Luxe & Lucid

Broken

Breakup, Breakdown, Breakthrough, Breakaway. 

Breaking Bread, Breaking News, Breaking Ground, Breaking Bad. 

Tough Break, Flat Broke, Broken Hearted, Goin’ for Broke.

I thought I would have a little fun exploring all the ways we use the word “break” and its derivatives in our daily speak.  This because I took a bit of a spill and broke my arm two weeks ago.  I was mountain biking in Virginia and had a pretty nasty wreck – flying over the handlebars of a bike was never on my bucket list.  However, what I clearly lacked in skills, I made up for in fortitude.  I’m proud to say I finished the ride and made it all the way down the mountain, break and all.  I’ve hung up my helmet for now (and possibly forever) to refocus my attention on safer and surer things.  However, in honor of my epic tumble, I’ve decided to find the beauty in broken.

 

  

Sea Breeze light sculpture, Deborah Thomas 2013   |  still from The Sixth Sense

  

a geode split open reveals the magic inside  |  broken boulders in New Zealand

     

abandoned villa by Eva van Oosten  |  modern faceted mirror  |  glamorous rubble by Esther Watson

  

Pompeiian wall crumbling in 2014  |  a Greek wedding tradition

 

“When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by

filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something’s suffered

damage and has a history, it becomes more beautiful.” Billie Mobayed

 

 

Tricia xo

 

Garnet & Goats

Hmmm, January.  This can be a challenging month.  The holiday sparkle has worn off, a little too much winter lies ahead and we’re all a whiter shade of pale.  I agree it’s tough to feel motivated when it’s cold and dreary outside and happiness is Haagen-Dazs and a Snuggie on Friday night.  However, I’m a January baby and a Capricorn which means I believe from problems come opportunities and there is still reason to celebrate a month as gloomy as this.  January can actually offer inspiration.  Not in an obvious way, but beneath the surface and outside the box.  As with so many things worthwhile, in January you have to dig a little deeper and work a little harder to get to the good stuff.

  

 

 

GARNET

January’s birthstone is like no other. The deep crimson is at once sophisticated and sultry. It has undeniable glamour, yet totally lacks pretention.

   

 Garnet jewelry is always dramatic.

Modern earrings by Caprichosa, antique Victorian brooch, Islamic ring,

  

  

 This look from Gucci is all about the lips. I have been saving this photo since fall with the intentions of replicating it for a glamorous night.

 

 My current garnet pedicure.

 

 

A stunning garnet velvet I used alongside pastel fabrics in a Virginia living room.

 And speaking of fabric …

 

  

 The gorgeous drape of Zac Posen on Naomi Watts at the Golden Globes. She is always red carpet perfection.

 

 

 

JANUS

 January is the month of Janus, the Roman god of gates and doorways.  As a designer and architecture buff, I photograph a lot of gates and doorways … actually more than I realized once I began combing through my files.

 

      

      

     

 - all photos from my life and travels except central image -

row 1:  Munich, Los Angeles, Hempel Hotel

row 2:  Georgetown, Melbourne residence (via est Magazine), Italy

row 3:  Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Dubuque church, Dumbarton Oaks

 

 

 

 

THE GOAT

 Although January 19 ended Capricorn’s (i.e. the goat’s) reign, it’s never too late to have fun with die ziege.

 

 We found these darling little guys in Montreux.

 - photo by M. Hammond -

    

 

     

       If there’s one thing most of us like to do in January, it’s eat.  And Lord knows, I love me my cheese … thank you goats!  Clearly a girl who takes photos of cheese and cheese shops (as seen here) has a thing for chevre.

 

 

     

Goatskin (often referred to as vellum or parchment) is a preferred material of designers and furniture makers both contemporary and past.  I gravitate to it myself and have selected several furniture pieces for projects over the years.  Like wood or marble, its beauty is innate and born from nature; it can’t be faked.

 Furnishings for DC, Switzerland and London Huntley & Co. projects respectively.

 

 

 

WHITES, GREYS & PALES

The colors of winter may seem a bit solemn, but they translate beautifully.

 

  

White, grey and pale works in a stark, ethereal European bedroom or in a bar/restaurant on Mallorca.

 

Moonstone and black onyx rings by Mathilde Danglade.

 

  

The concept of black and white in art stretches beyond the medium of photography.

A painting by Picasso, a photo study of a golf swing and a neon installation by Glenn Ligon.

 

 

 Perhaps the only thing that could entice me to spend an afternoon in subzero temperatures - beautiful, beguiling and utterly happy sled dogs.

 

 

Happy January.  Hopefully your new year is off to a good start!

Tricia xo

 

 

 

Seven

January 11 marked the seven year anniversary of  Huntley & Co. Interior Design.  Amazing how time flies!  In honor of my biz’s birthday, I’m sharing seven sets of seven favorites.  I typically champion quality over quantity, but it’s nice to be surrounded by inspiration – from design to television to words of wisdom – in abundance these days.  Here’s to seven years of success, a fantastic 2013 and a life filled with beauty, humor and a healthy dose of fun.

 

 

7 YEARS OF HUNTLEY & CO.

cM

 

   

 

 

   

 

7 ARTISTS

I am OBSESSED with the work of the artists below.  Need me a millionaire (or maybe billionaire) boyfriend.

 

  

   

     

 

 

 

7 ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS

 

A spectacular collection of architecture is featured in February’s issue of AD. 

Four of the structures are included below along with three photos from my own travels.

 

      

 

Perot Museum_Dallas  –  Harpa Concert Hall_Reykjavik

 

  

 

The Shard_London  –  Gardens by the Bay_Singapore

  

     

 

New York Public Library_NYC  –  Rolex Learning Center_Lausanne, Switzerland  –  steps of Siena

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 BOOKS

 

Life, Keith Richards

A surprisingly poignant memoir from the ultimate rock star.

  

 

Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn

The best plot twist since The Sixth Sense.

 

  

Middlesex, Jeffrey Eugenides

A story spanning 3 generations of Greek-Americans and featuring a young, hermaphroditic protagonist named Calliope. 

 An epic, unorthodox Pulitzer Prize winner.

 

  

Religion for Atheists, Alain de Botton

For the open-minded, curious individual who seeks to understand all sides of an argument.

 

  

The Black Spider, Jeremias Gotthelf

A 19th century novella about a small German town infested with spiders after one of the villagers makes a pact with the devil.

 A good old-fashioned religious allegory written to inspire fear.

 

  

The World of Muriel Brandolini

I had to include one design book. Brandolini's work is completely original and worth a study.

 

  

Blood, Bones & Butter, Gabrielle Hamilton

This was just recommended to me. I can't wait to sink my teeth into it, so to speak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 SHOWS

 

I’m not one of those people who claims she never watches TV.

With provocative storylines, million dollar sets and brilliant characters, you’re missing out if you’re not tuning in.

 

 

 

Downton Abbey

Delicious and addictive whether you’re an aesthete or not.

 

 

  

 

Top Chef

The tenth season is as mouth-watering as ever and has been featuring some serious girl power.

 

 

 

Mad Men

Like any dashing, egocentric, womanizing man worth his salt, Don Draper still has us hooked.

 

 

 

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Characters so wrong, you can't help but champion their insanity.

 

 

 

Justified

For those of us who felt robbed when Deadwood ended.

 

 

 

Walking Dead

A smart, well-crafted show about zombies. Who would have thunk it?

 

 

 

Following

A serial killer show starring Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy. I'm sold. Premieres January 21.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 PEARLS OF WISDOM

 

“You were born an original. Don’t die a copy.”

 

 

 

“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn.”

- Gore Vidal

 

 

“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.”

- Estee Lauder

 

 

 

“The best love is the one that makes you a better person without changing you into someone other than yourself."

 

 

 

"It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.”

- Ann Landers

 

  

“I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.”

- Bill Cosby

 

 

“Don’t try to explain yourself to stupid people. You’re not the Jackass Whisperer.”

 

 

 

 

7 YEARS OF NINA

My other baby is seven too!

  

  

  

       

  

   

 

 

  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tricia xo

Holiday House

I’m participating in a showhouse (yes, another one!) later this month, in New York.  This particular event, the “Holiday House” benefits the Breast Cancer Foundation founded by Evelyn Lauder and is held at the Academy Mansion – an incredible upper east side property that left me speechless upon my first visit.  Auspicious location?  Check.  Worthy charity?  Check.  Client?  Hmm, not so much.  As with all showhouses, that particular detail is missing.  And with no real client, that means I have to invent one so that I have a jumping off point for my design and a concept to fall back on when I’m flooded with options.  Keeping in mind the grandeur of the spaces and the impetus for the event, it seemed a strong-willed, yet feminine muse fit the persona of my would-be client.  And who fits that description better than the legend herself, Marie Antoinette; the original “hostess with the mostest” with the backdrop to match.  Our room will become a lounge space complete with sofas, dining area and bar, so our modern-day M.A. can wine and dine her patrons and groupies in style.  We begin the installation next week, so here’s a sneak peek at some of the inspiration behind the upcoming transformation.

 

       

   

     

   

 

HOLIDAY HOUSE 2012

October 25 - November 18

2 East 63rd Street, NYC

Don't Call it a Comeback

Like LL Cool J, I didn't go anywhere.  I've just been busy.  I've mentioned before that publishing L+L takes a lot of time and that I'm just not the type to half a-- it.  So I've been on a hiatus from le blog and dedicating my time to all-things Huntley & Co. (as it should be).  But that doesn't mean I've been chained to my desk these past few months.  Here's a look back at some of my adventures since December.  

 

 

 

December_Art Basel & Design Miami

      

      

Ridiculous art and mind boggling design amidst throngs of fabulous people from everywhere.

 

 

 

 

December_Park City

        


Skiing, shopping and New Year's Eve at Wahso tucked into our own private booth.

 

 

 

 

 

January_London 

     

A penthouse project on the Thames, the Dean Street Townhouse hotel and a late night of theater and live music with a client.

 

 

 

 

 

February_DC Design House

  

I'm designing the Master Bedroom Sitting Room at the 2012 DC Design House in Spring Valley.  The space is a gem and the design is going to be so chic.  Come visit - it opens to the public April 14!

 

 

 

 

More fun things to follow.  Look for another update sooner than later.

Tricia xo

 

P.S. Thanks for your emails.  It's nice to know L+L has been missed!

 

[Re]defining Beauty

I made a long overdue trip to the nail salon this weekend for a mani/pedi. And while scanning the assortment of possible nail colors from which to choose, I stumbled upon a stunning shade of peacock blue. It's one of my favorite colors in general - rich, complex, almost regal - so the thought of it on my fingertips was titillating. Sure enough, I love it. Not only do I think the shade of blue is absolutely stunning, but in a strange way, I think it complements my skin tone. It's funny then that some of the conservative loved ones in my life don't share my enthusiasm. Don't they see what I see? What's not to like? Some people think pretty is synonymous with conventional. But I think some of the prettiest things are those that are actually unconventional. I'm not talking about anything bizarre or distasteful. I mean looking beyond labels and stereotypes and thinking about what makes something beautiful ... the confidence with which a man carries himself, the complex ideas behind an abstract painting, the texture of an unusual plant. Of course, what's stunning will always catch our eye, but sometimes beauty and substance wear an unexpected guise.

 

 

 

 

 

My peacock blue manicure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A study for “Woman Pulling Up Her Stocking” and “Salon in the Rue Des Moulins”.

Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec found inspiration in bars and brothels. Unseemly venues perhaps, but the artist found warmth and vivid color in these unlikely spectacles.

Felicity Brown’s 2010 collection was inspired by Toulouse-Lautrec’s work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tilda Swinton is a chameleon on and off-screen. She can look ethereal, severe or aristocratic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some people don’t like modern art or furniture. It’s hard to understand with gorgeous, sculptural shapes likes these.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who needs gold or diamonds? Dahlia Kloss’ necklace is a showstopper without precious metals or stones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although two of the world’s deadliest snakes, the Rosy Boa and Malayan Coral Snake are also two of the most beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Hawkes, Mick Jagger & Adrian Brody.

The talent and swagger of these men makes their unconventional looks incredibly sexy.

DCNY

I had a busy week. Meetings, travel, design events, etc.  A jam-packed schedule isn’t necessarily enjoyable mid-stream, but I always love the results.  I meet new people, see interesting things, get inspired, and in general, shake things up a bit.  Between DC and New York, I stumbled upon some fabulous finds this past week.  Whether it was design or fashion, food or art, it seemed that new and exciting things were available and in abundance.  Of course there is never enough time to take it all in.  It’s a good thing I am able to document it all with my trusty iphone and enjoy the fruits of my labor long after my work and the week is done.

 

 

 

 

- SOURCING RUGS & TEXTILES -

 

       

       

I love beautiful textiles and rugs.  Especially when they are assembled together in a stunning collection.  Subtle, graphic, textural or glamorous – it doesn’t really matter to me.  Gorgeous is gorgeous regardless of content or genre.

 

 

 

 

- WINDOW SHOPPING -

 

        

       

       

Fall is always a delicious time for fashion.  Even if you can’t purchase everything you see behind the glass, you can certainly draw inspiration from the displays and create new, eclectic ensembles within your existing wardrobe.  I personally am all over this season’s bold colors, layers, baggie pants and fur jackets.    

 

 

 

 

- SCOUTING FOR VINTAGE FURNISHINGS -

 

     

     

You can troll all day on the internet, but there is nothing like seeing the real thing.  I can’t get enough of unique yet elegant, statement-making furniture.  Unfortunately, I need another chair like I need a hole in the head.  It was hard to resist these stellar vintage finds.

 

 

 

 

 

- DROPPING BY AN ARTIST’S STUDIO -

 

     

     

I’m a big fan of Julie Wolfe’s work.  So to see her paintings and jewelry in-residence was quite a treat.  Plus Julie is such a cool chic –  interesting, laidback and irreverent.  The evening was hosted by George Hemphill and marked by contemporary artwork, incredible jewelry, wine and a “deconstructed food installation”.  Loved it.  

 

 

 

 

 

- BELLYING UP TO THE BAR -

 

      

     

It wasn’t my last stop this weekend, but it was definitely one of the more photogenic.  Ted’s Bulletin is a throwback to yesteryear with the style and ambiance to match.  If dining, I would stick to the burgers and shakes.  If you’re there for a cocktail, order a Jessie Clark.  Besides the delicious concoction of chamomile-infused scotch, orange marmalade and chocolate bitters, the drink is served with a perfectly round ice cube produced in seconds by The Macallan ice ball machine.  An entertaining and purposeful gadget whether you’re a scotch aficionado or not.  

 

 

Tricia xo

 

Tune Out and Turn On

 

I’m inspired as of late.  I’m finding crazy/wonderous/beautiful things everywhere I look.  It’s like I’ve snapped out of a foggy stupor.  I haven’t discovered a new vitamin or taken up Buddhism, but I have made a committed effort to unplug from the oversaturated and under-inspired world of regurgitated design.  It’s become pretty obvious lately that most of what’s online, in magazines and in the stores is the same recycled concept over and over again – i.e., a random mix of genres with the ubiquitous pop of color, pseudo-ethnic pillows and obligatory mid-century focal piece.  Bleh, enough!  In this day and age it seems that the internet has become our main source of inspiration - I think that may actually be one of the seven signs of the apocalypse – and everyone is plugged into the same circuit.  So as one who is not only guilty of this crime, but who champions the cause (yes, I realize as a blogger I am the pot calling the kettle black), I say turn off your smartphone, log off Facebook, ignore this week’s blog feed and look around you.  There is beauty in the world!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

   

   

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tricia xo

 

 

 

Chez Huntley - update 08/05

  

A great deal of progress has been made here in the past couple of weeks.  The millwork

installation – new casing, baseboards and bookshelves – is complete.  The painting has

been corrected and looks lovely.  Lighting fixtures have been installed in the foyer/living

room along with simple, modern light switches and receptacles throughout the main floor.

I’ve even styled my bookshelves and purchased a new painting for the dining room and a

pair of cast greyhounds for the front entry.  And as excited as I am to move on to the next

layer of furnishings and accessories, nothing is quite as important to good design as getting

“the envelope” right.  I use this term A LOT in my work.  Cleaning up the architecture of a

space and adding (or removing as the case may be) details is the key to a grounded and

balanced interior.  And there is something really beautiful about a well-executed space

that feels good even without any decor.  But of course, I’m an interior designer, so decor

is essential too.  Once I add the furniture, softgoods and artwork, the space will really sing.

 

 

 

 

- Projects -

 

 

 

 

I purchased this pair of deer sconces about 4 years ago and finally had the opportunity to

use them.  I … ahem, I mean we (I got a lot of help from Molly, H&C employee extraordinaire)

painted them white, so they have a more contemporary vibe appropriate for the house.

 

 

 

A major accomplishment for me: my very first lighting installation!

I was so proud.  I called my boyfriend, my parents and sent emails to friends everywhere.

 

 

 

- Millwork -

The new bookcases in my living room.  Cheap yet chic!

I kept the lines simple and wrapped the baseboard around the front for a clean, modern look.  You’ll see

that I was anxious to style the shelves with my books and accessories - I didn’t even wait to put away my tools. 

Above the shelves are the freshly painted deer sconces with extra long candle sleeves and taupe silk shades.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- New Purchases -

 

 

This abstract oil painting circa 1960 has incredible color that almost glows.

 

I found the painting above and this pair of greyhounds at Comer & Co. in Georgetown. 

A fantastic new shop with exquisite things and wonderful service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And speaking of dogs … I’m happy to say that Nina is feeling much better this week.

The little stinker kept pulling off her cone, so she was forced to rock this t-shirt instead.

My poor pup was quite the fashion victim last week.

 

 

Tricia xo

 

 

 

Quips and Quotes

 

This week I stumbled upon several meaningful quotes while thumbing through newspapers

and magazines.  It was like finding water in the desert.  I dedicate so much time to visual

consumption that I have neglected one of my first passions … the written word,  I love a well-

crafted phrase.  The right combination of words can be truly magical - evoking sentiment, laughter,

insight or inspiration.  I may produce a blog about “all things design” - that I admit is 85% photos -

but I do consider the words as important as the images.  Hopefully I engage my readers with each

opening paragraph by delivering a thoughtful, humorous and/or compelling statement that reaches

them as much as the subsequent eye candy.  I guess I’ll find out when I review the stats for this

post since it’s heavy on prose and light on pics.  With that in mind, I should probably cease typing

my amateur novella and bring you the words of those much wiser, wittier and emboldened than I. 

   

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

  

  

- Career / Success -

  

  

“By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.”

- Benjamin Franklin

  

  

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes of your goals.”

- Henry Ford

 

 

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

- Jim Rohn

  

 

“Nothing bothers me more than people who suck up and scream down.”

- Katie Couric

 

 

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”

- Winston Churchill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Humor -

 

“Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.

- Jim Carrey

 

 

“Guilt, the gift that keeps on giving.”

- Erma Bombeck

 

 

“Great ideas often start on cocktail napkins.  Especially when you consider a large vodka martini a great idea.”

- Advertisement for The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas ; )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 - Love -

 

“If you press me to say why I loved him, I can say no more than because he was he, and I was I.

- Michel de Montaigne

 

 

“Love does not dominate; it cultivates.”

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 

 

“Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence.”

- H,L. Mencken 

 

 

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”

- Lao Tzu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Life & Wisdom -

  

“Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.”

- Samuel Taylor Coleridge

 

 

“Be polite to all, but intimate with few.”

- Thomas Jefferson

 

 

“Wise men make more opportunities than they find,”

- Francis Bacon

 

 

“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.”

- Lucille Ball

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Writing That Inspires -

 

My taste in writing is about as random as my taste in movies, music and art.  If there is a

common thread among the writers below, I don’t know what it is.  They’re just all so good!

 

 

 

 

 

Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre was the first book I read that made me sob aloud uncontrollably.

 

Edgar Allan Poe

I love a good fright and Poe knows how to build suspense and fear like no one else.

 

David Sedaris

Quite possibly the funniest !@%$#% person alive.  Just looking at the bookcover above makes me laugh. 

 

Malcolm Gladwell

I have devoured his first three books – The Tipping Point, Blink and Outliers – so What The Dog Saw is a must read.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And since we're on the subject of writing ...

Thank you to the following blogs for their recent accolades and mentions.

 

A Thoughtful Eye

 

Bijou and Boheme c/o Breakfast at Toast,

 

and Providence Ltd. Design

 

 

 

for the "Stylish Blogger Award".

 

  

 

Thrilled to be recognized by such talents!  Tricia xo

 

Branded

 

There is one question I receive more than any other from prospective clients, writers, editors, vendors and

the public-at-large.  “What’s Your Style?”  Simple enough I suppose.  After all, most designers and novice

decorators have a catch phrase … “edited elegance”, “shabby chic”, “retro glam”, etcetera.  The funny thing

is that despite having worked as an interior designer for fifteen years and having my own firm for five, I’ve never

been able to provide a nice neat answer to that all-important question.  I guess I found it difficult to sum up all

of my professional passions and aspirations into a few choice words.  And perhaps subconsciously I realized

that I needed to soak up as much as I could from the talented pool of designers, architects and artisans around

me before attaching myself to a specific slogan.  Or maybe I’m just a knucklehead.  Whatever the reason, in this

era of branding, I think it’s time to find a trademark for TRICIA HUNTLEY INC. and certainly for HUNTLEY & CO.

I believe I have a contender, so I’m hoping the Luxe & Lucid audience will help me with my decision.  Based on

the cues below, let me know if I’m on target.  I welcome comments and suggestions from my clever readers.

 

 

 

 

 

- Influential Designers -

 

 

  

 

Sills Huniford (now parted), Jeffrey Bilhuber & Solis Betancourt (top to bottom),

Three stellar firms that deliver genius with every project.  Of course, I may be a little partial to SB

since it is headed by my former bosses who happen to be the nicest, most gracious men on earth.

 

 

 

 

- The Glamour Found in Nature -

 

       

     

I love me a manicured hedge and a nice hunk of rock.

Jacques Garcia temple photo c/o World of Interiors

 

 

 

 

- Gorgeous, Dramatic Art -

 

 

 

 

   

 

  

 

 John Singer Sargent, Elliott Puckette, Francisco Goya & Giacometti (top to bottom).

 

 

 

 

- Sexy, Laid-Back, All-American Fashion -

 

 

Tory Burch, Gwyneth Paltrow and one of my favorite looks -  skinny jeans, flats and a [faux] fur coat. 

 

  

 

 

 

- My Collected Thoughts-

 

 

 

 

 

This scrapbook is a collection of images I have pulled because they are beautiful

and inspiring, regardless of context.  I started this “stream of consciousness” project

to help me with the idea of branding and to jump start the design for my own house.

 

 

 

 

 

 

- My Own Work -

 

 

 

Whether I’m working on a modern apartment or sprawling traditional home, there are always

three elements key to my interiors; they need to be beautiful, original and unpretentious.  Not 

only do I want them to reflect the spirit and lifestyle of my clients, but I want them to be livable.

 

  

  

  

  

 

  

  So taking all of the above into consideration, I think the best way to describe my style is …

 

 

 

 

“NATURAL GLAMOUR”

 

 

 

 

  Wacha’ think?  Tricia xo

 

 

 

* Refer to blog posts Designer DNA and Wuzzup?

as well as the Huntley & Co. website for more info.

  

 

 

 

Spring Greens

  

Is there any other color on your mind this time of year besides green?  

Trees are budding, the grass is coming back and we’ve just celebrated St. Patrick’s Day.

It feels like we’ve turned a corner and everyone is in higher spirits, so let’s rejoice in the one

hue that delivers a boost of happiness just when we need it most.  Kelly, chartreuse, lime or

sage – whatever the shade – you are sure to find glorious greens all around you this spring.

 

 

 

 

- nature / exteriors -

“Green” buildings Ann Demeulemeester in Seoul and the Caixa Forum in Madrid.  

Spanish copper wall image c/o My Life My Vibe.

Porch by Boxwood Home & Interiors.

Iguana photo c/o Trek Nature.

 

 

 

 

 

 - interiors -

 

Interiors by Sills Huniford, Geoffrey Bradfield, Steven Gambrel and Jeffrey Bilhuber.

 

 

 

 

 

- art -

 

Art by David Drebin, Salvador Dali, John Singer Sargent,  

Thomas Wilmer Dewing, Modern House Art,

Robert Motherwell and Brad Bannister.

 

 

 

 

 

- textiles & finishes -

Samples from the Huntley & Co. library.

 

 

 

 

 

- fashion & beauty -

Shoes by Lanvin.  

Clutch and cuff available through Vivre.

Gucci and Costume National runway photos.

 

 

 

 

 

- tricia ; )  -

 

 

Happy spring!

 

Tricia xo  

  

 

 

 

 

Color and Light at the Corcoran

  

I fell in love last weekend … with an exhibition.  The Washington Color and Light exhibit currently

on display at the Corcoran Gallery of Art is – in the true sense of the word – awesome.  The show

features major works from Washington Color School artists such as Gene Davis and Thomas Downing

as well as from their contemporaries.  Not only is it an impressive collection, but there is a sense of

magic to its arrangement.  Thoughtful consideration was given to grouping of works and gallery-to-gallery

views creating an environment that is scintillating and inspiring.  Even the adjacent spaces and the works

therein complement Color and Light beautifully – making a tour of the second floor in toto dynamic, fluid

and certainly memorable.  I’ll be back for a second survey when the Corcoran reopens the show in June. 

But not to worry, you can still catch this must-see exhibit now as it runs through March 6.

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

The entrance to The Corcoran Gallery of Art on 17th Street

across from the south lawn of the White House.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you walk up the main stair, you are greeted by a Daniel Chester French sculpture.

The sculptor’s most famous work is of a seated Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the Corcoran’s rotunda is a piece from contemporary artist Spencer Finch’s exhibit,

My Business with the Cloud.  As the inaugural show for the Corcoran’s NOW series, Finch’s

work reflects on and responds to Washington and its history via a modern, abstract method.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Suite Substitute, 1968 (fabricated 1982)

Bruce Nauman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first gallery and intro to the show includes three giants of modern art:

Willem de Kooning, Richard Diebenkorn and Cy Twombly (top to bottom).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A perfect grouping and sublime sight lines in the second gallery.

I love the work of Robert Mangold, Gene Davis and Ellsworth Kelly.

 

 

 

 

 

Mao, 1973

Andy Warhol

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deceit Filter, 1994

Jim Sanborn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flyer, 1986 by Sean Scully - I placed two lithographs

by this artist in a client's apartment in Georgetown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morris Louis’ 2-69 illustrates his “soak and stain” method of painting

in which he would pour quick-dry acrylic down an unprimed canvas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I shot around 40 photos while viewing the exhibit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homage to the Square: “Yes”, 1956

Josef Albers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pink Alert, 1966 by Jules Olitski as seen up close and from across the colonnade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A room dedicated to the work of Gene Davis including what may arguably

 be Davis’ and the show’s magnum opus – Junkie’s Curtain, 1967.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       

Interestingly, my two favorite pieces in the exhibition were paintings by Davis, but

not prototypical of his best known work.  The two paintings above caught my attention

with their movement and dramatic color.  Complex yet subtle, kinetic yet elegant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Information regarding upcoming exhibits, workshops and lectures

is available at www.corcoran.org/collections/all-events.

 

Tricia xo

Dangerous Beauty

  

I used this term two weeks ago when describing a C. Jeré nailhead sculpture. 

It came to mind last night while viewing the current exhibit at Hemphill Fine Arts in

DC.  Julie Wolfe’s work includes paintings, prints and sculptures.  And her name suits  

her work - it’s often a juxtaposition of loveliness and peril.  Creative tension is a concept

that I always find intriguing in art and design.  Beauty is so much more interesting when its

twisted on its head; you really see it up against something dark.  Ms. Wolfe's work incorporates

colorful, organic images alongside macabre symbols of death and violence. The contrast enlivens

the sweet and exuberant while crystallizing the dark yet inevitable.  A metaphorical viewpoint for

life itself.  See Hemphill’s press release below for more on this dynamic, enigmatic artist.

  

Julie Wolfe

Who conquers whom in the battle between life and death?

The juxtaposition of flourishing life with lurking death in Julie

Wolfe's artwork addresses the artist's preoccupation with

corruptive elements that challenge the strength of nature.

Wolfe's imagery reveals the interconnectedness of life and

death, demonstrating their unavoidable coexistence.  However

powerful, these formidable renderings are intentionally covert.

Not only does Wolfe subtly incorporate sinister creatures and

violent symbols, but she succeeds in making them beautiful.  Her

artwork parallels the intersections between beauty and violence

that exist within and across cultures. Through her artwork, Wolfe

blurs the lines between good and evil, tranquility and violence

 and decay and regeneration, portraying these forces as less

antagonistic and more interconnected than their definitions suggest.

 

 

 

 

 

  

La Frontera, 2010
multiple-color silkscreen on Arches paper with glass beads

30 1/4” x 30 1/4”

  

 

 

 

 

  

Chippy, 2010
oil, graphite, glass shards and sterling silver on wood panel

 30 x 30

 

 

 

 

 

  

Foraging Series II, 2010
oil, graphite, and glass shards on canvas
72" x 60"

 

 

 

 

 

TAR, 2010
glass enamel on copper, encaustic, wood and oil on wood panel
24" x 24"

 

 

 

 

 

  

This vignette of four Wolfe pieces was incredible:

  

Ambigram IV and Ambigram V, 2010
mixed media on glass

9 3/8” x 7”

  

The Wind Cries Mary, 2010
knuckle ring on sterling silver and alabaster stand

18K yellow gold, sterling sliver, opals and yellow sapphires

  

Skull & Sword, 2010
bronze skull set with garnets

18K yellow gold hammered chain

 18K yellow gold eucalyptus pod

sword in 18K gold, sterling silver, set with opal

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m wearing a Wolfe Knuckle Ring as necklace today.

I think this may be my new favorite accessory.

  

  

  

 

 

  

 

Julie Wolfe’s exhibit will run through December 23.  It’s worth a stop.  George

Hemphill and his staff are a joy to work with whether you are new to the art world

or if you would like to add to an existing collection.  A Huntley & Co. favorite! 

 

Hemphill Fine Arts

1515 14th Street NW

Washington, DC 20005

202.234.5601

www.hemphillfinearts.com

 

* First 4 images provided by the artist/Hemphill.

 

 

 

 

Tricia xo