnelled passageway. But I understand, it’s important to keep things tidy. And I really found that beautiful new tattoo you and Manarola had done along the walls, it really spoke to me. 

I’m not sure if you saw my gift to you. When you see it you’ll know it’s from me (I just felt it necessary to make a new drawing for you).

I am going to try and see you again soon. I’ll try to get away from school to see you. I think moving to Milan will make visits a little easier (you know, not having to cross an ocean and all that). 

Please say hi to Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso for me. I was sad I didn’t get to see them last month. 

Continue to stay bright, you know how much I love your colors. 

Lots of rock climbing love,

A Dino Stuck in Davis Soon To Be In Milan

(Photography by Psyvalh via landscapelifescape)

millumino:

Project: Discover Street Art

I will be in Italia (oh dio mio!) for eight days starting June 12th. I’m going to go visit a couple schools in Milan and do an interview/tour at NABA (I may die from nervousness). 

ANYWAYS. Ever since my epic Pre-Glee Live Bansky and Street Art Hunt in San Francisco last week, I decided I should really do the same on ALL the trips I take. Because there are so many amazing works of art (commissioned and not commissioned) everywhere. 

It also totally helped that Dianna retweeted my image of the Defenestration building in SF

ANYWAYS. Because of this - I’ve decided to start a mini-side project calledDiscover Street Art (hinthintyoushouldgofollownow). I will be blogging about my trip to Italy via photos and video of street art (as well as the works I see at the Venice Biennial). The blog will also be collaboration - It’d be fantastic for people to submit their own Street Art Discoveries. 

So what I’m asking all of you to do:

1. Submit your own street art discoveries
2. Use the tag #DiscoverStreetArt on any tweet or post you make. 
3. Follow discoverstreetart.tumblr.com
4. Start adding to the Discover Street Art GoogleMap (know of something cool, snap a photo and tag the location!)
5. If you want to help in this project, let me know - the more help the better. 

And let’s make this shit HUGE. 

Dear Italia: 

Get your tattooed walls and alleyways primped and pressed for your photoshoot debut. 

Ti vediamo pronto, 

An Artbuff Stuck in Davis

Cara Italia:

In a little over a week, my eight-day street art hunt will begin. And I couldn’t be more thrilled! I’ve packed enough SD cards to capture every painted wall, abandoned building and train yard.

I’ve missed walking your streets and finding delicious artworks scattered everywhere. And I can’t help but be mad at myself for not snapping photos before. I hope I can discover your alley ways with works by local artists and perhaps more infamous, like Blu.

I just wanted to let you know. I’m excited to see you and your tattooed streets and buildings. All I ask is you not be camera shy.

Bacione,

An Italian Stuck in Davis

(originally: ivanoancora)

Street Art in Milan!!!!

Dear Firenze, 

I was driving through downtown last night and I realized that I missed your narrow streets and crowded buildings. Maneuvering around taxis and pedestrians isn’t the same here as weaving in and out of your narrow cobbled streets trying to navigate bicycles, tourists, and buses. 

It was just too easy. It was 130 in the morning and it was dead. Rainy. And cold. And while using an umbrella yesterday reminded me of you, it just wasn’t the same. I missed the constant breaths that escape from your buildings and roads.

I miss your façades that whisper stories of renaissance scandals and late night rendezvous. I miss your dim lights that cast shadows of mystery. I miss your people who’s eyes twinkle of adventure. I miss your trains that hum lullabies.

I miss the routine. I miss being jostled by passengers on buses, bartering vendors for the best produce, and just drinking an espresso and people watching.

You are a city that breathes, dances, and whirls around in order to paint the most beautiful picture.

And, I just need you to know that I miss you. 

Un bacione,  

An Italian Stuck in Davis

(photo via: freemug)

Sometimes you have to be away from something long enough to realize how much you miss it. I can’t even explain how much I miss seeing this. I miss walking the calle, discovering secret sottoporteghi, and getting lost along the canals. No matter how many times you visit, you always find something new. Something that makes you think, ‘How in the world did I not see that before? Was I blind?’

The Ducale, Venice, Italy 
© Jason Ramsay (via theworldwelivein)

Dear Italy:

I was kicking the ball in the backyard the other day and I started thinking about you. Remember when we went to see Roma vs. Boca - back when Batistuta was playing. You were so much fun.

You always make the beautiful game so much fun, whether we were playing in the streets of Florence, kicking the ball around in one of the local street fields, or watching the epic Calcio Storico.

I was hoping we could play some pick up this summer. Or even just juggle the ball around at the bus stop of Siena like we used to - who doesn’t like kicking the ball around after an awesome day of shopping?

Lots of love,

A Tuscan stuck in Davis

casaitalia | girlslovesoccer

Caro Palio:

I have a confession. It’s very difficult to tell you because I really do love you. I love watching you race. Your energy. Your vibrant colors. All of it. It’s intoxicating. And I always do my best to not miss you race.  I always love pre-partying with you at Tartuca’s or at Selva’s. Remember that one year when Leocorno threw that awesome party? 

But yeah.

I know I’m not there. And this distance between us can really be difficult, but I really do try to not miss a single moment. I’m trying to be as ‘there’ as I can even though I’m not, you know. There. 

That’s why this is so difficult to tell you. I don’t want to hurt your feelings. And I don’t want you to think I don’t love you anymore. Because I do. I mean - I did give a glowing 10 minute speech about you in front of all my classmates when I was younger. That was so embarrassing by the way. But they loved you. I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t.  But — yeah. That’s why this is hard. The thing is. Well, I cheated on you. 

And no, not with the Italia Wave Love Festival. Or with the that really good looking Lucca Festival. Although - I am going to be honest. They are both super super attractive.

I actually cheated on you with someone here called Outside Lands. He lives in San Francisco. 

I am not going to say it didn’t mean anything. Because it did. It was epic. It was mind blowing. But I am going to tell you that it doesn’t mean I don’t still absolutely adore you. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with you. Because I do. In my defense, right when I got home I watched you race. You were brilliant. I am so happy for you and Tartuca. 

I just want to be honest with you. Because this long-distance relationship is starting to take it’s toll on me. And I think it’s time we’ve had this conversation and act like adults. 

I think it’s time we just be honest with each other: our relationship is open. I know you and Tartuca are going to be celebrating for the next month or so, just like you and Selva did in July. 

I miss you terribly. 

Lots of love from California, 

A Tuscan stuck in Davis.

PS: Outside really wants to meet you. I showed him photos and the video below and he thinks you are all sorts of awesome. 

fuckyeahglobetrotters:

San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy

taken and submitted by ciaokatie (flickr/tumblr)

Dear San Gimignano,

I had gelato on Thursday and thought of you. It was delicious, but not as delicious as the gelato I’ve had while sitting on the stairs of your piazzas.

When I left this morning, I looked at the coffee table displaying the beautiful chess set you gave me back in 2001 when I was just a naive little ding dong who didn’t know any better.

Now that I’m older. I realize I took you for granted then. And even that one day I stopped by to see you a few years ago. We went out for ice cream. We joked. We laughed. But we only hung out for a brief afternoon.

I can’t wait to see you again. I miss your towers. Your landscape. And golly geewhiz, I miss Sergio Dondoli’s world famous gelato at Gelateria di Piazza.

Lots of gelato love,

A European stuck in Davis

Caro Viareggio, 

I was shuffling through some old photo boxes the other day and stumbled across some photos of you; you looked fabulous. The camera loves you. It was difficult to find any that weren’t flattering. And you always manage to make everyone around you look so dang hot too! 

I miss hanging out with you. Always the life of the party! Honestly, I can’t remember a night when we didn’t have fun together. Thank you so much for introducing me to your friends, Torre del Lago and Lido di Camaiore. They were pretty awesome - you should tell them to friend me on facebook.

I miss the spontaneous foam parties you used to throw. Our attempts at mastering skim boarding along your shores. Or the plenty of hours we spent laying out on the beach together. 

When I returned home, I was a little upset that you didn’t write every day like you promised. Eventually you sent me a postcard of the festivities in February, but it felt more like a slap in the face than a gesture of ‘I miss you too.’

I know you’re probably busy with all those other people you’re seeing this time of year. And I’m sure when Ferragosto rolls around next week you’ll be making friends with everybody and their grandmother. You always did try to give the best spots to the older ladies, no wonder I never had a chance. 

All I ask is that you remember me and the rest of us when you throw that midnight foam party and light up that bonfire.

Wishing I was browning on the sands of Mergellina with you, 

<3 A Lucchese Stuck in Davis

[photos by the cool crew: Theresa, Cristiana, Antonella & Adriana]

Dear TrenItalia: 

Remember that one time?  You know, during the holidays. Melisa and I were ready to join you on a grand adventure up to Milan. We planned on splitting up when we got there and make our way over to Spain. But you ruined those plans, remember? 

The three of us were just hanging out when you decided to inform us that our train from Milan had left the day before - honestly, it was a little snarky of you to wait so long to tell us. 

We freaked. Naturally. But, as always you calmed us down and told us to go with the flow. Everything would work out. In the end it did. We spent a lovely holiday, the three of us - visiting Milan, Torino, Lake Como and eventually going further north into Zurich before spending the New Year in Nice. 

But our time together was so much fun. Even with the standing room only, the crazy slap-happy-family that jostled us, or the six hour delay due to the earthquake in Bologna. It was fun. It was an adventure. 

I’m reminded of those wonderful days whenever Simone Cristicchi’s song Sul Treno plays on my iTouch or on LastFm. 

Corre questo treno, corre fra la terra e il cielo e non si ferma mai,
verso una stazione, e mi batte forte il cuore, so che ci sarai,
che mi aspettera

I can only hope you haven’t forgotten me or the moments we shared. I check my mail sometimes, wondering if you’ve sent me a love note in the form of a Euro Rail Pass. 

Until that day, I’ll be thinking of you and the many times I spent sprinting over to stamp my ticket and chase you down the binario in order catch you on time.

Remembering those blue stiff seats with an aching heart & even achier bum, 

A European Stuck in Davis

Dear Europe:

I drove myself to the California State Fair the other day. While I was there I happened by a bicycle exhibit titled “Pedaling to Adventure.” I saw all sorts of cool bikes and I was instantly reminded of you.

I started reminiscing of those days in Viareggio, biking to and from the beach and down the passeggiata. It felt so natural to weave in and out of the pedestrian and automobile traffic. 

We used to dance together every day. I loved it. I learned the steps to the bicycle waltz in no time. And soon enough my friends and I were able to board bikes in two or even three on our way to the beach or local beach bar. 

Oh, how I miss those days. Those days of bike sharing. Fortunately, I live in a town where most people learn to ride a bike even before they learn how to walk. Where the bike population usually outnumbers the city population. We are the only Platinum Biking City in America - so props to us. 

But it’s not quite the same. The traffic rules differ and the tempo of the bicycle dance here in Davis is stop and go rather than just flow with it.

I miss our bike rides together, Europe. I miss those biking adventures on Etruscan walls, around large roundabouts, and down crowded boardwalks. 

Next time you want to go for a bike ride, Europe. Don’t hesitate to send me a note. Or a text message. Hell, even a tweet inviting me on one of your wheeled adventures. 

Still trying to pedal my way back to European adventure (stupid Atlantic), 

A European Stuck in Davis

Dear Italy:

I miss you so much, my liver hurts. Yes, that means I’ve been consoling my aching heart with vino rosso, Perino, and the occasional caffé corretto.  I miss your cooking. The way you used to wake me up in the morning with a cappuccino, the foam with a lovely design. I miss the days of rapid hand-gestured conversation.

Some days, I head to my favorite pizzeria with my friends in an attempt to recreate those memorable days of food, wine, and animated conversation. And it works. For those few hours, I’m back home with you. 

And then I realize the public transportation is non-existent and I actually have to drive myself home. No trains. No buses. No bike-sharing (yet). 

I keep trying to remind myself that you’ll come back to me, that you’ll call me one of these days, and  invite me to one of your lovely parties. 

Until then, I’ll be enjoying my Bellini. 

Baci.

- A Tuscan stuck in Davis

Dear Lucca: 

I am extremely sorry I missed you this year. I feel awful. I experience a sense of jealously and longing every time I peruse the photos posted by friends, family, and fans on the FaceSpace of your Etruscan walls, amazing towers, and energized musical concerts. This blog posted by the awesome Giulietta Biraghi, made me realize that I’ve been very neglectful of you, Lucca. 
I promise, next year, I plan to be more attentive. 

♥ from a European stuck in Davis

Dear Europe:

When I miss you, sometimes I listen to awesome Italian & French music or look at pictures of the awesome train adventures we had together. Sometimes I even try to order food from places in different languages. It makes me forget the distance; that is, until I get strange looks and my food order is all messed up.
So when are you inviting me back? This relationship seems so one-sided. I don’t know if I can take it much longer. 
Still waiting to hear from you,

A European stuck in Davis