Launched…

Dakota - Missoula, Montana

I need a launching point. Nature is my inspiration. Color, pattern, texture; it’s all around us.

This wild beast rests in The Oxford Café, downtown Missoula, Montana, in the old F M McHaffie building. One of Missoula’s oldest bars, Dakota has overseen the place for decades.

Rich color, soft textures, bright eyes. Peaceful. Powerful. Inspirational.

He encourages me.  

Working to curate Modern Mountain. Where to begin? One element. One inspiration. One launching point.

Taxidermy does play a role in this design. It becomes the anchor. So, I look. Really look. I mean… I look God’s creation right in the eyes. And, those polished glass eyes show me…

We need something smooth like his eyes. Polished quartzite countertops, buffed steel panels, smooth gold light fixtures.

We need something soft like his fur. Natural wool rugs, chenille fabric on the sofa, linen drapes.

We need something with texture like his horns. Old barn wood from the family farm, worn leather chairs, limestone walls.  

Colors, patterns, textures emerge.  

cream, caramel, chocolate brown, black

waves, checks, stripes, Aztec

rough, soft, solid, smooth 

Collected components curated into design. 

Dakota won’t hang in this home, but his spirit will permeate the space.  

God’s creations appear as simple works of wonder. Each fabricated to perfection ready to surround, teach, inspire.

Ask yourself, “What’s my launching point?”

Find the object. Examine it. Get close.

Feel. Touch. Smell. Think.

And, then, when you really know this object, use it to launch your design.