Sunday, September 29, 2013

Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change

The title alone, Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change, hints of the multiple layers of the Museum of Design Atlanta's (MODA) current exhibition, which features a collection of artifacts—furniture mostly—designed by noted Italian designers, as well as some international designers, and manufactured by residents of San Patrignano.

Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change | Spiros
Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change | Spiros
I have many favorite pieces in this exhibition, one of them being "Spiros" by Paolo Nava. One of the first things you'll notice about the selections in Barrique is that they're all made from staves—the slats from up-cycled wine casks.

The various pieces in Barrique have been, as I understand it, designed by professional designers, but crafted by residents of San Patrignano. Carpentry is among the more than 50 professions residents may learn. Others include farming, baking, and graphic design, to name a few...all of which are potential future careers for the program participants.


Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change
Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change
Opening Night was beyond fantastic! The well-attended event included dignitaries and a resident of San Patrignano. Pictured above are a few of the distinguished guests. Left to right are Francesco Fadda, Coordinator of the American tour of Barrique; Angela della Costanza Turner, Honorary Consul of Italy; and Mike McKeaige, Barrique Project participant and resident of San Patrignano.

All were gracious hosts and Ms. Costanza Turner and MODA Executive Director Laura Flusche were presented with absolutely beautiful cased works of art. It was a great evening of learning about San Patrignano and mingling with other visitors.


Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change | Stave Table
Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change | Stave Table
The above "Stave Table" was designed by Giuliano Cappelletti. Which brings me to a confession. No, I did not take incredible notes nor am I relying on my memory to know the artifact names and designers' names. Each ticketed visitors received an exhibition catalog—a rare treat, regardless of the museum. "Thank you, MODA," for the catalog and such an amazing exhibition.

One of the more fascinating aspects of this exhibition, at least to me, is that the shipping crates are the displays! Even the posters and panels with each piece are attached to the inside walls of the crates are part of the display. That in itself is brilliant design!


Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change | Arche
Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change | Arche
"Arche" is a bench designed by Daniel Libeskind. One of the fascinating aspects of this piece is that you can still see sparkling sugar crystallization on the interior side of the staves. 

There's a note on the first page inside the catalog that I'd like to share here:


"We would like to dedicate all the 'moments of growth'
which led to the creation of these beautiful objects
to all the young people of San Patrignano,
to all those living there now and all those who will.
Because only those who have the strength to rise up again
and the courage to change, will be able
to make their dreams come true."



Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change | Instabila
Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change | Instabila
I find myself emotionally touched by what's being done at San Patrignano. And I'm touched that Atlanta has done such a fine job of presenting Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change, the MODA exhibition of The Barrique Project, at its final destination on this American tour. 

It was noted during Opening Night remarks that Atlanta has given the best and most remarkable attention to the exhibition, particularly with all the accompanying programming. You've heard me say it before—this is an area where MODA excels! They 'get it' when it comes to creating community and I'm proud of MODA for celebrating the San Patrignano community.


Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change | DOC
Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change | DOC
The beautiful DOC Chaise Lounge pictured above was designed by Marc Sadler. You'll notice the inclusion of fine leather. In this case, the leather is by Poltrona Frau.

The artifacts in the exhibition range from chairs and tables to a baby bassinets and a bicycle...38 designers worked on this show!


Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change | The Atlanta Opera
Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change | The Atlanta Opera
On Opening Night, The Atlanta Opera performed at MODA. They've performed there before, but given 2013 is "The Year of Italian Culture in the United States," it was a little more special this time.

As part of the Year-of, The Atlanta Opera is performing Tosca in early October at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. If you've not heard the Opera or been to the Cobb Energy Center, treat yourself...they're both quite fantastic!


Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change | Panca San Patrignano
Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change | Panca San Patrignano
Luca Scacchetti designed "Panca San Patrignano", a beautiful bench you'll see in Gallery 3. There are approximately 35 pieces on display in the exhibition, each fascinating in its own right. 

The Barrique, A Third Life of Wood roadshow has shared with the United States since May of this year the values of "beauty, know-how, taste, regard for local communities and for the environment, and also solidarity." And a fine job they're doing of it here in Atlanta.


Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change | "Look" Lamp
Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change | "Look" Lamp
The "Look" Lamp is one of two pieces in Barrique by designer Elio Fiorucci. And yes, it's an actual lamp...there's an LED light in the lower stave and the lamp can be placed on a table or wall-mounted.

I'm told that at the end of the exhibition's tour, there will be an auction in New York City, which was great news for the quite a few visitors who asked if the works are for sale. 

There are far too many layers to this exhibition to go into here, but one that I would like to point out is sustainability. The wine casks used in this exhibition, and in the training program at San Patrignano, are up-cycled when they've completed their three years of use for aging wine...thus the "third life of wood" that I mentioned earlier.


Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change
Barrique: Wine, Design & Social Change
Also in attendance Opening Night were, left to right in the above photo, Matteo Origoni,architect of the Barrique Project; Max Salmi, Marketing Operations Manager at SCM Group USA; and Mike McKeaige, Barrique Project participant and resident of San Patrignano. 

Getting to hear a first-hand account of what San Patrignano does—from Mike McKeaige—really brought home the life-saving and life-changing mission and results of the program. The program, which is totally free to participants, currently is home to 1,300 participants. The program, founded in 1978, has a high success rate with more than 72% achieving full recovery.

The exhibition is brilliant, moving, touching, and inspiring. I hope you have a chance to see it during its short time here...through Sunday, October 13.

One last thing, I have to draw attention to how fortunate we are to have exhibitions like this here in Atlanta. Whether visiting Atlanta from a nearby town, from the other side of the planet, or from just down the street, museums like the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) are good for us and good to us. Consider me grateful for seeing things and meeting people that I would not have the opportunity to otherwise. Keep up the great job, MODA!

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Atlanta's Tallest Downtown Skyscraper

I've noted my love of architecture before and that I will feature architecture here on wanderlust ATLANTA because as a tourist, I frequently find myself fascinated with a city's architecture. 

One of the skyscrapers in Atlanta's skyline that captures my imagination is SunTrust Plaza, the tallest skyscraper in downtown Atlanta. Atlanta's tallest building is the nearby Bank of America Plaza, but she's in Midtown, thus SunTrust Plaza's claim as the tallest in downtown Atlanta, at 871 feet tall (902 feet tall with antenna spire), with 60 stories.


SunTrust Plaza, Atlanta's Tallest Downtown Skyscraper
SunTrust Plaza, Atlanta's Tallest Downtown Skyscraper
My love of architecture combined with my love of the camera has given me some unique views of buildings around the world.

This particular shot was made from the balcony of a friend's penthouse home in nearby Museum Tower.Being that high up, makes for some beautiful photo ops, which I sometimes am so engrossed in the beauty before me, that I forget to break out the camera—not necessarily a bad thing.

Follow the links within to learn more about SunTrust Plaza and when you visit Downtown Atlanta, be sure to enjoy all the artwork surrounding SunTrust Plaza, much of it designed by renowned architect, and architect of SunTrust Plaza, John Portman.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Miss Star Trek Universe Goes to the Romulans!

There would have been many disappointed Ferengi at this year's Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant...there were several contenders any of who could have taken the crown. Fortunately for one Romulan in particular, there wasn't a cloaking device in sight! Her (seemingly) Irish jig was seen by everyone!


Dragon Con 2013, Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant
Dragon Con 2013, Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant
The competition, immediately preceded by a Klingon-led series of games (I think he'd been nipping the blood wine), was fierce. Many of the contestants had obviously worked on their uniforms and routines for many, many months—if not the entire year—and others were solely relying on their womanly ways and lots of skin!


Dragon Con 2013, Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant
Dragon Con 2013, Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant
Each and every person who took to the stage—as well as all the folks behind-the-scenes—deserve a standing ovation for putting on a fantastic performance! This is one session that I always attend and will wait in line for an unrealistic measure of time to get a great seat!


Dragon Con 2013, Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant
Dragon Con 2013, Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant
This trio of Andorians graciously served as stage hands during the pre-show act...well, they got to light into gamers with Bat'leths, so it couldn't have been too horrible. They were pretty damned good, actually.


Dragon Con 2013, Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant
Dragon Con 2013, Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant
No, Scotty was not a contestant at this year's Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant...I can't believe you'd ask that! Actually, this event brings probably the largest number of Star Trek costumes of the Con, so it's a fantastic time to snap a few shots of Starfleet officers and others from around the known Universe.


Dragon Con 2013, Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant
Dragon Con 2013, Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant
This year's distinguished panel of judges included a very special local guest...Emily Cook, Miss Georgia 2009. She graciously posed for photos after the Pageant when I learned that you can't just give your camera to someone else who is holding a camera and assume they know how to use it. 

Fortunately, Emily looks gorgeous in the Star Trek dress that her mother made for her. Both her parents were at the Con. Garrett Wang, the Trek Track Chair and Harry Kim from Star Trek: Voyager, told us that he'd been trying to get her to the Pageant since he first took over the Track in 2010. He and everyone else there was grateful for her participation...especially a few guys probably could have used a whiff or two of oxygen.

Also on the judges panel were Dominic Keating, Cirroc Lofton, and Terry FarrellAll in all, it was another brilliant Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant! Looking forward to the next one!

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Dragon Con Celebrities

The celebrity lineup at Dragon*Con 2013 was fantastic! And I got to meet many of the ones I really wanted to. Here's a little about that experience...


DragonCon 2013, George Takei
DragonCon 2013, George Takei
At the very top of my list of celebrities to see this year was George Takei, Sulu of Star Trek: The Original Series.

Wow! What an incredible human being! The morning of the day I met him, I went to an hour-long panel session where he was the keynote. The session was moderated by Garrett Wang, another favorite actor of mine known for his role as Ensign Harry Kim of Star Trek: Voyager. Garrett does a brilliant, "Oh Myyyyyyy!" impression, so you can imagine the fun they had with that!

George is funny, passionate about his activist work for gay rights and Japanese-American relations, he's incredibly active, he's so very grateful for the life he's lived and is living, he's compassionate, and he's hopeful for our future. I was in awe...and I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity to meet George.


Dragon*Con 2013, Lindsay Wagner
Dragon*Con 2013, Lindsay Wagner
I knew envy would ensue when Tommy, one of the kindest people I've ever known and a dear friend who lives in Washington, DC, found out that Lindsay Wagner was going to be at Dragon*Con. So, it's needless to say that there was a lot of texting between us when hearing her keynote talk and getting to meet her.

Lindsay is such a wonderfully sweet, kind-hearted, and grateful person. I know they're all actors, but I've learned over the years that at the Cons, you're really seeing the real person. I think they learn very early on that they can't fool fans...especially not fans of the caliber of Dragon*Con.

I had the great opportunity to hear Lindsay speak on a solo panel, although in the Walk of Fame—where celebrities are gathered for autographs and photos—Lee Majors, The Six Million Dollar Man, was right there beside her. Very cool to see him, too.


Dragon*Con 2013, Tahmoh Penikett
Dragon*Con 2013, Tahmoh Penikett
They grow them big in Canada! I was beyond star-struck to meet Tahmoh Penikett, who played "Helo" on the reboot of Battlestar Galactica. What a super nice guy, in a manly kind of way, and he happens to be Canadian. 

It amazes me how focused and attentive most of these actors are...they give each visitor their undivided attention and they hear what's being said. I wish I had that kind of focus and I really appreciate that actors like Tahmoh give it so generously.

Battlestar Galactica was a favorite show of mine in the 1970s—I loved that show! Richard Hatch (Apollo) and Herbert Jefferson Jr. (Boomer) were there from the original Battlestar—and both were in the Dragon*Con Parade! From the new Battlestar Galactica—the BEST SHOW ON TELEVISION—were Tahmoh Penikett (Helo), Kandyse McClure (Dee), and Edward James Olmos (Adama). 

Dragon*Con 2013, Travis and Tahmoh Penikett
Dragon*Con 2013, Travis and Tahmoh Penikett
I look worse than star-struck in this photo...I look outright goofy. But, even for a brief moment, I was pals with Tahmoh, so I don't care how I looked...I do wish I had his arms though.

"Thank you, Tahmoh", for being so great with your fans! Those experiences really make the Con a fantastic and memorable event, at least for me they do.


Dragon*Con 2013, John de Lancie
Dragon*Con 2013, John de Lancie
Meeting John de Lancie, who played the omnipotent "Q" on more than one television series of Star Trek, was a little more of a sterile experience. Perhaps it was a rough day. He comes across as incredibly smart—and he is a brilliant actor—but I didn't get the feeling that he was thrilled to be there. 

When I saw him fist-bump the person in front of me in line, I had a flashback to when I met Brent Spiner, and sure enough, it was a similar experience. That's not to say it was a bad experience...he's certainly a nice enough guy and I do love his "Q" character, so it was great to meet him.


Dragon*Con 2013, Terry Farrell
Dragon*Con 2013, Terry Farrell
Have I saved the best for last? Well, let me just say that Terry Farrell, who played Jadzia Dax on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, is even more beautiful in person than she is on television. And she's a beautiful human being on the inside, too!

As a matter of fact, the first words out of my mouth when I met her were, "I'm sure you hear it all the time, but  you're even more beautiful in person!" I really wanted to say something original, but her beauty demanded commenting. 

She told me that she doesn't hear that very often, to which I replied, "Well, you should!

What a sweet and charming person she is! I was beyond impressed with her warmth, her charm, and how she makes you feel like you're the only person in the room—when there are actually hundreds and hundreds of other people there. What a great experience it was to meet Terry Farrell.

Also there this year from the Star Trek universe, in addition to George Takei, Garrett Wang, and John de Lancie, were William Shatner (Captain Kirk), Avery Brooks (Captain Sisko), Michael Dorn (Worf), Dominic Keating (Malcolm Reed), Cirroc Lofton (Jake Sisko), Brent Spiner (Data), and Marina Sirtis (Counselor Troi). 

I absolutely adore Marina Sirtis! She was the first celebrity I met at Dragon*Con back in 2010 and she made such a wonderful impression, that today I can't imagine missing the Con or any opportunity to meet celebrities I admire. "Thank you, Marina"...it's always great to see you.

I would be remiss if I didn't note what was for me the biggest surprise of Dragon*Con 2013. In two words...William Shatner!

For whatever reason, I had in my mind that he was miserable and a washed up has-been. That couldn't be farther from the truth. The man is brilliant! Brilliant, I tell you! 

If I hadn't already very quickly changed my mind when listening to him during his solo panel, it would have been when he answered a particular fan question—"What's a role that you wish you could have or still want to play that you haven't yet?"

His answer is that there is no such role. He went on to express sincere and heartfelt gratitude for everything that got him to where he is...he shared his appreciation for his health, his family, his career, and for his fans. It was very moving. 

I left that hour of sharing, with a smile on my face and a warmer heart. "Thank you, Bill," for everything you've given entertainment, television, and cinema...I'll be a fan forever.

Well, those are the highlights of the celebrities I saw and met, but there are many, many more and I'd love to note all of them, but alas...

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Dragon Con Cosplay 2013

Wow! I can't believe it's been more than a week since I've posted, but my friends get it. My followers know that last weekend I was in a total immersion Dragon*Con experience...and the week since has been a recovery process. You know what I mean when I say fun can be much more exhausting than work!


Dragon*Con 2013, Superman
Dragon*Con 2013
I've also been editing photos...lots and lots of photos! One day, the day of the Dragon*Con Parade, I shot 1,226 pictures! That's a lot by most standards, but not so many compared to some Dragon*Con conventioneers. 

I made so many photos that I'll be making 3-4 posts to cover this year's Con...but the bulk of photos will be the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page. There are some really fun ones and some that evoke a jaw-dropping "What in the world?!"


Dragon*Con 2013, Dandelions
Dragon*Con 2013
This year's costumes were nothing less than remarkable...and more fun than a Risa vacation. At least the word on the street is that there's an element of Risa-esque fun at Dragon*Con. Who could blame anyone...a lot of the costumes are just plain hot!

These gorgeous dandelions were phenomenal and fortunately the Con was wind-free. In that vein, I'm blown away every year (this was my fourth Dragon*Con) by the time, artistry, and fun that goes into the Con's cosplay...truly blown away!


Dragon*Con 2013, Toy Story
Dragon*Con 2013
At Dragon*Con, cosplay is head-to-toe and covers media from cinema to comic books, gaming to history...it's too the point that you almost feel embarrassed for the folks who didn't know and opted for a drug store Halloween costume. But, bless their hearts, the most important thing at Dragon*Con is to have fun and everyone I saw was doing exactly that.


Dragon*Con 2013
Dragon*Con 2013
This year's Dragon*Con footprint covered five host hotels, two floors at Americas Mart, 4,000 hours of panel programming, an Atlanta Braves and Georgia Aquarium events, and of course the take-over-downtown Parade. Actually, there was way more than even all that!

There are various costume contests throughout the Con, but some of the best cosplay viewing is in the hotel lobbies. And these folks are some of the nicest you'll ever meet! They're every one friendly, smiling, and wiling to pose for photos or make photos with conventioneers, as well as passersby when traveling between hotels.

I understand the coolness of being asked for those photos...when I dressed as a Vulcan a few years ago, I was asked to pose for quite a few photos and that was so much fun!


Dragon*Con 2013, Steampunk Tigger
Dragon*Con 2013
Steampunk Tigger...need I say anything more? Soooooooo much fun!


Dragon*Con 2013, Jedi Knight
Dragon*Con 2013
With Disney's buying Star Wars, Star Wars was huge this year. There were more light sabers than you've ever seen in a single gathering in Atlanta...more even than at your local department store during the holidays, on a new film year!

The Star Wars Costume Contest was great fun this year. The grand prize winner was "Disney Princess Leia" and one of my favorite winners of a category was "Darth Waiter"—hilarious! 


Dragon*Con 2013, Fifth Element with Cats
Dragon*Con 2013
Watching the mingling of themes is brilliant! "The Fifth Element" with Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich (love her!) and features "Ruby Rodd!" (Chris Tucker) who was at the Con with a flight attendant, is a favorite film. Then there was the cast of Cats...who were compelled to, upon sight, immediately create a fantastic photo op. Do you think the leopard print catsuit was the catalyst?


Dragon*Con 2013, Astronaut
Dragon*Con 2013
Alright...the comic book characters, cinemas favorites, and zombies are all brilliant, but there's even more. Dragon*Con has a damned impressive science track (and other fan tracks)...and why wouldn't that run over into the Con's cosplay? The costumes are brilliant, I tell you...brilliant. And some of them are real artifacts!


Dragon*Con 2013
Dragon*Con 2013
And to all those who call Dragon*Con a "geeks and freaks show"...have another look. It's also damned sexy! Now I bet you wish you'd not sounded so much like a self-esteem-challenged bully and actually went to the Con and just had some fun with the rest of us. Just sayin'.


Dragon*Con 2013, Steampunk Avian
Dragon*Con 2013
I think what impresses me most about the cosplay at Dragon*Con is that the most brilliant costumes are handmade. There's a LOT of talent at this Con. I'm ecstatic that Dragon*Con is growing in popularity, but I do hope that it'll retain its wonderful uniqueness. We're 27 years in...and I can hardly wait to see what next year and the 30th anniversary bring!

Okay, maybe the best part is that you get to attend a convention and not have to report anything to the boss when you get back to the office. That's actually a great thing! Just sayin'.

Alright, consider my exhaustion dissipated and recovery complete. Now, you head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page to see dozens more fantastic photos! And keep an eye out for posts on celebrity-spotting and the Dragon*Con Parade.