In Between

Let's get back to lettering. The Vaguely is a tactile design studio by Vanessa Hernandez down in LA. She does all kinds of work but most notable is her lettering style, IMHO. Fluid, clean, funky. Keep it up, sister.

As a kid I collected precious things. Precious to me, like stickers, Sobe drink labels, paper goods... and I still have this one sheet of unused gold leaf, never having any use for it, never knowing when I'll need it. Came across this video from Emmadime's blog and not only is this woman's work utterly stellar, it brought me way back to the little things I valued as a young buck, without knowing I still value it today. So, thanks Vanessa, for the moment of nostalgia.

Check a look at this:

 

All 168 rooms of this French-inspired hotel just opened in the Flatiron neighborhood of NYC and I think it's time to take a trip. This hotel was brought to you by the Syndell Group, of course, the same developers that also developed my favorite Ace Hotel. I'll have to dedicate a week of posts to explain why I love the Ace.

I'm on the brink of incomprehension when looking at these beautifully balanced interiors. My brain responds with sounds like "It's like... ch....what?....that's so... wow.... derrr".  What I see is so clearly masculine yet perfectly feminine at the same time. With room names like Classic, Atelier, Grande, Salon, Royale, Atrium it's hard to imagine NOT feeling like a pure European badass in the NoMad Hotel.

I'd recommend starting with this promo video:

Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. – H. Thurman

From the website of creative studio Designing Monsters, whose work you should definitely check out.

I'm itching to visit New York again, for reasons like Modern Anthology.

Owners Becka Citron and John Marsala run this half creative studio, half retail store located in DUMBO NY. The POV is incredible. Subway white text on black canvas, vintage lighting and leather, aged patina galore across tabletops and trophies. People say it's a store for men and man caves and masculine but all I see is heritage.

Their creative services range from interiors and graphic design to film and event design. They say they're in the business of storytelling, and that lil nugget is a great starting point to remember for any concept. "We know our first job as designers is to listen. Whether we're knocking out brilliant designs, initiating memorable branding concepts, or promoting the work of the talented artists we collaborate with, we like to think that everything we do takes its roots in our ability to tell really, really great stories."

I just love this Coffeeklatch interview answer. Couldn't agree more.

How important is light when you work?

Light and space are very important. More than that: they have to contribute. Everything must be practical. I think it is important that everything is on wheels. I paint on the table, but also on the wall and on the floor and it is important that my materials are within reach and that I don’t have anything in my way. I can be quite a maniac when I’m working and throw lots of things around me. But I also clean up regularly!

And this QA felt especially true to hardworking, earned success and ambition. It's good to remember not to be picky.

As a painter you’ve come a long way. You make a living out of painting and that is truly exceptional.

I live from what I paint. I bought this house with the money I earned by selling paintings. I originate from a workin class family and when I started on a freelance basis, I said to myself, mantra-wise: “I live from painting!” In the beginning I accepted all jobs that involved drawing and painting, often very applied work. I’ve learned a lot from this, both artistically and professionally. Since I've opened my exhibition space, I don't need to do that anymore.

quotes via Coffeeklatch interview of Piet Raemdonck

This 7-per workingspace in Antwerp Belgium just opened a last month, and seeing it reminded me of the colors in Amélie, one of my favorite movies of all time. It has just the right clash of modernity vs antique and  all pockets of seating make great opportunities for a collaborative mess. Imperfect, spacious and bright. Exactly how I imagine workspaces should be. 


Who are they? From their tumblr:

A group of seven people between the age of 22 and 26. We found this great place about six months ago. We are a group of architects, jewellery, fashion and webdesigners. We will try to post all our new work on this blog. We also want to be a platform for other young talent. We will give events and expositions. 

all photos from inaanmaak

The concept of photographer Collin Hughes' blog is so true. Eating with good company is one of my choice ways to stay in the present. His portfolio work is also full oin intensity in ten cities.

Photos by Collin Hughes at Any Meal

Wish I'd been able to see Winsome Brave's Nomadic Hanging Stone installation at 2 Cooper Square, The Future Perfect's Off-site. They're a multi-disciplinary design shop in Brooklyn. I do love rocks, but love seeing people doing killer work more.







Photos from their blog

From an early age, we're taught that there is a formula to having an identity, and it usually involves knowing exactly what you like. If you have a favorite color, a best friend, one food you could eat forever, top five songs, and heroes, you're all set. You've successfully been admitted into society.

Struggling with the answers to these questions for almost three decades, I'm slowly  starting to feel like things are clicking. If life were a science experiment, I feel like I've made my hypothesis, done a ton of research, and now I'm starting to make conclusions. To be honest, it feels really satisfying. Like I am not at a disadvantage, or that I can look at others and not feel that pang of jealousy. I got my own thing going on.

I still think it's funny to ask a 13 year old who their biggest influence is, because pretty much everyone is an influence at that age. And I think influences are mostly recognized in hindsight, long after we realize how much of a personal impact they actually had on our lives. But when we do finally realize, let's be thankful. It's all part of our story.

Mainly for autobiographical purposes, I'll be sharing more influences here. I'm keeping an eye out for influences, both new and old, object or idea, person or place, so if anyone asks me who my heroes are, I'll be able to finally answer.

photos by milan via instagram

Our trip to Belize was short and sweet. Ambergris Caye, the island on which we stayed, is an colorful to the eye and satiating to the tongue. We fell in love with their banana pineapple smoothies (with a dash of coconut cream) and the water was so warm. The people were so friendly and open, sometimes a little too much. My favorite day was the day we did absolutely nothing. I had a chance to slow down and quiet my mind, something I haven't been able to do in I can't remember how long.

Below are some photos of our arriving by water taxi to the yoga retreat, shots during our bike ride along the coast, our view from the hammocks we took over, and from underwater, swimming with nurse sharks and sting rays! Hope you enjoy this glimpse of paradise, and may it encourage you to find a slice of your own :)

[images from design*sponge and solid frog, my two favorite places for interiors inspiration]

From a post for spaces with natural light came a newfound love for indoor plants. Oh how they extend heights and depths of a room, adding such happiness and LIFE. I can't wait to get more plants for our apartment.

I could be very late in this game, but only I've fallen in love with one particular illustration before, never an entire series. I'd love to have a print of Jon Klassen's illustration work, especially these three above, two of which are only thumbnails: they're so wide. While you're shopping for my Christmas presents, be sure to take a peek at his preliminary sketches for stop-motion animation Coraline, and be prepared to get lost.

I would kill [a blade of grass] for anything in this shop. Especially these.



Clockwise: Bent Feather Cuff ($60), Wood Link necklace ($90), Penknife Necklace , Vintage Bracelet pack, Vintage Feather Ring ($30), Old Slavic Remembrance ring ($65).


I'm a huge fan of vintage THINGS but I can't say I could really LIVE with anything vintage as I like shiny things too much. Not even that... I think I just get a little creeped out by historic usage. BUT. Shiny + vintage = is ok. More than ok, really. If it weren't the holiday seasons I'd be elbow deep in my jewelry box by now, cleaning out and making room for Weiner's entire collection.

But alas. Tis the season for giving, not gaining.

Speaking of which, what are your plans for the holiday? I hope you get at least two days off. Unfortunately, I have a full itinerary of Thanksgiving dinners and parties and boarding and painting -- but I plan to squeeze in at least one movie and one absurd sleep-in sometime. Get fat, everyone, and be merry!

LETTERPRESS PRINTING. ANNA BOND OF RIFLE DESIGN. ERIN JANG OF INDIGO BUNTING ILLUSTRATION& DESIGN. COLLECTING BITS OF NATURE. START-UP COMPANIES. JAPANESE FOOD. DILL WEED. CAMPING BY THE OCEAN. THE OCEAN. DAYS OFF. ON-DAYS. A WELL DESIGNED ROOM. SEEING DREAMS MATERIALIZE. TIME ALONE. COOKING WITH FRIENDS. JASON'S SUDDEN DANCE MOVES. A GOOD SONG. WES ANDERSON'S FILMS. JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT. THINGS THAT FIT. BEING WITH MON SOEURS. WALKS IN DAVIS IN THE FALL. RECHARGING. A CLEAN HOME. MY FRIENDS. THE THOUGHT OF LIVING WITH JASON SOON. MAKING LISTS AND CHECKING THINGS OFF. QUIET SLOW MORNINGS. BOATS. MORNING LIGHT. GETTING MAIL. FINDING PARTY & WEDDING INSPIRATION. HIS SCENT. A GOOD JOKE. "I'D BE LYING" BY GREG LASWELL.



What do you love that's worth shouting about?