Les Jardin Chinois - A Study in Whimsy

Normally, when I think of the opening of a French vault my mind turns immediately to thoughts of vintage Bourdeaux and less than pleasant smelling cheeses. 

So it should come as no surprise that when Brunschwig & Fils opened their own vault, I brought a clothespin.  And an empty glass. 

To my surprise, neither received much use. 

In the creation of the newest of their collections, Brunschwig, known round the world for their extravagant designs and saturated colors, chose to reinterpret patterns from their own archives, mixing with highly defined Chinoserie elements for dramatic exuberance. 

Together, the varied prints of Les Jardin Chinois range from Zhen Velvet, an 18^th century design woven into a cut velvet, Jasper Garden, interpreted from an 1850 Jean Baptiste Pillement engraving, and Les Touches, a stylized print first introduced in 1965.  My personal favorites are Shishi with an emblematic Chinese dragon picked out in sharp jewel tones, and Alto Velvet, based on a carpet found in the personal belongings of Kubla Kahn. 

Together the collection combines saturated hues with well-executed embroidery and textural detailing in a flight of whimsy and fantasy, bringing to life a style that continues to captivate its audience.

No clothespin needed.

Le Jardin Chinois Collection | Brunschwig & Fils | Available through the Trade
www.Brunschwig.com

 D’Scoop was not compensated for this post.  All photos Copyright DCoopMedia and may not be used without express written permission.

Sometimes It Makes More Sense to Sit....

Often times men are subjected to the many many ways in which we're luckier than women.

Clothing Options.  Getting ready for ... well... anything.  Not getting prego.

And I couldn't agree more.  You gals do get the short end of that stick.

But as men, we're confronted with a particularly daunting decision when entering public facilities to ... um ... take care of business.  During certain situations it is a heads or tails type of thing.  And, even worse, there is a sort of man code when it comes to using any of said equipment.  There are RULES that MUST be followed at all costs. 

Even if it means wetting oneself to keep order. 

But then... while trolling the floors of the Architectural Digest Home Design Show... I saw this.

Decision made.

So ladies, next time you tell us that we're lucky because we "can stand", just remember that you won't potentially be confronted by a Venus Fly Trap on your next visit to the restroom.

OK... enough potty jokes.  Get back to work.

D'Scoop was not compensated for this post.  Image courtesy the artist who shall remain unnamed since this isn't exactly the post they're going to use as a testimonial.

A New Kitchen Essential - The Blast Chiller

Trolling the floors of some of the best kitchen shows in the world, I find myself intrigued as to what makes the trickle from the world of food service into the residential kitchen. 

One can easily admit that there were two very big facets of the commercial kitchen that broke barriers and took the ordinary civilian kitchen by storm – stainless steel and the giant range.  Use of steam was yet another innovation once available only to white aproned chefs but now making headway in the residential marketplace.

While at IMM and the highly impressive Living Kitchen, I spotted yet another technology making a run on civilians – the Blast Chiller.  And then, I eyed it yet again nestled amidst the La Cornue display at this year’s Architectural Digest Home Show. 

Just what is a Blast Chiller?  This is not your ordinary freezer. Anyone who spends a great deal of time around food, especially food in the public sense, has had the idea of the Danger Zone drilled into their minds.  Perishable food products resting within the Danger Zone (41 and 135 degrees F) are highly susceptible to the growth of bacteria and those left for more than two hours shouldn’t be consumed.  The Blast Chiller quickly and efficiently (usually within 90 minutes) takes food through the range of temperatures within a generally safe environment – quicker than a standard refrigerator or freezer.

Additionally, typical freezing causes surface freezing (ever heard of freezer burn?) degrading its quality and, because blast chilling stops the deterioration that begins immediately after the cooking process is complete, the food product’s taste and attractiveness usually remain intact.  Dishes can be completed on a larger scale (think making a stew for a week’s worth of lunches) and stored for a longer period of time.  Products like vegetables can be prepped for meals later in the week without sacrificing vitamins or nutrients.  Paired with such technologies as steam ovens, quality and healthy meals can be prepared with minimal effort.

And all of this exists without wheeling a $16,000 piece of restaurant equipment into the kitchen.  Brands are quietly coming on board with smaller sized units prepped to fit into standard openings.  The Grand Cuisine Blast Chiller from Electrolux Professional (www.GrandCuisine.com) is billed as not only perfect for chilling but also perfect for creating granitas, sorbets and parfaits and boasts that it can blast chill 10 bottles of champagne in just 30 minutes.  The Freddy from Irinox (www.Irinox.com) is not only a clean unit that seamlessly blends with other well known appliance brands, but can also be used to bring frozen foods back to life, reheating them in the same enclosed environment.  

With other commercial brands like True, BevAir and U-Line making headways in the residential market, it won’t be long before we see more units enter the market.

I may just need a bigger kitchen after all.

 D’Scoop was not compensated for this post. All photos Copyright DCoopMedia unless otherwise noted and may not be used without permission.

Love at First Sight | Hive by Jamie Beckwith

There is nothing that, during a spin around a trade show floor, makes me stop faster than the sight of hard wood. 

Take that as you may.

The Architectural Digest Home Show in New York last week resulted in one of those stop on a dime kinda moments when I spotted Hive from Jamie Beckwith's Engima Collection.  Actually, tile is a bit of a misnomer since it is no where near what you'd expect from a tile product save for it being a consistent unit mounted on a wall as a decorative finish.   It's wood... a delightfully natural grained Tennessee Walnut to be exact. 

I know you're asking "Brandon, it's wood".  But listen, its solid UV finish means that it could easily become the feature wall in your future kitchen.

I might have had a moment.

Enigma | Jamie Beckwith Collection
www.JamieBeckwithCollection.com

D'Scoop was not compensated for this post.  All images copyright DCoopMedia and may not be used without permission.

The Four Appliances You Didn't Know You Needed

D’Scoop was at it again last week, adding more miles to our Delta SkyMiles account. 

We couldn’t resist…. Architectural Digest came calling and we, in our overly caffeinated state, quickly said yes, making the 3,000 mile jaunt east to spend a measly 42 hours ogling luxury goods at New York’s premier display of luxury products – the Architectural Digest Home Design Show.

The result?  Lust. Pure adulterated lust.

We blame the Italians.  They’ve mastered the art of desire.  Irinox is no stranger to Italian marketing tactics, packaging seemingly mindless tasks such as dispensing water and vacuum packing food products into sleek boxes of oh my God you know you want me sexiness. 

The benefits of vacuum packing are easily extolled – removing air from packaging to slow down the oxidation of food.  Think guacamole that stays green past day one or the proper storage of left over wine (an anomaly in and of itself… just sayin’).  But never before has it been packaged in something other than a wand you throw in the kitchen junk drawer.

The Zero is, quite simply put, what would result if Sophia Loren and Tupperware ever got together and impossibly produced a love child. 

Irinox Zero | www.IrinoxHome.com

As for the Miele Combi-Steam Oven, this is an appliance we’ve always knew we wanted.  We may or may not have been begging for one this past year and we believe Miele may or may not have been ignoring us.  And somehow they’ve managed to improve on perfection by rearranging interior components, giving this essential a disappearing act that would make even Houdini proud. 

Originally stored stage right, the Combi-Steam’s water reservoirs have been relocated above the cooking compartment, concealed by an electronically controlled panel.  The result?  A 40% increase in steaming capacity…. And 40% more of my love.

The Miele Combi-Steam could only get better if it made its own water. 

Miele Combi-Steam Oven | www.MieleUSA.com

Cooking with steam has become the greasy wheel of the appliance world.  It isn’t hard to talk up the benefits of using steam in the kitchen and we at D’Scoop certainly don’t disagree.  Let’s be honest – steam is Marcia.  But even Marcia had a sister.  Welcome Freddy, Irinox’s interpretation of the blast chiller.  The benefits of blast chilling are important – bringing the temperature of food to temperature levels where bacteria cannot thrive quicker and safer than traditional methods of cooling without losing essential nutrients or quality.

Where Freddy differs from other readily available blast chillers is that it incorporates thawing, proofing and slow cooking functions into it’s small box meaning that food quickly put to sleep can also slowly be brought back to life in the same environment. 

 Irinox Freddy | www.IrinoxHome.com

We’re not sure about you, but D’Scoop hankers in the middle of the night to toss a chicken in the oven and watch it roast.  Then again, our editors need to stop drinking so much.  This is quite possibly why the La Cornue Flamberge Rotisserie holds a special place on our wants Needs List.  Who needs a TV in your refrigerator door when you can watch a spit of duck slowly turn from pink to juicy caramel? 

La Cornue tells the story better than we, stating “The Flamberge is a magnetic attraction in any kitchen, immediately arousing a desire to use it”.  Anyone who’s been to a grocery store deli or a New York Halal cart can attest that guests love spinning meat.  You’ll never deep-fry a turkey again.

The local fire department will thank you.

 The Flamberge Rotisserie | www.LaCornue.com

So kids... are you addicted?  Which appliance did you not know you needed?

  D’Scoop was not compensated for this post.

All photos Copyright DCoopMedia and may not be used without express written permission.

I'm Not Ignoring you... I Swear....

It's Monday.

No, I'm not drinking

Yes, I should be drinking.

And let me tell you... it's crazy. 

I'm going to just leave you with a pretty, colorful picture while I go back to packing for Westweek tomorrow and then off to NYC on Wednesday for the Architectural Digest Home Show.

And next week?  Be prepared to be amazed!

Hogs and Quiches!

The Rocker Resurgence - Furniture in Motion

When it rains here in San Diego I can think nothing more of three things:

A Roaring Fire

A Bottle of Wine

Falling Asleep in a Rocking Chair

Nine times out of ten I get the fire.  I get the bottle of wine.  Then I fall asleep in a drunken stupor on the floor under my coffee table.  Long story.

So I might not fall asleep in a rocking chair.  Or even near a rocking chair for that matter.  But a boy can dream right?  Which is why we've scoured the world for the hottest and dreamiest rockers.  I believe we might have found some.  

Which ones are your favorite?

A}  Mademoiselle by Artek . B}  J.J. by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia
C}  Rocker by Race Furniture . D}  New Glouchester by Thos. Moser 
E}  V5 Rocker by Skram Furniture . F}  Basket by eDePadova
G}  Eames Molded Plastic Armchair by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller 
H}  Windsor by Katie Walker . I}  Sugar Rock by Dominique Houriet 
J}  Gray 09 by Gervasoni

Click on the photo to be taken to the manufacturer's websites

Addictions - The Classic Hood Ornament

I will admit to having many many addictions. 

Sadly, for most of them, there are absolutely no cures for my sort of addictions.

Take toilets, for example.  It's a passion of mine to find the toilets with the lowest flush flow rates on the market.  I can't help it.  Blame LEED. Or my addiction to lighting.... crap, there will never be a cure for my lighting addiction. Go figure.

Another?  There is probably only one other of my friends that understands, Lisa Smith over at The Decor Girl. I believe she may also be an addict as well.

Hood Ornaments.  The classic, sculpted hood ornaments of the 20's, 30's and 40's.  Mini works of art.  Beautiful spectacles perched atop the hoods and radiators of some of the most respected vehicles ever imagined. Once upon a time having not only a hood ornament but a specially commissioned sculpture meant you were SOMEBODY. You were special.

So few vehicle manufacturers use them anymore - the now extinct Maybach, Mercedes, Bentley, and one of my personal favorites, Rolls Royce.  And even they are reverting to smaller, flush mount emblems identifying their vehicles in a more discreet manner.

And then there was the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.  It was like dropping a crack dealer in front of a Narcotics Anonymous meeting. Must I say anything more?

Ah.... the Good Old Days....

1937 Bentley Speed Six HJ Mulliner Saloon
Forget the Flying B, this Bentley has one big C**k.

1925 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A S Corsica Boattail Speedster
Usually the Spirit of Triumphe, this Isotta carries a distinctive crane instead.

1923 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Barker Tourer
The Spirit of Ecstasy.  Enough Said.

1919 McFarlan Type 125 Touring
Even the most utilitarian of ornaments were embellished in some way.

Packard Roadster Runabout
The very special Adonis hood ornament adorned very few Packards.

All images copyright DCoopMedia and may not be used without permission.

Palm Springs Fine Art Fair - A Round-Up

The hardest part about art is quite simply in determining which of the ba-jillion pieces on the market today is meant for oneself.  That and determining where to hang large scale pieces on such small walls. 

Oh. And affording all of the amazing pieces you fall in love with.

This year's Palm Springs Fine Art Fair was no different and provided a number of opportunities to commit at least one of the seven deadly sins - envy. Two common thematic prevailed through the show - the element of surprise and interaction - both of which I quite thoroughly enjoyed. 

For your enjoyment, a round-up of some of my favorite pieces from this year's show.

Frolic Room, II | Dave Lefner
Represented by Skidmore Contemporary Art

What I'm digging about this piece, aside from its super 1960's vintage aesthetic is two things.  One, Lefner creates his photo-realistic pieces entirely from memory.  Two, he uses an unusual linocut process in which he actually removes layers from the block after he's applied each cut resulting in a complete destruction of the block by the time he's made the finished piece.  The result?  There are only eight and will only be eight of these super classic works.

Ipanema 2012 | William Betts
Represented by Jennifer Kostuik Gallery

Pointilism meets modern sensibilities in Betts' recent works.  Beginning with a standard, run-of-the-mill photograph, thousands of tiny, consistently sized holes are drilled into a plexiglass material which Betts hand fills with acrylic paint to finalize the image. The resulting work has a television screen like quality, something to which any person from my generation can relate.

After Van Eyck (Man in a Red Turban) | Devorah Sperber
Represented by the Bentley Gallery

Sperber's massive scale works, at first glance appear to be nothing more than a wall hanging of bobbins.  In this current fad of decorating with industrial and found objects you think nothing of it.  That is until your eye catches a glimpse through the crystal ball stage center.  Only then do the emptied-out contents of mother's sewing basket make complete sense as a barely 3" diameter image with striking detail comes to life.  I would, however, hate to lose that ball.

Jesus Cheeses, 2007 | Alejandro Diaz
Represented by Royale Projects : Contemporary Art

I  had to sneak this photo.  I've been on a rather interesting religious trend this year, having been to mass at the Dom in Cologne and having found Christ on a corner of the Koln high street.  It only makes sense that I'd fall for a blinking neon light that not only pokes a bit of fun at what might otherwise have been a terse subject but that also brings a commercial quality to the idea of religion en-masse.  It almost reminds me of the ideal that is urban architecture - multiple uses for the same lot.  Either way, it's the piece that is sending me straight to hell. 

Marc Sijan
Represented by Gerald Peters Gallery

This year's Palm Springs Fine Art Fair had one very distinct common thread - the element of surprise.  I believe there might have been some point where I'd turned the corner and asked one of Sijan's sculptures to stop blocking the fire exits.  This piece in particular reminds me of the proverbial train wreck - neither his perplexed meets "get out of my room, mom" look nor his upturned sexual "come hither" pose (at least to me) are aesthetically pleasing by today's standards but the mere thought of having caught him in the act of something taboo results in a continual ogle.  Short story: I might have just caught him making love to the only person who counts - himself. 

Somewhere | Russell West
Represented by Woolff Gallery

No, it is not the rainbow that attracted me to this piece.  It's not even the depth of the wire elements thickly coated in oil.  What reels it in for me is that West has made the process part of the art.  For many artists, the process, the "art of the creation", is taboo.  Never shown.  Who shows a photographer's dark room or a sculptor's chiselings (is that a word?) on the floor.  West makes no apologies with his progression - a finished piece, the materials, and even the mess.  Though not in the photo, the piece continues to the floor - with a chunk of his studio's floorboards included - to the detriment of his landlord.

Palm Springs Fine Art Fair | Palm Springs California
www.palmspringsfineartfair.com

All images copyright DCoopMedia and may not be used without permission.

Bon Anniversaire! Notre Dame's 850th Birthday

As we all should know, a true lady never shares her age.

And a true gentleman dares only to ask.

But let's put it this way, when you make it to the ripe old age of 850 years (or 5,950 dog years....) you are most certainly allowed to brag!

The first time I visited Notre Dame she was cloaked in scaffold and tarps, being treated to a very in-depth facelift.  Hey, when you reach her age you're allowed a little maintenance. And three years ago, I visited her again.  This time, over the Christmas holiday, she was standing tall and proud, no heels needed.

I can't wait to visit her again.

So join me in raising a glass to the one and only..... Salut!

Image copyright DCoopMedia and may not be used without permission.

Ships Ahoy! Airstream's Land Yacht Concept

For many years I've casually remarked that I can happily accept retirement after I've designed for three specific project types - a hotel, a jet, and a yacht.

I may need to add a new category – an Airstream.

Palm Springs Modernism Week saw the showing of Airstream’s Land Yacht Concept.  I’m going to stop you before you groan – this is not your normal “boat on two wheels”.  You know what I’m talking about – the typical white plastic camper with it’s not so pretty propane hob and thirteen beds.

I loathe them too. 

But Airstream, in an effort to counter the American sensibility, partnered with design studio Officinia Italiana Design, blending nautical functionality, modern Italian design, and the iconic Silver Bullet form in one spectacularly luxe mobile unit on wheels. 

This particular unit, Airstream and Technoform S.p.A. fitted their 28’ model, an unassuming silver “Twinkie”, with Corian countertops, LED lighting, inlaid teak flooring, and Ultraleather detailing.  I was impressed with Airstream’s use of nautical hardware and ambient, hidden lighting sources to mimic what has before only been available on high-end yachts and sailboats.  Dual uses for everything (the “magic mirror” in the bedroom conceals a second television) and the sailboat “use every inch available” mentality complete the home on wheels. And even though the concept has enough detailing to make an Italian scream molto buona, there are retro touches to remind you that Airstream continues to be the longest running recreational vehicle manufacturer on the road today.

Every great thing has it’s minor peeves – notably the suspended vent detail at the end of the curtain rods, that the outlets in the bedroom are far from the bedside tables, and that the pleated curtains do not continue into the side windows (they’re replaced with roller type shades that do nothing for blocking light) – but if the Land Yacht Concept is representative of what is to come in recreational vehicles, I might reconsider my thoughts on small spaces.

On the Road Again…..

Land Yacht Concept | Airstream
www.airstream.com

All photos courtesy of Airstream except [3] via DCoopMedia

enLocation - Palm Springs

Once a year a pilgrimage is made.  

Although it isn’t exactly the holy land, to a design geek like me, it’s a religious experience.  A bit of a mecca really.

Palm Springs is a religion where the temple is a 1950’s modernist gem of white stucco and animated concrete blocks with a pool that appears to continue for miles amidst the rocky sand and towering palm trees.

A religion where our chants are the croons of Frankie and Dean.

And every year, for one weekend we make the drive, the pilgrimage to the promise land and one takes communion in a bloody mary.  By the pool.  In one’s speedo.

Or lack there of.

Palm Springs.

Basically, I’m for anything that gets you through the night – be it a prayer, tranquilizers …. Or a bottle of Jack Daniels.
- Frank Sinatra

 Palm Springs | California

 Images copyright DCoopMedia and may not be reproduced without permission.

The Undecorate Movement - The IKEA Effect at its Finest?

The internet is an amazing wealth of entertainment. 

I once heard that if you looked hard enough you could find an “ism” to describe damned near any sort of “condition”.  Considering the Internet’s involvement in everything from music selection to medical diagnosis it is no surprise the number of “isms” that have been created in recent years.

Think of a phobia.  Find it’s Latin nomenclature.  Add “-ism” to the end. 

There you go.  You now have a new mental illness.  Then again, I don't personally need to make up any mental illnesses; my other personalities will tell you I have enough real ones.

If you didn’t already know that, you’re obviously not following me on Twitter.

Anyway, I was recently forwarded a link to an article on NPR (my favorite bunch of non-biased crazies!)(click here for original article) that addressed what I think may become my new favorite “ism”.  Designers, you’ll probably agree that this one is not only interesting but that its diagnosis can be an endless source of frustration during the design process.

The Ikea Effect. 

Granted, it isn’t an “ism” per say but it is pretty close to being a mental illness.  There is a rumor that the American Psychiatric Association is going to include it in their next guide to “Crazy Reasons People need Prozac”.  Don’t fact check me, but I believe that to be a real guide.  Just sayin’.

The whole idea behind The Ikea Effect, at least according to a marketing professor at Tulane University, is that because your self-assembled (albeit probably badly assembled) piece of flat pack mastery is a product of your very hands, the fruit of your …er…loins, you’re more apt to fall deeply, passionately in love with the result.

Crazy right?  But seriously, who HASN’T felt an attachment to a piece of *fill in the blank * that you put together yourself?  Admit it.  You know I’m right.

Needless to say, all of this flatpacked goodness got me thinking – could this be why the Undecorate Movement has become the current decorating fad en vogue?  Let me preface by saying that I’m all for taking the bull by the horns and going balls to the wall if you so choose – putting together your own design concept and making it a reality.  Really, I don’t mind. 

And once you take out the “bad for business” mentality that the Undecorate Movement carries within the design industry, you’re only left with one other problem.  It’s probably the biggest of the biggies, really.  And it revolves around the whole premise that because we have all of our own strengths and weaknesses, it’s probably best to admit when you, as some of my gay brethren have stated, “just weren’t born with that gene”.  What is it that makes people admit to killing plants (ie: don’t have a green thumb) quicker than a cat at the sound of the can opener, but deny to the nth degree that they couldn’t put together a color scheme to save their life as if the the 50's called asking for Commies and denial was equated to treason? 

Was that metaphor too long?  Too bad.

If you don’t already know, the premise behind the Undecorate Movement is that one doesn’t necessarily need to create the next cover of Architectural Digest to create a lovely living space.  That there is, as author Christiane Lemieux puts it, a “no rules-approach” to decorating that does not involve “stuffy, professionally designed décor”.  As much as I love Ms. Lemieux, the whole idea is flawed and lacking because, at least according to Merriam Webster, to decorate is to simply “furnish with something ornamental”.  Basically even the most undecorated of homes is still…you know where I’m going with this… decorated.

And more so, even the most apt of interior designers can put together a scheme that gives the guests of your home the impression that you just don’t care.  Yeah.  I said that too.

So what’s the problem and how does it all tie back into this idea of the Ikea Effect?  The answer is this: putting together a piece of furniture from a big box blue store with nothing more than a weird looking piece of hardware and a bottle of wine is no different than spending a weekend combing flea markets and home décor stores to put together a design aesthetic of your own.  Both are labors of love (most of the time) and are a product of your own hard work, sweat, and drunken tears. 

Both may not necessarily look good.  Both may not necessarily last generations.  And both may garner horrible looks and jarring comments from friends and family.  But both are truly a result of something that you’ve labored to put together.  In every essence of the word.  And in that, quite possibly a sense of accomplishment and self-worth (ever hear of self esteem?). 

Even if your living room now looks like it was decorated by a wild boar, a 3-year old, and the guys at Lowes.

Is this necessarily a bad thing?  

Photos are courtesy iStock.  I paid for their use so don't be a douche
and copy & paste.  K?

Daphne Hill - of Sex, STD's and a PSA

I feel pretty proud of the little cowpoke town we call San Diego.  In the past decade, we’ve managed to cultivate quite a respectable art scene.  Galleries and artist studios alike have popped up in  the various neighborhoods surrounding downtown. D’Scoop had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with one of San Diego’s awesome artists, Daphne Hill, to talk about sexual inspiration, STDs and her upcoming show, Member’s Only.  

D’Scoop – So Daphne. In my very sultry dating game voice …  tell us a little bit about yourself.  And please, leave in all of the juicy details or I may have to add them in myself.

Daphne – Well Brandon (as I flirt with the camera), my friend and painting partner, Anna Stump, and I have very similar profiles in many ways.  We’re both divorced mothers, we both teach, and we both have very naughty senses of humor.  We have our business, Naughty Blonde Redux where we make one of a kind buckles, costume jewelry and other naughty bits. 

Perhaps our most original creation is our cock-ring for girls.  We hand paint a tiny little rooster, set him in a ring with a sparkly background and seal that sweet little sucker in resin forever.  Boom!  A cock-ring you can comfortably wear all day and in plain view. 

We are also professional artists and show our work extensively.  In addition to our collaborative paintings currently on display at Ray Street Custom Framing in North Park (3807 Ray Street), we are preparing work for an upcoming show about male genetalia “Members Only”.  There are four artists participating in the show (Prudence Horne, Heidi Galeria, Anna Stump and myself).  The show opens February 23rd and is not to be missed – Lots of Penis everywhere!

D’Scoop – Now that’s quite a mouthful (Pun intended!).  I think that over the years that I’ve known you, my favorite of your pieces are the Sexually Transmitted Diseases.  I have to ask where these came about.  Hopefully not from experience.

Daphne – Good one!  Those little STD pieces were inspired by the sex talk I had years ago with my son who was 11 at the time.  I had been thinking about these antique silhouettes that my parents had given me.  They were very sentimental pieces – romantic couples in front of a mountain range or cherry blossoms.  I loved the look and knew I wanted to paint something similar but I wanted to give them more edge.

 Interestingly enough, it was actually a conversation with Ann that made me think about sex in the first place.  She stopped by to see my work during an open studio night and was telling me about some little erotic pieces she was making.  I  thought of the silhouettes, making the pieces more sexual and less sentimental.  When my son asked for the sex talk, I went on and on about how important it was to always wear a condom to prevent STDs.  That was it – silhouettes, sex, microscopic STDs.  That in 2007 and I’ve been making them ever since. 

I could say that the series is absolutely not based on personal experience but let’s  be honest – damn near everyone has had at least one STD in their life.  80% of sexually active people have had HPV (the virus that can cause genital warts, cervical and penile cancers) at some point, whether they knew it or now.

D’Scoop – I didn’t know I was going to get a PSA…Ha! Which makes me want to ask – when showing the various glossy resin pieces, do you notice people gravitating toward one or the other and then wonder?

Daphne – With the VD/STD pieces, I think people are attracted to the color, the figures in the foreground, and the slick surface.  I wanted to make them really seductive, to draw a crowd before they realize there is Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, or Syphilis lurking in the background.  I haven’t noticed them favoring one disease over another, although people sometimes ask my why I don’t make more pieces with HIV.  That was a tough one because most of the diseases I paint are curable (that’s why I paint a lot of penicillin, too) or in the case of Herpes, a nuisance you can learn to live with.

HIV is a touchier subject.  We all know or knew someone who has been affected by HIV.  It’s quite a bit more serious than a case of the crabs, you know?!  Still, with all of the research and the vaccine being developed, I may work with that virus more in the near future.  Like all of the viral and bacterial infections I paint, HIV is absolutely beautiful under a microscope.  It is somehow comforting for me to take a more clinical perspective on something that has caused so much pain and suffering, isolate it between layers or resin and just dress it up with lots of color, gloss and the sexual chemistry of the silhouetted lovers.

D’Scoop – As for the Member’s Only show, I’m all for lots of peni but the first thing I think of when I hear the term is Rosario from Will and Grace (Yes, I’m that gay).  Spill the beans on the title (and the show!)

Daphne - The Members Only show came about after Prudence, Anna and I saw an exhibition of work by Ryan McGinnes at Quint Gallery in La Jolla. That show really rubbed us the wrong way. We felt that Ryan's representations of women were wildly sexist, and we are all completely OK with the figure in work. We are not by any means an inhibited group of women. We also started getting worked up about the disproportionate number of male artists exhibited in galleries and museums as compared to female artists. Then we were just like, "Fuck it, let's just put together a show about dicks." The title, "Members Only", refers to the boys' club art scene (here in San Diego and pretty much everywhere), as well as the male member. By my estimation, there will be somewhere around 120-125 penises, penes, peni, dicks...call them what you will, they will be all over the walls. This gallery will be the most well hung gallery in San Diego - possibly the WORLD. It's really not to be missed.

Well I should probably let Daphne get back to sniffing resin fumes in her studio.

And seriously, if you’re in or around San Diego this February get your asses over to the Kettner Arts Building for Member’s Only.

Size Queens Welcome.

Member's Only
The Kettner Art Building, Studio 214
2400 Kettner Blvd., San Diego 92101

Images courtesy Daphne Hill

enLocation - Oakwood Creek | Julian

A Southern California oxymoron.  Snow.  In San Diego. 

A mountain town.  A cottage blanketed by a winter fall.  A moment of Oz.  We may not be in Kansas anymore. 

Tick tock, the ormolu clock.   Eastlake chairs lay in waiting whilst red crystal glasses and spoons of mother of pearl anticipate a visit.  Oakwood Creek, its rooms strewn with hints of vintage and spots of antique, a maze.  ‘Round frosted pumpkins and literarary masterpieces.  And Candles.  Bundles of Candles.  Gaggles of Candles. Architectural gatherings of candles.

A map may be useless in such a maze.  A twisted confluence of findings and discoveries.  It isn’t your imagination.  I promise.

“Pardon me, this way is a very nice way”

“Who Said That?”

“It’s pleasant down that way too.”

- The Wizard of Oz

 Oakwood Creek | Julian
2804 Washington . Julian . California
www.oakwoodcreekjulian.com

DCoopMedia was not compensated for this post.  All images copyright DCoopMedia and may not be used without permission.

The American Trade Show - Lessons on Existence

Hello.

My name is Brandon and I’m addicted to trade shows.

I admit it.  Looking back on the hook from which hang all of my badges and lanyards I had the realization that the seven trade showcases I thought I’d attended were actually ten.  Honestly, I thought I was doing pretty great.  These were some great shows and as a member of the press (snicker) I was getting treated like royalty.

Or so I thought.

See 2013 came around and afforded me the opportunity to attend one of the largest international interior design shows, IMM in Cologne.  And it blew my mind.  I just can’t look at an American trade show the same way.  Why?  Because Europe has us by the balls and they no intention of letting go.

Granted, it’s Europe.  Hello?  Winner.  Who doesn’t sit in their 6x6 grey cubicle and dream of jaunting off to Paris, London, or Berlin to see the best of the best in design? I certainly do.  Daily. It’s why “The Kitty” exists.  The reality is that there are so many lessons from which the trade show industry could learn.

Stop Calling it a Trade Show.  Semantics.  It’s a A Fair.  An Exhibition.  A Display.  The same goes for booths.  I hate the word booths. Sounds like I’m eating at a diner.

Encourage Attendees to Linger.  The US has an aversion to sitting a spell.  Let us take a load off inside and outside a display.  Huddle and lounge areas in the middle of the action.  A cold beverage in a real glass. No “Used Car Salesperson” talk-my-ear off antics.

The Mega Show.  IMM’s attendance numbers for 2013 were 142,000 attendees from 137 countries. Mind blowing.  It’s expensive to attend a show as an attendee and I’m certain it’s prohibitively so for exhibitors.  The Mega Show concept blends complementary industries in an effort to garner cross-pollination, provide a wider audience, and generate a greater participation by attendees with smaller travel budgets.  Not to mention, it becomes a true destination event.  Kudos to the KBIS team for realizing this in time for their 2014 showcase.

The Bi-Annual. IMM has Living Kitchen.  iSalone has Eurocucine. Every other year, both are major kitchen exhibitions that provide for a superior response from manufacturers in terms of introduction of innovation and product development.  It’s a conceptual model that industry segment specific fairs should adopt in compliment to the Mega Show.

Leverage Social Media.  In the weeks leading up to IMM, its PR team tweeted, blogged, and generally connected virtually with designers and manufacturers by providing links to product, retweeting commentary and introductions to others in the field.  As a designer, you not only lit up when you were retweeted but actually felt part of the show.  They wanted me there, and let me feel it.

Food Service is not a $9.50 Sandwich.  American trade show craft service sucks.  There.  I said it.  In fact, forget talking about it.  I’m just going to show you.  That’s halibut.  With steamed carrots. Served in a temporary café. Where you could watch its preparation.  It didn’t taste like rubber, wasn’t reheated, and didn’t cost my salary.  Thank you Miele. Exhibitors take note – if you don’t have a working kitchen and you’re selling appliances, you’re losing the battle.   

Press Kits Should be Paperless. I once saw the editor of a very prestigious journal sitting on the floor of the press room literally ripping a stack of press kits to shreds until she had a nice, neat pile of flash drives and cds.  The printed press releases, folders, and tchotzkes ended up in the rubbish bin.  In fact, follow Greenbuild’s lead and provide me a log in to a 24/7 download site.

The Era of the 10x10 is Over.  Seriously.  I’m not a sardine.  In fact, I’m mildly claustrophobic. 

Speaking of Spaces, Independent Halls Work.  IMM consisted of 11 halls instead of one horribly giant, acoustically underperforming, probably cold convention center. Multiple halls allowed for more intimate groupings of like products and services.  It facilitated a greater sense of accomplishment (I walked four of the 11 and don’t feel as if I “missed” out). Ease of navigation (our attachment to numbered aisles is insane).  And most importantly, I could actually hear myself think.

Rethink iPad and iPhone Apps.  They’re useless.  Seriously. Most of the halls have very little to no wifi.  I’d rather use my iCal for appointments. This is the one place where the paper directory is still the biggest tool for walking a show.

Encourage and Facilitate Brand Collaboration. There are so many great brands that can’t make the financial commitment to a giant show.  This means that shows are often times overwrought by brands with big PR budgets while the little guy is forced to his corner of the internet.  A lighting manufacture provides product for a cabinetmaker’s display.  A faucetry line teams with a tile line.  Get it?  

The Outskirts are Where Products go to Die. You know those outer rows?  They’re good for making a beeline to the bathroom. Share the wealth a little and move some of those brands out into the action.  Make use of those end caps for your “Best of” displays.   Dwell on Design had an Airstream dead center. Mix it up a little.

Phew.  I’m opinionated aren’t I?

So designers and attendees alike – what else would make your trade show experience that much better?

Do tell because they’re listening.

The Closet - Warby Parker's Colonel Monocle

Is it Friday yet?

No?

Shit.

Monday was hellish.  Literally.  I worked 15 hours and took a two very short lunch breaks.  Needless to say a post didn’t get put out.

And now you hate me. 

But I’m making it up to you.  Because I’ve found a little gem.  Seriously.  You know you want one and if you’ve got a handlebar mustache you REALLY want one to complete the look. 

See what happens when I’m looking at new spectacles?  I happen upon things like Warby Parker’s Monocle in tortoiseshell.

Actually, I kind of want one just so it can dangle out of my vest pocket.  You know that would have me in the party sections of the local social magazines.  Using one might be a whole different matter.  Although considering that my eyesight really is only bad in one eye, I could save a ton of money on eyewear.

Just so long as I don’t look like I should be solving mysteries or robbing trains.

Colonel Monocle | Warby Parker
www.warbyparker.com

DCoopMedia was not compensated for this post.

Images courtesy Warby Parker.

The Lost Arts - DuVerre Hardware & The Roman-German Museum

I’ve always had this image in my head of the typical American tourist - Bermuda shorts (or sweatpants), some tacky t-shirt.  Camera with a long range zoom lens permanently affixed to their brow.  Maybe a map hanging from an overextended, confused palm.

And it has been just that image that I’ve tried to avoid.  The last time I was in Paris I made it a point to avoid just about any touristy attraction that I could.  I did not stand in line to see the Mona Lisa or climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower.  So I did drink mulled wine and eat a savory crepe while promenading the Christmas Market but I forced myself to not enjoy it. 

Needless to say this avoidance of anything that might otherwise be listed in the pages of Fodor’s meant that stepping into the Romisch-Germanische Museum directly under the shadow of Cologne’s Dom, was a wholly different experience from my normal travel occurrences.   But when you have such a man as Paul Anater dragging you by the ankles you have no choice.

It was a moment of weakness.

I’d studied the arts of the Romans during my collegiate years; textbook after textbook of marble statues and jewelry and architecture.  But really, and as cliché as this might sound, there really is nothing that can prepare you from seeing the arts and handiworks of the Roman artist in person. 

Keep in mind, the Romans occupied the fertile lands surrounding the Rhine as early as the 2nd century BC, some 2,200 years ago.  And yet, their glassware, hardware, and gold ware is nothing short of what we might see gracing the current Neiman Marcus holiday catalog.  I think what amazed me most about ogling the nearly 23 century old crown of delicate gold leaves and armature or the intricate glass filigree surrounding a very antique chalice were that not only were these arts lost for several hundred years during the dark ages, but that also, these were objects of which an artisan dedicated their lives. 

These artisans were masters of their crafts.  Who can tell just how many hours were spent on these crafts.  It makes me ponder a bit one of my own ancestors, a silversmith in early 19th century New York (of whom I’ve been amassing a multi-piece collection).  Or to pause on the numerous manufacturers and vendors who also make a point to continue the crafts of past eras. 

Hardware, especially cabinetry hardware, is one of those arts that seem to have fallen by the wayside.  Few out there provide designers and homeowners alike with the more detailed hardware of times past.  Remember the hinges of Victorian homes?  Sigh.  It makes me think a bit of DuVerre, a Canadian based hardware company specializing in higher end, artisan designed cabinetry accents, and their dedication to preserving the handiwork of the metalworker.  For their many years of operation, they continue to hand finish each of their drawer pulls and door handles.  In the case of their Kuba series, designed by well-known spa-designer Clodah, the labor intensive sand casting is the only production technique that can produce the intricate Asian inspired motif gracing its face.   

But I digress.  In the end, it simply reinforces the need to further the arts, the industries, the crafts that one by one disappear.  It’s a call to support artisan-crafted pieces. 

It kinda makes me want to go out in the back yard and whittle some wood.

DuVerre, The Hardware Company | www.duverre.com
Available through select retailers

 Römisch-Germanische Museum
Cologne:Germany
www.museenkoeln.de/roemisch-germanisches-museum

Hardware images courtesy DuVerre, All others copyright DCoopMedia and may not be used without permission. 

This post is part of the BlogTour Cologne series sponsored, in part, by DuVerre.

Reminiscing - NY Fashion Week & Jason Wu

Let me just preface this by saying that it has been one crazy ass day today.  Two counties, countless miles and more design decisions made than HGTV can pull off in a half-hour long episode of "Designing with *insert name here*".

And periodically through the day, I've been checking in on the tweets from Brizo's Blogger19 tour and of course, how they'll be seeing (or by this point, have seen) Jason Wu's new collection in a very Sex and the City type of moment. 

I'm thinking I'd rather be row one or two or three of the Jason Wu show.  I know, it's snowing horribly in what one has already coined Snomaggedon but I wouldn't be able to resist.  As a gay man in a design world, that 20 minutes of showtime a year ago was a little piece of surreal heaven.  And then there was meeting Jason after. 

I never realized he was shorter than me. But he leaned in, gave a slight hug and was off like a dream.

*sigh*

enLocation - Sukha | Amsterdam

The raveled unravelings of anonymous handiwork strewn about in a heap of wool.  The lost threads of a bleating petting zoo knotted to become a thick layer of comfort.  A woolen hug perhaps? 

Warm defined.

Warmth personified.

Warmth in a poetic sense.

Sukha is a fort.  A hanging basket for a gaggle of chirping designers.  A string of beads draped round a Parisian mannequin of ooh-la-la proportions.  A pillow of knitted copper thread perched lovingly atop a tripod of birch.  A respite to thaw from the ravages of Jack Frost.

“The sun did not shine.  It was too wet to play.  So we sat in the house. 
All that cold, cold, wet day.”

-The Cat in the Hat

 Sukha | Amsterdam
Haarlemmerdijk 110
www.sukha-amsterdam.nl

Many thanks to the BlogTour team and the editors of Eigen Huis Interieur for making D'Scoop's tour of Sukha and other Amsterdam hot spots possible.