Hunt

We hopped over to Jessica Hagen's Fine Art Gallery last evening to honor the work of Hunt Slonem. Hunt was in town to celebrate the occasion of having a solo exhibition at the gallery. His work, obstreperous in color and material, is well known for its neo-expressionist character, mostly of butterflies, rabbits and tropical birds. Like Hunt's own personal style, his pieces are splashy, colorful and equal parts whimsy. Hunt's work is known around the world, with permanent collections at the Guggenheim, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney, and the Moreau Foundation.

I first discovered Hunt's work at a gallery in San Francisco, only to then see one of his bird paintings in Aspen. From then on, I was intrigued. View more of Hunt's portfolio, here.

Above: A personal favorite -  A tangerine hued piece as part of Hunt's oil on diamond dust (on canvas) collection. We then left with Hunt's book "Bunnies" and scribe.

WSJ: 'Great Explorations in Kenya'

THE LAUNCH: Private Newport's Parterre Bench

I am pleased as punch to see the launch of the Parterre Bench come to fruition today. C&C Consulting, along with the Private Newport team, worked tirelessly and passionately to truly bring a dream to a reality. The Parterre Bench is a beautifully-scaled, custom bespoke garden accessory that commands celebratory order. It is available for any discerning eye to bring home to their own garden setting.

My client was inspired by a whimsical bench spotted some 30 years ago at Birr Castle in Ireland. She then specifically created a bower in her own Newport, Rhode Island garden (one that effortlessly mirrors Gardens of Versailles, mind you), to house the custom bench she designed to satiate her dreams. Years later, with some guts and grandeur, we are thrilled to bring the Parterre Bench to market.

DO: Get inspired & watch this video.

Thank you for your support & Happy Gardening!

xx

C&C Consulting

(Photograph above shot by the uber talented Jodi Paquin | http://www.jodipaquinphotography.com/)

Green Is Good

I'm coming off of an incredible weekend amongst the Vermont summer mountain air. I haven't felt so relaxed in quite some time. Here is a capture from a swimming post on Chittenden Reservoir. Green is good. xx

Garden Bounty

Thanks to a gracious neighbor, I didn't have to forage long to assemble a bounty of spinach, swiss chard and radish. Her garden was yet another reminder that summer is practically here.

Hat Trick

I'm not having much luck as of late - everything I've lusted after in VOGUE has sold out in a snap. Alas, I'm still loving this fun wide-brim straw "Mustique" hat from Thomas Maier. You can find it online, here.

Hibiscus at The Orchard

 

The Orchard, a french style chateau in Newport, Rhode Island just steps from the cliff walk, played host to an estate sale this past weekend. The owners enlisted Tresor Estate Sales to sell the remaining items in their garden and carriage house. From the moment I saw the online posting, I had my eyes on the potted hibiscus and an instant vision of admiring their tropical blooms amidst summer cocktails. Tended to for over twenty years by the property's caretaker, the hibiscus are rather substantial in size and were just begging for a new home. I'm happy to report I am the new proud nurturer, thanks to my handsome beau who helped get them home safely.

This coming weekend, the property will be open again for an estate sale, to include interior items from the carriage house. Arrive early and bring your coffee in tow! See here for details.

'An Elegant Wilderness'

Craving an escape to the mountains and just love the title of this book at my bedside that profiles some of the most intricate yet hidden camps of the Adirondacks. An "Elegant Wilderness," indeed.

Going Gingham

I'm giddy for summer and just as anxious to receive this little number from Solid & Striped. I'm on a gingham kick.

Pause

The sunshine made its debut for Mother's Day just as the day began to draw to a close. It immediately beckoned me outdoors where I paused to remember how lovely the light is at the end of the day. Hedges were trimmed in our neighborhood this weekend, grass was mowed, and dare I say, the mooring field is looking slightly more occupied. I am anxiously awaiting the summer to arrive. Upon my outdoor exploration, I was reminded of how much I adore this darling historic home (captured above) down the street from us. She also happens to be on the market and would make an excellent summer escape. See the listing, here.