Off the chART -- Rephotography

In early May, mainstream media was buzzing about the Richard Price exhibition at the New York Frieze Art Fair.  In a nut shell, the artist displayed giant size screen shots of random people’s Instagram photos.  You can read more about it here.

The exhibition is thought provoking on so many levels.  Without delving into the complex debate on internet privacy issues, I was inspired to focus on concepts of re-photography and appropriation.   In the simplest terms, this is when artists take existing objects or images and transform them into a different context.   Duchamp's Fountain and Andy Warhol’s Campbell Soup Cans are two popular examples.

Here are some wonderful finds of current artists exploring this challenging genre.  

1. Hollie Chastain  "Gather It Up 12" collage on book cover

2. Roma Ieri "Judy e Kelly le gemelle di James Stewart" photograph
3. Betina La Plante "Now and Then" photograph
4. Franz Falckenhaus "Memory 57" collage
5. Johwey Redington "Life’s Pace Quickens" Encaustic, oil, and found objects on wood

-Jessica B

Just for the Kids: Crazy Hair Day

This post is far off topic from the art market but I couldn’t resist writing about Crazy Hair Day. Preparing for this camp tradition is special bonding time for me and my youngest daughter Gabrielle. It is a true collaboration and I’m amazed at my daughter’s creativity and level of patience. In years past she’s worn Pippy Longstocking braids, a water bottle cone head and cupcake pig tails but this summer’s creation has been my favorite so far.

We scoured Pinterest for ideas and were both inspired by the Mustache hair clip.  Using this as our springboard, we headed to the Dollar Store to buy cheap supplies.  We grabbed pipe cleaners, googly eyes and kid-sized the Groucho glasses. The night before Crazy Hair Day we glued on paper and googly eyes to make the glasses look “real”. When we woke up the next morning I secured her hair in a ponytail and separated it into two sections. Using two pipe cleaners, I braided each section and wrapped the ends with a rubber band. The glasses sat on top of the ponytail with the arms of the glasses pressed through Gabrielle’s hair coming out just under her ears.  This took the most time figuring out the correct angle to avoid poking her. With the glasses set, I simply bent the braids up to resemble a handlebar mustache.

I’m not sure how we can top this next year!

-Jessica B

CURATED NEST: Cover up Style

Whether you're at the lake, the beach or just at home by the pool... there's some really easy ways to go from swimsuit, to cover up and still look great. Much better than a towel around your waste, that's for sure!

Here's some ideas:

 

1. Everlane

2. Gap

3. Madewell

4. J.Crew

5. ModCloth

6. Madewell

Inspiration image: Instagram

 

- Cori

 

DESIGN BLUEPRINT: Playful Kids Rooms

There's not reason your kids' room can't be as stylish as the rest of your house, while at the same time somewhere they actually want to hang out.

It's about using fun colors and patters, all mixed with stylish furniture like this space above.

DESIGN BLUEPRINT:

Bed via Pottery Barn Kids

Chandelier via Ikea

Bedding via Pottery Barn

Area Rug via Wayfair

Down Comforter via Ikea

Purple Throw via World Market

Accent Pillows via Target

Table Lamp via Lamps Plus

Nightstand via Pier 1

Pouf via Lulu & Georgia

Inspiration image via Houzz

- Cori

Satin Brass Faucets

Exciting events are happening at the Burne Davis house. We are beginning house renovations and the construction permits were just approved by our town.

After months and months of planning now comes the fun part – shopping! Taking direction from my contractor, rough-in plumbing fixtures are the first items we need. The toilets and sinks were super easy for me to pick. The kitchen faucet, on the other hand, turned out to be quite a challenge.

After living in our house for almost 11 years, I knew I wanted a change from stainless steel and brushed nickel fixtures. Every picture I clipped or pinned featured soft satin brass as the primary metal. Take a look how this kitchen is so warm and inviting.

My first stop whenever I make major purchases is to scour the web for reviews and pricing. I was shocked when I realized that none of the big box stores offered satin brass finishes. Feeling uneasy without my ability to price compare, I set out to the local plumbing supply stores.

I first visited a small privately-owned showroom. The salesperson was lovely and helpful with the generic fixtures. When we got to the kitchen faucet and I mentioned satin brass, she gave an uncontrollable eye roll.

My next outing took me to an urban family-owned store that had been in business for ages. Again, the salesperson was fabulously helpful with the basic items. Then we got to the topic of satin brass. This special order finish was unfamiliar to her so she needed to get catalogs from a colleague in the attempt to help me. When she borrowed the material from an older man's desk, he gruffly and loudly exclaimed "brass is out of style." He said this each time she pulled a new catalog.

I had no idea that brass could elicit such strong reactions, especially since it seems to be featured everywhere.   Clearly this salesman wasn't keeping up with his issues of Elle Decor!

Finally my third stop was successful. The showroom was actually recommended on a local Facebook moms group. As soon as I walked in, I knew it was the place for me. Not only was the store huge but they actually had a few satin brass fixtures on display!!!!

Now I just need to figure out which one to choose!  While I adore the idea of a bridge faucet, function may take precedence over form.  I think a pull-down will be much more practical.  Here are some of my favorites.

1. Rocky Mountain Kitchen Deck Mount Faucet
2. Waterstone Pulldown 5500
3. Newport Brass Chesterfield
4. Waterworks Medoc One Hole High Profile Kitchen Faucet
5. Rubinet H20 8BHOL
6. Barber Wilson Bridge Faucet
7. Newport Brass Jacobean

What do you think?
-Jessica B

CURATED NEST: Red + White + Blue

In honor of July 4th, let's take a look at this red, white and blue color palette, which is a little softer than your basic primaries.

You can be patriotic with your decor without being too thematic. Soften up your colors and blend your patterns.  

Here's some ideas to get you started:

1. Vase via Dwell Studio

2. Beach Towel via Serena & Lily

3. Area Rug via All Modern

4. Outdoor Chair via Room & Board

5. Art Print via West Elm

6. Stool via Zinc Door

7. Bolster Pillow via West Elm

8. Table Lamp via All Modern

Inspiration image via Pixel Frau

- Cori