---

Recent Obsessions…

---

I have begun to notice a more than subtle pattern in my favorite looks lately; they all seem to contain one of the following: abstracts, black, or brass.  Do you find yourself doing the same?  Latching on, almost subconsciously, to some look or material that suddenly feels right?  Well, I’m there.  I’m less and less interested in silver (although mercury glass still does it for me); a brass set of flatwear sounds like a plan.  

And black, where do I begin?  It is strong and demonstrative and grants most interiors a slight “umph.”  I once read that one should never omit a black item from a room; its grounding. 

Abstracts, to me, are chic, casual, and effortless, which is a nice addition to one’s affection for antiques or indulgent French furniture.

What are your current subtle, or not so subtle, obsessions?

The beautiful paintings above are by Sally Benedict King, of Charleston, South Carolina, and, everything else, from Lonny Magazine.

---

Craftzine

---

I came across Craftzine while reading a post on another blog, and I think it is a winner.  All kinds of crafts(intricate, practical, and even nerdy) are featured step-by-step.  There is a section for patterns, and “101” for the basics on a host of projects from cooking to knitting.  I found a post on reupholstering furniture—the do’s and don’ts--as well as the how-to for the flowers below.  If your anything like me, you’ll love it.

---

Favorite No. 4: Marc Jacobs

---

I can have a fourth, right?  There are too many to choose from to even limit one’s favorites to four.  But, I must have such restraint.

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 line was a throwback to the 70’s in a big way.  Color, drama, and draping cinched silhouettes.  Although wearability was not take away of the collection, the mix of proportions was expressive, from undersized hot pants to long jackets, and wide-legged trousers; the collection was full of flavor.  And the colors—fuscias, golds, browns, red, and wines! The colors weren’t the typical spring mix, which suited the pieces well.  The colors had a richness that met the the designs toe to toe.  Jacobs commented on the collection, “A wide range of references informed the collection…from the NY Dolls to Antonio Lopez to Calvin Klein, these were things that made me fall in love with fashion when I was growing up. It's all part of the fabric of who I am."  Many commentators described much of the fabric choices and designs as Missoni-inspired, which I found fitting.  Missoni—the Italian family design house, is known for its knits, warm colors, and zig-zag prints.

 

---

Elva Fields

---

I’ve introduced you to Elva Fields prior to now, right?  Oh, if not, please excuse the omission.  Her work is authentic, original, and diverse.  I appreciate both its weight and femininity.  Here are some of my current favorites.  Check out her blog—love the idea of mixing these pieces with a formal ensemble for work!

---

Favorite No. 3: Philip Lim

---

 

Philip Lim’s collection was tailored and sophisticated.  There was a sense of layering to all of his pieces.  The use of firm constructed fabrics juxtaposed by sheers and intricate detailing made for interesting pieces.  I enjoyed the sparse, but present, pop of sky blue, almost periwinkle.  Tasseled belts adorned waistlines, and our chunky, strappy heels were again present.  All in all, I found his line to be creative, different, and subtly feminine.

   

I enjoyed the detailing on the pieces above.  These pieces are classic—not reserved solely for 2011.  The three pieces below may be my favorites from the collection (If one can over look the periwinkle slacks and tasseled belt above).

Pictures courtesy of IMAXtree.com and Matteo Volta and Elle.com

---

L.E. Smith

---

I’m in love with my new vase.  A vintage L. E. Smith black footed container is perfectly undersized with a porcelain grog to top—the arranger’s dream, keeping blooms just in place.

L.E. Smith Glass Company has been around for decades.  You’ve seen it.  Dating back to 1907, L.E. Smith glassware sprinkles consignment and antique shops everywhere.  The black, actually pitch amethyst, is a favorite.  There is a bit of an edge to it.  The flowers pops right off the black; an unexpectedly good companion for florals.  I snagged the bud vase on Etsy, of course, from Barking Sands Vintage.

   

---

Lisa Occhipinti

---

“Accessible sophistication, with form and function equally placed… .”

With each passing interview, I am amazed at the talent and drive out there—artists making names for themselves.  Today’s Fellow Weekend Designer is no exception.  Lisa Occhipinti is an artist, talented writer (you will love the beauty of her answers!), graphic designer, printmaker, and much much more.  Her interview is thoughtful; I think you will have found a new favorite Etsy shop before its done.  So, without further adieu, in her own words…

Did you grow up in Venice, California? What influence has your geographic lo cation had on your art? Do you find it relevant to your aesthetic? I grew up in New England and just recently relocated to Venice. Geography plays a huge role in all the work I create since it surrounds me. Colors, textures, architecture, all reshape thoughts and ideas. It's not that I'll start making an entirely new body but I absorb influences into my own vernacular. Right now I am in a flux of new ideas which I find completely invigorating, and is part of the reason I moved to the opposite coast! For instance my colors in my paintings have lightened and I have begun to include drawings of trees, plants and leaves that I photograph here in my neighborhood. Everything in life is relevant to my aesthetic, from visuals to sounds to tastes. Everything is fodder for my work.

What is the pivot of your fascination with print or the idea of text?  I am also a writer at heart (and have just finished my first book called on the subject of transforming books into new objects called “The Repurposed Library”), and so I adore words: spoken, written, sung. And the visual texture of text, I find to be very sensual. When it is incorporated into an art form the words become whispers. As you view the work, a single word or phrase may jump out at you as if for your eyes alone. That forms an intimate moment with the work.

 
I also am fascinated with the concrete, printed quality of text and letter forms and how I can merge it with the organic by manipulating its nature by bending, folding, or with paint, varnish, etc. That  relationship is crucial to my cause: wedding the graphic to the organic.

What better describes your artistic process: develop a vision and find material OR find the materials and develop a vision. Said perhaps a better way: Do you set out to make a particular piece or does the particular piece develop as you work?  Both. Sometimes I am struck with an idea  after seeing something (the color of the sky, a rusted spot on an old  convertible, reading a passage in a book) and that begets a piece. Sometimes I see an object or material and it tells me exactly what it needs to become. I never want to inhibit myself so I allow all things at all times.

From who or what experience do you develop your inspiration? How have you seen that source or influence change over time? How has your style or work changed over time?  I am inspired by life, colorations around me, surface qualities and ideas. How they fit into the notion of elegance and relay a sense of history is what moves me. My style hasn’t really changed so much as shifted slightly from the things I learn. I never want to stop improving my work and the ways in which I express my ideas. I am especially influenced by masters like Anton Tapies, Alberto Burri, Robert Rauschenberg, Louise Bourgeois, Agnes Martin.

 

Describe your wardrobe and your home. Simple, organic, and unadorned? Stately, refined, and mature? Quirky, whimsical, and unpredictable? etc.
My tastes are eclectic yet bookended by modernity. I am enamored with most things designed and produced between 1920 and 1960, clothes, furniture, cars, homes etc. Accessible sophistication, with form and function equally placed, would be my tag line. My personal look I suppose would best be described as a Bohemian Jackie O/Audrey Hepburn. And I do ride my bicycle in heels!

Lastly, how on earth do you keep up with being a writer, artist, print maker, graphic designer, blogger and business owner?! Simple. It is my life and I love it all!

You must visit her Etsy shop, website, and blog.  Become more “acquinted” with Lisa.  You’ll enjoy every page!

---

Color Boost: Fall

---

I am always energized by the changing of the seasons.  I think God gives us the seasons to help us both appreciate and enjoy the passage of time.  So, let’s enjoy the change of the season with some goodies for fall.

 

Village Confections Etsy Shop

  

Erin Flett Etsy Shop

Paper Source

Anthropologie

 Coffee Stained Country

Satin and Birch Etsy Shop