Sail Away

Took this pic the other night off the shores of Eaton's Neck, Northport, Long Island, where we found ourselves in the midst of a sailboat regatta at sunset on the Long Island Sound. A pefect way to send off the blog for a few days while we head upstate.

On the Waterfront

Being an Island, Long Island can be defined by its waterfront architecture. As boaters take to the summer waters, houses become landmarks in a way that is different than landlocked structures. So it was particularly exciting to see the Captree compound with three Bouler Architecture projects lined up, side by side.
Waterfront architecture also carries the added responsibility to the environment. Eco-friendly landscaping, sound building practices, and places for nesting birds carry all the more importance because of the preciousness of the location. These homes, done in a traditional, shingle-style architecture, work to define the coastline, while still treading as lightly as possible.

Katz's Maine

Luna Park, 1973


Homage to Monet, 2009
Althought he's primarily known for his large scale portraiture, artist Alex Katz's landscapes always blow me away. After summering in Maine for the past fifty years, Katz's billboard-sized images of lakes never rang more true to me than seeing them at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, Maine. I couldn't help but juxtapose James' photographs of Maine with Katz's paintings. By capturing the light and color of dusk, Katz was able to convey the essence of the landscape, not unlike the impressionists who often painted the same image at different times of the day. Katz references Monet in particular, by combining his appropriation of the Waterlillies series with the Maine landscape Katz so clearly loves. Like Monet, these more recent works walk the line between abstract and figurative, using the landscape as a springboard for exploring color and shape.

Project Puffin: Truly Inspirational

Those eyes, that beak-- it's no surprise that people flock to purchase puffin-inspired merchandise in the quaint shops along the coast of Maine. What is a surprise, however, is that their presence on the coast is due to the vision of one man, ornithologist Dr. Stephen Kress.

37 years ago, Dr. Kress started Project Puffin, an ambitious and creative program intended to reintroduce puffin colonies to the area. With permission from the Canadian government, Dr. Kress transported puffin chicks to Eastern Egg Rock, handraising them until they were grown enough to take to the water and disappear for several years. By using decoys normally employed in hunting, Dr. Kress was able to encourage these social creatures to return to Eastern Egg Rock and establish a thriving colony. Through a combination of persistence and ingenuity, a puffin colony took form, but was under constant threat by the predatory gull population. Gulls, who have become overpopulated by living off of food discarded in landfills, crowd the rock and other coastal areas. Dr. Kress then introduced terns to the rock, a species threatened by loss of habitat, to keep the gulls at bay as well as increase in numbers. Although the terns have had some success in breeding, the gulls remain a threat to both puffin and tern. To combat the threat of gulls eating puffin and tern chicks, a mighty army of summer interns set up camp on the remote island, accessible only by dory when the tide is right. Their presence reduces the opportunity for gulls to raid the nests. Once nesting season is over and the birds begin their winter migration, the interns depart, leaving the area's eagles and gulls to duke it out.

We had the honor of visiting Dr. Kress and his team at Audubon's Bremen location in Maine. Despite a torrential rainstorm this past Sunday morning, the weather cleared and a group of 15 were taken to see Project Puffin up close. On the ride to and from Eastern Egg Rock, we caught glimpses of a bald eagle, osprey, great blue herons, and a field of a hundred seals, sunning themselves on a rock. Once we dropped anchor, visitors were rowed in groups out to Eastern Egg Rock, landing on the boulders where many terns had made their nests. Olivia and Jackson were able to hold a couple of chicks, some only a day or two old, another, a two week old tern. As we made our way out to the 'blind', a stand to watch the puffins, the laughing gulls circled overhead, their sound practically deafening. Once in the blind, we were treated to a great view of the puffins; two of them even swooped in to feed fish to their young. It is a delicately balanced system of birds on Eastern Egg Rock, but its success is testament that one person can certainly make a difference in our world.

This miraculous project, featured in last month's Smithsonian Magazine, has inspired many others around the globe. By employing similar techniques, birds have been encouraged to take up safer habitats. What is most astounding is that a project this significant is funded by private donations. Barbara's cereal has been a big supporter, with a portion of its Puffin Cereal sales going to the project, so our family decided to follow their lead and offer Jackson's puffin drawing, which he gave to Dr. Kress, on a variety of items (tee-shirts, totes, mugs) on Olivia's Birds, Olivia's online store, to support Project Puffin. Another way to help is to Adopt a Puffin, a great gift for someone, I think.
Puffin watching tours are available, as is an Audubon ornithology camp on Hogg Island with programs for adults and for teens.

Seatuck Fundraiser: Open Call for Art Entries

Puffin in Maine by Jackson Bouler


Seatuck, Islip NY
One of the ways our family decided to react to the spill was to act locally. Like many places, Long Island birds and those migrating through here, are suffering from loss of habitat, so we were delighted this spring when Seatuck Environemental Association opened its headquarters and bird sanctuary along the Great South Bay in Islip, NY, a quick bike!20ride from our house. With ties to Audubon and Cornell Cooperative Extension, beautiful hiking trails for bird watching, terrific education programs (including outdoor yoga!), and a safe haven for birds, it was also a place we wanted to support. Olivia and I worked their program's table in Shirley, NY at the International Migratory Bird Festival and now we are putting together a fundraiser on SEPTEMBER 4th, at 2 PM to support them. Musicworks founder and jazz trumpet player Jesse Neuman has helped us organize a small summer jazz band with Olivia on saxophone and Jackson on piano and electric guitar, Bryan on trumpet, and Jimmy on double bass, which will perform at Seatuck, so it seemed like a natural extension of the event when Enrico said, "What about some artwork?"

Of course!!! Many have written to us about sending us drawings or asking about ways to particiapte, so here is a great chance to do both. As an artist, I've been taking part in open calls for postcards through a group of artists , including my dear friend and collage artist Louise Millman, who were inspired by Ray Johnson. Johnson, a pop artist, used the postal system as part of his performance art-- the anticipation of opening an envelope, not unlike the feeling many people had when they received Olivia's artwork this week, is an excitement that is integrated into the art experience.

Long story short, we are asking for artists of ALL AGES, ALL LOCATIONS, and ALL MEDIUMS (photography, drawing, painting, collage, computer) to submit a POSTCARD-SIZED work of art showcasing birds to be displayed and sold at the fundraiser for $5 each. All money will go to Seatuck.

Guidelines:

*Send entries to Seatuck, PO Box 31, Islip, NY 11751 attn: Art Show postmarked no later than 8/26/10.
*You can mail it in an envelope or as a postcard.
*None of the artwork will be returned. If it isn't sold at the fundraiser, it will be part of the Seatuck giftshop.
*Postcards can be original artwork or reproduction, but should include your name on the back.
*They must not exceed 5" x 7".
*You do not have to be at the fundraiser to participate, but we'd love to meet you!
*Please post an image of your artwork on Olivia's Save the Gulf Facebook page for everyone to see!

Please spread the word. The strength of the show is in numbers. And don't be afraid to send yours in-- it is truly meant for everyone to participate, artists and novice alike.

Greenwich Hotel: DeNiro's Tribeca Hotel

Last week we had the opportunity to stay at Robert DeNiro's boutique hotel, The Greenwich Hotel, an opulent spot that made me feel a bit like Jay Gastby. Simply put-- it was far too nice for the likes of me.
I should have taken more pictures-- needless to say my camera died mid trip. Anyhow, imagine a lush library bar with palms which leads to a courtyard with tables and candles and swanky furniture. Then go the equally chic elevator, down a classical hallway with a marble bust at the end. On either side is a heavy oak chair rail with raised paneling underneath. Ok now you are opening the heavy oak door to the room to find a king sized bed and seating area. But wait, there's more. Did I mention the free minibar? Or the cobblestone streets of Tribeca below? No, I am too mesmerized by the bathroom-- a European shower room that was like being in Sorrento during a summer rainstorm. Alright, so that's never happened to me exactly, but the bathroom was an extravagant vacation all on its own. The kids were never so clean. And don't forget the heated pool. And did I mention the free minibar? There were real books on the shelves, well-furnished, like the apartment of a really cool person. It was a fun fantasy for the night, but as I rolled my suitcase out of the building with two kids in tow and headed for the one train, I was ready to return to reality.

Potic Progress: Front Facade

The images from the contractor's cell phone kind of speak for themselves.

Klph and John: 'Original Owner' at Ripe Art Gallery

Poet Charlie Pelligrino

John Keller

Camera shy Cliff Gardiner in mirror

James with Cliff Sr and Joyce Gardiner
I have incredible nerve posting these iphone pics to discuss the work of photography team Cliff Gardiner and John Keller (Klph and John) and their current exhibition at Ripe Art Gallery in Greenlawn, NY. Their photographs, super closeup shots of rusting American cars, were mounted to pristine plexiglass, which provided an unusual juxtaposition of shine versus decay. The show, attended equally by car and art enthusists, makes a statement about Americana as well. The nostalgia and respect for the American muscle car is central, but is given metaphorical meaning in its disintegration into rust. The show runs through August 13th.

Behind the Scenes at the National Zoo

One of the highlights to last week's trip to DC has to be the tour of the bird exhibits at the National Zoo. We were met by Audubon's Liz Pomper and their head of bird conservation, Dr. Greg Butcher, who joined us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the bird house led by bird keeper Chris. The zoo has a great variety of birds, and many of their outdoor habitats are so hospitable that it can be hard to tell which birds are on display and which have adopted the zoo as their home. What impressed me most about the zoo was its committment to breeding, especially for endangered species. All aspects of breeding have been considered--from proper housing to nutrients. We were excited to see rare birds and their offspring given the best possible circumstances in order to thrive.
While on the tour, I had a chance to speak with Dr. Butcher who gave me an update on the brown pelicans in the Gulf region. He said Audubon has been working to improve the conditions of the current pelican population in states like Georgia and Texas, which aren't in imminent danger, as a means to help the species survive the catastrophe. He was, however, quoted in July 14th's USA Today with concerns about the shoreline birds who will ingest oil as they preen their feathers. During our tour, we also discussed other dangers to bird habitat including pesticide use in backyards. Pesticides, a petroleum-based product, interferes with ground water as well as posing a toxic threat to birds, a triple-whammy in my book.
Like all of the Smithsonians, it is free to get in, and definitely a wonderful experience, especially if you are a bird lover.

Ports 1961: Art Auction

It was a terrific turnout last night for an excellent cause at fashion boutique Ports 1961's art auction. Raising money for Gulf recovery efforts, the crowd was decidedly fashionable and friendly, making easy conversation as people (and jellyfish) mingled about the terrace overlooking the Meatpacking District while casting silent bids on the gallery full of paintings. Both Olivia and I had artwork in the show, with her brown pelican starting a fierce bidding war. Eddie Parsons, Retail Public Relations director, seen here with Ports president Jacqui Wenzel, was inspired to organize the auction after a recent trip to visit family in Pensacola, Florida, where he found the once-familiar white sand beaches altered by the spill. The evening proved to be a great success in raising $3,000 as well as raising awareness.

DC Debrief

The DC trip was an experience indeed. After sneaking in some important sightseeing at the Air and Space and the National Zoo, it was a jam-packed three days of meeting alternative energy allies. Our intention was to express our concern over the environment and to show our support for the new alternative energy bill that is making its way through the Senate.
Fortunately Newsday followed us with camera and reporter so we can begin to process exactly what happened. Here's a bit of a humble recap.
We had the great fortune to meet with Congressman Waxman, Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. His long-standing positions on sustainable energy lead him to write legistation pushing the country forward in becoming a leader in manufacturing alternative energy systems, and not in just consuming energy. He sat with Olivia and us as she presented him with a drawing and described her passion for saving the planet.
First thing the next day, we had a tour of the East Wing, followed by a meeting with Carol Browner, who serves as director of President Obama's Office of Energy and Climate Change Policy, as well as heading the task force overseeing the spill. She shared Olivia's love of birds, even serving on Audubon's Board of Directors. She was an impressive person who provided great insights into both the spill and moving the country off oil. From there we met Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, a gentle man, who sat with us in his office and explained his feelings about conservation. Throughout his career, Secretary Salazar has started several programs for kids working with the environment, so he was particularly impressed with Olivia's work and her desire to preserve bird habitiat.
One of our favorite meetings was with Congressman Engel from NY. Although we aren't technically in his district, his position on the Energy Committee was on we wanted to support. Engel gave us an incredible inside look at the negotiations in trying to pass alternative energy measures, as well as his recent participation in the oli spill hearings as he pushed for answers as only a New Yorker can.
Afterwards, we had a chance to meet with both NY Senators. Once Olivia presented Senator Gillibrand with a drawing of an American Kestrel, they spoke about Olivia's artwork and her environmental advocacy. We then met with Senator Schumer, whose kind and gentle conversation with Olivia and Jackson suggested a grandfather more than statesman. I can tell you that Schumer clearly understood our mission as a family to protect the environment.
I thought nothing could top that list of meetings, but I was wrong. Yesterday on our way to meet with Congressman Steve Israel, our representative in the House, we ran into him in the hallway as he dashed off to cast his vote in the House. He invited us to join him, even taking the kids to meet fellow leaders who were casting votes themselves. Olivia and Jackson were able to shake hands with Speaker Nancy Pelosi who knew of Olivia's project and praised her for her efforts. As we posed for pics on the steps of the Capitol with Congressman Israel, Congressman Murphy of PA stopped to shake Olivia's hand, enthusing that he had just seen her on MSNBC. Back in Congressman Israel's office, we spoke about alternative energy initiatives on both the local and national levels, their connection to national security, and creative ways to move our country forward on this issue.
As we drove to the airport on our way home to Long Island, Jackson rested his head on the seat and said, "This trip is the most important trip of my life." Our entire family agreed.

US Department of Energy

In preparation for our meetings this week, I spent a good part of the day perusing the the Department of Energy website which offers completely up-to-date initiatives adopted by the department under the direction of Secretary Chu. I was pleased to find a variety of initiatives and rebates encouraging citizens to adopt renewable energy products. For example, I had no idea that the rebate for a geothermal system was 30% of the cost with no cap. We received a tax credit for our pellet stoves, and the Oak Beach project was eligible for multiple credits. Making renewable energy a viable option for the average homeowner is truly a change I can believe in.

DC Trip: Save Bird Habitat Through Renewable Energy

The Declaration of Independence doesn't say we have the freedom to protest if we don't like governmental policy. Instead, it says we have the responsibility to do so. With this in mind, our family leaves tomorrow morning for Washington DC to express our concerns about preserving bird habitat and supporting clean energy initiatives, two ideas which we see as intrinsically linked. As it stands, we have meetings with two congressmen on the Energy Committee, Congressman Waxman and Congressman Engel, our representative, Congressman Israel, and Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar.
Those of you who have been reading this blog regularly know that Bouler Architecture has long advocated for alternative energy, finding that through a proper integration of systems, zero energy buildings can produce more energy than they consume. To illustrate this concept, Nicholas Pfluger, James' right-hand man in the practice, put together this brief film about zero energy structures. It's fantastic.

Ports 1961: Art Auction

While in the city on Thursday, we stopped by Ports 1961, a boutique in the Meatpacking District to drop of artwork for an upcoming art auction to help fund Gulf recovery efforts for which Olivia and I have donated paintings (see image above). The building, a charming three-story structure, has three distinct spaces: boutique, design studio, and event space. The event space includes a fantastic terrace with a bird's eye view of the cobblestone street below. It's the perfect setting for this particular fashion house. The restrained palette of the collection is given a sculptural edge through a variety of textures, mixing fabric and even wood to make clothing that is both refined and unique. For the event, I'll be wearing a fab Ports olive green silk wrap dress, so I've commissioned handbag designer Adriane Errera to make a clutch for the event. She's just started a new line of bags using recycled leather and has a great peacock design that would tie into the bird motif of the event.