THE
LOADED TRUNK A collection of inspiration for a life well lived.
THE
artist ISSUE
coastal gems of SPRING/SUMMER
ORANGE COUNTY
2021 • ISSUE 05
WHAT’S INSIDE MOOD BOARD
4-5
Breathe in the salty sea air, feel the cool splash of the waves and enjoy the painted sky at sunset on a sandy beach
FLIGHT PLAN
6-45
Highlights of beautiful Newport Beach and The artsy beachside town of Laguna Beach
INSPIRED BY NATURE
46-49
Explore Laguna’s picturesque beaches
IN THE WORKSHOP WITH...
50-67
Artists of Laguna Beach
IN THE WORKSHOP WITH
68-83
Raili Clasen, Interior Designer with a cool California aesthetic
BRING IT HOME
84-85
From Newport and Laguna
PLAYLIST
86-87
Sit back in the sand and enjoy these beachy vibes
WHAT’S BREWING
88-89
Shoreline Iced Tea
TASTE THIS
90-93
Citrus Shrimp Tacos Copyright © 2021 Jonna Robison LLC All rights
NOTE FROM JONNA
“
Jewels on Orange County’s coast, Newport and Laguna attract throngs of holidaymakers. With so many great places to play, eat and shop, there is something for everyone. It’s easy to stay on the surface, enjoying the hot spots, but there is more in these coastal towns than meets the eye. In this issue I take a deep dive into Laguna’s art scene, introducing you to a handful of very talented artists who produce a wide variety of unique and interesting pieces of art. Get to know a Newport-based interior designer, known and loved for her casual California coast vibe. I hope you enjoy this artist issue of The Loaded Trunk!
Known for its beautiful boat-filled harbor Newport Beach attracts those who love to play on or near the water. From surfers coming for big waves to families playing on the shore, there is something for everyone. Charming Balboa Island is dotted with picturesque cottages and ringed with a paved path promenade which is idyllic for morning and evening walks. The ferry connects the island to Balboa Peninsula (known for its big sandy beaches, two piers and the Fun Zone). The waterways are busy with sailboats, yachts, electric boats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. There are loads of yummy places to eat, shop and explore. These are just a few of my favorites!
SHOPS JUXTAPOSITION My very favorite home store, which has a gorgeous selection of furniture, textiles, antiques, art, kitchenware, coffee table books, chic clothing and accessories. Think American artisan meets European industrial with vibes of the Hamptons and a touch of Africa. I am particularly crazy about the fabulous collection of pillows and lovely handmade pottery. When I step inside I feel inspired and want to take home one of everything! 191 Riverside Website: Juxtaposition @juxtaposition
A’MAREE’S Alongside Newport Harbor, in a stunning 1961 modernist building with 19’ high ceilings and a wall of full length arched windows overlooking the water lies A’maree’s, a luxury fashion company launched 45 years ago by Nancy Schaefer and her partner. Nancy’s daughters, Dawn & Denise, then ages 11 and 13, worked alongside their mother, building the business, styling the shop and curating the goods. They all still work in the family business together, all these years later, and have created a renowned fixture in Newport’s fashion scene. The shop, which has called this particular location home for a dozen years, showcases a gorgeous and unique collection of California casual clothing and shoes, jewelry and accessories, sourced from quite a few California designers as well as European fashion houses. Clients range from longtime local devotees to the yachting set from across the globe, who can sail up to the shop, make their purchases, then sail off. The shop aims to make all their clients feel like family and give them great personal attention and styling expertise. It’s a glamorous shop to visit. The displays are lovely, the setting is amazing with its architectural drama and wide open vistas, and the products are beautiful, but still with a “California casual” vibe. Every detail is impeccable and visually interesting, with so much to take in. The dressing lounge is the hive of activity, where happy women emerge feeling (and looking) like a million bucks. 2241 W Coast Highway Website: A’maree’s @amareesnewport
M
Macrame art created by Jim Olarte
ROGER’S GARDENS If you love gardening or beautiful items for the home, this is a delightful stop. It is the very best selection of plants and flowers I’ve seen. They have a great selection of gardening gifts, outdoor furniture, a room full of orchids, homewares and decor, tableware, a baby section, a room of blown glass Christmas ornaments, and so much more. Holiday displays are fantastic, especially at Christmas. I stop by every visit and always find gifts or something to bring home. There is a lovely farm-to-table restaurant on site called Farmhouse, which is a great place to enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona Del Mar Website: Roger’s Gardens
MAXINE This colorful shop, run by husband and wife team, Phillip and Bea Birdsong, has two parts: Maxine consists of fun, timeless apparel and accessories from Latin American and European designers. Creatures of Love is their own brand… a collection of gorgeous handmade hats. They sell finely woven straw Panama hats made in Ecuador by skilled weavers, as well as beautiful custom made hats (made right here in the shop) of wool felt and rabbit fur. The couple learned hat-making from a milliner family that has been making hats for over 100 years, while living in Bea’s native Mexico. They also host private custom hat parties, where they close the shop for you and your close friends (4-6 people). When you visit the shop, you will find Bea’s cheerful personality a delight. I love supporting a small family-owned shop such as this. 3412 Via Lido Website: Maxine @maxinemaxinestore Website: Creatures of Love @creatures-of-love_
LIDO MARINA VILLAGE A chic village-style complex of boutiques, artisans and al fresco restaurants, Lido Marina Village is situated right on the waterside. It’s a pretty venue and boasts a nice variety of shops, including Alchemy Works, Amber Shoppe, Jenni Kayne, Sugar Paper, Serena & Lily, Malibu Farm Store and more. I love that you can stroll outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather while browsing, and you can grab a table on the water for lunch or dinner with a lovely view. You can rent electric boats from here as well. 3434 Via Lido Website: Lido Marina Village
BEST BITES
of newport beach
EAT CHOW This gem boasts an extensive and delicious menu, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch & dinner. It’s difficult to decide what to order because everything is SO GOOD! It’s my favorite breakfast spot… and it’s a toss up between Lemon Mascarpone French Toast if I’m craving something sweet and flavorful Chilaquiles if I’m feeling savory. But you can’t go wrong with anything you order here. It’s flavor-packed and top notch! 350 Ocean Ave Website: Eat Chow
RYE GOODS Tucked into Lido Marina Village is this small but lovely bakery, deli & market with a focus on farm-sourced, seasonal ingredients and a wide assortment to choose from. Open Wed-Sun. Rye Goods 3418 Via Lido
GALLEY CAFE This charming waterfront diner has been a go-to for locals since 1957. My husband recalls many Saturday mornings eating breakfast with his family at this Newport Beach classic. Lovely location near the water. 829 Harbor Island Dr Website: Galley Cafe
TUPELO JUNCTION CAFE Yummy southern-style cuisine. I like going for lunch and always order the fried chicken salad with cornbread, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and herb buttermilk dressing. 507 29th St Website: Tupelo Junction Cafe
MALIBU FARM Founder and chef Helene Henderson started her restaurant in her own back yard, sourcing from her own gardens and farm animals. Having expanded to a few locations on both coasts, as well as in Lanai, she is committed to sourcing from small farmers and maintains a healthy and delicious menu. At the Lido location, overlooking the marina, there is a coffee bar and ice cream shop (real ingredients here, nothing artificial) and a divine home goods store. 3432 Via Oporto #101 Website: Malibu Farm
CIRCLE HOOK FISH CO. Located right on the marina at Lido Marina Village, Circle Hook serves local, sustainable fish from the Newport Beach Dory, seafood pasta and more. The fish & chips is fab! 3432 Via Oporto #104 Website: Circle Hook Fish Co.
HOOK & ANCHOR A fish & lobster house specializing in lobster rolls with Cajun fries, po’boys, fish & chips and more. 3305 Newport Blvd Website: Hook & Anchor
BEAR FLAG FISH CO. If sushi & poke floats your boat, you’ve come to the right place. Fresh, delicious seafood in a fun, lively atmosphere. Two locations in Newport Beach: 7972 Pacific Coast Highway (Crystal Cove Shopping Center) 3421 Via Lido Website: Bear Flag Fish Co.
FLOWER CHILD Healthy, tasty food in a cheerful, inviting and colorful setting. There are also vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. 1302 Bison Ave, Newport Beach Website: Flower Child
BEACHCOMBER CAFE You need to park at Crystal Cove State Park and either walk or take the shuttle down to the beach to visit this little joint at historic Crystal Cove. Book a table online because it’s no fun to get all the way there only to find out there is a 90-minute wait for a table (unless you have the time to go beachcombing while you wait). There is a quaint collection of restored beach cottages dating from the 1930’s-50’s for those who want to experience a stay at this charming and historic seaside resort. 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast Website: Beachcomber Cafe
TOPSIDE ROOF DECK AT LIDO HOUSE HOTEL Enjoying drinks and snacks as the sun sets at Topside Rood Deck is truly “tops.” I love the design, location and ambience of this hotel, which is an Autograph Collection property. 3300 Newport Blvd Website: Topside Roof Deck
RUBY’S DINER A classic diner and favorite with the kids. The Balboa Pier location is a fun one with great views overlooking the sea. 1 Balboa Pier Website: Ruby’s Diner
CRYSTAL COVE SHAKE A 40’s-style diner with options for take-out or outdoor dining overlooking Crystal Cove, serving milkshakes, coffee, burgers, hot dogs, fries, etc from 7 am to 9 or 10 pm. This place is ALWAYS hopping! 7703 East Coast Highway Website: Crystal Cove Shake Shack
Laguna Beach has long been a magnet for artists and was originally settled as an art colony and coastal resort well over 100 years ago. The city has over 100 art galleries and artist studios. It is enjoyable to stroll through town, visiting galleries and parks, where you encounter numerous works of public art. In summer you’ll find art festivals where you can purchase art directly from the artists. The city also boasts Laguna Art Museum, which exhibits art by California artists or art that represents the state. Laguna is a delight to explore. Whether you choose to swim or sunbathe at the picturesque beaches and little coves, shop the galleries and boutiques downtown and along the coastal highway, hike the trails with views up in the hills or drive up Laguna Canyon to visit the art festivals and artist studios, you will love the quaint beachy feel in this pretty seaside town. Yes, it is often throbbing with tourists and snarled with traffic, but you can often find a quiet corner of a cove or a little park with 180 degree views of the sea and feel like you’ve almost got the place to yourself.
SHOPS VERTIGO HOME I know when I step into Vertigo Home, I’ll always find something unusual and fun, whether a gift for a friend, something for my home or an item for one of my design projects. Lighting, furniture, wallpaper, homewares, kitchen items, decor, reading glasses... you name it, they probably have it. I love the subtle Scandi vibe as well. Website: Vertigo Home
LALA Hand-blocked linens, towels, clothing and accessories from India, all designed in California by Kerry Cassill. 1145 S Coast Highway Website: Lala
THE GARAGE COLLECTIVE This delightful, eclectic shop was born when owner Kristin MiracleLewis invited artisans to do pop-up shops out of their garages. She now has a shop on Coast Highway which houses collaborations by artists, makers and creatives. Offerings include pillows made of vintage textiles, ceramics by local potters, embroidered denim, bath and body products, vintage rugs, candles, art and so much more. 1524 S Coast Hwy Website: The Garage Collective @the.garage.collective
HUIT Tania Cassill, an interior designer based in Laguna Beach since 2004, opened her shop front on Coast Highway in 2014. She describes her aesthetic as “curated, organic modern,” which aligns with the casual, coastal Laguna vibe. She has a penchant for textiles and you’ll find a nice array of items she curates for the boutique, from vintage handwoven Moroccan blankets to organic hand-poured candles. Tania has collaborated with Laguna artists, Jim Olarte and Siemon and Salazar, for macrame lighting fixtures in her projects. I love how the artistic talents in Laguna come together to produce beautiful and very special products for the community. 1276 S Coast Hwy Website: Huit @huitlaguna
Images credit: Chad Mellon
BEST BITES
of laguna beach
KITCHEN IN THE CANYON 845 Laguna Canyon Road Website: Kitchen In The Canyon
ZINC CAFE + MARKET Another branch of Yummy local favorite for brunch and drinks. Or pick up a baked good or something to take away from their small, curated market. 350 Ocean Ave Website: Zinc Cafe
THE STAND NATURAL FOODS RESTAURANT With an all-vegan menu, The Stand has been serving healthy food since 1975. This is a great place to pick up a sandwich to take to the beach. 238 Thalia St Website: The Stand
ORANGE INN This special spot has been open since 1931, when it was a favorite place for Irvine Ranch cowboys to stop for fresh-squeezed orange juice. It was originally up the road between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach in an area previously called Irvine Ranch. It’s a great place to stop for their famed “Original Smoothie” or original “California Date Shake.” Everything they make is from scratch, including all the baked items. Orange Inn 703 S Coast Highway
ZEYTOON CAFE This Mediterranean bistro is a tasty stop for lunch on the charming outdoor deck upstairs. Great selection of salads, mezze and yummy paninis and much more. 412 N Coast Highway Website: Zeytoon Cafe
OAK “Farm to table to belly” is the inspiration at Oak, serving California comfort food for brunch, lunch and dinner. 1100 S Coast Highway #202 Website: Oak
SOUTH OF NICK’S MEXICAN KITCHEN + BAR Beautifully presented and really delicious elevated Mexican cuisine. Sip a watermelon jalapeño margarita while dining on any of the delicious entrées. You must cap it off with the signature warm butter cake topped with ice cream and berry compote… a heavenly way to end a fantastic meal. 540 S Coast Highway Website: South of Nicks Mexican Kitchen + Bar Just a few doors up is their other restaurant, Nick’s, serving California comfort fare. 449 S Coast Highway
Images credit South of Nicks
Images credit South of Nicks
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS SAWDUST FESTIVAL Since 1967, the has featured the Sawdust Festival works of Laguna Beach artists and makers at an outdoor art village in Laguna Canyon. Nowadays, 200 artists are on display, with an eclectic range of media for sale. Offerings include art demonstrations, music and entertainment, food and beverages. The festival runs from early July until early September. Also offering year-round art classes 935 Laguna Canyon Rd Website: The Sawdust Festival
FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS A fine arts show with artworks from over 100 Orange County artists on display, the Festival is one of the oldest (85 years) juried art shows in the nation. Along with the exhibits there is live music and art demonstrations. Located at the same venue as Pageant of the Masters, so you can see both the same evening, as well as the Sawdust Festival across the street. 650 Laguna Canyon Rd Website: the Festival of The Arts
PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS This is truly a sight to behold! I’ve never seen anything like it anywhere else. Each summer, a theme is selected and famous art works are recreated in the flesh as “living pictures” right before your eyes. The people in the paintings look exactly like the real scene. Set to music of a live orchestra in an outdoor amphitheater, performances are nightly throughout July and August. Amazing!! 650 Laguna Canyon Rd Website: Pageant of The Masters
Images credit: Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach
INSPIRED BY NATURE BEACH WALKS OF LAGUNA The beaches in Laguna are the most beautiful along the southern California coast… at least I think so. Below the cliffs, accessible in neighborhoods via staircases, lie picturesque beaches away from the hubbub of town. Coves, rocks and tidepools beckon to explore, swaths of sand are perfect for beachcombing strolls. Or you can simply find a spot to enjoy the painted sky at sunset, breathe in the salty air and wind down with the rhythm of the tides.
Crescent Bay lies below a small, beautiful park, perfect for a picnic prior to a walk down to the beach. The views from the park down to the beach and along the southern coast are magnificent! There are tide pools to explore and snorkeling as well (but be mindful the surf here is quite strong). Woods Cove is a pretty cove with lots of rocks. The pretty English Tudor house on Ocean Way (at the top of the staircase) once belonged to Bette Davis and is a registered historic structure. When I was there recently, the home was for sale for a cool $20 million. You can access Pearl Street Beach at low tide via a rock arch at the north end of the cove.
Moss Cove is a small, sweet cove, known for its excellent tide pools and snorkeling. Laguna’s protected wildlife habitats make snorkeling a treat. This beach is beloved by couples wanting a quiet beach to watch the sunset. Beach access: Moss Street
Victoria Beach The unique aspect of Victoria Beach is La Tour, built in 1926 as a castleinspired tower, housing a private staircase that leads from the house at the top of the cliff to Victoria Beach below. It was built for California State Senator William Edward Brown and his family. Victoria Beach is a picturesque swath of sand with rocky outcrops and tide pools to explore.
Thousand Steps Beach is located at the southern end of Laguna beach, there are actually only 223 steps to get down to the beach. It is quite a large beach with tide pools, caves and volleyball courts. Beach access: 9th Street & Coast Hwy (look for a legal parking spot)
Three Arch Bay is a private beach but, if you’re lucky to know a resident who can grant you access, it is a gorgeous beach to visit and enjoy the tide pools and three arches on the north end of the beach.
IN THE WORKSHOP WITH ARTISTS OF LAGUNA
On the following pages I feature several artists who call Laguna Beach home. These artists represent a range of mediums, with which they create beautiful and interesting art works. I very much enjoyed visiting all of these artists in their studios, learning from them about their art and seeing their processes and the end results. These visits left me feeling inspired and overwhelmed by their massive talent. Enjoy this deep dive into Laguna’s thriving art scene!
JIMOLARTE
Walking into Jim Olarte’s shingle-clad art studio, I was greeted by massive creations of macrame, knotted from ropes in various hues, hanging from the rafters, creating an otherworldly space where I held myself back from grabbing onto one of the ropes and swinging Tarzan-style across the room. From vintage shops, nautical supply stores and weavers, Jim gathers long lengths of thick yachting rope, jute and other fibers to knot impressive works of art, which have been installed in hotels, private residences, shops and more. It is a mesmerizing space, sprinkled with collections of rocks, shells, driftwood and more. There is an organic quality about the studio, with fiber throughout and bits of nature plucked from the seashore. Jim has spent his entire life near the beach and his love and reverence for the ocean comes through in his work as well as the studio where he works. The story goes like this… In the 1970’s, when macrame plant hangers were the rage, Jim’s mom wanted some of her own, so he learned how to make them for her and sold some of them at craft fairs in Irvine. Then he tucked that skill away for a time.
Jim landed in Laguna Beach during the late 70’s and operated a big-deal vintage clothing store called Locals Only with his partner for more than 20 years, which attracted collectors from surfers to supermodels. Then he worked for a stint in “surf shack” set design, window displays and prop styling for surf brands. “I was working on a photo shoot for Roxy and doing some of the retail stores for Quiksilver when they asked, ‘Doesn’t the Roxy Girl have macrame? With seashells and driftwood?’ They placed six orders and I thought, ‘My gosh, I could be embarking on macrame again.’ He retrieved that skill from his youth and began knotting again. From there, Jim began receiving commissions for private and commercial installations, including hotels and shops like Tommy Bahamas (in NYC), A’maree’s in Newport, residences as far as Provincetown, galleries throughout the country and restaurants. He’s been crafting macrame as a career for 10 years now, not because it’s “on trend” but because he loves the zen quality it brings to his life. He is drawn to the fact that it is mathematical and precise, yet also very meditative. It connects him to the ocean, where he is deeply rooted and feels it is a part of who he is.
A self-described “professional beachcomber,” Jim also creates beautiful, organic hanging sculptures from remnants of detritus, such as sea-worn fiberglass from shipwrecked boats, shells, rocks, fishing weights and other treasures he forages from his beach explorations. These bits from the sea and shore are often knotted into his macrame art as well, adding an organic vibe to his one-of-a-kind hanging creations. He doesn’t drill holes into any natural element of the earth, shells or rocks, but only uses their natural or eroded holes and openings. Although Jim lives in a modern world, he is in a sense unplugged from it. He does not own a car, preferring to travel everywhere he goes by bus, even to haul the pieces of fiberglass and lead weights he finds while exploring the beach. He doesn’t use an iPhone because he is perfectly content with his old flip phone. He doesn’t watch TV or use streaming services since he prefers to spend his free time at the beach or reading voraciously. Jim truly lives a slow, artistic life, guided by the tides, his love for the sea and what it shares with him for his work, and his passion for his craft, making knots as sailors have done for generations and creating beauty with fiber and treasures from the sea. Where to find Jim Olarte: Studio: 950 Glenneyre St, Laguna Beach Instagram: @jimolarte
DIANA GARREAU As I stood mesmerized, in what seemed to be a kaleidoscope, Diana Garreau handed me a delicate antique green stemmed glass, containing sparkling water. Of course it was a lovely antique vessel rather than simply an aluminum can. Everything she touches is beautiful. Her small shop, tucked into a side street in Laguna Beach, is an exuberant wonderland of color, exotic patterns and textures. This textile and jewelry designer extraordinaire has a fascinating story. The daughter of a French father and an English mother, Diana was born in Madagascar and grew up in Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Australia, Kenya and South Africa. French was her first language. Her multicultural upbringing is truly reflected in her work and career. She obtained her degree in graphic design and, at the age of 23, was running a small advertising studio in Durban. Having a love for the ocean and being a keen boogie boarder, she became involved with the surf industry in South Africa, home to surf brands such as Gotcha. Upon the recommendation of a childhood friend from her years in Zimbabwe, who had relocated to Laguna Beach, she made the transcontinental move from South Africa as a young, scrappy and fearless 29-year-old. She worked as an au pair for all of two weeks, then landed work, through her contacts from the surf industry, and started drawing designs for T-shirts, then expanded her designs. She started really loving the textile world and gaining large numbers of clients, internationally. Diana went on to spend 30 years designing full print collections, from couture swimwear for many global labels and board shorts designs for surf brands to African collections for 100-yearold Dutch wax cloth company, Vlisco, among others. Sports companies, such as Nike and Lululemon, used her fashion-forward prints as well. She maintained a studio in Buenos Aires for a dozen years and traveled to shows in Europe and Brazil. In total, Diana created over 40,000 patterns! All her designs are hand drawn and original from her Laguna Studio.
Image credit: Diana Garre
The textile industry eventually changed and Diana became more interested in creating lasting jewelry, which had been her mode of release from the ever changing world of fashion. “My work in textile prints started naturally going smaller and I started thinking about interiors, especially wallpaper.” She found stonecutters in India and Brazil. Diana began re-establishing her connections with craftspeople in Africa. She has a generous spirit and says, “I can be helping the youth in Africa. I have talents and want to give back. I can work with these people and open their eyes not to design the same thing again and again, but to think on international levels.”
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Image credit: Diana Garreau
She makes much of her jewelry herself, beading in the evenings with antique African beads, adding precious gems and Tahitian pearls to her designs. The pendants are often shells she finds herself while beachcombing with artist Jim Olarte, whose studio is just a few steps up the street. “I like assembling elements together that would not normally be considered to sit together.” She went on to say, “I’m known for these necklaces, antique micro-mosaic pins that I encase in silver to make a pendant.” She strings the necklace with trading beads and chevrons. She explains the colors work perfectly together because the glass used for the mosaics and the beads came from the same factories in Murano, Italy. Beads, at the time in Africa, were made of clay and easily broken, so when the Portuguese came to open West Africa, thick glass trading beads became a currency, hence their name. So glass beads, made in Murano, went to Africa and the delicate micro mosaic pins and pendants went to the European continent for wealthy clients. I like putting European and African together because that is my heritage.”
Image credit: Simon Purli at VHF
Diana still designs textile prints, but that currently accounts for approximately 5%, mostly for longtime clients. She now works mostly for her own brand and is known for her scarves, woven in India and printed with her designs (two collections each year). The most recent collection was based on the theme interiors, “...since we spent last year with our interiors.” She is constantly adding to her cushion collections, one for home in velvet and the other, an outdoor collection made of printed neoprene, all made in the USA. Another extension to her brand is wallpaper, working on permanent collections made to order. From neutrals to drama-packed designs, she works on commissioned pieces. “I love creating what no one has seen and then changing someone’s living space to make their home come to life, whether through tranquil or statement designs.”
Image credit: Diana Garreau
Diana hand sketches the elements and has designers digitize them on computer, as she sits with them and directs the placement of each motif. She combines unusual images in her wallpaper designs and has them digitally printed. Her favorite paper to print on is metallic paper, resulting in a luminous quality. Diana has furniture crafted in Africa, where pieces are upholstered in handbeading (two chairs are on the way to her shop, hand-beaded with gold glass beads). She has incredibly detailed leather hand bags and belts crafted by a woman who lives in the Sahara Desert in Morocco. Are you feeling overwhelmed yet just by reading this? Let me tell you, my head was SPINNING during the hour I spent in her shop. This woman is truly one of the most creative humans I have ever encountered. I asked Diana where she finds inspiration. “I like antiquity. I think that someone’s craftsmanship that is of excellence pushes me to keep a high standard of design and finish. Nature inspires me, but it also chills me out. When I can get away from buildings with structure and see a horizon, it makes my mind flow. I think a lot when at the beach and have some fantastic creative dreams. I’m also inspired by texture and by Victorian jewelry. There is so much that gives me inspiration. I love putting symbols and global marks together and making something different out of them. I absolutely love texture. And inks… ink splatters, seeing how ink moves in water. In the mornings I walk with Jim [Olarte] and I take photos.
One morning I took a photo of tractor marks, and I returned to my studio and designed a wallpaper with all the tractor marks.” I asked her how she does it all. She stated, “I don’t have children. I’m dedicated and, through working from such a young age, I’m disciplined.” However she does it, Diana is certainly a force in the art and design world, and a woman of immense talent. dianagarreau.com @dianagarreau 998 Glenneyre St (it’s best to call or email first, as she may be around the corner in her studio)
EZELL CERAMICS An art history and world history buff, Michael Ezzell has been throwing clay for a span of 52 years on 5 continents, including a stint in Bornholm, Denmark, at what is now the Bornholm Museum, where potters would work in wooden shoes and fire their kilns with wood. His work is extremely varied, from fish and pelicans to figurines once sold by Gumps in San Francisco to contemporary minimalist vases. Looking at his past work in his Laguna Canyon studio, it’s amazing that he is the sole creator of such a variety of pottery, and insists that all the different styles are related. There are even a few pieces made by his young grandchildren, who come to visit sometimes and “work” with him.
Image credit: Ezzell Ceramics
He enjoys working in all types of mediums, including stoneware, English porcelain, glass and bronze. As he showed me around his studio, he said, “My mistakes are my biggest advance. Finding your way, finding your paint stroke, finding your materials... Materials fascinate me, that’s why I work with glass, bronze and others.”
As I watched him work the wheel and we chatted, it was clear that this is a meditative work for him, and he feels a great respect for the medium with which he works. “You can’t impose your will on it. You have to be one with it. It’s like carpentry… What is the wood going to give you? If you pay attention, the clay shows you things.”
Image credit: Ezzell Ceramics
When I asked him how he finds his clients, he replied, “I’ve always just wanted to create, and it’s kind of a ‘build it and they will come’ situation.” His work is sold in galleries, art shows throughout the west, department stores and private commissions. He explains that the art world has changed over the years, noting that California has lost much of its educated art community. As the economy changes, the art world ebbs and flows and clientele is changing all the time. “Now the younger crowd has more money and they want white, minimalist, simple designs.” Mike literally has lots of pots on the fire. “I’m a lot like a short order cook. I’ve got things out there drying. This is something I’ll work on tomorrow. Those are pieces I worked on yesterday and this morning. I’ve got the kiln going, and later on I’ll go and make a delivery.” As a lover of handmade pottery and someone who appreciates its unique qualities, I was thrilled to go home with a mixing bowl and small set of ramekins - beautiful, yet functional items I know I’ll use often. .ezzellceramics.com @ezzellceramics Studio: 2307 Laguna Canyon Rd
SIEMON & SALAZAAR Husband and wife team, Caleb Siemen and Carmen Salazar, have been working together, designing and making hand blown glass vessels and lighting fixtures for 22 years. They met while studying at the renowned Rhode Island School of Design. Upon graduating, Caleb went to Venice, Italy, to train with a master glassblower, while Carmen went to San Francisco and worked with a variety of artists, including an environmental land artist, metal sculptors, glass blowers and horticulturists. She went on to earn her Masters in Architecture in LA. With Carmen’s background in many art fields, as well as architecture, interior and landscape design, they brought many talents to the table and launched their first lighting lines together in 2008. “We are inspired by the natural world around us and the inherent beauty and idiosyncrasies of the materials we use.” They run their studio together in Santa Ana with a small team of master craftspeople, and keep a small shop in Laguna Beach, their hometown, where they showcase their own work as well as other local artists. Laguna Outpost is open by appointment. Carmen also works as a landscape designer, focused on drought-tolerant, California natives and South African flowering varietals. Studio: siemonandsalazar.com IG @siemonandsalazar Shop: lagunaoutpost.com 1492 South Coast Hwy
Image credit: Siemon & Salazar
Image credit: Siemon & Salazar
Image credit: Siemon & Salazar
Image credit: Siemon & Salazaar
CASEY PARLETTE Working in wood, metal and stone, sculpting used to be a side job for Casey Parlette, who spent his days lifeguarding on the beach. Eventually, he was so busy using the skills he both taught himself and learned from others in the industry (blacksmithing and metal fabrication), he jumped into it full time 15 years ago. In the center of his studio sits an enormous metal fish sculpture he is creating for a client as a ceiling light installation. It is comprised of approximately 100 fish fabricated of perforated sheet metal. The rough sketch of his vision for the piece is on the floor. He’s old school, hand sketching his ideas, rather than formulating them on a computer. “With sculpture you have to see it or feel it, and it either looks right or wrong. It changes a little bit as it goes.” Of this huge sculpture, he says, “The key with sculpture is you want to create an environment, create a story out of the material and have a flow… an element. A lone fish or a mackerel doesn’t have the same impact as this school of fish. There is flow and an essence of that life.”
Image credit: Patrick Rogers
Everything Casey creates is unique and often the first time he’s made something of its kind. He brought out a really interesting piece of wood some friends sent him from the Amazon, knowing he could do something cool with it. Then he started pulling small metal sculptures and assembling a project he’s been working on for the Festival of the Arts in Laguna. It’s a wall sculpture with bronze sea anemones, sea stars, clams, fish and seaweed. Every piece has been crafted to fit perfectly on or around that interesting piece of Amazonian wood, resulting in a gorgeous art assemblage. I asked Casey how he has learned to do all that he does. He responded, “It all comes down to problem solving. I don’t know where you go to learn all of this stuff under one roof. You just start and do whatever you can do, then you hit a wall and you need to think your way out of that problem. Then you get through that and hit another wall. So it’s a matter of hitting walls and figuring out ways around, under or through them, and then going on to the next thing. I like the problem solving aspect of it, which is probably part of the reason I like sculpture as much as I do.” It really is remarkable to see what this artist, who loves the ocean and sea life, can create with the raw materials of wood, metal and stone. Studio: 2307 Laguna Canyon Rd Website: caseyparlette.com @caseyparlettesculpture
MARIAN PAQUETTE
An interior designer based in Laguna Beach for 25 years, Marian Barker began collecting some of the fabrics from designer textile companies that were discontinued, before they ended up in landfills. She taught herself to make handbags from the textiles and, knowing she was onto something, shifted from full time interior design to full time handbags in 2015. She now designs every bag and has them made in Los Angeles. There is great attention to detail, from the hardware and straps, including vintage metal straps she collects from Europe, as well as textiles from around the world, including fabrics she has collected from Morocco. There are structured bags, small evening bags and soon-to-come travel bags… all adorned in a plethora of patterns, textures and lively color palette. Each style is named after a female in her life, including “Victoria” and ‘Elizabeth” (dear friends), “Lydia” (her mother), goddaughter, and dear friends. Marian makes limited quantities made of each bag, and they are cut to order with limited waste. Scraps of fabric are used in her patchwork bags, which clients love, as well as pillows and ottomans. Marian operates as a wholesaler, selling her handbags throughout the US, but she has a bright, stylish shop in Laguna, where you can pick up one of her beautiful bags. There are also beautifully curated home and lifestyle collections on display, including pillows and artisan soaps from as far as Australia, light cotton pajamas in fresh prints and work dresses. More to come as Marian continues to expand her brand, and you can bet whatever she comes up with will be packed with style and loveliness. 1504 South Coast Highway Website: marianpaquette.com @marianpaquette
IN THE WORK SHOP WITH
RAILI CLASEN Sunny southern California vibes embody the style of interior designer, Raili Clasen. Her work is laidback and eclectic with elements of surprise. One of her clients described her style as “great design with a wink.” Raili spent 18 years as a fashion executive for California-based surf brands including Raisin Swimwear, Quiksilver and Paul Frank. She dabbled in personal design projects, which were featured in magazines, design blogs and a local home tour. She decided to change things up with her career and made the leap to becoming an interior designer. In just six years she has built a great team, based in Corona del Mar, and an impressive portfolio, including residential projects throughout the country as well as a variety of interesting commercial projects. Her work has been featured in top design publications I really enjoyed chatting with this downto-earth California native and hearing her unconventional story what and what makes her tick.
Image credit: Karyn Millet
You have such an interesting background, working for many years in the California fashion industry, prior to changing gears and launching your design firm, Raili CA, 6 years ago. What have you been able to pull from those experiences to help you with your design business? Well, I was always surrounded by super creative people who I basically latched onto. I was always in sales. I guess the start of it was just by who I was hanging out with, and I was always leaning towards the creative, but and ended up in the sales department. I didn’t have any formal design background in clothing. The people I worked with were some of the most creative people I’ve collaborated with to this day, and I was exposed to so many.. That’s how it started, and it very much influenced how I looked at putting things together… For example, at Quiksilver, we were opening a lot of stores, and seeing the process of how that came together was fascinating and fun for me. I’ve always had a sense of style, particularly clothing. But I never once paid any attention to interior design.
One thing I’ve noticed is that the companies you worked for are all focused on having fun… enjoying life. Yes, you’re right. Paul Frank was probably even more focused on fun and kind of out-of-the-box and so was Quiksilver. That was all about fun.
Images credit: Raili CA Design
There is definitely a strong element of FUN in your work, something unexpected you inject into each project you design, like a pop of surprise into each project. How do you arrive at that piece or installation? That part, I will tell you, is all freestyle. For instance, sometimes I show up with a light fixture in my hand and say, “Let’s do it upside down. What does that look like?” It’s very uncalculated.
Image credit: Karyn Millet
You seem to have a fearless approach to what you do. Yes, I think that also comes with age. I mean, I am not young and straight-out-of-school. I already had a big career. I feel like I’m definitely the most confident as I’ve grown older. I don’t sweat the small stuff by any means. I told myself when I was going to start my design career, “Okay, I’m going to try to be an interior designer. Here’s the deal: I’m going do it my way or the highway, 100%. And if no one hires me, I will get the message and I’ll do something else. I’ll go into real estate.” It will either work or it won’t work. That’s literally how I went into it. I had nothing to lose. Zero.
I love your quintessential California Beach style. How do you describe your aesthetic? I describe it as “old meets new.” California is full of natural woods and it’s sunny all the time, so there are lots of windows in California architecture, old school stuff. It’s light, it’s bright, it’s airy, it’s indoor-outdoor for the most part… full on. So, get ready to put lots of windows in your house and have them open and plan on going outside all the time. I get a lot of clients that have moved out of state. They always begin the initial email with, “I want a California feel in my Wisconsin house,” or, “I come from California and now I live in Boise, Idaho, and I want the California vibe.” They like it because it feels good to them.
Image credit: Raili CA Design
Where do you like to go for inspiration? A day in LA, the airport, anywhere! I’m always looking. Even restaurants around here… I’ll walk into a bathroom and think, “This is so cool!” Really, just getting out of the office and life. But I would say I get the most inspiration from New York. I also love to go to good hardware and lumber stores and see the woods together. I go up and down every single aisle and sometimes I’ll see something, such as inexpensive poles, and I buy them because I’ll get the idea to perhaps put a rope around them and I use them in my son’s room. I love to DIY a little bit too. How do you begin your process with a new client? Well, it depends on if whether or not I’m working. If it’s an architect, I like to collaborate with him or her just to see what his or her vision is, because that is who the clients usually hire first. The client has an idea of what they want their house to feel like, so the first pitch that they get is from an architect. I don’t want to head off in another direction. Then I name the project… I give it some adjectives, such as “Light, Bright Happy Beach House,” or “Spanish Beach Bungalow.” Then I form a team here with a designer and a project manager. We start talking about the project and sometimes that means that, in the middle of the night, we’re sending Instagram or Pinterest posts of designs we like to one another. We create a board and we just start piling in everything. Nothing is off limits. Then, from there, we start pulling it apart and we get a very clear picture of what it looks like.
Image credit: Raili CA Design
Image credit: Karyn Millet
Image credit: Karyn Millet
When you name a house or a project, how does that guide your direction? Well, everything needs to fit into the name… it’s more of a vibe, really. We all come up with it together, the girls on my team and I. “What is this? Is this New York meets Hamptons?” That’s how we start. I had a project in Coronado, a beach house. The client wanted a piano, and we wanted the entry to really pop, so we painted the piano bright yellow. It needed to fit into what we called that California beach bungalow. Give me an example of how you personalize the design for the client. That comes during the process. Personalizing is easy for me, because every time I look at something I ask myself, “What’s different? What can we do that could really be fun and different?” I use that perspective on everything I look at.
Image credit: Karyn Millet
How do you approach color? That’s something I love about your work… the pops of strong color. I like color, but you know how there are some people that just really use it widely, and they have it on every surface? I prefer little hints, just a little pop, and it has to be appropriate. I would not put a pink chandelier in a dining room of a really cool modern house. Perhaps if it’s mid-century modern but, I feel like with color, I love to bring in a few little accent colors. And then in the kid’s room I might go crazy. There are only a few colors I like, really. I love tones of yellow because they go with greys and blues - they go with everything. And then I love greens all the way from camo to sage and light mint. And I love pairing those with yellow or pink. Today I am wearing camo pants and a pink shirt. I approach design the exact same way.
Image credit: Karyn Millet
You do a lot of new builds. How do you work with the builder and architects to make sure you are all on the same page? I like to collaborate with architects and builders. I’m very selective with the team. I love to work with builders and subcontractors that say “yes.” I have an electrician and I bring him to every single job because he ‘gets’ it and says “yes” to my ideas. He also wants to do fun, out-of-the box designs and he is willing to go in there and try. So, I try to find that with the whole team.
You were able to work with one of the most famous surfers in the world when you designed the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch. Tell me about that experience. The Surf Ranch was my favorite project, hands down. I’ll never have as much fun! It was just amazing. They were so much fun, and the really cool part was, Lemoore, California is in the middle of nowhere in central California. So, it wasn’t as if I had access to a range of professionals that could be there on short notice. Here, in Orange County, I can get ten people if I need to in an hour to help me do something. Up there, being in the middle of nowhere, what I loved was how everybody came together that worked there to help me with the actual design. For example, the girl who was the receptionist was gluing rope around beams and around pillars for me on install day. It was such a fun team effort and they were all so excited to be a part of it, just as I was. So, it was quite fun. Being there on site, seeing how organic it was (they did not want anything fancy)… it was just exactly what I was meant to do. Coming from the surf industry, my focus and what I was exposed to during that time translated into that project and seemed so easy for me.
Image credit: Raili CA Design
Image credit: Raili CA Design
You like to customize furniture pieces... When clients are on a budget, what is the room you would tell them to focus on more than others? Oh, definitely the great room. The room that everyone is going see. My splurges are the kitchen area, the living area, not even really so much the dining area, and the powder room. I love me a good powder room, because that is where everyone goes; that is what everyone sees. But when it comes to master bedroom and kids’ bedrooms, I do a real ‘high-low.’ I’ll say, for instance, “You have got to have this light fixture. I know it’s $10,000, but we will make it up. I will go find some items from West Elm for the rest of your house, but you’ve got to have this one.” And I do that all the time.
Image credit: Karyn Millet
What part of designing a home do you think is the most under-appreciated? All the specifying. Finding it, tracking it down, pricing it, measuring it. Sometimes people ask, “Why did that take you so long?” I say, “Oh my gosh, you have no idea.” HGTV has done us in the design industry a disservice. Clients ask, “Wait, couldn’t you do this whole project in 20 hours and have it installed in three months?” That’s what we deal with every single day. What are some of your favorite neighborhoods in the Newport Beach to Laguna ocean stretch? We’re doing a project right now in Victoria Beach in Laguna. It’s so cool. It’s a small little beach right on the ocean. I love Emerald Bay (a private beach community in Laguna). I also love Lido. I lived on Lido for probably about 12 years… that’s my favorite neighborhood. And I love Costa Mesa, where I live. It’s very young and very creative. It’s an old neighborhood with small houses, as opposed to all the neighborhoods that came about in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Costa Mesa’s homes are from the ‘50s to ‘60s. I like that so much better, even though the houses are teeny-tiny.
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mage credit: Raili CA Design
Image credit: Karyn Millet
RAILI’S FAVES Hole-in-the-wall Wild Goose Tavern goosebar.com
Restaurant for dinner with your husband Malibu Farms malibu-farm.com
Lunch spot with friends
Zinqué in Lido Marina Village lidomarinavillage.com
Go-to coffee shop
Kit Coffee on 17th Street kit.coffee.com
Place to satisfy your sweet tooth
Sidecar Doughnuts sidecardoughnuts.com
Fish tacos
Bear Flag bearflagfishco.com
Top 3 shops
Laguna Supply, Garage Collective, Juxtaposition lagunasupply.com shopgaragecollectivelaguna.com juxtaposition.com
Hidden gem most tourists don’t know about Landers Supply House in Costa Mesa landerscm.com
Beach walk
Newport Pier to Balboa Pier
Thing to do at sunset Beach jog
Where to go to escape the crowds? Impossible :) Haha
Where to find Raili Clasen railicadesign.com Instagram: @raili_ca_design
Image credit: Karyn Millet
BRING IT
HOME
A few favorite things to pick up during your visit…
Protect your face from the California sun and head to Maxine in Newport. Choose from a lovely selection of handwoven Panama hats from their own handmade hat collections, Creatures of Love. Owner and hatmaker, Bea, can add ribbons or trimmings of your choice to create a hat personalized for you. Give your outfits a punch with handmade jewelry by local Laguna Beach artist, Diana Garreau. The necklaces are made of vintage glass and African beads. All are fabulous, the colors are interesting and they are each one-of-a-kind. Diana has an expert eye and a wonderful sense of style. Your eyes will pop out of your head when you step inside her glorious shop, a jewel box in and of itself. This catch-all bag is a chic vessel in which to drop your keys, the TV remote, or anything, really. It’s made by Italian designer Luisa Cevese, using cast-off fishing net from Sicily and polyurethane. I love the organic-meetsmodern aesthetic. A’maree’s carries a variety of these bags made from different recycled bits and bobs. A super soft Italian herringbone throw is perfect to use as a wrap for early morning or evening beach walks. Bixby & Ball, in Lido Marina Village, stocks a collection of these throws in a range of pretty hues, along with other coastal-inspired home accessories and decor.
PLAYLIST 7 Summers Morgan Wallen Cool Gwen Stefani 10,000 Emerald Pools Børns Waves of Blue Majid Johnson Turn Your Lights Down Low Colbie Caillait Coastline Hollow Coves
Getcha Back The Beach Boys Seaside The Kooks You Are So Golden Franklin James Island In The Sun Weezer Big Wave Donavon Frankenreiter Sunrise Norah Jones
Sit back in the sand and enjoy these beachy vibes Listen To This On Spotify
WHAT’S BREWING This is a fun iced tea, made with vivid blue butterfly pea flower, a dried flower grown in tropical climates. The flowers contain a pigment called anthocyanin, and when you add them to hot water, the color variations range from aqua to sapphire blue, depending on the PH level in the water you use. Add some lemon juice and the tea will turn purple! Butterfly pea flowers also have health benefits, including antioxidants that improve skin elasticity, brain function, memory, reduction and more. I pair the butterfly pea flowers with fresh mint leaves, for a refreshing minty tea, but you can experiment with other herbal varieties, such as nettle, elderflower or chamomile
Shoreline Iced Tea Directions: 1 quart boiling water ¼ honey ¼ cup dried butterfly pea flowers (you can purchase online here) Fresh mint leaves (amount depends on strength you want - I add a couple of stalks). Boil water and fill quart size canning jar. Add butterfly pea flowers in a strainer and steep for 30-60 seconds (because it does have a flavor of fresh peas, I steep for a short time for a milder flavor, until I have the depth of blue color I want). Pull out the strainer and add fresh mint leaves and leave to steep 5 minutes or so (you can also use peppermint tea bags, if you prefer). Stir honey into hot water. Chill in refrigerator and enjoy with ice cubes, fresh mint leaves, and lemon slices, if you would like to transform the tea from blue to purple.
Photos credited to
TASTE THIS
Grilled Citrus Shrimp 1.5 lbs shrimp (I purchase steamed, deveined and steamed shrimp, approximately 2” long, peeled) 2 tsp chili powder 1 Tbsp smoked paprika 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp garlic powder 2 tsp Sucanat or brown sugar 1 tsp kosher sea salt ½ tsp ground pepper Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 limes 4 garlic cloves, minced Mix the dry ingredients, then incorporate the citrus zest. Coat shrimp and let marinate 30 minutes. Reserve minced garlic. Heat cast iron pan on medium-high heat, add a splash of avocado oil then grill shrimp about 1 minute per side. Half way through, add the minced garlic.
Spicy Avocado Cream 2 oz feta cheese (I like blocks of feta in brine) 1 avocado 2 Tsp avocado oil Juice of 4 limes 1 cup cilantro leaves 1 garlic cloves 1 bunch scallions, sliced 1 serrano chili, deseeded Put all in Vitamix or food processor and process until smooth. Adjust flavors to your liking.
Orange Salsa 2 oranges, peel and white pith removed and chopped 1 tsp serrano chili, deseeded and minced Juice of 1 lime 2 Roma tomatoes, deseeded and chopped ½ c red onion, diced 1 c cilantro, chopped ½ tsp kosher sea salt ¼ ground black pepper Combine above ingredients and adjust flavors, if necessary, to your liking.
To assemble tacos: Spread dollops of Spicy Avocado Crema on warm tortillas and top with: Grilled shrimp Orange Lime Salsa Shredded red cabbage Cotija cheese, crumbled Fresh cilantro leaves Lime wedges for squeezing Enjoy these tantalizing bursts of flavor!
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Concept and content by Jonna Robison jonnarobison.com Produced and designed by Sophie Robison All photographs (except where noted) by Jonna Robison
