Reflections on 2021

Looking back to another pandemic year in flux

It’s hard to pin a flavor on the year 2021. What’s our generalized understanding of what amounts to a year anyway? In this case a series of moments. Perhaps I’m working on forming new traditions in recording what’s happened in a years time. It’s safe to say reality continues to be ‘mixed’ states of confusion, fear, and concern for the future, with intermittent optimism.

First it was winter. Just when pandemic numbers were spiking at their worst — something we’re confronted with again today — among the terrifying news cycles, the January 6th insurrection, hundreds of thousands dying of a disease that is massively preventable by a vaccine that somehow became political. It’s all a little too much for one to handle. But enjoy public events again, we have. Society feels at a loss to explain such a void in normality.

I guess the fun times, the creative times, and the opportunity to be with those we love the most will need to suffice. From the pieces of a functioning society (whatever that looks like) maybe we can make something productive. Help those in need. Help ourselves be better people. Maybe that will be my new years resolution… nah, I don’t make resolutions.

Now to look for a few memories…

Crescent Ballroom

Memories that hang (internationally).

The first “Tender” installation for Normal Arquitectos in Buenos Aires, Argentina — 2009

Books to dive into

The System of Objects

Buildings now completed

Completed: Math and Science building for Southwestern Community College — by Marlene Imirzian Architects

friends to hang out with

Hanging out with Matt O’Bright for a brew on the porch

Enjoying when friends hang around for a while.

A visit from Jessie Knowles

Remembering lesson from old friends.

Somewhat torturing perfectly otherwise well mannered kitty cats.

This cat is toast

Feeling blessed for very talented doctors, and my oldest brother, Bentley the epidemiologist.

Mayo Clinic atrium, where my mother underwent a successful year long treatment for multiple Myeloma

More construction, in this case, an affordable healthcare clinic.

An Affordable Healthcare facility designed by Orcutt Winslow — under construction at John C Lincoln

A memorable trip to San Francisco…

Fort Point — San Francisco

Rocky in walking mode

A project by David Baker & Partners Architects

Sculpture and living wall at SFMOMA

“Golden Retrievers for Dummies”

Visiting Berkeley Scholar John Parman, a correspondent and mentor at his library sanctuary.

p_a_l_l_a_s_ gallery in San Francisco run by John Parman’s daughter Elizabeth — s2021

Peiting and Elizabeth at the p_a_l_l_a_s_ opening — Summer 2021

Dinner with Artist and Graphic Designer Dave Woodruff, who rented the apartment on Nob Hill

Back in Phoenix…

A Local Studio project ceiling I had a hand in executing

“What’s Good?” comedy hour at Filmbar #dtphx f2021

“Together” a student-led collaborative mixer at ASU — f2021