Friday, May 30, 2014

Henri Cartier-Bresson, Here and Now



Henri Cartier-Bresson, Here and Now

A Magnificent Monograph

by Clement Cheroux



Cover Photo Credit: George Hoyningen-Huene

This phenomenal monograph was published to accompany France's first major retrospective of Cartier-Bresson's work since his death in 2005.




                              Crowd waiting outside a bank to purchase
gold during the last days of the Kuomintang,
Shanghai, China, December 1948

Silver gelatin print, printed in the 1960s
Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson Collection,
Paris
© Henri Cartier-Bresson/Magnum Photos,

                     courtesy Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson


The scope of Cartier-Bresson's work covered art, politics, revolution and war. The most powerful of his themes depicted the human condition at every social level throughout the world. This pioneering photo-journalism led to the founding of Magnum Photos.  

The images of extreme poverty and revolution on one end of the spectrum and the unforgettable portraits of the most prominent figures of his time at the other.

His biographer Pierre Assouline called him "The eye of the century."




                                    Camagüey, Cuba, 1963
Silver gelatin print, vintage print
Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson Collection,
Paris
© Henri Cartier-Bresson/Magnum Photos,

                                   courtesy Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson

"For me the camera is a sketch book, an instrument of intuition and spontaneity, the master of the instant which, in visual terms, questions and decides simultaneously. In order to "give a meaning to the world", one has to feel involved in what one frames through the viewfinder. This attitude involves concentration, discipline of the mind, sensitivity, and a sense of geometry. It is by economy of means that one arrives at simplicity of expression. To take a photograph is to hold ones' breath when all faculties converge in a face of fleeing reality. It is at that moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy. To take a photograph means to recognize -simultaneously and within a fraction of a second-both the fact itself and the rigorous organization of visually perceived forms that give it meaning. It is putting one's head, ones eye, and one's heart on the same axis."

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Quotation courtesy of Foundation HCB


Copy Courtesy of  Thames and Hudson
Images courtesy of Magnum Photos

Please purchase this magnificent historical tome for your collection! 
It is an indispensable work for the photography lovers library.  

The powerful influence of Cartier-Bresson's photography continues on today.

500 illustration in color and black and white.

Thank you to my Friends and Followers who support The Arts

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Glamorous Retreats by Jan Showers and the 15th Anniversary of The Jan Shower's Collection





 Please enjoy this feature and interview with the uber talented, award winning  Interior Designer, Jan Showers! This is her second widely acclaimed book after Glamorous Rooms, Glamorous Retreats! 


1. Jan, would you tell our readers when you became interested in Interior Design and what sparked that decision? 

MY MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER LOVED IT AND I WAS INTERESTED IN IT FROM THE TIME I COULD LOOK AT MY MOTHER'S HOUSE BEAUTIFULS!




2. How would you describe your style of décor; your special look?  

UNDERSTATED LUXURY AND GLAMOUR, AND ALWAYS COMFORTABLE AND INVITING.  IT IS TRADITIONAL WITH A MODERN EDGE.







3. I have noticed how much you use art glass and Murano glass lamps quite often. 

How important to you is it to have fine art as a focal point when designing a home? 
IT CAN MAKE OR BREAK EVERYTHING!  I LOVE GOOD ART AND THINK IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS THE FOCAL POINT OF MOST ROOMS.



A glorious blue Murano Glass Lamp









4. What are the things that inspire you; where do your ideas spring from when pulling a concept together? 


ALL OVER THE PLACE!  TRAVEL---I JUST RETURNED FROM PARIS AND AM SO INSPIRED BY THE COLORS OF THE TREES ALONG THE SEINE---WE TOOK AN EARLY EVENING CRUISE ON THE SEINE AND THE TREES WERE SIMPLY MAGNIFICENT---THE GREENS WERE STUNNING AGAINST THE BLUE SKY.  I SUPPOSE COLOR ATTRACTS AND INSPIRES ME MORE THAN ALMOST 


The Claudette Bench




5. When you are on an antiques buying trip to Europe you probably go with a list of wants; however do you also bring back items that just may be perfect for a future project? 

 YES, I ALWAYS HAVE A LIST FOR SPECIFIC CLIENTS' NEEDS, BUT SINCE I HAVE A 6,000 SQ. FT. SHOWROOM IN THE DALLAS DESIGN CENTER, I BUY THINGS FOR IT THAT WILL WORK ON MANY PROJECTS, NOT JUST FOR MY CLIENTS BUT FOR MY DESIGNER CUSTOMERS AND THEIR CLIENTS.



Adore the lines of this Turquoise Lamp!


The Classic Harrison Coffee Table



6. Jan, congratulations on the 15 Year Anniversary of your fine Furnishings Line, The Jan Shower’s Collection! What are a few of your very favorite designs? I know I adore The Sabine tables; however I could list at least a dozen of your gorgeous pieces!  

WE ACTUALLY SELECTED OUR FAVORITE AND MOST ICONIC 15 DESIGNS---A FEW OF THEM ARE:  THE HARRISON COFFEE TABLE, THE #4 TURQUOISE LAMP, THE CLAUDETTE BENCH, THE DANIELE TETE A TETE AND THE VILLA SOFA




The elegant Danielle Tete a Tete







The Coquille Sconce!






7. What words of wisdom do you have for the beginning Interior Designer, Jan?  


HAVE A PASSION FOR DESIGN AND BE UNDERSTANDING WITH YOUR CLIENTS---ALWAYS REMEMBER, IT'S THEIR HOME, NOT YOURS, BUT YOU OWE IT TO THEM TO GIVE THEM YOUR BEST ADVICE BASED ON YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE---THAT IS WHY THEY HIRED YOU!

Thank you so much, Jan,  for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us today!



The beautiful and oh so talented designer, Jan Showers!



Thank you to Jan Showers for the copy of her wonderful book Glamorous Retreats.
 The images are courtesy of Harry Abrams, photography by Jeff McNamara


You may purchase Jan's Books to add to your library at Amazon
Jan's website Jan Showers Interior Design
Jan's Collection is at Jan Showers.com 


Thank you to my friends and followers who support The Arts!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Sunday, May 18, 2014

MJH Design Arts IS HAVING A HUGE LIGHTING SALE


MJH DesignArts DESIGNED WHIPPET LAMPS--just look at the incredible detail!




Gorgeous Lighting.......lamps, sconces, chandeliers--ANTIQUE BRASS CANDLESTICKS........Mary loves just about all lighting elements. Her favorites are antiques brass candlesticks from the 17th through modern 20th c examples. Mary started collecting antique brass candlesticks while living in Spain and has sold more than one collection.

Most of her lighting pieces are listed on  1stdibs.com under the store site "THE COLLECTION" (WEST HOLLYWOOD)


SO she is  PUTTING ALL OF her LIGHTING ELEMENTS ON SALE--they are all from 35 to 50 PERCENT OFF ORIGINAL PRICING!

Here are some examples from her website mjhdesignarts.com--for additional information and pricing, go to the website and click on "LIGHTING"--she will  be posting prices tonite and tomorrow. Please email her--or you can contact her directly from the webpage--if she has neglected to post the sale pricing, please let her know. Some of the lamps are her very own designs, others are simply what she loves
Here goes.......



PAIR of JAMES MONT STYLE SOLID BRASS PAGODA LAMPS--LOVE THE DOLPHIN FINIALS





A PAIR of OPALINE CERULEAN BLUE LAMPS DATING TO 1950s



MJH DesignArts (Mary herself!) designed large CHINOISERIE SCONCES----these were in the Graystone Manor room designed by renowned international designer Michelle Nussbaumer


Gorgeous Rock Crystal Drops

Stunning Details

PAIR OF MJH DESIGN ARTS DESIGNED ROCK CRYSTAL & ANTIQUE ITALIAN FAUX PAINTED FRAGMENT--WITH VINTAGE FORTUNY SHADES.


PAIR of PERIOD LOUIS XV BRASS CANDLESTICKS (favorites) c. 1760

PAIR PERIOD  FRENCH REGENCE STICKS, c.1725

OPALINE MURANO LAMP


FANTASTIC ITALIAN WHEAT SCONCES OR ELECTRIFIED CANDELABRA 

Reach Mary at mjhdesignarts@gmail.com   
http://mjhdesignarts.blogspot.com/ 
The Collection on 1stDibs

Sale runes through Sunday June 8th!


This is an amazing opportunity to acquire very unique lighting that you will not find anywhere else!



Thank you to my Followers,  Friends and Family who support The Arts

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena


Wednesday, May 14, 2014

The Windows of Buck House: Fabulous Fictional Females by Deborah Buck

The Windows of Buck House: Fabulous Fictional Females
by Deborah Buck




Deborah Buck is an artist extraordinaire, designer, entrepreneur  and author. She is president of Buck House, the company she founded to incorporate her independant art and design endeavors. In addition Buck is a professionally trained gourmet chef, a certified instructor of French Cuisine.

A. Muse, Paramour-Bohemian, Paris France 1934, Detail


This book celebrates The Windows of Buck House. Buck House, which Deborah opened in 2001 as a New York arts and antiques emporium, immediately garnered a following of fellow stylish tastemakers. Now closed, however the shop was open for eleven years as THE destination for those seeking distinctive gifts, art and furnishings.


Velocity la Rue, Automobile Designer, Detroit, Michigan 1960

Soon Deborah's artistic talents led to the creation of  the 6 x 6 foot bi-monthly windows  featuring Fictional Fabulous Women. These  included Anna Force, New York Ad Executive,  Goldy Bank, Geneva Investment banker,  Sheelock Holmes, London Detective;  a collection of 22 formidable female characters in all.



Queenie, Royal Head of State, London 2012

These superb installations show us the unique lives of these fabulous women;  encapsulated in a jewel box window setting, diorama style, with many of the accoutrements of their exciting and ground-breaking lives!

Belmont Blue, Jockey, Baltimore 1973- Detail


Buck has also included with each chapter and installation the autobiographical declaration from each woman...fascinating beyond. Women of style, substance and strength. Her writing will take you away to another world!

Alexandria Tombs: Egyptologist, Valley of the Kings, Egypt 2009


Deborah Buck with some of her infamous Abstract Art in the background



Book Courtesy of Acanthus Press
Images Courtesy of Deborah Buck
Photography by Jaka Vinsek

Deborah's Fine Art can be found at www.deborahbuck.com 
For additional information on Buck House; www.buckhouse.com 

To purchase this stunning book which will be a lifetime conversation piece:
Acanthus Press 


Thank you to my friends and followers who support The Arts

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Monday, May 12, 2014

Happy Mother's Day to All of my Friends and Followers!




To all of the Mothers and Women of the world who nurture, mentor and love the young people of this world, Bravo and thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I am simply including some beautiful images to start your week with love peace, and joy!



















Kathe Fraga Art














Thank you to my friends and followers who support the art! You make the world a better place!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

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