updn: 88 spins with Bill Pechet by Leslie Van Duzer published by ORO editions is a concisely ambitious survey of 88 projects authored by artist, architect, educator, and authentic Vancouverite Bill Pechet and a multitude of collaborators over 30 years of practice. Curated by Leslie Van Duzer, almost every page (or spread of facing pages) presents a distinct design proposal and gives context to Pechet's font of creativity and design wanderings.

The format is alphabetically organized and programmatically concise, summarized in images and succinct descriptions with specific credit given to allies of every discipline that have engaged with Pechet. The alphabetical organization juxtaposes very dissimilar projects adjacent to each other, built and unbuilt, a monumental civic fountain (emptyful), cemeteries (including a memorial to the unborn), children's book illustrations, dance sets, public furniture and parks, utilities; it feels like leafing through a very diverse and personal sketchbook—organic, with glimpses into Pechet's processes with themes that appear and re-emerge between projects. There is whimsy and introspection, delight and intellectual rigor. Mostly there is discovery with no fixed stylistic creed. Pechet seems to thrill in the process of exploration. It is a bit stunning to see that any single practitioner could comfortably and competently tackle such a wide range of programs with such a distinct voice and thread of continuity.

A passage of the book from the essay “Everyday Evocations” by Van Duzer articulates this sense:

WEAVING

From the start of each new project, Bill sets out to construct a web of meaningful relationships, mining the physical characteristics, history and sociocultural milieu of his appointed sites; investigating the inhabitants' stories, real and mythological; tapping into material associations and cultural references; connecting the animate to the inanimate. No matter the scale of a project, a thick network of relationships—think: Italo Calvino's invisible city of Ersilia—provides alternate pathways into the work without creating a closed narrative. The coexistence of multiple overlapping threads, the more the better, keeps the work accessible and open to different interpretations. 

"Because I see myself between multiple disciplines, most projects are in a dialogue with multiple audiences; each of whom have different worldviews, aspirations, histories and belief systems. Therefore, I am trying to think through their perspectives to allow many to participate. As a result, I guess I'm promiscuous, both inside and between each project, where meaning arises from a continuous loop of references, relationships, reflections." BP

There are plenty of words and images as in any architecture monograph. However, rather than promoting any particular object or dogma, ideas are the most celebrated entities. Ideas are both the material and the distilled expressions of concept, with plenty of space for open interpretation. 

I get the notion that Pechet is an extremely industrious and curious bee tending a multitude of gardens, flitting from flower (idea) to flower (idea) relentlessly, deliberately and competently cross-pollinating to “share the love” with the hive, who is anyone and everyone. I can begin to understand why Pechet is such a beloved educator and collaborator. His work is tremendously human, inviting, challenging and charming. An Artist worth engaging.

Digging into this book is akin to the sensation of hearing music and reading the album cover and liner notes for a band I just discovered and to whom I need to pay more attention. I’m a bit surprised that I’ve managed to miss such a remarkable and distinct talent but I’m very glad that Pechet and Von Duzer were finally able to focus the deliberate effort to share the work. It reminds me that there are people who really “get it” and who are paying attention and who are also able to help open other’s eyes without pretense or heavy handedness. It’s a subtly substantial book that I will continue to re-visit which makes it very fun and definitely not boring. It’s remarkable in showcasing a disciplined, introspective and occasionally silly point of view. There are layers of nuance revealed that are worth noticing.

One of the most genuinely joyful passages in the book is an ode, composed by Bill, to the fabricators and craftspeople who convert ideas on paper into manifestations in the real world. It’s a message of gratitude and respect that reflects Bill’s understanding and appreciation of collaboration in making public Art. And he manages, in verse, to slip in a reference to Wim Wenders. Who else would attempt such a feat?

Fortunately, those of us in Seattle will have an opportunity to catch the act live on Wednesday March 11 at LMN's The Shop. Bill & Leslie will share a discussion moderated by co-conspirator and radio host Bill Richardson. The salon is curated by Space.City and tickets are available for all to attend. The conversation will be followed by a “happy hour” and an opportunity to meet the authors, copies of updn: 88 spins with Bill Pechet by Leslie Van Duzer will be available to purchase through Peter Miller Books. Come to the salon, pick up the book, be delighted.