Textiles
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Jack Lenor Larsen: Master of Textile Design
Jack Lenor LarsenA series of lectures accompanied by a major retrospective called “Jack Lenor Larsen: 40 Years” are on their way to the New York School of Interior Design (NYSID). The Retrospective will celebrate the designer’s 40th years as a renowned high-end textile producer in the United States. This major exhibit will be on view from September 19 through December 5, 2012 at the NYSID Gallery located at 161 East 69 Street in New York City. Jack Lenor Larsen founded his design firm in 1952 and went on to become a dominant resource for signature fabrics.
The “Larsen Look,” which began with Larsen’s own award-winning hand-woven fabrics of natural yarns in random repeats, has evolved to become synonymous with 20th century design at its pinnacle. The famed designer is also well known for drawing inspiration from textile traditions throughout the world, using traditional and modern weaving methods.The exhibition will include Larsen’s commissions from famous architects plus fabrics from his solo-exhibit at the Palais du Louvre. The works demonstrate his stellar use of handcraft as well as his innovations in new materials and untried technology—often in heady colors. Viewers will perceive Larsen’s persistent urging to reinforce individuality, as Larsen states, “in this mass world our supporting the singular is more crucial than taste.” In keeping with LongHouse’s (Lenor’s home, also a public garden and art collection in East Hampton, NY) mission to bring together art and nature, the fabrics will be hung on bamboo frames (the bamboo is grown at LongHouse). Additional textiles, wall coverings and custom tapestries will also be on view, as well as images of Larsen’s rugs, bedding, upholstered furniture and interiors featuring Larsen textiles. The exhibition will also include select textiles from Cowtan & Tout, the company that merged with Larsen Inc. in 1997 and has been designing and distributing Larsen Fabrics ever since.The following are the lectures to look for:
- Jack Lenor Larsen: Master of Textile Design. Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 6 – 8pm. A discussion on the career and contributions of innovative craftsman and designer Jack Lenor Larsen. Panelists include Hugh Hardy, Principal of H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture; Lou Gropp, former editor of House Beautiful; and textile designer Sherri Donghia. Moderated by Judith Gura, Design History Instructor at NYSID.
- Designing the Winter Landscape: From Private Gardens to Public Parks. Wednesday, December 12, 2012, 6 – 8pm. Though snow may coat the landscape, winter can bring new beauty to garden foliage. The special character of some exceptional gardens will be discussed and illustrated by the celebrated people who design and nurture them. Jack Lenor Larsen will speak about the gardens at LongHouse Reserve; Juan Montoya will discuss his gardens in Garrison, New York; and landscape architect Thomas Balsley of Thomas Balsley Associates will talk about recent projects including Chelsea Waterside Park and Riverside Park South in New York.
- Lectures will take place at the NYSID Auditorium, 170 East 70th Street, NYC. Tickets are $12 for general public, $10 seniors and non-NYSID students, free for NYSID students. rsvp@nysid.edu or call 212-472-1500 x440.
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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 -
At Home with legendary textile designer, Jack Lenor Larsen
The Dream WeaverThere is nothing about textiles that Jack Lenor Larsen doesn’t know! His own fabrics are unique, original designs which are sometimes made from wire, plastics, synthetics and natural fibers. His construction of the fabric is always a surprise, and a delight to designers who get to work with them. Because of his originality and the depth of his understanding of textiles, he is a legend in the design industry, and beloved by so many of us, including myself. Jack Lenor Larsen is the son of Danish-Norwegian immigrants, and one of the most influential, respected, innovative textile designers of the past fifty years.Jack Lenor Larsen’s apartment in Murray Hill, New York
SereneThe apartment is a testament to Jack Larsen’s global travels, and his extraordinary style …
… and genius as an artist and visionary designer
Photos courtesy Jeffrey Hirsch, via New York Social Diary
This wool and silk rug from Jack Larson is spell bounding and will make a visual impact in any style room,
Photo via One Kings Lane
A great read and a must for any libraryGet it today on Amazon
Jack Lenor Larsen pictured inside his studyPhotos courtesy Jeffrey Hirsch, via New York Social DiaryHe not only made his name with Frank Lloyd Wright, who used his fabrics for the music room at Taliesin, or Marilyn Monroe who once shopped for his upholstery fabric whilst setting up her nest with Arthur Miller, Mr. Larsen was instrumental in opening up the huge world of textiles to the American public. He is a collector, artist, philanthropist, author, and world famous for his traditional and contemporary crafts. And above all that, I found him to be très gentil, a gentleman, and surprisingly humble, in all of my interactions with him. What a great example to us all.
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. -
Mid-20th-Century Style
Modern LoveThroughout the 20th century, the products, styles, theories and philosophies of design have become evermore diverse. No doubt this was due to the growing complexity of the design process, and the changing taste of the costumer. In the last century, design has existed as a major feature of culture and everyday life. It was seen as an instrument for improving the quality of life. I have a special fondness for decorative arts from the 1950s because it was a period of renewal and optimism in America.Jacaranda Lounge Chairs from Brazil, circa 1970sfrom R20th
Designers and artists were creating some of the most memorable art and objects. New materials such as plastic laminates, latex foam, fiberglass shaped the look of the mid 20th century. Designers were appealing to consumers’ growing aspirations by producing streamlined and forward-looking products that were the embodiment of the American Dream. The home became the very focus of that dream, and designers helped to shape it.
Alexander Calder Tapestry, France, circa 1970’s“Le Lezard et le Tetard”, Woven at Ateliers Pinton – Aubussonfrom Vojtech Blau
Left: Malatesta and Mason, Armchair, Leather and Walnut, circa 1960.Right: Kaiva textile for Marimekko, c. 1964
Duilio Barnabé, Portrait, circa 1961
Coffee table with glass top on a light grey mahogany base by Irina A. Klepper, circa 1950s
Jumo Bakelite streamlined lamp for Jumo Brevette, Paris, circa 1945
Maurice Calka, Boomerang desk for Leuleu-Deshays, 1970Today a new generation is discovering and appreciating mid-20th-century art and design. Worldwide, this trend can be found in some of the most diverse spaces. I am quite partial to it since it was so glamorous, so stream-lined, so chic! If you share the same sentiment, then there is no better place to be than at the inaugural New York 20th Century Art and Design fair by 1stDibs. This event will take place under the tent at Lincoln Center in Damrosch Park from Friday, April 13th until Sunday, the 15th. There will be an early buying preview party on Thursday, April 12th. 1stDibs plan on showcasing 20th century art and design at its best. On view will be a highly curated selection of furniture, lighting, sculpture, paintings, jewelry, silver, glass, ceramics, photography, textiles, tapestries, prints, vintage clothing and accessories. It’ is time to fall for modern love.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.
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Top Picks from the 2012 Architectural Digest Show
Today I’m reflecting on the Architecture Digest Show that took place last week at Pier 94. Those types of fairs are informative, and excellent for product sourcing. But sadly, the AD Show have seen more misses than hits, over the years.
Left: In Memory and HopeAnd so it was a breath of fresh air, when I discovered a few vendors who were pushing the limits with innovative ideas, and designs. I loved the Rockwell’s Group’s table concept for DIFFA Dining by Design. It was simple and inviting, with this underlining theatrical effect to it. David Rockwell’s new textiles for Jim Thompson worked well with the playful, and dramatic surface of the table which was covered in a warm white wax.
The Rockwell Group 2012 Dining by Design for DIFFAPhotos courtesy Strohl & Co
WhimsyMark A. Perry Sculptor
Sculptural FormsContemporary Vases from artist Young Mi Kim, Cocobolo Design
Vibrant HuesLuxurious Qashqai blankets from D. Bryant Archie Textiles
Rio Hamilton from NeidermaierFall 2012 Furniture Collection
The Curator’s EyeRobert A.M. Stern Stern CollectionPhotos courtesy High End Weekly™Robert A.M. Stern‘s booth was beautifully curated, and brought to mind Maison Gerard’s gallery spaces. The furniture was offset by a gorgeous white-washed herringbone floor. I’m so glad that my friend Rio Hamilton from Neidermaier brought the booth to my attention! Speaking of Neidermaier, their furniture collection are always so stylish, and in accord with hospitality, and residential projects. Did I mention how chic they are? I’ve always been impressed with D. Brynat Archie‘s striking hand-made, vibrant, yet subdued, luxurious fabrics. Her new resort collection of 100% cotton fabrics, pillows, throws and bed covers reminds me of Marrakesh. How exotic! -
The New York School of Interior Design Honors Jack Lenor Larsen and Thomas Woltz
The New York School of Interior Design will honor visionary, scholar, world traveler, and authority on traditional and contemporary crafts, Jack Lenor Larsen and Thomas Woltz, at its annual spring benefit, on Wednesday, April 18 at the Metropolitan Club.Jack Lenor Larsen
Photo credit: Roberto DutescoMr. Larsen will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award and Mr. Woltz, who is a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects, and owner of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, will receive the school’s first Thomas N. Armstrong III Award in Landscape Design. This year’s Benefit co-chairs include Mario Buatta, Ellie Cullman, Philip Gorrivan, Amy Lau, Stephanie Odegard, Campion Platt, and Barbara Slifka. The Vice-chairs include Graham Arader, James Druckman, Marina Kellen French, Hugh Hardy, and Mary Ellen and Richard Oldenburg.
Thomas Woltz
Photo credit: Will Kemer PhotographerThomas Woltz works between offices in Virginia and New York, he has led designs of a broad range of institutional projects in the US and abroad including The Peggy Guggenheim Sculpture Garden in Venice, Italy, The McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia, Round Hill, Jamaica, the National Arboretum of New Zealand and a Master Plan for the conservation of 42,000 acres of Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles. Many of Thomas’ projects focused on restoration of damaged ecological infrastructure within working farmland and create models of biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. Thomas serves on the Board of Directors of The Cultural Landscape Foundation, and is an avid gardener.
“We are very pleased to salute Jack Lenor Larsen and Thomas Woltz,” said Patricia Sovern, Chairman, Board of Trustees. “Each of these men has enriched the textures of our lives and the quality of the built environment. We are particularly proud to launch the Thomas N. Armstrong III Award in Landscape Design, honoring our late trustee’s devotion to landscape design.” According to Sovern, Armstrong’s son, landscape architect, Whitney Armstrong, will present Woltz with the award.Tickets for the benefit start at $500 and $1,000 per person. Tables of 10 can be purchased for $5,000 (Supporter), $10,000 (Benefactor), $15,000 (Connoisseur) or $25,000 (Patron). To purchase tickets or for more information contact: Monica Cheslak at 212-472-1500, or email: mcheslak@nysid.edu.
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Extravagant Textile
Création Baumann Fall 2011
Luxurious linen textile for the fall. Eperla is this extravagant new laser cut fabric of coated linen cupro which captivates with its sumptuous material weight and harmony of its striking, yet timeless pearl design in the shape of a decorative border.
ElwinThe small, laminated wooden rods are arranged in horizontal and vertical patterns across the semi-transparent fabric as if they were floating above it. Elwin is available in two colors and combines well with the underlying fabric of Solare unis.
ElwoodWith its intriguing interplay of materials and 3 D effect, Elwood is already in high demand. The laminated platelets in wood are cut and applied by hand. They spread in a strict and dense arrangement over the paper like backdrop
to form a second layer that moves.59″ wide available in 2 colors.Création Baumann
To the trade only -
Prelle
E X C L U S I V E
La grande dame of Art Deco Textile
Prelle’s history as a leading silk manufacturer is a rich and illustrious one. Now over 200 years old, it is one of the oldest silk furnishing fabric company in Lyons, France. Their fabrics have graced the interiors of Versailles, The Metropolitan Museum, The Frick Collection, and the Louvre. Most of the company’s archives hold references to Louis XIV’s gold and silver brocade that were usually found in his bed chamber in Versailles.High End Weekly ImageToday, when it comes to residential design, Prelle also prevailed, as discerning home owners have chosen Prelle because it is one of the finest and most exclusive textile in the world. Think of Newport RI, a center stage for the well-heeled, where Prelle’s fabric can be found in abundance. Historically, one will find that the estates of Newport have long been graced with Prelle’s fabrics (remember those scenes found in Edith Warthon’s novels). So it is a natural conclusion as to why museums and castle curators have long sought after Prelle’s archives of original samples, drawings and manufacturing formulas since their quality is quite unmatched. In the early 20th century, Prelle started to produce a number of art deco textiles designed by the formidable duo Sue et Mare. As trained painters, Sue et Mare worked across the spectrum of the decorative arts from textile to furniture, and their artistic contribution to the Art Deco period are on a par with Jacques Ruhlmann, Lelue, Rousseau, Chareau, and Jean-Michel Frank. Indeed, over the years, Prelle have stood out as a leading French luxury textile company with a parade of clients who appreciate their pursuit of excellence and exquisite craftsmanship.
Prelle
43 East 10th Street
New-York, NY 10003
Tel : 212.683.2081 Fax: 212.683.2142
Gallery Director: Terry Wendell
www.prelle.fr -
Peak Of The Week: Tactile Textiles
R E T U R N I N G B A C K T O N A T U R ENature has always been a great source of inspiration in my designs. Come to think of it, that is one of the reasons why I love the elegantly simple textiles from Création Baumann. Their new collection “The Living Line” is guided by nature, especially in the selection of natural colors.Impeccably painted floral designs on silk taffeta, “Cosmea” brings to mind classic floral prints of long ago, with arrangements and coloring that deliberately deviate.
RosalieThis textile is just as eye catching as any of CB’s collections. The soft wool cloth with punched out motifs is suitable for curtaining and throws.
VidafloraVidalflora is true pizazz. With its velour stripes, it harmonized beautifully to create a brilliant combination. In fact, the entire collection from Création Baumann is absolutely exciting, since they only use first rate combination of the most diverse weaves, designs and colors.to the trade only
