Hidden talent – that remarkable artwork that appears (seemingly) out of nowhere, on a par with great masters of the medium. I considered this element of surprise – looking back several decades to a local painter, Wilson Hurley, who had more than one very different, distinguished career and diverse life experiences before he delved deeply into his passion for painting in his 40s. Once exposed, his paintings revealed his extraordinary talents and he become a nationally recognized treasure for his sweeping landscapes and a variety of other subjects.
On that note, I have just gotten off the phone with a very good friend, in Florida, Houston Evans. I have recently learned that he is a passionate weekend photographer! An amazing photo appeared in a Facebook post and I was astonished by the enchanting image, color and composition. I was instantly captivated – and curious. Upon closer inspection, his stylish swashbuckling signature made me realize that this hobby was subtly becoming more than that – yes, he had his mark digitally mastered and is probably THE perfect brand for his diverse and stunning work.
“Star Power” is the luminous celebration of a pineapple.
As I quizzed him about his interest in photography, I learned that he attributes his eye for art, color and design to his mother who’s side of the family has spawned other talented artists, in his generation. He has been posting on Instagram for quite some time – hundreds of images. I didn’t know. I didn’t “follow.” He is modest about his photos and does it for his own amusement, pure pleasure and personal enjoyment – that he likes to share. “I don’t do it to imagine it on someone’s wall.” Yet this observer believes that there is where it absolutely should be! Many walls…many places! #houstonevansphotography
He plays with the medium and all the tools and tricks of the trade. He enjoys the freedom of experimentation. The results are controlled, yet spontaneous. From high resolution to fuzzy pixels that require distance to assimilate. Up close for precise detail and soft smears for imagination to take hold, the variety of clarity or lack thereof are a part of the experience and expression.
“Makin’ Hay” has an enhanced pointillist treatment – a Van Gogh-esque subject with a twist.
From my interior designer’s perspective, his bold images would be key focal points in the drama of architectural spaces – interiors from Miami to Honolulu and on around the world!!! I can see the towering orchids in hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants and swanky condos everywhere!!! I am eager to find a project, for which his work would be the key to the scheme, unveiling a spontaneous design resulting from the inspiration of the image.
“Oblique Orchid” screams floral superiority as a commanding focal image. “Shooting the Bird” speaks to paradise revisited!!!
In the beginning, the photos stood on their own merits. Evans keeps his originals – some of which remain just that – in their original form, while others are tweaked or more radically manipulated to create stunning subjects and compositions.
This brilliant, fresh simplicity of “Aqua Eye” observes the droplet’s reflection in the center of the cheery chartreuse petal. Coming upon a cool caddie “Daddy Long Legs.”
I can see his limitless fantasies contributing to the imaginative narrative of Meow Wolf, gracing hotel lobbies with larger-than-life orchid explosions and commanding condo walls with magical statements of tropical color, subject and form. Translucent installations of LED illumination could result in magnificent walls of design influence.
“No Flies on Me” is a fantasy of oozing colors and form melting and melding around the psychedelic dragon fly.
The digital age is advancing with such a pace that we are
all caught-up in photos of food, whacky selfies and sunsets on fire…but
having an artist’s eye, to truly see the potential and master the tools that
are now available – using them to create valid and valued masterpieces of art,
is extraordinary.
“Copy Cat” reflections mirror a chorus of color from sky to watery impressionistic likeness.This “Roadside Attraction” must have been a startling scene to distract dazzled drivers.
I truly believe that his work is exceptional – full of heart and soul – and spectacular fun!!!!!!!! I’m thrilled to learn of these images and now enjoy the continued progress of his discoveries and creations. Let’s see where this goes!!!!! He just might be coming out of hiding!!
Hidden genius can be found amidst seemingly redundant arts and crafts. Walking by you might not notice. Passing by many beach stands, they begin to look alike – very repetitive. The colorful wares and handcraft are striking and eye-catching and full of fiesta, yet if you pay attention you will notice the nuances. Discovering the true designer/artist.
An escape to the tropics and especially to another country offer a reprieve from the cold and add an exotic element to getting out-of-town. Discovering the many indigenous art forms that come from all over Mexico is fun and exciting. Getting to know the makers and the distinctions in their work is another exciting level of appreciation.
As is true with so many things, detail and design matter. I buy a smattering of things for my gallery/gift boutique. I like to support the local vendors and makers that produce these fantasy-filled folk-art pieces. From fabrics to stuffed animals, painted pottery to murals and mosaics, the art is abundant and deserves to be examined.
As an example, I am focusing on Victor Rivera. Victor is an artist and more so, an incredibly gifted designer. His sense of pattern and imagery is exquisite. It reminds me of my mother’s love of Marimekko and Lily Pulitzer in the 60s and 70s. Her appreciation was a tremendous influence on me. The joy of color and pattern was a exhilarating celebration to wear and accessorize your home. Victor seems to possess a like-kind of innate sensibility and talent for devising and executing sensational color, pattern, motif and resulting design. He is currently creating, from a modest beach stand, what I believe is clearly different from others doing what might be thought to be similar work.
Like Maija Isola – a peer of my mother’s, having been born in the 20s her designs transcend the many decades in which she influenced color, pattern and bold imagery. Her work continues to live and influence the evolution of Scandinavian artistic direction and its impact on the world of design. https://www.marimekko.com/com_en/world-of marimekko/design/designers/maija-isola
Watching Victor select his brushes, for the various applications and control on his designs, is fascinating and amazing.
The sense of pattern and design is a different category of artistic talent, in my observation and estimation. A master, of pattern, form, design detail and art, is an artist. However, the focus on the repetition and integral connection of patterns – for this purpose in a one-dimensional application – is an intensely different pocket of an artistic brain.
And this brings me back to Victor. I want someone in a position to embrace and promote him, in the world of fabric design and influence, to catapult him to the level to which he can and should aspire. Shout-out to Alegreea and the fabulous designers at Pineda Colavin!!!!!!!
His hummingbirds begin with a pencil drawing and basic “fill” colors at the start. Working on both clay and wood prefabricated bowls by other artisans, his many layers of colors and details take shape.
With myriad, mostly monotonous, Mexican street/beach artists, Victor is a beacon of light that stands out among the throngs. Once you stop to notice – the work he is creating is astonishingly unique and beautiful. His designs are laced with meticulous detail, outstanding color combinations captivating and beautiful.
He will paint expeditiously simple works to satisfy the tourists and keep an inventory at the ready for spontaneous purchase – but when he has quiet time and is caught-up on his table of offerings, he creates amazing pieces that are truly remarkable. It is important to note though, that his more expeditious pieces still have a color combination with strokes of accents that still are above and well beyond the common.
He will paint commissions all day long – but left to his own devices, his creativity is boundless. And, referencing back to the Scandinavian designers, his floral designs are outstanding!
Taking time to examine the world around you and the beauty of detail that awaits, is a joyful experience of great discovery and satisfaction! Not to mention great fun!!!
After experiencing and pondering the value of incorporating nature’s elements into architectural planning in the previous blog, I find myself winding into the countryside from sea level to a mile high into jungles and ultimately pine forests, across vast expanses of rivers and towering bridges spanning grand abysses…and stopping at a modest panaderia (bakery) on the side of the road.
You can’t tell a book by its cover as this simple little rural structure – standing alone – looked curiously intriguing and quaint enough, with an unpaved parking area transitioning to well-tended pea-gravel. Traffic cruised by, on the way across the bridge.
Those that knew, turned in. We pulled off the road and were told that this couple had a wonderful bakery and were promised an exceptional treat! Fresh empanadas that would bring remarkably satisfying mid-morning joy.
Very tidy and thoughtfully eclectic, this little destination bakery is a precious find.
Oh, were we in for a surprise! At the entry, I stopped to shoot the whimsical cup of coffee mosaic set in a field of stone and concrete. I thought – what a fun design element to greet arrivals and set the stage. But I had no idea to what extent I was about to be elated. What unfolded so exceeded my expectations that I wanted to stay all day!!!
Happy stone and tile-work adorned the pathways. From the textures of stone and brick, tile and wood – it was an organic fantasy – an unexpected design experience.
Simple, yet spectacular – simply spectacular!!!!!
Ceilings of colorful floral blooms – perhaps wisteria – suspended from their vines and other plantings intertwined with the structure.
Spotless and meticulous the eclectic elements were a harmonious creation.Stone walls, wooden slats, vines and adobe all worked together to define the spaces.
The wafting aroma of fresh baked goods – it was more than delightful. From warm savory clouds with mushroom filling and another with chile-laced sausages – and an array of sweet strawberry, cream and pineapple empanadas to corn muffins, banana muffins and more! All nestled beneath colorfully woven cotton tablecloths.
Light and delicious – the best empanadas ever!! With a tiny sprinkles of granulated sugar, for a sweet crunch, before sinking into the fabulous fillings! Muffins challenged any others and savory treats were so satisfyingly delectable. Little buttons of banana slices on top denoted which were the banana muffins!!
Rich Mexican coffee with a touch of freshly ground cinnamon and luscious hot chocolate were served in custom-glazed “barro ware” complimenting the fresh-from-the-oven confections.
The exhibition baking kitchen overlooked the serving line. The buffet of pastries thoughtfully explained by our gracious and welcoming host, Jesus!
Carmen presents fresh strawberry tarts just from the oven!!! A combination of old and new – tradition and technology meet in this cozy kitchen.
Fragmented spaces open, yet enclosed, offered intimate pockets in which to pause and enjoy.
Color-pops insert themselves effectively around the interior and exterior spaces.Inviting seating areas semi-concealed offer private repose. Tucked away – more areas to enjoy…
Clever use of clean blond wood shavings on the floor of the main covered patio created a wall-to-wall carpet of fresh aromatics complimenting the inviting aromas emitted from the ovens. Rocking chairs and rigid sturdy versions, with a fun little rope swing, all surrounded by tropical plantings made a cozy area to gather.
Soft underfoot and subtly fragrant – the wood chips make a great shag carpet!!!
As I meandered around exploring all the interesting spaces, textures, colors and plantings, I marveled at the sensitivity with which this had all been crafted and assembled. It was artful interior design with an exterior feel – open air and charming, with a decidedly handcrafted, Mexican sense of place.
Slices of handsome tree trunks make perfect stepping “stones” with graduated heights.
It was an eclectic collage of furniture, structure and organics – living and static – that was welcoming and artful, delightful and so pleasing, that it was a treat for all the senses.
The cool morning air of the mountains mingled, with the comforting fragrances, creating an atmosphere inviting gentle conversations of people gathered around good food and artfully relaxed surroundings.
Peek in places and through doorways to find worlds of design
waiting to be discovered!!!
Neighborhood covenants, zoning, physical practicality, budgetary constraints…all enter into whether it is realistic or desirable to save vegetation when clearing land for development. Carving around existing growth can be a tedious and costly addition to a project. But there are times when it is a design asset – an imperative even – to the over-all setting and effect of the scene.
Saving trees when designing a built environment is a challenge
that often pays off.
A spectacular backdrop to this seating area – the decades old tree is the focal point.At night – well lit – the same tree towers with dramatic illumination in the darkness as the rear “wall” of this seating area.
Raping acres of woods for barren subdivisions and adding back newly planted saplings the caliper of a quarter is unfortunate and takes years to satisfy. FHA requirements were the tell-tale token of bringing green back after a bulldozer’s brutal removal of all plant-life on a property. That lanky stick standing in the center of a dirt patch, that might get sod or seed…or rock, was a pitiful attempt to give back to the environment. However, in addition to broad-sweeping examples, individual decisions to saver rather than remove can prove valuable.
Years ago, when planning a patio expansion and exterior kitchen, friends brought the plans to me for a quick check before committing to the design from the design/build contractors that they had engaged. The new patio plan meandered along nearly the entire back facade of the house. With all the exciting kitchen layout and bar, seating areas and dining space, I instantly focused on the fact that their beautiful red-bud tree was gone – not in evidence on the pans! I exclaimed about it and was told that they were told it had to go. That was about 10 years ago – or more, yet it still stands today having modified the design to include a tree-well in the patio and opening in the proposed high-ceiling patio cover. The stunning multi-truck tree thrives, in the ground as it had for decades, and climbs skyward through the opening spreading widely toward the second story of the home. A wonderful, living, sculptural element, in the space. Good save!
Warmer climates invite the indoor/outdoor melding of living spaces. We all try to achieve them despite bitter cold transitions and near, if not complete shut-downs “off-season.” But in the tropics, outdoor living spaces become remarkable dimensions to expand living.
Sculptural trees are powerful elements viewed from inside and outside.
This past week, that situation came to mind as I enjoyed several examples of incorporating nature into the design scheme. Yes, landscape design is just that. Landscape architects do just that. They design exterior spaces with organic material. But what I was feeling recently was two complimentary things – one that designing in and around existing growth is so satisfying and in some cases, the living plant material becomes the architecture – not merely compliments it.
In addition to their sculptural beauty, they add balance, scale and a canopy over the exterior rooms.
This past couple of weeks, we have see the results of 2 years of preparation and construction which transformed of a piece of partially vacant land into a seaside resort. Several key palms and a couple other key trees were saved and hundreds more were brought to the site to complete the design. The towering new trees showed signs of shock with their dried frond tips – but will surely survive.
What has been a foreground of some landscaping and virgin jungle ,with houses beyond, was bladed and terraced last year in preparation for a new project. Buildings and pools appeared, jungle growth was removed and a few key organic elements retained. The recently finished scene is dramatically different – incorporating specimen trees throughout the property into the new plan.
When landscaping becomes architecture you know you have crossed an exciting line. What I mean by that is to have the growth become walls – to have the vegetation read as though structural framework.
This terraced dining patio is framed by massive bamboo and other large trees and plantings. They are substantial enough to read like screens, if not walls, framing the space. From a canopy of growth, strings of LED lights are suspended as though from the ceiling – a ceiling of branches over this enchanting outside dining venue.
A tree house is another example. The tree is the structure – the framework to begin the additional elements that create a suspended room.
This entertaining and imagination-spurring book by Philip Jodidio is worth investigation. Here. find extraordinary examples of trees as the structure of other amazingly fanciful spaces!
By observing examples in your world, you will see, when designing around and in concert with the natural landscaping, the effects can be dramatic and of great value to the scene. On your next project, consider the possibilities of saving rather than removing – incorporating and celebrating nature’s design elements!
Wherever you may be…it’s the time of year when traditions are so much a part of everyone’s holiday experiences. And with that opening sentence – no doubt some of yours come to mind.
Traditions, of course, are not limited to holidays – but for
purposes of this season, it is the primary focus of this missive. Interestingly,
over the past few weeks, I have had a few people ask me about home decor and specifically
starting or perpetuating holiday traditions. I found it so compelling because
traditions are created from repeat practices and experiences.
Fond memories of family friends and their annual tradition of making warm and frothy Tom and Jerrys! I found these vintage china mugs just like the ones from my memories. Have have recently seen them re-created – new – just like these! Perhaps its time to start our own tradition of Tom and Jerrys for the holidays!
You can begin to practice things that become traditions – that’s the key. Of the recent conversations, one person approached me about a week before Thanksgiving. He was single, hosting a few friends and didn’t know where to begin. Could I help? The other inquiry was from a couple of years ago as a young woman who was not from New Mexico found herself here, newly married and in a new home. How was she to create the feeling of Christmas? The answers to both of these queries are at the end …
As is true with all consultation whether it is interior design, medical, self-help, physical fitness, IT…it all begins with questions. The consultant must ask questions to establish information that will guide them to make their recommendations. Here are 4 Tips for Approaching Traditions that will begin the conversation.
Perpetuating a Tradition: Memories are personal references that are the basis for traditions. The repeat performance of these various acts establish traditions. Continuing to practice the traditions insures that they repeat as each like-kind of event unfolds. It takes effort to continue to re-create traditions, but to lose the pattern can become irretrievable. It can be an onus or a joy to perpetuate traditions. I would prefer to embrace the latter! Ideally, any tradition that you chose to perpetuate should be a joy.
This vintage set was given to me by a dear friend. It held precious memories from her grandmother having served hot cocoa from it every Christmas. My friend’s experiences dated back to the 1920s. The set preceded her memory…as her grandmother, born in the last quarter of the 1800s owned it for years prior. We enjoy hot cocoa from it nearly every Christmas morning!
Creating New Traditions: Establishing the approach that perpetuating a tradition should be a joy or the act of something that brings joy, the same is true with creating a tradition. Seems obvious that you wouldn’t want to create a traditional around something that does not bring you joy. But you might be surprised. I have recently learned that sometimes people think that they begin something that is a common practice to create a version for themselves, when in fact it is a perceived obligation rather than a joy. Don’t force it- don’t feel obliged to begin a practice just because others do it. Experience, invent or witness something that brings you joy and replicate it. You might recall it from your past, find it in a scene from a movie or experience at someone else’s home, derive it from participating in an activity or, of course, discovering internet ideas that abound. If something interests you to the extent that you want to practice it – then do it!If you enjoy it enough, you will perpetuate it and it will become a tradition.
This little Santa Doll was handmade by a friend of mine when her kids – now grown with kids of their own – were kids. Not originally intended to be a “Crazy Santa,” his accidental facial expression resulted in his name – held now for over three decades. He comes out every Christmas as an amusing family tradition.
Modifying Traditions: We all need to determine how much we want to take on, how much we want to invest (in time or money) and how we achieve the same or similar results to create the joy. If traditions become too complicated or difficult, it might be time to re-think them. Rather than discard them, modify them. The time to discard a tradition is when it no longer brings you joy. But before that might happen and if the event/activity or degree of difficulty challenge your want to perpetuate the tradition, consider modifying it to suit your changing needs, circumstances and enjoyment.
This might happen if you move away from the context in which the tradition originally occurred, change in participants – if any, change in interests, physical or financial limitations…if the tradition still brings joy – find a way to achieve that with the necessary modification. Circumstances alter cases…like where you might have lived or are living at the time. Your fondest memories might be of chilly temperatures, warm fireplaces and the scent of pine trees…then you relocate to the tropics! This provides an opportunity to retain some of the original traditions and introduce some new. Not to mention, you might move to a different country where an entirely new set of traditions will present themselves – or just the different words for familiar favorites. Even without changing languages, in England they hang stockings at the foot of each bed rather than the mantle. Father Christmas is their Santa Claus. The list of similarities and slight differences goes on…
As I walked in the park last weekend, I spotted this fun, dangling snowman! So I stopped to inquire and capture a few shots. This family celebrates their son’s birthday every year with a piñata. Born on Christmas Day, they select another day close-by to have the piñata portion of the party. A family tradition.
No snowy scene for snowball fights or skiing? Toss a ball or frisbee, take a hike or bike, instead.
No enormous turkey? Roast a breast or a more manageable duck
or chicken.
Become a vegetarian? Using the same type of familiar meal
service and table dressings, modify the menu.
Not convenient to cut and haul a tree from the wild? Buy one
instead. Real tree a hassle? Become the proud owner of a magnificent fake tree-
with a bit of pine-scented room spray! In my case, I occasionally give myself a “bye”
break from putting up our tree (Although I love my tradition of collecting
silver ornaments, of which I have dozens). So the “modification” is
to have a magnificent, tall poinsettia on the entry table and several others scattered
throughout the house to punctuate the interior with splashes of red.
No formal dining room? Gather on cushions around a coffee
table – even if it means a piece of plywood from Home Depot on cinderblocks
with a paper tablecloth! Candles and a centerpiece will set the scene.
Sharing Traditions
Gifting things that represent your traditions is a wonderful way to share. Obviously, baking and sharing traditional delicacies is prime. Making or finding ornaments to gift is nice. I offer cuttings of our family’s Christmas cactus. My grandmother always kept one or more plants from the original plant that was in her family home in Youngstown, New York. She was born in 1892 and her grandmother remembered the plant and told my grandmother that it preceded her in that same house. We don’t know how far back it goes, but at least mid 1800s. I have kept cuttings and grown mature plants from the very plants that my grandmother had her entire life of over 100 years and kept all the while we were growing up in the same house for 20+ years and now my 40 years since! Gifting a traditional food or a CD you compile of favorite recordings, sharing plant cuttings, passing along a treasured possession – all are ways to share traditions.
But what if you are starting out? Memories from childhood might be the basis for beginning your own adult traditions – whatever the springboard, it should be fun to establish your own holiday traditions.
Colton’s Reindeer – A child’s artwork can be passed for generations.
Whether it is handmade decoration, food centered, activity engaging, music oriented, game playing, object collecting…each person has their focus. Even if one is alone for a holiday, there are sentimental triggers that remind of past events.
Food Centered: Main dishes, baking desserts, crafting cocktails…
Party cocktails – always a fun tradition…note here the festive cocktail coasters. Handmade by artist Rebecca Speakes, they make a wonderful gift to start a collection.
Activity Engaging: Playing games, sports – live or on TV, taking a walk, driving around to see holiday displays, theater productions…
Music Oriented: Gathering around a piano (guitar, accordion…whatever)
to sing, neighborhood caroling, participate in a choir, Karaoke games, attending
a concert, background music evoking memories for the occasion…
Decoration: Dressing your interior and exterior for the event(s)…
Hanukkah traditions, decorations – the brilliant blues and metallic accents…Color plays a big part in traditions and their interpretation and practices.
Collecting: Adding to collections…handmade series, vintage pieces, new releases…
Remember the guy before Thanksgiving? He had no formal dining room. He was having 7 friends gather. He wanted to do some semblance of what he regarded as a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. I asked him how he preferred to gather – standing with cocktails and appetizers grazing throughout the evening or a “sit-down” approach? He really wanted the feeling of sitting down to feast. In light of not having a formal dining area – and as it turned out, no coffee table either, I advised that he gather on cushions around a coffee table. Since he didn’t have one, I suggested that he go to Home Depot and get a 48″ square cut piece of plywood to position on top of a double stack of cinder blocks. I went in search of finding a table cloth and 8 large cushions (pillows) , votive candles and a centerpiece comprised of a bright yellow mum plant in a basket, with a few mini pumpkins and fall leaves. The scene was set. He used his own plates and utensils, white paper napkins and a package of orange cocktail napkins. He planned the meal and asked for each person to contribute an item that was special for them. After all the dishes were identified, he prepared the main dish, a casserole of boneless turkey breasts surrounded by his traditional favorite, Pepperidge Farm stuffing – baked and beautiful – and two other things that were not being contributed by his friends – canned cranberry jelly (ha ha) and a pumpkin pie that he purchased from a local bakery. Voila!
The gal entering her first Christmas as an adult was not from New Mexico nor was her young husband . They had a new home here and the local traditions were not in her realm of traditions. She wanted a large tree but did not own one single Christmas ornament. She bought a live-cut tree and we bought strings of mini white lights, a couple dozen red feathered cardinal bird ornaments, candy canes and white ribbon. She tied white bows on the tree and scattered the red birds all over it. I cannot believe that I can’t find the photo of the finished product – but it was a memorable solution for a first Christmas presentation.
This year I captured a quick shot of this tree in a friend’s house that reminded me of that young woman’s first Christmas tree. In vogue this year are the bare, stick-like trees that offer twinkly accents and an airy presentation of ornaments of choice and here featured are the very similar red cardinals!
Had I planned this blog, I assure the readers that it would have been more thoughtfully compiled. However, as it is a pure reaction to recent exciting experiences, I am without much fodder that, although was before me, I neglected to document. Such as card racks full of Georgia O’Keefe greeting cards featuring prints of her magnificent work and exact pairings of the amazing landscapes we witnessed with her paintings and her magnified flowers too. Dashing in and out of her distinctive museum just off the Santa Fe Plaza bearing her name and thoughtful work (a MUST see when visiting Santa Fe), to stepping up the steps at the Ghost Ranch Abiquiu property, I didn’t document as I was too busy looking at and absorbing – so much. Yet without prior planning, I seem to have assembled enough that surprises me and therefore has become the body of this blog, about taking time to look…
The striations of color are as though painted – nature and its creator – amazing art and artist.
On this recent road trip and surrounding days in our immediate environs, I experienced inspiring images and pairings, beauty and detail, color and form…that evolved into this blog featuring the landscape and expressive paintings of Georgia O’Keefe. Captivated by the remarkable light and surreal landscape as have been so many artists, O’Keefe settled into the colorful backdrop of Abiquiu where the formations of color, sand, rock, and sky were interwoven with sparse, but all the more beautiful vegetation and flowing water carving its way through the enchanting scenery.
Those of you who enjoy taking photos, capturing moments, items and scenes will appreciate the exhilaration and awestruck sense of this humble presentation.
An iconic land form Abiqui, New Mexico
Art and nature. Design and nature. Nature
inspires artists and designers with color and proportion. The natural world is
a limitless collection of examples of perfection, majesty, detail and form.
Living in New Mexico presents amazing opportunities for studying so many
offerings from the natural world – verdant valleys and lush bosques to towering
mountains, contoured mesas, golden plains, glistening rivers and rainbows of
geology rising up from the earth. The sculptural land formations are what seem other-worldly. And yet there they are – majestic sculptures
against the sky.
O’Keefe was keenly aware of the extraordinary
world she encountered and she captured it through her eyes and expressed through
her strokes with fluid sensitivity and sense of color.
Georgia O’Keefe loved and appreciated around the world for her sensitivity and ability, to capture and convey her enchanting surroundings.
Very real and hauntingly beautiful landscape of Ghost Ranch – Abiquiu, New Mexico translated into the sharp, crisp, colors and forms of O’Keefe’s paintings.
Years ago a very dear friend gave me an exceptional gift, of a book. The farther along I progress in this world and enjoy the vast opportunities to appreciate the beauty of nature, limitless boundaries of design, art and all that is produced by talented, creative, observers, treasures such as this have increasingly greater meaning. One Hundred Flowers a 1987 masterpiece collaboration of photographer, publisher, editor and scholars presents an outstanding collection representing this significant subject matter – flowers – that she took time to observe.
Up close and personal…in intimate detail she saw and rendered sensational studies of flowers. Expanded to enormous scale well beyond their reality, these explosions of color and contrast, fluid form and detail are amazing to encounter. Even in the pages of this stunning book her work is startling. In person it is awe-inspiring.
Upon returning from the Abiquiu visit, I retrieved my beautiful book. I took great joy in the dust cover – suitable for framing. A brilliant white squash blossom captivates, before even opening the cover. As I leafed through these large format pages in this lovely, exquisitely bound tome, I realized that, within a week prior to this O’Keefe familiarization trip, I have taken photos of flowers for a similar reason as she – stopping to look and observe their singular beauty amidst all else in the surrounds.
Unknowingly, a couple of days earlier I captured this spectaculalr squash blossom that had survived our first frost.
Just a few days prior to the Abiqui visit, while walking among the petroglyphs at the base of the dramatic black volcanic rock rubble of our west mesa, we came upon a singular, stellar squash blossom. Having survived recent frosts, this one was luminous and brilliant among so many other spent blossoms dried and shriveled away for the season. It was irresistible.
Little did I know, at the time we encountered this beauty of a squash blossom, that I would soon revisit O’Keefe’s studies of this wild and magnificent bloom.
Here more studies from the One Hundred Flowers book featuring this dazzling white squash blossom.
In the design world, we often quote architect and furniture designer Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe (1886-1969), one of the founders of modern architecture and an advocate for the simplicity of style with his popular phrase “less is more.” I felt that O’Keefe’s interpretations distilled the forms of her subjects to the essential elements that best conveyed them in a manner of simplicity. Her flowers are bold and clear sweeps and contours, of the design of each. Distilling to these essential elements is the practice of “less is more.”
Her bell-flower trumpets of petunias and hollyhocks in purples, pinks and even arresting blacks reminded me of a photo that I took less than two weeks prior to enjoying my book for this study.
However, she was not sparing with color nor scale. Fabulously daring color combinations and contrasts are signatures of her interpretations along with her magnificent sense of magnification – presenting bold gifts to we, her viewers.
The opening of the book quotes O’Keefe about her profound
appreciation for a flower.
“A
flower is relatively small. Everyone has many associations with a flower – the
idea of flowers. You put out your hand to touch the flower – lean forward to
smell it – maybe touch it with your lips almost without thinking – or give it
to someone to please them. Still – in a way – nobody sees a flower – really –
it is so small – we haven’t time – and to see takes time like to have a friend
takes time. If I could paint the flower exactly as I see it no one would see
what I see because I would paint it small like the flower is small. So I said
to my self – I’ll paint what I see – what the flower is to me but I’ll paint it
big and they will be surprised into taking time to look at it – “ Georgia O’Keefe “About
Myself,” 1939
Be surprised. Be inspired. Be aware of your surroundings, for all the beauty of nature and its influence. Embrace color and contrast, punctuations and accents. Take time. How might your next design project reflect observations from nature?
Inspiration for centerpieces – here – a neutral color scheme – white on white on white…Often limited to weddings, take a tip from a social phenomenon – Diner en Blanc for dramatic centerpieces! Any of which could be ablaze with seasonal color – depending upon your desired theme. And with the advancements in LED lighting, the colors are limitless and instantly changeable.
The Diner en Blanc is an international event that began in Paris, 1988. An amazing concept that began with an invitation among friends to an elegant al fresco affair. This unique gathering was prestigious and decadent.
The remarkable event spread around the world and Albuquerque has celebrated this creative event for several years. This is my second experience with this white fantasy. Every year the venue is kept secret only to be revealed at the last moment when attendees are assembled and usually transported on buses to the destination. This surprise location was right across from the designated gathering places downtown. And instead of boarding a bus each group, expecting just that, cued up as though to go aboard – only to be led single file across the street to the expansive Civic Plaza!
One big patio party!
This year with the Hyatt Regency team screaming with creativity from the table dressings…to the phenomenal food…to the fabulous frivolity – it was magic!
Would you believe luscious, chunky lobster salad served in a half tail, sliced beef filet and many artfully decadent extras…
Asked to wear white, bring your own tables, chairs, table
dressings, centerpieces – all in white – the evening unfolds with exciting
flurries of fabric, flowers, statuary, lights – all intended to make a
spectacular statement for each group’s table.
Imagine all of this theatrical staging with 2,000 performers (we) in one enormous space – outside in the perfection of a last ditch of summer evening. It is a remarkable event.
Pretty parasols…mysterious masks…
As I strolled through the tables capturing photos of the various “tablescapes”, I realized that the creativity was applicable to so many possibilities of table dressings – with color added!
LED lighting set the scene aglow with myriad magical colors! It changes the perceived temperature of a scene.
So enjoy seeing these creations and imagine them in seasonal splendor – fall now…winter coming…spring bursting forth and summer ablaze with color – for your upcoming parties throughout the year!
The scene changed and darkness fell..
With magnificent mariachis to flowing flamenco dancers the entertainment was dazzling and morphed into an enthusiastic DJ who rocked the stage for dancing into the night… It was an exterior nightclub – an excellent setting for a many faceted affair! https://www.facebook.com/DinerEnBlanc.Albuquerque/
An elegant table for Dion’s Pizza and water bottles!!!
Some fabrics are just so fabulous that they can carry a design scheme. You could wrap a rock with them and feel that they are accomplishing the design statement to set the theme, mood and encourage interest, if not confidence in comfort! Stimulating the senses is a major part of design.
Often, a throw pillow can make an effective accent. We joke often when we find exclusive fabrics in the hundreds of dollars a yard and say “Perhaps a throw pillow?” Knowing that the projects affording such luxury for miles of drapery panels are few and far between!
Duralee offers statement furniture pieces of unpretentious luxury and comfort with a collection of fine fabrics that will satisfy any budget. Birds take flight from this delightful Duralee pattern.
Sight Sound Smell Taste and Touch – you know. Colors and textures catch one’s attention. They set the mood.
Upon entering a space you take-in the colors and textures and if fabric is in play.With further tactile examination fabric contributes greatly to these two sensory perceptions – sight and touch.
This playful Donghia organic has fuzzy tactile balls sprouting from the linear twigs. From the “ground” to all the intertwining and overlaying weaves, the complexity of textiles is exciting. Come see these exceptional designer fabrics in our studio.Many fabrics have multiple colorways. If you see an intriguing fabric that’s not “your color”, its worth asking about the entire collection.
Juxtaposition can also be an effective technique. When placing a modern pattern on a vintage piece, you breathe new life into the forgotten history – refreshing and capturing the best of both worlds!
You might not have a lot of confidence in someone who wants to wrap a rock to make a design statement. However, my point is, when you love something you want it regardless of the delivery system! Find fabrics that you love and insert them into your rooms – home or office. It’s like your favorite flavor. Sweet or savory – slather it on a piece of cardboard and you’ll be significantly satisfied. You need not struggle with how to do it – just make it happen. So to get a little taste of an exciting textile, make a table runner, simple dining chair seats, select a backing and make a throw or an accent pillow. Bring the joy of exciting textiles into your interiors.
Here are a series of fun fabrics from our source library – tools of the trade. We LOVE fabrics and must touch the texture, feel the weight and evaluate the colors. Seeing images on-line do NOT do justice to the many incredibly creative textiles are available to enhance interiors.
Cute critters march across this sophisticated yet whimsically novel woven.
Other considerations not necessarily in evidence are the wear-ability/durability of a fabric and the resistance to ultraviolet rays, mildew and other elements. Wool is inherently flame retardant, for example. And exteriors have come alive as these amazing performance textiles will often fool you in disbelief that they have the properties to withstand the radiating ultra-violet rays of the sun and damp conditions which invite mold and mildew. These incredible fabrics are truly indoor-outdoor in appearance and extraordinary performance!
High-performance luxury weaves such as jacquards, piques, tapestries, matelassé, ottomans, damasks and sheers defy their extraordinary performance properties.
Roy Hamilton a recognized designer in many media, brings fresh patterns to Chella. Roy Hamilton, designer of exclusive ceramics, sculptural and textural interior elements and fabrics for over sixty years.
Call for an appointment to explore our source library for the most unique fabrics in the world!
Floor-to-ceiling shelves of samples await your exploration for commercial and residential application!! You can order most textiles by the yard!
Racing through the Albuquerque Sunport several times this summer, I had seen in swift passing the blindingly brilliant bling of the Low Rider exhibit that had been set-up at the end of June. Last week I had an opportunity, while waiting in the arrival area, to peruse the many amazing rides that commanded the concourse.
This powerful art exhibit of the unique Latino culture of Low Riders represents great personal pride and emotional attachment on behalf of the owners and artists (often one and the same).
These finished products are almost like songs…from memorials to love interests, family and friendships – they express heartfelt emotions to present and share with the world.
Once stereotypically thought to be limited to the bad boys taunting law enforcement with their wild paint jobs, gleaming chrome, bold moves, wild suspension, blaring music in a defiant statement of cultural expression, these amazing art pieces have since been recognized by distinguished museums worldwide for their exquisite attention to detail and the stories they tell.
In this exhibit, these moving statements of artistic expression are all home-grown. Yes, each made here in New Mexico it makes it all the more relevant.
Visitors to the Sunport have this wonderful opportunity – up close and personal – to examine the seemingly flawless machines adorned with sensational color, pattern and design. “Kids” of all ages will appreciate this show!
Each as though a canvas for the artist…motorcycles, kid’s versions and cars adorned with glitter, shine, polish and paint colors all contributing to the each unique statement. From airbrush to tedious handwork and limitless patient detailing results in exciting assemblages.
There are also decades of photos featuring the evolution of
the culture here.
By highlighting these fine, local examples the City hopes to elevate the art form on its merits and dismiss some of the stigmas attached with the stereotypes.
And we all will have a little fun imagining the thrill of taking a ride in/on one of these beauties!!!
It’s that time again…the end of summer and getting kids back to school…exciting, hectic, a bit stressful and today, very nostalgic. I (who saves everything) still have my little black and white Sony TV, embroidered fiber art that hung on my wall, floral twin bed sheets and bath towels! I remember the white chenille bedspreads that I got – giving one to my bestie/roommate so we’d match – even though she was a red accent person and I chose blues and greens!! We picked each other, our college and designed our neat and tidy package.
Earlier this weekend, as Victoria navigated this information highway that is the lead-up to getting her dorm room assignment, roommate and all the related details, she texted her yet-to-meet roomie and asked what her color scheme was going to be. Victoria, having established her pink (dusty rose) and grey scheme last fall upon entering her freshman year elsewhere, was hoping that she was not going to have to share her intimate space with a shocking orange scheme or similarly discordant color. All of a sudden, from the back seat came a exclamation – “NO Way!” To what, we asked – “What?” And she said “Guess what her color scheme is? Pink and Grey!!! YAY!!! What were the chances?”
Well, strolling through the stores with their piles of offerings displayed in tempting color-coordinated arrangements, pink and grey still carries over from last fall in a big way – so the chances, it seems, were not all that far-fetched!! LOL.
With the prominent pink and grey, popular turquoise and grey and for the boys (if we are being color/gender-esque) black and grey – seems grey is the common denominator facilitating merchandising and keeping everyone in color-trend order.
Pro-tip #1 Make a list of what you’ll need prior to hitting the stores with their limitless temptations for dorm decor! It can be daunting if you go shopping – cold. It can be daunting anyway – but best to attempt to be prepared! As I looked around all the displays leading these trends…leading these kids…I wondered how many – if any – might veer off course and pick an orange and lime green theme or brilliant cherry red…and what does it say about one if they buck the established trends? Some might be oblivious to the trends – despite being bombarded in every store by the “must have” selections. Those independent thinkers who like what they like – if it matches or not. The eclectic ones who are driven by memories, personal expression and acquisitions gathered and honed over the years that were not guided by trending decor influencers.
However, it is entirely possible to genuinely LOVE the trends and invest in the colors for more than the first semester of eager dorm room decor! We were living it! What was purchased last fall was saved and expanded upon, with new-found knowledge of the tips learned from the pros! There are boxes, bins, rugs, lamps, staplers, desk organizers, linens, bulletin boards, throw pillows, blankets and throws – all color coordinated making the job relatively easy and swift.
The stores are prepared. Welcoming students – their signs
are out and their shelves are stocked! Rows of pillows, mattress covers, foam
pads, artsy accessories and accents galore…all to enhance the otherwise bare
rooms that will soon come to life!
The morning of the move, they staggered the move-in time to insure an orderly point of arrival and processing to the rooms. We were assigned 9:30 and met curbside by a handsome posse of volunteer boys who were armed with rolling cartons cleverly created using carpet-wrapped moving dollies upon which were mounted large, sturdy cardboard cartons. These rolling bins were piled high with contents from the cars and wheeled into the dorm rooms with efficiency. Co-eds in red t-shirts identified them as the RA staff – the ones with the answers to all of your questions.
Being organized is key. Victoria had benefit of a previous semester where she watched the pros and got their tips! Pro-tip #2 Be organized!
To that end, utilize your limited space to the max! Capture all available real estate! Pro-tip #3 Bed risers. The beds are high – high enough to stack storage drawers/bins beneath them. They can be raised even higher with risers. Pro-tip #4 The plastic stacking drawers are cool because they make easy access to contents just like added dresser storage space.
Victoria had it all figured out. Pro-tip #5 To consolidate luggage, she packed a lot of her clothes
in the bins – all in very specific order and folded making it easy to transfer
once in the room.
Once in the room, she raised the bed even higher on 4 cone-shaped plastic riser units that she had purchased. She then placed her new mini frig (Pro-tip #6 Get a mini frig) and bins beneath the bed in an organized fashion. She emptied the bins one-by-one into the chest of drawers thereby freeing the bins for other supplies such as snacks, kitchen supplies and miscellaneous other necessities.
Having a mini frig in the room keeps personal perishables under control and handy instead of having to label things in the shared frig down the hall.
Pro-tip #7 Take
extension cords and multi-plug surge protectors. This was handy for the reading
lamp waaaaay up high above the now super high bed and also to run power to the
mini frig. You can never have enough power sources and another bonus was that
one of the set of four bed-riser units had power outlets and a short cord!
Pro-tip #8 Get a collapsible shoe rack/shelf (for ease of storage and transport). They have nifty wooden ones – but we took ours back as the closet had a tidy set of built-in shelves perfect for shoes.
Once the power was all connected and the bins organized clothes put away, it was time to make the bed and add the finishing touches.
It was beginning to look like a home-away-from-home! Pro-tip #9 With hanging implements that will not harm the wall like Command Strips, the walls will gradually come to life with strings of photos clipped with clothes pins, twinkly lights, bulletin boards and other imagery.
Pro-tip #10 Take photos – the memories are priceless!!!!!!
