Thursday, October 29, 2009

The Women's Conference: Estrogen Anyone?



My client, David Phoenix, invited our entire office to the annual California Governor and First Lady’s Conference on Women, AKA The Women's Conference. 24,998 women, along with David & I, attended the nation’s premier forum for women. The mission of The Women’s Conference is to inspire, empower and educate women to be "Architects of Change" in their own lives and in the lives of others. The conference was jam-packed with events, workshops, and insightful speakers... lot's of "aha moments" a la Oprah. The lineup of speakers were amazing, but my favorite had to be Anthropologist, Jane Goodall. Known for her lifelong studies on the behavior of Chimps, she basically compared us to the species and INSISTED that we are very, very, very similar beings.

So to recap: I was practically the only man there, and I was being told that I was basically a Chimpanzee!

-S

The Women's Conference: Estrogen Anyone?



My client, David Phoenix, invited our entire office to the annual California Governor and First Lady’s Conference on Women, AKA The Women's Conference. 24,998 women, along with David & I, attended the nation’s premier forum for women. The mission of The Women’s Conference is to inspire, empower and educate women to be "Architects of Change" in their own lives and in the lives of others. The conference was jam-packed with events, workshops, and insightful speakers... lot's of "aha moments" a la Oprah. The lineup of speakers were amazing, but my favorite had to be Anthropologist, Jane Goodall. Known for her lifelong studies on the behavior of Chimps, she basically compared us to the species and INSISTED that we are very, very, very similar beings.

So to recap: I was practically the only man there, and I was being told that I was basically a Chimpanzee!

-S

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Umami: Burgs & Such



Natalie, my new found FF- foodie fiend, and I did lunch at Umami Burger a few days ago. You know, I'm not in the business of featuring eateries on my blog, but this burger was too tasty not to editorialize. The ambiance is satisfactory, the service is questionable, but the burger is the juiciest, tastiest concoction I have sinked my teeth into in awhile. I love a yummy burg, and so I'm paying it forward to you.

What's your favorite burger in LA? Do tell.

By the way, Natalie's food blog, Femme On Feast, features profiles on powerful females in the culinary world.

-S


By the way, What exactly is Umami?

Taking its name from Japanese, umami is a pleasant savoury taste imparted by glutamate, a type of amino acid, and ribonucleotides, including inosinate and guanylate, which occur naturally in many foods including meat, fish, vegetables and dairy products. As the taste of umami itself is subtle and blends well with other tastes to expand and round out flavours, most people don’t recognise umami when they encounter it, but it plays an important role making food taste delicious.

Umami: Burgs & Such



Natalie, my new found FF- foodie fiend, and I did lunch at Umami Burger a few days ago. You know, I'm not in the business of featuring eateries on my blog, but this burger was too tasty not to editorialize. The ambiance is satisfactory, the service is questionable, but the burger is the juiciest, tastiest concoction I have sinked my teeth into in awhile. I love a yummy burg, and so I'm paying it forward to you.

What's your favorite burger in LA? Do tell.

By the way, Natalie's food blog, Femme On Feast, features profiles on powerful females in the culinary world.

-S


By the way, What exactly is Umami?

Taking its name from Japanese, umami is a pleasant savoury taste imparted by glutamate, a type of amino acid, and ribonucleotides, including inosinate and guanylate, which occur naturally in many foods including meat, fish, vegetables and dairy products. As the taste of umami itself is subtle and blends well with other tastes to expand and round out flavours, most people don’t recognise umami when they encounter it, but it plays an important role making food taste delicious.

David Phoenix: The Quintessential American Designer


So proud about the latest Decorati piece we worked on for our client, David Phoenix Interior Design. David Phoenix's work exemplifies a new breath in traditional design in an era where modern has, at times, over-saturated the editorial marketplace. What I love most about the Decorati profile piece is that it tells a great story about David's childhood, personal trials and tribulations, and ultimately his professional success as a designer.

Drawing upon the timeless design traditions of American aristocracy and the laid back luxury of the West Coast, David Phoenix’s projects are inspired by the rich, diverse landscapes of New England and California. As a native Bostonian living in Los Angeles, David Phoenix’s projects meld a dual design perspective resulting in spaces that are both relaxed and elegant for his elite clients. Known best at designing for the special concerns of our nation’s highest public officials, David Phoenix has decorated homes for the Kennedy family, former Mayor of Los Angeles Richard Riordan, and Governor Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver.

-S

David Phoenix: The Quintessential American Designer


So proud about the latest Decorati piece we worked on for our client, David Phoenix Interior Design. David Phoenix's work exemplifies a new breath in traditional design in an era where modern has, at times, over-saturated the editorial marketplace. What I love most about the Decorati profile piece is that it tells a great story about David's childhood, personal trials and tribulations, and ultimately his professional success as a designer.

Drawing upon the timeless design traditions of American aristocracy and the laid back luxury of the West Coast, David Phoenix’s projects are inspired by the rich, diverse landscapes of New England and California. As a native Bostonian living in Los Angeles, David Phoenix’s projects meld a dual design perspective resulting in spaces that are both relaxed and elegant for his elite clients. Known best at designing for the special concerns of our nation’s highest public officials, David Phoenix has decorated homes for the Kennedy family, former Mayor of Los Angeles Richard Riordan, and Governor Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver.

-S

Monday, October 26, 2009

MAGNI Spot on NBC's LX-TV


Check out my lovely client and friend, James Magni, on NBC's LX-TV. Magni, along with designers Laurie Haefele, Susan Wesley, and Michael Berman were featured to present their designs for the CASA California Showcase House in Shady Canyon, CA.

The Philharmonic Society of Orange County and California Homes Magazine have joined prestigious forces to present CASA California, a Design House of Distinction made by Finton Construction, and located in Shady Canyon. Top designers from Los Angeles and the O.C. pooled their design expertise to decorate this show house, and for a good cause: it all benefits the Philharmonic Society of Orange County Youth Music Programs. The House itself evokes the glamour and sophistication of Wallace Neff, while the exterior blends Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean and Mission styles.

Special thanks to Natalie Shirinian in our office for executing this piece!

MAGNI Spot on NBC's LX-TV


Check out my lovely client and friend, James Magni, on NBC's LX-TV. Magni, along with designers Laurie Haefele, Susan Wesley, and Michael Berman were featured to present their designs for the CASA California Showcase House in Shady Canyon, CA.

The Philharmonic Society of Orange County and California Homes Magazine have joined prestigious forces to present CASA California, a Design House of Distinction made by Finton Construction, and located in Shady Canyon. Top designers from Los Angeles and the O.C. pooled their design expertise to decorate this show house, and for a good cause: it all benefits the Philharmonic Society of Orange County Youth Music Programs. The House itself evokes the glamour and sophistication of Wallace Neff, while the exterior blends Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean and Mission styles.

Special thanks to Natalie Shirinian in our office for executing this piece!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Jenny Holzer Makes a Statement


In the late 1970's, Jenny Holzer began creating her first ‘truisms’ in a first stage as a series of one-liners on posters pasted anonymously around NYC. Later she did installations with electronic LED displays that are attentive to architecture, monuments and memorials; and since 1996, large-scale xenon projections of text on buildings and landscape. Holzer is famous for her short statements and phrases on random subjects in the form of slogans.

Her medium is writing, and the public dimension is integral to the delivery of her work. Her practice has rivaled ignorance and violence with humor, kindness, and moral courage. Often Holzer's work presents both explicit content and minimalist aesthetics that make profound statements about the world of advertising and consumer society today.

-S

Jenny Holzer Makes a Statement


In the late 1970's, Jenny Holzer began creating her first ‘truisms’ in a first stage as a series of one-liners on posters pasted anonymously around NYC. Later she did installations with electronic LED displays that are attentive to architecture, monuments and memorials; and since 1996, large-scale xenon projections of text on buildings and landscape. Holzer is famous for her short statements and phrases on random subjects in the form of slogans.

Her medium is writing, and the public dimension is integral to the delivery of her work. Her practice has rivaled ignorance and violence with humor, kindness, and moral courage. Often Holzer's work presents both explicit content and minimalist aesthetics that make profound statements about the world of advertising and consumer society today.

-S

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Josef Schulz: Insignificant Buildings




If you're a fan of Todd Eberle's work, than you'll love Josef Schulz. Schulz is an architectural photographer of industrial buildings, modern warehouses and factories. What makes his photography different than that of Eberle is that his objects are not important architecture landmarks. Instead, Schulz makes the insignificant pre-fab building, shed, factory or warehouse become more remarkable, valuable and relevant with his lens.

Mass-production never looked so good!

-S

Josef Schulz: Insignificant Buildings




If you're a fan of Todd Eberle's work, than you'll love Josef Schulz. Schulz is an architectural photographer of industrial buildings, modern warehouses and factories. What makes his photography different than that of Eberle is that his objects are not important architecture landmarks. Instead, Schulz makes the insignificant pre-fab building, shed, factory or warehouse become more remarkable, valuable and relevant with his lens.

Mass-production never looked so good!

-S

Friday, October 16, 2009

The Mood I'm In: October 16th


..."since sliced bread." Just found out about Polyvore.com, and I'm in ecstasy over it. My new obsession in life is creating electronic mood boards. So much fun, and so handy if you're in the business of design.

The best part about creating a board is that every item is hyperlinked to the website it came from, making it commerce friendly and great for shopping online.

Amazing!

-S

The Mood I'm In: October 16th


..."since sliced bread." Just found out about Polyvore.com, and I'm in ecstasy over it. My new obsession in life is creating electronic mood boards. So much fun, and so handy if you're in the business of design.

The best part about creating a board is that every item is hyperlinked to the website it came from, making it commerce friendly and great for shopping online.

Amazing!

-S

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Fever Ray: "When I Grow Up"

When I Grow Up from Fever Ray on Vimeo.


"Intense and anxious, yet luminous." It doesn't get more avant garde than Fever Ray in music right now. One half of the influential electronic brother-sister duo, The Knife, Karin Dreijer Andersson returned in 2009 as a solo artist under the new name Fever Ray.

I was feeling the album from the get-go with songs like "Seven" & "Triangle Walks," but the video to "When I Grow Up," especially blew my mind. Plus, she does this post-apocalyptic Persian dance that I love! Totally dancing like that from now on!

-S

Fever Ray: "When I Grow Up"

When I Grow Up from Fever Ray on Vimeo.


"Intense and anxious, yet luminous." It doesn't get more avant garde than Fever Ray in music right now. One half of the influential electronic brother-sister duo, The Knife, Karin Dreijer Andersson returned in 2009 as a solo artist under the new name Fever Ray.

I was feeling the album from the get-go with songs like "Seven" & "Triangle Walks," but the video to "When I Grow Up," especially blew my mind. Plus, she does this post-apocalyptic Persian dance that I love! Totally dancing like that from now on!

-S

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Todd Williamson: Light & Sound


Todd Williamson is an abstract American painter shown internationally for his ability to establish a harmonious meeting of reality and imagination. His latest exhibition, "Blurring the Lines," is a personal favorite of mine. What I love about Todd's latest series of work is the emotional polarity that exists in every piece. The works are undeniably moody and powerful, and at the same time they somehow bring peace and calmness...like a question that's answered in a single work of art.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Todd to dig a little deeper about his work:

SY: I believe that artists are Sociologists. They have an innate ability of feeling where society is at and where it's going. Are there any particular shifts that you're feeling right now, and would you forecast for us?

TW: Artists always seem to have an innate ability to feel the pulse of the world. I think the entire world is in flux right now. We are all still getting our balance from the economic meltdown. I think this will have a huge effect on the art world as we recover.

SY: The first time I saw your work, I immediately felt a connection with the work of the Italian Artist Lucio Fontana, especially his "Concetti Spaziali" series where he puts slash marks on monochromatic canvases to create an actual dimension of space. How does the concept of space inspire you in your work?

TW: Big compliment! I love Lucio's work…he is a master! Space is vital, but for me it's more about balance within the space. To be successful the work has to have a balance to the eye. It must feel complete and it must be pleasing to my sense of structure. My work is really more about light and the use of it in the fields of color and the way they interplay together.

SY: Color affects mood. Is there an emotion that you are trying to evoke in your audience with your current color palettes?

TW: LOL, they change ever day and with every work! I have always been known for my reds and blues. Fitting huh, hot and cold. I am an Aquarius! Usually the venue that I am preparing a show for dictates my use of color. New York is bolder than Tokyo, LA is brighter than Naples.

SY: What is your artistic process? Are you regimented, or do you only pick up the brush after any provocations (love/sex/fight/eat/sound/memory)?

TW: I'm both. Anything can inspire me as well as an underlying feeling just to put paint to canvas. I don’t paint well when I’m not happy and it shows.

SY: Professionally or in the everyday, what are you excited about?

TW: I'm starting a new group of Los Angeles artists. We are going to create a group that works together, drinks together, supports each other, etc... It's something that is needed in LA and it's time has come. I know more artists in Europe than I do in LA...

SY: Your paintings are divided with several horizontal lines like the staffs from a sheet of music, and there's a vibrational feeling like that of sound waves in your brush stokes. Is it safe to say that music fuels your work?

TW: Yes I was a voice major in undergrad. I graduated from a small private university (Belmont) with a very important music department. I did a show at the university in January. Music is always playing as I work. The titles of my work come from whatever catches my attention within a song lyric. Alternative rock and country are my main things.

Todd Williamson: Light & Sound


Todd Williamson is an abstract American painter shown internationally for his ability to establish a harmonious meeting of reality and imagination. His latest exhibition, "Blurring the Lines," is a personal favorite of mine. What I love about Todd's latest series of work is the emotional polarity that exists in every piece. The works are undeniably moody and powerful, and at the same time they somehow bring peace and calmness...like a question that's answered in a single work of art.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Todd to dig a little deeper about his work:

SY: I believe that artists are Sociologists. They have an innate ability of feeling where society is at and where it's going. Are there any particular shifts that you're feeling right now, and would you forecast for us?

TW: Artists always seem to have an innate ability to feel the pulse of the world. I think the entire world is in flux right now. We are all still getting our balance from the economic meltdown. I think this will have a huge effect on the art world as we recover.

SY: The first time I saw your work, I immediately felt a connection with the work of the Italian Artist Lucio Fontana, especially his "Concetti Spaziali" series where he puts slash marks on monochromatic canvases to create an actual dimension of space. How does the concept of space inspire you in your work?

TW: Big compliment! I love Lucio's work…he is a master! Space is vital, but for me it's more about balance within the space. To be successful the work has to have a balance to the eye. It must feel complete and it must be pleasing to my sense of structure. My work is really more about light and the use of it in the fields of color and the way they interplay together.

SY: Color affects mood. Is there an emotion that you are trying to evoke in your audience with your current color palettes?

TW: LOL, they change ever day and with every work! I have always been known for my reds and blues. Fitting huh, hot and cold. I am an Aquarius! Usually the venue that I am preparing a show for dictates my use of color. New York is bolder than Tokyo, LA is brighter than Naples.

SY: What is your artistic process? Are you regimented, or do you only pick up the brush after any provocations (love/sex/fight/eat/sound/memory)?

TW: I'm both. Anything can inspire me as well as an underlying feeling just to put paint to canvas. I don’t paint well when I’m not happy and it shows.

SY: Professionally or in the everyday, what are you excited about?

TW: I'm starting a new group of Los Angeles artists. We are going to create a group that works together, drinks together, supports each other, etc... It's something that is needed in LA and it's time has come. I know more artists in Europe than I do in LA...

SY: Your paintings are divided with several horizontal lines like the staffs from a sheet of music, and there's a vibrational feeling like that of sound waves in your brush stokes. Is it safe to say that music fuels your work?

TW: Yes I was a voice major in undergrad. I graduated from a small private university (Belmont) with a very important music department. I did a show at the university in January. Music is always playing as I work. The titles of my work come from whatever catches my attention within a song lyric. Alternative rock and country are my main things.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Design In 70's Danish Porn




Design inspiration can come from varying sources... books, films, music, art, a feeling, daily life, the past, and even in snapshots from 70's Danish porn. I stumbled upon a clever blogger that has compiled a collage of stills from 70's pornography, and I have to say that mid-century design never looked so suggestive.

Design In 70's Danish Porn

-S

Design In 70's Danish Porn




Design inspiration can come from varying sources... books, films, music, art, a feeling, daily life, the past, and even in snapshots from 70's Danish porn. I stumbled upon a clever blogger that has compiled a collage of stills from 70's pornography, and I have to say that mid-century design never looked so suggestive.

Design In 70's Danish Porn

-S

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Reading Rainbow


This year marks the City of West Hollywood 25th year of cityhood. Since the City’s incorporation in 1984, West Hollywood has established itself as one of the most progressive and innovative cities in the country. In celebration of this landmark, the city has embarked upon a new capital improvement project to develop world-class public facilities, parks and open space, asserting the city's dynamic legacy.

Projects are already underway, and specifically, the development of the new West Hollywood Library on San Vicente (across from the PDC) has really started taking shape. The forthcoming MDA Johnson Favaro-designed library will be a 43,000 square foot, three-story project, that will house the library, sidewalk cafe, public meeting rooms, and circuit party convention rooms (just kidding.) It's scheduled to be finished in 2012.

"The design’s square volume and white, smooth facade of cured limestone plaster may evoke Le Corbusier’s masterpiece, but undulations in the lustrous surface will imbue it with lightness and movement, making it tranquil rather than monolithic." (via la.curbed)

Highlight of the Library: Extensive LGBT Collection; International Languages Collection; Decorative Arts and Design area; a vast collection of large-print materials for Seniors and people who are visually-impaired and a West Hollywood Room which will feature archival materials showcasing the City’s history. Not to mention, the new Library is designed to achieve LEED certification to be a certified "Green Building.”

Next time you're gonna get your Abbey on, look out for all the exciting changes in West Hollywood!

-S

... OMG, I can only imagine what the opening party's gonna be like.

Reading Rainbow


This year marks the City of West Hollywood 25th year of cityhood. Since the City’s incorporation in 1984, West Hollywood has established itself as one of the most progressive and innovative cities in the country. In celebration of this landmark, the city has embarked upon a new capital improvement project to develop world-class public facilities, parks and open space, asserting the city's dynamic legacy.

Projects are already underway, and specifically, the development of the new West Hollywood Library on San Vicente (across from the PDC) has really started taking shape. The forthcoming MDA Johnson Favaro-designed library will be a 43,000 square foot, three-story project, that will house the library, sidewalk cafe, public meeting rooms, and circuit party convention rooms (just kidding.) It's scheduled to be finished in 2012.

"The design’s square volume and white, smooth facade of cured limestone plaster may evoke Le Corbusier’s masterpiece, but undulations in the lustrous surface will imbue it with lightness and movement, making it tranquil rather than monolithic." (via la.curbed)

Highlight of the Library: Extensive LGBT Collection; International Languages Collection; Decorative Arts and Design area; a vast collection of large-print materials for Seniors and people who are visually-impaired and a West Hollywood Room which will feature archival materials showcasing the City’s history. Not to mention, the new Library is designed to achieve LEED certification to be a certified "Green Building.”

Next time you're gonna get your Abbey on, look out for all the exciting changes in West Hollywood!

-S

... OMG, I can only imagine what the opening party's gonna be like.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Variety Show @ The Open Doors





Once a week or so, I'll usually stroll on over to Mel & Rose for lunch. On my very unL.A. meander to pick up my order, I'm always impressed by the store, The Open Doors. Located at 8257 Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood proper, Jeff (the owner) describes his shop as "a fun collective of frisky antiques, originals and unique gifts...vintage and antique furniture and furnishings." As a vintage and antique dealer in the game for over 25 years (you may remember his namesake store on La Brea some years back,) Jeff considers himself one of the last "generalists" in a marketplace filled with specialty designer showrooms. From serious pieces to obscure finds, Jeff has cross-pollinated it all to create a wild shopping experience.

My favorite pieces in the place are the blue deco chairs (pictured above.) Runner up, the Warhol homage silkscreen, circa late 70's from Neiman's home store.

The place is totally casual, and Jeff's super nice. Tell'm Sean sent you!

-S

Variety Show @ The Open Doors





Once a week or so, I'll usually stroll on over to Mel & Rose for lunch. On my very unL.A. meander to pick up my order, I'm always impressed by the store, The Open Doors. Located at 8257 Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood proper, Jeff (the owner) describes his shop as "a fun collective of frisky antiques, originals and unique gifts...vintage and antique furniture and furnishings." As a vintage and antique dealer in the game for over 25 years (you may remember his namesake store on La Brea some years back,) Jeff considers himself one of the last "generalists" in a marketplace filled with specialty designer showrooms. From serious pieces to obscure finds, Jeff has cross-pollinated it all to create a wild shopping experience.

My favorite pieces in the place are the blue deco chairs (pictured above.) Runner up, the Warhol homage silkscreen, circa late 70's from Neiman's home store.

The place is totally casual, and Jeff's super nice. Tell'm Sean sent you!

-S

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Cork It Baby


When former Christian Dior designer Gilles Neveu and Vladimir Fabert first got together, they had an idea for a "unique retail concept," AKA absurd purchases of the uber rich. The Jewel Case for Champagne Cork is no exception.

"Designed to keep the cork of the first bottle of champagne opened to celebrate new arrivals," the Jewel Case is said to be the perfect gift for a christening. Personally, I think it's a great gift for any occasion worth remembering, especially since it can be personalized with engraving.

Only 420 Euros ($610) ...and they say it's a down market.

-S

Cork It Baby


When former Christian Dior designer Gilles Neveu and Vladimir Fabert first got together, they had an idea for a "unique retail concept," AKA absurd purchases of the uber rich. The Jewel Case for Champagne Cork is no exception.

"Designed to keep the cork of the first bottle of champagne opened to celebrate new arrivals," the Jewel Case is said to be the perfect gift for a christening. Personally, I think it's a great gift for any occasion worth remembering, especially since it can be personalized with engraving.

Only 420 Euros ($610) ...and they say it's a down market.

-S