The Magic of The adirondack

I’ve always shared my fondness for The Adirondacks as the landscape holds a special place in my heart and was a big part of my upbringing. After all, my husband and I were married in the High Peaks. This past Thanksgiving my family (all 14 of us!) gathered in Lake Placid. We had about 9” of snowfall which made our time together particularly magical and cozy. There is something about the cold sting of upstate air, with a beautiful view of the wilderness in sight…I loved watching the sun creep over the mountains each morning, and the peach skies in the evening disappear over the snowcapped horizon. It is a sensory feeling I wish I could bottle up.

I’m looking forward to the next few days and weeks of holiday decorating, menu scheming and wrapping presents. Until then!

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.