My brother's neighborhood has a lot of houses that are in the process of renovation, and a drive around the block often offers a surprise — or a story — or both!
What was this all about? I had to make a closer inspection.
click to enlarge
This sign in front of the house offers an explanation to the neighbors and curious passers-by. I've removed the names, but the wife is a builder and the husband is a poet.
Dear Mark - what a totally original and unique couple they must be. A lovely idea to incorporate words which have so much meaning to them both and which eventually will be hidden, but not lost, into the walls of their home. A great way too of introducing themselves to their new neighbourhood.
They surely must be an interesting couple, and I have a feeling there will eventually be one heck of a house warming.
I also like the idea of those words always still being there. I've hidden a lot of good luck charms into the structure of my own house. It's a fun and I think meaningful thing to do.
Bravo. What a thoughtful and inspired gesture of thanksgiving. I love it.
The way it's executed in different font sizes, it adds an illusion of space, or depth of field maybe, on an ordinarily flat plane. If I were see the photos on Pinterest, I would assume it's photoshopped.
Hi, Steve - I think you're right that the couple have created an expression of thanksgiving, and I'm a strong believer of adding positive consciousness in any way possible to a house.
Hello Mark, It is interesting that you have offered this "legible house" for inspection without any comment pro or con. Personally, I am not a big fan of isolated words used as decoration. Perhaps this case deserves some special consideration because of the unusual placement, and the fact that one spouse is a poet. Overall, though, I sense a dangerous precedent being set here--one example is probably enough.
I'm drawn to answering your comment first because your reservations are as refreshing to me as everyone else's delight. I agree with your opinion of isolated words as decoration, which I lump together with those ubiquitous corporate one-word moralistic posters.
Hi again, I'm glad you explained about the undercoat. I agree with you about hiding things. If the house I grew up in is ever razed, they will find a number of surprises, some pleasant and some humorous. --Jim
Oh Mark! This is so well executed, it does not come across as trivial, or trendy. I love the font choice and the subdued colors keep it from being a billboard. It comes across as a love letter!
Hi, Theresa - I'm glad you enjoyed it. I agree that the font and subdued colors are a great choice, and it will be interesting to see how different the final color is . . .
I think that I am with Jim on this one. I am not a fan of the isolated use of words as decoration. To me it seems a trifle contrived. Having said that I do admire their decision to do something a little bit different.
I think I would prefer a motto or sentence over the lintel - not of the 'two lovebirds built this nest' type but rather the sort of things placed over doorways in medieval and Roman times.
You and Jim do realize, I hope, that this is the base coat for a future final, solid color? That's what it says in the text of the note to the neighbors.
Oops! Well umm yes of course, of course I realise that... And perhaps I have changed my mind somewhat since err reviewing the photographs with my errrr, with my glasses on...
Love it, Mark. Now that's what I call a couple expressing their creativity in a new way. Thanks for sharing. What a terrific gem to come upon while cruising around the old neighborhood. I like that even when the words are covered, they will still have remembered meaning for the owners.
Hi, Yvette - I have to admit, I was a bit startled and then very curious when I stumbled upon this. I think I'll give an update when the final coat goes on . . .
Dear Mark - what a totally original and unique couple they must be. A lovely idea to incorporate words which have so much meaning to them both and which eventually will be hidden, but not lost, into the walls of their home. A great way too of introducing themselves to their new neighbourhood.
ReplyDeleteDear Rosemary,
DeleteThey surely must be an interesting couple, and I have a feeling there will eventually be one heck of a house warming.
I also like the idea of those words always still being there. I've hidden a lot of good luck charms into the structure of my own house. It's a fun and I think meaningful thing to do.
Bravo. What a thoughtful and inspired gesture of thanksgiving. I love it.
ReplyDeleteThe way it's executed in different font sizes, it adds an illusion of space, or depth of field maybe, on an ordinarily flat plane. If I were see the photos on Pinterest, I would assume it's photoshopped.
Hi, Steve - I think you're right that the couple have created an expression of thanksgiving, and I'm a strong believer of adding positive consciousness in any way possible to a house.
DeleteHello Mark, It is interesting that you have offered this "legible house" for inspection without any comment pro or con. Personally, I am not a big fan of isolated words used as decoration. Perhaps this case deserves some special consideration because of the unusual placement, and the fact that one spouse is a poet. Overall, though, I sense a dangerous precedent being set here--one example is probably enough.
ReplyDeleteHello, Jim,
DeleteI'm drawn to answering your comment first because your reservations are as refreshing to me as everyone else's delight. I agree with your opinion of isolated words as decoration, which I lump together with those ubiquitous corporate one-word moralistic posters.
But I think this is quite different.
Hi again, I'm glad you explained about the undercoat. I agree with you about hiding things. If the house I grew up in is ever razed, they will find a number of surprises, some pleasant and some humorous. --Jim
DeleteOh Mark! This is so well executed, it does not come across as trivial, or trendy. I love the font choice and the subdued colors keep it from being a billboard. It comes across as a love letter!
ReplyDeleteHi, Theresa - I'm glad you enjoyed it. I agree that the font and subdued colors are a great choice, and it will be interesting to see how different the final color is . . .
DeleteDear Mark,
ReplyDeleteI think that I am with Jim on this one. I am not a fan of the isolated use of words as decoration. To me it seems a trifle contrived. Having said that I do admire their decision to do something a little bit different.
I think I would prefer a motto or sentence over the lintel - not of the 'two lovebirds built this nest' type but rather the sort of things placed over doorways in medieval and Roman times.
I like the grey and white colour combination!
Bye for now
Kirk
Dear Kirk -
DeleteYou and Jim do realize, I hope, that this is the base coat for a future final, solid color? That's what it says in the text of the note to the neighbors.
Oops!
DeleteWell umm yes of course, of course I realise that... And perhaps I have changed my mind somewhat since err reviewing the photographs with my errrr, with my glasses on...
Dear Mark, Great stuff! And thank you for telling the rest of the story.
ReplyDeleteDear Gina, Glad you like it — one has to click on the note to the neighbors to get the full story.
DeleteLove it, Mark. Now that's what I call a couple expressing their creativity in a new way. Thanks for sharing. What a terrific gem to come upon while cruising around the old neighborhood. I like that even when the words are covered, they will still have remembered meaning for the owners.
ReplyDeleteHi, Yvette - I have to admit, I was a bit startled and then very curious when I stumbled upon this. I think I'll give an update when the final coat goes on . . .
DeleteHi Mark,
ReplyDeleteWow, this couple will be such a great addition to that neighbourhood and to their community.
So inspiring, thank you.
Anyes
xx
Hi, Anyes,
DeleteI wish this couple were an addition to my neighborhood! I'm guessing that they'll start some new traditions, wherever they settle.