A photo shoot at the house I designed on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
In 2017, I left Mexico and set out to rediscover America, my country, and who we are. PEPONI, the publisher of my book “BOOM! It’s a Big Country for an Old Man” engages in storytelling, design, photography and film. Telling stories about ideas, places, communities, country, and people.
I have traveled extensively off the beaten path. A love of beaches influenced many destinations and led to my creating Chachalaka on the Costalegre of Mexico. I designed and built a contemporary, minimalist house, Casa J, that has been recognized for its architecture. Starting in 2017 I began traveling in America to better understand my country, having conversations with people I would meet and taking photos and video of the people and places across the United States. It is a project I call "An American Mosaic" and is the subject of a book BOOM! now available on Amazon. - John Van Dyke, storyteller
Why the name Peponi? In the 1980s I spent some time in Kenya and was fortunate to discover the Island of Lamu and the Peponi Hotel. This was still a time when travel was adventure and discovery. I was discovering the last of old Safari remnants here and there, including some of those who led them. Lamu is a very old Swahili coastal town and a tiny island that is more sand dunes than anything else. The Peponi Hotel was full of stories of the Danish farming family that runs it, and some of the colorful locals. A fellow named “Bunny” that was a big game hunter telling of staring into a Lions eyes that had pounced on him just before it died. The reason for the large scar across his face. The girl from Australia who lived for a year with the Pigmies. And cocktails on the terrace watching the moonrise. Sailing on Dows, the locally crafted boats. It was an experience that stayed with me. I have a special place in my heart for Peponi and the island of Lamu.
“John Van Dyke is one of the best designers to ever practice in Seattle. His work is, and has long been on the national stage, before AIGA Seattle began. He was involved in the beginnings of the chapter. He certainly deserves this recognition. One of the most talented our city has ever had!”⠀
AIGA Seattle founding member⠀
What inspires you?: “I have always found inspiration through exploration, travel, people and places—traveling the roads less travelled.”⠀
#AIGAFellow #AIGASeattle #design #seattle
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