Faye Toogood

I’ve adored the work of celebrated British Artist Faye Toogood for quite some time. Her Spade Chairs are some of my favorites, designed in a range of materials from rubber to stained ash and aluminum. They are created with a nod to English country life — the top shape mimics a garden spade while the bottom, a milking stool. They are sculptural with their sleek linear lines and quite versatile. Perhaps it’s no surprise they are so striking — a great deal of her career was spent as Interiors Editor at The World of Interiors. For more of her furniture pieces, see here. Be sure to review her Interiors work as well!

Jeffery C. Becton

We escaped to Southwest Harbor, Maine this past weekend for a cozy October adventure. While much of the quaint coastal area was winding down for the season, we managed to enjoy a beautiful hike, some lovely meals, and classic Maine merriment.

One particular highlight was the discovery of Jeffery Becton’s work in Shaw Jewelry, a stop recommended by a friend. There were a few of Jeffery’s works hanging in the gallery that sincerely captivated me, to include the piece directly below, mounted to aluminum and then framed simply in a white gallery frame. I found it incredibly striking — its long linear format, the manipulated nature of the combined scenes — decidedly traditional and timeless, (unmistakably Maine or marine?) then met with subtle visual disruption and confusion. It was provoking in the best way.

Photography is one of my favorite mediums for artwork. I especially love how it can often provide a juxtaposition to a more formal space, especially if framed in a specific fashion.

Below, Jeffery’s Artist Statement, as well as a preview of some of his work for your viewing pleasure (my personal favorites). For more, I encourage you to visit his website here.

“Since 1990 I have worked in the medium of digital montage — Combining primarily elements of photography as well as painting, drawing, and scanned materials, the techniques I use foster and give form to intriguing ambiguities, reexamining the boundaries of mixed media and creating altered realities that merge into images rich in symbolism both personal and archetypal. It is not my intention to school the viewer or place before them a fully resolved work that is clear in message, but rather to invite or draw them into an emotional connection, a recognition and unfolding of their own inner experience and understanding. Something akin to finding a unique feeling or emotion that is truly their own. That is the completion of the work.”

Dry Squall 2016 digital montage realized as archival pigment print 15" x 42"

The Pilot House 2014 digital montage realized as archival pigment print 20" x 30”

Blue Chest 2013 digital montage realized as archival pigment print 20" x 22"

Thanksgiving 2017 digital montage realized as archival pigment print 15" x 41"

Bandana Girl

Since I am partial to a good old fashioned bandana, especially while hiking, I loved seeing ARoss Girl’s latest release, the “Do What You Love” embroidered bandana. What a fun and practical accessory! Amanda Ross is always cooking up chic and refreshing pieces.

So Long Summer

As I alluded to in my last post, my husband and I tend to a host an annual end of summer dinner, and this year’s was special given that we welcomed our friends to our new home. It’s always enjoyable to see everyone toward the tail end of the summer as the frenzy of the season can be challenging to gather everyone in the same spot.

It’s been one year since we moved and honestly, we haven’t looked back. We adore our new neighborhood that feels refreshingly “old school” with children roaming the streets on bicycles to and from school (the elementary school just around the corner), neighbors passing by with friendly exchanges and the quiet roar of the waves at the beach two blocks away. It feels safe here — not to say that Newport wasn’t, but there is something so peaceful about where we’ve landed. Secure. Most in our town are here for the school system and sense of community — with those sentiments there is a palpable sense of unity. I suppose that is the feeling we quest for when we are young and building our lives and families.

Cheers to the end of summer and more memories to be had this fall and winter.