Art + Interiors: Bold Gestures [Robert Motherwell]

I have spent an absolutely lovely, art-infused weekend in San Francisco getting inspired and rejuvenated. One artist whose work seemed to speak to me the most this weekend was the work of American Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell. In Motherwell's work, the act of painting itself is the content of the product. His works were much less about painting "pretty pictures" and more about expressing the raw, unrefined essence of human emotions through the paintings life-size undulating getsures. For me, this kind of art provides a sense of release as it allows the viewer to experience the painting through the lens of their own emotions.

"Art is much less important than life, but what a poor life without it."-Robert Motherwell

Rug via Fort Street Studio, Sofa, chair and lamp via Room and Board, End table via Architonic.com, Vases via Arteriros, pillow via etsy.com/shop/bestillshop, End table via Room and Board, Sideboard via Four Hands 

I'm loving the understated black and white palette with touches of yellow where the design strength of each individual piece is enough to carry it. It is a space without clutter or chaos, where you could sit down with a cup of coffee on a quiet morning with a clear head ready to start your day. One designer in particular that does this look well in Victoria Smith of http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/. If you have not yet seen the gorgeous spread in Rue Magazine you simply must check it out. She does mid-century modern with sprinkles of texture and color with expertise and endless style.



Photos via Rue Magazine

Tennis - Marathon

imagining myself on a sailboat off the coast floating up and down with no care in the world and of course with a coke and wine in hand as well. this is just what TENNIS did; a duo from Colorado sailing the open seas just making some fantastic carefree music for us to enjoy. just lay back drink a spritzer and enjoy

signing off ladybird

And a little Etsy inspiration for you as well....

from the etsy shops of (from top left) robinsart, toybreaker, willav, fiori, AmericanGirlinEurope, oefy, SignsofVintage, LittleTypes, jeanbaardsen, kimiko611, fiori

I want to live in...John Robshaw's Country Home

 I have long since been a fan of Robshaw's textiles and pillows but after seeing this spread in Lonny I want to move in with him! I love the layering of textures and patterns, the weathered lived-in feel, and the juxtaposition of old and new.

photos via Lonny Magazine

http://www.johnrobshaw.com/

It is so easy to mix his pieces for any color palette. There are just so many beautiful colors and patterns to choose from the challenge really is narrowing it down! Thanks for stopping by, Enjoy!!

Art + Interiors: Monet and Meditation...

With all the rain we've been having here in California and very little fall,  I've been feeling the world in misty blues, greens and greys. I love the way the rain makes everything around you seemed sort of washed out, it gives you a sense of meditative isolation and with the busy daily grind I've found its important to relish these moments.

Monet's 'Water Lilies paintings' seemed like a perfect fit for this feeling. The impressionist style focused much more on what the artist felt that they saw rather than what they knew was there and the results were gorgeous paintings full of movement and emotion. The depth created by layer upon layer of paint without much emphasis on precision or detail gives the series their meditative quality, and the deep blues and greens offset by the bright water lilies provides the viewer with hope.

Rug via http://www.jhminassian.com/, chair via Kartell, Pouf via via http://www.shinebysho.com/, chest and end table via Four Hands, chandelier via Marjorie Skouras

The green lucite chair on the deep turquoise vintage rug creates a great juxtaposition of old and new that is evident in Monet's work, especially his later works. He was painting with such experience and rigor and yet opening up the door for the abstract movement of the future. The Moroccan accents under a rich blue chandelier would make this space a perfect little getaway from the hustle and bustle of the everyday. Enjoy!

Also, check out my guest post on the lovely http://www.strataflora.com/!

Deerhunter- He Would Have Laughed (Unofficial Video)

'he would have laughed' on deerhunter's new album is soothing but also a song you can tap your foot to. the video is not wonderful but the song was a perfect fall day song. looking out my window at the yellow red orange and green, this song was the music video for a falling leaf. so put on some boots pile up the leaves and jump!

signing out ladybird
 
 

And a little inspiration ...

From top left, Lonnymag, Lookbook, Josef Albers, Anni Albers, www.etsy/shop/eyeful, Elle Decor, www.etsy/shop/irensuchocki

Guest Post: Fluid Tranquility [Destiny Womack]

 Hello there!  It’s Amy from strataflora and I’m so excited and honored to be doing a guest post over here at Love the Daylight!  As a fellow art/design/nature enthusiast, I love Laura’s approach to design – fusing all the worlds together for a unique, rich, cultured look.  I live by the same method, soaking up inspiration from my surroundings, whether it is in the form of art, fashion, nature or people.  There are so many beautiful things to take in and appreciate everyday, and I love sharing them with my readers…and now you!




I came across these gorgeous paintings by artist Destiny Womack and promptly fell in love with the vivid colors and unique marbled look.  The dreamy, flowing textures created by the complex layers of color almost remind me of an oil slick on a rainy day.  Her paintings have a rare duality; they are tranquil yet energetic, static yet fluid…it’s a special quality that really draws you in. 

1.) Rainbow Abalone Mirror – motherofpearl-tiles.co.uk/MotherofPearlCraftItems.aspx 2.) Wegner Wishbone Chair – www.roomandboard.com 3.) Teso Table – http://hivemodern.com  4.) Daum Crystal Peacock Figurine www.neimanmarcus.com 5.) Purple Brick Votive Holder –http://www.neimanmarcus.com 6.) Veli Ceiling Light – www.ylighting.com
7.) Platner Lounge Chair –www.hivemodern.com

Referencing the color palette and dual nature of the paintings plays out very nicely when translated into an interior...I love a combination of sharp, structured pieces mixed in with soft edges, and a variety of textures. The translucent furniture and accessories make a statement, but don’t compete with other elements. Reflective surfaces, like a high-gloss finish or metallic varnish brighten and expand the room (like this attention grabbing abalone shell mirror!)

I hope you enjoyed my little guest post…to find more from me, stop by www.strataflora.com. Have a lovely day!

I heart Sacramento; NeoCrocker

This weekend I was able to attend the last of the Crocker Art Museum's fabulous events to celebrate the Neo Crocker. The art museum went through an extensive transformation and my lovely Aunt Linda Farley was there the whole way as one of the Museum's Directors. The Museum is absolutely gorgeous, if you are any where even near the area you simpy MUST check this out! You'll find Historical Californian art, a large and exquisite pottery collection, modern and contemperary works large and small, and SO much more. The event did not dissapoint either. With neon lights, fire dancers, a dance floor surrounded by art and endless ways to be in on the creativity I was in absolute heaven!

I shared only a few of my faves here from the abstract to the aboriginal works to Sacramento natives, there were just too many to choose from! You'll have to check out the Museum yourself to really soak in all the inspiration. And expect plenty of future posts featuring the wide range of talents exhibited! Enjoy! 

Art + Interiors: Polished Vintage...

I stumbled upon this gorgeous photography while perusing Etsy and I just fell in love. I love the weathered, golden, vintage feel to them. They emit warm, relaxation with a healthy sense of wonder. I feel like I could just hop on that Vespa and ride on through the sunset without a care in the world.

www.etsy.com/shop/elgarboart

Live in it...

Sculpture via Ateriors. rug via West Elm. Chair via Rogan. Daybed via Oly. Pendant via Arteriors. End table via West Elm. Mirror via Arteriors

And I have to say, there is something to the mix of black, brown and gold that I absolutely adore. Whether in attire or interior, the palette reads indie chic that can be easily polished with a little addition of chrome to pull the whole thing together. I love this look for a down-to-earth sophisticate who hasn't lost their sense of adventure. Mix in a few personal souvenirs and you've got a warm and polished place to call home. Enjoy!

The Hundred In The Hands - Tom Tom (This Desert EP out now)

my debut song...this was a hard choice, how do i want people to view me; i pondered this over for hours, then i though screw it! i picked this song b/c i just like it and thats what i will do most days. some are to display a feeling i am having that day but most are just gonna be that simple. i like it. anyway back to the video-the outfits are awesome, aside from the guy in the white jeans but hopefully it was before labor day at least. alright so the deal is i would love your feedback please, this is to be a dialog more than me just putting songs up for you to steal my music, jk ok well thats all i have for the day of oct. 14 2010. hope you enjoy it!     signing off ladybird