Channeling Mr. Rogers

The call came while I sat with my sketchbook on my lap, playing with ideas for the transformational design of the new South Whidbey Community Center.  I answered.  It was Mr. Rogers saying, “Hello Neighbor.” “Hello Mr. Rogers.” He showed up at the perfect time, reminding me of the importance of PLAY and LOVE.  He said, ”Make it fun, playful, inviting. Warm and connecting. YOU KNOW HOW TO DO THAT. After all, we’ve been neighbors since you were a kid!"  

Yes, I absolutely know how to do that!  So with the intention to create something FAST, as in less than 48-hours fast, Mr. Rogers inspired my pen to hit the paper and I started to play!  

South Whidbey Community Center, formerly Langley High School and Middle School on Whidbey Island, was hosting its first big public event, their open house. Island residents would be experiencing the Center in its new incarnation, a hub of artists, artisans, body workers and social justice advocates, for the first time. Formerly a pedagogical institution, is now a house of nurture and nourish.  A place that formerly grew students and learners is now a place that grows community and opportunities.

Mr Rogers inspired SAY HELLO, an art installation with the distinct intention for people to look up, smile and connect.  Even while installing the hand painted signage on the wall, the signs that read SAY HELLO, people walked in, looked up at us and said HELLO. It was working already.  Just as Mr. Rogers would have designed it.

Thanks, Mr. Rogers.  You taught me well. 

~THE WOLF

Healing Space.

I have been asked, "How do you see what you see?"  I don't.  I feel and listen.  I allow Space to speak.   I ask, "What do you need?"  Healing, always healing.  Heal the Space.  Bring balance.  In turn, Space gives back.  Joy, Connection, Love.  

~The Wolf

Commitment, Nas and Inspiration.

Nas. Multi-platinum recording artist. Change-maker. Inspiration. For Koru's session with Nas, we transformed Koru 220 from a learning hub into an intimate afternoon, very MTV unplugged. We were deeply moved by the candor of the experience and the rawness in which Nas and his manager Anthony Saleh shared. Particularly memorable was Anthony's advice for young job seeking Korus "Don't be an asshole as there's no award for being asshole."  So true.  For us the reward comes in commitment - to the project, our clients, our values, working hard.   When The Wolf tagged Koru with Russell Wilson's father's words, the mantra behind the Seahawks 2014 Superbowl win, "Why Not You?", it was in commitment to the belief that anything is possible. For seven straight days, respiration mask on, she dedicated herself to transformation space into inspiration. With deep love. As Nas was leaving that memorable afternoon, he stopped The Wolf, and they shared admiration for the work they both put out in the world. #theworldisyours. #designedwithlove. #whynotyou?

A Pause in the Streets.

They walked toward me.

Perfectly inked three.

Art.

Black shoes.

Squashed pristine white socks.

A cigarette.

Black polish pointing inward.

Branded knuckles begging,

"Please just take the picture."

Postures.

Needle induced color stories carved on skin.

Click. 

An urban image etched in my brain.

Fueled. 

~THE WOLF