Fall Happenings

Been doing much of everything, here is the attempt to share most of it with you. 

The making of fall bouquets:

A respite in New Caanan, CT satiated the travel itch for an oh so brief moment. 

•  A visit to Philip Johnsons Glass House 

• Philips de Pury auction of Murray Moss 'Dialogues Between Art & Design' The Michael Anastassiades 'kinetic light,' the slender Giacometti bronze a mere 30" in height sold for $3,000,000. Naoto Fukasawa's glass bench for a cool 15k had me transfixed to surfing the sea.                              My big take home was the auction catalogue. 

• Hearing from landscape architect Ken Smith one of many projects is the East River Waterfront Esplanade. Built into the shoreline is a diagonal construction of concrete and stone for a mussle waterbed, a unique feature to rebuild ecology and clean the river water. 

•  Then to toast an evening with a book launch for Rose Hartman's Incomperable Women of Style

Next moring the spring bulbs were planted deep in the earth and we give a few more horrahs before the bitter cold sets in. 

Creative Mind Salon

In the quest to bridge botanicals and design I was reintroduced to the work of Alexis Bittar, which I shared as inspiration in this post from spring.

Fitting how things re-connect as I listened to Bittar speak at Creative Mind Salon debates 21st century design.

We are constantly bombarded with the new and demand for the 'cool' which can be a struggle if we choose to keep up with, ultimately it has to come from within ourselves. Alexis Bittar got his enteprenurial start selling flowers from a handpainted cart in Brooklyn at the age of 10. By the age of 22 Bittar focused on jewlery and found his greatest design inspiration from the period of 1903 the Wiener Werkstätte movement in Vienna, vintage lucite and the Deco/ Art Noveu jewlery designer Theodor Fahrner. Elated beyond belief to share these periods as my design obsessions, especially as I chip away at the Age of Insight by Eric R. Kandel. 

That which was the biggest take away from the evenings discussion was the geniuneness with which Alexis presented himself. "A hatred for style" a lover of fantasy and abstractions towards the future; for a designer that produces over 400 pieces 3 times a year, he explained that art and commerce is a balancing act and slowing down is equally important to the speeding up. 

Bouquet of the Day

One of the only bouquets I snapped a photo of during the Mother Load of floral days. 

Two clematis were my take home prize after the tidal wave at Sprout. The porcelain vase by Dutch designer Foekje Fleur van Duin evokes memories of my childhood kitchen as mom cooked and I cleaned the dishes.  Like most of us I hated it at the time, if I could relive those moments now.

Hey Mom! Why don't give me a call when you are back from sailing the seas of Portugal?

*my mom is pretty badass 

London: An Anglophile's Delight

Not many flower posts to report as we are in the doldrums of winter here in New York and anyone with the means to enjoy weekly flowers is probably down in Palm Beach or warming their toes fireside on some snowy slope far from here. Although, I would like to point out that now is the time flowers are needed most.

Gorgeous Italian Poppies are at the market and with the thousandth thin petaled Rancunculus one can stare away a weekend with a mellow smile on your face. Flowers, yoga & bubble baths are mini insta-escapes especially this time of year. Throw in a bottle of Cabernet or tea for two and make a date to have your friend over to share your flowers. ok?

So with all of that said and the thought of,  "the grass is always greener..." I will expound on my euro getaway and tell you about the two places I love most in London (besides my two gal pals and their scrumptious children) On to the V&A and Liberty!

The ultimate delight the Victoria & Albert Museum, where one can learn and lust over the worlds finest objects. Admission to salivate is whatever you choose to pay as all museums in London are virtually free. The museum is not overly massive like the MET or the Louvre and it's oozing with inspiration, the jewelry wing alone will leave you with pangs of longing.

Snuff Boxes owned by Frederick the Great of Prussia ca. 1755

 Tulip Vase ca.1700 & Shell Work Vase 1779-1781 

The special exhibition wing, the only portion requiring admission (£11) is worth every pence. The shows combine fine art, decorative arts, architecture, fashion and music to give the ultimate time machine experience.

Only in England was I able to get through the writings of Proust one lucky little sister summer I had locked away in a perfect private park. The place breathes academia with those pert accents while my flat americaaaan voice fills in blankness with ums and likes.

After such restraint heading to Liberty appeases those pesky wants! Yes, we have Bergdorfs and Barneys here in New York but I would take Liberty of London over them all. Not that it has more of the fashions already seen, it's the wattle and daub 1920's structure that simply makes a shopper feel home. 

Besides the fact that this department store launched the Arts & Crafts Movement and the top floor has the most incredible haberdasher full of notions, trimmings & bolts of signature floral fabrics this place welcomes the DIY hobbyists to the chicest of buyers.

Cool canvas totes, paper goods galore and fine Italian soaps are sweet spring carry homes from a department store that nails the experience. 

My English girlfriends sister actually named her child Liberty, not certain if this was a homage to the department store but regardless in England names such as that or nicknames like Kitty are perfectly OK which makes this aspiring anglophile all the more excited. 

Let's swap! You want New York? I'll take London...well just for a little while. 

Berlin

Berlin ist der Ort schlechin! Believe the hype, if you have been you know.

This young city is bubbiling over with its evolving urban form and creative milieu. This is the magnet city for free thinking artisits, designers & musicians.  But before I get into all of that...

Having spent the previous three days in London, and before I dove into Berlin I welcomed a day trip journey away from cities and through the wintery Brandenburg countryside to visit the small town of Dessau.   

I traveled solo to Germany with this mission:

visit the Bauhaus.

Now lets put on our thinking caps and place these dates 1919-1933

These dates are one year after WWI and three years shy of WWII. In nearby eastern europe Czar Nicholas II of Russia reign has collapsed and communism becomes an unprecedented power.

This rebirth in time creates a cultural revolution of new thoughts and ideas. These fourteen years are in which the Bauhaus school radiated a new social edifice lead by Walter Gropius and a slew of talents.

Putting a period of time in context to what one is seening and being here in January virtually alone can cause something of an of an understanding. 

The two dimension of books pales in comparision to being engulfed in the real deal.

Naturally if this does not relate to, or understanding of the magnitude of how ahead of time this is, one could forgo the effort put in visiting such a place. Why one must think to travel during such bleak time of year?

It lent better to the effect.

Before this visit german expressionism// international style felt a bit too removed from nature for my tastes. I was wrong, these structures elegantly pay tribute to the surrounding landscapes. 

I could go on about the nuances of large glass being similar to water, the linear beams as surrounding trees, oh the subtlety of color... But better to leave it since I have Berlin to get through.

* the battered Bauhaus after WWII

In the meantime while I gather more of my thoughts and get (actual) film developed you can read about my trip to Münich back in '08. 

Auf wiedersehen!

A Flower Dialog with Andy

Warhol that is:

this realization

Andy Warhol Beatle Boots (Negative) 1928-1987

has me shakin' in my Beatle boots!

which are these BTW Y-3 for Addidas 

weekly flowers for private clients 

Bringing Nature In

When I encounter a home with no plants or cut flowers to enjoy something is lacking. Yes plants can be a responsibility with watering and without adequate light they will perish, but with a variety of low light hearty drought tolerant plants it's tough to find an excuse.

There are makers of self watering planters for the busy traveler and ignorable plant that will do fine just about anywhere you put them. I will not resort to the faux variety but I must admit being duped a few times with excellent impersonators. If you need a little push and direction on these matters read this POST or this great article from NY Times Home & Garden.  

The Fall is an especially great time of year to bring plants indoors to liven up the space while the outdoors wilt away from frosts. It's also a good time of year for budding gardeners to save up and pre-order zippy planters which inevitably cost more than the plants. At my work Sprout Home I splurged on this incredible geometric planter from Planter Worxs a local Brooklyn company and planted two gorgeous orchids for my mantle. This beauty satiates my cut flower needs nicely. 

If you still don't get the drift houseware items that evoke the outdoors is a nice way to bring nature in. Such is this forest lamp shade I have over my table.  

Or fun textiles and prints inspired by nature, rest your eyes on these textiles from Voyesy 

and Obrist embroidery similar to a botanical plate showing plant leaves, bud, flower and root. 

Is it too much to ask for a lemon tree for Christmas?

Lecture Listening

The Fall is a brainy time after all the Summer sillies.

To break from these overworked floristy hands my running legs are racing and lecture listening sometimes beats an overcrowded bar. Call me a bore but what I am experiencing is a quiet and riveting pause between the extra nonesense every scheduled day brings.

Lecture 1:

Did you know sparkling wines can age?  Different from a perseco or champagne, those should drink young and bright. Ferrari Brut's are crafted specifically for each bottle versus the barrel wide other stuff. 

The Trento region of Italy where this is produced just got hot on my list.

Lecture 2:

President James Monroe dazzled by french fashions chose to outfit his State Room with Napolean's Empire style furniture. Certainly much more items and $$ than intended, the french cabinet maker Bellangé made nothing of the specifics Monroe requested. 

A silly thought as to what one orders and what is actually made. 

Lecture 3:  

Did you know paintings back in the day used to be hung very high? A popular spot was to hang art over doors, you can see it in this paining by Hogarth. 

Here is Marie Antoinette's over door boudoir at Fontainebleau. A bit much I would say.

How for an after lecture stroll through the University Club ballroom to name off design details?

 ...and then stumbiling upon the current lobby of the Lever House. 

Refreshing! Nicely done Paula Hayes.

It got me thinking about the titans of industry and how I just landed a big new brilliant client and then that song Crystaline by Bjork. 

 

Lecture 3:

Now this one is for you:

Sign up for my Flower Class!!! The edible arrangement  

It's this Sunday, November 6th at Sprout Home Brooklyn

We will be creating a cornucopia (not literally) of seasonal fall blooms using many edible ingredients such as artichokes, rosemary, oregano, and more. Materials fee is estimated at $65 – $125 (based on your selections) and pays for a small vase arrangement you make and take home.

For more information, contact Sprout Home Brooklyn at nyinfo@sprouthome.com or call 718.388.4440.

Milwaukee Art Museum

Travel hiccups require snappy problem solving to maximize your extended time. Such was the case when Miss Irene came to town with all her rain fury and we found ourselves stranded, rather wedged in the town of Beloit, Wisconsin.

We pointed in the direction of Milwaukee and here is what we came up with:

The Milwaukee Art Museum 

((gasp, flushed cheeks an immediate need to pee))

All of these reactions flooded when I saw MAM's Dutch & Flemish collection.

Jan van Os Flowers in Terra-cotta Vase 1780

Le Père Jacques (Woodgatherer), 1881

If you remember my recap from my trip to Holland in July, and my decorative arts course I have a peaked interest on such topics. Call me nerdy but stumbiling upon this collection was neat.  

Murano, Italy Nef Ewer, Late 16th century

 To appease my husband we also made it to a Brewers game! They are afterall rated #1 this season, and a cold MGD does the trick 

Wisconsin is a beautiful place with kind folks, all of which is more enjoyable during a balmy summer versus the rain and harshest of winters.

With that to the grandaddy of them all lets have one hell of a labor day weekend! 

Manufacturing the Dutch Way

Last night I returned from my quest overseas part of which was spent in the Netherlands. A 48 hr whirlwind visit seeing friends in Rotterdam, the town of Delft, and a dawn breaking morning treck to Naaldwijk's floral epicenter. Finishing off the day in Leiden home of Rembrandt for a gouda & white asparagus pancake lunch washed down with a most delicious wieckse witte beer.

The town of Delft, home of Johannes Vermeer, the oldest Dutch University and where the famed ceramics have remained in production since 1560. Since I hold intrigue for Mary II of England and her amassed collecting practices seen on the outskirts of London at Hampton Court Palace it was only fitting to see where Queen Mary's obsession took shape. 

This hand painted Little Tear Bottle owes its name and form to the days when sailor men were far away at sea and when saying goodbye the women left behind wept. The bottleneck was placed in the corner of the eye and tears could be captured, then carried on voyages as proof of ones sympathy. Let's just say purchasing this precious little token was not cheap, but what of any great importance is. 

Watching these artisans produce tin glazed pottery when so many knockoffs exist through image transfers; I have shaken the hand of the maker of my vase, it is signed, dated and unquestionably authentic. 

"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going," says a sign in my friend Michael Brenner's office. That ran true for our excursion to the flower auction. Overslept with thrown on clothes my travel companion Manuela Raurich Mateluna, a dancer from Barcelona and I battled through windy rain on foot to what seemed an impossibly difficult center to find outside of Rotterdam.  

 But was it ever worth going....

Flower Auction Holland from Lea Ann Willett on Vimeo.

With a multitude of photographs and pamphlets my head is still swimming taking in just this portion of the trip, which in person I will gladly divulge. More photos are to be posted from the myriad of markets I have been. Until then I continue to dream walk through my ancestry and my furthered passion for the Dutch.  

Curiosities

Terrarium fascination is and has been at fever pitch with no signs of waning in the plant world.

I see it in the classes I teach at Sprout, while my floral classes dwindle with a few students, the terrarium classes are jam packed. Classes and questions constantly being added and answered.

I totally see the appeal and satisfaction one feels getting together for a plant party and creating an enclosed world of ones very own.

Snow Cat Globe Terrarium By: Melissa Gorman

I especially think terrariums attract a NY'ers sensibilities, easy to maintain, (practically neglectful) small, a perfect green environment one can longingly peer into like the dollhouse a child wishes to call home.

Doggy Globe Terrarium By: Melissa Gorman

Since I completed my decorative arts midterm today I got to thinking... 

Myself and the other pained students are not the only ones who are going to learn this stuff.

So, may I please expound a singular decorative art thought as I hope it relates nicely to terrarium fever?

It was called the Kunstkammer, setting: Netherlands, date: 17th century

This was an age of exploration and discovery particularly for the affluent Dutch. (Don't get this confused with tulip mania, that was a century later) A fascination with the natural world and widespread interest in observing the strange natural beauty through scientific instruments: 

*Celestial Globe with Clockwork By: Gerhard Emmoser ca. 1579

precise renderings of flora and fauna:

 * A Study of Butterflies & other Insects By: Jan van Kessel ca.1655

and a desire to collect the exotic and unusual:

 * Nautilus Cup By: Jan Jacobsz van Royestein ca 1596

The goal of ones collection was to contain a microcosm of all that existed in the universe. The idea that God had placed man at the center of the world and had provided him with the means to achieve universal knowledge. All of this fascination lead to the study of natural magic, but by the mid-18th century scholars further classified the natural, human and spiritual wonders. Thus creating our separation of the arts and sciences. 

Back to my point...In a world of chaos isn't a terrarium a perfect way to gain control? While none of us would admit such delusions of grandeur as the 17th C. Dutch it sure is nice to have our own microcosm of a most perfect world. 

By: yours truly