Fine Arts
- Antique Fairs, Armory, Art Deco, Bernard Dulon, Decorative Arts, Design, Fine Arts, Jason Jacques, Le Corbusier, Modern Art, Modernism, PAD, Park Avenue, Tribal Art
The New PAD
Pictured: A stunning wing chair designed by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, circa 1940s, ModernityThe Park Avenue Armory reopens its doors to another antique fair this past Thursday, November 8th. The show will end on Monday, November 12th. Salon Art + Design was created by veteran show producer Sanford Smith. It is the first American fair to collaborate with the Syndicat National des Antiquaires, Europe’s most prestigious association of dealers. Most of the dealers were in attendance at the renowned Biennael des Antiquaires in Paris, this past September. Altogether the mix of genres, periods and styles reflected the eclecticism of today’s collector.While this show highlighted 20th century and contemporary art and design, historic design were represented by the oldest decorative arts gallery in Paris, an Old Master dealer with multiple European locations, and a selection of dealers in ethnographic and Asian material. Collectors in attendance welcomed, once again, the opportunity to pair a Brueghel with a Jean Michel Frank table or a tribal mask with a Le Corbusier painting. The range and caliber of material at the Salon will attract discerning collectors, designers, and art enthusiasts around the world.
The venerable Tribal art dealer from Paris, Bernard DulonTop left: A Teke People Mask, congo, before 1920
Luba: Shankadi people, D.R. of Congo, 19th Century – wood, Galerie Bernard Dulon
Clean lines, overwhelming elegance: Top left – a Jean-Michel Frank’s wooden X lamp covered with tobacco-colored leather, L’arc en Seine
Galerie Valois
Victor Vasarely, Naissance-Pas, 1958, Painting on panel
Yayoi Kusama “Pollen” chair, circa 1984, Vivian Horan Fine Art
Left: A rare and unique Gaston Suisse, Wooden dark gray and black lacquer furniture (c. 1939) opening with three doors and eggshell on the handles, Galerie Felix Marcihac
Carpenters Workshop Gallery
An extremely rare large drawing of Le Corbusier
Galerie Downtown
Two door cabinet of welded aluminum, black enameled steel from Paul Evans, Bernd Goeckler Antiques
Wendell Castle
A masterful sculpture by Wendell Castle from “A New Environment”, Barry Friedman
The insightful and playful art dealer Jason Jacques
Horror Vacui from Morten Lobner Espersen, Jason Jacques Gallery
A very whimsical Jean-Marie Fiori bull-dog, lacquered bronze, and signed from Galerie Pierre Dumonteil
A series of stained pine Zig Zag chairs from Gerrit Rietveld, circa 1950s – early 1960s
A single Otto Wagner, post chair from Modernity
A favorite pair of Andre Sormay armchairs, circa 1925, Galerie Alain MarcepoilImages courtesy High End Weekly™All rights reservedYou May Also Like
Editor’s Top Picks from The 2016 Winter Antiques Show
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Designer’s Top Picks
Ready when you are Mr Demille… Movie Star by Gloria Vanderbilt, 1stDibsPhoto courtesy High End Weekly™
Chaotic poetry: Geometric wonders: Herve Van Der Straeten Sconces
Iconic Gio Ponti Candelabra from Christofle
All laced up: The Hello Gorgeous rug is ubber chic and glamor personified
Power to the people: Fernand Leger, Le Cirque Tapestry
Domestic Bliss: German Engineering: The world’s most expensive and luxurious vacuum cleaner. Artists in Berlin, Germany have takenover 100 hours to hand-encrust the HYLA GST with 32,000 genuine Swarovski ElementsHyla-usa.comNOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you. - Antique Fairs, Art Deco, Asian Art, Decorative Arts, Fine Arts, Flowers, Maison Gerard, Park Avenue Armory, Sculptures, The Weekender, Tribal Art
Defining Art & Substance
Florence Vacher, Bangwa, 2012, FabricTambaran GalleryPhoto courtesy High End Weekly™Much of the art that I deeply appreciated at this year’s International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show had a strong masculine feel to them. And that’s a good thing, I think. Frou-frou interiors have never been my thing, so I am a big advocate for adorning my clients’ homes with various pieces of art that make a bold statement and continue to enrich their imaginations as the years go by. So this much anticipated fair met my expectations with its extraordinary attention to detail, breathtaking variety and exacting standards.
The grande dame fair brought together works of art that spanned continents and millennia — among them many of museum quality, furniture, paintings, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, glass, clocks, watches, arms, armour, rare books, manuscripts, jewelry, objets de vertu, Fabergé, silver, antiquities and ethnographic art, are among the many different categories exhibited and for sale. Prices start from as little as a few hundred dollars but rise into the millions. With that much said, here are some of the most desirable and interesting pieces that I liked.
Axel Verdoordt Gallery
Douglas Dawson Gallery
Bernd Goeckler Antiques
Maison Gerard
Tomasso Brothers Fine Art
Michael Goedhuis Gallery
Phoenix Ancient Art
Phoenix Ancient Art
Whitford Art
Tambaran Gallery
Trinity House
Martin du Louvre
My friend Cole Harrell admiring the art, but also stopped to “smell” these gorgeous orchards.
The International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show opened on Friday, October 19th until Thursday, October 25th, 2012.Images courtesy High End Weekly™All rights reservedYou May Also Like
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Remembrance of Things Past
The hyperrealist movementWe can all safely agree that art is uniquely a personal choice which creates a lot of emotions. When I first came across the works of Brooklyn-based artist Victor Rodriquez, my emotions ran high. In a good way. Victor Rodriguez‘ credentials in the art world has been rising for a number of years, especially because he’s been highly regarded as a pioneering figure in the new hyperrealist movement.Vader Kiss by Victor Rodriguez
Major institutions such as Art San Diego, the Museum of Contemporary, Art Flint Institute of Contemporary Arts, and Museo de Monterrey have carried his work. And now, the 40 year old artist who was born in Mexico is set to debut his latest exhibition called Black Dodecahedron at Sebastian & Barquet tomorrow, Thursday, September 6, 2012. The show will run until Friday, October 5th. S+B is located at 601 West 26th Street #300, NYC.
Ulysses by Victor Rodriguez
12 Slice DodecahedronCourtesy Victor Rodriguez. All rights reservedIn his latest series Victor Rodriguez repaints his pieces multiple times exploring the way our perception of memories change over time. He does this by utilizing techniques of photorealism to evoke the transformation of the past and present. Black Dodecahendron, a collection of monumental-sized paintings, strays from his former work by demonstrating a scarcity of an intense color palette and dramatic pyrotechnics by employing black geometric figures. - At The Auction with Vyna, Auction Houses, Brooke Astor, Decorative Arts, Fine Arts, Life and Style, Sotheby's
The Stately Home of Brooke Astor
“Brooke Astor’s enthusiasm for every detail pertaining to the furnishing and decorating of her rooms is charmingly effective. No one can equal her gaiety of spirit, her joyous laughter, and her keen wit.”Albert Hadley, famed decorator who designed rooms for both Holly Hill and the Astors’ Park Avenue apartmentBrooke Astor’s property revealed a woman who was well travelled and had a keen eye for English and French pieces from both the 18th and early-19th centuries, as well as Chinese lacquer furniture primarily dating to the Qing dynasty. The beloved philanthropist and legendary figure in New York society also had a penchant for both Old Master drawings – including works byRiches: Holly Hill, Staircase, The main staircase at Holly Hill, showing a selection of dog pictures. Courtesy Sotheby’s
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Canaletto and Nicolas Lancret – and Chinese export reverse-painted glass pieces. I must have looked at the Sotheby’s catalogue at least half a dozen times before I was able to choose a few items which I thought would be quite fitting for a “modern” interior.
The Park Avenue duplex apartment of Brooke Astor in the Rosario Candela designed building is on 73rd street. It is one of New York City’s most famous residences, and housed the iconic library that is one of the most photographed rooms in the history of American interior designEDITOR’S TOP PICKS
Portrait of Brooke Astor by Sir Cecil Beaton, signed Beaton lower right, watercolor over pencil on paper
In The Mix: Louis XV style ormolu-mounted Chinese blue-glazed porcelain clock, 19th Century, The Dialsigned Balthazar A Paris
Mid 20th Century Art: James Montgomery Flagg, I Like It This Way, signed James Montgomery Flagg lower right
A pair of Louis XV/XVI transitional style carved beechwoodBergères en gondole, 20th CenturyFor a completely different look, I would have these chairs upholstered in a Shagreen – pebbled surface cowhide (see below)
Image Courtesy Kick Shaw Productions
A George III style mahogany etagereOne is not enough. Etageres should come in twos, so I would have Rosini & Sons, my furniture maker,duplicate this snazzy piece of furniture.
A pair of Chinese Cizhou-type baluster vases, mounted as lamps from the Qing Dynasty,from the 19/20th Century
A pair of Chinese carved celadon-glazed brushpots from the Kangxi period (1662-1722)The muted celadon is spot on for a modern look.
1 of 2 polychrome-painted and carved figures of sheep, Dan Falt, northeast harbor,Maine 20th CenturyThere’s no rule that says you cannot bring these painted sheep into your indoor space. I personally like a whimsical element in my decor, because it invigorates an interior and makes it that much more interesting
The Dog Show by Vicente Viudes, signed Vicente Viudes lower right (signed again and inscribed Madrid)Mrs. Astor surrounded herself with objects she loved, and her gardens reflected her life and passions. Although the dogs were the center piece for this painting, the outdoors reference was a singular reminder. BTW: A multitude of her beloved dogs will form a significant selection in the September auction.
A view of the famed library at Mrs. Astor’s duplex Manhattan apartment
Mughal-style “chrysanthemum” gem-inlaid jade hand mirror from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)Every room should have a mirror, even if it is just a small one
Bon Voyage: A sixteen-piece T.Anthony red canvas luggage set comprised of thirteen suitcases and three handbags. Together with two similar handbags, All initialed B.R.A.
A modern, neoclassical style cream and green painted low tableOne of the very few pieces from the sale which is estimated below $2,000. Sometimes you just have to mix the highs with the lows. And this lovely piece fits the bill
Three gold photo frames, Cartier, New York and another maker, Mid-20th Century
The September auction will include property from the Holly Hill, Westchester mansion. The estate was designed in 1927 by architect Paul William DelanoAccording to Sotheby’s “The sale will comprise fine and decorative art from Mrs. Astor’s Park Avenue apartment in New York City and her Westchester County estate, Holly Hill, as well as a selection of jewelry from her personal collection. The approximately 900 items in the sale will be on exhibition in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beginning 17 September.”
Rare and important pair of Japanese export black and gilt lacquer covered jars circa 1680-1700
La Sortie Des Six Metegrave; Tres from Raoul Dufy, circa 1935
Sir Cecil Beaton, Lilac, signed Beaton (twice)
An English or Dutch chinoiserie painted and embossed leather eight-panel screen mid 18th centuryImages Courtesy Sotheby’sAll rights reserved - Art Fairs, Biennale des Antiquaires, Decorative and Fine Arts Sourcing, Decorative Arts, Fine Arts, fine jewelry, Paris
Biennale des Antiquaires – Part 1 of 3
The fêted Biennale des Antiquaires was announced last March at the French Consultat General de France. Looking back, the actual fair seemed so far away…. Nowadays I’m reminded that it is just about a little over a month away. This grande dame of antique fairs will take place at the Grand Palais in Paris from September 14th through the 23rd.FINE ARTS.jpg?w=960)
Etienne Dinet (1861-1929), “La Lutte Des Fillettes” (“Young girls fighting”), Oil On Canvas, Signed on the left flower side(Chadelaud)The idea of an “antique dealer fair” first appeared in the 1950s and more precisely in 1956 under the aegis of the new chairman of the SNA (National Union of Antiques Dealers), Pierre Vandermeersch. The dream was to create an event where the beauty of the objects on show could compete with that of the women who come visit the exhibition, a venue where elegance, prestige and celebration would await a host of art lovers and collectors. – SNA-France. The 26th Biennale des Antiquaires will feature an unprecedented 120 leading international art, antiquities and fine jewelry dealers representing over $50 billion worth of Archaeological treasures, arms and armor, furniture, paintings, drawings, graphic works, sculpture, books and illuminated manuscripts, tapestries, rugs, objects d’art, coins and medals, stamps, ceramics and jewelry..jpg?resize=500%2C640)
Jean Raoux, (Montpellier 1677 – Paris 1734), “Portrait of a woman slightly undressed”, Oil on canvas(Alexis Bordes)FUN FACTS: Key People from BDA: Karl Lagerfeld, Scenographer Christian Deydier, President of the Syndicat National des Antiquaires. Sample List of Exhibitors: Wallace Chan, Chaumet, Bulgari and Boucheron, Piaget, Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Cartier, Christian Dior..jpg?resize=498%2C640)
Johann-Ernst Heinsius, (Thuringe 1731 – Erfurt 1794), “Portrait de Pierre-Simon de Laplace, mathématicien” Oil on original canvas. Inscription ” N. Largillière” On the book, bottom right
Elizabeth Taylor by Andy Warhol, silkscreen ink and acrylic on linen(L& M Arts)FINE JEWELRY
Chanel NecklaceFUN FACTS: Did you know that it was André Malraux who opened the path to the Grand Palais, a legendary Parisian landmark built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900? Yes, the first International Biennale, in its present form, was held in 1962. It was a focal gathering of the greatest French and foreign antique dealers, decorators, jewellers and book store owners under the famous glass roof in a magic setting made up of pavilions, gardens and fountains.Bague (ring) PiagetDECORATIVE ARTS
Eugène Printz (1889-1948) , Jean Dunand (1877-1942)Galerie MarcihacArt & Décoration 1933, modèle similaire avec un décor différent reproduit page 297. Guy Bujon et Jean-Jacques Dutko, E. Printz, éditions du Regard, Paris, 1986, modèle reproduit page 278
Paul Evans Sideboard in structure in bronze, wood and covered with weld steel plates. Bronze low relief in front, like patchwork, circa 1970(Galerie Yves et Victor Gastou)
Marcel Coard (1889-1974)Galerie MarcihacProvenance : Ancient collection of Monsieur E. , collaborator at La maison Jansen Décoration.Copyright images. All Rights Reserved -
Nicola Simbari’s Light & Energetic Paintings
Pictured: Ode To The Sea: Nicola Simbari, La TrottoriaA State of ExcitementWhen you live in a bold and cosmopolitan city such as New York, you’re bound to open your eyes, and sometimes your heart to some of the latest and exciting things all around you. Case and point, last week, just when I was walking up to the Dorchester building on East 57th Street, I reluctantly stepped inside the Wally Finlday Galleries after my husband encouraged me to do so.
But once we were shown around by the gallery director, I was delighted to discover the works of Italy’s most important living artist, Nicola Simbari. What attracted me the most about his art was the techniques that were used, and their results – masterful paintings on canvas, brilliantly achieved by a palette knife. This technique became his signature look almost immediately after he started to paint at the ripe age of 13. The second thing that impressed me was how well he was able to translate the feeling of summer into his paintings. The Mediterranean came alive with each stroke of his palette knife. His semi abstract impressionist works are a breath of fresh air, and today, they remind me that since August is here, it’s high time to enjoy those long, lazy summer days – before they vanish in the wind.
Repose: Nicola Simbari, II Muretto
Color, Energy, and Emotion: Nicola Simbari, Woman Emerging
NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.You May Also Like
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Ahae’s Stunning Photographs at The Louvre
The Natural
The Ahae experience continues. Following the opening of the Ahae De Ma Fenêtre at the Louvre Pavilion at the Jardin des Tuileries in June, a memorable concert was held on July 4th.Hello World: Grey Heron (2010) / © Ahae PressA review followed: Under clearing skies on a warm July 4th evening in Paris’s Tuileries Garden, the famed Orchestra Lamoureux played a concert of French classics and new compositions while two enormous screens showed images by Ahae, the Korean-born photographer whose exhibition De ma fenêtre (From My Window) is currently on view in the Louvre’s garden. Pieces by Debussy, Saint-Saens and Offenbach were played on a stage specially built for the concert. Ilan Eshkeri’s De ma fenêtre was given its world premiere to generous applause.
Mother Nature: Spectacular entrance to Ahae’s Show at Musée Du Louvre,Jardin Des Tuileries Bespoke Exhibition Pavilion in ParisFrom My Window is an exceptional show of photographs taken from the vantage of just one window in Ahae’s house. The landscape, photographed throughout the year, reveals the subtle changes of the seasons as well as a great sensibility to life in all its forms. Painstakingly photographed and printed, the show is already a popular success. Revealing a tranquil sensibility in the midst of the chaos of nature, it features some of the largest reproductions ever mounted.
Flock of Magpies (2009)
Azure-winged Magpies (2010)Sold in the Ahae Pavilion bookstore is the new Assouline collectors title, AHAE: Through My Window. Scenes pastoral and comic, dramatic and tragic, dynamic and serene, enchanting and breathtakingly beautiful are revealed through his lens. With introductions by the director of the Louvre, the former director of Prague’s National Gallery, and the director of the Institute of Contemporary Art in Moscow, and featuring poetic texts by the photographer, this beautiful hardcover volume of inspiring imagery is presented in a luxury slipcase (available August 14th, $200, through Assouline). The exhibits ends on Sunday, August 19th, 2012.
Captivated: Museum goers marvel at the wonders and simplicity of nature
Water Deer (2009)Images courtesy © Ahae PressAll Rights ReservedContributing Story by Joan Parker
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Masterpiece London
Third time’s the charm. Masterpiece London, will open for the third year at the South Grounds of The Royal Hospital Chelsea, on Thursday, June 28th until Wednesday, July 4th, 2012. A Preview will take place on June 27. This fair has become popular for its astonishingly broad range and fusion of disciplines. For example, in addition to the finest works from classical antiquity, ethnographica, furniture, ceramics, Renaissance bronzes, paintings, furniture and jewelry, one will can also expect one-off bespoke works of art, be it a Rolls Royce or Harley Davidson, made specifically for the fair.Merrin Egyptian Mask
Masterpiece London aims for the best of the best in all categories, ancient or modern. Hence visitors, who come to look for watches, vintage cars or fine wine, will engage with extraordinary masterworks that they might never otherwise had the opportunity to see.
Safani Egyptian CatPhotos courtesy Masterpiece LondonSixteen leading galleries from the United States have signed on this exciting exhibition. Returning to Masterpiece London are Kentshire, Michele Beiny, Les Enluminures, Safani Gallery, Elle Shushan, favorites like Tambaran Gallery, The Silver Fund, and A La Vielle Russie. The new kids on the block are: Collisart, The Merrin Gallery, Fred Leighton, Siegelson, Sebastian + Barquet, and Sperone Westwater & Alberto di Castro, all New York-based galleries. Not only will a visitor to Masterpiece London 2012 be spoilt by a trove of magnificent exhibits to discover, there will also be a complimentary education programme of informative lectures offered by leading experts, including those from The Wallace Collection in London. Besides the expertise of these authorities, Masterpiece London visitors will have the opportunity to draw on the knowledge of the exhibitors themselves, each of whom has a well-informed background in their fields. -
Annika Connor Revisited
Annika ConnorPhoto courtesy Devon BanksOn an early spring afternoon, I visited rising star Annika Connor* at her light and spacious studio located next to The London Hotel in New York City. I was taken by her joyful and charming personality, as she served up traditional English tea, while sharing her passion for the good life: fine gourmet food, fashion, entertainment, and her thought provoking, yet romantic watercolors.“I love food, and think it relates to painting. That is also one of the many reasons why I enjoy cooking. I think about cooking the same way that I think about color, the complimentary flavors, the unusual combinations… Red and Green are complimentary colors, So if I make pasta salad, it will be with chili and mints for an added surprise…” Annika ConnorHigh End Weekly™: Your watercolors look like actual oil on canvas. Did you start out painting with oil?
Annika Connor: I started painting with watercolor in 2003 when I was living in London but away from the studio for an extended period of time. Originally my watercolors were to be studies for larger oil paintings , however they eventually became so rich and worked I slowly recognized them as paintings in their own right. Because I never studied watercolor in college, I started painting them like oils which made for a very nontraditional approach to the medium. I approached it the same way that I did with my oil paintings: I built up layers and glazes and payed close attention to the details. From the very beginning, I’ve spent a lot of time working on all my paintings. I wanted give the viewers a haze of magic and leave them with a sense of rhythm and significant pattern.
Annika Connor, Blue RoomHEW: Your work has this real romantic feeling to it. Was that purposeful or did that just happen spontaneously?AC: It’s a combination of the two. I made a conscious decision to not overly conceptualize my work, and let my true voice speak for itself. I am naturally a day dreamer, a romantic, highly imaginative, and a very girly girl. I love dancing, art, great books, good food, and I adore fashion; this comes through in my paintings. In my art I embrace my romantic sensibilities. I push this so my paintings will spark my viewer’s imaginations. I want to encourage the world to day dream more, to seek beauty, and to feel the poetry in the day to day.
Annika Connor, Fan CoralHEW: Speaking of inspiration, I can see through your paintings that you are an admirer of great architecture. Did you ever think of going into design or architecture?
AC: Sometimes I can be jealous of architecture because it is an art form where you can literally exist in it. You cannot ignore it, architecture has such a strong impact. When I visit spaces that are beautifully designed, whether they are from the Rococo era, or modern interiors, I feel so moved and inspired by them. I would love to collaborate with an architect one day on a space. For now I am just starting to dip my toes in the design world. I recently had the opportunity to designing some wallpapers and textiles. I was approached by Cavern, who worked with me to develop a line of wallpaper and upholstery fabrics.For one of the Chandy wallpaper pattern we developed a design which comes in two color variations and which is inspired by my chandelier paintings. To create this, we literally took the chandeliers out of
my paintings, reduced them down to four colors, silk screened them, and created a cascading pattern of chandeliers. Go here to see. This was a really exciting project for me as it gave me the chance to bring my art into a space in a new way. In the past my paintings have been inspired by the patterns and spaces i see, now my paintings are decorating new spaces by making patterns for them. I loved the symmetry in this.
“Lottie” available in a light beige linen background in gold and silver colorwaysFabric, wallpaper and pillow, designed by Annika Connor for Cavern Home
HEW: All of the interior designers that I’ve shown your work prior to this interview absolutely loved it. The interiors that you paint lend themselves to art collectors as well. Now that I see your textile designs, I’m wondering if this is something you’d like to do regularly. Do you want to start licensing your own work to various textile companies?AC: Sure! Why not? I love the idea of one idea inspiring another. One day I would like to collaborate and do greeting cards, create patterns for fashion textiles, or design more home decor. I’m on the fashion committee of the National Art Club, and see a huge connection between my art and my love of fashion. The arts often divide themselves into separate categories: design, fashion, fine arts, dance, etc but I see them as very inter-connected. If licensing my work could help me link to other forms of art I would jump at that. I really admire the way Gustav Klimt made that connection with his paintings, decor, clothing, etc and would be happy to follow in his footsteps and do the same.
In my dream world, I could definitely see a painting like my King Angel Fish working as a gorgeous print for a Diane von Fusternberg dress, and I would gladly welcome the chance to collaborate more in this way. As a painter I am interested in visual communication. If opening the door to licensing my art in new ways, gives people a chance to be exposed to painting in a manner they can relate to then great! Honestly, one of the things that I don’t like about the art world is how exceedingly elitist it is. The gallery can seem so inaccessible to many people. Often times even affluent highly educated individuals can be intimidated by the art world if they are not well versed in art history and art theory. This is a shame. One should be able to look at art and on some level feel a connection regardless if you have studied art. I really want to make art which makes these connections, the goal is to one day make art that will move the audience to feel something wonderful. I want to make paintings which spark the imagination, which reach beyond the white walls to speak to a wider world.
Annika Connor, The Love Joy ApproachHEW: Are you still working on oil paintings? And is there a gallery in NYC who is currently showing your artwork?AC: I occasionally still do an oil painting when I want to work large, but i am primarily interested in watercolor these days. You can see my work at http://www.fordproject.com/artists/annika-connor.HEW: How do you view your overall work?AC: Collectively, my work is all about beauty, the feminine aesthetic, the celebration of the imagination, memories, and daydreams.HEW: Do you get inspired living in New York City?AC: Of course! How could one not be! I love this city and all it offers! My work is shaped so much by living in the city. It is like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong sing in Autumn in New York.My studio is in the heart of Midtown and I am surrounded by offices, hotels, and these canyons of steel. New Yorkers are such hard workers. The drive and ambition in this city is an inspiration and helps to keep me motivated. However, I also love how this hard working city is when it relaxes and plays. New York is a city of celebration and champagne. When this town kicks back it does it in style, with a ball gown and a tuxedo. I love it! I think New Yorker’s love of glamour is wonderful. A night at the opera, the ballet, out dancing, or simply enjoy great art happens at least once a week for almost all young Manhattanites. New York City is so generous and supportive of the art and institutions they admire. It is the generosity of spirit that makes this city so special. More then any grants or government programs it is the citizens of this city who create and cultivate the culture. Perhaps it was Le Corbusier who summed it up best when he said “Vehement silhouettes of Manhattan-that vertical city with unimaginable diamonds”.* In addition to being a painter, Annika Connor is the Owner/President of Active Ideas Productions (AIP) which was launched in 2008. Active Ideas Productions is an innovative organization committed to the education, distribution, and development of emerging artists and the art community. AI Productions explores the intersection of art as a business and discovers innovative ways in which artists can collaborate to manufacture their creative endeavors while giving them a platform for artistic excellence.For more information on Annika Connor please visit www.annikaconnor.com, her Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/AnnikaConnorArtist. Twitter: www.twitter.com/AnnikaConnor, and Active Ideas Productions: www.aiproductions.org. Active Ideas Productions is also on Facebook and Twitter at: https://www.facebook.com/ActiveIdeasProductions, www.twitter.com/ActiveIdea.
Annika Connor, LagoonImages courtesy Annika ConnorAll rights reserved
