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Artist Mitchell Lonas has been creating his artwork here in Asheville for four years now and is currently featured in this months show at the Blue Spiral Gallery.  Also, he has a show in Seattle and recently opened a show in New Orleans at Gallery Bienvenu (photo below) where he sold 11 of 18 pieces on opening night.  The director of the Gallery Bienvenu painted such a clear picture of Mitchell's work I reusing his words below.Several years ago in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, artist Mitchell Lonas laid eyes on something of such uncanny beauty, he has never forgotten it: a trio of swallows' nests, which the birds had fashioned solely from horse-tail hairs. The nests, each a different color, were so improbable in their architectural intricacy and gossamer sheen, they filled Lonas with the inspiration to transmute common natural phenomena such as nests, feathers, and trees into items of aesthetic rapture. These motifs are central to The Wrench Series, the artist's debut exhibition at Gallery Bienvenu. To create the works, he employs a unique process to apply paint to steel and aluminum panels. Then, working from sketches, he uses customized cutting tools to incise the picture planes with iconic imagery, the beveled lines glinting as viewers behold the pieces from different vantages. "You walk in front of them," he explains, "and the light travels with you. There's a sparkle, a feeling of movement. It's almost a fiber-optic effect."Lonas, who studied art history at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, was a respected portrait painter before transitioning to his current style. A portraitist's sense of focus, line, and beauty continues to inform his new work, which is included in notable private, public, and corporate collections, among them a series of large-scale commissions for Nordstrom department stores. An avid hiker and birdwatcher, he is compelled to portray nature in ways that are both poetic and inventive. "The challenge," he reflects, "is to create something original using unconventional materials and methods." The artworks' gestural drama is tempered by a hushed, Zen-like serenity, heightened by an intuitive use of negative space that recalls Asian sumi-e brush painting. Immaculately presented with hidden cleats that make the works appear to float in front of the wall, the incised paintings have a weightless, ethereal quality and a sculptural presence that is contemporary but not cold. In these semi-abstracted celebrations of the natural world, viewers will find a treasure trove of symbolisms and personal narratives, which lend themselves to extended contemplation and interpretations as varied as nature itself.For more information on Mitchell Lonas visit his website at MitchellLonas.com .Text courtesy of Gallery Bienvenu.  Photos courtesy of Mitchell Lonas and Troy Winterrowd.

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Leicester House by SPG ArchitectsThis hilltop residence, located at the edge of a wooded knoll in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Moutains, has expansive southern and western views.  Approaching through the woods, one arrives at a one-story facade of corten steel framed by wood.  A hint of the views is provided through the glass door, but it is not unitl the entry that the full impact of the hilltop views can be experienced.  The south and west glass walls open to rolling farmland velow and the mountains beyond.  The entry level serves as the primary living area, with a guest wing carved into the hilltop below.  The house is functional, energy efficient and visually inspiring.  The greening of the house complements its visual warmth, grounding the modern structure in its rural landscape.For more information and environmental details on this modern addition to the Asheville landscape please Click Here!Asheville Design Center Wednesday, Oct 13 at 6pm - "Eric Gartner of SPG Architects will discuss the firm's local work in green building.  Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with sweeping views across majestic landscape, SPG Architects' Leicester House serves both as a solitary retreat and a generous space for entertaining. SPG's work clearly presents a visual consistency based on human proportions, the exploration of light, and the judicious use of materials that provide singular tactile, visual, spatial and temporal experiences. Two external crises that unfolded during design and construction encouraged the client to turn Leicester House into a model of energy efficiency. In response to a severe drought, rainwater collection was incorporated along with geothermal energy use, energy efficient lighting, automatic sun shading and reclaimed furniture. When the economic crisis squeezed budgets and ruled out an infinity pool, plans were adapted to create a green 'infinity' roof instead."Text and Photos by SPG Architects

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An Interview with Builder - David Way At last I was able to spend some time with David Way, a local builder who has found a way to create efficient and smart homes here in Asheville.  Over the years I have toured his homes in Montford and East Asheville and have remarked on how functional and fun they are.  Building upon challenging infill lots he constructs something light, livable and inspiring.He has recently completed this modern spec home for owner Chris Barlas (right).  Chris owned a flag lot near UNC and wanted to build a rental house there.  I asked Chris why he picked David to build his home.  Chris says, "I have been watching homes for two years and every time I saw a house I liked it had been built by David Way."  David and Chris both enjoyed working together and admitted the process was entirely smooth.  David likes to keep the process organic so things can change as they come up allowing for owner input.David has been tinkering with home design since high school.  It was his preferred subject for doodling.  He was constantly reviewing architecture magazines and was fortunate to work for an architect during high school.  Following he earned a 2 year degree in construction before working for a developer for a few years.  There he learned a lot about construction efficiencies.  He now works on his own and has two other guys that work with him.  They have a workshop where they like to do all the millwork and specialty finishes for his projects. Some of the signature traits of David's homes are 2 x 6 framework, 9 foot ceilings, double insulated windows, tankless water heaters and tavern grade wood floors.  His goal is to build long lasting, durable and efficient homes for his clients.  Even though David's talent clearly shows through his aesthetic his favorite compliment is how little his clients need to adjust the thermostat.

[444918] Dine Overlooking Downtown (666x500)

$1,485,675.00    4385 sqft.3 Bedrooms and 3.5 BathsListed by: Janet Whitworth

"Unrivaled views of Asheville and distant mountain ranges, yet five minutes to downtown.  A striking blend of Mid-Century Modern and Arts and Crafts architecture on beautifully landscaped 3.4 acres of rolling terrain.  Glass everywhere to enjoy views from dining, living, kitchen and upstairs master bedroom.  Outdoor living spaced include a covered porch, master bedroom balcony, screened porch.  Enjoy dining on the main level patio with huge sunset views."

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This home built in 1960 was originally designed by Six Associates here in Asheville.  Over the years it has undergone some additions and updates designed by noted architect Robert Griffin.  I recently toured the home with Janet and found the blend between mid-century modern and contemporary arts and crafts to be quite seamless throughout the house.  Great care was taken to strike a thoughtful and harmonious blend between the styles which makes it unique in itself.  For a bit of history on the home please find my article titled "Blast from the Past - Year 1960".To view this property's website Click Here! To view this property's virtual tour Click Here!

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This clever new infill house near UNCA is a 4 bedroom and 3 bath home efficiently tucked into 1600 sq/ft of living space. While the interior is very smooth and light the exterior is skinned with heavy rough hewn wood and steel.  If you want a house with a low maintenance exterior this modernist cabin is bound to provide generations of easy living here in the mountains.  It has everything, but a pair of antlers hanging on the front!  The house is listed for $315,000.

Last night I attended the grand opening of Pink Dog Creative Studios on Lyman St. in the River Arts District.  The property is a creative venture by artist/designer Randy Shull and creative entrepreneur Hedy Fisher.  The building will house workshops, artist studios, community space and eventually a new restaurant adding its signature to the growing venues in the River District of Asheville.

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Paper Clothing from the Mars Manufacturing Company It has been three years now since I saw this fun exhibit at the Asheville Museum of Art. The museum hosted a collection of paper dresses made here in Asheville by the Mars Manufacturing Co. where the Riverview Station is on Lyman St. today. In review this fashion trend started in 1966, when Scott Paper Co. introduced disposable clothing as a promotion gimmick with a sleeveless shift selling for $1.00. It was so shapeless that it recalled a paper bag. But for a country now accustomed to throw-away cups, plates, napkins and diapers, paper clothing seemed a logical next step. Scott sold 500,000 dresses in eight months, and the strong response had other manufacturers and designers joining the paper chase.By 1967, Mars Manufacturing Company of Asheville was the nation's leading producer of paper dresses, selling 80,000 to 100,000 a week. From its basic A-line shift, the company expanded its line to include bell-bottom jump suits, evening gowns, aprons, men's vests, children's dresses and even swimming trunks. The rage for paper lasted a short time and by 1974 it was already passé. At that point the Mar's Manufacturing Company began experimenting with other uses for paper clothing and eventually developed a successful line of disposable garments to be worn in factories and hospitals.Images and text courtesy of the Asheville Museum of Art

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Sunday, September 26th is WNC's Green Building Council's tour of Green Homes For Sale in the area.  Over 20 homes will be available for viewing between noon and 4pm.  Go to www.wncgbc.org for details and a free tour guide.To the right is a contemporary home that will be on the tour - 80 Horizon Hill Rd.

Simply-Stated Contemporary Design

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I finally stopped in to meet Barbara Zaretsky today at her studio in the Cotton Mills. I have seen her work in shops and magazines and was an instant fan of her simple and sophisticated patterns and color palette.  They lend themselves to a clean modern environment of Asheville which is why many interior designers visit her to consult on projects. All of BZDesign's home furnishings and wearable accessories are hand-dyed and block-printed.  The are made with natural fibers, plant dyes and textile paints making each piece subtly unique. Furthermore, she uses "Peace" silk which is silk created by a humane process allowing the silk moths to emerge from their cocoons and live out their full life cycle.  Because the silk fiber has been broken into many smaller strands by the emerging moth, the harvested silk is spun similar to cotton or linen, instead of being reeled.  The resulting yarn is soft, fluffy and light as a cloud.At her studio in the River Arts District her silk fabrics are washed, mordanted, dyed and printed.  To achieve the natural earthy palette, she uses concentrated plant extracts from a variety of plants including osage orange, madder root and walnut.After the fabric is dyed and rinsed, it is folded, clamped and dyed again.  The next layer of surface design is created by hand, block-printing or embroidery.  Each piece is then either hand or machine-sewn into pillows, wall pieces, scarves and dresses.Overall, the work at BZDesign reflects many of the core values we aspire to in Asheville's modern lifestyle; simplicity, sustainability and sophistication in design.

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When Randy Siegel went in search of a new home in Asheville he was looking for clean architecture, an open floor plan and long range mountain views.  Mid-century architect, J. Bertram King, provided him that opportunity with this 3200 sq/ft house that sits in the hills above the Asheville Country Club.  The house was originally constructed in 1959 and has 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms.  He was fortunate in finding the home in mostly original condition with the exception of some colonial style light fixtures he quickly replaced.  Still in place were the original asian style sliding screens from the entry to the living space, the outdoor courtyard off the dining room and the floating concrete fireplace hearth.Year round the house has views of the Grove Park Inn and then expands to included downtown Asheville in the winter.  He replaced the deteriorating back view patio with concrete slabs that reflect a mid-century aesthetic.  He then hired a concrete artist to build tables and add a fountain to a previously blank wall.  The outdoor space provided a contemporary setting for his 50th birthday party guests who enjoyed music from a live band that flowed both indoors and out.The crisp black and white kitchen serves as an intimate eating area for two, a gathering place for entertaining guests and provides several functioning work spaces all while enjoying a panoramic view of the mountains from a wrap around row of windows.The light and open interior of the home provides a great backdrop for Randy's art and furniture collection.  He has collected an eclectic mix of American and European antiques and Outsider art. The art is everywhere.  Pieces range from paintings to sculpture.  The sculpture ranges from soft media to metal.  There are stories behind a lot of the pieces, most of which are figurative or portraiture in some form or fashion.  Added in are some folk art furniture pieces, some sizable, like an antique African-American chest-on-chest in his office that came from a barbershop in Gainesville, Ga.The challenge, of course, is to bring the art collection together without cluttering up the aesthetics of the clean, contemporary architecture.  Siegel goes right up to the line on that point, but seldom crosses it.  “I'm interested in seeing how all these elements can work together,” he said. He often does so with a sense of play. Play, along with work and rest, is a key word in Randy's home which he likes to share with his close friends and his dog, Lucy.To see more of Bertram King's work go to the link provided on the right.

Article by Troy Winterrowd and ISurfAsheville.com. Photos by Troy Winterrowd