Jean Philippe-Delhomme

I was so happy when a friend of mine forwarded me a new blog to check out called "the unknown hipster". I then realized it's the work of Jean Philippe-Delhomme who I'm a long time fan of but whose work I haven't seen around lately.
He has an impressive background of work and has covered the fashion scene over decades with a humor and simplicity rarely seen.
His new blog seems to be an auto biographical journey in a world of celebrities and art.

Alternative sailing to the Punta della Dogana

Reading on my vintage Duke Kahanamoku Maui longboard

"Dash Snow in his Bowery studio", after Purple

"Untitled", by Maurizio Cattelan: one of the most persuasive piece in the collection

With François Pinault

I unsuccessfully tries to give my email address to the beautiful Anouk Lepère

Pierre with "Following the right hand of Louise Brooks in Beauty contest"

3 "Gallery Booth" paintings by Jean-Philippe Delhomme at Parners & Spade

Sara Fanelli

When I first realized my passion for illustration I discovered the work of Sara Fanelli and fell in love with her quirky work. She has continued to produce wonderful images for books, magazines and advertising campaigns.
On entering the Tate Modern (before Milo freaked out at a Francis Bacon painting) we saw these large walls scrawled with the names of artists and a time line of art through the centuries. Then later in the shop I realized it was Sara's work and went on to find some new books by her. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Happy Memories

More London inspiration

I've just returned from 3 gorgeous days on Fire Island - How I love NY summers.

While we were in London we visited the Tate Modern but unfortunately our older son Milo had some adverse reaction to a painting and wanted to leave.
I spent a few happy minutes in the shop which I found extremely well curated.
I bought a copy of Pocko Times which is a publication from the artist agency Pocko.
It showcases photographers and illustrators in a lovely large format.



And then I came across a great kid's art and science magazine called Okido. It comes out every 3 months and teaches kids about science through art, play and experimentation. I'd love to contribute illustrations.
Check out their blog and games for fantastic interactive ideas.

Nigel Peake

I forgot to mention a book that I discovered and picked up at Magma.
It's called "Ghost Houses" by Nigel Peake. His drawings are beautiful and delicate and I love the way he incorporates his words into the pieces.
I'm also hankering for the fields again having left the idyllic surroundings of France so this piece made me smile.

Josef Frank

Here I am back in sticky Brooklyn and trying to rediscover why I live here. We had such a wonderful trip and it's always hard to return especially saying farewell to family.
We had a lovely day wandering the streets of Soho and Covent Garden browsing in great art bookstores namely Magma on Earlham Street that had some wonderful titles I'd never seen.
Top of my wish list is a book published by Gestalten called "Naïve Modernism and Folklore in Contemporary Graphic Design"






I've seen many reviews of this book but never had the pleasure of flicking through it.

Then a trip to Liberty to check out their latest show of Liberty prints. The displays were really innovative and full of humor. I especially love their collaboration with Nike to revamp the Nike Dunk.


And then their extensive displays of Josef Frank's fabrics and prints applied in so many different ways. Josef Frank was a Swedish designer who produced over 200 patterns between 1909 and 1950. His vibrant style redefined Swedish Modernism and he says it so eloquently -
"Every human needs a certain degree of sentimentality to feel free," Frank said... "Away with the universal styles, away with the equalization of industry and art."

Congratulations to the winner

I'm pleased to announce the winner of August's Lucky Fish giveaway is Carolyn Gavin.
Thanks everyone and stay tuned for September's competition.

Life in the Dordogne

We've spent some lovely, lazy days in France and couldn't have wished for a more tranquil experience. I turned 40 while we were there (yikes) and my lovely sister Laura surprised my husband and I with 2 nights away at a beautiful Chateau where we ate 5 course dinners, had lunch in a local medieval town, lounged by the pool and really relaxed.





The local towns hold wonderful food markets every week and the entire place is transformed into a feast of fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats.




And even though I've been going there all my life the graphics and simple neon posters to advertise summer festivals still make me smile.






Brooklyn seems a million miles away.
Back in London now to see family, friends and to catch some culture.
My daily blog returns next week.

August 1st Lucky Fish giveaway competition

Greetings from sunny France.
It's that time again for a chance to win a fantastic prize. This month we have Jann from Lucky Fish offering a beautiful set of 2 pillowcases in her wonderful signature style.
All you have to do is go to her site and find the print you like the best then come back here and post a comment and a way we can contact you.
She is still developing her retail site so if you want to head somewhere and purchase one or two of her lovely things then go to nonchalant mom where Carina has an amazing selection of products for the family.
You'll also find me there too where you can order a special family portrait.
On August 15th return here for the results of the competition.