Dora Daar

Based Upon ~ Metal Storytelling

 Set up by twin brothers Ian & Richard Abell Based Upon is a team of incredible craftsmen, metalworkers and artist that create spectacular designs out of liquid metals and resins. Personalized large scale Artwork, Sculpture and Furniture is painstakingly made with outstanding results. We all have a story or a memory that we want to have with us always, Based Upon can manifest this for you in an unforgettable way. 

Browse their website which is full of interesting information on what they can create for you.

Storytelling in Liquid metal, now that is unique. xo

Images sourced via their site,

Based Upon

Based Upon Unit A121 / Faircharm 8-12 Creekside London SE8 3DX UK

Tel: +44 (0)20 83202122 info@basedupon.com

Aman Greece

On the Peloponnese Coast of Greece on the outskirts of Porto Heli, the new Aman will be opening this Summer. Amanzoe meaning peaceful life , the Sanskrit word Aman meaning Peace and the Greek word for life Zoe (pronounced zoi).

The Amanzoe has 38 Suites, The Pool Pavillion comes with Six Meter Pools and Deluxe Pavillion with 12 Meter Pools, high ceiling big living and sleeping areas all with large terraces with lounge , sunbathing and dining areas.

Surrounded by Olive Groves and views over Spetses and the Argosaronic Gulf, this Ed Tuttle designed Aman also has bigger villas for sale, Beach Club, Spa, Dinning, Lounge and a main swimming pool.The other activities will include visits to Ancient Sites surrounding the area, boat excursions to nearby Islands on the Hotels' Wally Powerboat (see archive on a post them) or a traditional Kaiki, trekking, riding, olive picking and make your own olive oil.

Only a 2 1/2 hour drive from Athens or 2 Hour boat ride, or even if you prefer 25 minutes by helicopter, Amanzoe is perfectly situated, am sure it will be a huge success.

Am open to invitations! Hint hint.

Kalosilthate Amanzoe xo

Content via,Amanzoe , Pinterest and Flickr

Photo by victor Liu.

Oh Herve!

I would kill for a Herve Van Der Straeten piece, I know its a bit extreme but anyone that sees his work feels the same way.

Studied painting at Le Ecoles des Beaux Arts, he started his career with jewellery design which am a collector of and always get such nice compliments on. His jewellery have a very architectural and geometric look to them , made of bronze or gold which give a beautiful glow against the skin.

He then transitioned on to Furniture and lightning , made in house by his highly skilled craftsmen , with such exquisite precision and meticulous attention to detail , I am sure that his work will be a future classic.

Herve has received numerous awards including the esteemed Chevalier des Art et des  Lettres and the L’Entreprise de Patrimoine Vivant .

His line is represented by the wonderful Ralph Pucci International with location both in New York or LA, or you can make an appointment at Herve Van Der Straeten Gallery in Paris. For the Jewellery you can buy it at Neiman Marcus , Bergdorf Goodman in the USA or Erickson Beamon in London.

Just Splendid xo

Image Sources and where to buy,

www.vanderstraeten.fr

www.ralphpucci.net

www.bergdorfgoodman.com/search.jhtml?N=0&Ntt=Herve+Van+Der+Straeten&_requestid=1541

www.ericksonbeamon.com

A GEM in TANGIER

Bruno Frisoni found a house in Tangier and did it up together with Herve  van der Straeten and it turned out divine and basically  thats all you need to know. 

Sourced via Vogue where there is the storyline written by Hamish Bowles and photographed by Francois Halard, mais bien sur. Now there is a melting pot of very talented gentlemen. 

Oh c'est beaux x

Martyn Lawrence Bullard

I am a big fan of Martyn Lawrence Bullard  a very diverse decorator with incredible attention to detail, who connects with his clients personalities and then translates it in their homes.

No two homes are alike and you feel as if you have travelled all corners of the earth when you view the pictures. He also produces his own fabrics and furniture.

The homes are beautifully put together but yet are very welcoming and warm and have a sense of humour. Just like Martyn as you can see from the picture of him being goofy in front of an amazing painting by Keith Hering and now we can all watch him in action in the fun show Million Dollar Decorators. Hopefully it will air in England soon. I am hooked, Martyn, darling do you need an assistant?

All Photos via www.martynlawrencebullard.com

LI CHEN THE SOUL GUARDIAN

AERIEL PAGODA I

AERIAL PAGODA II

FIREMASTER

THE THREE BODIES OF BUDDHA

THE PURSUER

CLEAR SOUL

SNOW WONDERLAND

SOUL GUARDIAN

THE GENUINE STATE

LANDSCAPE IN HEAVEN

GOLDEN PALM

ELEVATION

LORD OF WIND

OFFERING

SOARING DRAGON

CAUSAL (soul)

THE ILLUMINATOR

THE ILLUMINATOR CLOSE UP

  "Behind the Beacon is a ceremonial process; its essence lies in “Yinze”—the full or diminishing glory of the sun and the moon. (Li Chen)

One morning I received a call from a dear friend of mine whose taste and creativity I greatly admire, she recounted to me her trip in Paris and all the wonderful art she had seen but especially wanted to share with me in detail something she knew I would love. Buddha statues like she had never seen, her description immediately resonated with me and the googlelista that I am I fell on Buddhas Big Lap. It was love at first sight for me too, Splendid Buddha, big and round like a baby, strong yet soft, heavy yet light,  almost as if Botero and Buddha had baby via Artist Taiwanese Li Chens mind. 

Li Chen's  Spiritual Invocations come from his deep knowledge and experience in Taoist, Buddhist and Classic Chinese Traditions but most of all from his connection to his soul. That is what make these sculptures be different from the rest, they glimmer within. 

Now how can I invoke one of his sculpture in my house?! 

*When night light Glimmers : The Beacon*

In this Series:

The Pursuer, Illuminator, Angelic Smile, Fire Master, The Pavilion, Aerial Pagoda & Soaring Dragon.

"One evening in 2009, Li Chen returned from a busy day at work to his home. He lit a long unused candles on the family Buddhist altar and enjoyed the warmth of the silence, and the experience brought back memories of one of his earlier drawings titled “Illuminator.” This event was the spiritual beginnings of the artist’s current series of work. For the “The Beacon” Series, Li Chen completed just eight pieces in total. For Li lighting the lamp constitutes an act of “recuperation” and brings with it a certain ritualistic joy. Through the interaction of humanity and fire the burning of materials not only changes the environment, but a certain romantic sentimentality dances in the candlelight. As a result, ones state of mind becomes becalmed, providing an opportunity for one to communicate with oneself. “The Beacon” is far richer and more diverse than any of Li’s earlier work. It also marks the first time the artist has sculpted the human form, deliberately showcasing the characteristic of the Asian physical form. This work makes the connection between people and such high places as towers, pavilions, heavenly fire, containing objects that appear distant, but can be compared with Chinese literati’s slow wander.

  "The meaning of the Pursuer’s candle light can be decided by people’s different definition and thought for life. A white cloud twirling around the waist of the figure is evocative of a dream-like illusion, triggering the imagination and lending a surprising touch of humor to the otherwise thought-provoking theme. Such is the wondrous creativity of Li Chen." (Thomas Lee, President of Asia Art Center)

 ******* NEWS***************** ( Lucky Parisians )

LI CHEN EXHIBITION IN PLACE VENDOME PARIS 2 SEPTEMBER-29TH. 2013. 

   Li Chen has accomplished an artistic style that incorporates Eastern philosophy of Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist traditions with contemporary thought, evincing the idea of “Spirit of the East.” His sculptures will be showcased at the center of Paris surrounded by historical buildings. While such arrangement seems to emphasise the contrast between two different cultures, they are alike in terms of providing new possibilities and interpretations for our cumulative civilisation and wisdom in contemporary world. Facilitated by the speed of globalisation and technology nowadays, we can thus expect a profound intellectual dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures occurring at Place Vendome. 

  This exhibition is organised by notable non-profit organization—Global Art Center Foundation (GAC), and Asia Art Center, with full acknowledgement and support from the Vendôme Committee (Comité Vendôme), Ministry of Culture (Ministère de la Culture) and Paris City Council (Conseil municipal). After 18 months of deliberated planning by the curatorial team, which consists of international experts from Paris, Netherlands, Italy and Taipei, the team has successfully overcome various obstacles such as transportation, structural calculation, artwork placement, loading capacity, and weather conditions. in the hope to help Taiwanese artist break free from geographical boundary and to engage in the infinite possibilities of the world. 

  As the economy of the east begins to rise and attract global attentions, Li Chen’s artworks inspired by Eastern culture and traditions will surely bring to light a visual and spiritual feast in the world.

    SOURCES

www.lichensculpture.org

www.asie-antiquites.com

To see more like LI Chen see my previous piece on Dashi Namdakov 

Dhow House Lamu

I had a dream and it was called Dhow House in Lamu, Kenya.

Owned and designed by Katy Barker along side architect Laurent Butazoni.

How divine is the Swahili and modern combination.

One day I will post my own pictures of this beautiful home.

Photos by http://www.dhowhouse.co.uk

The Vision of Christopher Jenner

© Jenner Studio

Rising star Christopher Jenner is one talented man, born in South Africa based out of London the skill of  craftsmanship and future vision of design is exciting. Like the concept of how he sees the future of Eurostar, blending a sort of futuristic and vintage feel to create unique look that you want to experience

His work is well know for the design of the Diptyque Candle stores in Leadenhall Market London mixing traditional Victorian architecture, stained glass and English brass with modern aspects of colour. The Bleecker street shop in New York is filled with over 200 hand painted mirrors, Art Deco inspired metal ceiling, unusual  and elegant tables and display cabinets. Jenner studio has created some seriously bejewelled splendor here.  Not only you want to buy the candles but you wish you could take the whole shop with you. His next project is the upcoming opening of Diptyque in Chicago and there are many other interesting projects that you can have a look on his website.

Keep on Creating xo

All images via Christopher Jenner

Christopher Jenner Studio

Top Floor

Newman Hire Building

16 The Vale

London

W3 7SB

Tel 020 8746 1249

Email Info@christopher-jenner.com

FAREWELL PETER O'TOOLE

2ND AUGUST 1932- 14TH DECEMBER 2013

"No one should ever know where conduct ends and acting begins," he confides. "Conduct unbecoming. That's what acting is. It's people doing it, not for themselves, but for the audience. That's the magic, baby. That's what matters. That's what an audience remembers." PETER O'TOOLE

Thank you for the magic! 

Wonderful interview by Sarah Standing

www.gq-magazine.co.uk