Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Talk About Interesting Art: The Birth of Baby X

As if giving birth was not hard enough but imagine giving birth while the public watches.  I need to keep my privates, well private, but  artist Marni Kotak is letting us watch as Baby X takes his or her first breath at the  Microscope Gallery, in Brooklyn.


Kotak explain to the Village Voice:
""The Birth of Baby X," I will be completely engrossed in the act of giving birth before a live audience. I will be focused on delivering my child into the world in the healthiest manner possible, rather than on how I look or what the audience may think. Everything I have learned about the birth process is that the more you surrender your mind and don't try to control the event, but let your body do what it naturally knows how to do, the better your labor progress. This to me, provides for the most authentic performance art situation. And the ultimate creation of this life performance will be a living being!"


If you are as curious as I am about the set up of this "exhibition", visit the gallery. This installation is on from Oct 8th to November 7th and the admission is free. I will definitely make a trip out there to help better understand this art and write a follow up post. What are your thoughts on this type of art?

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Talk About Interesting News: Hurricane Irene ???

Being born and raised in Montreal, I am used to storms, especially snow storms. Even with many feet of snow the city never shut down and it was business as usually. Now living in New York, mayor Bloomberg announced the MTA is going to be closed and everyone should stay at home because Hurricane Irene is headed our way. With an announcement like that one begins to worry. We did make all necessary preparations just in case but did feel that the American News was exaggerated a tad bit. Bloomberg's theory is that it's better to be safe than sorry. So why risk it?

After cooking up my own storm yesterday in the kitchen, exhausted I slept through most of the storm. Around 10:30 am, as soon as the rain slowed down, I headed out to explore. You could smell and taste the ocean water. I wanted photograph major damages around my neighborhood but couldn't find much. The picture above it the only damaged tree on the block.
No one was driving around which gave me the opportunity to snap this shot from the middle of the street. If you look at the end of the road you, can see the New York Public Library by Bryant Park. On a normal day, one can never see this building from 2nd avenue.
It is business as usual for our local supermarket. So if you are in the city and need milk you know where to go.

Two doorman standing in the middle of 34th street (normally a very busy road), happy that they are off  Hurricane Irene watch duty. Hope everyone is safe with power and did not get flooded. To view all my photos from the morning after Irene please view Morning After Irene - Facebook Photos.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Talk About Interesting Design: Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress

Now I am sure the billion people watching the royal wedding this morning can all agree that Kate Middleton looked gorgeous. She really has done Princess Diana, may she rest in peace, proud. 




While watching the wedding, I couldn't help wonder if the princess followed the old tradition of having her something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.  From reading the other blogs and news coverages this is what I was able to piece together.


Something old: The gorgeous sapphire engagement ring that William gave her, which once belonged to Diana. 


Something new: The gorgeous wedding dress designed by British designer Sarah Burton. The design was so tastefully done. I loved the V decollete and how it had a "princess's" silhouette. I am sure this dress will be replicated for many brides to come.


Something borrowed: The Cartier Halo tiara which she borrowed from the Queen. The diamond crusted tiara was given to the Queen by her mother on her 18th birthday. 


Something blue: Although Kate's engagement ring can also be her blue, I am almost certain she may have something hidden under her skirts, maybe a blue garter? We will never know.


I curtsy to the royal newlyweds and wish them many happy years to come.





Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Talk About Interesting Design: Artist Holton Rower


I am fascinated by Holton Rower, a New York based artist. He uses a unique “pour” technique to create hypnotizing art. The video, directed by Dave Kaufman, speaks for itself.  I am sure you too will be impressed. 


More information about his exhibitions can be found at www.holtonrower.com

Monday, February 28, 2011

Talk About Interesting Design: Oscar Red Carpet 2011

I feel a bit empty inside now that the award season has come to a close but last night's Oscar Red Carpet has left us loads to talk about. Should I start with the best dressed or the worst? Let's save the best for last.

I got excited as Anne Hathaway swept the red carpet in a red Valentino but she missed it a few times with her other 7 gowns. The white Givenchy was way too hippy. The Vivien Westwood was too costumey, and so sad to say that the gunmetal Tom Ford was not cut right for her shoulders. Other than the Valentino, I would have to agree that the custom tuxedo by Lanvin looked best on Hathaway.

We don't except much from the well known villain in Harry Potter, Helena Bonham Carter, and she did not surprise us with her velvet costume. She explains it as a tribute to costume design and a way to camouflage her "derrière".

What left me without an answer is why Reese Witherspoon dressed like 2001 Oscar winner Julia Roberts. The two looks were so similar and left me confused. If you have any answers please let me know.


As for the best dressed, I know everyone is buzzing about Mila Kunis who was dressed in Elie Saab but the decoltage tattoos do not cut it for me, or Michelle Willams who gave Chanel a bad name and what was Nicole Kidman thinking trusting Dior and his kimono?

Best dressed? My favorite of them all would be Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein. I love the way she stylized the dress with the Louis Vuitton brooch, initially I thought it was embroidery. The gown draped her trim figure perfectly. I am sure Calvin uses Gwyneth as a muse all the time. Mandy Moore came in second with her Monique Lhuiller dress. The sequins were perfectly placed to make it look like the dress was off the shoulder. I think I am just in love with the iridescent look this year. Would love to hear who you thought was best and worst dressed.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Coffee Love

It always feels great to get love from other bloggers. I would love to thank Li who has included me in their blog about the love of coffee. www.meekiyua.blogspot.com Li is also the designer of LiPeony an etsy shop that is quirky cute imaginative art.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Thing A Day – Day 1

I know I’m a few days late to post this blog about Thing A Day, which started Feb 1st, but better late than never. The truth is I am a bit technically challenged and couldn’t figure out how to post at www.thing-a-day.com. To rewind a bit, this event is to challenge artists/designers to be creative and write about their experience for the month of February. I took the pledge !!!


Day 1. Although this book was designed prior to this challenge, I made a few more, in different colors, to jot down and sketch my ideas and inspirations. So here you have it the Diagonal Inspiration Book. It makes a great addition to my hand woven ribbon stationery collection. What is unique to other sketchbooks is the page layout. One page is a journal page (lined and topped with a motivational quote) and the facing page is blank for sketches and doodles. Let me know what you think about my new product in the comments.

You can now order your own Inspiration Book at Etsy. http://www.etsy.com/listing/67413785/handmade-inspiration-book-on-etsy-choose They are all made to order in your color selection. Choose up to 3 colors from the 20 color selection. You can also have this book personalized with your full name or a personalized message.