Masspike

This is near where the Mass Pike goes under the Pru Center. In my mind's eye of course.

Street Life

I recently returned to Maine from a quick trip to suburban Boston. I can only take that area in small doses. The traffic and streets and people living on top of each other. The woods made into developments. Intersecting streets with endless lights and everyone bumper to bumper with glaring faces. Noise, disorder and discord. And grinding, grating colors. Here's the impression that I get.

Link To The Press Herald Article

If you missed the article on DIY Adirondacks in the Sunday Maine Telegram a couple of weeks ago you can still read it. Just click on the link below:

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=263012&ac=Home

Baggage

I've been getting off track. Losing myself in the painting. This one is called "Baggage". Now I'm getting ready to go back to creating some new chair designs. I think the paintings are like push ups for my creative mind. I am stretching the muscles that drive my imagineering. I've taken my Weekender chair design as far as it will go. I'm happy to build more to meet customer demand. But I am already sketching what's next. Something a bit more contemporary and where comfort and quality construction are still key. Stay tuned. The momentum is building.

Innards

This is my take on our inner topography. Guts, heart, liver, kidney intestines, major arteries. It's all there somewhere. Not sure what the green stuff is. Maybe bile. Maybe this is the insides of a lobster and the green stuff is the tamale. I'd like a nice big lobster roll right about now. Lots of mayo and a little celery on a fresh white bun. Wicked good.

Art or Adobe?

I used Adobe Photo Shop to manipulate my "Donkey Boy" painting and this is the result. It is a "crystallized" version created by the computer with a few simple keystrokes. I find it delightful and very satisfying to play with this new tool. This is what they call "New Media" or "Digital Media". Call it another great way to make art.

Big Doings In Buxton, Maine

I will have a booth at Buxton Community Days next Saturday (7/25) from 10 to 3 on the lawn at Tory Hill Meeting House at the junction of Routes 202 and 112. Come on by and sample my chairs, benches and stools. I will also be selling my artwork and paperback books. The chairs will run you $375, the books are a bargain at 3 for $5.

She's Got Legs!

In my opinion there's nothing finer than a nice set of gams. My "Grace" chair has the best set of legs I've seen in a long time. Especially on a chair. Another great thing about my Grace is she's also got great arms, a nice gently sloping back and nice full seat. In fact I'd say she's a perfect 10. But then again I'm her daddy so what do I know? You can experience Grace for yourself. I am making a limited edition of only 25. So far I'm up to number six. Cost for Grace in solid oak with your choice of color is $650.

Donkey Boy, The Painting

Donkey Boy lives in the woods behind our house and comes out during the full moon to steal food and supplies. And small, misbehaving children. He's crazy so you don't want to get too close to him. He understands the world in colors rather than language so I am still trying to figure out the code. If you can read the code in this painting, you are either a genius or you're the DONKEY BOY! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Free Shipping!

I must be crazy but am offering free shipping for the months of July and August. O.K., now here comes the disclaimer: applies to purchases of two or more Weekender chairs with a range limit of 150 miles from Bar Mills, Maine which is the epicenter of finely crafted furnishings for great outdoor living. Order your chairs today and receive free white glove delivery right in time for your midsummer's lawn parties.

Staycation Paradise

Karl , Sharon, Aidan and Ava can now enjoy great outdoor living beside their brand new fire pit. Their lively new Weekender chairs provide the perfect angle for marshmallow roasting, adult beverage consuming, stargazing and fireworks watching. Karl, who works 10-12 hours a day at his own business, somehow found the time and energy to compose this lovely hard scape. Nice work Karl! I wish you all many, many fine staycations and engaging conversations living the good life in your own back yard.

Warm Earth

"Warm Earth" is proving to be a popular color this summer (Benjamin Moore #1274) My Weekender Chair #37 is going to a Massachusetts residence, where the owner hopes to enjoy many pleasant hours amongst the flowers in mini "staycations" right in her own back yard.

July Sale!

Wanted: good home for Weekender chairs of various personalities. I am offering eight of my early/experimental chairs at the amazing low price of $200 each. Just $200 bucks! That's what you'd pay for one of those crappy chairs from A Big Freeport Retailer. And mine are ten times as gorgeous and will last ten times as long. Hurry to the phone and reserve yours now. These awesomely comfortable and exceedingly well behaved Weekenders won't last long. (207) 929-5767. Operators are standing by to answer your call!

Seven Lakes

Another Topo Graphic from my alter ego Jordan Leach. Jordan is in touch with his feminine side. He likes to paint and listen to soft jazz. Dirk on the other hand likes to push wood through jointers and planers and band saws. He listens to CYY turned up to 11. Foo Fighters, Seether, Taking Back Sunday, 311, Incubus, Saving Abel.

Topographic

More painting. This is another in my "Mental Mapping" series. Acrylic on hardboard. 30" x 48". I've always loved pouring over topographic maps but thought they could use a bit more color. This would look awesome printed on fabric. Curtains, dresses, handbags, a bed spread. You could even buy chairs to match. I can give you the name of a great chair maker.

Opening Night Silent Auction!

On Friday July 10th, Legacy Theatre Company of Saco will be hosting a silent auction before and after their opening night's performance of "Chicago". My blue chair will go to the highest bidder. So bid early and bid often. Come see great theater, support local charities and introduce yourself to Southern Maine's newest and brightest theater company. Please bring a non-perishable food item to support Legacy Theatre Company's mission to help feed the hungry, clothe the needy and house the homeless.

Three Paintings

I've been painting these last several days. Each of these is pretty large. I used sheets of 1/4" thick hardboard measuring 48" long by 32" tall. Top to bottom: "Sprawl", "Industrial Park" and "On The Grid". I set the hardboard down on sawhorses and worked over it. I prefer 1" foam brushes and like to lay the paint on thick. The paint is leftover from my "Journey of 100 Chairs" project. I lose track of time, becoming totally absorbed by the work. Usually I start with an idea. "Sprawl" shows how we eat up green space when everybody gets their own piece of the American Pie. "Industrial Park" is all about concrete and tractor trailers lined up at warehouses. The natural landscape peeks through in tiny blocks of green. "On The Grid" shows a small piece of shoreline or natural landscape becoming absorbed into the Grid.