Starting a collection...

I feel the dining table is such a special place, a place you gather with your loved ones and share your day. Growing up we always had to have dinner together every night. It's a tradition I like to keep so that the mister and I always have that time together. Time to catch up and share our day, good, bad or ugly.  

I've always wanted a table filled with a multitude of different chairs so I've started a collection over on pinterest. I am curious though what you dine on? Something iconic? Something vintage? Something your grandmother gave you? We had a pair of Eames DCW's but a friend laughed so hard he separated them from their shock-mounts. (He was also on the bigger side) So I would prefer something not as fragile this time around.

By the way I've got a few invites to pinterest. Anyone interested? Email me and make sure to give me your email. 

Why deny yourself

Something you want? A smidgen of Mad Men for ya. I loved that episode that Don ends up in Palm springs. That isn't this the house of course but, with all the ladies around you would think Don should be over any minute now. 


Well, this one just fell into my lap with all my Palm Springs minded searches lately, I came across some new/old photographs of the Raymond Loewy home designed by Albert Frey. This was my second choice for the illustration I did below but all the photographs captured the views mostly from the house looking out, and the one that didn't you really couldn't get an idea what the home truly looked like from the exterior. Of course this is the point of living in a modern abode in Palm Springs. The view!

These photos seemed to be focused on the girls, I can't say I blame them. And what about that floozy living next door with her top off. Scandalous! The swim suits are amazing and are quite close to the suit I just purchased for my trip. Don't worry Katia I plan on wearing my top;)

photos via here

Nice work if you can get it...

I needed some bucking up. Yesterday, I was feeling all sorts of sorry for myself. Don't you HATE that feeling. It feels like a completely useless emotion. So today it's all about trudging ahead, one foot in front of the other. 1, 2, 3, 4... 

Abby Clawson Low is always an inspiration and she shared some of the ladies that are inspiring to her. Thanks Abby!
And how much do I love that Ed Ruscha piece. I'm not sure how I've never came across it before.

Almost there...

... just putting in the finishing touches.

Chris Dent

I came across these while perusing art department's illustration pages, which I thought of after I received numeral uno of the original wallpaper* via ebay, on Monday. (the only one I was missing of the early issues) That mag was really just so amazing in so many ways. I came across it while still in high school and was just blown away. There wasn't much culture happening in South Florida and it was my window to all things design. I mean hello we are talking about pre-internet era here. I carried it with me everywhere. I'm pretty sure it single-handedly brought illustration back. It brought modern architecture and design to a ever wider sphere of influence. Which I think is important in the realm of design, the more everyday folk know about good design the more informed your potential clients are. Which let me tell you is huge people, huge!

Okay off that tangent...
I was drawn to Chris Dent's work for the obvious reasons. The top two were among my faves in his portfolio but the bottom illustration had me giggling. So true!
That, and I've been wanting to do an illustration along similar lines only LA to SF for the front page of my portfolio site. I just haven't wrapped my head around it yet. Thoughts?

leather and canvas

My good friend Silvia has been embarking on a new path and I've really enjoyed watching it come along bit by bit on her blog. Then the other day these beauties appeared. I love the luxury of the leather next to the utility of the canvas. Such simple honest materials. 


Then she mentions that she will be working with the ever talented Jeana Sohn and the adorable Ramis Kim. And I just couldn't hold back any longer. I had to share. Watch her blog, to see their joint effort and to know when you can get your hands on one of these beauties above. Regardless you should take a peek over there anyway if not just for Silvia's beautiful photos. 

UPDATE: The images above are their collaboration. Darling photos! And Silvia I think I might have to get my hands on that clutch. You can get one too from her shop! 

Brazil Represent

Sometimes I feel as if most of my really close friends and family are strung so far across the globe, it hurts.  I'll create imaginary dinner parties where I can have those special people by my side all at the same time. But, it can be a real bummer when you just need some love, a hug, or just some fun times together, imaginary dinner parties do not help in this arena. 


There is an upside to this predicament... You have the best guides ever to far away locals. And as much as I love traveling, and discovering things on my own, I also love all the places you would never find on your own no matter how hard you tried. 


And while I'm not traveling currently because my budget has been seriously wounded due to what this lovely recession has done to all of us architects. (and of course many many other professions) I can keep my kip up with these virtual travels. My darling friend Jorge, just forwarded me this link to Quarto & Sala out of Sao Paulo. And you must know about my love affair with Brazil by now, no? If not, please wander at your leisure... here, here, here, and  here. Quarto & Sala are just feeding that love and I thank them all the more for it, because perhaps it will get me to return sooner. 


p.s. I am surprised by my love of that sea-foam green wall above. 
p.p.s. I really want to paint my walls gray or black!!!!

Sazerac Á La Playboy

For my belated Mad men inspired post I thought a cocktail was in order. What with Don throwing them back at an ever fast and furious rate.


Not to mention that this city just keeps taking this cocktail making business to an ever serious note. I have to say it is nice to order a classic and not have the bartender just throw it together with what they think belongs in a Negroni for example.


Another favorite that the Mister makes from time to time is the Sazerac and not just any Sazerac but the 1970's Playboy New Orleans club Sazerac. Here's how you do it...


1/4 teaspoon Pernod (we use Absinthe, since it's now readily available most anywhere)
1 small sugar cube
2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 1/2 oz. Straight Rye
Lemon Peel

Pour Pernod (Absinthe) into pre-chilled  old-fashioned glass and roll glass until inside is entirely coated. Add sugar both kinds of bitters and enough cold water to barely cover the sugar. Muddle until sugar is completely dissolved. Add whiskey and large ice cube. Stir well. Twist lemon peel above drink and drop into glass. Created by George Crouchette, head bartender at the New Orleans Playboy Club.

Beginnings

Just the beginnings of a sketch for a friend's wedding. I'm not sure I'll use this one but you've got to warm up with something. 

p.s. Drawing makes me happy! If I feel anxious for any reason and I can pick up a pen and zone out, it immediately calms me down and puts things in perspective. One of my meditations I guess, I wish I could get to it more. 

The Basics

This past weekend I went looking for more information on Albert Frey. William Stout, is the place to go for such things, but unfortunately the one book they did have was kind of a mess. But they directed me towards the Taschen basic architecture series which, at first I didn't think much of. I figured they would be really surface with not much in them but I was pleasantly surprised. They actually gave quite a thorough overview of the architect, with a decent amount of photographs and drawings, and for only $10. Now this is no monograph or theory driven heavy book, so if you are looking for such, these are not for you. But if you were looking for a near pocket size quick informational. Pick one up, here or at William Stout, they have a few that are no longer on the Taschen site.  

p.s. Hello to any art/design book publishers. I would be happy to review your books if such books were sent my way.

Salton Sea

I was doing some research for a trip coming up for a friends wedding in Palm Springs and I came across the Salton Sea via Albert Frey's work. He originally designed that Yacht club in the top photo. It's quite funny to come across a yacht club in the middle of the desert no? 

I've always been fascinated with the sea since the time I was required to visit it back in school. We had a project on site there. I have a few mementos from that trip and it pains me that I'll be so close and not be able to visit. Ah well... c'est la vie. 

I also recently watched Plagues and Pleasures a documentary that gives you an overview of the real story of the sea, and magnificently it's narrated by John Waters. (I've always secretly wished he was my uncle) I highly recommend putting this one in your netflx queue, that is if you enjoy quirky, mysterious and storied sad places.  

Do you have any Salton Sea stories?

MKG 127

So there is no Mad men inspired post once again... but folks the internet decided to be spontaneously out of order... thus no post. And the post I had lined up was cocktail inspired. I'm guessing you didn't really want to read about cocktails Monday morning either so on to new and intriguing subjects, like this beautifully mundane exhibit above. 

1. An exhibition of artworks and objects having to do with order, sequence and consecutiveness, including pairs, successive things, lists, instructions, corrections and rules.


By Micah Lexier via aapc

Wirkkala for the weekend

Another lovely book from Modern Artifacts. Chris (of Modern Artifacts) told the Mister recently that I never purchase the books he wants to get rid of. Ha! 

Sorry about that Chris, I just like what I like and apparently it's what you like too. I've always thought your job would be so difficult, collecting every little thing that spikes your interest but then having to sell it.... oh how do you do it.

Loving my new purchase (first in awhile since my book purchasing budget has been seriously slashed) Tapio Wirkkala. (Don't you just love the those crazy Finnish names?) is really quite something, you can see the inspiration of each piece of work through his extensive photography work and his sketches.  If you've ever wondered how a designer works this is the book you should get your hands on.

A little late

...to the party today. I have been diligently transforming my Mac into a sometimes Windows environment. (Not Fun!) and uploading such things as Autocad and Revit. Apparently these are the programs most architects have been using all this time (I kid) but I've been using Archicad since school and have got to get my butt in line to make myself more... well you know. I won't bore you.


I'm sure you all have seen these already but I thought it might be fun to post them since I missed my Madmen inspired post this Sunday while I was out doing some anniversary gallivanting. What do you think of having a Madmen post on Sundays? Could be fun no? And it doesn't have to be fashion, it can be anything design related. If you have any suggestions or have seen anything along the way that seems to be Madmen inspired send it along.


Speaking of Mad Men did you see Porter in last Sunday's show. If you've got to lose to someone might as well be this gal.


By the way, do you think that the show is the sole inspiration for such inspired looks? Or are we suffering as a society something akin to overcasualization. (there I go making up words again)


Also, some wise words of advice from someone in the know about the way you should present yourself.

Sunday in the City

It was our anniversary this past weekend. Two whole years (seems a lot longer, in a good way of course) And the Mister had it planned just right.


Brunch at Zuni, (our city hall wedding ended here)
A visit to the Jewish Museum (above) to see the Maira Kalman exhibit Love!
A cocktail at the four seasons (he proposed on the 17th floor)
And dinner at Bix, one of our favorite staples for all things celebratory. I love that kissing clown and ballerina painting And their martinis.

Signs

I've been smitten by my new surroundings as of late... spending a little more time downtown these days and it feels good. So fantastic to be surrounded by new people and environs on a daily basis. Here are a few snaps of the neighborhood. More to come... just not today. 

Doesn't the Courtoué sign reminds me of  Courreges, not identically but in similar worlds.

and Isabel too!

This was the amazing photograph I was talking about. Don't you just want to know the Toledo's. And here is the article in case you are interested. You should be.

photograph by Max Vadukul

Toledo

I fell for Isabel and Ruben Toledo when I saw their portrait in the New Yorker a few years ago. Did you see it? You just knew upon viewing that they were two parts of one super creative entity.


So when The Selby recently did a shoot for LV of the contributors that worked on their guidebooks (Actually I'm not sure they are all contributers, perhaps just a campaign?) (one of my dream jobs by the way, creating and illustrating guide books, that is) I couldn't help but share some Ruben Toledo's studio. Love! I mean just look at how artfully he answered his hand drawn questionnaire.

Dames I Fancy

I remember wanting an entire wall filled with female deities since they seemed so foreign and enchanting to me with my Christian upbringing. As I grew older I searched for a female mentor... I'm still looking for her but I've put less importance on the one and more on the many. Learning what each woman in my life has to offer seems like a more plausible relationship. Regardless, I still gravitate towards those icons in our culture that have shown us there is a different way to be, to grow, to experience. Perhaps a wall of these ladies to be reminded of what can be done when you energy is low and you think you can't make it to the next step, level, chapter of life.


This grouping was put together by my very good friend Viviana. When we first met I knew she was one of the ones (I'm pretty sure she thought otherwise) but I can be forward and moving nearly my entire life taught me to be a good judge of character. (most of the time) Check out the rest of her Enchanting and Inspiring women. She is much better at this Pinterest business then I am. I'm also enjoying watching the process of the old Tire Shop being turned into Viv and Mark's home.  She has included me in there... I'm not so sure I'm worthy. But I'll say thank-you because I'm learning how to do that too. Love you Viv!

It never gets old...

Peering into others homes. Does it? Nope. Freunde von Freunden via Ensuite. Now I just need a translator. Any volunteers?