Archive
for June, 2011
May I Recommend: Cocktail Culture at RISD
Jun 29 2011 ·0“Distinctly American, cocktail drinking inspired a new language of dress and design in the twentieth century…It spurred a culture of sophistication, including attire and barware, whose elegance and inventiveness reveal the rapid social changes that shaped their design.”
~Joanne Dolan Ingersoll
Going on right now through July 31st at the Museum of Art at the Rhode Island School of Design, Cocktail Culture is a delightful journey back to the days of when having a cocktail was not just an activity but an elegant experience. As a practitioner of design and an artist, I found this exhibit to be not only a beautiful and fascinating window to a bygone era but supremely inspiring as well.
Do join me, put on an episode of Mad Men and take a peek at some of {my} highlights of Cocktail Culture!
Christian Dior, 1954
Nearly every woman has one, it’s the Little Black Dress. Embodying elegance, chic and sophistication, this exhibit explores the birth of this icon of fashion and how it “transformed the wearer into an alluring model of glamour.” Oh la la!
inspired by Dior, my watercolor interpretation
And for the gentlemen, another fashion “icon”…
Man's shirt, 1950s. "The Bar-B-Quer" by Pilgrim. Sold by Sears, Roebuck and Co.
The exhibit also featured several gorgeous pairs of shoes. And oh, how I love shoes!
Bejeweled and embroidered evening shoes, circa 1927 were the inspiration for this watercolor painting
Barware to die for!
Russel Wright, "Eclipse" glassware, 1957
Cocktail shaker, 1928 by Charter Company
Cocktail glasses designed by "Trader Vic" Bergeron, 1958-1971
My watercolor interpretation...
Delightful (and informative!) bar linens
Linen cocktail napkins, circa 1950
Fun cocktail accessories
Glass-Markers, West Germany. Would be fun to re-create with mini clothespins and colorful charms.
Whether Cocktail Culture inspires you to sketch, paint or refresh your wardrobe, it is a definite must-see for admirers of design, fashion and of course, cocktails!
Committee 2000 Champagne Glasses, 1982. Dye diffusion print by Andy Warhol
Cheers!
xo,
Pamela
Anna French Introduces The Aria Collection
Jun 24 2011 ·0An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down. It starts in my imagination, it becomes my life, and it stays part of my life long after I’ve left the opera house.
~Maria Callas
This week I had the privilege of attending an intimate presentation with textile and wallpaper designer Anna French and her son Jonathan. Held in the Ailanthus showroom at the Boston Design Center, Anna and Jonathan introduced Anna’s newest fabric line from Thibaut: Aria. Whereas Anna doesn’t make many public appearances this invitation-only event was truly a treat.
As you may know, an aria is a song within an opera. For Anna, an opera lover, her Aria line is indeed a composition, not of music but of patterns and textures. Aria represents an evolution in Anna’s style and design sensibilities.
Aria collection by Anna French
While bold patterns are still evident, there is a distinct overlay of subtlety. Gone are the shocking bright hues of her last few lines, Wild Flora and Glamour. Instead Aria features a more organic but still sophisticated vibe.
Anna French Aria: Stackhouse, Key Stripe, Spot On & Lanford
Anna sighted several sources of inspiration for the Aria line including nature, museums, open markets and documents (in this case a document being a historical fabric sample or remnant found at a flea market). I very much appreciated the understated yet energetic feel of the Aria line which would work wonderfully in a variety of environments.
Anna French Aria: Salina Ribbon and Durham Dot
Throughout the line, beautiful textures including embroidery, velvet, madras and linen combine with fresh patterns with a luxurious and yet lively result.
Anna French Aria: Celia Vine, Spot On & Dyed Sack
It was a pleasure to meet Anna and Jonathan and hear about the nascence of the Aria line. Each fabric has a story and it’s always interesting to hear that story directly from the designer!
Me, Anna French and her son Jonathan
xo,
Pamela
JANUS et Cie Umbrellas
Jun 15 2011 ·0With the return of Summer sunshine, it’s time to trade in your rain umbrella for an outdoor patio umbrella! These beauties from JANUS et Cie are among my favorites.
Colorful Stripes
Aristocrat Umbrella
Classic Rectangular in White
A patio umbrella is a perfect element to reinforce the design aesthetic of your outdoor space. Whether you have a classic space or something more modern and bold, a great umbrella can unify and enliven your space.
“He that will enjoy the brightness of sunshine, must quit the coolness of the shade.”
~Samuel Johnson
xo,
Pamela
JANUS et Cie products are available via the Boston Design Center
Summer Art Festivals
Jun 08 2011 ·0Last weekend I attended the kickoff off the North River Arts Society Festival of the Arts. Held over Memorial Day weekend in Marshfield Hills, it’s a wonderful celebration of the arts showcasing a wide variety of local artisans.
Award winning painter, friend and mentor, Paige Railsback
2011 Festival poster artist Jody Regan's wonderful depiction of the street fair meets art show atmosphere
In addition to wonderful paintings there was also a silent fundraising auction featuring furniture hand painted by local artists who donated their time and talent to create beautiful, functional works of art.
My dear friend Ginny with her gorgeous sideboard
Such wonderful, vibrant blooms!
The South Shore Arts Center festival in Cohasset is coming up next, June 17-19. I’m so looking forward to seeing work by two more local artists and friends: Kelley MacDonald and Lisa Daria Kennedy!
Pretty Jelly by Kelley MacDonald
I can almost taste the jelly oozing out of the donut!
Still Gray (the day) by Lisa Daria Kennedy
Beautiful combination of colors
Summer is a wonderful season to explore your local arts scene. In addition to outdoor art shows and festivals, check for exhibits at libraries and conservatories which often feature rotating displays of local artists’ work. This variety of exhibits present a wonderful opportunity to enjoy and purchase local, affordable art for your home. Just like jelly in a donut, art in a space is the perfect finishing touch!
Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
~Pablo Picasso
Hoping you’re inspired to go out and treat yourself to some new art this summer!
xo,
Pamela