3-28-11 | Yesterday we shared a photo of the new Sam Flaxx on our twitter feed and got a fun message back from reader @beornborg:
"nice idea, but the grid composition is too rigid & static."
He let us in on the style of painting Sam Flaxx was going for (De Stijl) and we asked him to send in his own version so we could see what the building should look like, with the painting style done correctly. While we were waiting, we googled "De Stijl" to see what he was even talking about.
He replied "There are others that may want in on this. This could turn into a friendly contest. You can call it the De Stijl Design Slam" and sent us his own version (second photo below).
About his new version he writes "The design is heavily derived from a Mondrian painting. I made changes to accommodate the store's name and the lines of the building."
He goes on: "I believe Mondrian's aesthetic is more freer and open than what most people believe. I wasn't trying to attack his art or the original idea behind the facade. I didn't like the use of original facade grid. To be fair, they were following the building joint lines that were already there. I would rather they keep some of the grid and paint over the rest to make a better composition. It's a nice building, but they could push the design further."
While this contest is unofficial, if you'd like to send in your own version of the building, do so. The winner may receive something, or nothing, depending on if a prize sponsor steps up. (We can think of one obvious sponsor!) For now, enjoy one art enthusiast's take on a newly refurbished Colonial street building.
"nice idea, but the grid composition is too rigid & static."
He let us in on the style of painting Sam Flaxx was going for (De Stijl) and we asked him to send in his own version so we could see what the building should look like, with the painting style done correctly. While we were waiting, we googled "De Stijl" to see what he was even talking about.
He replied "There are others that may want in on this. This could turn into a friendly contest. You can call it the De Stijl Design Slam" and sent us his own version (second photo below).
About his new version he writes "The design is heavily derived from a Mondrian painting. I made changes to accommodate the store's name and the lines of the building."
He goes on: "I believe Mondrian's aesthetic is more freer and open than what most people believe. I wasn't trying to attack his art or the original idea behind the facade. I didn't like the use of original facade grid. To be fair, they were following the building joint lines that were already there. I would rather they keep some of the grid and paint over the rest to make a better composition. It's a nice building, but they could push the design further."
While this contest is unofficial, if you'd like to send in your own version of the building, do so. The winner may receive something, or nothing, depending on if a prize sponsor steps up. (We can think of one obvious sponsor!) For now, enjoy one art enthusiast's take on a newly refurbished Colonial street building.
The design as it appears today
The new version