The most poignant lines of the author David Neff鈥檚 dedication in the book that he and his wife Chelle Neff have so lovingly created are their mission statement that 鈥渢he book is dedicated to all the affordable housing groups/nonprofits we invest in.鈥�
Their story is laudable. The Neffs, who are co-founders of Weird Home Tours in Austin, Texas, embarked on a journey to look inside weird houses to satisfy their curiosity, and then organized a house tour so that the public could join in. Part of the profits from the tours is directed to community improvements. Many communities around the world have homes that stand out as strange, irreverent, innovative or just plain fun. These homeowners are artists who reject the 鈥渘ormal鈥� status quo, and pour their heart and soul into their personal living spaces. What can we learn from such innovation?
Casa Neverlandia is home to artist James Talbot. He and his family and friends have been working on this magical abode since 1979. You鈥檒l discover secret passages, fire poles, an elevated foot bridge, rope railings and ladders. The shell of the A-frame is part of the overall artistry constructed of basic building materials that have been given fresh colour and form. Rainwater collection tanks and solar panels are used for maintenance; there is no air conditioning or heating systems.
The following three examples are not pictured here as space does not allow, but my guess is that you will want to see the book if weird is your thing.
Nestled in the classic Austin weirdness zone, artist Lois Goodman鈥檚 home literally overflows with bold colours and eclectic collections. The bathroom is uniquely lit by 109聽dichroic glass tiles. Titled Under The Sea, the home鈥檚 walls shimmer in shades of blue. A handpainted sign nestled in some outdoor greenery near her 鈥渞ock star鈥� rock garden states 鈥淏e Strange, Not a Stranger.鈥�
鈥淲hen we learn to realize the uniqueness and beauty in everything, then we can understand that nothing is ever ordinary,鈥� says Barbara Irwin, owner of Barbara鈥檚 Birdcage. Irwin is a found-object artist who transforms castaway items into unique works of art. Dozens of found bird cages are repurposed as tiny stages that hold a wild variety of vignettes, many made from old dolls. Her collections not only fill the home鈥檚 whimsical interior, but also decorate the exterior walls and surrounds.
Analyn Hughes lives in a 鈥渘ormal鈥� apartment building, but her space is where Non-Conformity flourishes. Hughes is known as Queen of the Weird in Austin. A life-sized (papier mache?) pig glamorously festooned with a hairband sits on top of the stainless steel fridge. The fridge door is decorated with handmade fabric flowers and a tiny doll鈥檚 head is framed with coloured pencils and titled 鈥淪he led a colourful life.鈥�
What can weird or strange teach us? Is it beneficial on a larger scale? A development of Mobile Loaves & Fishes called Community First! Village shows us it can. The inhabitants of the Village are men and women who are coming out of chronic homelessness. The housing options available to the residents of this community include professionally designed micro-homes, RVs, canvas cottages, airstream trailers and even tip鈥檚. A new medical facility and other support services are part of the community complex.
You might, as is the author铆s hope, 鈥渢ake away design, architecture, and art tips and tricks to add flair to your everyday spaces.鈥�
But for sure you will be entertained and delighted by the magnitude of talent, imagination and artistry each home represents.
Written by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email decorating questions to [email protected].
