Apr 01

Context in ART – Buying Reproductions Vs Original Art – The Next Layer of This Conversation

A couple of years ago, I did a workshop entitled “I Want to Find a Painting to Go with My Red Sofa.” And I want to do it again…because the interesting thing is that this same subject surfaces on a regular basis. It is an age-old argument about art for art’s sake and the reality that context is design. Context is ART. Whether you are in accord with the context as a compatible nod or against it as a decidedly bold statement to the contrary, art and design occur in context for or against it like yin and yang. However, buying decorative reproductions versus original art is the next layer of this conversation.
Have you read this in my blogs before? Context is a subject about which I am particularly passionate. How to begin to invest in art for the sake of your interior’s design or for the sake of investment or why…that is the question. Let’s address the “why?”
Why invest in original art when there are so many outlets for reproduction work such as posters – framed or unframed, copies framed nicely in a design-trendy or classic fashion, prints on canvas or paper that “read” like paintings, and the intriguing term being tossed about “giclees.” Wikipedia says Giclee “is a neologism coined in 1991 by printmaker Jack Duganne[1] for fine art digital prints made on inkjet printers. The name originally applied to fine art prints created on IRIS printers in a process invented in the late 1980s but has since come to mean any inkjet print. It is often used by artists, galleries, and print shops to denote high quality printing but since it is an unregulated word it has no associated warranty of quality.” The problem with the latter of these repro options is that the prices can be frighteningly high under the guise of the inflated value based upon an artist’s signature, fresh applications on the gliclee or some limited edition – and sadly most are not worth more than the surface upon which they occur.
So “why invest in true “original” art?” Perhaps it is because if you stop to think about it, you are making a connection with someone who has captured a moment, or a feeling or an impression that attracts you and different from a reproduction, you get a “feeling” that you have camaraderie with this particular artist and this particular piece. The most common experience for most is when traveling you see something that connects you to a particular experience or scene…you want to “take home” a memory of this experience – this event – this place. Having an “original” piece of art makes you feel a connection to the place. It’s yours and yours alone – it is a one-of-a-kind – often spontaneous and is an exclusive object that happened just that one time – and now, just for YOU. This intimacy, this nostalgia is very special.
Intimacy evokes emotion and emotion is so much a part of art appreciation – from the inception on the part of the artist to the viewer who responds to the piece. Positive or negative, the emotion of response is THE primary element in the expression and appreciation of art.
Wait, this is getting too personal…let’s continue with the generic, “one.” If one were to experience a moment of connectivity with a piece of art – a painting, let’s say, that so grabs the attention, speaks directly and strikes a chord – all these sensations that represent those feelings that draw one into a piece and say “buy me, have me, own me – take me home – that’s what it’s all about. And, it’s fun. It’s exciting. It’s satisfying. It’s spontaneous. It’s stimulating. It’s pleasing. It’s rewarding. And, it can be challenging too.
So, is it a crime to want to find and buy a piece of art to go with one’s red sofa? Is it against all objectivity and intrinsic value to pair the two? I think not. It is not the only way to select art, but it is a valid way. If context is such an important element in design and art…then, having a piece work well, be compatible with another contextual piece will create a harmony that works – it is perfect for some in those instances. So let’s not be such snobs. Juxtapositions can work, contrast can work and other manner of objectivity obviously works, but subjectivity is equally valid – not to necessarily value a piece in the chronicles of art history, but in the value that it means to one in one’s personal world.
So, as an investment, it comes right down to the fact that anything is worth what someone will pay for it – right? Ask Steve Martin in his book An Object of Beauty, where he so effectively paints a picture of the art world and it’s fleetingly changing whims, trends, values, and those that chase them.
Buy original art because it makes you happy – because you want to.

I Want a Painting for My Red Sofa

Mar 24

Late Snowstorm and the Context of Design

Stay warm and be cool…

So it becomes very apparent – design is contextual. Whether with architectural style and the context in which it occurs, or geographical context against which it is presented, I always stress that. And it is no more apparent than when traveling between different temperature zones. I do this often – visiting warmer climes in the colder months…but that too is a relative thing…

So MY norm is the enchanting 4-season temperate zone of Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is from there that I base my perceptions…until I leave. Yes, we have four distinct seasons….we actually HAVE to have different wardrobes – unlike some areas that force a change in clothing just to create that difference, just to buy those cool seasonal togs and accessories…OR the truly freezing locales that demand warm layers for mere survival from the cold.

However, in Albuquerque, at a mile and more high, we experience those Rocky Mountain elements – high altitude temperature extremes and otherwise lovely moderate temperatures all summer long. No humidity to speak of and no bugs – unless of course you board horses down in the valley by the Rio Grande!!

I digress…back to design…it is always contextual. Whether to boldly design against context, or embrace it for the natural order of things, the fact is that context is the “it” of design.

As I posted on our facebook from Albuquerque in the last couple of weeks, where we were experiencing true bursts of spring…”bring in the branches” – which are now in full bloom on their very own trees – bulbs are bursting from the warmed earth – daffodils, hyacinth and the phlox are lovely!! Bring in the branches to force the beauty of spring into your homes to expedite the glory that is the birth of a new season of growth and wonder!

Ok – I get carried away. However, the sobering experience of being enveloped in one of the largest snowstorms in the “whatever” amount of time – a long time – is awesome. A word often over-used…but apt for this tremendously magnificent late winter expression (its technically spring now) of the chilly, fluffy white precipitation of well over a foot that we have experienced in Innsbrook, Missouri today.

My design direction in this environment is to grab a warm snuggly throw, start the fire, pour a toddy, surround yourself with warm colors, soft textures, and for “hope,” have a brilliantly blooming bouquet to remind you that spring is only temporarily delayed, it is right around the corner and next week’s higher temperatures are sure to get you chomping at the bit to be outside, unveil the patio furniture, grill a few steaks, and start planting!!!

Feb 06

WARM and SPICY Chases Away the COLD – Color matters!

By pattisays In color and temperature re: interior design, food and interior design, seasonal interior design / 4 Comments

Whether winter where you are is freezing, cool, warm or even hot – the art of color and flavor will brighten you winter scene with table dressings full of color and spicy warm flavors.
Specifically to escape the cold, color can be a key. While most of us react to red as a color of warm temperature, and blue as one of cool perceptions, color can also be rooted in very personal life experiences and certainly even cultural influences. To create an environment that incorporates color to change the perceived temperature, what might you think to do? In this case, bright, bold colors add vibrancy to what might be considered a more dormant time of year. We dined at this table last week. The colors and the spicy flavors instantly created a scene of warm, exotic indulgences.
Soft lighting, warm colors, inviting materials all contribute to comforting sensations when one is trying to escape from the violating effects of the cold. The colors can be somber, earthen and muted tones of red, rusts, burnt oranges, browns, smoky olive greens, yellows, gold and ochre…but add bright splashes and the scene comes alive!
On this trip, as we head south and gravitate to the tropical climes of Mexico, these bright, bold colors are warmed further with the soft lighting, and punctuated with spicy salsas that further infuse the experience with a warm feeling of utter contentment.

Warm and spicy colors and flavors at El Arrayan in Puerto Vallarta!

Try adding bold accents to you table dressing – the tropical accents are not limited to summer, here I found a Bobby Flay recipe that is easy and very warm and spicy.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/skirt-steak-tacos-with-roasted-tomato-salsa-recipe/index.html?ic1=obinsite

Coming soon to PATRICIAN DESIGN – Watch for our new oilcloth table cloths to bring more exotic and fun fabric to your dining scene!

Dec 16

GIFT TAGS – Recycle/Reuse Trader Joe’s

By pattisays In DIY design, environmental design, recycle design / 1 Comment

Yes, these great brown paper grocery bags, decorated for the holiday season make great gift tags for Chrstmas!! Thank you Trader Joe’s for going the extra mile to print your great bags!!

Dec 16

A Gaggle of Girlfriends Gathered…

By pattisays In art as gift ideas /

What a great idea – so great, I’m stealing it! A ScaRf EXchAnGe!!! A little whacky, fun and practical too! A gaggle of girlfriends gathered in San Diego to have cocktails and a gift exchange -the theme was scarves! At PATRICIAN DESIGN we have several talented fiber artists nestled in the mountains of New Mexico who make exquisite one-of-a kind scarves. Many people are exploring the craft stores for DIY ideas to make their own. In any case, gift exchanges are fun and with a theme like this is focuses the idea and expectations– making it a bit easier to decide what to get and know that everyone can always use a pretty scarf! Decorative, wearable art! http://www.patriciandesign.com/retail/new_products.html

Dec 08

ARTFUL DESIGN MARKETS MANY LOCAL PRODUCTS WITH PRIDE

By pattisays In art as gift ideas, DIY design, food and interior design / 7 Comments

Like little bonnets, the colorful cotton tops that adorn these guava berry preserves make a festive West Indian statement here in the tropical paradise of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. At the same time every year, this round face woman with a beaming smile sets up her roadside table outside her house at the curve in the road on a busy street with a brilliant assortment of homemade jams, jellies, spicy sauces and wine. This island way is an art-form that is slowly fading away. Back in the day, as we are getting sadly so used to saying, many households prepared delightful and delicious treats of the season. Selling them was either a practical practice or one that paired the practical (selling) with a pride of accomplishment, and a decorative presentation celebrating the product, season or region in general. In this instance, these lovely canned sweet and hot treats make happy statements for gifts and just to present with pride and artful design that which she has taken the time to make. This display features an emphasis on bright reds and greens in the fabric patterns suggesting Christmas – but are not limited to that theme in subject matter. Therefore as gifts, they have a wider reach into the year.

As we look toward our upcoming visit to Puerto Vallarta, I see so many possibilities for similar homemade product marketing. Yes the practical food vendors make fresh, warm tortillas and burritos, tamales and posole at home and bring their car trunks full of Tupperware containers to sell to the vendors and laborers for breakfast and lunch each day. This is the aromatic and delicious craft of home-cooking without the adornment – the practical side.

As I ponder the prospects and the value of the happy decorative marketing opportunities, I would love to see a similar celebration of Mexican sauces, jams and treats packaged in canning jars or bottles topped with colorful cotton remnants tied with raffia and presented at produce markets, art festivals, at a roadside table in front of the very kitchen from which they came or along the side streets and even the Malacon. As with anything, to cultivate a following takes time and consistency. Safe food products must gain a reputation for their quality and excellence.

I see the hundreds of Hot Sauces that are bottled here in the Virgin Islands, almost every state in the U.S. and all over the world competing for the best spicy heat and flavor. Chile cook-offs and Spicy Food Festivals abound with a growing following, interest and participation. Visitors love to tasteregional treats. People love to select gifts that are local. Locals love to support their community. There are so many reasons to take the time to create such local treasures.

At the Estudio Café in Nuevo Vallarta (322-297-0820) each Saturday morning, fresh mini-loaves of nutty banana bread are sold by an enterprising young girl in front of the cafe at the art fair along the marina.

I hope to encourage the many talented home-makers in Puerto Vallarta and elsewhere who love to prepare their regional and family traditional treats to venture forth and make their special salsa, can it nicely in a jar, top it with a little fabric remnant (cut with the zig-zaggy pinking shears if possible) and tie with a strand of straw and introduce your special regional flavorful talents and traditions to your friends and visitors!

Nov 12

Seasonal Wreath – Make Your Own – Have a Blast!

By pattisays In art as gift ideas, DIY design, seasonal interior design / 4 Comments

Do you sport a wreath on your front door? In some areas, seasonal door wreaths are an all-year decoration. Making them is easy and can be fun to change them with seasons or events…Sometimes “less is more,” but then there comes a time when less is just not quite enough and we want more! In this case, my mother had a seasonal fall wreath that I had made for her several years ago. It was modest and made of natural dried plant material. I show it here as the starting point of this blog’s topic, how to jazz-up a tired wreath.

The project started with the simple wreath of dried natural materials contrasting nicely against the white panels. Mom retrieved it from storage and hung it once again on her front door. Then the phone call, “I need you to do something with my wreath, it’s bland and tired and I need it punched-up.” “Punched-up”, Mom’s favorite phrase for having me come spruce-up a room, re-arrange contents on bookshelves, or generally make minor changes to her interior design.

I liked the warm, modest colors and natural textures of the wreath, but knew what she wanted. So I dove into my stash of crafty supplies and with glue-gun in hand, I went down to her house, removed the wreath from the door and began to clip my boldly colorful, fake flowers and berries to “punch-up” her wreath.

The density of the original wreath with its woven grapevine frame stuffed full of dried vegetation made it easy to insert the new additions practically without need of the glue. But to be sturdy and able to tolerate windy days and the door opening and closing, gluing was the best bet. Brilliant Black-eyed Susans, golden mums, orange berries and related foliage began to infuse and punctuate the wreath with shockingly festive autumnal color!

The entire process took about 6 minutes -seriously. This is not rocket science. The idea is not to be afraid, go for abundance, but stop short before you achieve over-load. The definition of over-load might be like beauty – which it is in the eye of the beholder. So I leave it up to you. If you do not have natural grapevines growing in your yard like Martha Stewart, go get a grapevine wreath at the local hobby store. If you do not have natural dried vegetation poking around heading for seasonal hibernation in your gardens or woodland property, again, the hobby store will have it all. I did the natural version, made a raffia bow and originally stopped there – which was fine at the time and for several years. Then with the same wreath, not removing a thing, I “punched it up” with a selection of hobby store flowers and berries that are available in all the wonderful colors of the season as the year progresses. So arm yourself with a glue gun and have a blast!

Oct 21

By pattisays In art and interior design, art as gift ideas / 8 Comments

I met her again after a couple of decades, yesterday. There in the open bay of her studio in Santa Fe on this gloriously warm and sunny morning in late October – the unseasonably lovely weather was providing an extended opportunity to enjoy being connected to the out-of-doors while working inside the cozy fire-pit. Yet, I imagine that there are many days when chilly outside that the crisp contrast is a welcome refresher to the intensity of the fire’s heat generated inside. But today was perfection.

Brilliant glass pumpkins of various colors of colorfully translucent glass were gathered in a welcoming autumnal display, catching the sunlight on the table out front. Piled beside them by surreal contrast were real, fresh-picked, enormously miss-shaped, world-class, organic deliciously edible pumpkins grown by a local champion.

Stepping through the large garage door opening revealed massive metal furnaces glowing and humming. The artist, her back to us was interacting with one of the units. As we watched, she thrust the rod into the intensely orange aperture twirling it gently with her fullest attention.

She then retracted the rod now displaying a wad of glowing goop and turned toward us to sit on her bench and continue to twirl the rod, grabbing the orb with clamps, pressing and twirling, to create before our very eyes, a perfect paperweight complete with inner swirls of orange and red. It’s like a being in a candy factory, molten glass like taffy is gooey and proves a most challenging medium.

Elodie Holmes has mastered the art of manipulating molten glass. After nearly 3 decades of owning her own studio, she has worked toward achieving perfection in her medium. Her work is sought by collectors as they wait anxiously for the completion of the firings that present her spectacular one-of-a-kind dimensional sculptures. As we spoke, I remarked that this reminded me of my first experience watching glass blowing in Williamsburg as a child. She looked up and said “me too!” And we discovered that we had both come from the Washington DC area and had transplanted to New Mexico’s Land of Enchantment decades ago pursuing art and an incredible interaction with the beauty of nature uniquely found here.

As an interior designer, seeing her work and watching the fascinating process, I appreciate the art of it all, the decorative sophistication of color and form and attention to detail required achieving the results – and the satisfaction of both the artist and her fans realizing those astonishing results!

I found Elodie in her studio today as a result of super sleuthing for a set of drinking glasses that I had enjoyed while visiting a friend. After a couple of phone calls, I traced her studio and spoke to her gallery manager, Marci. I stressed that I was looking for drinking vessels and she assured me that they offered some exquisite interpretations. Upon arrival, as I walked from the studio space into the small gallery/retail space, I saw what I was remembering…there they were – be speckled glasses tall and short, twisted and bulbous – their shapes are fun, comfortable to hold and colorful to delight.

Proudly, I bring these uniquely beautiful little glasses to our boutique gallery at PATRICIAN DESIGN to offer Elodie’s work among our other fine New Mexico artists. I love living with art. I love using art functionally. So always attracted to things that bring art to daily use, I am continually on the hunt for those special pieces of functional art – here now these beauties allow drinking by design.

See more at the studio tour: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151069695516619.421546.232272436618&type=1

Sep 11

Organic Table-scape With Bling

By pattisays In DIY design, food and interior design, table dressings / 12 Comments

Organic table-scape with Orrefors bling!

Bring the outdoors in and the indoors out – mix it up, for the sheer pleasure of it!

So, the plan was to have a near-last-blast of summer patio dinner party…but the forecast was dim. In the high desert to have 30% chance of rain might mean that it comes and goes without a trace. But then again, it can produce a deluge and soak everything like “hope somebody called Noah.”

In an effort to thwart the storm, I planned an alternate indoor table setting, just in case. Usually that – like washing your car and the rain comes – will produce the opposite outcome. So by having the alternate plan I felt confident that the patio party would be saved. But, alas…

The theme was Mexican. I had planned a shrimp cerviche appetizer (fresh corn, serranos, onions, avocado, lime, tomatoes, cilantro…), followed by a shredded beef taco – baked and marinated in a richly savory coffee-chipotle-cinnamon-garlic-tequila reduction, freshly made (that very morning from a local mercado) lovely, light corn tortillas – accompanied by an array of salsas: garden fresh pico de gallo (vine-ripened tomatoes and equally freshly picked peppers), luscious guacamole, tart tomatillo, sour cream with traditional Hatch, New Mexico roasted green chile, and tropical twist mango salsa. The plan was festive, the weather was suspect.

In anticipation of moving the fiesta indoors, I needed a table-scape that fit the scene. The scene needed to be a combination of the theme and the setting. The patio had been the better setting for the brightly colored combination of linens and accoutrements that I planned – but inside was a more formal venue and required a bit of restraint – but no less fun!

Therefore, the so loved beach table-scapes that we have enjoyed creating in Mexico came to mind. But we were NOT at the beach so a modification was in order. I went to the local stone yard and hand-picked river rock to scatter down the center of the table. Mixing that with gravel from our side-yard gave the sense of a randomly stone-strewn arroyo. The focal point was a large, verdant green pottery “lotus bowl” by local artist Penne Roberts into which I placed a clear glass Revere-like cache-pot and two succulent aloe plants. Now, the rocks work for a desert-scape, but, the aloe is decidedly tropical and not native to our high desert – but the combination was richly organic and had that hint of south-of-the-border that was needed to carry-off the Mexican feel. The bling came with placing the Orrefors “lightstones” among the river rocks. The combination was fabulous. The solid, heavy, clear, smooth shapes of the tea-light ” lightstones” perfectly complimented the primitive, raw rubble of stone scattered down the center of the table.

We love to bring the indoors outside and the outside in – melding the two – creating ever-expanding living spaces and experiences.
For more information regarding artist Penne Roberts pottery – large lotus bowl centerpiece

http://www.patriciandesign.com/retail/art_piece.php?product_ID=190&match=penne&pageNum=2

Jul 08

NYT article on Outdoor Living

By pattisays In exterior - outdoor design, landscape design / 1 Comment

Here’s a great article on outdoor furniture and the expansion of actually living outdoors. The practical thoughts on the subject, historical references to designers and their style influencing the scene as well as consumers influencing the designers and the marketplace provide a fascinating commentary on seasonal living parameters. It’s not just a trend – its a true morph of people’s habits and lifestyles.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/05/garden/outdoor-furniture-with-an-indoor-sensibility.html?_r=2&ref=gar

Thank you Julie Lasky for compiling this interesting information about an important subject in exterior/interior design. You have given it some “tooth.”