The Adventure School » Adventurer Profile

**In case you haven’t yet heard, tomorrow, Tuesday July 12th, will bring The Adventure School’s very first lecture in our brand new storefront! Please join us from 6:30pm to 7:30pm for INTRO TO URBAN BIRDING, brought to us by sweeties Houston Flores & Austin Cockman. We are located at 610 2nd Avenue in Pioneer Square! Read below for more info on tomorrow’s presentation, as well as Adventurer Profiles for the lecturer’s!**

Feeling out of touch with Mother Nature? Want to look “cool” in the eyes of your friends and coworkers? Let local birders, Austin Cockman and Houston Flores, jumpstart your adventure with an Introduction to Urban Birding. Within the confines of our busy city, there lives a thriving community of birds. Every bush and every tree provides food and shelter to a surprisingly diverse amount of species. Join us on July, 12 at 6:30 and learn to identify our local avifauna while reconnecting with nature in your own backyard!

2. Food & drink you don’t want to live without?
Food: Peanut Butter
Drink: Peanut Butter

3. The scariest thing you can think of?
Falling, or watching somebody fall…L

5. Your favorite book of the moment?
Moby Dick (Reading it for the first time. It’s awesome!)

6. Describe your dream party place.
I’m mostly looking for an outdoor area with a big field, expansive views and warm weather.

7. What is the evil version of you like?
Houstini. He’s this horrible guy who mindlessly throws recyclables away.

9. Name four essential elements of a good party.
Friendly strangers, friendly friends, endless food and a great DJ.

11. Favorite adventure supply?
While adventuring, it is really important to not forget to eat good food and drink plenty of water. It will help you keep your wits.

13. Hotel room or campsite?
Going to bed at dusk next to a busy river, waking up to the dawn chorus…Ahh!

16. If you could teach a class about anything in the world ever, what would you teach?
BIRDS!

Spanish, rock climbing, gardening, insect and plant identification, long distance running, block printing, sewing.

I was 9 years old. My family road tripped out to McCarthy, Alaska, an old mining town perched up in the mountains in the middle of NOWHERE that you could only reach by riding inside a hanging cage that was hand pulled over a massive glacier fed river. During a late night blue grass music festival I joined ranks with an eclectic group of hippy kids to play the world’s best game of hide-and-go-seek tag, ever.

Rachel Pally has introduced a uniquely vibrant and casual elegance to Los Angeles Fashion. After studying dance at UC Berkley, Rachel started her line in 2002 and has since been hailed as Los Angeles’ “Jersey Girl”. Rachel’s love of dance cultivated her desire to convey the fluidity or movement and the beauty of the human form in each garment produced. She has overseen the company’s design direction and led it’s extraordinary expansion since the beginning. From the classic cropped gaucho pant to the coveted caftan dress, Rachel Pally has prevailed in the Jersey arena with her innovative designs and the ability to fuse simplicity with glamour.

1. What skill do you want to learn?

Tango, hand drums, beekeeping

2. Food and drink you don’t want to live without?

Chocolate chip cookies, blueberries in June, figs, Costa Rican Coffee, White Nectarines, Anything that grows in my garden.

3. The scariest thing you can think of?

The oil spill.

4. Your favorite party supply?

Tiki torches, and paper plates for easy cleanup.

5. Your favorite book of the moment?

The Dragon Tattoo Series and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver.

6. Describe your dream party place.

My backyard, sitting around the fire pit, roasting marshmallows and drinking whiskey.

7. What is the evil version of you like?

I play her every day at work. She’s a ball-busting, no-nonsense, straight-shooter. I try to be nicer when I come home.

8. What gives you confidence?

A tan. A pair of sexy shoes. A good day at work. A kiss from my man before I get out of bed to “put my face on”. When I think I can’t do something but I do it anyway. When I look at my staff and I know I’m good at what I do.

9. Name four essential elements of a good party.

Friends. Friends. Friends. Booze.

10. What do you appreciate most about a party host?

That they have to do the post-party cleanup. That’s a big task. And just the drive to send out an invite to gather folks together. That’s awesome.

11. Favorite adventure supply?

My North Face fanny pack and a headlamp, for those kinds of adventures. A huge purse that I can carry everything in, and a good shoe and a box of Band-aids for a New York kind of adventure.

12. Describe the best party you ever attended.

It was at a huge house in Beverly Hills– I was invited by some friends. There was a trampoline & a photo booth and a hat-making- station and a band… And a service called “Home, James” to help you home if you drank too much. A cute boy would put his scooter in your trunk (Ooh… that doesn’t sound right) and drive your home in your own car, and then ride off into the night on his scooter. It was good. And I made a wacky hat with plumes and glitter.

13. Hotel room or campsite?

Both! My family has a rustic cabin in the Sierra that kind of covers both categories– and it’s one of my favorite places on earth.

14. Do you have a style icon?

My grandma, Dory Pally. She has the most impeccable style– very Bohemian. She always wears a fresh flower in her hair, simply jewelry and flowy linen clothes. And a jean jacket. She’s gorgeous.

15. Where is your next adventure destination?

The cabin! My family, my man, our dog…

16. If you could teach a class about anything in the world ever, what would you teach?

African Dance– Gardening– Cooking– Can that all be one class?

17. Your motto?

Stop thinking, start doing.

18. What is your spirit animal?

Crazy Monkey? Loyal Pup? Stubborn Bull? Sweet Lamb? Gorgeous Gazelle?

I first met Tina Frey when she began selling a selection of her jewelry in a boutique in San Francisco called Nida. One is instantly drawn to her creations by their candied hues and polished surfaces, and I’d find myself hovering over each piece in the case, fantasizing about what it would be like to slip the emerald bangles over my wrist or feel the weight of the hand sculpted, beaded necklaces around my collar. You can’t help but to touch the resin baubles, understanding their shape, running your fingers over their surfaces. Tina takes delicate care in hand-forming and hand-polishing each piece, and leaves enough time for herself to party it up in Swedish castles and roam Southeast Asia. Read on for more colorful tidbits about her, and take a peek at her Macy Necklace in The Adventure Store!

I’d like to think I don’t have an evil side…I don’t really want to know!

It used to be campsite…but I’ve outgrown that and prefer a nice hotel room now.

16) If you could teach a class about anything in the world ever, what would you teach?

I would teach them to be confident in themselves and that they can achieve whatthey want if they believe it.

This week’s Adventurer Profile features those fabulous ladies over at Free Time Industries. With each member employing her own unique skill set and lens for aesthetic, the fantastic 4 come together to C R E A T E and “exist to contribute innovative idea to design culture”. They come and go from their inspiring subterranean Seattle studio, and the traces of their work and their beings pop up around the city as though left by invisible little creatures. Some examples of their work can be found in The Adventure Store: a leather holster made from reclaimed leather and brass buckles, and an owl comb made from walnut and pearl inlay (photos below).

We want to learn how to make EVERYTHING… it is what gets us out of bed in the morning and what got us together in the first place.

Wabi-Sabi: for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers by Leonard Koren – it is a company bed-time story.

Our idea-camp weekends – weekends when we are all together just cranking things out. ****we must give full credit to the term “idea-camp” to Ms Crim

We just celebrated Amber’s birthday party at a co-ed Russian day spa – we soaked, plunged, steamed, stretched…. then relaxed in the tearoom with champagne, cheese, and hazelnut chocolates.

We just had an idea-camp weekend on Bainbridge Island in a red 1904 farm house, and are planning another one in Oregon which willinclude yurts and hot springs.

16. If you could teach a class about anything in the world ever, what would you teach?

Maureen Whiting is a dancer, choreographer and mathematician extraordinaire. Based in Seattle, she founded a dance company in 1997. Through it, she has researched, reflected, and pushed the ways in which the human body moves in response to it’s emotions, intertwining it with “interlocking structures and theoretical systems” that echo her respect for mathematics. She has a thirst for life and for truth and is so inspiring in all of her endeavors, from her art to her crazy collection of leg-wear to her role as a Mom. You can find her strolling the city streets with her boys, dancing it up at Bollywood events, or hunting for exotic spices at Indian markets. If you ever have the chance to see her company perform, DO IT. You will be so glad that you did. It will open your mind to something completely new and entirely amazing.

Brandishing a sword and using it to threaten people like an out of control angry destructive Indian Goddess. Looking ugly as I scream the (what I think is) the truth!

Positive and relaxed energy, a welcoming space with candles lit, free flowing wine, the smell of good homemade food, and excellent subtle party dj music.

A Parisian disco with different themed rooms for dancing or relaxing with friends

Not in this era, I liked the models of the 80s. All stars seem too conservative to me. Most likely Bjork.

16. If you could teach a class about anything in the world ever, what would you teach?

How to live in a present way each day with a good dose of humor and simple easy daily meditation/ visualization techniques

As a mom: “Vamanos a la playa” in other words let’s forget the stress for awhile and remember nature and the wonders of the world which could be a walk to the grocery store or going to the beach. The world is full of simple gifts.

Fredericks & Mae is the art/design team of Jolie Mae Signorile and Gabriel Fredericks Cohen. The two met though a shared love for materials – Fredericks & Mae started in the piles of feathers, thread, gold and paper that decorated their first studio in 2007. Their collaborative practice has since evolved into a series of objects for the home, garden and sky.

Tightly choreographed group dancing, matching outfits, Kool-Aid and boundless freedom.

16. If you could teach a class about anything in the world, ever, what would you teach?

This week we’re bringing to you the ADVENTURER PROFILE of Mike Ewaliko! Some of you might remember him for his former football days, when he played for UW as a defensive lineman (WHOA!). More recently, Mike, has turned to his love of surfing and has developed surfboard shaping machines and, our favorite, the SKUPBOARD. Taking one of his surfboard designs and scaling it down to about longboard size, Mike added a revolutionary wheel and base system that allows the rider to be able to turn the board by using his or her legs and core, similar to surfing. It is the ultimate paddle, surf and fitness training board, not to mention how it carries the theme of ADVENTURE.

We have a demo in our office should anyone be interested in coming by and seeing it in person… you might catch Mike or one of his friends showing us how it’s done!

5 your favorite book of the moment?
Designing Autonomous Mobile Robots By John Holland

9 name four essential elements of a good party.
Whats up with all these party questions?? LOL… I guess you would need some good beverages…

10 what do you appreciate most about a party host?
A clean bathroom

16 if you could teach a class about anything in the world ever, what would you teach?
How to navigate away from my mistakes

17 what is your motto?
Take advantage of the seconds you have, they are quickly ticking away..

18 what is your spirit animal?
The shark

Little Print House is an artistic partnership of real-life partners Greg and Kelly. They’ve chosen an inspired path in their little house: sharing the prints of original art, photos, and everything else in between. Themes of evolution, nature, the Pacific Northwest, family, cats, old-time romantic life, and love echo throughout their work. Greg helms the wheel, driving the creative force. Kelly helps to keep things flowing. Together, they love to highlight their honest experience of life through their photography.

Food is a very close tie between popcorn and pizza. Drink would be beer! We love a good sour ale.

We’re both reading Let the Great World Spin to each other and enjoying it immensely.

Summertime setting at Hog Island Oyster in Marshall, California. Sun + BBQ’d oysters + beer + friends = HEAVEN!

How he/she/they can balance hosting, enjoying everyone, and managing to eat and drink! The balance is crucial and very admirable.

Kelly recently had the pleasure of celebrating her favorite adventurer’s birthday in Seattle. It was hosted at the adventurer’s favorite wine bar and the event was full of amazing people, conversation, celebration, tears, and wine + food!

Marcel Duchamp for his originality and fearlessness. Kelly would also say Vivienne Westwood for the same reasons.

We will be heading to the Bay Area for a week-long wedding adventure in May. We’re hoping to squeeze in a jaunt in Hawaii over the summer, fingers crossed.

16. If you could teach a class about anything in the world, ever, what would it be?

Greg: printmaking! Kelly: ribbon-tying or how to make the best popcorn you’ve ever had!

Interiors, design, collaboration and beauty are all HUGE inspirations/passions of everyone here at The Adventure School. When we discovered the work of designer and Friend-of-Adventure Alexandra Loew we were blown away by her bold, cerebral and gorgeously cinematic choices. Alexandra Loew founded From the Desk of Lola in 2004 and the world took note; the firm’s work has been seen regularly in everything from style bibles like Vogue Living, Lucky, In Style, O at Home to luxury titles like Manhattan, Angeleno, and Riviera. From the Desk of Lola provides architectural, interior and product design services for residential, corporate and commercial clients from their offices in Los Angeles and New York. Mastermind adventurer Alexandra has been recognized nationally as one of Domino Mag’s Top Ten rising design talents as well as the winner of an Architecture House of the Year award.

I will leave you with an awesome, inspiring and telling snippet straight off of From the Desk of Lola’s site, “reality is over-rated we believe fantasy is a critical dimension of contemporary life and culture”. And so do we!!! Get to know Alexandra Loew below, we asked her our usual questions.

The Bloomingdale’s Book of Entertaining. More recently bananagrams have become a contender for that [#1] spot.

I’ve become an insomniac and as a result, a voracious reader. Too many distinct and distinctly amazing voices are rattling around to name one book. A few that have made a strong impression recently are The Beautiful Fall, The End, and Unaccustomed Earth.

Makes everyone purge their closets and interrogates them about their consumption habits.

Interesting guests, good food, plentiful drinks… It’s nice if the fourth element is a kind of wild card – like foul weather or other Acts of Nature. A well curated theme is fun, too.

7^th grade: hearing – for the first time – and dancing to Off the Wall in a darkened suburban living room. I think there was a strobe or black light involved. That evening pretty much defined ‘party’ for me.

For interiors its Joe D’Urso, Andre Putman and Jacques Grange. For fashion, these days, it’s Zandra Rhodes.

Paris. Oregon coast. I would love to be invited to Pierre Cardin’s Palais Bulles in the South of France

16. If you could teach a class about anything in the world ever, what would you teach?

Kyle Johnson is a Seattle photographer who is stirring things up. I have worked with Kyle on fashion spreads for Seattle Metropolitan Bride and Groom magazine and it is such a pleasure. He brings a groovy sense of quiet enthusiasm and jovial stick-to-itiveness to the game. I can sense a deep and abiding positivity and love for nature coming through in his flicks and that makes me feel radical. So here you have it folks today’s adventurer is friend of adventure Kyle Johnson. Keep your eyes peeled for this up-and-comer, his work has been featured everywhere from Wallpaper to Juxtapoz to Vice. His arresting band photos are sure to make a splash in the time-honored tradition of Seattle bands becoming the next Big Deal. See his work shooting musicians on the street corner all throughout Seattle as he shot the City Arts magazine March cover featuring amazing Seattle band The Head and the Heart. We asked him the usual questions.

Something with a good mix of amazing outdoor setting and a stylish home. BBQ cooking, and some sort of roof top.

Good Booze/Good People/someone good running the MUSIC/ Uncontrollable Dancing or Makeout Sesh’s

That’s a tough one . . . different parties have been good for different reasons. This past New Year’s was the best I’ve been to. My friends and I threw a Pagan-themed party and it was a blast! Otherwise, probably a wedding reception in Italy . . . even as the photographer I had a blast.

No, but Lagerfeld has great advice for any guy. Find a shirt that fits well and buy it in every color

16. If you could teach a class about anything in the world ever, what would you teach?

Photography…but in some ridiculously epic location. A destination workshop would be the dream “class”.

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