In the vast sea of contemporary art shown at The Armory Show last week, by an impressive roster of international art dealers, Two Palms Press showed a spectacular series of brand-new and remarkably well-priced prints by New York artist Terry Winters (b.1949).
With so much media attention on record shattering prices for artwork at auction it was refreshing to find works that made my heart sing – and that are truly within reach of mere mortals…
In the world we live in people often feel compelled to express grandiose reaction to things, experiences and people – resulting in the overuse of three words:
Is this grandiosity yet another effect of the celebrity-driven-reality-TV-selfie times in which we live?
Are people living their lives as if the cameras are rolling?
Or is it a devaluation of LOVE?
Shopping for clothes:
Looking at furniture:
After hearing a joke:
Perhaps this attention to the ‘meaning’ of words is due to the influence of my father, an accomplished journalist f0r whom words have real meanings, and should be used judiciously.
Having a strong emotional reaction to things, experiences, and people is something I understand. In fact, beauty, delight – and yes, even love – are essential ingredients for me in the process of living, and in the process of design; but I am seeking an enduring love, not a momentary crush. I have found that the novelty that can incite a crush rarely stands the test of time.
Sometimes the subject or object or person at hand is suitable, good, great, excellent, superb, perfect, incredible, even inspired; however sometimes it is just fine, the sensible thing, perfectly appropriate, in good taste, a great solution, but it doesn’t necessarily evoke “I LOVE IT!”
Whether it is my own reaction, or someone else’s, I am suspect of the immediate “I LOVE IT!” response. Will the feeling last? Or is it merely a novel rush of adrenaline? Never mind that these three words can sound disingenuous, if not utterly meaningless.
Much of what I do as a designer is to identify, and then solve problems, LOTS of problems requiring LOTS of solutions. Experience, logic and intuition play significant roles in this problem solving; and no I don’t LOVE every solution. I am in pursuit of a kind of alchemy. This alchemic phenomenon can occur when the cumulative effect of experience, collaboration, invention, a thoughtful approach and intuition are brought to bear in problem solving; where this combination of considered choices results in layered, nuanced, interesting, intelligent, subtle and maybe even sublime, spaces and experiences that can evoke a deep-seated LOVE, one that endures over time like a wonderful and satisfying personal relationship.
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A bold wallpaper called ‘Antinous’ designed by the Viennese designer Dagobert Peche in 1922 is the dominant element in this Central Park West Powder Room, and is available through the shop at The Neue Galerie.
The patinated bronze washstand was fabricated by Klaxto Vederstein with honed Uba Tuba stone top, while the ‘Aero Retro‘ lavatory fittings in satin nickel sink are from Waterworks.
The custom ‘Cay Lanterns’ with two candles and antiqued mirror backs are from The Urban Electric Co. The Arts & Crafts suspended ceiling light was found on eBay.
The custom mirror is patinated copper clad over a wood frame from Bark Frameworks. The photograph seen in reflection is by Emmet Gowin – represented in NYC by Pace/MacGill Gallery.
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I am on a continuous search for distinctive lighting for all of my design projects, and tend to avoid manufactured lamps, with the exception of Christopher Spitzmiller.
Crafted by hand and with heart, the lamps have been wonderful additions to a number of my projects (as evidenced in the image of a bedside table above.)
Who is Christopher Spitzmiller? What is it about his products that are so special? And what’s next? I decided to investigate…
The seating arrangement on one side of the living room balance a baby grand piano and an antique French daybed on the other side of the room. The tailored furniture is upholstered in golden hues, deep purple, and vibrant leafy green has the room feel luxurious yet inviting.
I designed this Living Room 25 years ago, but this photos is from a year ago. After visiting my friends and former clients a couple of years ago I found that the project had held up, literally and figuratively, so I went in and shot new photos of an old project.
The ‘story’ here is in some ways about the importance of making thoughtful decisions in the design process in the interest of providing enduring value.
Anchoring the room are two custom Carr sofas from Jonas upholstered in Gretchen Bellinger ‘Applause”cotton velvet – and yes, it is the original upholstery.
A Pyrex glass cylinder ‘Saladino Lamp’, designed by John Saladino in 1971, sits on a table behind one of the sofas
The Barcelona Table designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929 is from Knoll, and was a piece of furniture that we reused from the previous incarnation of the home. The accessories are American Arts & Crafts purchased in the early days of David Rago Auctions.
The table sits on a wonderfully washed out Antique Garden Tabriz area rug that provides understated classical richness to the room, subtly contrasting with the wool sisal carpet below.
A print by Joan Miro circa 1970 hangs over the custom limestone fireplace surround inspired by Carlo Scarpa.
In the foreground area are a pair of T-stools designed by Pierre Chareau in 1927 – iconic Modernist objects that provide additional seating.
In the right corner is a Klismos chair designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings.
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