I spent yesterday with the ladies(and a few guys) of the Design Network in Cleveland, Ohio.

Why? you ask.

To talk about one of my favorite subjects; stone . . . and the use of stone in the landscape. Almost 5 hours on all types of ways to look at, use, study, design, dream, etc. It was a great time.

I really like doing these in-depth workshops where the  crowd is around 25 or so. It has a more intimate feel to the setting and allows me better interaction with the group. it also helps when you have a group that knows each other, why?

They feel less inhibited in asking questions, and are willing to go deeper into the subject matter.

The other reason I like this format is  . . .  is time. Allotting this much time lets me go much deeper into the subject.

I still don’t get the antiquated way some of these “alphabets” run their conferences . . . 50 minute talks in a room full of people listening to lectures-it’s all so one sided. It has to be, an hour or less is not a lot of time to lay out your best philosophy on a subject. Plus there is no real time for questions, without cutting in to the lecturer’s time.

But I digress

So the day went very well, they ask about coming back and having workshops on several different subjects, including drawing, rendering, and other design subjects.

I had a blast and would really like to thank the members of the Design Network for allowing me the time to share with the group.

See you at Hocking?