Strandbeest

Theo Jansen is a designer and artist from the Netherlands. Recently, he gained widespread notoriety for an online video (below) of his kinetic sculptures that moved by themselves with the wind along a beach. The sculptures, or Strandbeests, as he calls them, can actually adjust to changing tides and air currents. The sculptures are mechanized, but without any form of powered motorization. The atmospheric conditions propel the sculptures. The Chicago Cultural Center in downtown Chicago recently featured the Strandbeest and visitors were able to get close to the fascinating skeletal sculptures created by Jansen. Made of simple materials--plastic tubing and zip ties, the 'creatures' initially come off as rudimentary, but are actually complexly configured. Strandbeest was a very interesting exhibition and I felt lucky to see the sculptures up close.

 

The Oregon Coast

The Oregon coast has been one of the best features of living in Portland since John and I moved out West last year. The drive is so quick and the scenery changes so rapidly, which is always surprising and exciting. Probably the most visited and loved beach close to Portland is Cannon Beach, which includes its iconic Haystack Rock. The Pacific water is very cold and everytime I've visit it seems to only get colder. I love seeing all the different types of natural life that flourishes around the beach, in addition to all the families, strolling people, and surfing loving dogs. I love the coast so much that I'm already looking forward to finding some time to visit again. The last photo below includes a great shot of John with his parents who visited us a couple weeks ago.

Watch Hill

Here are some photos of my camping trip with John and my good friend, Anna.  Watch Hill is part of the National Parks, which is located on a small section of Fire Island, off of Long Island.  The site featured scraggy dunes covered in native foliage, deer, many wetland birds, and even a fox!  I would've had more photos, but alas, my phone died.  I learned my lesson to invest into a portable cellphone charger.  I also learned that I beach camping was a complete blast, especially when there's a snack bar, general store, and several bathroom facilities close at hand.  

Enjoy the photos!: