The Glass Forest (for charity)

I can never say no to charity, so a few months ago when I received a pretty snazzy charitable request in the mail, I was more than happy to jump on board!

Southcentre Mall Designer Mirror Auction

The opportunity to design a mirror which reflects a part of my life and put it up for auction, with the proceeds going to the charity of my choice.

When I take on these projects, a lot of the work goes into the concept or design.

It’s important for me to have it reflect not only myself but the charity I’m representing…. And at the end of the day, it’s gotta look good and bring home the bacon!

And my charity of choice?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary

With the charity picked, I now had to figure out what I was going to do with the very large mirror sitting in front of my fire-place.

And then it came to me, reflect upon my childhood!

“Raised in a prairie city with my brother, we spent most of our summers on the farm. I always wondered if the stork had dropped me off in the wrong place, for I was certain my life was to be filled by the surroundings of modern opulence. If it wasn’t for my brother who helped me build stick forts and swing over the garbage pit, and who never made fun of me when I said I could fly, I don’t know what I would have done. My mirror is a modern take on the trees from our farm which surrounded me when I was a kid; the modern aesthetic of the world I dreamt of living in. As such, I donate my ‘Glass Forest’ to Big Brothers, Big Sisters and to the mentors who help kids realize that anything is possible!”

Now with the story written it was time to actually figure out what this meant and how I was going to make the vision a reality.

Laser Cut acrylic!

Modern, expensive, unique and the right colour for anyone’s home. And the best part?…. Not only is my editor Rob good with words… He’s also good with a laser cutter!

So working off the design of my guest room wallpaper, the branches were traced and refined using some pretty technical software.

I planned the look and the feel of the design and then while I sat back and enjoyed a cocktail, Rob was hard at work formatting and cutting the pieces.

After all the pieces were ready, the muscled task of screwing them all onto the frame with a manual screwdriver was mine.

And with all the branches, squirrels, leaves and even a bird perched in place, the mirror was ready to take centre court in Southcentre.

Now it’s up to you!

From now, until May 19th, you can view my design and if you feel so inclined, make a bid!

100% of the proceeds will be handed over to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary.

I am so grateful for all the time and attention their volunteers give to help inspire kids, sharing with them that anything is possible!

So head to Southcentre and admire yourself in one of the mirrors up for auction and help make others dreams come true too!

Mr. Fab reflection