LIFE
IMITATES ART
March 2021
ART & CULTURE
T H E VA L U E O F A L E G A C Y VA C AT I O N H O M E ...
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In this issue On the Cover
Oscar Wilde might have written that “All art is quite useless”—and the deeper meaning of this Dorian Gray quote is worth thinking on—but we believe that the arts can bring people to life! Whether creating or consuming, humans can find their souls set on fire by the art for which they are passionate. This Art & Culture Issue celebrates that feeling, and we are absolutely delighted with the incredible portrait of our own creative team that you see on the cover. Artist Talula Christian outdid herself, and we are excited to show more of her work within these pages!
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GREAT ARCHITECTURE IS AN ART FORM. THIS STUNNING GULF-FRONT RESIDENCE IN THE EXCLUSIVE PARADISE BY THE SEA NEIGHBORHOOD ALONG NORTHWEST FLORIDA’S SCENIC HIGHWAY 30-A PROVES THAT, AND ROSEMARY BEACH REALTY’S RECENT SALE OF THE PROPERTY BROKE A RECORD AT $15.95 MILLION.
Photo by Alex Dossey
FEATURE
80 Paradise by the Sea
22 Finding Magic in Art: A Childlike Wonder
85 Petite pause: Break the Mold
VISUAL PERSPECTIVES 21 29 L’intermission: Radiant Reflections 30 Pop Art Eye Candy: Reflections of a Commercial World
36 A Stitch in Time: The Gee’s Bend Quilt Makers 43 Petite pause: A True Original 44 Art and Honesty 52 Innate Creations Vie is a French word meaning “life” or “way of living.” VIE magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication that focuses on human-interest stories with heart and soul. From Seattle to NYC with a concentration in the Southeast, VIE is known for its unique editorial approach—a broad spectrum of deep content with rich photography. The award-winning magazine was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Gerald Burwell, owners of the specialty publishing and branding house known as The Idea Boutique®. From the finest artistically bound books to paperless digital publication and distribution, The Idea Boutique provides comprehensive publishing services to authors and organizations. Its team of creative professionals delivers a complete publishing experience—all that’s needed is your vision.
PUBLISHED BY
88 Suite Dreams: A New NYC Penthouse with Art in Mind
C’EST LA VIE CURATED COLLECTION 96 LE MONDE 103 104 Finding a Home Within: Art Aids the Homeless in Great Britain
109 L’intermission: Voice of a Nation
57 L’intermission: Drifting Away
VIE BOOK CLUB: THE READERS CORNER 111
58 Sculpting the Wonder of the Wild West
112 An Artist of the Sea and Sun
63 Petite pause: It Was All a Dream
117 Petite pause: Happily Ever After
64 Starlight, Starbright: Celebrate the
118 Penning a Love Letter: HOME Celebrates
Magic of Childhood
the Gulf Coast
LA MAISON 71
THE LAST WORD: CULTURE AND THE ARTS 125
72 At One with Nature: Seeing Is Believing 79 L’intermission: Out of the Blue
AU REVOIR! 129
THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM INFO@THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 11
CREATIVE TEAM CEO / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com
FOUNDER / PUBLISHER GERALD BURWELL Gerald@VIEmagazine.com
EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR JORDAN STAGGS Jordan@VIEmagazine.com
CHIEF COPY EDITOR MARGARET STEVENSON
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SALLIE W. BOYLES, FELICIA FERGUSON, ANTHEA GERRIE, SALLIE LEWIS, MYLES MELLOR, KELSEY OGLETREE, CAROLYN O’NEIL, TORI PHELPS, SUZANNE POLL AK, LYNDIE PROUT, NICHOL AS S. RACHEOTES, VIRGINIA REED, L AURETTE RYAN, COLLEEN SACHS, JANET THOMAS, MEGAN WALDREP
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY CREATIVE DIRECTOR TRACEY THOMAS Tracey@VIEmagazine.com
ART DIRECTOR HANNAH VERMILLION Hannah@VIEmagazine.com
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS MOLLIE BAKER NICOLE FARMER TIM HUSSEY OLIVIA WELLER
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS JONAH ALLEN, MATT ARNETT, ALEX DOSSEY, JACK GARDNER, STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON, BRENNA KNEISS, MARY MCCARTHY, AKIMIE OGILVIE, NORMAN PARKINSON, SABELA PEINADO, CARLO PIERONI, STEPHEN PITKIN, MARK REINSTEIN, ROMONA ROBBINS, RUSSELLSTREET, CHANDLER WILLIAMS, MCCV, PITKIN STUDIO, SHUTTERSTOCK
ADVERTISING, SALES, AND MARKETING DIRECTOR OF BRAND AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AMANDA SALUCCI Amanda@VIEmagazine.com
SOCIAL MEDIA AND BRAND MANAGER ABIGAIL RYAN
BRAND AMBASSADOR LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com MARTA RATA Marta@VIEmagazine.com
AD MANAGER ABIGAIL RYAN Abigail@VIEmagazine.com
INTERN EMME MARTIN
VIE is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2008–2021 Cornerstone Marketing and Advertising, Incorporated (Publisher). All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. VIE is a lifestyle magazine and is published twelve times annually on a monthly schedule. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork submitted by freelance or outside contributors. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or the Publisher. VIE is a paid publication. Subscription rates: Printed magazine – One-year $29.95; Two-year $49.95. Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.VIEmagazine.com.
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S H O P A LY S B E A C H W H E R E V E R YO U A R E . V I S I T A LY S S H O P P E . C O M LOCATED ON THE EAST END OF HIGHWAY 30A IN ALYS BEACH. 30 MARK TWAIN LANE ALYS BEACH, FL 32461 • 850.213.5550
Editor’s Note
SHIN E ON Beauty for Ashes Is on Its Way
“. . . to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness . . .”
T
—ISAIAH 61:3
hroughout my life’s journey, when faced with adversity—no matter how uncomfortable—I find that personal bursts of growth and creativity are my constant companions. The overwhelming pressure of hardship felt in adverse times like these causes one to think differently, which can be a catalyst for birthing new ideas in an effort to overcome difficulties and emerge triumphant. During the process of being refined by fire and pressure, one also becomes very strong—and strength is always needed to weather the storms of life no matter who you are or what you do. A trying moment can sometimes be our finest hour as it tends to push us to new levels of achievement never thought possible. Of the artists that I have recently spoken with, many have shared how last year’s pandemic thrust them into enormous growth spurts in their respective fields of artistry. I commend them for persevering through challenges and hardships along their journey. Cheers to those who continue to beautify our world, which is often fraught with strife, gracing it with culture and gorgeous artistry. This year feels like a new era to me. I walk lighter, smile brighter, and am full of joy and a fresh perspective on the world. I have shed the heaviness of last year’s misfortunes and am now entering the new year reborn with delight. So, with this issue, we celebrate a new wind of change. A revolution of sorts—of fun and lightness—is flowing through our company. And, speaking of revolutions—the cover of this issue features VIE’s creative team as fun and fanciful caricatures captured by Boston-based illustrator Talula Christian, well known for creating parodies of celebrities wearing Marie Antoinette hairdos. VIE has always been a magazine for the everyman and everywoman, and we felt that this was the perfect gesture for embarking on a journey to overthrow the old to usher in the new. To keep our community in touch with one another, we’d like to spread the word that we have an artist in need. Local artist Meghan Davis’s fifteen-year-old daughter, Cameron, was diagnosed with chronic Ehlers-Danlos ligament disease, which causes dislocation of joints and constant body pain. Cameron has endured a femur fracture, multiple dislocations in her right knee, and two MPFL reconstructive surgeries in the past eighteen months. While babysitting a young boy on July 30, 2020, Cameron rescued the child from being struck by a car. Thankfully, the little boy was spared due to Cameron’s quick thinking, but Cameron herself
VIE CEO/editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell at the magazine’s Sea + Farm + Table dinner event in 2013 Photo by Carlo Pieroni
was hit, destroying the MPFL reconstruction surgery she had just recovered from. The driver left the scene, but when they finally connected with her, they learned that she had inadequate insurance to cover Cameron’s care. Doctors have given little hope that they can restore her knee without a total knee replacement, and she has been referred to the Mayo Clinic in NYC and Minnesota for more tests. If you like Meghan Davis’s art and feel inclined to purchase a piece, it will help them with their travel and medical expenses in Cameron’s journey to recovery. Please visit her website to browse and shop—MegRoseFineArt.com. To Life!
—Lisa Marie CEO/Editor-in-Chief V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 15
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The Creatives We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media and don’t forget to check out our account, @viemagazine.
TALULA CHRISTIAN
JOJO ANAVIM
Artist, “Finding Magic in Art”
Artist, “Pop Art Eye Candy”
@talulachristianart
IN THIS ART AND CULTURE ISSUE, WE ASKED THE CREATIVES: WHAT DRIVES OR INSPIRES YOU TO CREATE, AND WHY DO YOU THINK ART SPEAKS TO YOU IN THIS WAY?
For me, creating felt like my chance to create my own world. Being able to bring my own voice and my own ideas out of my head and into existence is extremely fulfilling. As a kid, I felt very inspired by the animations and illustrations I saw in movies and books. I would also spend hours watching classic movies filled with beautiful and ornate costumes. Those animators, illustrators, and costume designers created magic for me. I grew up wanting so badly to be able to create that magic, and that magic is what I’m hoping for every time I create something new.
@jojoanavim
The biggest thing that drives me is the need to get the thoughts and ideas I have in my head into the physical world. It’s hard for me to go more than a couple of days without creating. It’s almost as if I need to create to function. As far as where these ideas manifest and the source of my inspiration, I’d say the bulk comes from my own childhood and trying to channel that consciousness I had, which was a very idealistic view of the world.
DOUGLAS VAN HOWD
JULIA KATE MACE TIM HUSSEY Artist, “Innate Creations” Artist, “Art and Honesty”
@letmecreateforyou
@thusseystudio
I need to be always making something—whether it’s with paint, a camera, or just making up a story to entertain my girls. This drive was developed at a very early age. Being an only child, I had to find ways to create a play partner—to sort of compete against myself. Art became the tool of choice because I had several creative cousins whom I admired. I believe if you start creating other realities while very young, this practice becomes a fixed part of your brain—almost like a twin you can flip back and forth between.
My environment inspires creativity. A big factor of that involves community and culture. When I am impacted by other humans, it manifests my own creative spirit. As long as I continue to feel fulfillment, gratitude, and success, I am driven to create. Success speaks to knowing myself and my boundaries. It is important to define my quality of life in the creative process. For example, I ask myself if this project is going to stretch my capabilities or just take up my time. I love to create and when it speaks to someone, that is when I know it is meant to be, and that feeling is magical.
Artist, “Sculpting the Wonder of the Wild West” DouglasVanHowd.com
What really inspires me are experiences I’ve had with nature and wildlife in the out-of-doors. They are etched in my mind, and I know I have to paint that beautiful scene or sculpt that beautiful animal in all its detail. Artistic talent is definitely a gift but it is also important what you do to develop your talent. Once I committed to putting my talent first before other interests, it became my full-time job. I could no longer just create when I felt like it. Because I was disciplined about it, I have been able to make it my life’s work and do what I love full-time. That means I sometimes have to do projects that don’t inspire me. I once had to create a painting of iguanas in the Galápagos, and I did it because I was supporting my family. I did get paid in advance, because not everyone appreciates having lizards in their living room! V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 17
La conversation
Talking Back WE LOVE TO COMMUNICATE AND INTERACT WITH OUR READERS! AND WE LOVE IT EVEN MORE WHEN THEY PROUDLY SHARE THEIR STORIES AND POSE WITH VIE FOR A CLOSE-UP! THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT: SHARING, LOVING, AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS. WE THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH AND WE APPRECIATE YOU!
@trueladygold Grateful each day for the moments of celebration after all the hard work. The unforgettable celebration of life events! Thank you to @viemagazine for my first cover feature, your friendship forever thereafter, and the incredible party at the @royalsonestano who provided a stunning venue and delicious gourmet goodness for all!
@nottooshabbybymarisolgullo We’re so grateful and ecstatic to be featured in HOME by @viemagazine! This luxury coffee-table book features local artists, restaurants, and business owners, all hailing from the Gulf Coast area. Not only is it a great read, it’s also a great gift. Available at our Miramar and Inlet Beach locations! @sellerstile Still drooling over this modern beach house! Featured in @viemagazine, designed by @kimberlytiptonvalentino, photography by @alexbdoss.
@thesmileof30a We love and miss Dallas dearly! #PreCovidMemories: @viemagazine hosted us in the Chef’s Palette dining room at the CANVAS Hotel in Dallas, Texas, to kick off their Stories with Heart & Soul Tour in 2019.
LET’S TALK!
@judithleiberny We’re here for the sides! @ashleylongshoreart carries our French Fries Rainbow in @viemagazine. #judithleibercouture Photo by @carlopieroni
@barroomgrayton Alligator Harbor Clam Toast, beautifully photographed by @brennakneissphoto in @viemagazine’s gorgeous new coffee-table book, HOME! Visit VIEmagazine.com to order your copy of this exclusive new publication that celebrates the beauty of the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast.
Send VIE your comments and photos on our social media channels or by emailing us at info@viemagazine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts. They could end up in the next La conversation!
VIEmagazine.com
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 19
original oil paintings, commissions and fine giclée prints
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Prints available in a variety of sizes on canvas, metal and fine art paper. Visit her online store or contact Margaret for commissions.
Visual Perspectives Royalty by Carla Grace 100 × 75 centimeters See more at CarlaGraceArt.com
Visual Perspectives EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
“This piece was the first in my latest series, The Uninvited, Uninvited, which is a hypothetical series that explores what might happen if certain animals were invited over for dinner,” says wildlife artist Carla Grace. “It combines a human setting with the natural and uncouth behaviors of animals. The play between the two environments has been fun and interesting, resulting in mixed reactions from viewers.”
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 21
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Visual Perspectives
Magic Art F I N D I N G
I N
A
C H I L D L I K E
Artwork by TA L U L A
W O N D E R
CHRISTIAN
O
n the walls of Talula Christian’s home, the smiling face of Mr. Rogers might be neighbors with the Golden Girls, while rock’n’roll stars like Freddie Mercury and David Bowie could be flanking a scene from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Christian describes the space, adorned with her colorful pop culture icons and other illustrations, as her own little world. The Boston-based artist has been drawing since she was a child, but it wasn’t until around 2014 that she discovered a love for the whimsical celebrity portraits that have become her favorite to paint. Sometimes adorned with glitter, pearls, and other trinkets, her Antoinette series features a variety of celebrities whom she admires—both past and present—all sporting tall, extravagant pouf hairstyles reminiscent of the collection’s namesake. VIE featured several of Christian’s paintings in the 2019 Artist Issue, and we were thrilled to catch up with her again to discuss the evolution of her work.
Opposite: Part of her series of celebrity portraits adorned with Marie Antoinette– inspired pouf hairstyles, Talula Christian’s Iris Antoinette depicts fashion icon Iris Apfel. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 23
Left: RBG Antoinette with Butterflies by Talula Christian
VIE: We’ve seen some new styles from you lately, including a series of images and movie scenes with illustrated characters whose faces are not shown. What inspired this new collection? Is the lack of faces a significant detail that aims to say something or just a style choice? It’s interesting to see this contrast from your very detailed celebrity portraits. TC: Growing up, movies—especially classic movies—were my favorite hobby. I would sit in my room for hours watching and sketching my own costume designs for the films. I ended up getting a BFA in costume design thanks to the inspiration some of those films gave me. So, I have a long history of being inspired by movies. I guess my Antoinettes show that as well. The movie sketches were something I started for fun. I would love to say that the choice of not showing the faces had a deeper meaning, but truthfully, it was just to save me time. The ability to watch a movie that I loved and quickly sketch a scene from it brought back some of that happiness I felt as a kid sitting in my room doing the same thing.
VIE: How have recent events such as COVID-19 and other changes in the world affected your art?
“
I started to feel some of that magic that I felt as a child, and that helped me continue to create and enjoy creating. 24 | M A R CH 2 0 21
VIE: Tell us a little about what you’ve been up to since we last spoke. How has your art career evolved, and what new ideas have you been working on? TC: My work with my Antoinette collection has continued to be my main focus since we last spoke. I get a lot of pleasure in creating them, and thankfully, my customers have continued to support me and make it possible for me to keep a focus on this collection. Recently, I’ve considered stepping away from them for a bit to work on a new collection, but I know I’ll keep coming back to them.
TC: The isolation that COVID has brought has affected my art in certain ways. I noticed recently that I was no longer getting the same enjoyment from painting. I was starting to not want to draw, and I had to find new ways to bring myself out of that state of mind. I started to get back into things that inspired me as a kid. I started reading more about Mr. Rogers, someone I loved back then. I started to look at books of Disney animators. I started doing the movie drawings and then I started drawing Disney characters for my warm-up sketches every day. I started to feel some of that magic that I felt as a child, and that helped me continue to create and enjoy creating.
Visual Perspectives
VIE: You are a traveler, normally. Has the past year affected this pastime for you and your fiancé, and has it affected your work or ideas?
TC: Normally, we would travel around New England quite often, especially during the summer. It’s been disappointing to not be able to travel, but it also feels like a small price to pay for the health and safety of others as well as ourselves. Luckily, we were able to follow the travel guidelines and take a small day trip here and there this past summer. Being able to get out of the house on occasion and be outside by the water helped rejuvenate my spirit. I wouldn’t say that my work was affected solely by the lack of travel but more by the isolation that all of us have been challenged with this past year.
VIE: How has living in Boston been an influence on your work? What do you love about the area? TC: I’m actually from a small town in southern Missouri but I’ve lived in the Boston area for ten years now. I don’t think that my work tends to be influenced by where I live; it is influenced more by my current interests and, at times, my mood. I would say that where I live influences my mood, though, and in that way, it might affect my work. My favorite thing—and the thing that inspires me the most—about New England is being by the coast. Knowing that I can get to the ocean easily if I wish brings me peace for some reason. There’s something magical about the water, wild and misbehaving. I feel a connection and I think that would be the main reason I want to continue living by the coast.
VIE: Are there any ideas or art forms that you have always wanted to explore but have been too busy or afraid to do so? TC: I’ve always wanted to write and illustrate a book of my Antoinettes! I’m not sure it’s something that will ever happen, but I think it would be a ton of fun. My Antoinette collection is partly about drawing people that I find inspiring for the things they contributed to the world through their art. I always thought it would be fun to choose fifty people and talk about the amazing things each person did, and then have the coinciding page show them drawn as one of my Antoinettes. I hope that I get the opportunity to create that someday!
Above: Mr. Rogers Antoinette by Talula Christian Above left: Friendship by Talula Christian is a special painting she created in 2019 in memory of her beloved cat, Pepper V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 25
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Visual Perspectives
“
Watching a TV show or sitting down and enjoying a movie, getting lost in a book, painting, listening to music, cooking a nice meal—all these things that help ease my fears or concerns for a moment are creative outlets.
VIE: Are there any projects coming up in 2021 that you’d like to share? TC: I’m currently working on a couple of new things, but I’m not sure I can share those quite yet. I’m constantly working on new projects and commissions and sharing them on my Instagram, so stay tuned!
VIE: Why do you think art is important to the world?
VIE: Thank you, Talula!
TC: I know some people might not agree with me but I feel that, to some Above: Funny Face by Talula Christian, part of an illustration series inspired by the artist’s favorite films Left: Marilyn Antoinette by Talula Christian
degree, we are sustained by art. This past year, pretty much everything I’ve done to entertain myself or to help lift my spirits has been some type of art. Watching a TV show or sitting down and enjoying a movie, getting lost in a book, painting, listening to music, cooking a nice meal—all these things that help ease my fears or concerns for a moment are creative outlets. I would have found this past year even harder without some type of art to help me escape from the world, even if just for a moment.
Follow Talula Christian on Instagram @talulachristianart to keep up with her most recent work. To purchase her work, find her on Etsy at TalulaChristian.etsy.com, or see more of her paintings and illustrations at TalulaChristian.com. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 27
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Q -T I L E . C O M
L’intermission
Radiant Reflections
First Light by Andy Saczynski emulates the vibrance of Western Lake at dawn. Acrylic on wood panel, 48 × 48 inches See more at AndySaczynski.com.
Northwest Florida local artist Andy Saczynski captures one of the area’s most picturesque views in this vivid painting. Appropriately named First Light, the piece depicts the array of hues reflected on and above Western Lake in Grayton Beach, Florida, as the sun rises. It reminds us of the magic of nature surrounding us— magic that we never want to take for granted.
Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 29
Visual Perspectives
Above: BlowPop by Jojo Anavim Collage, acrylic, and diamond dust on canvas, 24 Ă— 30 inches, 2020 30 | M A R CH 2 0 21
PopArt EyeCandy
REFLECTIONS of a COMMERCIAL WORLD
W
By Jordan Staggs Artwork by Jojo Anavim
hile growing up in Roslyn, New York, Jojo Anavim was probably one of very few children who actually enjoyed going to the grocery store with his parents—and not because of the chance to get candy or other treats. The brightly colored packages that lined the shelves held a magnetic force for the young boy, who says he’s not sure why he was always drawn to them. “I used to look forward to supermarket trips as a kid just to see the graphics and illustrations on all the candy, cereal boxes, ice cream boxes, and other items,” he shares. Anavim was enthralled by this type of design and liked to draw and create as a child—sometimes even doodling on his school desks. Seeing his interest, his
parents enrolled him in an art class with Disney animator Al Baruch, which gave him more insight into what an art career could look like. Still, Anavim didn’t seriously consider entering the professional art field until he took a graphic design class in his senior year of high school. “That class gave me more clarity on how I could make my creative vision a viable career option, and that eventually led me to where I am today,” he recalls. “Commercial art design was just such a natural fit after college, but I felt like I hit a glass ceiling with it at a certain point. I needed to find new ways to release that creative voice in my head.” V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 31
Visual Perspectives
T
he artist began exploring a fineart approach, still incorporating those bold packaging designs that had long spoken to his inner child. The result is a collection of pop art paintings, mixed media pieces, murals, illustrations, and—fittingly—package designs. He has worked with brands including Coca-Cola, the New York Knicks, Dream Hotels, the New York Yankees, and the Surf Lodge Hotel. His work is nostalgic, featuring many of those favorite products and companies he admired as a kid—like the Life Savers candies his grandmother always kept in her handbag. He has also incorporated mixed media like old newspaper and magazine clippings that depict specific events in history, such as Israel’s independence documented in a 1948 copy of the New York Times. The painting that featured this clip and some of his other artworks celebrate the artist’s Persian-Jewish roots. In an era when people are looking to the past for not only guidance but also a sense of security, happiness, and calm, Anavim’s art is a colorful light in what can, at times, be a gray and dreary world. “I still remember the feeling I had when I’d open a fresh box of crayons,” Anavim says. “The smell triggers all kinds of emotions inside me to this day. I guess those are the feelings I’m trying to articulate through my visual language. Art is so personal—so when someone acquires a painting, I feel like a piece of me is living and breathing on their wall. It’s always humbling.”
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In an era when people Far left: Doublemint Acrylic, spray paint, and collage on wood panel, 30 × 40 inches Left: Wonder More Acrylic and collage on canvas, 48 × 48 inches Below left: Enjoy the Good Life Acrylic and collage on canvas, 30 × 40 inches Right: Artist Jojo Anavim Below: Anavim’s artwork is shown in galleries and private homes across the US and his studio-galleries in Manhattan and Roslyn, New York.
are looking to the past for not only
guidance
but also a sense of
security colorful
, happiness,
and calm, Anavim’s art is a
light in what
can, at times, be a gray and dreary world.
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 33
Visual Perspectives
S
ome of those walls’ owners include Selena Gomez, Amar’e Stoudemire, Seth MacFarlane, Daymond John, Paris Hilton, and Sheldon Adelson.
With so many works in his catalog, Anavim says it’s difficult to pick a personal favorite. “I love different pieces I’ve done for different reasons,” he explains. “My first painting may be cringeworthy to look at now, but it’s still my baby. Others, like my Madison Square Garden painting, are personal and sentimental to me. I always loved the arena and the Knicks, so it was a bucket list thing.”
Right: Pieces from Jojo Anavim’s Cigarette series at the PHD Rooftop Lounge of the Dream Downtown hotel in New York City Below: Part of Anavim’s colorful Mr. Softee series
Now on his bucket list is finishing a new series of sculptures that Anavim says are still in the “discovery phase.” He has worked on the concepts for a couple of years while busy with other projects and is now finally able to fully explore the ideas. “I never had the space to execute them until now, so all I can say is stay tuned,” he shares. In 2020, Anavim spent time away from his current home in New York City and headed back to nearby Roslyn while much of the city was on lockdown. “There’s a beautiful historic village in Roslyn, and I happened to walk by a vacant store on the pond one day.” Like the packages from those supermarket shelves long ago, the space seemed to speak to him, and the artist decided to rent it. “It was just meant to be a short-term pop-up, but I’ve since rolled it into a permanent gallery. “Twenty twenty was a wild year, especially in New York City,” he continues, “but I can’t imagine living or working anywhere else. Things were actually a bit busier than normal for me, with my hometown gallery and my new studio in Chelsea opening. It
was definitely a more emotionally heavy year, but the energy, grit, and hustle will never leave New York. I have a very optimistic outlook for the city.” Anavim’s new studio, located in NYC’s Chelsea neighborhood, will also evolve into a place where he not only makes and displays art but also where other artists and creators can explore. “More on that later this year,” he teases. His goal of encouraging and supporting other creatives is evident in this project and his kind words for those who dream of pursuing an art career: “Be patient, stay the course, do right by people, and make what you love—not what you think someone else will love.” In another wise bit of advice and encouragement to be yourself and tell your own story as only you can, Anavim shares, “Good art is a reflection of life.” We look forward to seeing what he will reflect upon next.
Jojo Anavim’s artwork is available in many galleries across the United States. You can also visit his hometown gallery at 1382 Old Northern Boulevard in Roslyn, New York, see more at his website JojoAnavim.com, or follow him on Instagram @jojoanavim. 34 | M A R CH 2 0 21
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Visual Perspectives
Mary Lee Bendolph Photo © Stephen Pitkin/Pitkin Studio
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By ANTHEA GERRIE Photography courtesy of SOULS GROWN DEEP FOUNDATION AND ALISON JACQUES GALLERY, LONDON
T H E
G E E ’ S
Q U I L T
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M A K E R S
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They pieced together their quilts from scraps to keep their families warm and sold a few to put food on the table when cotton prices tumbled and left them destitute. Although they held “airing out” days when they hung up and admired each other’s work, they never thought of themselves as artists. evertheless, the stitchers of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, were rediscovered by a canny collector, praised to the skies by Jane Fonda, embraced by museum curators, and described in the New York Times as “the equals of Klee and Matisse.” “Their creative urge to dream up designs while working in the fields and then go home and make something beautiful to take their minds off their hardship was amazing,” says writer Susan Goldman Rubin, who felt “haunted” by the quilts after seeing them at the Whitney Museum of American Art in a show that drew shining accolades from across the nation. “Their unusual and innovative colors and patterns were thrilling, full of freedom,” says the writer, whose book The Quilts of Gee’s Bend vividly tells the story of these women and their art. Now the work that has put the remote hamlet also known as Boykin on the map and secured a place in America’s most prestigious museums has reached London, where their first show in Europe was a near sell-out. Most of the thirteen quilts on display were acquired by European institutions keen to emulate MoMA, the Met, and other prestigious museums throughout the US that already have Gee’s Bend hangings in their collections. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 37
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his is a literal rags-to-riches story—the quilts were made by dirt-poor women, nearly all named Pettway for the owner of the plantation home of their slave ancestors; yet their works now command five-figure sums. The trickle-down effect has stopped short of making them rich, but fame has transformed the lives of many with basic necessities like indoor bathrooms and appliances. “Things have changed. I have gas; I have water; I have lights, a washing machine, a refrigerator, and a deep freezer,” says seventy-eightyear-old Loretta Pettway, one of the most legendary quilters, even though she admits, “I didn’t like to sew.” Only the need to keep her children warm changed the mind of the mother of seven who trudged so many miles a day in the cotton fields. As a child laborer, she came home too tired to join the family quilting effort. The women of Gee’s Bend first attracted attention in the 1960s, when a Civil Rights–funded outfit, the Freedom Quilting Bee, was set up to supply Sears and Bloomingdale’s with Southern folk art. But the stitchers of Gee’s Bend, whose creativity attracted early collectors like Lee Krasner, the artist wife of Jackson Pollock, were ill suited to the task of neatly copying quilts designed by others from pattern books. Annie Mae Young, whose work first attracted the attention of the collector who put Gee’s Bend on the twenty-first-century world art map, was rejected for the unevenness of her stitches, and the women gradually returned to expressing their original visions. One man who had heard of the Gee’s Bend women was Martin Luther King, Jr., who stopped there on his way to Selma in 1965 and told them, “I came over here to tell you, you are somebody.” But as ninety-year-old Nettie Young reflected forty years later, “Martin Luther King got us out of the cotton patch; the Arnetts got us out from under the bedsprings and onto the museum walls.” She was referring to Bill Arnett, who brought the quilters to national prominence with the help of his son Matt, Jane Fonda’s one-time son-in-law. Arnett Sr. was an aficionado of African American art who
Sure enough, the 2002 show mounted by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, went on to be a sensation in twelve American cities, including Milwaukee, where the artists were greeted at the museum by Jane Fonda. The actress pronounced their work “full of love and patriotism and hope” in her speech introducing the stitchers to the city’s culture crowd.
Loretta Pettway Photo © Matt Arnett
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WITH BABY STEPS, SHE STARTED COLLECTING SCRAPS OF HER FAMILY’S WORN-OUT CLOTHES TO MAKE STRIKING ABSTRACTS LIKE HER DENIM WORK CLOTHES QUILT, REPLETE WITH PATCH POCKETS, NOW HANGING IN LONDON. went to Alabama in search of Annie Mae, inspired by a quilt he had seen in an art book. Surprised—she was unaware her work had been publicized—she dug it out, sold it to him, and sent him on to other Gee’s Bend stitchers. Arnett would meet 150 quilters by the time he brought their work to the attention of the Houston curator who predicted they would find a permanent place in American art history.
Unlike traditional slave quilts, which often told a story or contained secret maps to indicate escape routes to freedom, the Gee’s Bend work reflects the modern lives of their makers. “Housetop” squares are inspired by the rafters they look up to from their beds. Other squares come from “work clothes,” a genre poignantly espoused by Missouri Pettway, who ripped shreds from her late husband’s clothes to make a quilt “to remember him and cover up under it for love.” Some of the women would sit under a tree and wait for inspiration; others said designs, which include dazzling displays of starbursts and diamonds, came to them in dreams. The London show runs through February 6, 2021, at the Alison Jacques Gallery. It spans ninety years of craft, with highlights including a two-sided quilt made by fourth-generation quilter Essie Bendolph Pettway when she was twelve; Loretta Pettway’s Log Cabin, whose brightly colored strips recall the Ocean Park abstracts of Richard Diebenkorn; and the dazzling Pig in the Pen, an array of colorful squares stitched by Rita Mae Pettway in 2019. This dazzlingly modern work belies the fact the artist was seventy-eight when she made it. It is shown alongside the quilt made by her grandmother, Annie E. Pettway, in 1930, the oldest work in the show. At sixty years old, Loretta Pettway Bennett is the youngest of the exhibited artists. She confesses that her first quilt, started when she was thirteen or fourteen, was “lopsided and my mom finished it.” Removed from the community when she moved to Germany with her soldier husband, she was reintroduced to the pleasures of stitching alongside her mother, aunt, and grandmother when she moved back to Gee’s Bend while her husband was in officer candidate school. She had no aspirations to fame when she applied for a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts in 2001 V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 39
Previous spread Top row: Two-sided quilt: Blocks and “One Patch” – stacked squares and rectangles variation, 1973 © Essie Bendolph Pettway / Artist Rights Society, New York and DACS, London Housetop, 1975 © Qunnie Pettway / Artist Rights Society, New York and DACS, London Big Wheel, 1986 © Stella Mae Pettway / Artist Rights Society, New York and DACS, London Middle row: “Log Cabin” – single block “Courthouse Steps” variation (local name: “Bricklayer”), 1980 © Loretta Pettway / Artist Rights Society, New York and DACS, London “Crosscut Saw” – five diamond-pieces rows with bars, 1970 © Ethel Young Center Medallion, 1940 © America Irby / Artist Rights Society, New York and DACS, London Bottom row: “Housetop” – nine-block variation, 1930 © Annie E. Pettway / Artist Rights Society, New York and DACS, London Coat of Many Colors, 1970 © Candis Pettway “Diamonds” variation – “One Patch” with contrasting center, 1975 © Delia Bennett / Artist Rights Society, New York and DACS, London 40 | M A R CH 2 0 21
Quilts on the fence in Boykin (Gee’s Bend), Alabama Photos © Stephen Pitkin/Pitkin Studio
to study the art of quilting from her mother; she merely had a desire to keep the tradition going when she saw it becoming a dying art. But the Houston art show one year later made her wonder, “Can I make a quilt that someday might hang on the wall of a museum?” With baby steps, she started collecting scraps of her family’s worn-out clothes to make striking abstracts, like her denim work clothes quilt, replete with patch pockets, now hanging in London.
Leola Pettway and Qunnie Pettway working at the Freedom Quilting Bee, 1972 Photo © Mary McCarthy
Despite the fact that prices of up to $65,000 per quilt have been achieved in the new show, the Gee’s Bend community as a whole remains impoverished, according to Mary Margaret Pettway of the Souls Grown Deep Foundation. The organization was founded by Bill Arnett to research, preserve, and exhibit African American art. Mary Margaret, who once slept under quilts made by her mother, Lucy—which now hang in the Met and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston—reflects sadly, “The traditions that have earned my community such acclaim have not resulted in economic advancement for the majority of quilters and their families. The average annual income here is under $10,000, and well over half the residents live in poverty.”
The foundation has mounted a fund-raising drive to train Gee’s Bend quilters how to market, brand, and sell their products and provide internet access for online trading. Some have already acquired the confidence to deal with galleries. “For our show, we worked directly with some of the artists as well as the foundation to source the quilts we exhibited,” says Hannah Robinson of the Alison Jacques Gallery in London.
Visual Perspectives
Only in later life have the youngest artists, like Rita Mae’s daughter Louisiana Pettway Bendolph—who expanded into fine art prints exhibited alongside Andy Warhol’s at MOCA Jacksonville—come to recognize work born in hard times as a means of joyful creative expression. Hating stitching at age twelve, the fourth-generation quilter was called back to the art in middle age by the critical acclaim that made her realize she had inherited a very special talent. Now sixty, she says, “To me, I’m still just plain and simple Lou. I need to get used to ‘Louisiana Bendolph, the artist.’ But I’m proud of that. I really am.”
Visit AlisonJacquesGallery.com to learn more about the exhibition. The Quilts of Gee’s Bend by Susan Goldman Rubin is published by Abrams. Readers can also support Souls Grown Deep’s fund-raising drive at DonorBox.org/support-gee-s-bend-quilters. Above: Stella Mae Pettway Photos © Stephen Pitkin/Pitkin Studio
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Anthea Gerrie is based in the UK but travels the world in search of stories. Her special interests are architecture and design, culture, food, and drink, as well as the best places to visit in the world’s great playgrounds. She is a regular contributor to the Daily Mail, the Independent, and Blueprint.
Petite pause
A True Original
A Canadian of Italian and Czech descent, Toronto– based contemporary artist Rita Hisar has always expressed herself through art and color. “As a child, I grew up on a farm and spent a lot of time entranced by the beauty of trees, flowers, and animals,” she says. “I wanted to capture the fleeting, fragile beauty of nature before it disappeared . . . I am still doing what I did as a child—trying to capture the fleeting beauty of a flower, a face, or an ice cream cone.” Jean-Michel Basquiat: An Original by Rita Hisar Acrylic on canvas using a knife, 30 × 24 inches See and learn more at RitaHisar.com V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 43
Visual Perspectives
By Jordan Staggs Photography courtesy of Tim Hussey
“I’D LOVE TO SUGGEST JUST BEING HONEST AT ALL TIMES,” SAYS VISUAL ARTIST TIM HUSSEY. “WE CANNOT KNOW WHY WE ARE HERE. THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE. IT SEEMS LIKE THE TRUTH OF EACH MOMENT IS THE ONLY NIGHT-LIGHT THERE IS.” Hussey, who says he cannot remember a time when he wasn’t creating cartoons as a child, believes that his quest for the meaning of life—in general and for his own destiny—is what calls him to art. “I drew to give myself some sense of differentiation,” he explains. “I didn’t understand what made people so sure of what life was for. I needed to find out on my own.” After high school in Charleston, South Carolina, Hussey attended the Rhode Island School of Design with his “skateboarding buddy,” Shepard Fairey. The latter is now known as the creator of OBEY Clothing. Dreams of sitting at a drawing board to create Rockwellian works of family and life were always in the back of Hussey’s mind, but he began his career as a commercial illustrator painting sets for MTV during live television broadcasts (you know, back when they played music on MTV). 44 | M A R CH 2 0 21
This page: Aurem in Terram 1 House paint, acrylic, charcoal, and collage on canvas, 72 Ă— 72 inches, 2015 Opposite: Artist Tim Hussey in his home studio in Charleston, South Carolina
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Visual Perspectives Having grown up in Charleston—where his family lived since the Revolutionary War, he says—Hussey returned several times over the years and lived there for varying periods before heading off again to pursue his career elsewhere. “I just wasn’t ready to stay,” he says. After he and his wife, Elise, married in 2011, they moved to Los Angeles, “to be closer to a good art scene,” he explains. “For four years, I showed in galleries and reunited with Shepard, who helped me get some great press and exhibitions. My wife and I decided to move back to Charleston after that to be close to my mother, who had Parkinson’s.”
A
fter that, I floated from discipline to no discipline at all for six years—developing a career in illustration, which garnered some steady awards and opened doors for me to become a designer,” Hussey says. “I taught myself publication design by spending late nights at Harper’s Bazaar (roommate was an intern), copying Rolling Stone pages as best I could, and building out mock-ups of my own life experiences. This landed me a job at Musician magazine, then GQ, Men’s Health, Outside magazine, and, eventually, launching Garden & Gun as art director in 2007.”
Above: The Abkhazians Oil, acrylic, and charcoal on canvas, 72 × 95 inches, 2016 Right: RANE Charcoal, collage, and acrylic on canvas, 40 × 30 inches, 2019 46 | M A R CH 2 0 21
Between his commercial projects, Hussey explored another side of himself—the fine artist who had those Normal Rockwell visions. In 2000, he spent some time off from commercial illustration and focused more on that side of the business. Zeitgeist, a Nashville art gallery, first showcased his work on the kind recommendation of stylist Joseph Cassell. “I couldn’t have done it without him,” Hussey says. “He found my work online and took it to Zeitgeist. He is now the most coveted stylist in Hollywood and is still Taylor Swift’s personal stylist.”
“I WOULD L IKE TO THINK I ACHIEVE A REPL ICATION OF A MOMENT OR AT LEAST THE BASIC STRUCT URE OF HOW I FEEL DAY TO DAY."
Hussey’s body of work is an impressive mixed bag of illustrations, graphic design, painting, photography, and more. Unlike artists who find their niche and stick with it to create a collection with a single message, his only common thread seems to be his mind, wherever it may roam each day. “I just pick back up in this unconscious realm where I am playing a game of chess with myself, only with art supplies,” he says. “The soul of my work lies in compulsions to add or subtract imagery, lines, colors—all the while evaluating carefully how one thing changes when up against another. Every color, every image, every line can be beautiful when up against the right opposing subject. I am not interested in one finding meaning in my work. I more enjoy the visceral responses viewers have. My art isn’t for everyone, but that goes for all art.” Still, his work has attracted attention from private collectors over the years and has been featured in design publications including Dwell, The New York Times Magazine, Architectural Digest, Real
Simple, and more. The abstract swaths of color, lines, shapes, and simple words or phrases have a quiet power that provokes reflection. “I would like to think I achieve a replication of a moment—or at least the basic structure of how I feel day to day—and that the arrangement of these elements can open someone’s eyes who has a like-minded approach to life,” Hussey says of those who enjoy his work. “It’s always a big surprise to stumble upon my work hanging in someone’s home. It’s embarrassing, for the most part, but always a treat to see it objectively, if only for a split second.” Although he doesn’t have a favorite from his work, Hussey shares that the most fun he ever had while painting was creating a sixteen-by-twenty-foot mural in Santa Monica for the studio of renowned comedian, actor, director, and producer Larry David. The colorful piece spans two floors with bubble-like circles, bold red brushstrokes, and paint drips playing across a field of bluish-gray.
Now the father of two young girls, Hussey lives in Charleston with his family and still enjoys a varied art career that includes painting, illustrating, graphic design, and photography. He shares works and snippets of his life on his Instagram account @thusseystudio, along with poignant words that some might argue could add poetry to his list of talents, though he denies being a writer. “Finding the truth in words is far easier after searching for the truth through abstract art,” he offers. “Photography will always be my first and most important love,” Hussey admits. “It might not seem as unique to others as my painting, but I take great pride in trying to feel out a moment and ‘getting it.’ I don’t want to only get it, though—I want to suggest a deeper narrative; otherwise, it’s just a photo. Photography is still my purest, most natural form of expression.”
Left: Tim Hussey with comedian and producer Larry David at David’s Santa Monica studio where Hussey created a sixteen-by-twentyfoot mural V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 47
Visual Perspectives
"I GUESS I SEE AN ART IST ’S BRAIN AS BEING MORE OF A LIFEST YLE THAT INVOLVES A CERTAIN MINDFULNESS AND SENSITIVITY TO EVER YTHING AROUND YOU.
His daughters—“the best art I’ve ever made,” he proclaims—like to create and sometimes play in their dad’s studio, but Hussey says he has surprised himself by not pushing them much to pick up a paintbrush. “I guess I see an artist’s brain as being more of a lifestyle that involves certain mindfulness and sensitivity to everything around you. One doesn’t have to paint or even produce anything. I want to instill in my kids that a good conversation, a good story, or just a moment of reflection are the best stuff you’ll get out of an artist’s brain. I want them to see this whole mess of life from afar and never take it too seriously.”
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That advice could be taken to heart by anyone, artist or not, but certainly applies to others who dream of going into the field Hussey has pursued his whole life. He urges them to remain wary of how difficult it can be but also to embrace possibilities that can come from determination and genuine love of creating. “It has to be the long game if they truly are driven to create,” he expounds. “I’d say you should never see art as a career choice, but put your heart into it, and it may join your adventure as a parallel career—one that makes money when it’s supposed to, but other times drops away to nothing. David Lynch said you cannot create if you are worried about money. It took me twenty-five years to come to terms with that. But it’s a wonderful ride to be an artist—it opens so many doors that others may never have access to because it defies class systems, sex, race, and age.”
Left: Day for Night 7 Oil, acrylic, graphite, and collage on paper, 30 × 22 inches, 2020 Opposite left: Hussey’s daughters playing in his art studio Opposite right: Aphasia 3; Oil, acrylic, charcoal, and collage on canvas, 72 × 72 inches, 2015
To view more of Hussey’s art, visit his Instagram @thusseystudio or his website, HusseyArt.com. You can also shop available works at THussey.com.
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Creations I N N A T E
A r t w o r k b y J U L I A K AT E M A C E P h o t o g r a p h y b y A K I M I E O G I LV I E
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“G
rowing up, I loved to create,” says Julia Kate Mace. “My mother is an artist, so I looked up to her talent and followed in her footsteps.” That passion blossomed throughout her youth as Mace grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. She later translated it into the visual and creative sides of her career as she earned a degree in public relations with a minor in communications from the University of Alabama. Her current position as the marketing manager for the pristine coastal community of Alys Beach, Florida, also allows her to flex that creative muscle through her full-time job. In her free time, she still enjoys putting paint to canvas and crafting other types of visual art. We were excited to chat with Mace about her many artistic endeavors: VIE: How would you describe your art, and how do you feel when you create it? JKM: I am a determined, creative enthusiast who thrives outdoors and welcomes adventure. Modern and abstract art are my realm; I enjoy incorporating bold, vibrant colors and am inspired by New Urbanism spaces to complement each piece. It brings me such joy to complete a piece and see it on display in a client’s home.
Left: Artist Julia Kate Mace in front of her favorite painting she has created to date, titled Nature. Next page top: Leave No Trace, a piece created by Mace for the public art wall in Grayton Beach, Florida Next page bottom: A creative installation by Mace made from twine, wine bottles, corks, and stones V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 53
Visual Perspectives
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Art has supported me and continues to build me up. Art is a community, and my work fosters growth, celebration, j oy, generosity, and simplicity.
VIE: From all the art you’ve created, can you pick a favorite piece? JKM: Nature is a five-by-three-foot canvas currently on display at Amavida Coffee in Rosemary Beach, Florida. The creation process was effortless. The canvas has physically moved with me from state to state and journeyed with me on my adventure as I continued to work on it. It is a piece I am particularly fond of because it represents seasons of change and growth when I continued to create. The inspiration behind the process was influenced by nature’s elements and beauty. VIE: How has art affected your mind-set, and how have recent events such as COVID-19 affected your art? JKM: Art has supported me and continues to build me up. Art is a community, and my work fosters growth, celebration, joy, generosity, and simplicity. This recent pandemic event pushed me to create more and step out of my comfort zone. In return, the process gave me a sense of victory. A significant piece that I finished during that time, Quarantine, is a huge five-by-six-foot canvas. I wanted this piece to be a conversation starter. It originally was not planned; it just came together over time. It pulls in different emotions and experiences from this pandemic. The piece is in motion and stands as a spiritual reflection that, whether through sorrow, joy, loss, new growth, pain, or endurance, wisdom is gained in the process, and we are overcomers.
VIE: Are there any ideas or forms of art that you have always wanted to explore but have not? JKM: A form that I would like to expand upon is installation art. The experiences and places draw me in with the dimensions, aesthetics, and materials used. I hope to create more soon. I would like to experiment with more oils and textures in the near future as well. VIE: Why do you think art is important to the world? JKM: It is a safe space that allows us to listen, express, reboot, and refuel. VIE: We look forward to listening to the world and experiencing it through more of your work. Thank you, Julia Kate!
Readers can find more of Julia Kate Mace’s work or inquire about purchasing via her Instagram @letmecreateforyou. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 55
L’intermission
Drifting Away
Reaching for Sunlight by Chandler Williams is part of a limited signature series at The Modus Gallery in Grayton Beach, Florida. See more at TheModusGallery.com or on Instagram @modusphoto.
Become inspired to reach for the light through this photograph taken by Chandler Williams at the Western Lake outflow on Grayton Beach, Florida, during a spring morning. The single piece of driftwood conveys the impression of hope as it “reaches” for the sunrise. The way the image captures the warm colors reflected over the dune lake satisfies the soul.
Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 57
Visual Perspectives
SCULPTING THE
Wonder OF THE WILD WEST By Ly n di e Prou t 58 | M A R CH 2 0 21
L I V I N G A N E XC I T I N G A N D C R E AT I V E L I F E F I L L E D W I T H A R T A N D T R AV E L I S A B L E S S I N G N O T M A N Y A R E A F F O R D E D. A M E R I C A N PA I N T E R A N D S C U L P T O R D O U G L A S VA N H O W D, N O W E I G H T Y- F I V E , HAS EXPERIENCED MANY UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT T H I S B E AU T I F U L WO R L D. A S O N E O F H I S F O U R G R A N D DAU G H T E R S , I H AV E H A D T H E P R I V I L E G E O F L I S T E N I N G T O H I S S T O R I E S A R O U N D T H E D I N N E R TA B L E A N D B E I N G A PA R T O F H I S I N C R E D I B L E L I F E . H E H A S S H A R E D M E M O R I E S O F B E CO M I N G T H E W H I T E H O U S E A R T I S T D U R I N G R E AG A N ’ S P R E S I D E N C Y, L AU G H I N G W I T H J O H N WAY N E O N T H E S E T O F H I S CO W B OY M OV I E S , A N D P R E S E N T I N G S C U L P T U R E S T O I N T E R N AT I O N A L L E A D E R S — M E M O R I E S I W I L L B E P R O U D T O PA S S O N T O M Y F U T U R E C H I L D R E N A N D G R A N D C H I L D R E N .
My grandpa’s love of drawing manifested during his boyhood in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. He built a simple tree house in his backyard and set food out for various animals, luring them closer to sketch them on his notepad. “That’s when I decided I wanted to be a wildlife artist,” he has told me. But his talent took him on many paths before he became known for his oil paintings and bronze sculptures depicting America’s Wild West and its creatures. His first career opportunity was as an art director for an aircraft illustrating company. McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) then hired him to paint murals inside thirteen of its DC-8 jetliners. Soon after that, the Aerospace Corporation formed a new company, and Grandpa joined their design team, earning much recognition for his artistry. His following job was with the National Field Archery Association, where he helped create the national Archery magazine. During his time in that position, my grandpa’s work began to circle back to his love of nature and wildlife. His career took off as audiences were captivated by his depictions of the American landscape, its animals, and Native American culture. He opened what soon became a world-renowned art gallery in the center of downtown Redlands, California, and upheld it for ten years. Four hundred companies saw his popularity rising and asked him to reproduce his prints for their storefronts. One of them, Petersen Publishing Company, bought him out, giving him a royalty on everything he created that they sold. It was the career opportunity of a lifetime, my grandpa has told me. With that money, he could live anywhere in the world. He agreed to the deal in 1971, packed up his family in the car, and traveled for three months searching for the right place to call home. It turns out that place wasn’t far from Lake Tahoe, after all—they landed in Auburn, California, where my grandparents have resided since 1972.
Above: Artist Douglas Van Howd Photo courtesy of Douglas Van Howd Studios Opposite: Van Howd grew up near Lake Tahoe, where he fell in love with the landscapes and animals that are subjects for many of his paintings and sculptures.
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hey began attending church in this historic Gold Rush mining town, where a woman prophesied over Grandpa, telling him that he would make little sculptures and that his work would be immensely blessed. She said he would go before presidents, kings, queens, and other royalty. Of course, hearing these proclamations from someone he barely knew made them hard to believe. But the very next morning, he received a call from the president of the Mzuri Foundation, a well-known wildlife preservation association based in California. They asked if my grandpa could create several small lion sculptures to be given to the speakers at their largest annual conference, which he happily did. The crowd’s recognition from the event resulted in his art business booming even more, and one of the speakers who received a lion happened to be the governor of California at the time—Ronald Reagan. In 1980, Reagan asked my grandpa to be part of his campaign for President of the United States, and he happily agreed. Because an elephant is the Republican party’s symbol, Grandpa sculpted an African elephant, which Reagan signed in the mold. He created fifty elephant sculptures from that single mold, and a portion of the sales went toward Reagan’s presidential campaign. Grandpa explained to me what an exciting moment it was when Reagan was elected president in 1981; he even attended the inauguration, where he presented Reagan with a portrait he painted on an inaugural plate. Once President Ronald Reagan was sworn into office, he asked Douglas Van Howd to be his personal White House artist—an extreme honor that Grandpa accepted immediately. He went to D.C. to meet with the president about creating a piece for Reagan’s personal library and prints for all the secretaries’ offices. This undertaking opened doors to more grand opportunities; for the next eight years, my grandpa, along with my mother and grandma, traveled the world creating and presenting artwork for kings, queens, and other royalty, just as the woman at church had prophesied. The Queen of the Netherlands was one of those royal connections. When the United States celebrated two hundred years of friendship with the Netherlands, the queen planned a visit to her favorite place in America, Yellowstone Falls. My grandpa told me that because it was her favorite, he made her a painting of the Falls, which was unveiled in Washington. In return for this gift, the queen presented him with some commemorative gold coins celebrating the anniversary, and he still cherishes them to this day. The president of Taiwan was also on the long list of acquaintances my grandpa made thanks to his art.
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TH E CROWD ’S R ECO G N ITI O N FROM TH E E VE NT R E SU LTE D I N H I S AR T BUS I N E SS BO OM I N G E VE N MO R E , AN D O N E O F TH E S PE AK E R S WH O R ECE IVE D A LI O N HAPPE N E D TO B E TH E G OVE R N O R O F C ALI FO R N IA AT TH E TI M E — RO NALD R E AGAN .
Chiang Ching-kuo was a collector of art depicting seagulls; thus, my grandpa felt it appropriate to make this president a silver seagull riding a wave, carved from Wyoming jade. After Chiang died in 1988, my grandpa returned to present a piece to the new president, Lee Teng-hui. He later created a tiger for the Taiwanese president from 2008 to 2016, Ma Ying-jeou. When Grandpa told me this story, he said it was quite a coincidence because Ma had been his interpreter when he met both Chiang and Lee. Once Reagan left office, my grandpa’s White House art pieces retired to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, and are still there for visitors to enjoy. In 2015, he created an eight-foot sculpture of Ronald Reagan for the California State Capitol Museum in Sacramento. I was in my senior year of high school when he explained that installing the sculpture would be a historical event, and our family was invited to the big unveiling. You can still visit the statue in the capitol’s rotunda. As most people know, before Reagan entered his political career, he was a Hollywood actor. He also happened to be friends with perhaps the most famous cowboy actor of all-time, John Wayne. My grandpa became great friends with Wayne, as well. He lights up when he tells “a Wayne story” because they had a special bond. He has told me he was invited to movie sets to watch from behind the scenes and even helped John Wayne practice his lines. Their friendship
tweens, womens, gi�s 104 north barre� square RO S E M A RY B EA C H , F L
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Left: President Ronald Reagan commissioned Douglas Van Howd to create an elephant sculpture for his presidential campaign and later to be his official White House artist in residence. Photo by Mark Reinstein / Shutterstock Opposite top: The General II by Douglas Van Howd; bronze grizzly bear sculpture on the campus of University of California, Berkeley Photo by RussellStreet / Flickr Opposite bottom: Baylee’s Bunny by Douglas Van Howd; life-size bronze sculpture inspired by Van Howd’s youngest granddaughter Photo courtesy of Douglas Van Howd Studios
Visual Perspectives D O U G L A S VAN H OW D H A S LI V E D AN E XC E E D I N G LY FU LL LI F E , W I T H G O D AN D N AT U R E ALWAYS LE AD I N G T H E WAY. H E I S I N C R E D I B LY H U M B LE AN D W I LL T E LL AN YO N E H OW H I G H LY B LE SS E D H E H A S B E E N .
inspired Grandpa to paint a portrait of Wayne’s in his cowboy attire and gift it to him. “I have a lot of photographs with John, but I didn’t want to bug him with signing anything,” Grandpa told me. “At the time, he was narrating a movie about me, and that was so great that I did not want to impose on him with anything else. Looking back on it now, I wish I had him sign my cowboy hat; that would have been nice to have.” Sadly, cancer took Wayne’s life before the movie about my grandpa came out, along with Gene Autry, who was also working on
the project. Grandpa holds onto the nine hours of footage and still hopes it will be converted into a documentary one day. Meeting Jimmy Doolittle, a fighter pilot from World War II, was also one of my grandpa’s most memorable experiences. The war had significantly affected his life, with his father and uncles all overseas fighting when he was young. Grandpa has described to me just how great an impact this had on him. With this in mind, in 2016, he sculpted a life-size piece of Bud Anderson, a triple ace pilot, to honor him and other World War II heroes. My family attended the unveiling and sculpture dedication at the Auburn Airport in Northern California, where it still stands.
Below left: Wings of Freedom by Douglas Van Howd; bronze bald eagle monument with sixteenfoot wingspan at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in Mammoth Lakes, California Photo courtesy of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Below: Douglas Van Howd unveils his sculpture of President Ronald Reagan at the California State Capitol Museum in Sacramento. Photo courtesy of Douglas Van Howd Studios
Douglas Van Howd has lived an exceedingly full life, with God and nature always leading the way. He is incredibly humble and will tell anyone how highly blessed he has been. As a proud granddaughter, I love sharing his life with others. It’s sometimes hard to believe that I call such a well-known man “Grandpa,” and as we sit around the dinner table tonight with his favorite bottle of red wine, I’ll soak in even more of his memories.
Visit DouglasVanHowd.com or Van Howd Studios in Auburn, California, to learn more. 62 | M A R CH 2 0 21
Petite pause Award-winning visual artist Yadi Liu grew up in China, an influence that can be seen in the bright hues, figures, and motifs throughout her stunning illustrations. She earned her MFA in illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where she now resides. Inspired by cubism and expressionism, her unique, abstract style is characterized by curvy shapes and strong, vibrant colors. Dream Land by Yadi Liu Digital illustration Learn more or shop at YadiLiu.com
It Wa s All A Dream V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 63
Visual Perspectives
C E L E B R A T E the M A G I C of C H I L D H O O D By Sallie W. Boyles | Photography courtesy of Patricia McCandless
This illuminating quote from Becoming Jesse: Celebrating the Magic of Childhood is among many notes worth pocketing from this self-published, prize-winning novel. Written by first-time author Patricia McCandless, the tale unfolds through colorful characters, particularly six-year-old Jesse. In his quest to find his “disappeared” grandmother, the boy who “eats puzzles for breakfast” begins to discover himself and shine. “You are the stuff of stars” is McCandless’s prevailing message. She wanted to give families an uplifting story in contrast to so much darkness in children’s literature. Her instincts were on point. Besides earning a 2020 Family Choice Award, a Mom’s Choice Award, and 64 | M A R CH 2 0 21
accolades from notables like Jack Canfield (coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Soul), McCandless hears praise from fans of all ages. Children as young as seven devour every word of her book, while adults feel the magic and cherish the journey back to simpler times. The tale unfolds in early 1950s New York City. Lacking modern technology, Jesse’s search takes time. “The lesson of patience versus instant gratification is an underlying reason why I wrote the book,” says McCandless. She also gives a TEDx Talk about the critical need to control children’s exposure to technology’s addictive stimuli that can dull their minds and dim their internal lights.
agic lights go on when children are in the here and now,” expresses the author, speaker, teacher, artist, vocalist, musician, and composer. Her expertise comes from teaching first and second graders for thirty years. She and her husband, Tom, also raised a son and daughter and now spend as much “up-close and personal” time as possible with their five “grands.” Importantly, McCandless maintains a youthful mindset in her early seventies. “I was once a child, too,” she affirms, “and I remember my light.” Associating key moments in her life with some remarkable play of light appearing before her eyes, she recalls giggling uncontrollably as a toddler upon pressing the button on a “bubbler” (a drinking fountain) and being mesmerized by the way the arc of water caught the sunlight. McCandless has a way of capturing everyday magic such as this. “I love words,” she says, “and Jesse loves words.” Spoonerisms (for example, Jesse saying “eyeball” rather than bye, all) and malapropisms (such as the boy interpreting fortitude as “fort dude”) are second nature to her. McCandless also has a history of spinning tales. “I am a child of seven in my family, so growing up, we told stories all the time,” she says, confessing, “I got a reputation for exaggerating.” Raised on a small island in New England, she informs, “I lived quite an enchanted life.” Being separated from the mainland meant she and her siblings took a ferry to school and learned to be resourceful. For entertainment, they benefited from the abundant creativity and range of artistic talents that ran through the family. “My whole family would sing in the choir,” she says. “I would always be the one to harmonize.” She later joined an a cappella group at her alma mater, Rosemont College. Over the years, she picked up various instruments, including the ukulele, guitar, fife, and flute. However, McCandless did not think about writing until she was nudged toward it at age fifty.
Above: Wading Heron II by Patricia McCandless, made from layered Japanese paper Left: Author, artist, and speaker Patricia McCandless V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 65
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Right: Heron Blues Below: Puce Koi
had just lost my mom, so a friend gave me the gift of a writers workshop with Madeleine L’Engle,” she says. L’Engle is the late author of classics such as Camilla and A Wrinkle in Time. “I was teaching at the time and told my principal about it. I said, ‘I’m not going, of course. I’m not a writer.’” Turning to her file cabinet, the principal pulled out a stash of cherished letters and cards that McCandless had written to her and to students’ parents over the years. She then pronounced, “You’re going.” The workshop took place at a Benedictine monastery. Covered in a blanket of snow that echoed the quiet, the setting was conducive to McCandless mourning her mother, meditating, and writing. Best of all, she found L’Engle to be “deeply thoughtful and spontaneously funny. I was chosen to read aloud one of my first writings,” says McCandless. L’Engle told her, “I could listen to you read all day.” Shortly after, in 1996, McCandless began journaling. “I have a file cabinet full of my writings,” she says, “mostly stories from my childhood and about my mom.” Her collection also includes a manuscript for another novel. “My first book—about a young, ostracized girl—takes place all in one day,” she says, signaling that she will be revisiting it. As for Becoming Jesse, she informs, “I started it feebly in 2003.” McCandless first wrote about Dearie, the devoted grandmother with whom orphaned Jesse lives. “Dearie is a little of my mom and her sisters, who were a huge influence on me.” Becoming immersed in the character, she says, “I had to know Dearie’s stories and her past that I call the Irish Travelers.” But after creating Jesse, 66 | M A R CH 2 0 21
she says, “He’s whispering in my ear, ‘This is my story. Let’s have fun with my story.’ I thought, there are plenty of books for girls about learning who you are at a young age, but not for boys.” She also gave Jesse male influences. Her father, a navy man, imparted his love of the water and taught McCandless, among many things, to sail. Her first ukulele was a gift from an uncle. “I believe every person leaves an imprint upon us—life footprints on our hearts or tattoos on our bones,”
The work is a paper mosaic, not a painting. McCandless’s signature process, named Paper Solo, begins with a pencil sketch on tissue and ensues with her meticulously cutting, layering, and gluing fine papers of various colors and textures. She arranged her extensive catalog of internationally sourced paper by color and stored it in flat files and racks in her studio. Often reflecting light and natural elements, her impressionistic compositions range from two-and-a-half by three inches to full scale. Requiring a week or more to complete any size, McCandless says, “A miniature can take just as long as a three-by-four-foot because the detail has to be so exacting. I can take a couple of hours just to choose my papers, and then I have to analyze my design. Some of my papers are so beautiful,” she admits, “I have a real challenge cutting into them.”
she says. Considering “the sparks of personalities, flickers of conversations, and flares of events that light up my memories,” she says, “I wanted older people in the story who were not related to Jesse to validate him.” When it comes to validating herself, McCandless says, “In the last few years, I have been coming to terms with my gifts. People would give me a compliment, and I’d say, ‘Oh, really now.’ My husband and daughter have helped me accept the compliments—that I do have these gifts and to let them shine, so we all shine brighter.” Having exhibited her work in several galleries, the gifted artist created something special for the cover of Becoming Jesse. She says, “There’s a chapter in the book called ‘Sparklers’ that takes place in August when shooting stars can be seen, and I wrote an impression: ‘Slowly, like a beautiful lady, the sky slid into her black, velvet dress and showed off her glittering necklace of stars.’ I stopped and made a little sketch of Jesse holding a star, which is a kite in Central Park. I wanted Jesse to be connected to the starlight.”
Having taught herself to draw and paint, McCandless conceived Paper Solo by chance. She and Tom had both retired from teaching. They were visiting Savannah, Georgia, and the local beach community of Tybee Island was hosting a contest—an art project to beautify the plain-white water tower. Patricia submitted an eight-by-ten painting of two white birds and won. After the vacation, she decided to create a large version of her work. Serendipitously, she says, “My daughter, who worked at a stationer’s store, came home with gorgeous, handmade papers from Japan and Thailand.” Thus, instead of a painting, McCandless made a three-by-five-foot paper mosaic. More recently, she has been pairing her Paper Solo creations with her haiku poetry. She also publishes a weekly blog. Blending her affinities for words and music, she even has a collection of lullaby books in the works. Meanwhile, Jesse’s fans can look forward to the rest of his story, which is not resolved in the first book. “I’m writing a sequel,” McCandless reveals, “and I have a third book in mind. I would also love to do an audio recording. I’m a good reader, and I can do accents. Jesse has a little voice; Dearie has a silvery voice.” We look forward to hearing more from all of them and seeing how brightly McCandless’s light continues to shine.
To read more about Patricia McCandless, view her art, preview Becoming Jesse, listen to her TEDx Talk, or learn about her speaking availability and classes, visit her website, PSMcCandless.com. Sallie W. Boyles works as a freelance journalist, ghostwriter, copywriter, and editor through Write Lady Inc., her Atlanta-based company. With an MBA in marketing, she marvels at the power of words, particularly in business and politics, but loves nothing more than relaying extraordinary personal stories that are believable only because they are true.
Above left: Becoming Jesse: Celebrating the Magic of Childhood is Patricia McCandless’s first novel. It received a 2020 Family Choice Award, a Mom’s Choice Award, and much praise from readers and critics alike. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 67
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Ace Hotel Brooklyn expects to open in late spring 2021. Learn more or book a stay at AceHotel.com/brooklyn. Photo by Stephen Kent Johnson, courtesy of Atelier Ace
La maison WHERE THE HEART IS
Open, spacious, and welcoming, the brand-new Ace Hotel Brooklyn nods to the borough’s complex fabric of communal and creative spaces. An animated public lobby and indoor-outdoor portals ease into the city’s edges, while guest rooms pair floor-to-ceiling windows with original artwork by local fiber and textile artists. The higher floors offer panoramic views of Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Liberty Island. Designed in partnership with longtime Ace collaborators Roman and Williams, who shaped both the building and the interiors, the 287room hotel adds a new chapter to Atelier Ace’s romance with New York City. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 71
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ONE N AT U R E AT
WITH
SEEING IS BELIEVING Story and photography courtesy of Invisible House 72 | M A R CH 2 0 21
I
f you have ever dreamed of escaping to the desert for a long weekend or hosting the ultimate event among the Joshua Tree landscape, get ready to do it in style! This new, one-of-a-kind rental home is an oasis among the rocky hills and unique flora on the national park’s outskirts. Invisible House is a 5,500 square-foot three-bedroom, four-bathroom smart property featuring a prefab guest house, a hundred-foot indoor pool, and solar and thermal energy. It is cantilevered one hundred feet off the ground, and its mirrored exterior reflects the ever-changing landscape and creates a dialogue between object and site. This project is the brainchild of Chris Hanley, a Los Angeles–based producer behind films such as American Psycho and The Virgin Suicides. The residence sits on ninety acres of land abutting Joshua Tree National Park, where Hanley intends to build James Whitaker’s Container House later this year. The vision of an invisible, fully mirrored house that would reflect the natural beauty and art of the desert landscape was born fourteen years ago, and in 2020 it became a reality. The land purchased by Hanley and his wife, Roberta, was initially intended to be the home of a collaborative art deal with “Baby” V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 73
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AS THEY REFLECT IN THE HOME’S SIDES, GUESTS CAN SEE THEY ARE C O N T I N U O U S LY I N F LUX, DEPENDING ON THE TIME O F DAY, T H E S E A S O N , A N D T H E W E AT H E R .
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Jane Holzer. Hanley’s interest in large-scale projects with minimalist design stems from his background in nurturing creative projects to fruition as a filmmaker, working with his vast and varied network of artists, and his passion for architecture and design from an early age. Hanley wholeheartedly sides with Andy Warhol, who said, “Land really is the best art.” The couple first purchased a prefabricated house on wheels from Jennifer Siegal’s Office of Mobile Design in Venice, California, which specializes in portable, demountable, and relocatable structures. The OMD prefab is still on-site as the guest house. To satisfy building codes, Hanley dreamed up and drew a cantilevered, mirrored building that floated over the rocks without any grading or disruption to the natural landscape. Invisible House features a 222-square-foot projection wall and a west-facing wall of sliding floor-to-ceiling glass doors. It creates a juxtaposition of forms and is a meta work of art that also acts as a palette for the natural artwork of the mountains, trees, flowers, sun, moon, and stars. As
they reflect in the home’s sides, guests can see they are continuously in flux, depending on the time of day, the season, and the weather. Environmental sustainability has been extensively incorporated into the design and includes multiple LEED- and EPD-certified elements. These include a fully Solarcool Glass exterior with reflective and refractive light filtering, a Sunpower 32.4kW system (produces 58,121kWh / annum) with a smart app net metering system, a Solarcool closed-cell energy-efficient and eco-friendly foam roof, and R30 flooring insulation. There is also a solar thermal system of twenty HTP four-by-ten-foot solar thermal heating panels for electricity, the pool, and hot water. The two-thousand-square-foot house foundation has one of the smallest footprints in V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 75
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Joshua Tree and does not harm birds or other wildlife in the area.
the land, and the owners are open to other homes, structures, and collaborative projects. Invisible House is being promoted by Raymond Dominguez of Engel & Völkers, who sees limitless possibilities ahead.
The stunning modern-style home is fully furnished and available for guests to rent as a vacation destination, a set for photo and video shoots, or an event space.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INVISIBLE HOUSE OR BOOK YOUR STAY, EVENT, OR PHOTO SHOOT, VISIT INVISIBLE.HOUSE ONLINE OR FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM @THEINVISIBLEHOUSE.
Future musings for the property include exhibitions that allow for an environmental experience dictated by the landscape—artistic experiences and installations weaving together light pavilions, audio, sculpture, meditation, and residencies. Hanley plans to develop additional designer properties—starting with James Whitaker’s Container House Project—on
Chris Hanley, an American film producer best known for producing independent films such as Buffalo ’66, The Virgin Suicides, American Psycho, Spun, Spring Breakers, and London Fields, has a long history of involvement in innovative artistic collaborations with artists like Andy Warhol and Zaha Hadid. He is also behind the Whitaker Container House Project, inspired by James Whitaker’s proposed German office comprising a cluster of angled shipping containers. Other ventures include Honeymoon House in Kenya, based on fortress and mosque designs. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 77
208 Paradise by the Sea Blvd | $8,999,000 Linda Lee | 850.319.8050
Bannerman Beach Homesites | Call for Pricing Marianne Grant & Blake Cooper | 850.218.0202
3010 E. County Hwy 30A | $19,900,000 The Blankenship Group | 405.623.5227
4747 Ocean Blvd | $2,795,000 Emily Schuster | 850.517.0007
281 Pompano Street | $6,699,000 The Blankenship Group | 405.623.5227
286 Pine Needle Way | $2,650,000 Mark Braddock | 770.335.2089
Lot 5 Mala Way | $4,300,000 The Blankenship Group | 405.623.5227
136 Paradise by the Sea Blvd | $6,449,000 The Blankenship Group | 405.623.5227
114 Surfside Drive | Call for Pricing Karen Holder | 850.687.1064
Local Expertise. Global Reach. Engel & Vรถlkers. East 30A Office 850.213.2800 | West 30A Office 850.660.1830 | 30abeaches.evrealestate.com
L’intermission
Out of the Blue
Over Seas is an abstract painting by Vian Borchert, 2020. Acrylic on canvas, 20 × 20 inches See more at VianBorchert.com.
Influenced by the feelings of being out at sea, this abstract painting by Vian Borchert gives us the blues in the very best way. Borchert flawlessly narrates the water’s flow and depth with varying shades of azure. The lighter strokes remind us of the ocean waves, while the darker tones characterize all that lies beneath the surface.
Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 79
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Architecture by A BOHEME Design Construction by EarthBuild, LLC Landscape design by Kendall Horne Windows and doors by E. F. San Juan
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Paradise Sea BY THE
Story courtesy of Rosemary Beach Realty Photography by Alex Dossey, courtesy of Rosemary Beach Realty
A
s astounding as it might seem amid a pandemic
and other tumultuous circumstances, the real estate market along Florida’s Gulf Coast continues to thrive. The area’s brokers, agents, and other industry professionals have worked tirelessly throughout 2020 and into the beginning of the new year to keep up with demand.
Rosemary Beach Realty, a luxury real estate company based in the exclusive Northwest Florida community of Rosemary Beach, shattered a record in December when it brokered the most expensive residential home sale along Scenic Highway 30-A. This gorgeous Gulf-front estate at 88 Paradise by the Sea Court sold for $15.95 million. Jonathan Clark and Ashlee Mitchell of the Clark & Mitchell Group, together with broker Amanda Hampel, negotiated the sale of this off-market property in less than sixty days, and it’s not hard to see why it was such a desirable residence.
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La maison The four-story Gulf-front home in the gated community of Paradise by the Sea was masterfully planned by the architects from A BOHEME Design and constructed by EarthBuild, LLC. Encompassing 9,790 square feet, 88 Paradise by the Sea Court showcases eight bedrooms, nine-and-a-half bathrooms, over sixty feet of private beach, two private saltwater pools, a covered spa on the pool deck, a boccie ball court, and a two-car garage with a charming carriage house above. “We loved working closely with the original owners on this home from conception through construction,” says architect Jonathan Hampel of A BOHEME Design. “Early in the design conversations, we settled on a style that we referred to as ‘modern classic.’ We maintained a very minimal material and color palette, which provided a clean canvas for Melanie Turner and her interior design team to introduce playful color throughout
Interior design by Melanie Turner Interiors Weather Shield windows by E. F. San Juan
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The collaboration between the owners and their interior designer resulted in a unique masterpiece that we were very proud to represent and showcase.
the furnishings. The homeowners requested a grand entrance and stairwell with hopes of catching a view of the Gulf upon entering the home. The lot is long and perpendicular to the beach, so we started by carving out an interior courtyard and set up a secondary view axis through the home, reinforced by a reflecting pool in the courtyard. We then designed a delicate, curved stair that appears to float within the hall to maintain an open view. The result was better than we could have imagined.” He adds that the trifecta of architecture,
interiors by Melanie Turner of Atlanta, and landscape design by Kendall Horne are what made this home such a beautiful success. “The collaboration between the owners and their interior designer resulted in a unique masterpiece that we were very proud to represent and showcase,” says Ashlee Mitchell. “The thoughtful details that were incorporated throughout were appreciated by all who had the opportunity to experience them.”
Shellstone flooring is placed throughout the interior and exterior of the ground floor, while ten-inch Belgian white oak plank flooring by Francois & Co. is showcased in the rest of the residence. Hurricane-rated Weather Shield windows and exterior doors, Marvin glass sliding doors, and custom mahogany entry doors by E. F. San Juan make a statement in nearly every room of the home, especially overlooking the dazzling Gulf of Mexico. The Youngstown, Florida, moulding and millwork company also supplied minimalistic baseboards and white oak beams that perfectly fit the modern classic design.
This residential closing marks the third record-breaking sale by Rosemary Beach Realty in the last three years.
The chef ’s kitchen, highlighted by a backsplash of handmade mosaic tile from Morocco, hosts a butler’s pantry, four Shaws porcelain sinks, a CornuFé 110 range by La Cornue, a custom-painted glass hood by Karpaty Cabinets, and SUB-ZERO, Wolf, and Miele appliances. “We were extremely pleased with the immediate response and the amount of interest we received through our private marketing efforts for this spectacular property,” says Jonathan Clark. “We are really thrilled to have represented the owners to achieve this record-breaking sale.” Amanda Hampel adds, “We utilized the momentum our brokerage achieved from the previous record-breaking V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 83
La maison sale of 181 Paradise by the Sea Boulevard to sell this off-market listing and set a new record on Scenic Highway 30-A.� This residential closing marks the third recordbreaking sale by Rosemary Beach Realty in the last three years.
Since 1995, Rosemary Beach Realty has sold extraordinary luxury real estate along Scenic Highway 30-A in Northwest Florida. In addition to being the exclusive on-site real estate office in the renowned Rosemary Beach community, its seasoned real estate professionals also assist sellers and buyers from Panama City Beach to Destin. With just over twenty agents, Rosemary Beach Realty is a focused and dedicated team. Visit RosemaryBeachRealty.com to learn more or search properties today.
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Petite pause
“I have always loved clay for its willingness to be transformed while maintaining a delicacy and strength,” says artist Laurel Siwicki of Niceville, Florida. “Clay allows me to create narratives that grow and develop as I am working. It is a perfect complement to the natural world, a constant influence in my work.” Push by Laurel Siwicki Ceramic and mixed media, 37 × 13 × 7 inches See more at LaurelSiwicki.com.
Break the Mold V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 85
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FOLLOWING
an extensive renovation, the chic Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC hotel announced it would reopen in the midst of tumultuous world circumstances, particularly in the travel industry. In October, Sneak peeks showed a rejuvenated look and feel with ultramodern amenities, including contactless check-in, Google Assistant and Google Nest Hub in guest rooms, and in-room gym available via the Mirror virtual workout system. As it completes the new guest rooms and art-centric lobby, the sleek boutique hotel is also preparing to open its newly updated penthouse suite, which feels like an NYC luxury apartment and art gallery combined.
A New NYC PeNthouse with Art iN MiNd
To furnish this chic downtown space, Gansevoort Hotel co-owner and president Michael Achenbaum and his team turned to Italian luxury furniture brand Poliform and a select group of artists to create a memorable experience for any guest. “The penthouse at Gansevoort Hotel has long been one of the most desirable suites in Manhattan,” he says. “Poliform was the ideal partner for the space due to my personal
storY ANd PhotogrAPhY CourtesY of gANsevoort hotel grouP 88 | M A R CH 2 0 21
Featured artwork: Squid, 1988 by Frank Stella; Serigraph, lithograph, linocut, hand coloring, and collage, 75 Ă— 55 inches V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 89
La maison
Guests are greeted by striking thirtyfoot floor-to-ceiling windows and unbeatable views of the Hudson River.
admiration for the brand and vision for the next evolution of the hotel. The fully renovated Poliform suite marries a luxury lifestyle brand with works of art from some of the most renowned artists in the world, such as Frank Stella, Daniel Mazzone, Mick Rock, and Fabio Mesa.”
As one of the brand’s most prestigious projects stateside, the Poliform Penthouse was carefully curated by Kevin Woodard, general manager of the New York market for Poliform. Over the years, Woodard has worked closely with Achenbaum, who has long been a personal fan of the brand. When searching for a design team to breathe new life into the penthouse, Poliform was a perfect fit—lifestyle brand meets lifestyle hotel. 90 | M A R CH 2 0 21
Featured artwork this page: Andy Warhol & Mick Jagger by Mick Rock, 2016 Opposite: Artwork by Fabio Mesa flanks the fireplace. Lady Blue by Daniel Mazzone graces the wall to the right.
The space itself is a 1,700-square-foot duplex designed and built both for a comfortable stay (whether short or long term) and to entertain. Poliform tapped into its network of international designers to collaborate on the products, and each element is shoppable, should a guest decide they can’t live without one of the pieces. Upon entering the downstairs of the Poliform Penthouse, guests are greeted by striking thirty-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and unbeatable views of the Hudson River. The first floor serves as a communal space, anchored by a Mondrian sofa and a remarkable coffee table made of rare Saharan black marble shot through with veins of orange. A floor-to-ceiling marble fireplace, flanked by dramatic bookcases, balances the room. Dark wood finishes, black marble, and jewel-toned carpets add to the overall luxurious aesthetic throughout the space. Built to entertain, guests can host intimate dinners in the spacious dining area. The living room is perfect for cocktail events—from small to larger gatherings— or for press interviews. The concert-clarity Sonance surround sound system, three full bathrooms, the wet bar, and the fully stocked, efficient, and elegant V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 91
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kitchen—complete with refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and microwave—help cater to any occasion. Walnut cabinetry and black Italian quartz counters and backsplash maintain the suite’s richness.
Upstairs, the highly designed private sleeping area offers guests a cocoon-like comfort.
Upstairs, the highly designed private sleeping area offers guests a cocoon-like comfort. The free-standing upholstered bed is positioned against black elm wood-paneled walls, with floating marble-topped nightside tables on either side. The result is a design that feels comforting, sumptuous, and a bit indulgent.
The Poliform brand began as one that excels in cabinetry, so of course, the closet had to be truly impressive. Gowns and coats fit seamlessly into the full-height wardrobe, and two angled shoe shelves help guests truly unpack and settle in. Doors are mirrored glass, easily transforming into full-height mirrors, and black and neutral tones help balance the space. This closet is nothing short of couture. Stay tuned for the full reopening announcement from Gansevoort Hotel Group.
Visit GansevoortHotelGroup.com/gansevoort-meatpacking-nyc to learn more or book your stay. Learn more about Poliform at Poliform.it. 92 | M A R CH 2 0 21
In addition to a collection of unique artwork that will rotate over time, the penthouse at the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC hotel is beautifully appointed with sleek, modern amenities.
C’est la vie
THE ART OF LUXURY
Who says money can’t buy happiness? Well, this C’est la VIE Curated Collection begs to differ. Sometimes a little retail therapy—or even just browsing for things you love— can work wonders for your mood. We’ve pulled together some of the most luxurious, beautiful, and artistic pieces to bring a little je ne sais quoi to your home, wardrobe, and life. Feast your eyes and enjoy our version of an upscale window-shopping experience!
1
Give ’em the Slip
APPARIS x by robynblair Faux Fur Slippers $98 – byrobynblair.com
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2
Over the Rainbow
Dorothy Limited Edition Giclée Print by Maria Rivans $573 – Murus.art
Wallflower
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King Bloom Surfboard Wall Art $950 – OliverGal.com
4
Rose-Colored Lenses
Fendi Eyeline Gold-Colored Sunglasses $360 – NET-A-PORTER.com
#devotion
5
Dolce & Gabbana Devotion Faux-Pearl-Embellished Leather Belt $575 – NET-A-PORTER.com
Saddle Up
7
Balmain B-Buzz 19 Fringed Suede Shoulder Bag $2,195 – NET-A-PORTER.com
6
Pop Goes Punk
Mohawk Lollipop Holder $98 – JonathanAdler.com
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C’est la vie
Party Popper
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Italian Champagne Wall Art $95–$475 – OliverGal.com
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9
A Leg to Stand On
Hommes Studio Billie Console Table Price on request – Hommes.studio
Dripping Diamonds
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Boucheron Serpent Bohème 18-karat Gold Diamond Earrings $39,400 – NET-A-PORTER.com
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Golden Hex
Jessica McCormack Hex 18-karat Gold and Sapphire Ring $22,195 – NET-A-PORTER.com
Pomp and 12 Circumstance
Pompidou Vases $125–$165 – JonathanAdler.com
You’re Covered
13
Erdem Modotti Garden Throw Blanket $1,280 – NET-A-PORTER.com
Two and the Same
14
Torino Nesting Cocktail Tables $2,495 – JonathanAdler.com
15
Make Your Cameo
Got It from My Mama Leather Cuff Bracelet $1,250 – EleanorStoneNYC.com
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C’est la vie
Pack It Up, Pack It In 16
The North Face x Gucci Collection Gucci.com
Throwing Shade
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St. Louis Sunglasses Collection $275–$395 – Krewe.com
Let’s Polka!
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Palm Springs Bowls $325–$795 – JonathanAdler.com
19
Hey, Stud
Valentino Garavani Rockstud 65 Patent-Leather Pumps $995 – NET-A-PORTER.com
Out of the Box 20
Sorrento Box Bundle $320 – JonathanAdler.com
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Glittering Gucci
Gucci Glittered Enameled Gold-Tone and Crystal Earrings $750 – NET-A-PORTER.com
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Geo on the Rocks 22
Torino Bar $4,500 – JonathanAdler.com
23
Face to Face
Serious Dreamer Poster by Loulou Avenue $35–$85 – PaperCollective.com
24
What’s the Scoop?
Bel Air Mini Scoop Vase $98 – JonathanAdler.com
Make Me Blush 25
Satin Dolce Box Bag with Bejeweled Embroidery $3,595 – NET-A-PORTER.com
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Walk on By
Rug Society Mermaid Rug Price on request – RugSociety.eu V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 101
Where DESIGN Meets LUXURY BE INSPIRED BY OUR NEW SHOWROOM, NOW OPEN IN PANAMA CIT Y BEACH.
At CasaNoah, we go above and beyond to ensure all of our clients achieve their custom-design home dreams. Our business model is to create a more convenient service system to help our clients. Our extensive design team curates to your style, and our custom furnishings department is able to offer tailored solutions across a wide range of products. From concept and design to all the materials and final decorations for the whole home, we've got you covered. 4 8 3 N R . J A C K S O N B LV D , PA N A M A C I T Y B E A C H , F L 3 2 4 0 7 | ( 8 5 0 ) 2 4 9 - 5121 W W W. C A S A N O A H D E S I G N G R O U P. C O M
Le monde
Diosa by Kim Rose Layered pure 24-karat Thai gold leaf and ink mounted on metal, 50 × 45 inches Learn more, purchase art, or read about Kim Rose’s mission to help impoverished children in Mexico at KimRoseArt.com.
Le monde GOES ROUND AND ROUND
“Diosa is a goddess created in layers of twenty-four-karat gold,” says the website of Los Angeles–based artist Kim Rose. “This goddess was meant to be adored by all who view her. She comprises a traditional gold underlayer fused with Kim’s new technique for a matte top layer. This is a fusion of rich, timeless tradition—used to paint churches and rare jewelry—and a new luxurious technique. Diosa pushes the boundaries of minimalism while telling a story of the harmony between the past and present.”
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Le monde
The art studio at one of the Skylight centers run by Crisis, a UK organization dedicated to helping the homeless. Photo courtesy of Crisis.org.uk
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FINDING A
Home WITHIN
ART
AI DS I N
By
T
T H E
H O ME LE SS
G R EAT
BRI TAI N
ANTHEA GERRIE
hey sleep on the streets, under bridges, or—if they are lucky— in hostels with few creature comforts. But however bleak their nights, dawn brings the prospect of a bright room, a blank canvas on which to tell their roller-coaster stories, and a rainbow of colors with which to create a vision of hope.
Britain’s homeless are not only being helped toward finding shelter but also having their creative spirits nourished by a couple of the nation’s most innovative charities. They offer free classes in a whole spectrum of creative pursuits as well as a forum for showing clients’ work and grants to support the most talented through art school. “Art has the power to change lives and rebuild them,” says Richard Lee, director of fund-raising for Crisis, a charity best known for bringing in the homeless at Christmas to be given a warm bed and a hot meal, offered a haircut and other personal services, and given copious advice to help them get off the streets. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 105
Le monde
W
hat is less well known is that for several years Crisis has been offering free year-round classes in painting, drawing, photography, creative writing, and even millinery and music production through its Skylight centers across Britain. Even during lockdown, the charity kept the classes going via tablets and phones lent to clients who also received care packages of art materials to keep their creative juices flowing. “People may think of art as frivolous or a luxury, but this year has taught us all that creative expression is an innate human need,” says Kellie Gamble, an arts coordinator for Crisis who applied for her job because she was “bowled over there was an organization that considered art such an important part of its offering.”
“ I T
T O O K
O F
T H E
A N D
O U T
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So convinced is another charity, Accumulate, of the transformative power of creativity, it styles itself as “the art school of the homeless.” They have just published a graphic novel by clients who tell their stories and depict dramatic snapshots of their inner lives: here a trapped animal sprouting wings in hope of M E O U T escape, there a creature waving frantically for help while drowning. Others who lost their homes tell the gamut of circumstances, from fleeing abusive H O S T E L families to escaping political persecution, which forced them onto the streets. “There are so many G O T M E misconceptions about people who are homeless . . . they wanted to say this is not the truth,” says Marice Cumber, a former London highflier who F A F E W founded Accumulate in 2013 and led the successful bid to crowdfund The Book of Homelessness. H E A L T H
One contributor, Amalia Walrond, who fell into a downward spiral after becoming estranged from her family, has no doubt about the power of getting her story onto the page to lift her up. “It took me out of the hostel and got me out of a few mental health difficulties,” she says. “I have been able to feel more socially connected to people.” Walrond is one of several Accumulate clients accepted into an access course at Ravensbourne University, home of one of England’s top art schools, which for many has led to full-time study for a degree.
D I F F I C U L T I E S . ”
Above right: Artwork by a homeless client created at a Crisis Skylight center; Crisis has dedicated space and funds to boosting clients’ confidence and social skills through creative activities. Photo courtesy of Crisis.org.uk 106 | M A R CH 2 0 21
Between them, Crisis and Accumulate have put dozens of their clients through art school with scholarships or grants. However, the principal aim of both charities is to offer a route to rebuilding self-confidence and engaging with the world. “Some people may engage with us for a couple of weeks, others for a couple of years,” says Gamble. But, she emphasizes, it’s what they take away from even just one session that counts: “Tutors aim to ensure that attending a Skylight class is never a wasted opportunity.” The benefit can be as basic as a person who has lived so long without friends or family making their first social contact in months or years with the instructor or a classmate. For those who take the next step, picking up a brush or stick of charcoal “can be a gentler way of letting down some of the barriers they
feel than telling their story for the millionth time,” she explains. Those who persevere gradually reacquire the essential life skills so many have lost, like the ability to collaborate. “Making street art and murals together for public spaces is a massive part of what we do, and it involves each member of the group in communicating and problem-solving as well as learning to advocate for themselves,” adds Gamble. The bold assertion that art has the capability to end homelessness was made by Crisis as they launched a new initiative for collectors who are being sent high-quality, carefully curated artwork at regular intervals with booklets telling the stories of the makers and their inspirations. The Tutor, the first such work to be sent out in a presentation box, is a fine art print by a man called
he recalls. Once on staff at Iran’s Persepolis Museum, Ali has since joined other Crisis clients in leading tours of works with special meaning for them at London’s Royal Academy of Arts, one of several art institutions with which the charity has formed a partnership. It’s the power of art to reconnect with society that Lee believes makes nurturing the creative spirit as fundamental an offering from Crisis as a warm bed or a hot drink. “Homelessness can be very isolating, and you can quickly feel invisible to the world around you,” he explains. “Our classes provide a space for people to express themselves and start to feel fulfilled and reconnected.”
TO HELP SUPPORT HOMELESS ARTISTS THROUGH THESE ORGANIZATIONS, VISIT CRISIS.ORG.UK/GET-INVOLVED/ DONATE AND ACCUMULATE.ORG.UK/DONATE. This story is the first in a series of editorial looks into the plight of homeless people around the world and the organizations and individuals who are helping them find their way. Stay tuned in future issues of VIE and at VIEmagazine.com for more.
Accumulate, another UK charity helping homeless youth through art, has also created a graphic novel from clients’ work called The Book of Homelessness. Here, artists create during one of Accumulate’s workshops.
Thomas; the brilliantly colored portrait evokes De Kooning, Munch, and other masters of figurative expressionism. These famous names may well have been known to a painter who made art years ago in another life before circumstances threw him onto the streets.
Photo by Sabela Peinado, courtesy of Accumulate.org.uk
After hearing about the art classes at a Crisis Christmas center, Thomas joined in a bid to reconnect with his lost passion; he started by sketching buildings and passersby before turning to oils and the loose, vibrant explosion that has caused his work to be selected for exhibition elsewhere. Next to be featured is Ali, a refugee whose painting depicts a hot chocolate bought for him by a friend in the café at London’s National Gallery. “In that moment I felt happy again; I went into my Crisis class the next day and made a painting to reflect the happiness and optimism I’d started feeling,” V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 107
We have no longer an outside and an inside as two separate things. Now the outside may come inside and the inside may and does go outside. They are of each other. – Frank Lloyd Wright
property group
L’intermission
Voice of a Nation Amanda Gorman recites her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the January 2021 inauguration ceremony for President Joseph Biden. Learn more about her at TheAmandaGorman.com. Photo by MCCV/Shutterstock
Twenty-two-year-old poet and activist Amanda Gorman wowed millions when she became the youngest person to read an original poem at a US presidential inauguration. But the Harvard alumna was already a powerful voice, becoming the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate and publishing her first book in 2017, among many other honors and accomplishments.
Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 109
Seaside, Florida
|
(850) 231-5829
CABANASEASIDE.COM
Sundog Books in Seaside, Florida Photo by Brenna Kneiss
BOOK CLUB THE READERS CORNER
“Books are a uniquely portable magic,” says author Stephen King in his book On Writing. Writing. If this is so, then bookstores are treasure troves of magical artifacts waiting for their chance to come alive. In the charming New Urbanism town of Seaside, Florida, the old-fashioned Sundog Books offers visitors shelves upon shelves of the latest best-sellers, all-time classics, finely bound photography books, and much more. Pop in to peruse the staff’s favorite reads, then head upstairs for a coffee and some music at Central Square Records. PS—Keep your eyes peeled for VIE VIE’s ’s new coffee-table book, HOME—Inspirations for Home and Life, Life, in stores now!
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The Readers Corner
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Photography by ROMONA ROBBINS
osta Rican–born artist Marisol Gullo obtained her law degree at age twenty-one and was working in San José when she met Tony, a Las Vegas native visiting the city with his father. One year later, the couple married and moved to Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, where they settled in and started a custom cabinetry and construction business. It grew swiftly, thanks to the area’s boom in population and new homes being built. They didn’t expect that Marisol’s new passion would also take off as a result. She began working on custom furniture, doing faux finishes, and giving new life to consigned pieces—this was the genesis of the couple’s furniture and home decor showroom, Not Too Shabby.
The Readers Corner
Nature is a neverending work of art—a seamless watercolor world of land, sea, sky, and space beyond.
Artist and interior designer Marisol Gullo with her husband, Tony, and their son, Joshua
s her love for painting and creating unfolded, Not Too Shabby became Marisol’s full-time career, and she has since added custom artwork to her repertoire. Much of her art and the decor at Not Too Shabby feature motifs of marine life and the beach (not surprisingly, since her name means “sea and sun” in Spanish), other scenes of nature and flowers, and faith-based images. Her showroom is an elegant mix of Venetian and coastal styles, and clients often commission Marisol’s custom furnishings for their beach homes. She and Tony, along with their young son, Joshua, share their love of the area and crafting beautiful things with their clients and all who visit their stores.
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Much of her art and the decor at Not Too Shabby feature motifs of marine life and the beach,
Visit the Not Too Shabby by Marisol Gullo flagship store in Miramar Beach, Florida, and the brand’s 30Avenue Design Studio in Inlet Beach. Learn more at NotTooShabbyByMarisolGullo.com. This story is an excerpt from our coffee-table book, HOME—Inspirations for Home and Life by VIE, released in December 2020. To learn more about the book or to purchase your copy today, visit VIEmagazine.com/shop-vie. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 115
Our inaugural coffee-table book, HOME by VIE, is now available for purchase! Preorder your copy now at VIEmagazine.com/shop-vie!
R E TA I L
P R I C E :
Published by
$ 4 9 . 9 9
Petite pause Artist Yadi Liu works mainly on digital illustrations, with her clients including publications such as the Washington Post, Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar. She also creates art with chalk pastels. Liu has won major awards such as the MoCCA Festival Silver Medal and honors from the Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition, the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, 3x3 magazine, and AI-AP magazine. Fairytale by Yadi Liu Digital illustration Learn more or shop at YadiLiu.com
Happily Ever After
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The Readers Corner
Pe n n i n g a Love Let te r
H O M E Ce l e b rate s t h e G u l f Coast L i fe st y l e
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VIE’s creative team, along with our publisher, The Idea Boutique, is proud to announce that the VIE brand’s first coffee-table book, HOME—Inspirations for Home and Life by VIE is now available online and in select retailers.
H Opposite: This inviting concrete outdoor stairwell was imagined by principal architect Darrell Russell of A BOHEME Design while he was on an inspirational trip to Italy. It was crafted by Rizzi in Vicenza, Italy, and now stands as a focal point of this serene and majestic courtyard residence in the New Urbanism town of Alys Beach, Florida. See more of this stunning home by A BOHEME Design on the cover and pages 12–17 of HOME— Inspirations for Home and Life by VIE. Below: Find the recipe for this delicious barbecue shrimp from Bud & Alley’s in Seaside, Florida, and more in the new HOME by VIE coffee-table book! Photos by Brenna Kneiss
eadquartered in Grayton Beach, Florida, VIE launched as a local magazine in 2008 celebrating the region in Northwest Florida from Pensacola to Apalachicola that its creators, Lisa and Gerald Burwell, endearingly coined “COLA 2 COLA.” The regional publication grew organically as tourists and second homeowners sought to take it home with them as a reminder of the place they loved. Our team embarked on a national launch five years ago, strategically embedding in new cities to grow VIE’s footprint; our Stories with Heart & Soul Tour took us to Boston, NYC, Nashville, Dallas, New Orleans, Birmingham, and Charleston, to name a few of the cities. This added brand layers to VIE, enhancing distribution and readership alongside a new podcast, VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul, with CEO/editorin-chief Lisa Marie Burwell as host. We also brought our fourth show home, the VIE Beach House, to market last year, and it will be showcased in our upcoming April 2021 issue. VIE’s reach has expanded to include the whole United States and a robust online presence at VIEmagazine.com, but the area that our team calls home is still dear to the hearts of VIE’s creators and readers alike.
The genesis of the legacy coffee-table book HOME— Inspirations for Home and Life was a desire to write a love letter to the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast and the people who make it beautiful. When beginning this new venture, the team at The Idea Boutique built upon its experience from publishing a high-quality cookbook for Sister Schubert called Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters, a beautifully crafted memoir by William E. Wade, Jr., called Facade, and a motivational book by Darin Colucci called Everything I Never Learned in School. HOME is truly a love letter to the Gulf Coast as the architects, interior designers, artisans, and chefs within its pages make their indelible marks on the area and all who visit it. A blend of Southern hospitality, an easygoing beach mentality, and sophisticated taste has made this a truly unique slice of paradise.
“As we celebrate thirteen years as the publishers of VIE magazine, I felt that the next iteration as storytellers was to commemorate our journey with a beautiful coffee-table book,” says Idea Boutique and VIE founder, CEO, and editor-in-chief Lisa Marie Burwell. “We are grateful for the overwhelmingly positive reception we’ve received by all who have purchased HOME so far.”
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The Readers Corner
“
A BLEND OF SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY, AN EASYGOING BEACH MENTALITY, AND SOPHISTICATED TASTE HAS MADE THIS A TRULY UNIQUE SLICE OF PARADISE.
Photo by Jonah Allen, as seen in his story within the pages of HOME by VIE Opposite: Another view of the beautiful Rizzi staircase by A BOHEME Design from the cover and the architects’ story in HOME by VIE Photo by Jack Gardner 120 | M A R CH 2 0 21
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The Readers Corner
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or all those who have visited, we hope the stories and rich photography within the book bring fond memories of time spent here. To the residents of the area who share our pride for the beautiful coast, the team here at The Idea Boutique and VIE hope we have done it justice. And to those who have not yet visited, we invite you to share a piece of our home and hearts through the book’s pages. Visit VIEmagazine.com/shop-vie to order a copy of HOME by VIE online. The book is also available on Amazon and in select retailers along the Gulf Coast. See the list below or contact jordan@viemagazine. com for more information. On the heels of this inaugural coffee-table book, VIE’s second book, COOK by VIE, is under way as the team gathers recipes, chef profiles, restaurant reviews, cookware, table decor, and kitchen designs to inspire readers. Space is available for chefs, restaurants, and others in the food industry to contribute to COOK by VIE! Please contact Lisa Marie Burwell at Lisa@viemagazine.com if you are interested in being featured. We are thrilled to continue this series of high-quality books that are both decorative and informative. The third installment, a fashioncentric volume entitled LOOK, is in the planning stages as well, so stay tuned!
Right: This shot from Portofino Life magazine’s 2015–2016 issue, directed by our publishing team at The Idea Boutique and featuring models Emme Martin and Beau Vermillion, exemplifies the Portofino Island Resort motto: “Where only nature goes unspoiled.” Photo by Romona Robbins Opposite: West Ruskin Pavilion is one of ten iconic architectural beach walkovers in Seaside, Florida. Photo by Jack Gardner 122 | M A R CH 2 0 21
HOME—Inspirations for Home and Life by VIE is available at these select retailers:
THE ALYS SHOPPE 30 Mark Twain Lane Alys Beach, Florida
LOLA’S ON 30A 3788 West County Highway 30-A Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
SOIRÉE 804 Baldwin Avenue DeFuniak Springs, Florida
CINDY MEADOR INTERIORS 25299 Canal Road Orange Beach, Alabama
LOVELACE INTERIORS 12870 Emerald Coast Parkway (Hwy. 98) Miramar Beach, Florida
SUGAR BEACH INTERIORS 11974 Emerald Coast Parkway (Hwy. 98) Miramar Beach, Florida
CLAY GARDEN & GIFTS 4808 East County Highway 30-A Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
NOT TOO SHABBY BY MARISOL GULLO 9755 Emerald Coast Parkway (Hwy. 98) Miramar Beach, Florida
SUMMER HOUSE LIFESTYLE 57 Uptown Grayton Circle Grayton Beach, Florida
THE HIDDEN LANTERN BOOKSTORE 84 North Barrett Square Rosemary Beach, Florida
NOT TOO SHABBY 30AVENUE DESIGN STUDIO 12805 Emerald Coast Parkway (Hwy. 98) #P201 Inlet Beach, Florida
SUNDOG BOOKS 89 Central Square Seaside, Florida
ISIDRO DUNBAR MODERN INTERIORS 12170 Emerald Coast Parkway (Hwy. 98) Miramar Beach, Florida
THE SEASIDE STYLE 121 Central Square Seaside, Florida
VIE MAGAZINE 114 Logan Lane #3 Grayton Beach, Florida V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 123
SHEROBAR.COM A new nutrition bar designed for the SUPERHERO in YOU Coming Soon
The Last Word
9
Solution on next page
CULTURE and the ARTS BY MYLES MELLOR
ACROSS
DOWN
1 5 9 10 11 13 15 17
1 2 3 4 6 7 8 12 14 16 18 19 20 22 24 26 31 32
19 21 23 25 27 28 29 30 33 34
US artist who painted Rowboat in Rocky Cove Architect who designed Fallingwater Young chap Stone used to build the Taj Mahal Beloved of Aphrodite The Agony and the ____, biographical novel of the life of Michelangelo Extremely bright, as colors African American contemporary artist best known for her room-size tableaux of black paper silhouettes, Kara Moby Dick, for one Grand Ole Opry founder George Diary singer (first name) Citizen Kane filmmaker West Side Story gang member Actress Davis of The Help Lamont Cranston’s alter ego (with “The”) “Eureka!” Glee actress Michele 1989 James Michener novel and a sea
Shakespeare tragedy Home to Notre Dame Building add-on Call Me Maybe singer Carly ___ Jepsen Le Penseur sculptor Venetian boat Midterm, for one Biblical gift Evan Almighty vessel I Got Rhythm composer Where George Strait had “oceanside property” Painter of Christina’s World Publisher of X-Men comics Amazes Hayes, writer of “Theme from Shaft” Accommodation for hunters or skiers Laughter noise Augmented reality, for short
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The Last Word Puzzle on previous page
R
“
Creativity takes courage. —Henri Matisse
”
Au revoir!
Au revoir!
Copy copy copy copy copy copy copy copy copy copy copy
BEFORE YOU GO . . .
Jamaica Blue and Beautiful by Norman Parkinson Fine art print, available through 1stDibs.com Photo courtesy of 1stDibs
Channel your inner diva with this fine art print! Jamaica Blue and Beautiful,, an iconic photograph of model Jerry Hall by Norman Parkinson, Beautiful graced the cover of British Vogue in May of 1975. Now it can adorn the walls of your home and give you endless style inspiration—not to mention a fair bit of sass. Well, ring-a-ding-ding. ring-a-ding-ding.
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THE PRIDE OF A MASTER CR AFTSMAN When old-world craft meets new-world technology, an unprecedented level of quality is birthed. At E. F. San Juan, the quality and long-term function of our woodwork are the keys to creating elements that will transform a house into your dream home.
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THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM Santa Rosa Beach, Florida: (850) 231-3087 Clifden, Co. Galway, Ireland: +353 (85) 158 9879
