Faye Wei Wei is a British painter that produces large scale, enigmatic paintings. With their surreal imagery and loose brushwork these paintings remind me so much of the Symbolist movement of the late 19th century. Her works are a high contrast combination of thick black line-work and pastel colors. Sometimes the imagery looks like it may be an illustration for an ancient Roman myth, and she is seems to be part of a new wave of neoclassical artists that are popping up in Britain. I am very much in approval of this embracing of the surreal and classic. In an interview with Arteviste she describes her process of making her work:
"I usually start with a feeling, line of poetry or an image that will stick to my mind and not let go for days. I try and get into a state of total commitment and concentration. I’ll draw a lot and sit and think for a long, long time. I think I have to be feeling quite brave that day. It takes a lot of nerve to make a mark that is convincing. Something the beautiful Nicole Wittenberg taught me in New York was how to hold a brush loaded with paint, how to push it with conviction and power on the surface of the canvas, to let it ebb and flow with the emotional logic of the form you are presenting and to never lose your nerve half way. Nicole is the most wonderful human and would paint by my side and let me watch and absorb all her wisdom. We would spend afternoons just drawing lips together, or drawing the sparkle of someone’s eye she’d show me how to make them wink right back at you. The process of painting is always a lovely surprise, it’s always that beautiful, pleasurable moment where you step back and see what you’ve made and it’s quite an amazing feeling of wonder. I feel as if I’m dancing with something that beats and breathes, working to form a seductive image." You can purchase some of her small run prints for a fairly reasonable price from the Cob. gallery.
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This Dutch Masters inspired wedding is the perfect transitional color palette into fall. Rusts, yellows, and luscious fruits combine for a decedent spread. While this may be inspiration for a wedding, I would love to see this as inspiration for an autumnal dinner party. I'd use pears in the arrangements and serve it alongside a pear and walnut salad.
Photography: Holly Carlisle Photography | Florals: Sarah Ryhanen + Nicolette Owen of Little Flower School Brooklyn Even though we are at the peak of fresh garden florals, there is still appeal in their dried versions. Maintenance free and a way to add texture, dried floral arrangements can be a simple way to bring in natural elements long term. These aren't your grandma's fussy faux arrangements. Focus on only natural dried elements in loose organic bunches. Paired with a bougie candle on a mantle will achieve peak french girl vibes.
Proof that you don't have to live in Britain to implement British sensibilities, this sweet little cottage is full of Anglo inspired details. This 1915 carriage house was given a face-lift by interior designer Heidi Caillier who explains that "British style works well in the Pacific Northwest because of the grayness. It's all about making things feeling cozy and welcoming..." Gathered fabric shades are a hallmark of English interiors and lend themselves well here. Classic furniture styles refrain from looking stuffy in solid shades and simple shapes. The pair of skirted chairs by the window are especially sweet. This home is a great example of the trend I call "minimalist Victorian". The furnishings are all antique or antique influenced, and yet the interiors are sleek and uncluttered. They show a lot of shaker influence, especially in the kitchens, and manage to still look cozy and inviting. These spaces aren't devoid of decor or knickknacks, the counters aren't clear of any objects, it looks lived in but beautifully curated. It's inspirational but not unattainable.
Carlos Garcia is an interior designer based in London and Norfolk. His portfolio includes a variety of interiors, all with a traditionalist bent, but it’s his own homes that he shares the most on his Instagram. Floral vignettes, worn textiles, cheery colors combine to create a glamorous take on the granny cottage. Here are some of my favorite pictures he’s shared, and see more inspiring images on his Instagram @carlosgarciainteriors. From his site: "Carlos set up Carlos Garcia Interiors twelve years ago and during this time he has been involved in a wide range of projects, from town houses to country houses, building a reliable network of suppliers and trusted craftsmen. Carlos has a passion for architecture, furniture design, textiles and antiques, drawing on these elements as well as many others to build a strong vision to help his clients realise their expectations. Carlos’ work has featured in publications such as House and Garden, The English Home and AD Spain amongst others as well as book by Rizzoli: At Home in the English Countryside. Carlos divides his time between London and Norfolk." His pair of whippets also make an occasional appearance on his feed. They are also featured, among many other canines, in the new book "At Home in the English Countryside: Designers and Their Dogs," which is at the top of my list!
Forsythia is one of the first plants to bloom after winter. Hardy and vibrant, the golden blossoms are fleeting so grab the stems while you can! I remember sneaking around the neighborhood late at night with scissors in my hand to snip a branch or two off a neighbor’s bush. They are lovely for adding structure in an arrangement with other spring flowers, or alone in a vase, especially a blue and white Chinese style pottery.
The Salad Niçoise is a classic dish from Nice, France that features loads of veggies and is filling but not heavy. Filled with sparkling flavor, I tend to use whatever is in my pantry and modify it, but the standard recipe can be followed. I like this one from Jillian Rae Cooks:
INGREDIENTS FOR THE SALAD
DIRECTIONS Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork tender (approximately 8-10 minutes). Drain and place in a bowl. Dress the potatoes while still hot with olive oil and salt and pepper and then let cool. At the same time bring a smaller pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a medium sized bowl with water and ice and set aside. Blanch the green beans for 2 minutes or until bright green, drain and transfer the beans to the ice-cold water to stop them from over cooking. Drain, pat dry, and set aside. Whisk together all ingredients for the dressing and place in the refrigerator until ready to use. To assemble the salad, arrange all ingredients “for the salad” separately on a large platter. Shake the dressing well and pour evenly over top and garnish with salt and pepper. If you are an antiques dealer who's shop is called Tradchap, then I think it is almost a requirement that your home look like this. Decorated in a very traditional yet unfussy style, this Georgian house in Frome is the seat of Jack Laver Brister. The two-bedroom house has a small square footage, but that hasn't stopped him from packing it full of grandeur and bold choices. The dining room is in the former scullery, and a collection of mismatched chairs collect around a pine table. I love the glass foot of the table you can see in the image on the right, it's so unexpected and interesting. One of the bedrooms, the upholstery on the bed is stunning and the green lamp is the perfect accent.
As it feels like the end of the world, how about we go to the Farm at the World’s End? This escape is the home to artist Sarah Ryhanen. Sarah is the founder of Saipua, studio that focuses on farming, soap making, and wool crafts. Her farm in upstate New York and it looks absolutely idyllic.
The American girl-next-door is all about contrasts. She’s as easily able to wear a slinky cocktail dress as she can jeans and a T-shirt, and make both look effortless and stylish. Lauren Hutton is the master of these dichotomies. Originally coming to prominence as The It-Girl of the seventies, Hutton’s hold as the master of casual elegance has never wained. From pairing a Yankees cap with a tuxedo to wrestling alligators in couture, she is the kind of fearless, unpretentious style icon I admire most. Completely authentic and raw all at the same time. Read on to see more of her best looks.
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