Sometimes you need a Colour Break...

To furnish and decorate a room, a hallway in matching tones might be desirable for many people but too often the result is boring and tiring. An eyecatcher can create so much difference. I would want any room or place to incorporate something exciting, an object, a colour that really demands some attention. If you have a colour palette that consists mainly in beige and brown tones a break is really necessary as in this hallway:

The original art on  the wall certainly looks elegant with the nice shiny frame but I am sure that after a very short while no-one would look at the art any more - it would simply mingle with the background and disappear from your attention.
The contrary would happen with a piece of art such as this one:
a silk carving/sculpture with glowing colours, nothing you would just oversee.

The silk sculpture was inspired by the Hawaiian legends of Pele, the Hawaiian Akua (Goddess), the fire goddess, mother of all life which comes out of the depth of the earth. 
In Hawaiian mythology women were a powerful source of new life and source of spiritual power. In the Polynesian world Mana Wahine - the power of woman - was a force that must never be ignored. It was Hina (Woman) who gave birth to new life, Hina controlled the moon, the tides and the reefs and Hina had the secret of fire.

Pele incorporates a technique called silk carving©, which is a development by the artist. The intent of this technique was to create a symbiosis between carving and fiber art. The surface of the fiber was transformed completely into a relief. The upper layer of this piece was made from one single piece of silk - nothing was sewn on top to add depth. Additionally paints and pigments were used in a manner to give the visual impression of flowing lava in all its glowing colours and the viewer is supposed to feel the heat. But it is "only" a piece of soft sculptured silk.

 "Pele"

( from the Hawaiian Symbols series)
silk carving, 48" x 17"
©Petra Voegtle

If you would like to see more detail photos please check this link

(This art piece was shown at several art venues in the USA and was featured by art critic Cate McQuaid in the Boston Globe.)

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GUEST POST: Arcadian Lighting

I am starting a new series today and I hope very much you will enjoy them - guest posts:

Today’s guest post is from Susi, a writer for Arcadian Lighting. Visit their website and cool blog for more information about interior design, lighting design, and beautiful light fixtures. Enjoy!

A lovely room with blank walls is like wearing a beautiful dress without a single accessory. Beautiful art completes a room.  Walls should be decorated with art rather than left blank. Here are 8 lovely rooms decorated with beautiful art.

House Beautiful via

A lovely living room in creams and grays is punctuated by a colorful abstract painting. The white background of the painting creates a fresh backdrop for the splashes of colors.

Image Spark via

A single work of art can set the tone for a room. A large scale work of art needs room to breathe and should be hung alone on the wall. Love the serene feeling of this room.

Pinterest via

A collection of small paintings have a bigger impact when hung together. This lovely gray room has beautiful autumn color accents that play off the collection of paintings in giltwood frames.

Elements of Style via

Surrounding yourself with the things you love should include artwork as well as furniture and objects.  These horse photographs are the work of Christine Lane. Love the unique lamps.

Kristen F. Davis Designs via

This abstract painting, by Kristen Davis, stands out against dark chocolate walls. The painting incorporates colors from throughout the décor as well as adds additional pops of red.

Creative Juice via

A beautiful collection of art fills an entry and stairway, turning this pass through space into an art gallery.  Grouping similar subjects together helps unify the look.

Down and Out Chic via

A simple canvas filled with beautiful words can be beautiful art for a bedroom. What a beautiful saying to wake up to everyday.

Apartment Therapy via

An oversize color photograph of an antique interior dominates this mid-century living room. The architectural photograph expands the feeling of the space. Beautiful flanked by contemporary wall sconces.

Content provided by Arcadian Lighting a site that specializes in top quality lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices. If you like this post, be sure to stop by the Arcadian Lighting blog and say hello.
The company's bio:

"Arcadian Lighting is the best source for lighting fixtures and accessories at discount prices. Arcadian Lighting has been in the lighting industry for over 15 years selling decorative home lighting fixtures and lamps online, and has become one of the top Internet retailers for home lighting products."

Thank you, Susi, for this lovely post.

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FINDS: The Ceramic Art of Candone Wharton

I cannot remember when I saw Candone Wharton's work for the first time - I only can say that I was fascinated from the first moment. I am always intrigued by objects which emerge from manual work, work that emanates from the soul, the phantasies of a person, work that is deeply inspired by ancient cultures such as Candone's work.

Ancient cultures have something magical which is not really tangible - we feel the affinity but cannot really say where it comes from, we feel a certain familiarity and a longing but are strangers nevertheless as if an invisible wall separates us from the original source which we cannot permeate.

"My education is American, the firing technique is Japanese, the glaze influences are from Morocco, and the forms are inspired by ancient architecture and vessels."

says Candone on her website.  And this is only a small part of her affiliations with foreign cultures. Candone grew up in Florida, studied in Georgia and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. After college she went to Europe, teaching ceramics in Sweden for five years. She also spent one year in Panama, teaching primitive ceramics to the Cuna Indians.

In 1977 Candone set up her first studio on Ibiza, a Spanish Island, and began working there as a full-time  clay artist. Influenced by her admiration for North African potters and her experience with Raku firing during college time Candone created her own style of ceramic art: her handbuilt vessels,boxes, bowls and platters are carved intricately with basketweave and blockprinting patterns. But not only that - Candone developed beautiful luster glazes which transform her objects into magical devices.

(all images with courtesy of Candone Wharton)

If you would like to know more about Candone Wharton and her fantastic work please check her website.
Oh and if you feel you should try your own hand on ceramics and Raku firing - Candone offers a two week workshop on Bali in November. I wished I could go...

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