Sunday, April 7, 2013

The Poet's House

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.

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18 comments:

  1. 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.

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    1. Dear Rosemary,

      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.

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  2. 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.

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    1. 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.

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  3. 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.

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    1. Hello, Jim,

      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.

      But I think this is quite different.

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    2. 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

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  4. 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!

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    1. 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 . . .

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  5. Dear Mark,

    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.

    I like the grey and white colour combination!

    Bye for now

    Kirk

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    1. Dear Kirk -

      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.

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    2. 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...

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  6. Dear Mark, Great stuff! And thank you for telling the rest of the story.

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    1. Dear Gina, Glad you like it — one has to click on the note to the neighbors to get the full story.

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  7. 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.

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    1. 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 . . .

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  8. Hi Mark,
    Wow, this couple will be such a great addition to that neighbourhood and to their community.
    So inspiring, thank you.
    Anyes
    xx

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    1. Hi, Anyes,

      I wish this couple were an addition to my neighborhood! I'm guessing that they'll start some new traditions, wherever they settle.

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