Recently in “Books & Bookstores”

Book Shelf ....... Curated with a Single Thought!!!!!

February 24, 2010 1:00 AM

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This work is deigned by innovative San Francisco industrial designers, Mike & Maaike. The reclaimed, hardwood shelf is combined with books selected by curator Athmeya Jayaram.  Titled Juxtaposed: Power, the shelf has slots specifically cut to house seven seminal books about power and society. The "sculpture" includes 2,451 pages, 2390 years, 2251 wars, 432 revolutions, 90 empires, 7 books, 1 shelf. The piece is offered in a limited edition of 50 and is the second in a series of curated bookshelves, the first work was a collection about religion. Both "shelves" were produced by design company Blankblank.

"What should we value most-freedom or security? And who should decide- the few or the many, individuals or groups, humanity or God? For the first time, the world's most seminal texts on power and its relationship to the ordering of society are brought together and presented on the same level."

My favorite "accessorations" are books and art, and this is a spectacular design that incorporates both, as well as the idea of perfect minimalism (not something I am very familiar with!!) You have the perfect tomes on the perfect shelf, and are never overbooked, as I am!!!!!! Tables, chairs, the floor and sometimes even my bed are covered......no place to eat, sit, stand, or sleep!!!!!

Gettin' thru & Gettin' on with it...Alexandra Penney!!

February 22, 2010 1:00 AM

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Alexandra Penney is one of the most interesting, talented, tasty & chic women I know. She is supremely smart, an artist with a unique voice, able to juggle a million things in the air.... writer, photographer, and an "accessorator" supreme!!! She just came off a lousy year, an implosion supreme, something unimaginable and guess what ..... she once again turned really crappy lemons into really yummy lemonade!!!! 

Last week her book, The Bag Lady Papers, was published by Hyperion Books. The book, in true AP fashion, is a witty, charming, humorous and moving take on how she handled having her "greatest fear" become a reality. An enormously successful woman; editor-in-chief of Self magazine, best selling author, and dedicated artist ....... "she always harbored a secret fear that she would become a bag lady if she ever lost her life's savings." Her worst nightmare became a reality last December when she found out that "everything" had vanished overnight in Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme. This book is her story of renewal and reinvention ...... discovering what is meaningful and what is really unimportant ....something we should really all be thinking about!!!!

Alexandra is a powerful example for all us girls...... showing strength, courage, passion, and guts ........ she put herself out for the world to see and anyone who takes a shot at her or the book should be "bitch slapped"....... she works hard, with great passion and drive, she can laugh at herself, and let herself cry too ......... but the most important thing is that she picked herself up, dusted herself off and started over again!!!!!!!!! 

In truth, I think I might have gotten into my bed with my bunnie slippers and a box of Godiva instead but I honestly hope I would be as graceful as Alexandra!!!!! 

Amazon link to The Bag Lady Papers

4 Days In Paris ...... the Hotel Recamier & More!!!!!!!

February 8, 2010 1:00 AM

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I spent last week in Paris and it was divine!!!! I stayed at the Hotel Recamier, a wonderful newly renovated, boutique hotel in the Place St. Suplice. It was recommended by my friend, the au courant E-I-C, and as usual, he was right ..... it was fabulous !!!! ! The hotel has been redesigned by interior designer Jean Louis Deniot, who in addition to creating the stunning public spaces, was inspired to design 24 entirely different rooms. He successfully blends an eclectic mix of 20th century decorative styles, creating "Parisian elegance, neither hyper exuberance nor minimalism" ....... but clearly contemporary chic with a French accent!!! In addition, this charming "bijou" is owned by Sylvie de Lattre, a hotelier who pays special attention to each guest ...... making you feel that you are a treasured friend visiting her wonderful home!!!

I "accessorated"  all over Paris.... lunch at my most favorite cafe- the Croix Rouge, vintage shopping at Catherine B, a quick trip to the fabulous Merci on the Blvd. Beaumarchais, a visit to the new L'Eclaireur for women and of course a return to the men's store (bought gorgeous summer scarves!!), I saw my favorite lamp at Perimeter Gallerie, met Oliver the director of School Gallery (bought a fabulous drawing), had a wonderful lunch at TCH'A (the maison de the), found Arty Dandy on the Rue de Furstemberg (they were out of the KARL WHO t-shirts!), picked up breat at Poilane, book shopped at La Hume, and had an amazing dinner at L'Timbre .......

That's just a hint of my "accesorations" ......... much, much more to follow this week!!!!!!!!

Block Bookcase ....... by Amy Hunting!!!

February 5, 2010 1:00 AM

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Norwegian furniture designer Amy Hunting (currently living in London) has come up with this fantastic bookshelf!!! To create this innovative and exciting design, Amy has used blocks of over 20 types of wood, found in a London timber importers waste bin and cotton rope. Reclaiming these simple materials has had stunning results!!!

According to Amy, "The dogma behind this product is probably quite obvious: what can you do with blocks of wood and cotton rope? Using a knot traditionally used for sailing and fishing you can pull the strings and the shelf will disassemble. It can easily be put together again." 

Every "accessorator" is fascinated with bookshelves ...... the most fabulous place to accessorate ...... and this design is so clever and chic ...... and ecologically appropriate!!!!!!!

Books ..... the Ultimate Finish For Every Room!!!!!

February 2, 2010 1:00 AM

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I adore books ..... reading them, as well accessorating with them!!! So, when I met Brian Wynn, owner of Middletons, I was in heaven!!!! This eco-friendly Kentucky company rescues vintage books from the public library system and turns them into studding treasures!!! Brian creates a unique library of re-claimed books, rebinding them with beautiful hand-printed papers. In addition, he also rebinds books with solid paper, and individually hand-silk screening each one. After binding, the books go through a process to soften the jackets, giving them a gently worn feeling. In addition, color or a metallic surface can be added after the binding process, creating another design element. 

This spectacular collection of books creates the ultimate "accessoration" .....  a bookshelf, table top, fireplace mantel, or even just sitting on the floor ..... these books complete the look of any room!!!!

A New York First ...... Jody Morlock at Clic Gallery!!!

January 27, 2010 1:00 AM

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IMG_2846.JPGClic Gallery is the creation of Calypso founder Christiane Celle. Moving from the world of apparel, into the world of books and art is a wonderful transition, ( Just ask me, I made it!!!) and I applaud Christiane for  successfully taking this great leap of faith!!! On my first trip to her New York gallery/bookstore, I was thrilled to see the first New York exhibition of  work by self-taught artist Jody Morlock. I have been following Jody's career at the divine design store Comerford Hennessy, in Bridgehampton and am very pleased to see her work at Clic.  

Jody's pictures are film strips, a chaotic mix of beautiful and darkly funny images. She says her work is "a story composed of poured colors, geometric curvaceous shapes, large brush strokes and Freudian dream-like sketches." Jody, a part of the downtown New york art scene,  considers herself a "student of the streets absorbing everything I see."  The show , Dig it!, is a "personal excavation" of her work. Jody's influences include "street art, grafitti, advertising, movies, Africa art, and fetish objects" ...... a melange of images and objects that help her create paintings and sculptures ....... her "urban hieroglyphics." 

When I look at Jody's work, I immediately think of the Bay Area artists who's work I adore and covet ...... Chris Johanson,  Barry McGee, Clare Rojas, and the late Margaret Kilgallen ........ putting her in excellent company!!!!!

Metaconcrete's Signature Bookcase!!!!!!

January 14, 2010 1:00 AM

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signature-1.jpgThis graceful and lyrical bookcase was designed  by Beak Jonghwan and Woo Yangsic. Called "signature shelf" it is a combination of a long, thin piece of metal that curves, creating  the shelves, combined with vertical metal columns that pierce the shelves and hold the system upright. According to the designers, "Signature is made by a combination of simple and brief configuration factors." The duo's design company, Metaconcrete, started in 2008 and based in Seoul, Korea, reflects their belief that  "design is created from the point of contact between the idea and reality." The company's name refers to their approach of blending metaphysical and concrete science.  

I was extremely captivated by this piece of furniture and the thoughtfulness in the approach to its design. I think that if we blend metaphysical concepts with concrete ideas we will create new and innovative ideas and products.  This seems to me to be an eastern philosphy that we might embrace in the west. But, what I adored most about the project was the drawing for the piece that the designers sent to me ......... the simplicity of line, and how it had come to life so seamlessly!!!

Mario Nanni turns La Scala into a Bookshelf!!!!!!!

January 6, 2010 1:00 AM

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As everyone know this "accessorator" thinks books and bookcases are the ultimate "accessoration"!!!! 

To date, illuminating Milan's opera Teatro alla Scala to resemble a bookshelf is the ultimate ACCESSORATION!!!! Mario Nanni's, "La Luce della Musica" is a visual and musical experience that takes your breath away. Opening the opera season at La Scala, this tribute to Bizet's "Carmen" is extraordinary. Nanni, the ultimate "architect of light" uses video projections and light to "highlight and compliment" the architecture of this historic structure designed by Giuseppe Piermarini (1776-78). The bookcase pattern projection is one of six that Nanni created to light the opera house. It was done as part of Milan's International Festival of Lights. Nanni is the ultimate lighting master, beginning his career as an electrician and becoming world renowned ...... this work at La Scala is monumental!!!!!!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas #6..........

December 18, 2009 1:00 AM

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The "accessorator's" favorite gifts are books or works of art, particularly works on paper, and this project is a combination of the two!!!! London designer Tim Fishlock has created this "limited-edition book presented in a screen-printed box featuring twenty removable large format prints by world-renowned artists." The edition was created exclusively for Habitat, UK and is titled 50by70. The project is limited to 4000 boxes, and the title refers back to the size of the prints (50cmx70cm), which are meant to fit into a standard size frame.

"The idea behind the book is to give people the chance to own beautiful, limited edition artwork by established and up-and-coming artists and then be able to put it straight into a 50by70cm frame. A lot of time was spent putting together a diverse and hugely talented mix
of image-makers. 50x70 is as much about introducing the work of established artist to a new audience as it is show-casing the skills of the new kids on the block."  Tim Fishlock

Artists include ........ Patrick Hughes, Kevin Cummins, Zeloot, Tim Fishlock, Tsang Kin-Wah, Alex Trochut, Adrian Johnson, Flag Jorge Chamorro, Julian House, Stephen Zirwes, Merijn Hos, John Offenbach, Phunk, Shepard Fairey, Denis Darzacq, Sroop Sunart, Aarons Johnson, Anthony Burril, and Basso & Brooke.

Art in Miami #4 ......... A New Notion of a Library!!!!!!!

December 10, 2009 1:00 AM
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We know that the existence of the "printed word" is in question ...... starting with emails, blogs, on-line magazines, and kindles. Korean artist Airan Kang's project is a poignant message about our potential loss. Moving away from hard copy to digital images is made extremely apparent in this installation of "electronic Illuminated manuscripts," shown by the Bryce Wolkowitz Gallery. Modern-day "illumination" has Airan appropriating existing books and converting them to resin-casted light boxes. Her exhibitions are usually thematic in concept, basing her projects around the context of information, where it is found ...... bookstores, reading rooms, or libraries. This particular installation is a cross section of her work, a "library" of sorts, where each volume is sold individually. The bottom image is a single work ..... a "stack" of Edgar Allan Poe's books.

This "accessorator" was awed by this installation ....... as a reader and collector of books, writer of text, magazine "junkie," and "blogger" it touches all parts of me. In addition, I have a particular affinity for book shelves, their design, and how to "prop" them ...... not to mention my relationship with "color." I'm left with a great deal to think about as a result of this work ....... and that's the goal of art ..... to make you think!!!!!

Design Miami #4 .... My Most, Most Favorite Thing !!!!!

December 4, 2009 1:00 AM

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            THE BRIEF AND HAPPY LIFE OF WORKSHOP WORKSHOP

Workshop Workshop, a factory and salon created by artist Jim Drain, poet P. Scott Cunningham and sculptor Graham Hudson, produces zines that respond to Design Miami/ itself - it's participants, objects, conversations, histories, narratives, belief-systems and forms. Even the detritus of the tent's construction has been put to use by Hudson, who is  in the act of constructing the space using remnant lumber, rubber, plastic and furniture - anything the fair and the city (the larger fair) has cast off.

Drain, Cunningham and Hudson will draw from a rotating - and ever-expanding - crew of local and international artists, designers and writers, in order to produce as many zines as it can during the length of the fair, with as diverse a range of content as possible.

zine
1. An abbreviation of the word fanzine or magazine.
2. A handmade journal, with small circulation and hyperlocal aesthetics, that maximize the     
    two dimensional intersection of image and text, using both original and appropriated 
    content.
3. Any self-published work of minority interest reproduced via photocopier.

The above text is transcribed directly from the written description of this project at Design Miami. It was amazing to walk around this space, talk to the various "creators" involved and watch the daily creation of the zine. The space was divine in its unique chaos and the results were spectacular pieces of "art.".  This "accessorator" was transfixed and impressed by the entire process!!!! 

Books & Magazine Sittin' on Book Shelves!!!!!!!

November 24, 2009 1:00 AM

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This is probably the most innovative and creative "bookcase" design I have ever seen!!! Walking along Orchard Street Friday, I crossed the street to look at this trendy "lifestyle" store Reed Space. It was filled with "cool" clothing that was wonderful, but .......  all I could see were these fabulous "bookcase" of baby desk chairs!!!! Hanging next to each other on simple hooks, these chairs make the most stunning wall sculpture ...... such a simple idea ..... reclaiming kids desk chairs in a functional way!!!!!! Sooooooo green!!!!

I wish I had thought of this ..... I didn't ..... but, I did see it and am passing it on!!!! There are a zillion combinations of color that can be done to vary the concept ...... imagine each chair a different color, each row a different color, or color blocks of chairs ..... you can play endlessly!!!! Have fun!!!!

Book, Book, Book....Art, Art, Art....This Book is Art!!!

November 19, 2009 1:00 AM

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This is my birthday month (yep, Scorpio!!!) ...... and I got one of the most incredible gifts I have ever, ever been give!!!!! It is from my dear, dear friend TDL and I can't even think of an appropriate way to say thank you ......... That's how fabulous, gorgeous, divine, and over the top it is ....... And how perfect it is for me!!!

"Sienese Shredder Editiions is proud to present Providence, the fourth limited edition portfolio in its acclaimed "Shredder Portfolio Series." This edition features a new long poem by Miles Champion radically transformed by artist Jane South. Conceived as the deconstructed tools needed to create a do-it-yourself artist boo, each linen-bound portfolio box contains 10 sheets of museum board into which the lines of the poem have been reconfigured as laser-cut tabs. These tabs can be popped out and bolted together to create a gorgeous, highly tactile text-sculpture where a simple twist of the tabs completely changes the reading of the words."

An edition of 20 ..... but, my portfolio is #1 of 5 editions that have been hand colored by the artist!!! It was hand delivered by publisher Michael Neff, who gave me this wonderful explanation!!! It doesn't get much better than this "treasure" ......... thank you, thank you, thank you, this is an amazing "accesoration"!!!!

Wooden books reveal their connections!!!

November 10, 2009 1:00 AM

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I do believe that New York City is really a village and that everyone is connected......and here's more proof!!! 

I always enjoy the various illustrations that are designed for the Op-Ed pages of the Sunday edition of The New York Times; saving & filing them for reference, but never thinking about who designed them. In addition, I collect the work of artist Corin Hewitt and supported his  show at The Whitney Museum, as well as the book that catalogued the show.

Wondering where I'm going????? There really is a connection here!!! Soooooooooo.......

Shopping at John Derian's eponymous store always results in finding deliciously unusual accessories and last week was no disappointment ..... I found these wonderful  wooden "book sculptures," created by artist Leanne Shapton!!!! Leanne is an illustrator, painter, textile designer, author, and publisher. She has designed book jackets, magazines, DVD's, and film titles ..... and she is the art director of The NY Times Op-Ed pages!!! I assume Leanne has no interest in free time ...... because, in addition, she is also co-founder of the non-profit publishing company J&L  Books!!! This well respected imprint, specializing in publishing books about the work of young contemporary artists, published the book cataloguing Corin's work at The Whitney!!!! Small world!!! 
 
Since there really are no accidents ...... it seems to me that the next connection will be meeting this incredible, muti-talented woman ..... I look forward to it and wonder what will connect as a result!!! 

Who needs a bookcase!!!!!!

October 19, 2009 1:00 AM

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Books, bookcases, book jackets, book stores and especially stacks of books......... I love 'em all!!!! I live surrounded by books, the floors are covered.....there are no table tops left...and bookshelves, of course they're gone too!!!! This spectacularly "propped" window at Barneys screams my mantra......"there can never be tooooo many books!!!!!!!!"

I love great window display almost as much as I love lotsa' books and Barneys is the best!!!!!!!!
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