Blood Red Passion

A contrasting bouquet for a glamorous urban bride in a white chiffon dress with an antique rhinestone brooch containing Lady slipper orchids, Spider Gerbera Daisies, Calla Lilies and Black Dahlias.

Satyajit Ray

The Masterworks of Satyajit Ray

Panther Pantanjali clips:
The Rain Scene
The Train Scene

Listening to Satyajit Ray The Masterworks today with scores by Ravi Shankar and recalling the ravishing beauty of his films. Absolutely one of the greatest film makers of all time. Worth seeing each and every film especially the earlier films (the Apu Trilogy) exquisitely shot by cinematographer Subrata Mitra.

Scheltens & Abbenes

LUMAS 2006

NATURA ARTIS MAGISTRA
2005

BOUQUET SERIES
BOUQUET V
2005

BOUQUET IX
2008

I have always thought of floral arranging as essentially sculptural collage. The fantastic Dutch duo Scheltens and Abbenes take this concept into a graphic two dimensional form using cutouts and photographing the beautifully assembled still lifes of paper.

Warriors Wanted

Photo by Eric Lafforgue

It makes sense that one of the few places on this media-saturated scientifically "advanced" planet where warriors still exist is Africa where lawless governments rule. This photo is a Koro tribal warrior from Ethiopia. His war painted face is fiercer than any make up artist could conjure, 'cause it's the real deal.

Beware the Ides of March

Montage Cityscapes
photos by Charoonkit Thahong 2011

This week has been a roller coaster of weather patterns. It's Spring. It's not. I was asked to make this rose bowl for a corporate client's breakfast and felt a bit schizo making it on such a dreary day. I have to say, I have always loved rain! Frost I can live without but nothing is sexier than tropical rains(that is warm days and drizzle) not what we're up against today in New York.

yes is a pleasant country...

yes is a pleasant country... (XXXVIII)

E. E. Cummings

yes is a pleasant country:
if's wintry
(my lovely)
let's open the year

both is the very weather
(not either)
my treasure,
when violets appear

love is a deeper season
than reason;
my sweet one
(and april's where we're)

Beetle Bride

Beetle Bride 2011

Our little Beetle Bride is all dressed up with no groom! She can try searching for a suitable mate in one of the Eugene Seguy prints above but she might be a bit too overdressed to seal the deal.
Her skirt is a frilly bouquet of mini Cymbidium Orchids and White Nerrines

Dream Zone

"Tropical birds"
Bridget Vizoso 2006

Neutral Grooves

Another summer bouquet made for New York Magazine this year of Fleshy Phalaenopsis Orchids in a bed of Lily of the Valley and Assorted delicate ferns has a, "Just Plucked from Nature" feel to it that I love.
Above is a booth at Diffa By Design that I particularly enjoyed for it's throwback tongue in cheek reference to a privileged set from a few decades back as well as the overall restrained desaturated colors. The mix of Ikat prints and the groovy vintage Echo scarf "Pair of Lions" mounted on a frame are tres fab. I expect an overly tanned Playgirl pin-up from the early 70's to be making an entrance any minute now offering something unspeakably manly to a socialite from the same era dressed in a floor length printed wool dress and perfect roller hair. This is no party for lightweights!

Home for Purim

Photographer- Unknown, 1924
Portrait of the Valentin Family

Yesterday on my way back from PS1 Summer Sessions featuring the astoundingly talented Reggie Watts(that's a whole 'nother post), my subway car was taken over by a number of giggly young men and women dressed in fantastically original costumes! I asked what costume party they were going to and they said, "Purim". Unfortunately I have been remiss on posting this but I felt it was imperative that I not overlook this public celebration of the Jewish people which emphasizes giving of food gifts and charity. Again- most appropriate given the current events.