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DCNY
I had a busy week. Meetings, travel, design events, etc. A jam-packed schedule isn’t necessarily enjoyable mid-stream, but I always love the results. I meet new people, see interesting things, get inspired, and in general, shake things up a bit. Between DC and New York, I stumbled upon some fabulous finds this past week. Whether it was design or fashion, food or art, it seemed that new and exciting things were available and in abundance. Of course there is never enough time to take it all in. It’s a good thing I am able to document it all with my trusty iphone and enjoy the fruits of my labor long after my work and the week is done.
– SOURCING RUGS & TEXTILES –
I love beautiful textiles and rugs. Especially when they are assembled together in a stunning collection. Subtle, graphic, textural or glamorous – it doesn’t really matter to me. Gorgeous is gorgeous regardless of content or genre.
– WINDOW SHOPPING –
Fall is always a delicious time for fashion. Even if you can’t purchase everything you see behind the glass, you can certainly draw inspiration from the displays and create new, eclectic ensembles within your existing wardrobe. I personally am all over this season’s bold colors, layers, baggie pants and fur jackets.
– SCOUTING FOR VINTAGE FURNISHINGS –
You can troll all day on the internet, but there is nothing like seeing the real thing. I can’t get enough of unique yet elegant, statement-making furniture. Unfortunately, I need another chair like I need a hole in the head. It was hard to resist these stellar vintage finds.
– DROPPING BY AN ARTIST’S STUDIO –
I’m a big fan of Julie Wolfe’s work. So to see her paintings and jewelry in-residence was quite a treat. Plus Julie is such a cool chic – interesting, laidback and irreverent. The evening was hosted by George Hemphill and marked by contemporary artwork, incredible jewelry, wine and a “deconstructed food installation”. Loved it.
– BELLYING UP TO THE BAR –
It wasn’t my last stop this weekend, but it was definitely one of the more photogenic. Ted’s Bulletin is a throwback to yesteryear with the style and ambiance to match. If dining, I would stick to the burgers and shakes. If you’re there for a cocktail, order a Jessie Clark. Besides the delicious concoction of chamomile-infused scotch, orange marmalade and chocolate bitters, the drink is served with a perfectly round ice cube produced in seconds by The Macallan ice ball machine. An entertaining and purposeful gadget whether you’re a scotch aficionado or not.
Tricia xo
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Dangerous Beauty
I used this term two weeks ago when describing a C. Jeré nailhead sculpture.
It came to mind last night while viewing the current exhibit at Hemphill Fine Arts in
DC. Julie Wolfe’s work includes paintings, prints and sculptures. And her name suits
her work – it’s often a juxtaposition of loveliness and peril. Creative tension is a concept
that I always find intriguing in art and design. Beauty is so much more interesting when its
twisted on its head; you really see it up against something dark. Ms. Wolfe's work incorporates
colorful, organic images alongside macabre symbols of death and violence. The contrast enlivens
the sweet and exuberant while crystallizing the dark yet inevitable. A metaphorical viewpoint for
life itself. See Hemphill’s press release below for more on this dynamic, enigmatic artist.
Julie Wolfe
Who conquers whom in the battle between life and death?
The juxtaposition of flourishing life with lurking death in Julie
Wolfe's artwork addresses the artist's preoccupation with
corruptive elements that challenge the strength of nature.
Wolfe's imagery reveals the interconnectedness of life and
death, demonstrating their unavoidable coexistence. However
powerful, these formidable renderings are intentionally covert.
Not only does Wolfe subtly incorporate sinister creatures and
violent symbols, but she succeeds in making them beautiful. Her
artwork parallels the intersections between beauty and violence
that exist within and across cultures. Through her artwork, Wolfe
blurs the lines between good and evil, tranquility and violence
and decay and regeneration, portraying these forces as less
antagonistic and more interconnected than their definitions suggest.
La Frontera, 2010
multiple-color silkscreen on Arches paper with glass beads30 1/4” x 30 1/4”
Chippy, 2010
oil, graphite, glass shards and sterling silver on wood panel30 x 30
Foraging Series II, 2010
oil, graphite, and glass shards on canvas
72" x 60"TAR, 2010
glass enamel on copper, encaustic, wood and oil on wood panel
24" x 24"This vignette of four Wolfe pieces was incredible:
Ambigram IV and Ambigram V, 2010
mixed media on glass9 3/8” x 7”
The Wind Cries Mary, 2010
knuckle ring on sterling silver and alabaster stand18K yellow gold, sterling sliver, opals and yellow sapphires
Skull & Sword, 2010
bronze skull set with garnets18K yellow gold hammered chain
18K yellow gold eucalyptus pod
sword in 18K gold, sterling silver, set with opal
I’m wearing a Wolfe Knuckle Ring as necklace today.
I think this may be my new favorite accessory.
Julie Wolfe’s exhibit will run through December 23. It’s worth a stop. George
Hemphill and his staff are a joy to work with whether you are new to the art world
or if you would like to add to an existing collection. A Huntley & Co. favorite!
Hemphill Fine Arts
1515 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
202.234.5601
* First 4 images provided by the artist/Hemphill.
Tricia xo
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
