Art

Pop Up! The Waterlogue App

Have you heard about the Waterlogue app? It turns any photograph into a watercolour-like image. I first learned about Waterlogue from one of my mom’s favourite blogs, The Enchanted Home. Before I spent the $2.99 on the app, I sent it to Corie and she downloaded it and tested it out for the both of us. Today she’s sharing some of the photos she took and Waterlogued this past weekend.

***

Here’s the Plaza hotel.

Painted in Waterlogue

The dresses are from Anthropologie’s new bridal collection.

Painted in WaterloguePainted in WaterloguePainted in Waterlogue

Here’s Giselle – the boys put a pink duckie in her crib – they’re so excited to have a baby sister in the house!

Painted in Waterlogue

And here’s YOUR living room.

Painted in Waterlogue

***

Are you sold? I am!

Photos & Waterlogue transformations by Corie.

*Corie stops by the blog every so often in her Pop Up! series. She hasn’t been on the blog for a while, but we forgive her because she’s been busy with her four sweet kids. The littlest arrived this summer! Corie, thanks for testing the Waterlogue app and sending these images my way! I always love seeing photos from NYC!

The Friday Five: Laurent Scheinfeld Photography

In a week – I’ll be in Paris. Eek! Although I’ve been to Paris about a dozen times or so, I’m always eager and excited to go back! This trip is work-related, so I’ll be spending half of my time with other academics discussing everything that there is to discuss about language and writing. The rest of the time, I’ll be wandering the streets, taking photos, eating as many croissants as possible, sipping on hot chocolate, shopping, and going to Cartier exhibit! I’m going with two amazing colleagues and friends, and we have booked ourselves into one heck of an apartment (here’s hoping it’s as beautiful in real life as it is in the photos).

I recently came across the work of photographer Laurent Scheinfeld when I was browsing the Marché aux Puces website (one of my fave spots in Paris!). His photos series featuring the Eiffel Tower are really quite beautiful.

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boy running in front of Eiffel Tower

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woman walking near the Eiffel Tower

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woman with her dogs in front of the Eiffel Tower

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woman in front of Eiffel Tower

father-daughter-Eiffel-Tower-Lauren-Scheinfeld

father and daughter playing in front of Eiffel Tower

Besides the Cartier exhibit and a visit to Christofle, I have plans to: eat a lot of croissants, visit design shops like Merci and Colette, stock up on tea at Hédiard, visit one of my favourite European clothing stores COS, find my (and my family’s) favourite chocolate, purchase a cool piece of art, bring back a French magazine (or several), and speak French! Oui, oui!

Celebration: Spreading the Love

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Do you have any plans? Have you created a Valentine’s Day wish list? I think the traditional gifts of chocolates  and flowers are just perfect. Beyond these things, gifts from the heart (or with hearts!) are irresistible now or at any time of the year, so you can scoop up goodies like the ones below and gift them to your loved ones (or yourself) throughout the year.

Valentines-Day-WhiteCabana

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: mug $9.05, print $14, earrings $40, pillowcases $29.99, bowl $98, pillow $20, print $17.68, sunglasses $155, print $17.68

Marketplace: Getting Wordy

We are still seeing quite a bit of wordy decor items online and in stores. I don’t know about you but I’m pretty addicted to pinning inspirational quotes, cute sayings, and beautiful typology on my Pinterest art board.

words on objects

Top: cushion cover $12.95, teacup $16, sign $30, plate $3.95
Bottom: laundry bag $37, banner $60, t-shirt $24, tote $22

I think the banner is my favourite item in the collection above. It could be quite a good reminder when the going gets tough. You know?

Event: Cartier in Paris

“In the realm of exhibition first impressions, nothing quite rivals a vitrine filled with historic diamond tiaras rotating in place like horses on a carousel.” – Amy Verner, Globe & Mail

photo copy 2

Sounds like a great exhibit, right? Yes, indeed! I’ve already bought the tickets.

I’ll be attending the Cartier exhibit at Le Grand Palais in Paris and I’m completely excited for the show (big surprise, right?). I’ll take as many pictures as possible and I’ll be sure to give you the full recap once I’m back.

Art: Watercolours

Like many other design bloggers, I’m keen on original art. My current collection is made up mostly of did-it-myself. I like painting on big canvases with acrylic paints, but I’m thinking I need to try some new things with paint. An experiment with watercolours might be fun. I doubt I can create anything as nice as the pieces below but it might be worth a try and I have no doubt that the experience would be fun.

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Indigo Cactus, The Aestate; print, $61

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Popcorn, Kendyll Hillegas; print, $20

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Turkey Feathers, Amber Alexander; print, $20

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Striped Stones, Naturalist at Heart; print, $19.10

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set of four watercolours; Sarah Swanson, $40

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I am Blown Away by your Love, Kelly Bermudez; print, $20

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T-Rex, Geometric Ink; original, $30

The Friday Five: Busts

Last week Christine from Bijou & Boheme suggested that we will be seeing more heads/people/busts in 2014. I tend to agree. I can definitely see their appeal. They’re strong, classic, and are usually in museums. What do you think? Would you want one in your home or would you feel like all eyes would be on you.

marble bust-1st dibs

19th century marble bust, $9730

plaster-head-apollo-1st dibs

plaster head of Apollo, $2500

flora-bust-1st-dibs

white marble bust of flora, $4000

white-bust-ebay

Greek god bust, $195

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Caesar

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend! Happy Friday!

 

The Friday Five: Art

Ah – the first full week of 2014 is coming to an end. How is everyone doing with their resolutions?

One of the things that I want to do this year is work on my art – making and collecting. I’m getting tired of some of my old pieces and I think it might be about time to paint over them or ditch them completely and buy some new pieces. So I’m ending the week with some art inspiration.

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via Snob

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via Snob

Folding3-Monica-Trastoy

Folding 3 by Monica Trastoy

Leanne Shapton

Black Dress, Homemade by Leanne Shapton

abstract-painting

by Polka Dotty Dolls

The Interior Design Show is in a couple of weeks and I am sure to find inspiration there as well. I have definitely enjoyed attending IDS in the past.

Art: Leanne Shapton

I know it’s December and there’s a lot of Christmas decorating, baking, and DIYing floating around the blogs but I am feeling like a good injection of art would be a welcome treat right about now. So, let’s have a look at the work of Leanne Shapton, shall we?

illo.shoes

shoes

schinedogs

dogs

illo.casaycampo

casa y campo

T.LA flowers.1

flowers

TO.SKATER

figure skater

60constance

Was she pretty?

I like the simplicity of Leanne’s line drawings and I appreciate the range in her portfolio. Leanne is a Canadian-born (Mississauga), New York City-based illustrator, author, and publisher. Read her full bio here.

Marketplace: Caviar20

Taking a tour of Troy’s online shop, Caviar20, always puts me in a good mood. Caviar20 is a beautiful site filled with unique pieces. Here are a few of my current faves…

Caviar20-GiantLeafSculpture-Icon_large

giant leaf floor sculpture, $1250 (A modern Christmas tree, perhaps?)

Caviar20-Fornasetti-TV-main_large

Fornasetti “Temi e Variazione” #39 plate, $425 (Troy always has an awesome Fornasetti collection.)

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set of op-art highball glasses, $225

CAVIAR20_AlissaCoe-PorcelainLamp-2_large

Alissa Cole brass table lamps, $4800

And now…I’m going to buy a lottery ticket!

 

 

The Friday Five: Ian Stevenson’s Art

A day late with the Friday Five this week but nevermind…here we are now. I hope you all had a wonderful week. What are your weekend plans?

I was due to attend Art Toronto but I couldn’t make it in the end (the first time in a few years). I know it was another great success and I hope to be back into my Art Toronto-attending routine next year.

Thought I’d wrap up the week with some art anyway – this time with black and white line drawings from UK-artist  Ian Stevenson.

s_hungry

Pacman’s Hungry

a_royal_mug_01_ian_stevenson

A Royal Mug

buy_stuff_01_ian_stevenson

Buy Stuff

turn_it_off_ian_stevenson

Turn it Off

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Something Great

Conceptual art at MoMA

Last week when I was at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art I snapped this photo of Marcel Duchamp’s conceptual art installation:

dada

Did you know that Duchamp is considered to be one of the most important artists of the 20th century? I suppose having a spot at the MoMA would indicate as much. I have since discovered that he is considered to be one of three major artists (along with Picasso and Matisse) who revolutionized plastic arts at the start of the 20th century and important developments in painting and sculpture.

You’ll also be interested to know that he was an adviser to notable art collectors including Peggy Guggenheim and so nudged her and other major movers and shakers of the day into appreciating and collecting modern art such as the works by Picasso, Magritte, Tunnard, Dali, Chagall and so on.

Isn’t it great what a day at the museum can do?

Image by me.

Event & Giveaway: Art Toronto 2013

It’s that time of year again (and I’m not talking about Tim Horton’s roll-up-the-rim campaign). It’s Art Toronto 2013! This month, art dealers from around the world will bring the best of the best art to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. I’ve been a regular attendee* for a few years now** and I am always impressed with the show. I encourage you to attend, browse, and buy at this impressive show. Let’s take a trip around the art world, shall we?

fujii_2013_kiri_s

Tamotsu Fujii, MA2 Gallery, Japan

Elio-Ciol-3D-Gallary

Elio Ciol, 3D Gallery, Italy

Igal-Pardo-Palindrome

Igal Pardo, Contempop, Israel

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Tae-hoo Park, Nine Gallery, Korea

Liao-Yibai-Mike-Weiss-Gallery

Liao Yibai, Mike Weiss Gallery, New York

El_Futuro_

Caroline Attan, Bicha Gallery, London, UK

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Louise Nevelson, Caviar20, Toronto

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Otino Corsano, PM Gallery, Toronto

The show is from October 25-28th and general admission tickets are $18. More details can be found here.

Giveaway Details:

Want to attend for free? I’m pleased to announce that Art Toronto has generously sent over 2 pairs of tickets that I am happy to giveaway to 2 lucky readers! To enter, leave a comment below telling me why you would like to attend Art Toronto 2013. The contest will close on Thursday October 10th, 2013.

*One day I’m going to be a big spender. One day.

** 2011, 2012

The Friday Five: Art

I am leaving you with five impressive pieces of art this week. Have a super weekend and I’ll see you back here on Monday*!

Nathalie-Boutte-art-white

Petites Ailes by Nathalie Boutté

Origami_Akla_Ali

Origami by Akla Ali

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Loris Cecchini, Gaps Airborne (thanks to Adrienne S. for sending this to me)

tumblr_m914gbiSQM1qmopr8o1_1280via Snob

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Double-Sided 01 by Monica Trastoy

*Or maybe I’ll see you at BlogPodium tomorrow! I’m so excited to present with Giulia Doyle of Audrey’s, meet some of the sponsors, and congratulate Jen and the BlogPodium team in person for all the work they have done to make this event happen.

 

Art: Saatchi Online

If you follow me on Instagram and Twitter then you know that I’ve got painting on my mind. That is, I’m determined to paint all the walls in my new house white. Which white? Not sure. I’m still working that out. While I am eager to get painting, I am also thinking about future artwork and placement. I have a ridiculously big main bathroom and I think a large striking piece of artwork would be perfect in the space.

There are some great sources of art online and in stores at every price point. Saatchi is one such online retailer that carries a wide selection of originals and prints. Here you can shop online for picture collages, mosaics, photography, and even sculpture from artists around the world.

White-Out-Amelia-Midori-Miller-Saatchi

White Out by Amelia Midori Miller (USA)

White-Ana-Devora

White by Ana Devora (USA)

Interior-Monica Trastoy

Interior by Mónica Trastoy (Spain)

Saatchi-Things-from-the-sea

Things From the Sea by Kriste Danil

Phidias I-Jason-Blackmore

Phidias I by Jason Blackmore (UK)

Saatchi-Letter-to-mama

Letter to Mama by Catalina Viejo Lopez De Roda (USA)

Helia-Manel Rodrigues

Helia by Manel Rodrigues (Portugal)

Francoise-Issaly-Experimentation

Structure – Experimentation XVIII-3 by Francoise Issaly (Canada)

And the works at Saatchi aren’t all white. Just look at how vibrant these works are: Pink Wall, Turquoise Ocean Turquoise Sail, Hatch with Yellow and Green Shadows. 

* This is a sponsored post.

The Friday Five: Bird Watching

Dear Readers: It has been one heck of a week! Things have been chaotic on my end (re: house, job, travel) that I did not have even a second to post – or even schedule a post – yesterday. So although it’s officially Saturday today – here’s this week’s Friday Five! We’re bird watching…

white bird

via The Alternative Life

bird-bath-dish-anthropologie

via Anthropologie

rocking-bird-west-welm

West Elm rocking bird

lupen-Grainne-bird

bird postcards via Lupen Grainne

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diamond pave bird pin

Have a most wonderful weekend everyone! Thanks for reading another week of White Cabana!

Art: White Bouncy Castle

When my friend Anita sent me the link to this art installation my jaw dropped…and then I had the urge to book a flight to Berlin to see it – and jump on it – in person!

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The White Bouncy Castle is the work of artist William Forsythe and is open to visitors of Berlin until July 14. Although the exhibit has travelled to a few places since 1997 it has yet to make its way to Canada. I’d say now is a good time!

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Mr. Forsythe has quite the bio. Raised in New York, he trained as a ballet dancer in Florida and danced and choreographed all over the world. He has created numerous films and installations, has lectured at universities and cultural institutions around the world and is also the creator of The Forsythe Company. Oh – and he also holds an honorary doctorate from The Julliard School in NYC. Simply impressive!

Images via Yahoo News.

Art: Matt Shlian

These paper masterpieces are by Michigan artist Matt Shlian. I am amazed at how Matt has transformed flat pieces of paper to 3D sculptures that have movement, structure, and depth.

penlandpleat

Penland Pleat

deque

Ara 117

recursive

Recursive

ara106

Ara106

me and fred paper 1

Me and Fred

fred and me

Fred and Me (ball point pen drawing)

Here’s a video showing how Matt’s paper sculptures can really move:

Images courtesy of Matt Shlian. Many thanks to Adrienne S. for sending this my way.

The Friday Five: Paper Crafting

My friend Adrienne is not only a wiz at cross-stitching (it’s more advanced that just crosses, though, let me say) but she is an excellent paper crafter. She makes such thoughtful cards for me that feed my obsession with white. Today’s Friday Five are some of the cards that have inspired her to try new techniques and create lovely cards for friends and family. My favourite is the second one with polka dots!

JT Card Making_whiteLess is More

Just Jingle_white cardJust Jingle

Cheiron Brandon_white card

Cheiron Brandon

Sending Hugs_white CardSending Hugs

happy-birthday-white-paper-card

Libby Stampz

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Many thanks to Adrienne S. (paper crafter extraordinaire) for sending this my way.

 

 

Photography: American Girl in Italy

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 American Girl in Italy, photo by Ruth Orkin

American Girl in Italy, photographed by Ruth Orkin, is one of favourite photos. It’s been hanging in my room at my parents’ house (yes, I still have one there) ever since I bought it at Ikea at least 10 years ago. When I look at it, I think about Italy, I think about fashion, and I think about how the lady in the photo felt as the center of attention.

While I have owned this photo for so long, it was only this past week that I learned about how it all came to be (why I have never researched this before beats me!). So as the story goes…Ruth and Jinx (the “American Girl”) met while each travelling alone in Europe. Women travelling alone in the 1950s was not as common as it is today and Ruth came up with an idea to photograph Jinx to show “what it was really like”.

Jinx Allen, who is now known as Ninalee Craig, is as beautiful and stylish now as she was then. Here she is at an exhibit wearing the same orange scarf she wore in the photograph.

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image via The Toronto Star, via You May Be Wandering

And while American Girl in Italy may be the most-recognizable photo, the others in the collection are also quite amusing and full of life.

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photos via Ruth Orkin Archive

Thanks Mom for sending this my way.

Travel: Mexico City

by Troy

I came to Mexico City for Zona Maco – the largest art fair in Latin America. The artwork was incredible.

White-Cabana-Mexico-City-Troy-4 White-Cabana-Mexico-City-Troy-10 White-Cabana-Mexico-City-Troy-11 White-Cabana-Mexico-City-Troy-14

Troy at Zona Maco, Mexico City

While I had a lot of professional responsibilities and I didn’t get to visit the numerous museums I did get to do a bit of exploring in the neighborhoods of Condesa, Roma Norte and Polanco.

Mexico City reminded me a bit of Brussels – lots of different styles of architecture from many different decades – from 19th century to 70’s brutalist to hyper-contemporary. Unlike Brussels, Mexico City is enormous.

I hope you enjoy some of my snapshots…for “Cabaña Blanca”.

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 finding white in Mexico City

Photos by Troy.

 

Sponsor Spotlight: Caviar20

Today I’m so happy to share some of the amazingly stylish products from Caviar20. Troy carries so many exceptionally gorgeous pieces – and they go quickly – so if there’s something you’ve got your eye on, go ahead and get it before it’s sold!

Caviar20-DavidHockney-OlderRapunzel-icon_grande

David Hockney The Older Rapunzel etching, $3000

Caviar20_RachelWhiteread-icon_grande

Rachel Whiteread “untitled” ditone print, $3000

Caviar20-SoliNero-Platter_1_grande

Fornasetti “Suns and Moons” ceramic serving tray, $475

Caviar20-FontanaArte-sconces-main_grande

Veca “Fontana arte style” sconces, $1750

 

Art: Mindy Shapero

Los Angeles-based artist Mindy Shapero creates unique forms that are both structured and organic. The first piece below is made from hand-cut dura-lar (polyester film), latex caulking and steel and the second sculpture is made of a fiberglass shell and hand cut dura-lar. It definitely takes real talent to combine such ingredients into such beautiful pieces of art.

mindy Shapiro_1

 look at the spectacular detail

Mindy Shapiro_2

 It’s always happening right now even after, 2012

Mindy Shapiro_3

Passed, Present passed, future passed, present, future passed, future, past passed, present, future passed, present passed, past passed, present passed (after passing through the portal and losing your insides), 2011

Mindy Shapero’s work is available via the Marianne Boesky Gallery.

Many thanks to Adrienne S. for sending this my way.

Travel: Expedia Ad Campaign

I just love this ad campaign created by Ogilvy & Mather for Expedia. Clever, clever, clever!

travel-tag-texts-campaing-for-expedia-600x422 travel-tag-texts-campaing-for-expedia-1 travel-tag-texts-campaing-for-expedia-7via Lotta Agaton

But then again, it’s not like I really need an ad campaign to convince me to travel. My passport is always ready! (And fyi – I most often than not use Expedia for flight, car and hotel bookings because it’s cheap, convenient, and provides good customer service.)

Art: La Cucina

I just love Ana’s food-related artwork available in her Etsy shop Anek. Not only do the prints’ simplicity grab my attention but the sayings on them are in my favourite languages and they share such positive thoughts. Lovely for your own kitchen or the perfect gift for your most favourite foodie, don’t you think?

La Cucina_Anek_Art_EtsyTranslation (from Italian): A little kitchen makes a large home, $30, Anek

Vino_art_Anek_EtsyTranslation (from Italian): A dinner without wine is like a day without sunshine, $45, Anek

Le Chef_Art_Etsy_AnekTranslation (from French): The chef is always right, $45, Anek

Corazon_Art_Anek_EtsyTranslation (from Spanish): A full stomach makes a happy heart, $45, Anek

Pop Up! – W Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale

A little late but…a few months ago my husband and I had a great time on a fabulous Caribbean cruise where I mostly slept, slept and slept. I  couldn’t ask for a better week given the state of my current New York life. We stayed at the wonderful W Fort Lauderdale beforehand where I spotted some interesting art and architecture!

Below are two photos of the lobby. The ceiling of the lobby is actually the bottom of the pool. Pretty great, right?

Has anyone else stayed at the W Fort Lauderdale? What did you think?

Post and photos by Corie.

 

Marketplace: 2013 Agendas by Julie Joliat

Each year around this time my sister Corie and I become semi-competitive. Why? Well, because we’re each on the hunt for the most perfect agenda for the upcoming year. Last year Corie found Sarah Pinto‘s colourful agendas on a trip to San Francisco. One year she bought me a most beautiful agenda with a cut-out cover from Japan. A few years ago she settled on a fun Lilly Pulitzer while I opted for a plain Letts of London.

This year, I know I have won the agenda search competition!

You see – a couple of weeks ago I stumbled upon the work of Zurich-based graphic designer Julie Joliat. O.M.G. I could barely contain my excitement when I saw what was on the computer screen in front of me. White. Graphic. Swiss (you know how attached I am to Switzerland!). The most-perfect-for-me 2013 agenda! Corie was on vacation at the time so I couldn’t call her to brag so I had to keep calm (I mean, people might think I’m really nuts if I went on and on about my discovery, right?). I went ahead and placed an order for both of Julie’s designs because, well, I just had to!

 

above photos by Julie Joliat

I have rarely seen so many extra useful pages of information in an agenda book which makes me additionally happy with these ones. Weekly and monthly calendars are followed by several useful pages which details things like laundry symbols, clothing size conversion, vintage French red wine chart, and cooking ideas (possibly my favourite guide).

above photos by Jordana

So, if you’re anything like Corie or me and you are in need of a 2013 agenda, then let me please strongly encourage you to get one of these designs. And place your order asap as both are limited editions (300 copies).

Photography: Sleeping Vincent

Adele Enerson spent much of her time as a new mother photographing her sleeping baby Mila in dreamy, imaginative scenes. She’s since published the photos in a book called When My Baby Dreams. Now she’s on to styling and photographing her baby Vincent but since he’s not the most sound sleeper, she’s had to alter her approach. Adele uses her iPhone camera and then sketches with her Stylus pen.

DJ Vincent

Vincent playing cello

Zoolander Vincent

Vincent in the garden

Vincent’s raindance

So incredibly cute, right?

Images courtesy of Adele Enersen.

Art & Design: New Use for Urinals at the Sheraton Toronto

I was at a conference at the Sheraton Toronto last weekend and I got an unexpected surprise when I walked into one of the women’s bathrooms.

plant holders in the women’s bathroom at the Toronto Sheraton

I laughed when I saw how the Sheraton transformed (or tried to disguise?) the urinals (yes, in the women’s bathroom). While I didn’t ask anyone about this particular design choice, I imagine that the men’s bathroom was converted to a women’s bathroom for the purposes of the conference (women’s bathrooms always have long lines, or haven’t you noticed?). Whatever the reasons, I found this setup particularly amusing!

Animals we love

Decorative sculptures are especially special when they come in animal shapes. There is something lovely and magical about a fox on your bookshelf or a bowl in the long lean proportions of a Dachshund. We’re talking about classics that appeal to all ages and add personality to a space.

Jonathan Adler has really taken the animal sculpture to a whole new place by carving out a collection of pieces that are cheerful while beautifully echoing the geometry and symmetry in nature. I know that Jordana has a thing for these lovely creations, too. I think I can hear the roar of her lion!

Here are the new additions to Adler’s menagerie now available on his website:

Bear, $98

Owl canister, $75

Monkey, $198

The Friday Five: MoMA Store

The MoMA store is one of my favourite places to visit online and in person. It is an inspiring shop full of affordable (and some not so much!) art pieces for the home. Here’s a round-up of what has recently caught my attention.

Ryan McGinness to-do list calendar, $24.95

Netzwerk bowl by Hedwig Rotter, $45

button magnets by Ikuko Nakazawa, $25

Switch salt & pepper dispenser by Chetan Sorab, $14

espresso set by Fellina Sok-Cham, $65

Have a wonderful weekend!

The Friday Five: Art Toronto 2012

Exactly one week ago I was browsing amazing collections of art at Art Toronto – Canada’s largest modern and contemporary art fair. Galleries from around the world came to display (and sell) some very special works of art – including eye-catching sculptures, photography, paintings and drawings.

Meddle by Andrew Smith, beeswax acrylic and plaster on plywood

Surrogate (monkey topiary) by Bethany Krull, porcelain & paper

Self-portrait White Marilyn by Yasumasa Morimura

as the wind carried it away by Matt Donovan & Hallie Siegal

Evocations by Andrew Fernandez, mixed media on paper

Images by me.

 

Art: Nithikul Nimkulrat’s Paper World

Some people have talent!

A colleague recently introduced me to the work of artist and textile designer Nithikul Nimkulrat after seeing her present at an academic conference in Europe. I am amazed at the intricacy of Nithikul’s white woven pieces of paper string and the way she thoughtfully and carefully combines art and research.

The Chandelier No. 2

The Glass and the Straw

The Cradle

The Coal Rake

The Birch Tree

The Man

The Chair

Isn’t it absolutely incredible what Nithikul can do with paper string? You can see more of her work here. She has also written this book which I’m sure does not disappoint.

Images courtesy of Ini Creation. Many thanks to Catherine D.H. for sending this my way.

White Out: Around the World

Our White Out series continues today with a look at what white goodness our readers have spotted from around the world.

In New York City, Jeff sculpted a family of simple white mushrooms.

sculptures and photo by Jeff G.

In London, Lindsay snapped a photo of The White Company store (I’ll take one of everything please!).

photo by Lindsay W.

In Toronto Sarah recently bought a couple of Le Creuset trivets that have such a pretty design. It looks like cast iron to me but this French Trivet is actually silicone.

Sarah M.’s new white Le Creuset trivet

And to round of today’s series, Daniela snapped a photo of this fountain sculpture during her visit of Nuit Blanche in Toronto earlier this fall. The sculpture, titled Viva La Dada, Baby!, is a tribute to Marcel Duchamp created by Jolie Fejer and Viliam Hrubovcak. It was part of the Dada Reboot! exhibit curated by Thom Sokoloski. Duchamp’s now-famous (in 1917 it was quite controversial) urinal, the Fountain is considered by some as one of the most important works of 20th century art.

toilet fountain installed for Toronto’s Nuit Blanche 2012; Distillery District; photo by Daniela D.

I continue to be impressed by all the white our readers are finding in their surroundings. Please continue to send your submissions for White Out to me at whitecabana [at] gmail [dot] com.

The Friday Five: Here I Go Again

I’m gearing up for a few weeks of travel…beginning with a trip back to Florida…today! Hooray! I am so looking forward to some quality beach time so let’s hope the sun continues to shine!

Here are some thoughts about my trip – with the help of Mark Addison Smith‘s amusing illustrations:

So…here I go, off to the United States again…

I am using only a carry-on for this short escape so I have only packed two outfits and two swim suits because…

I haven’t packed any lotions, gels, drinks or food because I’m not sure if…

I hope that when I come back in a few days people might say to me…

because I’ll have a tan.

Right?

Happy Weekend!

Images via Mark Addison Smith’s You Look Like the Right Type.

The Friday Five: The Beauty of the Ampersand

Today I’m featuring a bit of typography…the simplicity and the interesting form of the ampersand to be exact. I have never been able to actually write it accurately (does anyone else have this problem?) but it does look pretty cool in various typefaces.

via The Proper Stranger

via Friends of Type

by Jude Landry

Helvetica ampersand print, $2.95, via BKS Design & Print

via Little Somethings

More ampersands here and here.