My Relics

Nicole Charbonnet

4.28.2008

Artististic inspiration and the endless forms of expression it takes can communicate information, thoughts, ideas, and feelings from the artist to those that experience the work. Sometimes a painting catches our attention because it is pleasing to look at, and sometimes it can draw us deeper to try and understand what is behind its creation . Featured in the May/June issue of Southern Accents, a spread on a Palm Beach home, showcases a painting by New Orleans artist Nicole Charbonnet, which is very interesting to me, as her work takes a contemporary approach to a very old process.

Ms. Charbonnet paints very layered, dimensional work ~ a technique she describes as a "...process of mixing textures, images, words, lose and watery washes of paint, and veils of translucent fabric or paper...." . Her paintings reveal a "memory" of being built up over long periods of time.

The artist refers to inspiration from ancient "palimpsests" ~ manuscripts written on parchment that had already been used for writings of other books. Over time, faint memories of the former writing appears through more recent text. Above, the Archimedas Palimpsest, a prayer book completed in 1229, but written on parchment previously used for recording mechanical thereoms, liturgical writings, and Roman orations from as early as the 4th century B.C.

Here, the manuscript is carefully restored before being placed on the auction block at Christies Auction House.

The pre-existing writing can be seen coming-through the newer text, allowing scholars to discern and decipher the original . This is an unintentional layering that creates depth .

In a similar fashion, Ms. Charbonnet creates a "memory" on her canvases, in which she says "...some images, colors, and textures are obfuscated, while others remain visible, however shaped or shaded by previous or subsequent gestures, images, or events." An intentional process of layering for effect.

The artist seems very philosophical about the meaning behind what is retained or revealed of earlier stages of the work and it's relationship with what is clearly visible on the canvas in the present. Describing her paintings as visual identities of thought and transformation, Nicole Charbonnet writes in her site, NicoleCharbonnet.com , " I believe....... that our language, whether visual or verbal, doesn't merely describe identity, but actually produces moral and perhaps even physical identity........(and) is precisely the very possibility of change, the space that can serve as a springboard for thought."

Of course art does not have to layer paint and other various mediums to have depth of meaning. Though, I do find Nicole Charbonnet's paintings draw the eye closer for consideration of the creative process involved in their evolution and as a painter myself, am curious about the process involved in others' artistic expression .

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Mirella Ricciardi

4.18.2008

Several years ago, I found a book in one of those tiny, old, quirky bookstores that introduced me to a French-Italian photographer raised in Africa named Mirella Ricciardi. African Visions has become a personal favorite.

Ms. Ricciardi first gained recognition in 1971 with her international bestseller Vanishing Africa ~ a collection of her photographs and a diary of her adventures growing up and on safari in Africa. Almost thirty years later in 2000, African Visions was published as record of her extraordinary relationship to the African people and the magic moments of her children growing up in the "wilderness freedom" of Africa. The style with which she shares her personal experiences give the reader the same connection to her writing as she captures in her photographs.

For African Visions, Ms. Ricciardi " traveled on foot and in canoes, in single-engine light aircraft, in hot-air balloons and on the backs of camels and elephants in search of images....".

A note about the author on the bookjacket explains that Mirella Ricciardi is now living in London on ....."an anonymous street... in a nondescript terraced house that has been turned into an African haven filled with light, African artifacts and rambling plants... with a pair of black buffalo horns hung above the front door." ~ Now a grandmother, she photographs her grandchildren and has said her collection of images from the past keep her company and her visions alive.

Last summer I discovered that Ms. Ricciardi makes prints of many of her photographs available on her website mirellaricciardi.com. My email, inquiring about the above image was promptly answered by the photographer herself ~ and though I had to pass on the photo, it was exciting to correspond with her. Her books are no longer in print but can be found through amazon.com .

Finally, a self portrait of my daughter Madeleine, taken last night with her Apple webcam. My own special memory of our adventures to keep me company .

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`~t E x T u r E ~'

4.11.2008

Color, pattern, and texture ~ elements that take a painted piece to another level. I am becoming more observant everyday , noticing when something has depth and contrast and when something is flat. Of course , much of design today is manufactured and lacking character and working in something of age or made by hand can be really eye-catching and fun. Inspiration is all around us .This photo was taken last summer by my mother on a trip to Malinalca, Mexico.

Here, designer Mary Emmerling keeps things nuetral while playing with texture. Rosary beads and rustic pine house fluffy towels and glass bottles. Likewise, if something looks dry or drab, consider paint and finishes that play on that~ contrast is the goal.

A backstreet in Cairo. A riot of color and textures. It holds your eye. The turqoise wouldn't look as good without the gold door and white stone floor.

I love white like this. Very sweet but then covered in shiney glass and trimmed in marble and rough metal grates. This boutique in London has created a window that is a lesson in texture. The "tension" is quiet and soothing..... sophisticated and hip. Unforgetable in it's simplicity. Eccentric English heiress Daphne Guiness has introduced a line of blouses at Dover Street Market. All of them white.

Clear color

Seeing this chartruese lately ~ good with almost every color.

Contrast in high and low.....ornate along with rough.

More white....makes a statement, but the lacey metal is light. Impact doesn't have to be bold.

Often, something is brown before it's painted because it's made of wood. These books remind me of the varying texture and warm hues found especially on older pieces. A sheer swipe of paint or stain and wax are really great ways to pop out the detail and bring back depth and can be best if something has good structure. Every piece has potential to go in a lot of directions.

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California

4.01.2008

Santa Barbara magazine is a bi-monthly treat for me. Though I've never been to Santa Barbara, California ..... I think the lifestyle appeals to the flower child in me. While looking through the April/May issue, I was inspired to share a bit of the colorful, lived-in, California look. Above~~ the Spanish influence from Ann James & Associates.

Mecox is a direct importer of European antiques and accessories with locations throughout the country, including a California location. Great-looking examples of the old original painted furniture so "in" today....... buyers will pay a premium for the real deal .

Mecox offers this bergere chair with painted wood frame ....

The mauve and gray makes a KNOCK-OUT combination that would work with almost any interior. Notice the top is left natural and the intricately-carved wood is painted.

Mecox Southampton

Mecox Dallas location is home for now to this old work cabinet.

A dusty red goes high-gloss in Drew Barrymore's office, courtesy of Domino.

California-based Kathryn Ireland , known for her mix of colorful patterns and textures, typifies the lived-in European country look Californians are so fond of .

Friends gather togethor on the designer's patio....... (say hi to Mary E. ).

Finally, the same charming look can happen with painted pieces.

One last thing....... don't be caught off guard today ~ April Fool's Day. Originating in France in 1582, the holiday is now celebrated throughout many countries prompting gags like the old fashioned "fool's errand" (wild goose chase) ~ among other things. Watch your back .........

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A Gift ...

3.29.2008

I'm not sure it makes sense to get our "interiors" refreshed this time of year (....that can be never-ending) without enjoying the outdoors right now. Springtime is the season that provides us with one of nature's best reminder of it's and how it's process is a vital part of our lives. Case in point, the cherry trees in Washington D.C. are making their annual announcement that spring has arrived . Adding to the romance, the story of the cherry trees in Washington is one of friendship.....

As a gift to the city, in 1912, the mayor of Japan gave 3,000 cherry trees to Washington D.C. to enhance the close relationship of the two countries. The National Cherry Blossom Festival annually commemorates this gift and has become Washington's signature tourist event ....

Locals and tourists gather throughout the city taking pictures and breathing in the fragrance.

Blossoming trees near the Washington Monument look postcard perfect. These trees have an interesting characteristic ~ delicate baby-pink , sweet smelling, and delicate..... yet completely unafraid in their annual glorious burst on the scene.

Japan's cherry trees' profuse blooms have been nationally celebrated for centuries as part of their collective heritage and has, of course, become an artistic theme as well.

Yoshinoyama Mountains ~ famous spot to view the 30,000 trees...some of Japan's oldest. Japanese history is full of references to this area and the cherry trees in springtime.

Toshimaen Amusement Park in Japan...

The Japanese also have a night- time blossom tradition ~ often hanging lanterns from the branches and up-lighting the trees. Some of the trees date back 1300 years. What a beautiful sign of renewal and tradition for Americans to experience ......... truly breathtaking .

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Your Nook Gets a Look

3.28.2008

Living in a smallish place with two teenagers and two dogs can make you crave a little spot to call your very own. A pretty corner equiped to handle the everyday housekeeping we all have such as mail and bills.....but also momentos, invitations, calendar, and computer. It may as well be inviting and it might be easier than you think to create.

If you are fortunate to have an old secretary~ they are a stylish and useful solution at home .

Naturally, many of us gravitate to the kitchen table like this fun version from Martha Stewart. The painted chairs, white cabinet, and lively ceiling/floor/walls give an older home a new look.....light, bright, and clean.

Martha Stewart converts a loft space into a home office. The crisp green paint gives the space a cohesive look and adds lots of personality~ .....

This personalized workspace looks functional, yet homey. Note the desk made from two small bedside-looking tables and the chili-red cafe chair. Nice window!

An old desk and chair are updated with a hip blue and green....voila!~ home office .... Older pieces can be especially charming and you can take it up a notch by painting them a distinctive hue. I've found that almost any color can work anywhere if it's given depth and the proper detail...... often a glaze will warm up a clearer color....

Indigo Seas owner, Lynn von Kersting turns a corner into a small work nook. This time coral stripes and patterns play against the beautiful blue instantly creating sophistication. The painted chair is a fresh nod to a private and quiet corner of the room that could be used for working at a laptop or paying bills. It's really fun to personalize a spot for yourself, however small, and make it beautiful and organized. Consider the possibilities of what you already have . Taking a piece from blah to WOW! can lay the foundation for own spot....

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At Home with Mary Emmerling

3.27.2008

Those of you making a run to Round Top next week may catch a glimpse of one of the stars of design ~ Mary Emmerling. Creative Director of Country Living Magazine and author of 17 books, Mary is a genius of detail and a trailblazer in design. We never grow tired of her refined and sophisticated style .

Welcome to the home Mary shares with her husband Reg Jackson in Phoenix,

Arizona. Her talent for consistently updating her version of "country" by mixing in clean, fresh elements along with the traditionally rustic ones has kept her at the forefront of design for decades. Her name is synonymous with modern country today .

Signature Mary~~ terrific eye for detail and creative/contrasting tablescapes...

Here, a rustic painted farm hutch warms up a personal nook.

Four very unique light fixtures hung togethor.

Always the organized everyday objects with mix of old/textured and shiney/colorful ....

Interesting the way she uses everyday utilitarian items as part of her decorating scheme. The functional things are often out on display , therefore creating the personal/lived-in look she's known for.Interesting elements of suprize scattered through-out her home bring depth and layering and an informal atmosphere.

The mix of Mexican silver, baskets, pottery, books, crystal, saltillo tile, white walls, and white linens.... animal prints, black and white photography, southwestern jewelry, kilim rugs, and of course~ painted furniture make Mary Emmerling's brand of style instantly identifiable. She encourages us to bring our trinkets and momentos out of hiding...... a pretty good way to live. Thanks,Mary!