Interior Design

Cygal Art Deco

November 15, 2018 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Cygal Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Photo Romi Cortier

When I walked into the Cygal Art Deco showroom at the PDC, it quite literally took my breath away. This showroom is the epitome of what Artful Living is about, because it takes something from our past, and makes it relevant to the world today in a very grand way.

Art Deco began in 1925 at the Paris International Exposition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, with the words Art Deco being derived from Arts Decoratifs. The stunning furniture above is handmade in Germany, and follows the same principals that guided the original movement from nearly 100 years ago. Deco represented luxury, glamour, exuberance, and faith in social and technological progress. Cygal’s materials continue the tradition with exotic wood veneers like European Walnut, American Black Walnut, Ziricote, African Mahogany Crotch, Santos Rosewood, Burl Walnut, and Macassar Ebony to name a few. Their upholstery materials include velvets, mohair, shagreen and even crocodile leather. Top it off with exquisite high gloss finishes and traditional deco shapes, and you end up with furniture that is worthy of a gold metal. Yes, you pay a high price for pieces like this, but if you take the long view and purchase one really good piece every year or two, you’ll build a collection over time that will last a lifetime.

I spent nearly an hour in their showroom, and couldn’t get enough. Every time I turned around, looked closer, and snapped a few more photos, I saw another rich detail I’d missed earlier. To be honest, I really didn’t want to leave. I look forward to the day when we’ve sold our tv pilot Artful Living, and can return to Cygal Art Deco with a full on camera crew for an in depth conversation with Catrine Alexandra. She was so gracious with her time and helped me reaffirm my obsession with beautiful objects.

Cygal Art Deco

Art

Favorite Faces at the 2018 Beverly Hills Art Show

November 3, 2018 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Flower Queen, Oil onLinen, Alla Tsank, Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier — Flower Queen, Oil on Linen, Alla Tsank, 2018 Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier

Chuck Close, Lego Art, Andy Bauch, Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier — Chuck Close, Lego Art, Andy Bauch, 2018 Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier

Butterfly #2, Oil, Textile, Mixed Media on Panel, Minas Hilaj, Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier — Butterfly #2, Oil, Textile, Mixed Media on Panel, Minas Halaj, 2018 Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier

Clifford Wilton, Oil on Panel, Gabriel Mark Lipper, Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier — Clifford Wilton, Oil on Panel, Gabriel Mark Lipper, 2018 Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier

Bloom, Drawing,Anna Michele, Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier — Bloom, Drawing, Anna Michele, 2018 Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier

Mixed Media, Ernie Steiner, Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier — Mixed Media, Ernie Steiner, 2018 Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier

Swarosky Crystal Sculpture, Richard Lee (Blink Group), Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier — Swarovski Crystal Sculpture, Richard Lee (Blink Group), 2018 Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier

Faces were the theme for the 2018 Beverly Hills Art Show which took place on the weekend of October 20th. I love attending this twice yearly event, usually in the spring and fall of each year. The weather is fantastic, and Angelenos come out in full force to support this chic art exhibition in the heart of Beverly Hills. Personally I’ve been attending this event off and on for nearly 20 years, snapping up works for my personal art collection.

This show is a juried show, which means that applicants need to apply to be accepted. Each season a theme is chosen, and this year the theme was Faces. Overall I find the quality of the work presented to be pretty amazing. The snapshots above are a few of my favorite finds from the exhibition. I love seeing the variations on the figurative works, such as the image created with Lego’s or the skull made from Swarovski Crystals. And of course you can never go wrong with traditional techniques like oil or acrylic paintings on canvas.

If you’d like to sign up for future events, click here: BeverlyHills.org

I’m also listing links to the artist web sites in their respective order, in case you’d like to learn more about their work or make inquiries.

Alla Tsank

Andy Bauch

Minas Halaj

Gabriel Mark Lipper

Anna Michele

Ernie Steiner

Richard Lee

Art

The America Windows by Marc Chagall

October 21, 2018 romicortier@yahoo.com 1 Comment

America Windows, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier — The America Windows, 1977, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier

Detail ofAmerica Windows, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier — Detail of The America Windows, 1977, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier

The America Windows by Marc Chagall commemorate the American Bicentennial, and were a gift to The Art Institute of Chicago in 1977. Gifted by the artist in memory of Mayor Richard J. Daley, the three window installation is frequently referred to as the Chagall Windows, and were made forever famous by their appearance in the film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

The first panel dives into Chicago’s rich history as a hub for rhythm & blues. People playing instruments as well as floating guitars and fiddles are depicted in the blue glowing panes of the first window. The radiant history of the city warms the heart, reminding Chicagoans of their rich background of soulful melodies in the homeland of the blues.

The second panel illustrates the unity and peace found within the multiple neighborhoods of the city. A giant dove surrounded by olive branches watches over the city day and night. The panel also serves as a prayer for the city. After the passing of Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley in 1976, many people in the city were left in a state of mourning. The figure on the left side of the pane lights a candle in remembrance of the late, great Chicago mayor.

Finally, the third panel symbolizes the importance of religious freedom in America. An angel-like figure, menorah and rose window are shown along with immigrants of different backgrounds celebrating as they are literally thrown into “the great American melting pot.” References to Christianity and Judaism are important to note because of Chagall’s Jewish faith and his extensive work in cathedral windows. (Columbia College Chicago)

The America Windows, 1977, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier

Here’s a superb video that delves deeper into the restoration of the windows in 2010.

Learn more about the Art Institute of Chicago

Architecture, Interior Design

Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd in Beverly Grove

October 7, 2018 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier — Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

I love this fresh take on Spanish meeting Modernism at 6667 Maryland Blvd, in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles. To be honest, Spanish architecture has never really been my thing, unless it’s elaborate and ornate with a little Churrigueresque (Spanish Baroque) detail. That said, the paired down simplicity of this newly built home with smooth white stucco, black trim details, and matte gold light fixtures, makes a super strong statement. I happened to be walking by while they were wrapping up construction and it stopped me in my tracks. The garden details include black mulch, a large olive tree, and drought resistant xeriscape, keeping the vibe fresh and clean. I made a note to head back on their first open house, and heres some of what I found…

A central staircase with mod lighting from Restoration Hardware, connecting all three floors. Yes, this home has a basement, which is highly unusual in the this neighborhood. But, since the building code only allows for the structure to take up about 41 percent of the surface area of the lot, extra square footage can be added via the basement, while keeping the home consistent with the other homes in the neighborhood. This translates to no mansionization. Yay! Scale is everything.

A beautiful dining room with more smart mod lighting from Restoration Hardware.

A beautiful sleek high end kitchen with Miele appliances hidden in plain sight behind dark wood veneers.

That very bright basement with an outdoor patio space and a full on media room.

Some of the most amazing bathrooms full of texture and warm materials.

Each bathroom was a little bit different, but still worked as a whole.

And then there’s the sexiest master bathroom ever, with two separate sides…

His and his, hers and hers, his and hers, whatever the case, I’m obsessed and can’t stop thinking about the beautiful simplicity of this room with rich matte gold details.

And of course the massive walk in shower in the master…

I know what you’re thinking, how much will all of this beauty cost? A lot, about 4.3 million. Some of the other features in this home includes: 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a pool, a large walk in closet in the master bedroom, a linear fireplace, Restoration Hardware lighting throughout, 4,473 square feet of living space on a 6,100 square foot lot.

Listing Agent: Adi Livyatan 818 919-4060

Team Contact: Mina Garrett at 818 355-3635

Listing

Art, Culture

Richard Hoblock at Chimento Contemporary

September 19, 2018 romicortier@yahoo.com 2 Comments

'Deep Dive', Oil on Linene, 32 x 24, Richard Hoblock, Chimento Contemporary — ‘Deep Dive’, Oil on Linen, 32 x 24, Richard Hoblock, Chimento Contemporary, Photo Romi Cortier

'Memoir', Oil on Wood Panel, 24 x 18, Richard Hoblock, Chimento Contemporary — ‘Memoir’, Oil on Wood Panel, 24 x 18, Richard Hoblock, Chimento Contemporary, Photo Romi Cortier

'Broken Harbor', Oil on Linen, 24 x 18, Richard Hoblock, Chimento Contemporary — ‘Broken Harbor’, Oil on Linen, 24 x 18, Richard Hoblock, Chimento Contemporary, Photo Romi Cortier

'Perfect Stranger', Oil on Canvas, 84 x 60 inches, Richard Hoblock, Chimento Contemporary — ‘Perfect Stranger’, Oil on Canvas, 84 x 60, Richard Hoblock, Chimento Contemporary, Photo Romi Cortier

Saturday September 15, 2018, marked the opening of artist Richard Hoblock’s exhibition View From The Cheap Seats at Chimento Contemporary, in the newly opened West Adams gallery.

Chimento Contemporary was previously in Boyle Heights, having opened its doors there in September of 2015. The new location at 4480 West Adams Boulevard features Eva Chimento’s signature vibe with bright white walls, white flooring, and ample overhead lighting. A space like this allows the artwork to take center stage at all times, as the walls simple fade from view. It also makes it feel a bit like a fashionable run way show once all of the guests arrive for an opening night celebration, like the one we experience on this recent Saturday night.

Richard Hoblock, Perfect Stranger, Oil on Canvas, Recio Young, Eva Chimento, Melanie Engle, Coco and Romi Cortier, Photo Osceola Refetoff

Eva’s roster of artists are inspired by her own personal art collection, as well as those whose work she’d like to collect. Therefore, there’s a deep personal connection to the artwork that she represents in her space. Prices range from $500, to $280,00… yep, that’s a huge range. But it’s quite fantastic because it gives newbie collectors the opportunity to enter the exciting world of art collecting, and it also gives returning collectors confidence in her curatorial eye. Her background includes 14 years of gallery experience, as well as museum administration.

If you’re new to the world of art, then you may not realize that the gallery scene in LA seems to be shrinking. In fact, I believe that’s also the case in other major cities, as people turn to online venues for purchasing art. But there’s nothing like seeing and experiencing art first hand, and that requires a gallery space. There’s also something to be said for building relationships in the art world… you know, so you can be first inline to get that spectacular piece from an artist whose work you’ve been chasing for years. I truly applaud Ms. Chimento for taking on a gallery space in these challenging and changing times, and I hope her local neighborhood will rise to the occasion to support a female business owner who’s simply trying to make the world, just a bit more beautiful.

Chimento Contemporary

323 643-4562 / info@chimentocontemporary.com

Where Art Inspires Beauty

Cygal Art Deco

Favorite Faces at the 2018 Beverly Hills Art Show

The America Windows by Marc Chagall

Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd in Beverly Grove

Richard Hoblock at Chimento Contemporary

A Design Diary by Romi Cortier