Category Archives: Art

Art

Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics

January 6, 2015 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

LUSH Handmade Cosmetics, San Francisco, Photo Romi Cortier

LUSH Handmade Cosmetics, Photo Romi Cortier

LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics don’t fit into my traditional scope of writings on Art, Architecture, Interior Design or Window Display… unless you think of their yummy products as art. And in that case, they certainly qualify.

I recently discovered LUSH while visiting San Francisco. Sure they’re here in LA, but I didn’t know that until a few minutes ago when I sat down to write this post. This year I’d decided to take a holiday from the holidays, and spend my Christmas driving the streets of San Fran looking for fun things to photograph. I decided to start with Union Square since I was vaguely familiar with the area. I parked my car, and started walking the streets in search of great buildings. As I was walking up Powell Street I smelled something wonderful that stopped me in my tracks. I backed up… should I go in? It’s not art or architecture, but what the heck. This was a day dedicated to getting lost in the city and being open to whatever gifts were put in front of me.

Typically I’m the kind of guy who can’t tolerate fragrances as they trigger my allergies. But this place was divine. One of the sales associates spent a fair amount of time showing me products and educating me on their ingredients. Products with names like: Luxurious Creamy Fig Soap, Fabulous Fruity Mango-Mandarin, Meditative Patchouli Soap, Carmel and Honey Soap, Lime and Lavender Seaweed and Sea Salt Scrubber, Mushroom Jasmine and Ylang Ylang Soap… you get the picture.

I could’ve easily spent several hundred dollars in this store because so many of their items spoke to me… and my nose. Even though I didn’t spend a dime this time, I walked away feeling refreshed, invigorated, and intrigued. Having done some research on the company, I understand why I felt the way I did. They use whole, fresh ingredients from fresh fruits and vegetables, to essential oils and herb infusions… and yes, the occasional safe synthetics. They could go cheaper and use synthetic alternatives as opposed to fresh ingredients, but you wouldn’t have the same kind of product that affects you in such a positive way on a cellular level. That’s why my nose drew me into their store, it knew the difference. There’s an old adage, you get what you pay for. And with this company it’s a reduced carbon footprint, pure fresh ingredients, ethical buying from suppliers, reduced packaging and no animal testing. It’s truly the way of the future. I hope you’ll find a store near you and see if it’s right for you. I for one can’t wait to go back!

www.lushusa.com

Art

Elena Kalis Photography, my New Obsession

January 3, 2015 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

The Elena Kalis Photography exhibit at the Duncan Miller Gallery in Bergamot Station is my new Obsession. Titled Ocean Song, the exhibit charts the relationship of mother and daughter in the open ocean off the coast of the Bahamas where they live. With mother as photographer and daughter as model, they’ve co-created surreal and otherworldly images. I’ve seen a lot of underwater photography over the years, but these images take me to a whole new world of tranquility. Innocent. Elegant. Explosive. Haunting. Just some of the words that come to mind when I savor these remarkable photos. I can’t imagine the countless hours these two have spent in the ocean together, not to mention the hours spent choosing and editing the final images.

On Ms. Kalis’s web site, the images are broken down into 3 major galleries, with multiple subheadings. Alice in Waterland, Gallery III, is such a brilliant riff on the classic story of Alice in Wonderland. I look at the images and It’s nearly impossible to understand how she created them, let alone which way is up or down. If you can’t afford a holiday vacation this holiday season, go to her web site, explore her images, turn up the volume, and watch some of the video compilations of her work. The video I’m sharing below makes me think of “O”by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, one of the favorite stage shows I’ve ever had the privilege of seeing. The powerful worlds of water, music and movement come together in a way that taunts me, begging me to return to the bottom of my own pool in my Palm Springs home. When I’m alone there, I’ll spend hours holding my breath, floating in and on the water, or sitting on the bottom of the pool watching the sun filter through the ripples above me. Truly the happiest moments of my life. I suppose that’s why these images of Elena Kalis resonate with me so much. I’m adding her photos to my Christmas wish list.

Show closes January 10, 2015.

www.elenakalisphoto.com

Art

Saying goodbye to 2014

December 31, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com 3 Comments

Pagoda, Santa Monica Beach, Winter 2014, Photo Romi Cortier

Umbrella at the Beach, Winter 2014, Photo Romi Cortier — Umbrella, Santa Monica Beach, Winter 2014, Photo Romi Cortier

Tourists on the Beach, Winter 2014, Photo Romi Cortier

Santa Monica Beach, Winter 2014, Photo Romi Cortier

Saying goodbye to 2014, as we prepare to for the New Year.

2015 is almost here, so I thought I’d take a little time to reflect on this past year. For those of you who don’t know my story, I lost my mom to Lung Cancer in early January of this year. Last year our family Christmas was spent in hospice, holding our mom close and saying our good-byes. If you’ve ever lost anyone to Cancer, you know how painful the long good-bye can be. You pray for god to take your loved one home, releasing them from their pain and suffering. It’s bitter sweet once the moment arrives, because you can never see, touch or feel them again.

In that moment of loss, comes great clarity. What’s important. Who’s important. How you want to live your life. What kind of legacy you want to leave behind. The baton is passed. Familial responsibilities shift from one generation to another. The next generation of children must be made to feel special, cared for, encouraged. They must also know their history. Thanks to Ancestry.com I was able to present my great niece who was born this summer, with 8 generations of women who came before her… her moms moms mom and so on. Each generation will have their own struggles and obstacles to face. It is my prayer that she will draw strength from and also stand on the shoulders of the great women who came before her, especially when times are tough.

As my bio states, this Design Diary is my way of focusing on what’s right in the world. There is so much to be celebrated, especially in regards to the creative spirit and the creative process. While the resilience of the human spirit varies from person to person, I for one cannot bare to read the daily headlines on the web, engulfing myself in the negativity that seems to feed the 24 hours news cycle. It’s not denial on my part, but rather selective focus. To some it might seem trivial or pretentious to talk about some of the major brands and labels that I’ve written about here on the Design Diary. But as an artist, I understand what it takes to start with a sketch or an idea on paper, and then bring it to fruition. It can take many sets of hands, time, money etc., which translates to jobs and employment for thousands if not millions of people. Creative vision is part of what drives this world forward, as we aspire to greater versions of ourselves. Is it wrong to want nicer things in our homes or drive nicer cars? I don’t think so if it’s kept in balance with the bigger picture.

My mom was the kind of woman who could go out ‘Junking’ at a garage sale and find a fantastic silver ice bucket for 5 bucks, or a vintage piece of crystal for a dollar. It was the thrill of the hunt that made it fun for her. She had the gift of thrift and the ability to create something from nothing. We call it creative vision, and that is the gift she passed on to me. I’m proud to say that I’m a 4th generation self taught artist… that is her legacy to me.

In Loving Memory of Connie E. Day

Tribute Video

Art, Decorative Arts, Interior Design

Curated Vintage at m[E]

December 5, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

m[E] Neon Art at material environment, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

Photography by Gregory Romeo at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

Gold Plated Film Reels at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

Vintage Chairs at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

Jimmy Achenbach Plexiglass Art at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

The curated vintage furniture, art and lighting at m[E] is nothing short of amazing. It’s no surprise that this little store on Beverly Boulevard and Gardner boasts 5 stars on yelp… how could it not. Store owner Ramon Delgado-Maynes is the renaissance man that creates the magic within it’s walls. With a background in architecture, art and interior design this gem of a space is clearly his passion. Nothing is mundane in this store. Pick up any item and Ramon can give you a complete rundown on it’s history. He’s a virtual encyclopedia of knowledge and is more than happy to share it with you.

I’ve visited this store countless times since it opened in 2009. I’m embarrassed to say that I haven’t bought anything substantial as of yet, but there’s plenty that I would love to have. And that’s what keeps me coming back… the possibilities. Besides the great conversation, it’s always exciting to see what new theme Ramon has put together. He rotates merchandise in and out of the store, brings in the work of new artists, as well as older artists, changes his color scheme on the walls, has art openings and social gatherings, as well as collections of furniture by the likes of Gio Ponti and Charles Hollis-Jones.

Currently on display is the photography of artist and former model Gregory Romeo, the Plexiglass and mirror works of Jimmy Achenbach featuring hand painted paper with minute and highly detailed cut-outs, and the petite works of artist Plastic God.

Visit m[E] here to learn more about upcoming shows and design services.

Art, Automotive

Concept Cars from the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show

November 26, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept Vehicle, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier

Infinite Q80 Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show, 2014, Photo Romi Cortier

Volkswagen GTI Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier

Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier

Lexus LF-C2 Concept Car, a 2+2 Roadster, Los Angeles Auto Show, Photo Romi Cortier

MINI Superleggera Vision Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show, Photo Romi Cortier

Nissan Blade Glider Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier

Toyota FT-1 Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier

KIA GT4 Stinger Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier

Audi Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier

Concept Cars from the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show are on view at the Los Angeles Convention Center until November 30th, 2014. Yes, there’s plenty of other cars to see at the auto show, but these gems are the icing on the cake for me.

I’ve been a car enthusiast since I was 5 years old. Growing up in the era of the muscle car (late 60’s early 70’s) I could rattle off the make and model of nearly every GM product from 1955 onwards, plus a few Fords too. Give me a ’55 Chevy Nomad Wagon, a ’57 Bel-Air convertible, or a ’59 Cadillac with those enormous tail-fins, or even a ’65 Bel-Air Sedan (my first car) and I’m in hog heaven. I’ll never forget my dad’s ’69 yellow Chevy Chevelle SS with it’s black roof that ended up totaled in a ditch just 1 week after he bought it. And then there was my grandmothers friend who had a pale green ’56 Cadillac with massive white walls that I begged and begged to let me wash just once (no luck). And lets not forget the famous 1949 Ford with its distinctive round nose of a grille and the epic ’56 Ford T-Bird. It doesn’t matter if these cars were modified with custom rims and sexy paint jobs, or as simple and pure as the day they rolled off the assembly line. They were exciting and fresh because each year the models were slightly modified with an updated grille, a new tail light, or a smaller or larger fin. They became iconic and classic in their own right, making an impression that would last for generations.

So, this begs the question, which of the new Concept Cars from the above line up will actually make it into production? And better yet, will any of these models become design icons and classic cars in the near future? I don’t have a crystal ball, but my vote goes to the exquisitely sleek Infiniti Q-80 with suicide doors. It’s tantalizing on so many levels… but don’t take my word, check out the video below.

Where Art Inspires Beauty