Riding the Waves

One of my favorite bodies of work is Hokusai's Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji which include these extraordinary block prints of crashing waves. Waves have been significant to me in several ways throughout my life and though this print was done originally in the 1830's it continues to be relevant to me and many others on a daily basis. It truly transcends time. There is something so ethereal about the crashing waves that seem to be overtaking the peaceful and unmoving mountain in the distance.

My wise friend Zena said it best after surfing in Australia, "Being out on the ocean, at nature's mercy, makes you realize that we are all parts of a greater system. There is very little over which we have control. The biggest (and possibly most difficult) thing to learn it to just ride the waves, no matter how they overwhelm and rock you. Why? Because we have no choice, they will keep coming at their magnitude and pace no matter how hard we fight their current. And no matter how much we fear them." And like the tides, the difficult times will pass, because all is in constant motion and flux.

 These Mid-century style bent plywood chairs seem to defy gravity flowing from one direction to the other, mimicking the movement in the waves. With post-war technologies allowing the bending and molding of materials in ways people never thought possible, these chairs represent a fusion of the machine-made and the nature-made in a unique way.  The unfinished and non-uniform wood exemplifies the beauty of nature while their shape and structure itself defies it. Just because we have one does not mean we have to deny the other, anything is possible.

Adorn yourself

Gustav Klimt...Adele Bloch-Bauer

It is no secret to anyone who knows me that I am a lover of gold. Whether it be a sunlit room, an ornate gilded headboard or over-sized embellished earrings, gold gives a feeling of luxury and beauty. It is warm, decadent and bold and not at all understated. This painting, fiercely feminine in pose, excessively adorned and fluid in texture embodies this feeling for me. To be fearless, composed and utterly undeniable, that is to be golden. Decorate yourself, adorn your space or simply soak it in.

Live in it..

A gorgeous gilded gold cuff found on RocHouse Interior Design adds punch to any outfit. This incredible embroidered golden head board is done by Bo & Jangles and is unlike anything I have ever seen. You could create a whole room around it. Lastly the Tudor screen by Armani Casa screams modern luxury without being too overbearing. I'm in love with them all, but again, I'm a sucker for anything gold..

Shining through

June Sekiguchi...

When I came across these works at the ArtXChange in Seattle by June Sekiguchi I was immediately drawn in. The scrollcut patterns range from iconic ethnic symbols to abstract expressions and yet without the light coming from within the box you wouldn't see the image on the plexi-glass at all, "the layers create textures of light and shadow that act as frames and screens that can enhance and reveal while also filter and obscure what is behind." (June Sekiguchi) It made me think of how we interact with eachother. In our adult lives we learn to only reveal certain parts of ourselves while concealing others in an attempt to protect ourselves. As a result we put less value in connecting with others and more on our own independence. But if we do not open up and let who we really are shine through, we won't connect at all. I've found connecting with others to be one of the most beautiful parts of life, my friendships are my most prized possessions and are a cure all for everything life throws my way. So though it may be a little scary to open up and let people in, life is far too short to keep the world in the dark.

Live in it...

These graphic screens are a great way to divide a room while allowing as much light to shine through as possible. They add interest and texture in an unexpected way while providing a smaller, cozier space within and larger space. (Design-Milk, Fabulousness)

Beauty in the Broken

I cannot walk down Pike on Seattle's Capitol Hill without stopping to take in the work of Cassandria Blackmore. Her art speaks to me. The colors seem to create a constant motion, always with a sense of light from somewhere deep within. I am drawn in from afar by gorgeous masses of color and am instantly intrigued when I see that they are underneath layers of shattered glass. This juxtaposition proposes such a profound idea, so relevant to my life, I could stand in front of these works all day. How does something so utterly broken give such a sense of hope, inspiration and joy?

"We all have periods in our lives when we are shattered. Our ability to put the pieces back together makes us more beautiful and interesting."
-Cassandria Blackmore

Live in it...

I fell just as quickly in love with this Tie-dye wallpaper by Maya Romanoff and Amy Lau. The subdued pallette turns a bohemian passtime into a chic and modern oasis. Perfect for a small powder room or entry way, the subtle imperfections enbody beauty in uniqueness, thus the name of the line "Snowflake".

Mayaromanoff.com

Relax and Restore

Sometimes we all need a little Zen in our life. As much as I love a busy lifestyle, full days and packed weekends, a little time away from it all can be just what I need. Just enough space to relfect on my own, recollect my thoughts, and replenish my perspective. In the same way, I love bright colors and active patterns but I can't help but breath a little calmer in the pressence of traditional Japanese sumi-e ink paintings. There is such grace in the brush strokes, and sush calm control, and yet all the subtle details are present but without any of the fuss. It just allows the viewer to be at peace and meditate, whoever they, wherever they are in life, they can just breath.

Live in it...

This gorgeous rug from Fort Street Studio is from their watercolor collection and captures the essence of Sumi-e Ink painting. It adds restorative energy to a space as the contrast of black on white grabs your attention then sooths and calms as each brush stroke fades into the next. Pair with a traditional paper lantern for a stylishly Zen interior.

Structured Energy

Anni Albers...
I was recently reminded of this female Bauhaus artist while flipping through an Elle Decor and became inspired. Her story is one of overcoming sexism and gaining recognition for work she was passionate about. She was a weaver at the Bauhaus and likened the practice to architecture in that each smaller piece was in support of the whole. Although weaving got little to no recognition and she was a female among few in what was truly a man's world, she sought to create work that inspired and ultimately won the hearts of many through the art she produced.

"I have this very 'square' idea that art is something that makes you breathe with a different kind of happiness"-Anni Albers

Live in it.... Luckily, Knoll still produces one of Albers' patterns. Her "Eclat" comes in several different color ways and feels just as modern today as it did when she was weaving it herself so many years ago. The pattern is a small enough print that you could upholster a chair in the nuetral tone for added fresh texture, dress up a bed in it or choose a few of the colorways for throw pillows. The diagonal lines bring an energetic feel without the feeling of chaos.

Here Comes the Sun

June gloom is finally over in Southern California and I couldn't be happier. I woke up to the sun shining through my window this morning and was nudged softly out of bed by its warmth. As it goes, everything looks brighter in the morning and I'm excited and thankful to have this day to continue to pursue my dreams and emerse myself in the world of design. These pieces by Campbell Laird, an Australian artist, seemed perfectly fitting today for their bright translucence and cheery curves. So take on the day with energy and enthusiasm and the let the day's beauty unfold.

Live in It.. These translucent tables from 3form come in tons of brilliant colors and are modern and chic with a dose of optimism and cheer. The translucent quality allows light to shine through the material make them sort of glow in any well-lit space. Check out 3form's website for all kinds of great applications with light and color.

Feeling Blue

Van Gogh..
Every once in a while I can't help but feel the weight of the world, and it always helps to just take a moment to change my perspective and lighten back up. I love this piece because it has that feeling of coming from that darkness and breaking through to a new light. There is a lot of hope here, new life in the blossoms and lightness coming through in the sky.

Live in it....

This mint green stone adds moodiness and drama without the darkness..Love these fresh white garden stools, great for extra seating, a place to set a glass or a magazine and they add pattern in a subtle way.. Try painting just one small wall with a highly saturated color like this turqoise blue, it will feed your soul!

Prints with Punch

Andy Warhol...

Warhol loved to take everyday images and print them in provocative ways to create prints that are simply vibrant and that truly pop. (Thus the term Pop Art) I love how the stilettos in this piece create their own pattern. There is an interesting juxtaposition here between the depth created where the shoes are layered and the flatness of the screen print medium.

Live in it...

Add a huge punch of color and energy to any space with these deliciously bright fabrics by Madeline Weinrib. You'll feel energized by their dancing patterns and saturated hues.