- who is actually me - wishes you a Happy Halloween
Oct 31, 2012
Oct 29, 2012
A favourite place for inspiration in Vancouver
check out that front door
chandelier bits
vintage doors - great for tables
army canteens and weather instruments
plant skeletons
Heritage Home Supplies - 3662 West 4th Ave.
Oct 27, 2012
Oct 24, 2012
Considering I do not own any
Source: bodieandfou.blogspot.com.au via Pinterest
Wallpaper by Melissa White
© style.com Dolce and Gabbana FW 2012
© Melissa White
© Melissa White
© Frédérique Morrel A piece by Frédérique Morrel Back in high school I had a pair of pointy tapestry flats from Le Chateau. I found a pair at VV in Nanaimo on the weekend - unfortunately, they were too small. In the 90s I had a tapestry bag that the ex that wore the bandana hated. I didn't care. At the current moment in time I have nothing tapestry but if I were to consider owning something tapestry it would be something from the selection above.
Wallpaper by Melissa White
© Melissa White
© Melissa White
© Frédérique Morrel
Oct 23, 2012
Oct 19, 2012
The West Coast Vernacular Home
Built on steep slopes in wild landscapes West Coast Vernacular - with its sloped roofs and natural wood siding - was a natural fit for our Pacific Northwest rainforest.
Not to be left just for the privilege of the cliff dwellers, the 1970s saw toned down designs making their way into suburban neighbourhoods like West Vancouver, (not to mention an awful lot where I grew up - Langley or Brookswood more specifically).
The ultimate West Coast Vernacular home - Merrick House. Built 1974.
Currently in the draft stages of a conservation plan by the District of West Vancouver and Birmingham & Wood Architects.
The Granddaddy of West Coast Vernacular, Charles Moore's Sea Ranch - a movement referred to as Bay Area Modern.
Oct 15, 2012
Just Because You Wear a Tie - From the Archives
Originally published June 6th 2010
images 1 & 2 Dolce and Gabbana @ style.com - note the length of the tie and fit of the shirt, including the sleeve length
image 3 - the loosened tie makes him look drunk but at least his shirt fits him.
doesn't mean you look 'professional'. You can actually come across looking sloppier than you would without one. If you're going to make the effort to look 'professional' by throwing on a tie please take the time to make sure the whole package comes across as 'professional' - meaning that your clothes fit you.
images 1 & 2 Dolce and Gabbana @ style.com - note the length of the tie and fit of the shirt, including the sleeve length
image 3 - the loosened tie makes him look drunk but at least his shirt fits him.
doesn't mean you look 'professional'. You can actually come across looking sloppier than you would without one. If you're going to make the effort to look 'professional' by throwing on a tie please take the time to make sure the whole package comes across as 'professional' - meaning that your clothes fit you.
- get a shirt that fits - which means one you didn't buy at Joe's Tent and Awning or Costco.
- go for a collar that flatters your bone structure (see my post on collar styles).
- your tie looks best if it touches just the top of the waist on your trousers (see photo).
- thoughts on undershirts under white shirts (see photo)? They creep me out but that's just me.
- pant hems are more important than you think (see my post on hems).
Oct 12, 2012
I went looking for jeans and found 145K art instead
Tuesday was a great day, number one - it was the first day I hadn't had a headache in a month, and number two, I stumbled upon an exhibition of BC Binning, Karel Appel and Alexander Calder paintings - for sale. As I was starting my search for jeans on South Granville, I walked by a space with a midcentury Danish modern living room set in the window and backtracked - then I caught a glimpse of a BC Binning piece on the wall, and in I went. I was greeted by Kate Barron, the gallery manager, who let me wander around in peace. The further into the space I got, the more I was blown away by the exhibit's calibre of art. When I reached the back of the room and saw a Binning work that I'd previously only seen in books, I couldn't handle it anymore; I had to ask Kate what the heck was going on.
The current exhibition is entitled 'ABC: Outlining Abstraction.' What should we expect from it?
Everyone who comes to visit us should expect to see a world-class exhibition. We have three artists from three different countries, painting abstract art in their own way. The show is full of bright colours and hung in a salon style, forcing viewers to interact with the works rather than simply walking a circle around our gallery. The show, our collection speaks for itself, and so far, everyone who has come in has had his or her expectations surpassed.
Can you tell us a little about what thoughts went into curating this show? How was it pulled together?
We thought for a long time about having this show and which artists and pieces we would put together. Our goal was to use artists that we believe in, strong, international and work together smartly. It was literally pulled out of our collection, which should speak to how strong the collection of The Art Emporium really is.
You'd mentioned that Karel Appel is proving to be the stand out attraction of the show. Why do you think he is and not Vancouver's favourite BC Binning?
BC Binning is almost always a favourite; he’s sort of a local hero, but we’ve seen his work at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Auction Houses, and other galleries. Karel Appel isn’t seen every day in Vancouver. I can’t think of anyone who has the collection of first-rate Appel’s that we do. His work feels current, interesting and very different than anything being shown in the city right now. I think it’s interesting but not surprising that Karel Appel is a standout because his work is powerful and timeless.
This is The Art Emporium's first exhibition in 20 years. Why?
To clarify, this was the first opening we've had in 20 years and a large-scale exhibition. Still, in 2010, during the Olympics, Merete Kristiansen (former gallery manager) hung a great exhibition on historical Canadian masters.
We’ve been focused on building art collections for private collectors, and our clients generally appreciate that we’re low-key and a little more casual than other galleries. Our gallery is always open to the public Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm, and we love having visitors, but we’re a little hidden from the street. Torben Kristiansen, the owner and head dealer at The Art Emporium, has done a wonderful job building our world-class collection, and we’re constantly told that we should have shown because it’s not fair to keep what we have a secret. We also wanted to take a stand for “Gallery Row.” There have been a few galleries that have left Granville, and we’re saying, hey, wait a minute, Granville has built this reputation for a reason, and there’s still amazing art to be seen here. Galleries have left, but more have stayed on Granville and those that have, are in great company.
Galleries seem to be vacating 'Gallery Row' on South Granville. Where should we go to see up and coming talent now?
Firstly, “Gallery Row” is still one of the best places to see up and coming talent, but we’re fortunate in Vancouver to have Gastown, Main St and East Vancouver hosting such wonderful emerging talent too. I use online resources like The Art Market to find new artists and shows and make a point to visit studios during the East Side Culture Crawl, etc.
If you could recommend a local artist for us to invest in now, who would it be?
Just one…?!? Ahh, there are so many great artists in Vancouver, Jessica Bell, Yared Nigussu, Fiona Ackerman, Sarah Gee, Zoe Pawlak, Nick Lepard, and Brian Boulton … to name a few. Because of my budget and taste, I collect mostly emerging artists in my own collection. I wish I had more walls for the talent that we have in Vancouver and throughout Canada.
Are there any other shows lined up for 2012?
Nothing planned as of yet… but you never know. I would love us to start producing two or three powerful exhibitions each year.
I always hear of these multi-million dollar hidden collections in Vancouver homes, businesses, and underground tunnels. The Art Emporium has been around since the late 19th Century (and is Vancouver's oldest gallery). Your catalogue must be huge! Would you care to divulge approximately how many pieces there are in the collection?
Ha Ha, no! We do have a large inventory – that’s no secret. Torben has been collecting for 50 years; use your imagination… and then double that.
If you could curate your dream exhibition, what would it be?
Honestly, ABC: Outlining Abstraction has been a dream come true for me. The works are strong, cohesive, colourful and first-rate; you can’t ask for much more than that. My dream would be to curate a powerful group show made up of emerging talent mixed in with very established artists, with each holding their own.
The show ends Saturday, October 13th so go check it out while you can - 2928 Granville St.
You know, I never ended up continuing on my search for jeans that day and ladies, you can relate to this; it probably would've ruined what was turning out to be a perfect day anyway.
images © Christopher Thorn and Kate Barron
The current exhibition is entitled 'ABC: Outlining Abstraction.' What should we expect from it?
Everyone who comes to visit us should expect to see a world-class exhibition. We have three artists from three different countries, painting abstract art in their own way. The show is full of bright colours and hung in a salon style, forcing viewers to interact with the works rather than simply walking a circle around our gallery. The show, our collection speaks for itself, and so far, everyone who has come in has had his or her expectations surpassed.
Can you tell us a little about what thoughts went into curating this show? How was it pulled together?
We thought for a long time about having this show and which artists and pieces we would put together. Our goal was to use artists that we believe in, strong, international and work together smartly. It was literally pulled out of our collection, which should speak to how strong the collection of The Art Emporium really is.
You'd mentioned that Karel Appel is proving to be the stand out attraction of the show. Why do you think he is and not Vancouver's favourite BC Binning?
BC Binning is almost always a favourite; he’s sort of a local hero, but we’ve seen his work at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Auction Houses, and other galleries. Karel Appel isn’t seen every day in Vancouver. I can’t think of anyone who has the collection of first-rate Appel’s that we do. His work feels current, interesting and very different than anything being shown in the city right now. I think it’s interesting but not surprising that Karel Appel is a standout because his work is powerful and timeless.
This is The Art Emporium's first exhibition in 20 years. Why?
To clarify, this was the first opening we've had in 20 years and a large-scale exhibition. Still, in 2010, during the Olympics, Merete Kristiansen (former gallery manager) hung a great exhibition on historical Canadian masters.
We’ve been focused on building art collections for private collectors, and our clients generally appreciate that we’re low-key and a little more casual than other galleries. Our gallery is always open to the public Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm, and we love having visitors, but we’re a little hidden from the street. Torben Kristiansen, the owner and head dealer at The Art Emporium, has done a wonderful job building our world-class collection, and we’re constantly told that we should have shown because it’s not fair to keep what we have a secret. We also wanted to take a stand for “Gallery Row.” There have been a few galleries that have left Granville, and we’re saying, hey, wait a minute, Granville has built this reputation for a reason, and there’s still amazing art to be seen here. Galleries have left, but more have stayed on Granville and those that have, are in great company.
Galleries seem to be vacating 'Gallery Row' on South Granville. Where should we go to see up and coming talent now?
Firstly, “Gallery Row” is still one of the best places to see up and coming talent, but we’re fortunate in Vancouver to have Gastown, Main St and East Vancouver hosting such wonderful emerging talent too. I use online resources like The Art Market to find new artists and shows and make a point to visit studios during the East Side Culture Crawl, etc.
If you could recommend a local artist for us to invest in now, who would it be?
Just one…?!? Ahh, there are so many great artists in Vancouver, Jessica Bell, Yared Nigussu, Fiona Ackerman, Sarah Gee, Zoe Pawlak, Nick Lepard, and Brian Boulton … to name a few. Because of my budget and taste, I collect mostly emerging artists in my own collection. I wish I had more walls for the talent that we have in Vancouver and throughout Canada.
Are there any other shows lined up for 2012?
Nothing planned as of yet… but you never know. I would love us to start producing two or three powerful exhibitions each year.
I always hear of these multi-million dollar hidden collections in Vancouver homes, businesses, and underground tunnels. The Art Emporium has been around since the late 19th Century (and is Vancouver's oldest gallery). Your catalogue must be huge! Would you care to divulge approximately how many pieces there are in the collection?
Ha Ha, no! We do have a large inventory – that’s no secret. Torben has been collecting for 50 years; use your imagination… and then double that.
If you could curate your dream exhibition, what would it be?
Honestly, ABC: Outlining Abstraction has been a dream come true for me. The works are strong, cohesive, colourful and first-rate; you can’t ask for much more than that. My dream would be to curate a powerful group show made up of emerging talent mixed in with very established artists, with each holding their own.
The show ends Saturday, October 13th so go check it out while you can - 2928 Granville St.
You know, I never ended up continuing on my search for jeans that day and ladies, you can relate to this; it probably would've ruined what was turning out to be a perfect day anyway.
images © Christopher Thorn and Kate Barron
Oct 11, 2012
Oct 10, 2012
When I deleted the blog
Writing a blog is a guessing game. I have so many interests and could write an entire blog about just one thing (ie architecture, style, food) but when I started Bijou Living 4.5 years ago I chose to approach it like a 'lifestyle' magazine and cover a little of everything. By clicking that Recommend button you really help me in selecting a topic to write about and trust me, for someone that wants to write about everything, knowing what to focus on is a blessing. I have no ulterior motive for that button and would use something other than FB to track what you were interested in if it existed (I also use Share This but it's not very effective).
Anyway, thanks for joining me on my adventure.
Interested in moods and where I think mine may stem from? Read this. That's a whole other adventure.
Oct 9, 2012
Manhattan Town House by Modernist Architect Max Gordon
basement kitchen
Max Gordon designed mirror, sink and tub
images © John M. Hall
source Elle Decor No. 18
Oct 6, 2012
Oct 4, 2012
The Wright Stuff
from left: "Prairie Mirage," "Liberty Weave," "March Balloons," "Tulip Tapestry"
You know those times when you hear about something and then you keep hearing more interesting things about that something within a matter of days? I've had that happen with Frank Lloyd Wright over the past couple days. First, Eddie shared a post on my FB page about a recently turned up collection of German and Austrian prints collected by Wright, and rather matter of factually, his lover Mamah, on a trip through Europe at the turn of the Century - read more here. Then yesterday, while perusing through Elle Decor No. 18, I came across a story about the fabrics and decorative wallpapers he designed. In 1955, he released the Taliesin Line, in conjunction with F. Schumacher and Co. Schumacher then released another Wright collection in 1986 and yet another in 1991 (shown above). Finally, today I received an update from French Architectural Digest urging me to sign the petition to save the David and Gladys Wright House in Phoenix, Arizona (which you can do so here).
Funny how things happen this way.
Vancouver's Best Veggie Burger with the Best Deck to Enjoy It On
Numero uno in my books! Venture across that gorgeous Lion's Gate Bridge of ours and head West to Whytecliff Park. I've found a lot of places are swapping their veggie patties from healthy veggie based ones to sodium salt lick soy patties (ie The Galley at Jericho) - gross. The concession at Whytecliff serves up a juicy old school patty fully loaded in a fresh kaiser bun - and with the option of yam fries. The concession is only open weekends from 10-3 so hurry up and go before it starts to rain. Mind you, even in the rain you can't beat that view.
October 8th update - took my parents there on the weekend and, to my chagrin, the concession is now closed for the season.
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