Since today is all about passion, it seem fitting to blog about The Recycler.
I met Gilbert VandenHeuvel at the IDS11 in Toronto last month and was taken with eye for bring two passions together. Cycling and a industrial art.
With a last like VandenHeuvel, this Canadian with Dutch roots befits his name sake.
Contact:
The Recycler.ca
gilbertv@hurontel.on.ca
519 524 0797
That was my first observation when I came across Wheeler's Studio cabinet below, at IDS11 in Toronto. The sliding blue door on this cabinet is actually made of MDF and faux painted by artist Jason Wheeler.
Jason's furniture is a build between modern and industrial, "it is the focus of what I do" he said.
Creating weathered appearances to wood and raw steel, with an eye for sourcing local woods, reclaimed or farmed wood.
Take a look at his website, you'll see the works of art that function as cabinetry.
10/10 is what I will give him for is trompe l'oeil rusting samples below.
As Jason said "I study and look at rust" - very well done!
Jason's business is in Oshawa, Ontario. Custom orders is part of his business model, contact info below. t 905 924 4188
e info@wheelerstudio.com
w wheelersstudio.com
My wife and I were completely surprised when we went for walk on New Years to discover the beaches behind us were frozen! Looks more like the real great North, rather than the South of Canada!!
Not to worry the rains will return in preparation for Spring.
Hope the year ahead is full of challenges and note worthy rewards for you.
Now I'm off to work on some fire pppp places.... and get warmmmmm!
A while back, my wife & I had fantastic few days in Quebec City and I having been meaning to share some pictures of a particular spot...
If you are heading to Quebec City in the near future, then make a rewarding stop for dinner at Panache.
It is perfect blend between old and new design, with a 19th century maritime warehouse as the back drop of the interior to perfectly decorate with modern fixings. We were very taken with the warmth and coziness of the interior in Panache, well balanced with old post and beams, granite walls, plaster walls, stone floors, wood floors and great natural light despite being in the middle of an old warehouse.
Most important: two fireplaces Mantels caught my eye for inspiration. Both contemporary, these Mantels incorporate Limestone in their design and fit the rooms gracefully, see the pictures below.
Simple, well placed and effective. The Surround is 25' high. Now that is a wall! Check out the THICKNESS, built to last hundreds of years.
Plaster walls in the common halls. How about the food? Eat Very Well!
I was down at the IDS West show over this past weekend at saw some very interesting and refreshing styles/designs. I do attend a vast amount of trade shows and generally they are 50/50 take it or leave it. But IDS West was well represented with various 'new' booths and products, easy to navigate, in & out in minutes for traffic(on a Friday, that's pretty good)
One cool concept/product was MTH Woodworks, it's a distinct idea and organic in design. Very sharp and different.
This week we started the renovation of the new home for the Distinct Interiors Studio. Since there is always a creative opportunity when renovating your space, we decided to take a little architectural license and really re-think the space Distinct needs for it's new Home/Work/Rest/Play. So here we go: The ManShed.ca
'Why follow when you can lead.'
Love this add by my very first employer, The Globe and Mail. I was a newspaper deliverer in Ottawa when I was 12. Making sure every customer received their paper whatever the weather conditions, even Jean Chretien was one of my customers at the time, he was a member of Parliament.
I enjoy this add since it stirs the deep emotion that resides in all Canadians, humble yet very prideful.
Therefore let's play it forward: What are you taking the lead on?
Growing up in Montreal in the seventies was an excellent experience when it came to hockey lore. No matter where I have lived since, keeping an eye out for the Habs has never been far from the heart. Tonight another Game 7 and another win... Washington now Pittsburgh. There is nothing like CANADIAN pride and cheering on team so steeped in tradition. Makes you wonder if there are forces from history at play. Allez Les CANADIANS
Doesn't it feel great to be Canadian! What a two weeks Vancouver and Whistler put on to the World, eh. There is no need for me to recap the incredible nationalism and incredible success of our Canadian Olympic Team, I'm sure we all witnessed that!
It was simply a pure joy to behold and be a part of - as a CANADIAN. I had the distinct pleasure to meet a few of our medalist, ...here they are....BRAVO LES CANADIAN!
Jennifer Botterill, Gold Women's Hockey ....and yes Gold HURTS... but it is WORTH it!
Maelle Ricker, Gold in Snowboard Cross. West Vans own!
Mike Robertson, Silver in Snowboard Cross. I told him he looks like Hugh Grant.
They forgot to light the Torch!...got run ...pick up the trowels and back to the work....
