Gray

Jonathan Borofsky "Dancers" 2003

I like gray. I like seeing between black and white, it is more interesting. I do not find it dull at all, there are so many shades and colors of gray.

Denver has lots of great public art and this was one outside the convention center. The Sunday I stayed hoping for a great day to see some sights ended up being a gray, cloud filled, rainy day. But that did not keep me from walking the town. These figures are tall, and a wee bit alien like but they danced none the less in the rain.

The two figures are actually white. I love this cropping and all the many shades of gray.

Denver Capital

When I visit a new state, as I just did to Colorado, I try like the dickens to visit its capital. I am not a huge history buff, but I like seeing the different buildings, the architecture, the art they typically hold and such.

One of the most strinking features of the Denver capital building is the pink stone used throught. The pink stone is native to Colorado and discovered near Beulah. This is a unique color of onyx and has never been found anywhere else in the world. They know this as when they were looking to acquire additional stone, they were unable to find any anywhere. There are several shades of the pink stone which was meticulaously sorted for various aspects of the building.

The markers found on the steps leading up to the capital are proof of the state's motto of "Mile High City." The original marker was installed in 1909 on the 15th step, one mile above sea level. It was stolen, many times. They finally carved into the step the words "ONE MILE ABOVE SEA LEVEL." After all, who could steal a whole granite step.

In 1969, Colorado State University engineering students surveyed the capital and found that the mile high step was actually the 18th, and the marker on the left was installed.

Finally, using the new national vetical datum, it was found that the 13th step is the at 5,280 feet and in 2003 the marker on the right was installed.

Head is a reelin'!

Lawrence Argent, 2005

My first impression of Denver was this huge blue bear, which is nearly the same blue as the blue bridge in Grand Rapids (see April 10, 2007 post), looking into the conference center. Design is big amongst the ursine!

So much seen and done in Denver at the AIGA National Conference, not really sure where to start.

A quick reflection back over the last five days leaves me the impression of the up and coming talent. Two of the best conference highlights was Command X, a live design competition, and 20/20, 20 one minute presentations of what young designers nominated by big ass design players n what they see is next.

Will share over the next few days!