Exhibit: Drawing on Drawing PART TWO

If you missed Part One of this exhibit, don’t fret—you can still see more artists’ drawings this Friday night, May 21st. Deep Space New York will be hosting another fantastic show at 220 East 17th Street, 1G, from 7 to 9pm. Luckily, the weather will be perfect again, so art collectors and afficianados will be able to enjoy the garden and refreshing white sangria, while deciding on which piece they have to have. Featured artists: Eric Brown, Vincent Como, Matt Mullican, Jim Nolan, Deirdre O'Connell, Lucy Pullen, Sean Ryan, Kelly Wilson. Curated by Rory Donaldson and Erica Mercado.

Exhibit: Drawing on Drawing

I always find that drawings tell a lot about how an artist thinks. So, whenever there is an exhibit that includes drawings, I feel like I am getting the inside view. You can do just that, this Friday, at Deep Space New York, which is hosting a 2-part exhibit featuring only drawings. Come and view the works of  Eric Brown, Shane Caffrey, Vincent Como, Bruce Conner, Rory Donaldson, Jay Ivcevich, Jason Bailer Losh, Gary Petersen, Heidi Pollard, Sean Ryan, and Andy Warhol—while enjoying the adjoining garden and refreshments at 220 East 17th Street, 1G, from 7 to 9pm. Part 2 takes place on May 21st, from 7 to 9pm and features artists Eric Brown, Vincent Como, Matt Mullican, Jim Nolan, Deirdre O'Connell, Lucy Pullen, Sean Ryan, Kelly Wilson. Curated by Rory Donaldson and Erica Mercado. See you there!

earth day

Central Park, 105th st and Fifth Ave...a garden worth visiting... which my friend Maya and I did today...a couple shots to honor the earth...which creates the most amazing things in a way we can't fully understand...

cat lovers go MOD!

Modkat has taken the mess and inconvenience of out dealing with the of realities of having cats as housemates. Designers, Brett Teper and Rich Williams, cat owners themselves, have tested and worked out every aspect of the litter box, from the scooper to the litter bag material. Not only does this design prevent litter from being scattered about, it also prevents other pets (dogs) from (ahem) interfering! Most importantly, it is not an embarrassment to have about. Seeing is believing, cats love it—check out the user-submitted videos of their cat’s reactions on the website.

numerology on the table

Christopher Jagmin creates porcelain dishes with a modern feel. Add a playful context to your next gathering with these dishy digits. The big numbers are 10.5” in diameter and come in odd or even sets. Word dishes are dessert size at 7.5”,  and the pattern of digits comes in at 12.25” for serving up, say, a platter of cupcakes. I would use the YES and NO plates, to designate meat dishes from vegetarian. This company also has cleverly repurposed singular vintage dishes from the 70s (on patterns you will recognize from your grandmother’s house) and tied them together with the new graphics atop. Yeah!

handmade ceramics

There is something so luscious about Jars ceramics, a French company around since 1857. I must say, the photos online do not match what you witness in person. Whether you fancy the spa-like essence of light blues and whites or want to sink your teeth into a sassy bright yellow piece, your investment in these pieces will retain their classic style. Personally, I love the Plume series in Vert Atole, with its organic hand-made shapes, and serene effect.

etched glassware with a sense of humor

Rolf Glass makes etched glassware in classic and contemporary patterns. I thought the Text U collection featuring texting symbols for: Evil (shown), Drunk, Kiss on the Cheek, and My Lips are Sealed were a humorous take on the genre. Also check out the Pearls collection, which gives a nod to Art Deco, and School of Fish, whose pattern has one of the fish going in the other direction, something I can totally relate to.

splendor on Wall

It’s hard to believe you are in a Hyatt Hotel when you see what Andaz on Wall Street has to offer. The design by David Rockwell, has soaring ceilings and an over-the-top, futuristic staircase that I wanted to keep going up and down. The staff, who do not wear uniforms, were super friendly, accommodating and attentive. After doing a mini tour of Wall & Water, the farm-to-table restaurant upstairs, I decided to sample the salmon dish from their menu, downstairs at Bar Seven Five. The salmon was accompanied by a creamy horseradish sauce, and deliciously extra-sweet roasted fennel and beets. Kind of an odd combo, but very enjoyable. See more photos of the space here.

organicspamagazine.com

SEPT / OCT ISSUE
BEST IN GREEN DESIGN

See my picks for the latest and best in kitchen design, renovation tips, and garden sanctuaries. From the contributer's page, some background info:

Ellen Swandiak has had a lifelong love affair with design. Every space she has ever lived in has undergone at least one transformation. Whether shopping for accessories, pouring through design magazines, checking out apartments in other cites (just to see), or admiring friends' homes, the passion for beautiful things and ingenious design never ends. "I love mixing a minimalist backdrop with the focus on a few splendid objects." She especially enjoys the "find" scouted from a vacation, which preserves the memory of time spent exploring exotic places. "I think it is really important to surround yourself with the things you love to look at, because it brings joy into your life on a daily basis. They don't need to be expensive, but should make you smile when you see them."

holiday PARTY

Derek and I managed to pull together a last minute party for Dietl, an art import company. This Mexican Chili Cheesecake with Mango Salsa topping was a huge hit, and made for a great entry into our half vegetarian offerings. Seen behind are the chocolate mousse profiteroles. I wish there were still some left. See more pics from the party food and decor here.

ufo: ultra functional object

Sci-fi lovers will get a kick out of this woody space ship. Station it on a sideboard, then put it to use for cradling fruit, candies or bread. Comes with either a metal base, resembling the legs of a space ship, or the wooden base, shown. The Museum of Robots has lots of other responsibly designed products.

instant hang-ups

A lot of guests means a lot of coats. This coat rack from Desu Design acts as a subtle work of art when not in use, but can accommodate up to 9 garments in a flash. Available in white with metallic color accents or for the true minimalist, in all aluminum.

party TRADITION

Dempsey & Carroll have been in New York City, printing with hand-engraved steel dies on tactile cotton paper since 1878. Procrastinators, if you have yet to send out your party invitations for the holiday, you are in luck. This Friday, the store on 1049 Lexington Avenue (betw 74th + 75th) is having a 25% off sale on all boxes of fill-in invitations. You will definitely be wowed once you are in the store by the level of craftmanship and classic and modern motifs to choose from. You also might pick up a few gift items for the sophisticates in your life, or create a custom calling card for yourself—which people have started doing again, though instead of just a name, they are adding their blog or website. See more of what I liked at the store here.

BEAM me up! creative cocktails in the penthouse

Beam Global Spirits & Wine pulled out all the stops at their recent tasting held in the penthouse in The Hotel On Rivington. Five themed bars were cranking out creative libations from Contemporary Cocktails, including the punch—served by a mystical, golden lady. I could go on and on, it was a fantastic night. See more pics, cocktail recipes and creative decorations by artist Christopher Young here.

art with heart

I just found out Benicio del Toro and I have something in common—we both own art by Joseph Heidecker. Joseph re-interprets iconic photos and transforms furniture into a visual treat that’s full of surprises. His art has a deliciously, quirky sense of humor. My piece (photo, top) makes me smile on a daily basis. Come and see his latest—the show opens this Thursday, September 10, from 6:00 to 9:00 at Johnson Trading Gallery, located at 490 Greenwich Street, between Spring and Canal. Hope to see you there!

Scandinavian BEAUTIES

I am usually attracted to anything round or dotted, something about circles excites me. So naturally, when I saw these carafes, I immediately wanted to know more. Design House Stockholm offers these blown-glass pieces which can be used as a pitcher with stopper, a wine decanter, or a vase. When the stopper is not in use, it can still act as part of the design, only securely stationed underneath. The stopper actually has one flat surface, so that it will not roll. See the website for more designer tabletop items—there are a few more things on there that would come in handy, like the lacquered Gourmet Tray, which rotates, or the Bono Bowls, whose stark white look is accented with thin black lines.

intoxicated zodiac candle: keep on using me...

I am all for multiple usage—reversible clothing can actually make me giddy. Or that time a balsamic vinegar bottle made the perfect vase for my bathroom. Here’s a candle that does more than the average. Intoxicated Zodiac starts out as a soy candle, and when finished, can be used as a glass to house a cocktail based on your astrological sign. For me, an Aquarian, they suggest The Flowering Quince: vodka or gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and quince jam. Recipes are based on Nicholas Culpeper’s medieval astrology that categorized herbs, flowers, and fruits into Zodiac signs. If you want to know more about this radical botanist from the 1600s, you can see his entire book online.

AAAHHH, AH-FRICA / new tastes from South Africa

During Fancy Food show in June, I was invited to the South African Embassy for a cocktail party and got to check out some of the new products being offered. The party food was quite delicious and leaned toward an Indian-flavor profile. (though I am not sure if that was because the caterer was part Indian) Two of my favorites were a blood sausage and indiginous type of polenta, seen top left. The center photo shows a serving spoon from Poivre d’Or. They had the most beautiful assortment of tabletop items I have seen in a while, woven placemats in hot pink and a searing orange, gorgeous matte-black dishes, polka-dotted spoons, plus an assorment of marmalades whose intense flavor combinations were like spooning out tiny little taste blasts. Everyone went crazy for the Amarula, on right. See more photos here.

gifts / SERVING DISH FOR THE ODD COUPLE

Do you know of a couple whose tastes clash? Industrial designer Ron Gilad has created a marriage of traditional and modern design in his sleek elevated platter. When hostessing a get-together, I love to have a raised area to maximize the serving area, and to create a more dramatic display. This platter fits the bill, whether in its round or square configuration, and can be used as serving dish, a fruit bowl, or as an anchor spot to throw your keys.

gifts / GLASSES FOR THE PURIST

The Float glass collection from Molo not only seemingly suspends liquid in space, but has the added functionality of insulation. Whether serving cold or hot tea, the Float Tea Lantern’s double insulating walls will maintain the temperature, while flaunting it’s austere, minimalist presence. Neat freaks will love the fact that moisture from cool drinks accumulates under the bowl, keeping rings off the table. This series is handblown in the Czech Republic from the finest water-clear German borosilicate glass, the same glass Pyrex is made out of, so can also be used in the oven—think French onion soup or crème brûlée. See the whole line at the website, plus their lighting and seating pieces.