Oakland Chair (black velvet) by Eternity

Forced to Work for Pennies: Colonizing the Black Body in 2017

What is likely unknown to most Americans and the-world-at-large, is that the prison system in the US has shifted increasingly from inmate rehabilitation and reform, to using prisoners for extremely low-wage labor that benefits large wealthy corporations.  This is an old problem that has grown exponentially in recent decades, allowing private prisons in the US …

Sculpture: A Duck Can Talk Because I Said So

What gives an object, or a place, a thought, a sound or a being meaning?  And what means communication...to you, or me, or someone else who doesn't speak our language? I have two chickens, and a friend I visited recently lives near a duck pond. Watching these different birds interact inspired the design of this …

Flashback: 8 Questions with Ray Kappe

Lafetra/Gould House (Image: Cory Weiss) “I've always sought out the edges, the views, and a feeling of expansiveness" in building, says architect Ray Kappe.  And when asked what he thinks are the ten most important principles that helped make him “a successful architect, planner, and educator,” one of the things he says is to “always …

CC 3000 Chicken Coop by Eternity

According to Fortune Magazine and other respected publishers, dog and cat owners spend approximately $1500 per year on each pet.  Of course, not all animals cost as much to care for, and some cost more. All pets return the favor by giving back with their companionship, love and affection, and some give back by helping …

Residential Seattle (volume 1)

It's been about a month since I moved to Seattle, and I'm happy to report there's an abundance of interesting and newsworthy architecture happening here.  The downtown area is booming with construction, and there's plenty of evidence of home renovations in the neighborhoods I've visited thus far. The logistics and labor of the move has …