May 12, 2012

Nick Lamia

Today, ladies and gents, I’d like to turn you on to an artist I discovered recently who is doing a few very cool and different kinds work. His name is Nick Lamia and he paints, draws and creates installations, but it’s not the range of mediums that intrigue me as much as his diveristy of subject matter and style. I am a sucker for art that observes the natural world so was rather moved when I saw some of his recent watercolor and pencil studies of dead flies and bees and other bits of natural detritus.

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December 2, 2011

Collaboration, West Elm Style

I have long been a fan of West Elm’s modern, organic, slightly boho aesthetic and love to sneak their pieces into projects with both high and low budgets. That said, like most big box stores, it is sometimes hard to get past the mass-produced look and feel of their stuff. Clearly, they were hip to this thorn in their side because they have begun collaborating with all kinds of artistic, creative people and the resulting vibe is one that is fresh, collected, personal and modern. All things that I strive for in my projects. Take a look at some of the collaborators and see if you don’t agree.

Let’s begin with the artists. First up is Scott Lifshutz. I love these prints of his delicate watercolors of feathers:

And I would happily fold one or two of Lourdes Sanchez’s studies for textile designs into a gallery hang: Read the rest of this post »

April 28, 2011

Leanne Shapton

Don’t you love it when a friend turns you on to something you had no idea about that you discover you absolutely love? This happened to me today when my friend, Peter, sent me a link and a note that simply read, “Did you see this in today’s Times? Right up your alley!” One click and I was hooked. What he introduced me to is this very cool monthly feature in The Opinion Pages of The New York Times called “A Month of…”. The last week of each month of 2011, the Times showcases a group of 30 paintings created by Leanne Shapton that are described as “a series that illustrates life’s minor notes and quotidian details.” Each month has a theme and this month is patterns. You had me at hello. Check out a few examples below and don’t miss the wonderful descriptions that accompany and place each piece. They read like a travelogue and detail patterns that have made an impression on Ms. Shapton that others would probably overlook or simply weave into the fabric of their day. So intimate and specific and gorgeous at once. I am smitten.

Dress of woman in Row G at a matinee of “Arcadia”, Barrymore Theatre, New York City:

Layla cotton shirt worn over a bathing suit to Macaroni Beach, Mustique:
Pair of socks borrowed from my husband, worn to the office, New York City:
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