Blog

When you want Concrete without the Weight or Wait...

Wed, 09 May 2012 14:44:00 GMT

Kendall Charcoal Concrete

Recently Project: Jade a designer in Vancouver called with a rush for a client, since the move in date was very short and could not afford to wait for the concrete counters to be poured and cured, along with a side bar counter and cantilever shelve to be built.

I'm glad Jade called, since this was a perfect opportunity to show case the versatility of Lime Plaster Concrete in this new Vancouver residence.

Kendall Charcoal Concrete was originally created and designed for our custom fireplace surround we install in homes throughout Vancouver. Recently, the design community in Vancouver has caught on to the idea and we have been doing more surfaces horizontal and vertical with it.

I love the look of concrete when used in settings where you don't expect it. Especially since our Lime Plaster Concrete allows for versatility in decorum, since there is no real weight to the overlay compare to poured concrete pieces.

Kendall Charcoal Concrete: It's the most versatile concrete out there!

See more of what can be done with KCC 2011

Tadelakt Sink in Vancouver

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:28:00 GMT

Check out this new Old World project...

Ever gone traveling, when upon returning you felt so compelled by your trip you want a little at home. Well that is exactly what my Vancouver West-side clients did after retuning from Morocco. They loved it! And especially loved the Moroccan bath houses (Ham mams), thus they commissioned Distinct to create an authentic Moroccan Tadelakt plaster bathroom, walls, floor, shower and ....(watch the video)

200 hours later and we were complete! Much tacit knowledge was gained, ready for another.... let your clients know!
Be Great & Create.

Opening Soon

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 06:10:00 GMT

The Signs are Going UP!

I presume it's okay, to let a 'little of the cat out of the bag'. Since this project has been under the wraps for some time. But that's what happens when your having a fare, not that kind of 'affair', but an Urban Fare, link. For those of you not in the Vancouver area and have not been to one of their 3 locations. Urban Fare, it's upscale grocery store shopping, top notch in every aspect, design, decor, presentation, selection and atmosphere.

I would love to show you our featured commissions in the store, a complete true fresco/buon fresco, there is an "organic flavor" to the fresco, 18' x 36'. We essentially used the same materials as did Michelangelo back in the day. Painting on wet lime plaster with organic colorants, since the lime plaster is still curing/wet the colorants actually bond into the particulate of the lime plaster surface.

We also used olive oil and coconut oil to help with the sealing of the surface. Thus the "organic flavor" of this massive typography fresco mural. It was a very physical piece to create since the sheer size presented a few challenges with set times and dry times, but in the end, a lot of fun to create a true modern fresco/buon fresco.

This site location is also of recent notability, since this area in Vancouver was home the Athletes Village during the 2010 Winter Olympics. The building where this new Urban Fare is located was home of the 'athletes hospital', where millions of dollars worth of medical gear and staff were during the games.

You would never know it now, the whole space was gutted and the interior is really starting to take shape. Unfortunately, I can't show you a picture of the interior (site rules), but the store will be open in early June, so stop in for lunch/shop and take in the latest up & coming neighborhood in Vancouver.

wallART leads to better health

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:47:00 GMT

Art & Your Health

Last Wednesday in Vancouver, I was invited to attend and donate a couple pieces of my wall art to a gala fund raiser for the Canadian Liver foundation.

The theme was "What A Girl Wants." I donated a couple on my wallART Lime Plaster X & O's.
About 150 quests were there for the live auction and dinner event. There were a couple of speakers for the Canadian Liver Foundation, along with the main event, keynote speaker was Rip Esselstyn, Rip is the author of The Engine #2 Diet. Have you heard about this book?! Link

Before I go any further, ever been to an event or dinner where you meet someone that really has the ability to 'hold the room' and you leave to go home, your left with so much information your head is spinning. Well this was one of those nights.

The night started kind of slow and I was thinking of all of the other things I was to be doing... yet the evening built into an incredibly informative session on eating, eating better for your health - way better!
Rips' story is a interesting one, since he is a firefighter from Austin Texas, where his whole fire-hall tried out a plant based diet for 28 days, to see if there was any difference in weight, cholesterol, appearance and over all well being. This came about since one of his fellow firefighter in the hall had a very dangerous cholesterol reading, "he was a walking heart attack".
Remember, this is in Austin Texas, where BBQ is almost a sport. So his challenge was worthy.
The results were outstanding in all areas of metrics, convincing his fire hall to completely convert to a plant based diet.
What is a plant based diet?
According to Rip, "...if it had eyes, ears, a noise, a mother or fins, don't eat it!"
Everything you need for a clean fuel efficient body is found in Fruits, plants, nuts. In his terms, "The only problem with the Western diet is the diet." - it is full of myths and marketing.

Rip was full of insight in all areas of nutrition and the effects of foods on our body. He is not just firefighter, he is encyclopedia of health information, he comes by this naturally, since his father is Caldwell B Esselstyn, Jr., MD(President Clinton's Dr. & chairman of the Cleveland Clinic), whom is the son of the great doctor Caldwell Esselstyn Sr., founder of the Rip Van Winkle Clinic in upstate New York. Thus his upbringing has been surrounded by clinical information which came organically. Rip was a professional triathlete for 7 years, prior to becoming a firefighter. He is also good friends with Lance Armstrong since they were 16, Lance has actually engaged Rip help him with his diet and training for this years Iron man in Hawaii.

"the fast food President" no more!

I'm just about finished the Engine #2 Diet book and have been talking it over with my wife about giving it a try. This is why I decided to write a post about it, since if you don't put something out there, it doesn't happen.

I also can share my experience, since I'm not involved with the book or any of the organization behind Rip's fast growing popularity. Hopefully I can provide some information that can help someone with the same inquiring questions about better energy, sustained energy, feeling leaner, looking better and more importantly feeling better!

Everyone has unique experiences with what they eat, and it is alway interesting to see how it affects different lives, thus I will share my results in the weeks ahead.

I'm in my mid 40's, work in a physical occupation(decorative artist) where sustained energy is necessary throughout the day and spend to much time commuting, more than I would like, thus sitting for longer periods and getting 'road zone' rather than feeling always alert.

Best part if Rips presentation, only one hook?
Eat Plant Strong & live healthier.
No monthly drink subscription, no diet pills or branded foods to pruchase from him. Just his book.
You buy the plants, nuts, fruits where you like and follow the plan.
As he said, "it's your health, the data is out there, now Own it!"

Better health through nutrition, that is prevention.

Canada's Largest Fresco ?

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 12:36:00 GMT

Sounds Pretty Grand

It just may be, this is our latest commercial commission. We are installing over 500sqf to 600sqf of lime plaster and pure organic pigments to this commercial project opening very soon, May/June here in Vancouver, BC. This install is a complete true fresco/buon fresco, there is an organic flavour to this site...

Once the project is complete, we will share some images of the install, ...of course you can always visit this newly historic commercial location when it's ready business too.

When complete, this could be Canada's largest true fresco... if you know of one bigger please let us know, love to see it!

Busy Winter of Plaster & Tadelakt-ing in Vancouver

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:18:00 GMT

It's March!

I have been so busy with work and taking care of business, I have completely for got about blogging. So little time :)

It's been an incredible 6 months of working with Tadelakt for many projects with more to come. Recent completed a bathroom/shower with this incredible plaster. I have spent over 200 hrs installing the Tadelakt in this Vancouver bathroom. There is a very compelling relationship when you work with Tadelakt, since the process of following the Moroccan installation takes T-I-M-E.

Of course operating a business in the Western World presents a paradox since everything we do is measured with time. If your not getting faster, better, more efficient than your not operating a business properly. Welllll, yes but if you adopt this philosophy when building a Tadelakt shower, than you will more than likely have even more stress!

When I'm ready to post more on the install you can see the finished product.

Until then check out the focus and craftsmanship here of a dying trade....

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Black is Beautiful

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 06:02:00 GMT

Converting your Mantel

Just finished a project in Burnaby, a complete face lift to 8 year old Mantel that just wasn't working for the clients.

There were a couple of options to get concrete mantels created to fit this custom design, yet proved to be cost prohibitive. Fortunately they discovered Distinct Lime Plaster Mantel's and KCC 2011 to help resolve the design challenge and the expense of a completely custom fit, since this is a corner mantel with an odd mantel cap.

One of perks for this design, the clients wanted a 'complete' install, meaning the mantel was to look as one, no seams or grout lines. Perfect for Lime Plaster Mantels!

Black is a great grounding colour and looks super sharp in this design.

IDS 12 Toronto Design & Party

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:47:00 GMT

Last week & weekend I was in Toronto for the IDS 12, in Canada this is the largest Interior Design show located right downtown in the convention center on Front St, over 50 000 attendees. It’s very well put together from Thursday’s Opening Night to wrap up Sunday Night, with a good mix of international brands and national firms bringing out their best for the year ahead Interior Designing.

Of course a show of this size it is easy to lose site of the Entrepreneur, but I was able to spot a few. I was fortunate to be ask and have my wallART piece make there national debut, in the juried section called Studio North. Just over 50 artisan based businesses making a little dent in the design community. It was really inspiring to be surround by the variety of artist in Studio North from all over the country.
The surprising part was the really warm reception we all received from most of the retuning designers and general public. I heard several times during the day’s , “This is my favorite section of the whole show, this where the creativity and inspirations is”.

I concur since I did meet fellow artist's with incredible passion for creating something original. And that is what it's all about.

The Toronto Star - Feb 3, 2012

Since I am a West-coast base artist it was exhilarating to share some of what makes my art just a little different, reclaimed cedar, cedar lathe and a little lime plaster, that is so common in our designs here today.

Most of my works are commissioned projects, thus if you have a project requiring a splash of colour, texture and something distinct. Please do contact me to discuss the possibilities, brainstorming is half the fun of creativity!

Reclaim. Restore. Recreate.

Randy

E:randyorr@me.com T:604 729 84447 W:Randall S Orr.com

It all starts Today

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:58:00 GMT

Right through to Sunday

Come visit me at Studio North #28, see you here!

The Party

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:50:00 GMT

Exactly one week

Rustic Love

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:40:00 GMT

The Process of Creating

With IDS 12 in Toronto 2 weeks away, the pressure to create is finally easing. Since after weeks of creating, reviewing and redoing, I finally see a finish line. It's really interesting creating and making my own Art, rather than the commission interior finishes I do professionally.

The distinct difference for me is the Concept to Reality process. Since when asked to create a wall finish for example it is rather straight forward (generally), the client or designer provides a theme or reference, thus direction. Yet when it is your own Art, Personality and Spirit of creation, the energy is very different from commission works. The direction moves and changes, outcomes become more stressful since they aren't always what you wanted the outcome to be...and the reference of creating really doesn't exist, until you finish a piece and then you finally feel content with it.

It's kind of a Peak Valley Peak, thing. If this makes no sense to you, do worry,... let an artist deal with it!

At IDS 12 in Toronto, I will be displaying my new pieces 'Rustic Love' Opening Night... hope to see you there!

It's Show Time

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 06:37:00 GMT

My First National Art Exhibit

With great anticipation, IDS 12 Toronto Jan 26 to Jan 29.

I hope to see you there!

in between Day's

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:22:00 GMT

It's that time of Year...

I don't know about you,... but I always find this week between Christmas and New Years a little strange, since it seems to be one of flux. Looking at what has transpired in 2011 and making projection to help manifest destiny for 2012... Can you make yours happen?!

Of course the whole process is a personal experience, that said, Happiness, Purpose and Desire are 3 senses that always seem to resinate for me. They are extremely important to every-day life and making the balance exist is what I think makes like worth living. Of course that's the tricky part!

Whatever your goals are for 2012, this little insightful video is key! 23 1/2 Hours, ... I like the message and the creative way it is presented!

Happy New Year to You & Yours!

Comfort & Joy

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:17:00 GMT

'Tis the Season for Such Ambiance

... in your pursuit of gifting on Christmas Eve, Burgoo on West 4th in Vancouver might be the right stop for a brief reprieve. They officially opened today, offering all of their comforts in "food for comfort", of course I highly recommend the cuisine, but do pay special attention to the Walls. Why?

Well, how many restaurants can you say are finished in Old World Tadelakt, Moroccan Plaster and Olive Oil? ...Go on in, feel it's warmth FarmHouse™ walls... it's quite Distinct!

What's Christmas Time without a little music... perhaps the best Christmas tune ever? Fairy Tale in New York, by The Pogues. It certainly would be on my list, here is a catchy version by Gianni & Sarah, they are a clever match - Merry Christmas Everyone!

Has it been 10 years? Really?

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 06:16:00 GMT

Yes! and a Happy Birthday btw

Where does 10 years go in small business - it goes by fast and it is full of surprises. Of course surprises aren't always Fun! So listen up all of you want to be entrepreneurs, 'the grass isn't always greener', here is a quick tale about 6 Nights Before Christmas - 10 Years.

Back in 2001 just after 911, we had a down turn in work. Being in the interior design contracting business, there wasn't much need for the Artisan calling. That is when I looked to a business friend and said what should we do? Good credit to Dann( my business partner/branding specialist ) said, "You know those tiles you make they are pretty cool, what if you showed someone how to make it them-selves! As in a DIY kit you could do at Home.

And this is what we did, for 3 months we worked day and night testing, arguing, writing, creating, testing, arguing... until we had a Studio in a Box.

We called the box, Tilano Fresco, Decorative Tile Making Kits. Everything you need is in the Kit to make two Fresco Tiles where you transfer your photos onto the tiles. It was like having my 1500sqf studio in a box and you made them all at home!

As hard as it was getting the idea into the box, the bigger problem? Who will sell the box? We really had no idea where to start. Fortunately we needed not to look far, a friend recommend we try Briers Home Decor on West 4th in Vancouver, a cool and hip gift store, where you could find the perfect gift for an event. So off we went( Dann & I ) that Dec 20, 2001, with mud in a box hoping the store would try our kits.

Typical entrepreneurs, we walked in with out an appointment and were fortunate, the owner was in, Sheri. Sheri was & is a passionate retailer with a keen I for her store and good appreciation for the way people shop. I remember her looking at the boxes and saying "they look great, but not quite sure the consumer will get." Of course we jumped right it to explaining the whole process completely unrehearsed, fumbling and stumbling over our brand messaging... she paused for a while after we kind of stopped..."okay, let me have them on consignment, I will put them on the shelf and let's see." Dann & I agreed, great.

That was Thursday December 20th, 2001. The next day I got a call from Sheri, "Hope you have some more boxes?" she said. I of course responded "ah...why?!" "... because all 6 SOLD!" she cried. Thus Tilano Fresco was born! We ran down to Dann's studio and started packing cases of 6... 'we have a store!'

Days later, more orders from Briers, 'Oh, oh, now what?' We have demand, but can we supply? See, we just weren't really prepared to fully commit too, since we both had our personal businesses to run. Thus the need, a 3rd partner, an operating partner to help process and grow the business. We signed sales reps locally and nationally... and then internationally. We went from on store on West 4th in Vancouver to 34 in BC, to 100's across Canada by the end of 2002.

In 2003, we started considering the marketing capital of the World, USA! So in early 2004, we were off to our first US tradeshow in Atlanta, Americas Mart. I think we took in 140 stores just from that show, now we were cooking. Things in the US are 10 times what we are here in Canada. Thus our growth was fast and that slope is a slippery one. You need to manage your growth, take care of quality assurance and customer service, financing is obviously the greatest challenge to start ups, thus we lucky and resourceful to find the help we needed at the time.

By 2006, we had over 11 different Kits(skews) with plenty of parts in every one, logistics and space become managing challenges. Bigger challenges - making a 3 way partnership work! At times it made a marriage look easy. Yet growth seems to makes everybody happy. But, by the end of 2006, although we were close to 2000 stores in North America with overseas distribution on the plans, things were changing. What we didn't see coming was the Tsunami hitting business America, then North America. This is what I call 'Expansion through Contraction', more on this in a minute.

In 2007, The Recession was gripping the global economy and retailers began to disappear left and right. We went from 2000 retailers to under 500 within a year. This where the business of running your business is not fun. Layoffs, bills, leases, landlords, trade-show marathons, traveling, moving, partnerships splits and banking challenges become the focus, instead of making a business grow. I believe it is called Survival, if you can last!

And so... here we are in 2011, it's our Anniversary December 20th. Happy Birthday Tilano! If it didn't kill us, then we are going to be stronger for it!

What is Next?

'Expansion through Contraction', this term doesn't make logical sense. But creativity doesn't really always follow logic does it, ...it looks to the possibility - in the possible. In a business sense, it means changing direction can be a very difficult task for company and time is really the only true source of clarity where to turn. If you have Time, then "Something Good is Going to Happen".

2012, looks very promising, since I will personally take on the challenge with sharing what I see possible with Tilano and Decorative Art World. I'm blessed to be in a profession as a Decorative Artist where I get a chance to create everyday with incredible Artisan products, where sometimes mistakes turn out to be wonderful outcomes. This is how Tilano Fresco started after-all. Only problem, most of you haven't ever really seen some of the crazy fun products I work with, since most are not marketed to the craft and DIY market. Well that is going to change in 2012 and My partners agree it's time to share. Starting in the new year, I will personally show and share ideas from my studio and the projects I work on, with exciting new materials for 100's of creative ideas... the way I see it, Old World Artisan fits right into today's decor, we just have to play with it a little... and that is certainly worth sharing.

- Bring the Decorative Artist in you to Life!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New

Year!

Randy Orr, Artisan

Founder of Tilano

p.s. In-case your wondering, Tilano still sells at Brier's after 10 years, it's still one of here top performing gifts.