Barely There

Jack Shadbolt, work on paper,  RBI client residence.

The framing + presentation of works of art requires individual consideration. The form of that presentation should enhance the work in its specified location, without drawing attention to itself.  For me it should be, barely there.  
One of our resources when looking to revitalize art in our interiors projects, is the highly knowledgeable, Fine Art Framing.   Their expertise regarding what best serves and supports works of art is based on a sound depth of experience and practical knowledge.

Viewing wall at Fine Art Framing

I tend to think of art framing, in a similar fashion as that which might be executed by a museum.  Understated and elegant.  We always want to address archival issues so that the work is protected from the elements.  This can include UV protection, archival matting, etc.   Works under glass should be low iron + anti reflective to minimize colour shift and image loss do to glare. As important as the functional requirements, the quality of the presentation in materials and craftsmanship must befit the importance of the work.  

Our clients newly framed collection, pictured here, was impeccably facilitated by Fine Art Framing.    

FINE ART FRAMING

Art Glass

Bell Jar Pendants

Alison Berger is an artist whose medium is light and whose material is glass. Whether designing light fixtures, objects, furnishing or large scale sculptures, she uses age-old glass blowing techniques to create glass forms that transcend time and capture light.  The beauty of Alison Berger's fixtures are further embellished by a strong sense of history that is inherent in hand blown glass.  Glass art is formed from fire and earth in a magical process that is over 2000 years old.  She refers to her light fixtures as being atmospheric, small points of light emitted through dense glass; recalling fireflies.  The light fixtures we've included in our projects (shown here) defy style categories, fitting seamlessly, they are more akin to architecture than decor.  Just stunning.   Meet the Artist, Alison Berger: Museum of Glass

Pistil Pendant

Roman Ring Floor Lamp

No Overmantles

Works by Gerhard Richter

Painting by Cecily Brown

When placing art in a client's environment, my first motivation is never decorative.  But rather it is about bringing richness and depth into the daily experience of living.  Living with art connects us with different points of view, and those views open doors to new worlds.

In the play Red, the Tony award wining script chronicles the abstract painter Mark Rothko's tumultuous struggles with his famous commission for Philip Johnson.  His distain for 'over mantles' (art as decor) is central in this recounting of conflicted artistic ideology.   Attending the Vancouver production of Red recently brought to mind, where art lives ...... so lives the spirit of the work and it's creator.  Art elevates space and that space can also support art, with understanding and respect for the artist who created it.

For the art works pictured here we elected a traditional approach, where colour and or texture promote it's prominence and beauty. Ultimately art does play a decorative role in interiors, but is so much more than that.

John Baldessari, MOMA 2010

Visual Acoustics

Painting by Tiko Kerr, Twin Palms Pool 2011

Interior by RBI Rancho Mirage, 2011

Modernism Week is an exciting celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture and culture in Palm Springs, California.  This design aesthetic originated in the 1940's, 50's + 60's and was typified by clean simple lines which came to define desert modernism.

Modernism Week is filled with a variety of events including architectural tours, films, lectures, an architectural symposium, educational events, and chic parties...... all hosted in cool mid-century homes and boutique hotels.  It's happening February 16-26.  Get the Modernism Week  App for your iPhone, + I'll see you there.

Mural by John Henry, Palm Springs 2011

Palm Springs has such a strong site specific design vernacular, it continues to inspire + evoke a creative response.


Some favourite Palm Springs vintage furniture + accessory sources:

.  Boulevard

.  Christopher Anthony

.  Buy Design

.  Porter + Plunk

.  Hedge

.  Studio One 11

Creation Of Experience

The artist Gordon Smith is a consummate west coast painter.  He breaths new life and feeling into his chosen subject, through an intimate experience with nature.  His friend Douglas Coupland described Smith's "ability to make works that are more like portals than mere canvases....... pieces you want to not just view...... but enter"  
In a client/collector's re-freshed living room (above) the large Gordon Smith canvas (2011) dominates and invites.  A new exhibition of Smith's work (Black + White) opens at the Equinox Gallery on September 16th.

Gordon Smith, Special Green 1967 serigraph on paper 

Gordon Smith, Beach Pools at Night 1963 oil on canvas

For Arts Sake

I'm very pleased to be travelling to Hong Kong for ART HK 11 this month. One of the great benefits of working in the design industry is it's interface with the world of art.  I've had life long love affair with art, and no matter where I travel experiencing art is part of that journey.  In the past I've had the good fortune to visit various international art fairs, auctions + exhibitions.  Art HK is a wonderful opportunity to see the best of Asia, both established and emerging artists.

We often rely on an expert adviser, for the selection of art work in our projects.  Susan Almrud, has assisted our clients in their acquisition of important works, and in so doing added greater richness to our interiors.   Susan does so much more than just prudently recommend art, she educates and excites with her enthusiastic depth of knowledge.  Touring the fair with her will be very enlightening.  "To be with art is all we ask",  Gilbert + George. 

Kibong Rhee, End Of The End 2011

Painting by Kibong Rhee, (South Korea).  Extraordinary dream like works, painted on translucent layers, suggesting traditional landscape painting.   

Reflection

With the start of a new year, it seems apropos to reflect on the past before we address what's next.  There have been several absorbing projects this past year.  Some coming to rewarding actualization and some great new seeds. Two notable works our office is about to undertake (on the immediate horizon) are, an extensive renovation to an alpine home in Whistler BC and a new restaurant for Opus Hotel Vancouver.  Both will allow us to expand our design vocabulary. Looking differently and re-thinking, what has come before. 

In the walnut lined study (2005) pictured here, an Anish Kapoor sculpture reflects + alters it's surroundings, including the large standing painting by Chris Ofili, and classic Eames lounge.  Welcome the new + twenty eleven.

Icon

James Welling, Glass House

The prominent architect Philip Johnson was a catalyst for change throughout his long professional career.   His passion for design helped shape the face of contemporary american architecture.  Likely best know for the design of his iconic glass house (1949), set on several acres in New Canaan Connecticut.    
As an admirer of Johnson's masterpiece residence,  I was delighted to have our client purchase a work by the artist James Welling, celebrating this inspirational structure.  Drawing with light and colour, Welling produces works of abstract meditation on this transparent icon.  The selected work, floats above a smoky grey Minotti sofa and superb area rug by Jan Kath.

James Welling,  Glass House 2009, inkjet print

James Welling, Lake Pavilion, 2009

Advocate

The profession of interior design is all about controlling the outcome of your intentions.  Recently we were asked to transform an existing restaurant into a limited run pop-up space.  What we conceived, is really rooted in loosing that control, and taking the role of advocate. By nature a pop-up is a 'happening', so having a space that changes throughout it's short life, was our goal.  That manifested into a stripped down studio space akin to Andy Warhol's Factory (the hip hangout for art types + other nonconformists ).  Graffiti artist Vince Dumoulin, will continue to make his mark throughout the run of ONE HUNDRED DAYS , and it begins now.

No One is an Island

Having design history teaches you the importance of knowing as much about what you don't know, as that you do. Bringing together a project team of highly skilled specialists, translates into a superior outcome and a more valuable adventure. One of the most tangible and enriching is the art consultant.   The 'art world' is for me, a vast wilderness that I love to explore, but require a well qualified guide to navigate.

Susan Almrud is that go to docent. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, she intuitively understands space and it's inhabitants, deftly selecting works to grace their lives. Beyond the aesthetic contribution, her appropriate real time adeptness, opens up opportunities for collectors + art lovers alike. Generosity of spirit, warmth and top model good looks are just icing on the cake.

In a recent project, work by Darren Almond.

Art Matters

It never ceases to amaze me how art work enriches the spaces we design.  This triptych by Vancouver artist Tiko Kerr, (in a client's study) sits perfectly on the floral grass cloth.  It's graphic forms and synchronized colour, combined with perfect proportion, take this room to a higher more soulful level.