Whim'-Ze Gazette

Not the ear drum-splitting, unintelligible noise embraced by some "Gen-Xers", but the softer, more sophisticated statement that the artist Darrin Hoover has created with his latest collection of home furnishings that he calls "ALOI". The name derives from the collection's synthesis of contemporary materials and classic design - all of the current pieces are hewn from solid hunks of aluminum with designs inspired by the Art Deco period and a 50's and 60's influence added just to mix up your nostalgia.

Although Hoover started this collection with the most practical of home accouterments, clocks and lamps, these pieces, with names like "Metropolis" and "Signet" give your home everything else on its wish list too, like sleek sophistication and the refined taste of a bygone era.

And doesn't that description remind you of something else you already own? Yes, of course, your Whim-Ze's in all their colorful glory! So the sly Hoover did produce a brother for his Whim-Ze collection and his name is "ALOI". But best of all, these siblings are guaranteed not to fight and there's no college tuition to shell out! So visit www.aloi.us or seek out the retail boutiques listed on the site to actually shop in person.

And for all you environmentally and socially conscious purchasers, the ALOI Collection is 100% "sustainable art", meaning it is designed, produced, and all materials hail from right here in Ohio, thus sustaining the local economy. Read more about this heartwarming story at www.aloi.us



It seems that an enthusiastic young woman purchased one of the New Whim-Ze "Max" collection. (Limited editions in a grand scale 43" x 30") She had encountered Hoover's work at one of his recent appearances. Weeks after seeing the work she called the Whim-Ze worldwide hotline. She opened saying, "I haven't been able to stop thinking about that piece since I saw it! I want it!" They arranged a pickup time and she took the Whim-Ze home. A few days later, however, the artist received a call from the young woman who, with sadness, informed Hoover that she had no choice but to return the painting - her designer was emphatic that her beloved Whim-ze simply could not fit with his vision for their home. Of course, the artist graciously agreed ( Hoover takes pride in ensuring to the best of his ability, a happy and well-adjusted home for each of his creations). The Whim-Ze hotline phone rang at the Whim-Ze Headquarters at the appointed time for the return. It was her! She began to retell her story from that morning... She wearily motioned for her husband to begin the loading process. But without warning, almost involuntarily, a faint "No" appeared to come from the woman's lips, and then she practically yelled, "No, stop!"		Similar to the fabled adrenaline rush received at the scene of an accident to save someone from the flames of a burning car, the young woman lunged to grip her husband's arm stopping him as he attempted to place the piece into their SUV. "We can't do this", she cried, "I love that Whim-Ze!" Her husband answered quietly, "Well, I do too." In an instant, on the pavement of their driveway, they knew Whim-Ze would be a part of their lives forever! The pleasant phone exchange concluded with her saying, "We just love the art! We're keeping it...it's not coming back!"



This pathetic photo captured the artist's hair woes. Hoover regretfully admits, "I'm a hair loser! I look like one of the BeeGees or a cousin of Peter Frampton...		The only residual coolness left in my existence is perhaps a few articles of clothing or accessories purchased by my wife -- I don't even dress myself. I am an 80's misfit!"