Classic Beauty
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Musings
This time of year, I look forward to firing up my darkroom for the winter season. I enjoy looking at the inspirational work of some of my favorite photographers; some virtually unknown, and some famous, before I delve into my pile of negatives. This year, I will be developing and printing images of years past as well as the trip my family and I took to Yellowstone National Park last summer. Our trip was an awe inspiring journey of wildlife and wilderness, and I look forward to the memories as I work on the images. As inspiration, I am especially drawn to the photography of Ansel Adams this year, as his environments are breathtaking, and remind me to explore, document and appreciate the simple, pure essence of place he captured so completely. There is a contemplative spirit in the detail and highlights. These images are a reminder that natural beauty must be cared for and preserved. Photography is a powerful medium, reflecting truth, and our undeniable reality.
Ansel Adams, Photographer, Conservationist
“At one with the power of the American landscape, and renowned for the patient skill and timeless beauty of his work, photographer Ansel Adams has been a visionary in his efforts to preserve this country’s wild and scenic areas, both on film and on Earth. Drawn to the beauty of nature’s monuments, he is regarded by environmentalists as a monument himself, and by photographers as a national institution. It is through his foresight and fortitude that so much of America has been saved for future Americans.”
President James E. Carter
Presenting Ansel Adams with the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Images and excerpts found at http://www.anseladams.com
Tags: Ansel Adams, Conservation, Darkroom, photography, winter
Scheltens and Abbenes
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Musings
The creative duo of photographer Maurice Scheltens and visual artist Liesbeth Abbenes, are a powerful pair. Creating some of the most visually striking and recognizable imagery around, their photography and styling work can be seen on the pages of top publications for major design directed brands. Their work is planted firmly on a modernist foundation often “reducing the object to clean geometric lines, that will ultimately only exist as a two dimensional image.” A study in composition, resulting in an artful expression that draws the eye to a product line in an unconventional way. Void of environment, their stylistic approach focus’ on the object only, through a study of composition and form. I just love this work. It’s pure, simple and focused. Just the beauty of each subject uniquely revealed.
“Combining their distinct but partly overlapping fields of expertise, Scheltens & Abbenes create commissioned photographs for cultural institutions and large companies (Vitra, Hermes, COS and Yves Saint Laurent) and editorials for magazines (Fantastic Man, The Gentlewomen and New York Times Style magazine).”
All images and excerpts found at Scheltens & Abbenes.
Tags: FLOR, interior design, Photo Styling, photography, Scheltens & Abbenes
Why Don’t You…?
Posted by Erin | Filed under Design Tips, Inspiration, Musings, Solutions
[Image via Poppytalk]
… ditch the picture frames?
For photography and art lovers alike, choosing a visual display for your walls can sometimes cause a serious case of decorating anxiety. Surely I’m not the only one, right?
Instead, why not opt for a subtle display by “framing” your art with Japanese masking (washi) tape or painter’s tape? The look is relaxed, informal and flexible, so you’ll suffer from art remorse no longer and can switch out your photos seasonally (or weekly if you’re anything like me!).
Bonus? You’ll save hundreds on picture frames alone. Happy hanging!
Tags: art, display, home decor, home design, photographs, photography, walls
Sarah Illenberger
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Musings
As a photo-stylist, I am always looking for design inspiration. I came across the work of stylist Sarah Illenberger. Her modern, fresh and innovative approach is highly stylized and deliberate. At first glance, it is apparent she has a keen eye for detail and composition. Right up my alley. I especially enjoy her creative approach to the abstract representation of food. The simplicity is somehow childlike and accessible. Almost good enough to eat. These visual collections are so artful and beautiful, I find them frame-worthy, and could see them on display. She has created work for Wallpaper Magazine above, and Nike, and Papercraft below, as well as many other high end companies around the world.
Born in Munich, Sarah works out of her studio in Berlin as an Illustrator, Art Director and Set Designer. Her work maintains such clarity, as it is generated by hand, rather than on a computer. Each assignment leads to a unique work of art. Sarah’s ability to create abstract sculptural compositions has given her a recognizable style and definite market niche; She possesses’ great visual ability and a creative approach that is just plain-fun. Thanks for the inspiration Sarah.
Images found at the website of Sarah Illenberger.
Tags: FLOR, interior design, Photo Stylist, photography, Sarah Illenberger, Set Design
Filip Dujardin: Fictions
Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Favorites, Inspiration, Musings
Architectural photography is a true art. Looking at the element of space through the lens of the camera often provides an encapsulated and focused view of a broader and bigger vision. Stylists and photographers have the unique opportunity to effect what it is we see. Similarly, often as a designer, one studies the composition of a building facade or interior space, and repositions elements in the minds eye. What if you could design a room without structural support? Or, without concern for programmatic requirements? What fun it is to delve into the conceptual world providing the freedoms of pattern and form. Architecture for arts sake.
Belgin artist and photographer Filip Dujardin has created a photographic series titled Fictions. His artful arrangement of building elements encourage us to be open minded and explore the beauty of composition. When you study his work, you can’t help but try to make sense of the improbable and unbuildable positioning of forms. With photoshop, Dujardin creates images of his imagination, altering elevations and proportions by manipulating windows and doors, changing proportion of building elements, and adding volumes not actually present. He creates artful, dynamic and interesting architecture on the page.
I am inexplicability drawn to this work. I love the play on scale, color and proportion. Exploring architectural composition without constraint, through the eye of the camera first, and then a layer of fun filled freedom of imagination.
Highlight Gallery in San Francisco hosted the first U.S. solo gallery exhibition for Filip Dujardin’s work. Fourteen photographic plates of architectural spaces titled “Fictions”.
All images found here.
Tags: architecture, Fictions, Filip Dujardin, FLOR, photography
