new? year

What was your new years resolution? Mine was to master the art of simplicity - to pull things back a bit and take a harder look at the bigger picture with the aim of Alice-ing myself right through that looking glass into a more relevant place.

It's ironic then, that I stumbled on the name of the artist of some incredible vehicle paintings, whose aesetic seems to lie firmly in enhancing anarchy in the world. Kevin Cyr seems to stand against the "culture in which people are easily lured by the appeal of status-enhancing symbols", instead finding relevance and beauty in the trashy urban around his NYC abode. His focus in taking vehicles from their original and everyday context to give them them portrait status, while capturing the imperfections perfectly is simply gorgeous.

If you're in Canada, check out Cyr at Show&Tell Gallery
ATROPHIC EXISTENCE
December 11, 2010 – January 10, 2011.
Show&Tell Gallery, 1161 Dundas St. W, Toronto, ON, CANADA

am Ritual

Wake up. Wide eyed. Look around. Close eyes. Open eyes. Look around. Think. Wardrobe. Close eyes. Stylist Andrea Liebrerman's A.L.C line takes dressing to a whole new level. Simple.

The breathtaking collection was developed for the girl that loves Alaïa, and pieces together modern design and polished detail in an undemanding and simply put-together way. It's about basics that are designed and cut in the best fabrics and in a traditional artisan style - a throw back likely because of Lieberman's history that started with a Fashion degree from Parsons, NYC.

A smattering of sex appeal in the Resort 2011 collection, mixed up with the simple colour palette keeps it fresh and functional. Effortlessly chic and easy, I think this is what a wardrobe should look like.

Suno to the loo my darling

Subtlety. Not one of my favourite words. And not really a word referenced by Suno (242 West 38th Street, New York, NY 10018-5804, United States, P: (212) 354-1534) either. Founded in 2008, Suno designer is part screenwriter too, and Mr Max Osterweis loves a smash up riot of colour and print.

Original printed pieces lend themselves to their fabrics beautiful storied provinces - vintage "kangas" or sarong-like printed cotton, traditionally worn in Africa. Deeper still is a political context, but the exterior sentiment is what draws you in.

FOUND

I spent two years looking at my life from the other side of a looking glass. I spent two years looking at my life from the centre of a tornado. I have spent the last 2 months looking at my life from the smooth, calm waters of sense of self. It feels like its time to hold onto it, more so than ever before. It's an amazing feeling when your life is pretty close to perfect. It's like beechwood. Which reminds me of pen pencil stencil's gorgeous scrap wood toys. Or Muji Toys In a Bag. These beautiful wooden figures for grown ups have the worth to become special mementos for someone else. Like Mo and her stunning NY and London gift from her architect Dad.

Forest of Wood from Pen Pencil Stencil

Muji New York City in a Bag Muji Paris City in a Bag Muji London City in a Bag Muji Tokyo City in a Bag

Trove of sorts

Maybe a misplaced break from blogwritting that is as good as a holiday... of sorts? Found these incredible wallpapers in an email today from NY-based design duo Trove. Available in Australia through The Selvedge Group, I love the way that the print is almost water or wax marked on the paper - and the prints make you feel like you are floating just below the surface, looking up, and catching hazy glimpses of the world working its magic above you. I also love that you can get some of these prints on wood veneers, in seriously beautiful tones.

NY Colder

Its definitely been one of "THOSE" days. I hate being negative, but this could almost be rendered one of "THOSE" weeks actually.
Feel like everything I touch is crumbling and like it needs a bit of the Midas touch to get things right.

Alternatively incredible frozen dairy goods could do it - like Popbar hand-crafted gelato on a stick (5 Carmine St. (@ 6th Ave.), New York, NY 10014, Tel. 212 255 4874).

Made with all natural ingredients, the gelato is blended using gorgeous fresh fruit, the very best dairy and flavours and a tiny amount of fresh Italian ingredients. Traditional but with a modern touch - the icy delight is served stick side up - which, lets face it makes it stacks easier to eat. And oh, I would love some of that lovely goodness right now!

Popbar, New York
5 Carmine St. (@ 6th Ave.)
New York, NY 10014, Tel. 212 255 4874

Premium Pistachio

Premium VanillaCream Premium with Hazelnuts

event: Shepard Fairey's "May Day"

Even if you’re unfamiliar with the name Shepard Fairey, chances are, you’ll be familiar with his work. A contemporary artist/graphic designer/illustrator, Fairey is the man behind Barack Obama “HOPE” poster which is synonymous with the 2008 Presidential campaign and the basis for a million spin offs post its mass media publication. Fairey's stylized stencil style is unmistakable and as Australia becomes more aware, and opened eyed and engaged with contemporary artists, the frequency to see this mans work is growing also.

If you happen to live in New York, I strongly suggest that you jump on the “May Day” train – a solo Fairey exhibition filled with new works at Deitch Projects (18 Wooster St, New York, NY 10013, p: 212.343.7300 e: info@deitch.com). Nameed not only for the shows opening date, the title aims to also capture the spirit of the show, exemplified by the multiple meanings of “May Day” – a labor day, a day of political demonstration, a distress single and a vein of revolution.

The exhibition includes portraits of Faireys most admired artists, musicians, political activists and radicals – those that started on the fringe of modern culture and managed to change the mainstream. It seems like this has come at just the right time.

MAY DAY 2010: Solo Exhibition featuring new works by Shepard Fairey
Deitch Projects (18 Wooster St, New York, NY 10013, p: 212.343.7300 e: info@deitch.com)
May 01, 2010 — May 29, 2010 (Opening Reception on May 1st, 6-9pm)

Aromatic

God today is about hydration - so sleepy from the weekend. Think I want some time in with (MALIN+GOETZ) a family owned and operated apothecary in New York's Chelsea. Launched in 2004 the company's focus and 2-step-balancing system, concentrates on head-to-tow pH balance, and the key to being so amazing is their unbelievable "hydration science". Oil and residue-free cleansers and moisturisers that incorporate botanical extracts results in formulas are simple both on the skin and in ingredients

Sold at Mecca Cosmetica Australia, I think I want some of their Mojito Candles. Top notes of lime, rum, mint leaves, basil; middle notes of spearmint, Chinese mint; base notes of white musk... combined with a Wallpaper* magazine, the Marie Antoinette soundtrack (think Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Strokes, The Cure, Air, Phoenix and Bow Wow Wow's version of "I want Candy / Kevin Shields remix") PLUS gallons of water...THAT is a perfect night in

I wanna see a Gilby etchascetch...

Busy little bee researching for a special project at the moment, and stumbled on a gorgeous idea by an striking New Yorker.

Aiming to draw every single resident of New York, artist Jason Polan's style is simply complexed yet extremely elegant. It encompasses a type of intense and simple beauty - that doesn't rely on colour to reflect the subjects true self, and the artists sentiment.

If you're living in the city, email Polan, with the details of where and when you'll be for a duration of two minutes, what you'll be wearing (a bright yellow jacket is a good example of how to be obvious!), with 24hrs notice, and he'll do his best to make it so that you feature on his blog the same evening. (art@jasonpolan.com)

A beautiful idea for the front of a very personal card for home, or an invite to a special birthday or celebration, that is truly a raw example of you.

Hippy Hippy Shake

I’m so on colour at the moment it’s suffocating – feel like I’m uncocooning myself after 12mths of grey on grey and black and olive.

Something a little Gossip Girl / something a little Brooke Shields in Pretty Baby about these shots taken by LA based Fashion photographer Justin Coit*. The 70’s hippy flow, the jolting brights, the kohled eye. Translating this into an Australian summer vibe never looked so wonderful.

*Those familiar with the Nicole Richie / Sparrow to the world shoot for OK and Who would be all over Justin's fresh work.

Bursted

There is something about an explosion on canvas that makes you stand and consider. Loving these paintings from NYC based artist, Erika Somogyi. Based in brooklyn, Somogyi has shown a number of works in single and combined exhibitions across the US.