Bill Cunningham redeemed a truly disappointing day. Have you seen the documentary about him? There are many moving parts but perhaps my favorite was discovering that he always shoots from the sidelines at fashion shows. There was this footage of a wall of photographers with zoom lenses, stationed at the end of the runway, shooting straight ahead like a herd of lemmings and all making the same image. And then there's Bill, alone with his Nikon in the front row, shooting at an angle. I have to believe that somehow, always, a unique perspective is rewarded and acknowledged. But sometimes, like today, it is not. So that's when I put the Rolling Stones' "You can't always get what you want" on repeat. And I remind myself of the delight in pursuing what I believe in, what I love, what I find to be authentic. And then just offer it, offer it, offer it over and over again.
HEIDI + TIMOTHY
Heidi sent over some photos of their invitation suite taken by the talented Daniel Arnold. I love the simplicity of the design (also pictured, the only illustration I've ever done which is basically an asterisk). Are they not the sweetest looking couple?
FACE, BODY, PITTSBURGH
I'm having a great first visit to Pittsburgh visiting C + R. Delightful trip to the Mattress Factory (James Turrell's mindbending light exhibit and Winifred Lutz's Private Prairie were highlights) and the Society for Contemporary Craft (especially Lia Cook's "Woven Faces"). Both experiences were a nice reminder of how sensory and tactile art can be.
SMALL BUSINESS CRUSH: CAMDEN PRINT WORKS
One of the best parts of the work I do is falling in love with small businesses and their owners. First, perhaps, I'll fall in love with a thoughtful, well-made product or service. Then, I'll meet the owner and he/she will be awesome and wildly enthusiastic about what they do. Then, I'll find out some fascinating fact about the business's values and I'm hooked and want to shout my love from the rooftops.
Such was the case with Camden Print Works. I've known owner Adam Woods, with his charming Tennessee drawl, for a few years now as we both volunteer for Pig Iron Theatre Company and he supplies them with heaps of soft cotton goods for fundraisers, etc. But I called on Adam in a panic this week and enlisted his help with this invitation suite for the 80th birthday party of lovable Alvin Lucier. The invite was designed by Joe Czekner with creative input from daughter of the birthday boy, Amanda.
The problem came down to holy grail of printing: white ink. There is no easy way to do it. Adam had the brilliant idea to do it like any poster or t-shirt. And, barring the paper being engulfed in flames by the hot oven/conveyor belt/inferno ink sealing device, it would work. So I headed over to Camden, one of the poorest cities in the country, and handed over the goods. The Shellenberger brothers got right to work while Adam monitored the paper's temperature with a heat gun. Here's the final product. I adore them. But here's the killer part about Camden Print Works' mission:
We're excited about Camden's potential for rebirth and we want to be a part of it. So far we're trying by paying between double and triple the prevailing local wage, offering discounted health insurance to our staff, emphasizing sales on American-made and fairly-made goods, and staying on the cusp of our industry's efforts to "go green." And a portion of what you spend at Camden Printworks goes to support UrbanPromise Ministries in Camden, New Jersey.
The business is doing all it can to make Camden a better place. So please, use Camden for your printing needs. And if you'd like to work with Neither Snow, I am now elated to announce that I white ink will no longer be prohibitively expensive and impossible.
MY FATHER'S DAUGHTER + MY DATE WITH SLATE
The dinner was held at a palatial home on West 11th Street, with a guest list that could intimidate the most jaded chef: Cameron Diaz, Alex Rodriguez, Martha Stewart, Mario Batali and Chris Martin, Ms. Paltrow’s husband. -The New York Times, 4/13/11
And let me tell you, the guest list intimidated the calligrapher too. I am so excited to share this latest project! The talented team over at One King's Lane enlisted my help in creating a casual chalkboard menu and place cards for an dinner party hosted by Gwyneth Paltrow this past Monday in celebration of her new cookbook, My Father's Daughter. Hence, my recent trip to New York where I got to know a 100 lb. piece of slate really, really well. The event took place at Palazzo Chupi which is a magical space (as you'll see below from Evan Joseph's photos).
In preparation for this daunting task, the savant of chalkboard artists, Dana Tanamachi, walked me through her process and offered invaluable tips and techniques. Dana's work is beyond stunning and I implore you to check it out. I scribbled her pearls of wisdom while sitting under the blossoming cherry trees surrounding the tidal basin in Washington, DC. Dana (and, it seems, the branches and blooms) whispered the affirmation "everything will be fine."
So, armed with my pages of notes and sketches, an unwieldy yardstick and a bag of supplies, I ventured forth to meet the beast and calligraph placecards for the intimidating guest list. (These pretty engraved place cards, by Thornwillow Press, are available on OKL today, along with other Paltrow picks-- see sale below). The talented Ellen Silverman captured it all.
The New York Times also ran an article and slideshow about the event today, including an image of the tablescape. Thank you, Bee-Shyuan, for noting that "The three-course menu, all recipes from the cookbook, was handwritten on a black chalkboard."
Special thanks to OKL, Evan, Ellen, Dana, Thornwillow and the patient flock of moving men who transported the board in one piece.
And now, on to the photos!
{Images of Palazzo Chupi by Evan Joseph}
4.10:100 + 4.11:101 + ELLEN SILVERMAN
This stunning photograph by Ellen Silverman inspired today's thank yous to K + C (100) for an unforgettable dinner party in NYC and to W. (101) for opening up the beautiful Tudor City apartment which is one of my favorite places on earth, filled with so many memories never really falling asleep and sleeping talking with A.
NYC
Long, inspiring, exhausting day in New York. Really hope to share the details of this project soon. Until then: pillow, terrace, rug, sunset. Soon: home.
TURQUOISE LOVE
I got these in the mail today and my jaw dropped. So often I send in scans of calligraphy, never see what becomes of the work, and move on to the next project. But I love it when I do get to see the final product. Mostly because it always underscores the bottomless creativity of my clients and collaborators. Thanks so much for sending these on, Erin (and now, to addressing them!).
HB BB!
So honored to contribute to the birthday celebration going on at Brooklyn Bride. Huge congratulations to Vané for all that she's accomplished. Can't wait for the next four years!
32:2.1
It's taken me a while to process and post my gratitude photos for February-- apologies. Here, #32 to Suzy. I think I have almost exhausted my red + black + white phase. I've been trying to be more aware of my design influences. In February, it was certainly the photos above from the Sartoralist. I'm not all that interested in dressing myself, but I find more and more I'm inspired to make letters inspired by outfits. I think this is also a nod to Joy's "This & That."