Design for a better living!
The idea behind this picture brings to mind the classical concept of beauty through the equilibrium of mind and body. I can’t think of a better porcelain company than Bernardaud, who over the years have had some of the most successful collaborations with top artists as Roy Lichtenstein, Cindy Sherman, George Segal, Joeph Kosuth, Arman, César, Pae White, and James Brown, to present this unforgettable piece which bears the image of the shape of a peace sign And the fact that the graphics are in black and white (we get enough colors from our food) makes the patterns even more striking. The project was made possible through a gracious contribution from Sotheby’s.
On November 12, my friend and I attended a VIP Preview of Le Cabinet de Curiosités in Tribeca. The swanky celebration was a combined effort between the Marlborough and Steinitz galleries. It was a rare occasion, to say the least. It’s not often that you’ll see a map table from Napoleon Bonaparte coupled with a mechanical insects collection (with metal bodies covered with the patina of a forgone age), and Manolo Valdés’ sculptures.But somehow the installation, under the supervision of renowned interior designer and architect, Thierry W Despond, came together beautifully.
Splendid Birds
Birdwatching is my favorite outdoor hobby. There’s something exhilarating about observing these feathered friends hop, skip, and fly to the sky. They always seem so engrossed in the moment, even when they’re motionless. I cannot look at a good looking bird without thinking of John James Audubon.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about Audubon’s splendid birds, and the fact that we have one major thing in common. He was born in Haiti, my motherland. John James Audubon was born at his father’s sugar plantation in Saint-Domingue, while I was born in Port-au-Prince. His father was a French navel officer, and his mother, Jeanne Rabine, was from Les Touches, France. John’s father eventually moved away from the island to his native France. As a young adult, Audubon came to live in the United States, and it was there he began his ornithological career. His father would note that John always had an affinity for birds. According to Jean Audubon, his son “would point out the elegant movement of the birds, and the beauty and softness of their plumage. He called my attention to their show of pleasure or sense of danger, their perfect forms and splendid attire.” How marvelous! I would have loved to meet him.
Richard Avedon Photographs from 1923-2004
Christies Paris – Nov. 18-21, 2010
Andy Warwol
Their collection covers cabinets, tables, writing desks, screens, mirrors, chairs, armchairs, beds, lighting, and a definitive collection of perfectly proportioned miniature versions of their essential pieces. Promemoria also carries a convivial outdoor furniture line which evoked a feeling of pure wonderment. The Roka chair (image number 1) also comes as a full-back version. It is handsewn and takes 24 hours as well as several working days to complete. While I was given a tour by their decorous manager, Elizabeth Schofield, it became apparent to me that the company’s standards are extremely high, and their roots is embedded in the tradition of cabinet making. Every piece from their collection is hand crafted, and are often made to individual specifications. The furniture they carry are classic whilst at the same time contemporary, and they lend themselves to different types of living spaces.
