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Ornate Porcelain Skulls by Katsuyo Aoki, The Predictive Dream Series.




Japanese artist Katsuyo Aoki has been working in ceramic for several years. Her Predictive Dream Series was brought to my attention by the fabulous Gblog. The series consists sculptural skulls rendered as intricately worked porcelain pieces that are simultaneously demonic and delicate.



















Artist Statement:
Currently, I use ceramics as my material in my method of expression, incorporating various decorative styles, patterns, and symbolic forms as my principal axis in creating my works.

The decorative styles and forms I allude to and incorporate in my works each contain a story based on historical backgrounds and ideas, myths, and allegories.Their existence in the present age makes us feel many things,; adoration, some sort of romantic emotions, a sense of unfruitfulness and languor from their excessiveness and vulgarity.



And on the other hand, they make us feel tranquility and awe that can almost be described as religious, as well as an image as an object of worship. By citing such images, I feel I am able to express an - atmosphere- that is a part of the complex world in this age.

In fact, the several decorative styles and forms I cite simultaneously hold divine and vulgar meaning in the present age, having an irrational quality that contradict each other, which I feel express an important aspect in the contemporary age in which we live.

Also, the technique of ceramics has a tradition that has been a part of the history of decoration over a long time, and I feel the delicateness and fragile tension of the substantial material well express my concept.



Katsuyo Aoki is represented by Roentgenwerke Gallery

A Supersized Solar-Powered Catamaran, The Turanor PlanetSolar.







M/S TÛRANOR PlanetSolar is a multihull vessel topped by a large array of photovoltaic solar panels, constructed by Knierim Yacht Club, in Kiel, Germany. Built in 14 months, the biggest ever solar boat has impressive dimensions but is both silent and clean.




The multihull will be home to six sailors during the round-the-world attempt, and can accommodate up to forty people during the promotional trips planned at each port of call.





On its round-the-globe expedition, the TÛRANOR* PlanetSolar will pioneer the use of sustainable energy technology on water. It is different from anything that has happened in the field of mobility to date. This solar catamaran uses the very latest cutting-edge technology available on the market. The intention is to demonstrate that high-performance solar mobility can be realized today by making innovative use of existing materials and technology.





The ideal shape and size of the boat for the chosen route was determined by in-depth research. The PlanetSolar engineers have to factor in a host of parameters – propulsion, solar panel design, energy storage, materials and the external environment.



A whole range of studies will need to be conducted in areas such as the boat’s hydro and aerodynamics, the materials used, the management and storage of energy and, finally, the power plant and optimal routing. It is a concentration of futuristic technology.

* The name TÛRANOR is derived from the “Lord of the Rings” saga by J.R.R. Tolkien and translates as “the power of the sun” and "victory".

Technology



PlanetSolar is a catamaran that runs solely on the energy found in light. Additional removable parts allow it to expose a total of 537 m2 of photovoltaic modules (solar panels) to the sun. This impressive data makes it the biggest solar-powered ship in the world.

Legnth: 31 m
Width: 15 m
Length with flaps: 35 m
Width with flaps: 23 m
Height: 6.1 m
Draft: 1.55 m
Weight: 95 t
Surface area of solar modules: 537 m2
PV panel efficiency: 18.8%
Installed PV power: 93.5 kW (127.0 hp)
Average engine consumption: 20 kW (26.8 hp)
Crew: 6 people
Number of people that can go on board: 40
Autonomy: never-ending solar navigation



Information and images courtesy of PlanetSolar

A Small Modern Home Overlooks Olive Trees in Sonoma by Cooper Joseph Studio.







Cooper Joseph Studio, formerly Wendy Joseph Evans Architecture, has designed this small 850 square guest house in the Dry Creek area of Sonoma. Located on a terraced hill, the modern structure overlooks a field of olive trees and is nestled amongst lavender and rosemary. The home was designed for two scientists who grow olives and make olive oil, keep bees and produce honey, garden and many other endeavors that take advantage of the area’s climate, soils and site.







Situated at the top of an olive orchard, the exposure faces north, taking advantage of the breezes, and shade from existing forests to the south. Exploiting an existing open area with particularly hard clay soils, no trees were removed. The goal was to create an energy efficient, compact dwelling where the clients could sit in shaded areas, entertain friends with their own food production, and enjoy the wonderful views across agricultural lands. The 30-foot-high concrete wall dividing the house was a technical achievement, according to the architects. The home also has a solar array for power and a high albedo [surface reflection] roof.






The interior:







Site plans and architectural drawings:





Small House, 2011
Sonoma, CA


Client: Charles Homcy / Diana Sylvestre
Architect: Cooper Joseph Studio, New York
Design Principal: Wendy Evans Joseph, Chris Cooper
Project Architects: Wendy Evans Joseph and Chris Cooper
Project Manager: Chris Good
Project Team: Chris Good and Farzana Gandhi
Architect of Record: Richardson Architects
Structural Engineer: Tysinger & Associates Structural Engineers
Landscape Architect: Jacobsen Landscaping
Interior Designer: Cooper Joseph Studio
Contractor: Red Horse Construction
Construction Manager: David Warner
Zinc Siding: VM Zinc
Composite Decking: Timber Deck
Resin: 3-Form
Counter Tops: Caeserstone
Oak Millwork: Custom-stained Oak
Site Area: 25 Acres
Building Area: 850 sq. ft. enclosed

Additional photos courtesy of Elliott Kaufman Photography, additional information courtesy of California Architects

Cooper Joseph Studio

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