Summer 2017
What's Inside! Painting for pleasure The first “single mom� vacation Italian Chocolate Making Summering in Greenwich Stepping up your summer style
Anthony Lawrence
Interviews with: Ron Greene Alan Barry Cyrilla Yanez Justin Pasha Kenny & Joyce Goss
An American Family Tradition
CONTENTS
table of contents 6
Art Cecilia Arrospide
The Art of Miami
16
Lifestyle
24
With a deep love and deft perception of color, Cecilia creates immersive artwork that reflects her motto of painting for pleasure.
12 Ron Greene Artist Ron Greene creates a window into his ongoing exploration of the world through abstract drawings and photographs
Cryotherapy Cryotherapy: the lowering of body temperature as a health and wellness treatment.
Après Divorce
Fashion
Summer Style
28 46
CONTENTS
50 Home Cyrilla Yanez Anothony Lawrence
Business
88
Creative Thinking
Alex Trimper Editor In Chief Deputy Editor Fashion & Beauty Brian Vieira Director Of Design & Art Ashley Aldana Managing Editor Jacyln MulĂŠ Editorial Interns Sophie Kossakowski Maddy Schulte Marc Greenawalt Liz Bouton Brianna Dipanni Art Interns Isabella Bruni Xanthi Katsigiannis Christy Kuesel
COPYRIGHT 2017 BY IG INTERNATIONAL LLCALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE ART OF IS A TRADEMARK AND SERVICE MARK OF IG INTERNATIONAL LLC REPRODUCTION BY PERMISSION ONLY THE PUBLISHER AND EDITORS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR UNSOLICITED
Art
the ART of … TM
Painting for Pleasure
6
Art
Cecilia Arrospide “Azules y Reflejos, Oleo Sobre Leinzo” 39”x 39” Oil On Canvas
D
rawing inspiration from the graceful landscapes of her incorporated it into her studies by educating herself in the history homeland, Peruvian artist Cecilia Arrospide gives the viewer of art and honing her skills through private sessions with skilled
a glimpse into her vibrant world. Cecilia’s expertise includes colorful
painters. After graduating, Cecilia settled down with her children
collages, abstract paintings, and black-and-white ink drawings. but continues to participate in painting classes several days a week. With a deep love and deft perception of color, Cecilia creates immersive artwork that reflects her motto of painting for pleasure.
In
1998,
Cecilia
created
her
first
solo
exhibition,
the success of which drove her to hold one every two
Throughout her life, Cecilia has cultivated her passion for art. years. In 2009, Cecilia expanded her artistic horizons by As a schoolgirl, she often drew pictures for classmates. Her love
incorporating collages into her work. Here, Cecilia opens
of painting grew as she matured; during her two years at the
up about color, collage, and the art of painting for pleasure.
Catholic University of Peru, where she specialized in literature, she
Photo Credit :Andrea Carriónå
7
Art TAO: As someone who enjoys working with others, do you find the solitary nature of painting a burden? In a way, yes, because painting is very solitary, and I like to talk to people. I counter this by coaching others in painting and giving workshops on creativity. TAO: Your most recent series feature the theme of nature. How has nature inspired your work? Nature deeply inspires me, especially because I live very close to the ocean. I call one of my series “Reflejos,” which has abstract work that references flowers and nature. Another series of mine is called “The Ocean, the Waves,” and is inspired by the beach. Swimming in the blue colors and depths of the waves inspired me to dedicate a series to them. TAO: Your paintings and collages demonstrate your innate understanding of color. How has this impacted your work? Once, my dearest professor told me to paint what I feel and the colors that I love, and when a show/exhibition approaches, to select the ones that form a series. I love color by itself. I feel I am an heir of the French painter Henry Matisse, whose motto was “painting for pleasure.” I rejoice in colors; I love them all. Sometimes, I paint two or three pictures in blue, reds, and whites. I find the color for the theme and category. The name of Reflejos reflects what I do because it shows my passion for reflecting emotion and feeling through colors. Sometimes they are bold, and sometimes more dreamlike, embodying a mystical serenity. Other times, the colors are abstract in order
Cecilia Arrospide “Aire Otoñal” 32”x51” Oil on canvas
8
to personify architecture, or softer for flowers and space. My goal is to have my viewer become immersed in the art. That is what my work is all about. TAO: You have been featured in exhibitions throughout the world. Have these different cultures influenced your work? Definitely. For instance, about three years ago, I visited Parisian museums, and was highly influenced by the wooden sculptures and painters I discovered there. If you are an artist, you cannot be the same
I love color by itself. I feel I am an heir of the French painter Henry Matisse, whose motto was “painting for pleasure.” I rejoice in colors; I love them all. after traveling. Before I began working with collages, I was in Barcelona, where I saw Picasso’s collages on wrapping papers. The patterns and designs stayed in my mind, and I began working with a model. I drew ink drawings based on that work, including a series about the different phases of womanhood. It also inspired me to begin working with collages. Another time, I visited beaches in the north of France where impressionist painters were working. The colors inspired my series on umbrellas, sand, and the ocean.
Art TAO: How do you continue to gain artistic experience throughout your life? I nourish myself with lots of reading. Right now I’m delving into neuroscience because of all the creativity involved in the subject. It has helped me lead workshops on creativity, which I believe is a process that can be cultivated. We all possess creativity, but you must channel it; you must be holding a pencil or brush when the inspiration comes. It’s all about working hard, studying hard, and—most of all—loving what you do. Once again, this is why my motto, like Matisse’s, is “painting for pleasure.”
“If you are an artist, you cannot be the same after traveling.”
Cecilia Arrospide “Flowers Over the Cliff” 39”x41” Oil on canvas TAO: You have been featured in exhibitions throughout the world. Have these different cultures influenced your work?
Cecilia Arrospide “Pensamientos” 40”x16” Oil on canvas
Definitely. For instance, about three years ago, I visited Parisian museums, and was highly influenced by the wooden sculptures and painters I discovered there. If you are an artist, you cannot be the same after traveling. Before I began working with collages, I was in Barcelona, where I saw Picasso’s collages on wrapping papers. The patterns and designs stayed in my mind, and I began working with a model. I drew ink drawings based on that work, including a series about the different phases of womanhood. It also inspired me to begin working with collages. Another time, I visited beaches in the north of France where impressionist painters were working. The colors inspired my series on umbrellas, sand, and the ocean.
9
Art
Cecilia Arrospide “Columns” 37”x 43” Oil on canvas
10
Art
Cecilia Arrospide “Aire Primaveral Oleo Sobre Lienzo 35”x 51” Oil on canvas
“It’s all about working hard, studying hard, and—most of all—loving what you do.”
TAO: How do you continue to gain artistic experience throughout your life? I nourish myself with lots of reading. Right now I’m delving into neuroscience because of all the creativity involved in the subject. It has helped me lead workshops on creativity, which I believe is a process that can be cultivated. We all possess creativity, but you must channel it; you must be holding a pencil or brush when the inspiration comes. It’s all about working hard, studying hard, and—most of all—loving what you do. Once again, this is why my motto, like Matisse’s, is “painting for pleasure.”
Cecilia Arrospide “Force” 39”x 39” Oil on canvas
11
Art
TM
Changing Perceptions 12
Art
A
rtist Ron Greene creates a window into his ongoing exploration of the world through abstract drawings and photographs.
By capturing fragile moments, Ron’s drawings offer his viewer the potential to gaze inside their own subconscious. His art forges a link between observation and reality, demonstrating the ways in which technology expands the human capability for perception. Passionate about drawing and building ever since his youth in New York City, Greene further developed his artistic interests as a teenager through painting classes at the Manhattan Arts Students League. An undergraduate base in sculpture, drawing, and painting gave Greene the ability to pursue a degree in industrial design at Pratt Institute, after which he attended architecture school, where he earned his second design degree. His multi-faceted background emerges in the underlying architectonic that ties his work together.
TAO: What is the process behind your photographs? German architect Mies van der Rohe once said, “God is in the details.” I often focus on the detail of a building because, in my opinion, it can either be the best part of an otherwise nondescript structure, or the well-articulated vocabulary of an architect’s inspired creation. My photographs record experiences, moments, and a variety of other things I’ve seen. I’m particularly interested in shooting the stages of architecture, i.e., images that record structures going up or coming down. I like that fragile moment in which that specific image exists, since my opinion on a building may change depending on the stage of construction. Capturing that moment gives me the opportunity to make a personal statement about what I see.
13
Art TAO: What is the technological process behind your drawings? The drawings start out as analog ideas. I then input them into a 3D drawing program in which the drawing is constructed layer by layer; it is detailed and colored in 2D and then textured, conceptualized, and assembled in 3D. The layers are repeatedly moved back and forth between these 2 graphic constructs, a process that results in as many as 250 layers and often requires over 100 hours. It is definitely not a simple process of pushing a button and letting the computer do the work, and is very different than drawing with a pencil and paper. I constantly have to be a couple of steps ahead and think about the direction in which I want to go. It’s all about the process, since I don’t know how the piece will turn out until I’m well into the project. In fact, at any point I can either stop or modify it to completely change the result.
TAO: How does technology bring a dreamlike or nightmarish quality to your drawings and photographs? Technology definitely has a dark side, since there’s something insidious about the true potential of computers. Therefore, there’s this architectonic, bio-mechanic dark side to what I do, influenced and then informed by movies that I watch. I use the same software that is used in the creation of special effects. I can’t really blame it on the computer, but the nightmarish quality is more easily expressed by the use of technology.
14
Art TAO: Your drawings are supposed to be seductive TAO: How does color give you creative advantages in but without conclusion or resolutions. How does this your drawings? help them be perceived as limitless?
I’m starting to integrate an acrylic pouring process and bring it into my
My drawings open up a portal into the subconscious of the digital drawings. I’m very interested in the complexity of color that a onlooker. So they are, in fact, limitless. They are not intend- computer can develop. The computer allows me to build up transpared to give the viewer a result or make a single statement. I be- ency that I can’t do by hand, especially in drawings that have as many gin the process by examining a particular notion, and then as 250 layers. It’s an ever-changing process; I see new possibilities. explore it up until the point at which I think the work is done.
TAO: What inspired your interest in the idea of the TAO: Is there something you’re currently working “other space?”
on that you’re excited about?
I started to see the possibility when I captured some images on I’m excited about combining analog liquid acrylic pour painting a trip to Europe. I realized that I could capture spaces within re- with photographic projection, and 3D sculpture and texture mapflections. Drawing and painting in the 3D paradigm are based ping. I’m currently working on combinations of four to five difon the laws of physics. I exploit this reality in order to change ferent processes at once to produce something new. I’ve also been the way that objects and surfaces are perceived in my draw- exploring the “art of the art,” creating an actual sculptural piece ings. I control color by giving transparent, refractive, and reflec- and then developing artwork around it. I’m very excited about all tive characteristics to materials. I can also invent new materials this potential. like transparent chromed concrete, resulting in a surreal effect.
15
Art
the ART of … TM
Miami
T
By: Fatima Canovas Art Daily News
he growth of Greater Miami’s population has led to the establishment of unique art venues. The influx of newcomers to the area arrives with an increase in demand for entertainment and culture. As galleries relocate to make way for new buildings, innovative exhibition venues glamorize the environment created by Miami Art Week’s December Art Fair. The following spaces are must-see stops for locals and visitors alike. They incorporate original combinations of art and other amenities, adding a new flavor to the viewing experience: some of Greater Miami’s Most Unique Art Venues.
16
The Betsy Hotel
Art
The Betsy is a four-star hotel located in the famous South Beach neighborhood of Miami. Global arts and culture form an integral part of the guests’ experience, as seen in the impressive collection of paintings and photography that adorns the hallways, staircases, and lobby. Guests marvel at the artwork as they walk to and from their rooms. These pieces are even available for purchase, offering guests the opportunity to take home memorabilia of their time in Miami Beach. Artwork enhances the atmosphere in the underground lounge, a new art gallery/event venue where artists can expose their Photo Credit: The Betsy Hotel work to a diverse audience. An internationally known art historian and curator, Senior Advisor Dr. Leslie King Hammond plans and executes the exhibitions. The hotel has renamed the time-frame between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day – the height of the South Florida tourist season –the Season of Gratitude, embracing the desire for a world in which giving thanks is a shared mission. The gallery’s current exhibition features Fay Lansner (1921-2010), an artist with over sixty exhibitions whose work focuses on painting the subjective objectively. Though her work is frequently classified as feminist, her theme is more often broadly “human.” Many galleries and museums omit her name from retrospectives because she dared to work beyond the abstract expressionist precepts that dominated the art scene of the 1950s and 60s. The Betsy honors this overlooked female painter with the recognition that she deserves.
Photo Credit: The Wynwood Lab
17
Art
The Sagamore Hotel
A South Beach landmark since the 1940s and now an art world institution, the Sagamore Hotel changed ownership after the death of Martin Taplin this past March. To honor his legacy, the hotel presents Sagamore is Art, an eclectic mix of galleries, installations, music, and live art performances. A curated art tour features works by Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mr. Brainwash, and Keith Haring, among others. The tour also includes live music and dinner at Canvas, the hotel’s newest restaurant. Photo Credit: The Sagamore Hotel A pillar of the blossoming local art scene, The Sagamore partners with art curator Sebastien Laboureau to give visitors the opportunity to visit nearby museums and galleries. Laboureau seeks to create an ambitious art program, as well as exhibits that uphold the hotel’s cultural legacy. “The idea is to have very proactive, dynamic, innovative art programming that [creates] a wonderful destination in South Beach,” said Laboureau. Sagamore is Art renews the hotel’s commitment to the arts, reaching a new level of influence.
Photo Credit: The Sagamore Hotel
18
Art
The Urbano Hotel
Photo Credit: The Urbano Hotel
Situated close to the beach, the Brickell, and the downtown area, the Urbano is the perfect destination for viewing Miami’s hottest local artwork. Every season, curator William Braemer selects new pieces to display. On the hotel walls, one can watch the evolution of Miami’s fast-changing art scene.
Photo Credit: The Urbano Hotel
19
Art
Wynwood Lab
Photo Credit: The Wynwood Lab
20
Art Born from the fusion of art, culture, and design, the unique Wynwood Lab is nestled in the heart of Miami’s renowned Wynwood Arts District. The pristine 7,800 sq. ft. home showcases visual art beside the most innovative and stylish materials available in the sphere of interior design. The Wynwood area is a hub of creative chaos that radiates with imagination. The Lab harnesses that energy to produce a diverse array of original art, including:
INTERIOR + EXTERIOR WALL ART
From hand-cut acrylic sculptures to urban graffiti, they embrace it all.
PAINTINGS+ SCULPTURES
Photo Credit: The Wynwood Lab
World-renowned fine artists & sculptures call Wynwood Lab home.
HIGH-END HOME FASHIONS
The home decor industry partners with Wynwood Lab to experiment with new concepts.
STYLIZED PRODUCTS + TECHNOLOGY
A place where product manufacturers can test new products & concepts.
MUSIC & DJS
The Lab brings in hot new talent to play their events.
CULINARY + COCKTAILS
A place where mixologists + chefs bring something new to the table before adapting it for their restaurants + bars. Curated by professional interior designers and supported by national sponsors, the space exudes collaboration and creativity. The Lab is divided into a 2,500 sq. ft. interior lifestyle space, a 2,700 sq. ft. secret garden, a 1,600 sq. ft. gallery, and a 500 sq. ft. live art demonstration area where members can watch art come to life. Wynwood Lab’s interior, designed and furnished by Beverly Hills designer Erinn V., can accommodate up to 250 guests standing room and 125 guests with sitting arrangements. Most of the seven sections can be opened to ease traffic flow, or alternatively draped with white linen curtains for privacy. Configurable furnishings and a DJ-approved Bose audio system make Wynwood Lab the perfect venue for hosting events of all types.
21
Art
the ART of … Dallas TM
The Late George Michael’s Legacy Lives on in Dallas
By Kimberly Aston
Featuring The Goss-Michael Foundation in Dallas, TX Interview with Kenny Goss, co-founder, and Joyce Goss, executive director
I
n 2005, the Goss-Michael Foundation began as the Goss Gallery on Cedar Springs Road in Dallas. Formally founded in 2007 by the late music icon George Michael and Dallas native Kenny Goss, the Goss-Michael Foundation is one of the leading contemporary
British art collections in the country and has established itself as a central part of Dallas’ contemporary and modern art scene. The GossMichael Collection includes many significant artists including Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Marc Quinn, Sarah Lucas, and Sir Michael Craig-Martin. The Foundation displays artworks from the private Goss-Michael Collection and exhibits various international artists on a rotating basis. It also supports an Artist-in-Residence program, which was launched in 2013 and supports compelling artists of diverse backgrounds. An invitation-only privilege, the program allows the artists a place to work and a solo exhibition at the end of the residency. The first artist was Dan Rees and the 2014 selection was Neil Raitt. As well, the Foundation works closely with established and emerging Texas artists in its program called FEATURE, which is very exciting for Dallasites who love to support home state-based artists. Michelle Rawlings, daughter of Dallas’ Mayor Mike Rawlings, is a recent, exciting example of a prodigy from FEATURE. In 2014, artnet News voted the Goss-Michael Foundation as one of America’s top 10 private contemporary art museums.
22
Art of Rhode Island School of Design and grew up in the Dallas area. Henry’s exhibition will open on July 15, 2017. Q: How does the annual MTV Redefined event align with the mission of the Goss-Michael Foundation? A: The Goss-Michael Foundation’s mission is to support important causes around the world including HIV/AIDS, women and children’s issues, domestic violence and more. The Goss-Michael Foundation is a founding partner of MTV RE:DEFINE because George Michael presented Staying Alive’s first ever documentary on HIV/AIDS for MTV in 1998. He was a driving force behind MTV RE:DEFINE’s formation over 10 years later. The 2017 gala paid special tribute to George Michael for his outstanding philanthropic contributions. We were very honored by this tribute and miss George very much. Q: The untimely passing of George Michael was a sorrow felt by many. How do you ensure his legacy will endure?
Q: What is your personal favorite work in the private collection and why? A: With hundreds of works in the Goss-Michael Collection, it is impossible to select just one piece. We have come to know all our artists both professionally and as close friends. The Foundation oversees one of the largest collections of Damien Hirst sculptures, paintings and installations so he definitely comes to mind. And, the works we have from Tracey Emin are absolutely amazing. She is a great friend (we are headed to her birthday party next month) and has graciously agreed to be honored at the 2018 MTV RE:DEFINE. Q: What are some of your favorite recent exhibitions at the Foundation? A: It may seem clichéd, but our favorite exhibition is always our last one. During the 2017 Dallas Art Fair, we worked with the Carl Freedman Gallery of London and hosted an amazing exhibition of works by Billy Childish, an English painter who is also an author, poet, photographer, film maker, singer and guitarist. Q: Can you give us a preview of your next Artist-in Residence program? Who have you selected and why? In general, what is your criteria? (or explain current if next is not possible) A: Our current Artist-in-Residence is Henry Swanson. Henry’s practices consist of both two and three dimensional works. In two dimensions, he produces large scale oil paintings on canvas and smaller mixed media works on paper. Henry is a recent graduate
A: Our goal is to continue to grow support for those very worthy organizations that benefit from our mission. We will always pay homage to our co-founder, George Michael, through that support. His legacy will be at the forefront of everything we do. Q: Do you have any additional future goals for the Foundation? A: The Goss-Michael Foundation’s goals will clearly focus on our mission as mentioned above. With over 500 pieces of art in the Goss-Michael Collection, we are not able to display as many pieces as we would like. Over the years, The Foundation has loaned art to museums across the United States. We hope to grow that program in the coming months. Q: How does the Foundation intersect with the contemporary art scene in Dallas? A: The Goss-Michael Foundation is very involved with all aspects of the Dallas art scene including collaborative activities and events with the Dallas Contemporary, the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center among others. As an example, we helped found MTV RE:DEFINE, which over its six year history has provided millions of dollars to the Dallas Contemporary. When we have artists from our Collection visiting Dallas, we insure that speaking engagements and special events are held so that the art-loving public can interact with these renowned artists. Many of these individuals have never been to Dallas and we have been very proud to host these world famous individuals in the city we call home.
23
Lifestyle
the ART of ‌ CRYOTHERAPY TM
C
ryotherapy: the lowering of body temperature as a health and wellness treatment. Although well known in Europe since the 1980s, cryotherapy only recently emerged as
a popular therapeutic method in the United States, with celebrities such as Alicia Keys employing its techniques to preserve their youthful glow.
The tiny age lines that appear around lips or eyes might be
a source of surprise and consternation. Although we try to blame the unflattering powder room lighting, we know it is Father Time tapping on our doors. While beauty store products might not be able to reverse time, cryotherapy treatments provide a new method of pain management, performance enhancement, and aesthetic improvement.
Cryotherapy has a long history of medical and dermato-
Photo Credit: Nordic Express
logic use, including in the recovery process from rheumatologic and neurological diseases. Applying ice or liquid nitrogen to the body can inhibit or prevent pain in the short term, making it useful for injuries and chronic pain. Recently, however, cryotherapy has been utilized for quick athletic recuperation and cosmetic enhancements.
But how exactly does cryotherapy work? Application of cold
to the body lowers the temperature of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, and then penetrates the muscle, bone, and joints. The lowered temperature, which causes the constriction of blood vessels, may be linked to the rejuvenation of skin and the reduction of swelling or pain. Extremely low temperatures also relax the muscles by reducing nerve conduction. As a result, several minutes in a colder-than-cold chamber helps to tighten sagging skin, boost slow metabolism, improve circulation and reinvigorate youthful radiance.
24
Photo Credit: Nordic Express
Lifestyle
Photo Credit: Nordic Express
25
Lifestyle
Photo Credit: Nordic Express
And the beauty of this beauty treatment? There are lots of choices geared toward the client’s specific needs. At Nordic Cryotherapy in Eastchester, New York and New Canaan, Connecticut, highly trained and licensed cryotechnicians answer all of the client’s questions and design for them a tailor-made plan. Several different types of therapy are offered. The first, Whole Body Cryotherapy, revitalizes the entire body. The client undresses and steps into a -200ºF nitrogen vapor-filled chamber for three minutes. The process generates energy, cellulite reduction, and stress relief. As a result, several minutes in a colder-than-cold chamber helps to tighten sagging skin, boost slow metabolism, improve circulation and reinvigorate youthful radiance.
26
Lifestyle
In addition, cryo-facials return youthful
vigor to the client by stimulating collagen production that produces firm, smooth, and elastic skin. During a cryo-facial, the client lies on a massage table for about six minutes. Using a handheld device, the cryotherapist dispenses -200ºF nitrogen vapor over the client’s face, tightening and refreshing the skin. Finally, Nordic Cryotherapy offers inhome solutions. The Rapid Response Line Filler, a luxurious cream that rehydrates the skin, reduces the appearance of wrinkle lines by almost 8% after a single hour. Nordic Cryotherapy has also gone mobile, creating a Nordic Express that will travel to the client’s home. By giving the cold shoulder to wrinkles and pain, cryotherapy can help the client look younger and feel better. Book Online https://nordiccryotherapy.com/ Book Nordic Express (914) 787-0979 Eastchester, NY Location 31 Mill Road Eastchester, New York 10709 Phone: (914) 771-9000 New Canaan, NY Location 45 Grove Street New Canaan, CT 06840 Phone: (203) 920-1777
27
Lifestyle TM
The first “single mom” vacation
28
Lifestyle
Beverly Hills…Rodeo Drive….a beach house….What could be more luxurious? It was August of 1989, and I had recently moved to New England with my boys: Matt, almost 5, and Alex, 2. A year before, we had moved away from Denver after I separated from their dad. We stayed with my parents on Long Island for a few months, and then resettled to Wilton, Connecticut that May. All of that mayhem called for some relaxation, so when my Los Angeles-based brother David, surprised us with a fantastic, all-inclusive, luxury vacation in California, we enthusiastically agreed. He thought it would be fun for us to visit for a long weekend, to enjoy places like Disneyland, a beach house in Oxnard, and Studio City. Who wouldn’t want to go? As the day of our departure approached, I started feeling anxious. It had been over a year since I’d flown with the boys and this time, I was by myself. How would I handle it? They were older, true, but they were also far more mobile and vocal. And then there was the packing and the luggage. Would I be able to handle it all? The boys were certainly excited. So off we went. The airport, of course, is a dream when traveling alone with two young children. Yup, no nanny would be joining us. Just me and the boys. It’s always a gamble as to whether or not the plane will take off on time, although the flight itself was fine. I’ve always made a habit of sitting between them when flying, so there’s a path of least resistance in the case of any in-fighting. We arrived at LAX that afternoon, where my brother met us, and went shopping on Rodeo Drive. Who wouldn’t want to have the run of one of the most prestigious stores in Beverly Hills? Apparently, not two young boys. Why we thought that they would want to shop for clothes is still a mystery. They spent the shopping spree running around the store, yelling and asking why we needed to shop. Luckily, it was closing time and the place was pretty empty. Just like the Robinsons of Beverly Hills, our shopping spree that afternoon was demolished. On the bright side, the day ended peacefully, with a drive out to Oxnard and the beach house. We completed the evening with wine and mini grilled brie cheese squares--my favorite--while watching Matt and Alex play in the sand.
29
Lifestyle
30
Lifestyle
Now for the fun part.--it was time for Disneyland! Although my traveling stroller had broken, David assured me that Disneyland had rentals, so I was comforted as we sweated underneath the boiling August heat. But guess who ran out of rental strollers? If you’re guessing Disneyland, you win the prize. Off went David and Matt to stand in the long, long lines for all the rides while I schlepped Alex around. Guess who never wants to return to Disneyland without the nanny? If you’re guessing me, you win again. The following day was spent at the beach, and renting one of those large bicycles with the awning. The grownups were recuperating with cocktails from all the fun at Disneyland. The boys were having the time of their lives. It was wonderful to see them so happy after the upheaval of their family unit breaking, as well as all the moving. It’s great to have support and surprises when we least expect them!
Sylvia Beckerman Founder & CEO of Après Divorce www.apresdivorce.com
31
Lifestyle
the ART of ‌ TM
The Best of Simply Greenwich By Marc Hewlett
Old Greenwich Social Club
Simple yet sophisticated, this Old Greenwich hangout is pleasing to the eyes, ears, and taste buds. The diverse food menu offers something for everyone, and the eclectic bar menu presents an excellent selection of wine, beers, and specialty cocktails. The website also lists regular live music, events, and special promotions. Be sure to try the lobster mac and cheese or Crab Cake Benedict during their impeccable Sunday Brunch.
32
148 Sound Beach Ave Old Greenwich, CT 06870 203-990-3033 ogsocial.com @ogsocial - Instagram
Lifestyle
My Mix Creative Kitchen Healthy, fresh and fabulous are the three words to describe the brand new My Mix Creative Kitchen on West Elm Street, just a block away from Greenwich Avenue. Perfect for healthenthusiasts, Mix offers an array of sautĂŠed bowls, flatbread pizzas, and salads. In addition, they present the option of creating your own dish. Everything is gluten-free and your waistline will thank you!
19 West Elm St. Greenwich, CT 06830 203-861-1150 mymixkitchen.com @mymixkitchen - Instagram
33
Lifestyle
Sophia’s
Discover one of the coolest hidden gems outside of New York City, hidden just behind Greenwich Avenue. Whether you are looking for a rare vintage dress to wear to this week’s party, or a fabulous costume that will turn heads, Sophia’s has you covered. They even have a great selection of specialty accessories and gifts.
1 Liberty Way Greenwich, CT 06830 sophiascostumes.com @shopsophias - Instagram
34
Lifestyle
The Local Vault
Finding the best deal on pre-owned luxury furnishings just got easier. An online marketplace, the Local Vault showcases the very best of pre-owned exclusive brands, as well as fabulous vintage and antique items. Located in Cos Cob, this shop is changing the search for the best of what’s available.
301 Valley Road Cos Cob, CT 203-536-7235 thelocalvault.com @thelocalvault - Instagram
35
Lifestyle
TM
Summering In Greenwich By Marc Greenawalt
B
eing in the right place at the right time can be an art, especially considering how little free time we manage to salvage from the hustle-and-bustle of our daily lives. We must choose how to live—and where to live. Our location determines our experiences and opportunities. With all that Greenwich has to offer this summer, you will be glad to say that you were there.
36
Bruce Museum
Lifestyle
1 Museum Dr, Greenwich, CT 06830
“George Wharton Edwards (American, 1859 – 1950), The Bridge at Ronda, Pyrenees, n.d. Oil on canvas. 29 x 30 in., Purchased with the George Norris Morgan Fund, Bruce Museum Collection 16365”
The Bruce Museum, a Greenwich institution dedicated to art and science, has two new exhibits opening this summer. The
first is Nikon’s Small World (open from July 29 until October 20), which displays over 20 pieces of award-winning photography from Nikon’s Photomicrography Competition. Produced using Nikon’s light microscope, the photographs provide intimate, unique portraits of the world. The second is George Wharton Edwards (1859 - 1950): Illustrator, Painter, Writer (open from August 5 until November 25), a retrospective of the American impressionist known for his portrayals of American scenes. These exhibits, in addition to the museum’s permanent galleries, provide the best that Greenwich has to offer in visual arts.
37
Lifestyle
Front foot (tarsus) of a male diving beetle by Igor Siwanowicz. Bruce Museum
38
Lifestyle
Greenwich Polo Club
1 Hurlingham Dr, Greenwich, CT 06831 Located in the idyllic backcountry, the Greenwich Polo Club hosts matches on Sundays throughout the summer and into the fall. These matches are open to the public and offer a variety of ways to enjoy Sunday afternoons. For serious spectators, the shaded stands and viewing areas provide unobstructed views of the expansive field and the awesome creatures that traverse it. However, the grounds offer a good time even for those not invested in the sport. An array of high-end food trucks make available a variety of quality cuisines. Field-side seating gives the family an opportunity to socialize and picnic. Sports have always been attractive because they bring people together, and nowhere is that clearer than halftime at a polo match, when the spectators walk onto the field and kick over the dirt clods dug up from the players’ mallets.
CALENDAR Silver Cup – July 9 Final Silver Cup – July 16 Opening: East Coast Open – August 27 East Coast Open – September 3 Season Finale & East Coast Open Final – September 10
39
Lifestyle
Greenwich Historical Society 39 Strickland Rd, Cos Cob, CT 06807
Jim & Jane Henson. Photo by Juliet Newman http://www.greenwichhistory.org/current Currently on exhibit at the Greenwich Historical Society until October 8, Jim and Jane Henson: Creative Work, Creative Play chronicles the famous muppeteer’s years in Greenwich from 1964-71. The Hensons are famous for their work in television and film, most notably for creating The Muppet Show and Sesame Street. The couple’s busy years in Greenwich saw the premiere of Sesame Street, a television juggernaut that aimed to utilize the medium for educational purposes. The exhibit elaborates on this impulse, tracing its origins to the Hensons’ newfound parenthood and finding its expression in the Hensons’ support in founding the Mead School. The exhibit includes a 1963 Kermit the Frog puppet, original drawings by Jim Henson, experimental films culled from Jim’s early work, paintings and sculptures by Jane, as well as behind-the-scenes photographs.
40
Lifestyle
Beaches & Parks
Tod’s Point: 7 Tod’s Driftway, Old Greenwich, CT 06870 Mianus River Park: Merribrook Lane, Stamford, CT
Some of the best attractions in Greenwich cannot be found anywhere else. Of course, beaches and parks are not exclusive to Greenwich, but part of the art of being there is recognizing what is special about your location and discovering the unique texture of the landscape beneath superficial similarity. Tod’s Point Beach and Mianus River Park constitute two of the finest places to discover Greenwich. Tod’s Point Beach, frequently named the best beach in Fairfield County by locals, offers a variety of activities ranging from your usual waterside walks to sailboarding, boating and fishing. Mianus River Park contains almost 400 acres of forest to explore. Hiking trails run through the park, offering visitors an opportunity to reconnect with nature, appreciating the varied flora and fauna native to the area. Sometimes “being there” means getting away from it all.
41
Lifestyle
the ART of … Conservation
By Jaclyn Mulé & Marc Greenawalt
42
Lifestyle
T
he Greenwich Riding and Trails Association: where nature enthusiasts and horse lovers contribute to the common good. The GRTA preserves, protects and promotes open space, historic trails and the tradition of horseback riding for future generations through the protection of open space and historical trails. An independent, self-supporting organization, the Greenwich Trails Association was founded in 1914 by a group of seven Greenwich landowners. They worked with developers and the Town of Greenwich to ensure that the historical trails in their hometown would continue to thrive. First impressed by local Native Americans and later used by early settlers, the trails echoed of a bygone era. The group also furthered the town’s horseback riding legacy by creating new trails, leaving their own imprint on Greenwich’s history.
43
Lifestyle
Over time, the GRTA has grown even more central to the town’s upkeep. The historical trail web links the mosaic of green spaces that characterize Greenwich, interweaving trails across private properties, town roads, open spaces, and public parks. The GRTA also maintains the Nichols Nature Preserve, a 94-acre plot of land donated by Herbert Nichols, Jr. The GRTA upholds Nichols’s wish to keep the land open to the public, a place where visitors might walk, horseback ride, fish, jog, birdwatch, cross-country ski, or picnic. As part of the Association’s push to brand itself as conservation-minded, the GRTA will hold its inaugural Silver Horse Ball at the Round Hill Club on November 4. The Ball seeks to raise money to help to upkeep the trails and land maintained by the Association. Guests can expect dancing, dinner, a silent auction, and live music courtesy of the band ETA Music. The Silver Horse Ball will supplant the Hunt Ball, which the Association held annually for over a century before discontinuing the event. Behind this change lies a renewed commitment to protecting wildlife, distancing the Association from their organized hunts that took place before the construction of the Merritt Parkway divided up the grounds.
44
Lifestyle
Though the GRTA holds several events throughout the year, including the Greenwich Horse Show and the Day in the Country Horse Show, the Silver Horse Ball aims to attract guests who do not consider themselves horse lovers yet share the GRTA’s fondness for nature. Though horses have long been at the center of the GRTA’s purpose and appeal, many new members are not riders; rather, they joined out of a deep love of nature and desire to participate in efforts to protect it. With the Silver Horse Ball, the GRTA hopes to encourage others to practice the art of preserving natural spaces, tradition, and history.
45
Fashion
A
By: Brian Vieria
s summer descends upon us, many men contemplate what to wear. With limited options for scorching days, balancing both comfort and style can be a challenge. One thing is for certain, however, and this goes for both men and women: patterns, pastels and light denim are the style staples for this summer. Fabrics such as cotton and linen ensure that the wearer embodies an effortless beach-tocity style while remaining cool under the summer sun. The hard part is adjusting your personal style for the season. Whether you’re bound for the office or preparing for a weekend adventure, you should always make comfort the first priority. Don’t fall into the trap of repeatedly slipping on the same jeans and t-shirt combination or cotton suit throughout the summer; the goal is to take fashion a step further. The effort will always pay off, especially when you’re headed somewhere special. The following tips will help keep you cool and stylish.
46
Stepping Up Your Summer Style
Fashion First of all, patterns—whether they are a light stich detail or a dramatic solid contrast—are central to fashion this summer. Although many shy away from vibrant designs, patterns are the point where bold meets beautiful. Adding a neutral yet bold pattern to a simple short sleeve button-down immediately transforms the ensemble from basic to stylish. Want to take the outfit a step further? Pair the shirt with a contrasting denim or chino, cuffing the bottoms just above the ankle. The patterns and solids complement each other and provide day-to-night versatility. The essential component is balance: minimize the patterns to one per outfit. You should always level out a patterned bottom or top with a neutral solid. Now, for shoe pairing, the options are more limited, so you want to finish the ensemble with a neutral shoe in order to avoid resembling a color swatch.
Clothing by Robert Graham. To see more visit robertgraham.com.
47
Fashion
Secondly, pastels have skyrocketed in popularity. Although already a familiar concept, “pastel” has become a keyword this season and can work with any article of clothing. Pairing a loose-fitting pastel t-shirt with your favorite pair of slim-cut jeans instantly creates a trendy look that’s just noticeable enough to garner the perfect amount of attention. Pastels also allow you to truly “let loose” with your shoe style—you can pull out your well-worn beaters for a casual look, or instead select comfortable dress shoes for a weekend in the Hamptons. Whichever look you choose, a minimalist aesthetic will always lead you in the right direction. Basic tees in this season’s “hot” colors--pastel blue and blush--should be closet essentials.
48
Fashion
You can probably partake in this next styling debate: shorts versus pants. When looking to stay cool, the obvious answer is shorts. What about those days, however, when you need to take your style to the next level? A date, dinner party, or boozy summer event can call for pants instead of shorts, even on hot nights. A piece of advice: use comfort to steer the search for the perfect pair of summer pants. Put away your raw denim and sturdy jeans—you need pants that provide elasticity and leeway for your body to breathe. For denim and chino, opt for a slimmer fit, due to their stretchy quality, but keep in mind that straight leg or ultra-slim is not ideal for summer weather. Finally, cuffed pants take your outfit a step further, keeping you both comfortable and stylish. The cuffing of pants has truly grown into an art these days, with an array of unique variations. The simplest way to accomplish a casual cuff is to fold the pant hem the width of two fingers twice over, or just above the ankle. This refines the fit, creating a clean and polished finish while allowing the cool air to hit your legs. With patterns, pastels, and pant cuffs, you are sure to be both comfortable and stylish this summer. Following these simple tips will launch you ahead of the game. Check out these looks for inspiration and more!
49
Home
Bespoke Design Interior designer Cyrilla Yanez has mastered the art of bespoke interior design, expertly tailoring the space to her client’s taste. Originally from Southern California, Cyrilla has lived in Greenwich, Connecticut, as well as Manhattan and Southampton, New York. These different atmospheres have contributed to her bold, unique sense of style, which helps to shape her vision of interior design. Centered upon the pursuit of quality, Cyrilla’s design philosophy allows her to perfectly express color and sophistication in a space. Cyrilla spoke with me about her personal inspirations, the balance between modern and traditional, and the unique skills that have helped her to achieve success in the design world. Photo Credit: Lisa Houlgrave
50
Home
Photo Credit: Lisa Houlgrave
TAO: What made you choose the career of interior design? For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in design. Interior design gives us the ability to examine both our environment and ourselves. I’m fascinated by how design can change a person’s behavior and how they inhabit a space. TAO: What was your first project, and how has it impacted you? My first project was with my then-current boyfriend. He had a family compound in Watermill, Long Island that was covered with little cottages, many of which needed work. I opened a small company, hired the subcontractors, and took the project under my wing. It turned out to be wonderful. I enjoyed doing it, and it was an easy project, but was also hard, since it was a huge undertaking in a very short time. The gorgeous result really led me to the career of interior design. TAO: What do you consider the greatest challenge of the bespoke design process? Everything is a challenge. Sometimes the couple that I’m working with doesn’t agree on their artistic vision, which can create a problem. Sometimes people keep changing their minds. We can always accommodate them, but it definitely lengthens the prep process. It’s also tricky when the vendors don’t come through on time, since it upsets the clients. Although this can be difficult to deal with, it’s largely out of our control, and the vast majority of my clients understand that.
TAO: How do your methods vary between traditional and modern designs? For me, the method is the same, and I enjoy working with both. The process begins with prepping: getting everything into place, drawings, etc. Next comes the presentation. Once the client approves it, we initiate production. The process changes if the client is looking for something very specific and special—we have to find it, and then curate the space very specifically. TAO: What is your personal style? The roots of my style lie in clean architectural lines, striking proportions, and layered materials. I love working with color and have an obsession with pastels. TAO: How do you utilize the bespoke design process to bring elegance and sophistication to a space? I like to create an interior that tells a story in relation to its four walls. I look at what the client envisions the space; understand the client’s aesthetic story; and then figure out what works best for the space. Sometimes the space needs more color, whereas other times it calls for serenity. The lighting plays a major role in these decisions. TAO: How do you initiate the bespoke design process? A successful bespoke design process is centered upon faultless detailing and intelligent design, both of which take time and imagination. It’s truly a creative journey.
51
Home
Photo Credit: Lisa Houlgrave
TAO: How have your personal experiences shaped your artistic vision and design process? I get inspiration from an endless amount of sources, including nature, traveling, artisans, art, film, and fashion. For example, when I was in Paris, I took photographs of French provincial furniture, which made me fall back in love it with it. I then harnessed that in my designs. I find that in the New York area, designs are curated very coastally. I like making things a big more unexpected. Anywhere you go, if you have an imagination and your eyes are open, you will see something that inspires you. In nature, colors and textures inspire me,
52
especially those surrounding the space. If I am designing a house in the Hamptons, which is surrounded by calm, serene colors, I will use those in the space. TAO: What parts of the bespoke design process give you the greatest satisfaction? The creative process and witnessing the final installation come to life. There is great satisfaction in finding beautiful pieces that your clients will love. It’s especially nice finding something unexpected. The furniture, texture, and artwork come together in a lovely layered design, which is always very exciting.
Home
Photo Credit: Lisa Houlgrave
Photo Credit: Lisa Houlgrave Photo Credit: Lisa Houlgrave
53
Home
54
Home
Photo Credit: Lisa Houlgrave
TAO: What skills do you have that distinguish you from other interior designers? My experience in film production made me really good at prepping and production. My organization skills and diligence come in handy in the design process. Whether that means having to pull permits at the last minute, or just organizing the project, these skills help me drive the process forward. These are the technical components of the process, but the more organized I am, the more time I have to be creative and focus on the outcome.
55
Home
the ART of … TM
Tradition: Anthony Lawrence-Belfair
T
By Marc Greenawalt
he most important word for Anthony Lawrence – Belfair is tradition. Founded in the mid-1970s, ALB is what is known in the interior design world as a full-service workroom. The company upholsters and designs custom furniture, in addition to making draperies. The quality of ALB’s work has garnered them attention in every national shelter magazine, with regular inclusions
in publications such as Architectural Digest and Elle Decor. Their clients include some of the biggest names in the business, such as Mark Hampton, LLC; David Kleinberg; Cullman & Kravis, Inc.; and Juan Montoya. To what should we attribute the rapid and massive growth of ALB? Tradition.
The company’s commitment to tradition lies in its history. In 1976, Joseph Calagna and his son Anthony opened a small workshop
in Greenwich, Connecticut. The name of the workshop was, fittingly, Joseph Calagna & Sons. “When my father started to get more involved, he changed the name to Anthony Lawrence. He thought it sounded like a better name for a business,” Joe Calagna, son of founder Anthony Calagna, said. Joe Calagna, current president of ALB, began helping around the shop at the age of eight. “We didn’t have a baby sitter so I was always there,” Joe said. His young apprenticeship consisted mostly of stripping furniture and sweeping the shop after school. However, Joe’s ambitions would grow with his talent. During his early years in the workshop, Calagna observed and absorbed the technical skills required to create top-of-the-line furniture. Calagna spent the next decade applying and perfecting these skills, becoming a master-craftsman and carrying on the distinctive Lawrence touch. “At 17, I knew that working for the family business was what I wanted to do,” Joe said.
56
Home
57
Home
The next few decades saw the company’s meteoric rise from a quality workroom to an internationally-renowned custom design and manufacturing house. The company expanded their client base, taking orders from neighbors as well as world-class designers. ALB soon outgrew its Greenwich workshop and in the late 1990s relocated to West 23rd Street in Manhattan. Word spread of the company’s keen attention to detail and sterling quality, earning ALB its reputation as one of the premier bespoke workrooms in the design industry. During this period, Anthony Lawrence acquired the custom drapery company Belfair Drapery and became Anthony Lawrence – Belfair. Siblings Joe Calagna and Lana Lawrence took over the family business as the company swelled to over seventy employees. Despite the company’s growth, the family feel remained intact. “Even though we’re big now, we still act like that small business. We’re very close with our employees and they’re like extended family,” Joe said.
58
Home The last few years have brought big changes to ALB. In 2013, then-Vice President Lana Lawrence passed away, leaving her brother Joe Calagna to carry on the family business. The following year, the company again outgrew its quarters and moved to their current location on 47th Avenue in Long Island City, Queens. At 60,000 sq. ft., the new facility spans an entire block and offers over 15,000 more sq. ft. than their previous location in Manhattan. The new space affords the use of state-of-the-art equipment such as a computerized CNC router that allows for near-perfect replications of pieces while minimizing lead-time. ALB came full circle in late 2015 when the company opened its first luxury design store in Greenwich. Joe Calagna’s wife Amy and daughter Jackie select the store’s inventory, which includes custom upholstery pieces, limited editions, case goods, custom cabinetry, antiques, mirrors, and accessories. But for all that has changed, ALB has not lost sight of the tradition that sets the company apart. “We’re always looking to grow in different directions and still maintain who we are,” Joe said of the company’s development. This tension between innovation and tradition has played a large role in ALB’s approach to its work. “You can be innovative and still hold true to traditional quality. Even though we may bring on new models or change models around to keep ahead of the curve, the quality and the craftsmanship that constitute the tradition of the company remain,” Joe said, though striking this balance is not easy. “I guess it’s a little intuitive,” Joe said of walking the line between new and old. “When you’re creating furniture, you still want things to be done a certain way. You want things to look good but still be comfortable. A lot of furniture may look chic and new but it’s not comfortable. We try to figure out how we can balance that.” The story of Anthony Lawrence – Belfair is a story of roots. The company is rooted in family, each generation picking up where the last left off, growing upward but never away. Even after moving to New York City, the company’s Greenwich roots remain strong. Joe Calagna, like his father and grandfather before him, lives in Greenwich with his family. The art
of tradition involves passing down that which deserves to be preserved while remaining wise enough to recognize when to change—sticking to your roots while continuing to grow. But you do not need to tell this to Joe Calagna. He already knows.
“Everything is so disposable,” Joe said about the current consumer climate. “We’re not disposable.”
59
Home
the ART of … TM
Interior Design Photography By Sophie Kossakowski
A
All photos courtesy Alan Barry lan Barry is the photography world’s jack-of-all-trades. His work has been featured in numerous publications, including Harper’s Bazaar, HGTV, and the New York Times. Barry applies his talent beyond his primary sphere of architecture and interior design, photographing clients from Baccarat to Fendi and from Kim Kardashian to Alec Baldwin. His unique ver-
satility distinguishes him from other photographers. The ART of Magazine discussed with Barry his photographic work, as well as his upcoming projects.
60
Home
TAO: What inspired your interest in interior design photography? I was shooting other genres, particularly high-end clubs and events, where I also photographed interiors. I soon found that I really enjoyed it.
TAO: How does your background experience in law, fashion, and music influence your photography? I’m a licensed attorney, and the principal of a Connecticut law firm, which gives me an understanding in copyright. In regards to fashion—my mother was involved with high-end women’s retail. I spent much of my youth accompanying her to fashion markets. It has helped me understand style, composition, etc. I also have a background in architecture and design, since my father was a developer. Both of these have influenced me.
61
Home TAO: In your editorial career, do you freelance for a lot of different publications? I’m the ultimate freelance artist. I’ve worked for a lot of different places. I’m currently working on something with a major international publisher that will take me to another level, and I’m very happy with my accomplishments. The relationships that I have [within the industry] are the most important elements to me, because many of my clients are also my good friends. They add to the joy of my job.
TAO: You’ve photographed for many different publications—how do you find and choose your projects? Several times, publications have contacted me with opportunities I wouldn’t turn down. Fortunately, with my specialization in highend interior design, I’m always interested in my projects. I work with incredibly creative people. When people compliment my photography, I thank them, but tell them to look at the subject. Some brilliant designer or designers created this interior space; I just push the button. The real genius is in what I capture, not the fact that I capture it.
62
Home TAO: What difficulties do you face when photographing interior design? Every space presents its own problems, but the mark of a good photographer is the ability to analyze a space and recognize how to best present it. To me, the most important part is finding the light. How can I find the light that will best honor these designs in the eyes of the viewer? TAO: How do you adapt your photography to the different spaces that you photograph? On occasion, I preview the location so that I’m familiar with the “good” and the “bad”—“bad” meaning challenges. I work very carefully with the clients to ensure that we have a shared vision—anything with clients is a collaborative effort. Input from other people is important.
63
Home
TAO: You’ve also done work with celebrities and portraits. What unique difficulties do you do when photographing people, as opposed to still subjects? Every interior is different, just like every person. It’s not just snapping the picture; I want the essence of the person—their character, their personality. The more time I have during a photo shoot, the better the results. I photographed Diddy [Sean “P. Diddy” Combs], and the security person came over to me and went “we’re going over there, two minutes, let’s go.” I’ve had that happen several times.
64
Home TAO: What about photographing for advertisements or companies? We have a shot list. Once we have the required shots out of the way, we get to have more fun. All my product photography is generally in conjunction with interior design. For example, I’m about to shoot the Hamptons Designer Show House for the second time. I will photograph dozens of specific products within the environment of each designer for the magazine Traditional Home. These images are not created in a staged studio environment; I will be capturing products in the real world. However, it’s still related to interior design.
TAO: Can you tell us about the Hamptons Designer Show House? It’s very exciting. I have a lot of experience with show houses; they’re some of the most physically and mentally challenging projects I’ve done.
TAO: Why is it so challenging? Well, I walk into a house with 36 rooms and have 10 hours to create beautiful photographs of each, then deliver selected images to the press the next morning. I shoot with a lot of equipment, so physically setting up each shot is wildly complicated. But I get to photograph the best of the best. These are top interior designers, and the designers are free to create within the house. They don’t have a client to please. These are their purest ideas of design, and it’s always incredible to me; they capture the epitome of American interior design.
65
Home
the ART of ‌ TM
Lace
Model: Jessica Rose Ferretti (Left)
66
Model: Olga Reyes (Right)
Photo Credit: Luisa Fernanda Hincapie
Home
B
oth “in” and intimate, lace garments are sweeping in popularity. The distressed and ripped garments that line sales’ racks are both daring and transparent. Sheer materials, which brands such as Alice and Olivia and Zara
suggest wearing off-the-shoulder, are in demand both on and off the runway. To show a bit of skin and steal the room, try a button-up Balensi—the luxury French brand has a new button-up blouse and trouser available in sizes 2-12 at the local supplier of Shari’s Place.
67
Home
68
Photo Credit: Luisa Fernanda Hincapie
Home
The beauty and fragility of lace has ensured its popularity throughout time. Until the late fifteenth century, when the use of machines transformed the method of design, lace was made only by hand. Queens requested that lacemakers interweave the lace with gold and silver in order to rarify their garments. Nowadays, lace continues to retain its elegant quality, though perhaps in less obvious ways. In this photo shoot, we sought to create exposure effects in order to capture the exquisiteness of lace. The light color and delicate quality of the fabric required a textured white wall, claustrophobic setting, and flickering fluorescent lights. Each photo was taken no more than five feet from the subject, and highlights the lace on the model’s skin. The high saturation, power stances, and clear eyes embody the feel of these exquisite fits. Mel Castro of Gruber’s Cleaners & Tailors offers some advice on how to preserve lace.
Lace Care Tips 1. The less you touch lace, the longer it will last. 2. Use approximate treatment and a dropper to remove spot stains. 3. Before you treat a lace garment or wash it in a machine, pin it to a net bag in order to maintain the garment’s shape and pattern. 4. Only a trusted tailor should make repairs and customizations by hand.
69
Home
the ART of … TM
Answering the "Eight Hours" Question
Photo Credit: Hästens
A
t Hästens, we believe that the quality of sleep is more important than the quantity. With that in mind, we decided to explore the thinking behind the mythical idea of eight hours of sleep by speaking to one of Sweden’s leading sleep researchers, Torbjörn Åkerstedt. We sought to discover whether the idea is hyperbole or truth. Åkerstedt confirmed that the sleep cycle should begin with a “routine” that prepares you for a deep, thorough sleep. The start of our sleep is like going to the gym,” he explains. “The first sleep stage is one in which your body and mind will shake off the day.” During the initial stage of sleep, it is possible to be woken up without too much effort—by jarring thoughts, noises, temperature changes, stress . . . But, assuming that your mind and body are in the right place, you should enter the second stage of sleep somewhere between 5-10 minutes after your head sinks into the pillow.
70
Home “Stage two is where you start to get some benefits from sleep,” said Åkerstedt. “We’re normally in this stage for anywhere up to 50% of our sleep time.”
The sleep is still not deep; it is more like a “startup sleep.” There are definitely benefits, however, so those cat-naps are worth it. The third stage begins shortly after, as your brain waves slow down and your muscles relax. Now you’re into the good stuff: the proper restorative sleep.
“Stage three is where our minds throw away all the unwanted memories and skills,” said Åkerstedt.
After a while, you begin the famous REM sleep—the phase in which we dream. According to Åkerstedt, your brain goes into overdrive and moves some the thoughts worth keeping to a long-term storage facility. He notes that the only dreams we remember are those from which we are awoken. For example, the ones we are having when our alarm clocks go off in the morning. That is one cycle, and we run through anywhere from 3-5 a night, each one lasting from 90-110 minutes. The great thing for those worried about lacking their eight hours is that the body knows to prioritize the first few cycles, maximizing within them the fantastic effects of sleep. Which means that . . . yes, eight hours is utterly wrong. Although we do need a significant amount of sleep, the amount changes based on the individual, as well as on a number of variables; age, activity, mental exhaustion, etc.
71
Home
the ART of … TM
A Speaking Space By Madelynn Schulte
The right place, the right time, and sheer talent paved the way for the Los Angeles-based FORM Design Studio. Interior designers Joshua Rose and Rafael Kalichstein describe the success of their business as “extraordinarily gratifying” and a “happy accident.” Before FORM Design Studio, Joshua worked in the entertainment business and Rafael practiced eastern healing. So how did they become involved in interior design? When the couple renovated their home together in 2006, their realtor recognized their budding potential. “Neither of us had formal training in design,” explained Joshua, “but within a couple of weeks we had our first design client.” After several referrals, the “happy accident” started to unfold, and FORM Design Studio began to grow. Joshua and Rafael learned their trade through hands-on work. Currently, they are designing a mid-century home in Miami, a rustic-meets-contemporary home in Texas, and a mid-century contemporary home in Beverly Hills. “Because of the architectural leaning of our projects, I’d say that we are trying to find ways to make ‘mid-century’ feel either new and fresh or authentic to its actual origin,” Joshua said. Although Joshua and Rafael divide and conquer in order to balance multiple projects in different regions, they coordinate on almost every decision. They find that the creativity enabled by working outside of LA more than compensates for the travel time. “Outside of LA, you have more creative freedom,” explained Joshua, “and it’s really nice to explore that, so it’s worth the traveling and loss of personal time.” The scenery may change, but the foundation of the design process stays the same. Joshua and Rafael have developed a process that adapts to their
project’s surroundings, whether the home is in New England or Hollywood Hills. “The process has a foundation in casting and an un-bridal artistry,” said Rafael. “We open the parameters as much as possible and then refine them until we get to the core elements of what we’re looking for; the project takes us where we need to be.” Joshua and Rafael continuously shift their materials and products when designing a home, “We really create a unique space for the client,” Rafael said. “We don’t have a standard faucet, fabric, or finish that we use; it’s about the right mix of things that come together.” Joshua and Rafael’s product line constitutes another component of their work, providing them with the opportunity to further
72
Home
nurture their artistic temperaments. “We create the original art, which is then produced by hand,” Joshua said. “The art is produced by a company in Southern California.” They also have a stationary collection with Dempsey & Carroll in New York. As Carlo Mollino once said, “Everything is permissible as long as it is fantastic.” This motto sets the base for FORM Design Studio. “We are so lucky to be doing what we’re doing,” said Joshua.
TAO: What do you do when you and a client have TAO: How do you work together? Does one of you different visions on how you want to decorate deal more with clients and the other with behind their home? the scenes work? Joshua: We start by listening. We believe that spaces speak, and Joshua: We pretty much partner up on everything. Because of the we as the designers must listen to the space. We have to balance number of projects, one of us tends to take the lead per project, voices of the clients with those of the architecture and the space. though we run every creative decision through the office. Rafael We can then guide the client. handles some of the more specific drawing needs, while I handle various aspects of management. But we always share the creative TAO: FORM Design Studio has taken on many component.
projects. Is there one that stands out as particularly challenging? TAO: Where do you draw inspiration from? Rafael: I would say everything is doable and possible, as long as you work from a place of understanding and respect. Projects are most successful when clients have an understanding of what is possible. When you have that, everything works out well.
Joshua: In 2014, we took a trip to Belgium and Italy in order to find pieces. We met incredible artists and craftsman. The old-world contemporary aesthetic we saw shifted our design perspective. Interior designer Axel Vervoordt’s work embodies that design, which inspired us to find our eclectic voice, since we don’t have a set style or aesthetic.
73
Food
the ART of ‌ TM
Cocktail Elevation By Brianna DiPanni
M
ixologist Justin Pasha changes the nature of bartending through his luxury cocktail service, the Cup Bearer. Justin, who knows that personal touch is everything, uses party tricks and the service of top-notch bartenders to create a unique experience for his guests. Born and raised in Fairfield County, Justin began bussing and washing tables at fifteen years old. He followed his steady restaurant job by teaching for over a year at the Bartenders Academy in Fairfield. Hospitality professionals that Justin worked with at high-end restaurants around Boston sparked his interest in hospitality. His extensive experience in the service industry further helped him to develop his business. Through the Cup Bearer, Justin forges a social connection between bartenders and the guests, shaping a one-of-a-kind evening for all.
74
Food
Photo Credit: Donaven Doughty
75
Food
Photo Credit: Donaven Doughty
TAO: What did you learn about throwing a successful event from your experience in the service industry and time in school?
The only three things you need for a party—and school can’t teach you this—are booze, music, and the right people. If you lack even one of these, there’s no party. You have to understand your crowd. I cover the drinks aspect to ensure that the party is amazing.
TAO: What led you to become a full-on mixologist and start your own business?
Bartending always struck me as a glamorous and interactive profession. I loved the powerful, communicative characteristics of the job, and had the ability to connect with guests. Mixology was also exciting because it returned me to traditional ingredients and cocktail preparation. I put in a drop of theater and other techniques to bring the show to life. I didn’t have the money to open a restaurant or bar, but believed that I could bring a better, independent mobile service straight to homes. Through that belief, the Cup Bearer was born.
TAO: What is it about your service that makes an event memorable?
The excellent bartenders for the Cup Bearer give a unique touch to every event. Anyone can make delicious drinks; it’s everything else— communicating with simple nods, eye contact, etc.—that makes us special. We create a guest experience where the bartender helps the guests connect with each other. A truly great bartender brings that harmony to the atmosphere of a bar. That’s what I’m most proud of.
76
Food
Photo Credit: Donaven Doughty
TAO: How do your bartenders incorporate theatrical elements? We have a system of “flare points.” For example, spritzing refreshing, floral rosewater into the cocktail at the end is a “flare point.” When we use a clear, square cup, I put a perfect cube of ice in it before serving the drink—an interactive “flare point.” We break out tricks based on the event and when the most guests are at the bar. It’s almost a ballet; very coordinated and really fun. Anyone with a shaker and Google can create a cocktail; the real trick is creating the theatrical experience.
TAO: What inspired the company name of “The Cup Bearer?” My family is Persian, and according to my father’s knowledge of Persian history, only the cupbearer could carry the king’s cup. My clients are from Fairfield County and if there are kings and queens in America, they’re here. We are who we serve, so I thought, let’s be the Cup Bearer.
77
Food
Photo Credit: Donaven Doughty
TAO: How many times do you meet with clients before an event and what takes place during these meetings? We generally meet with clients 1-2 weeks before an event. The first meeting is at their house. We discuss their favorite cocktails, their vision for the event, the kind of guests, and, most importantly, the location for the bar. After assessing the layout, we pick a focal point so the bar can shine. At the second meeting, we conduct a tasting based off of our previous discussion. The hosts pick two to three cocktails for the cocktail menu. This way, they feel more confident recommending cocktails to guests because they’ve already tried and tweaked them.
78
Food
Photo Credit: Donaven Doughty
Photo Credit: Donaven Doughty
What do you want people to know about your company as a final takeaway?
The bars that we bring with us are completely handmade—contemporary, classic, versatile, and in various shapes, such as modular and horseshoe with lights that change shades. We also bring things like Waterford crystal decanters and solid copper equipment. We therefore physically transform the space for a unique experience.
Where do you think the future of bartending is headed?
I think that soon, every bar will focus on the cocktails. There will be more portable bar services like mine, just not at the same level. You’ll get a good cocktail at any party because the standard will be higher. In Buenos Aires, there are some huge luxury cocktail event services. Since it’s already a proven industry abroad, you’ll definitely start seeing more close to home.
79
Food
the ART of … TM
Culinary Success By Jaclyn Mulé
B
orn amidst the rolling green fields of the Czech Republic, master chef Brian Pancir spent his youth on a farm, which gave him a deep, lasting dedication to fresh food. Brian’s busy parents left his care largely to grandparents, farmers from Prague who fostered Brian’s love of cooking. The culinary arts fascinated Brian from his childhood. His grandparents often gave him recipes to follow, and early experiences with baking desserts such as baklava initiated his love of cooking and baking. Watching his grandparents cook also gave Brian a unique foundation in the preparation of meats, which his grandparents often roasted in the traditional Czech way. Moreover, Brian’s unique, culinary-centered upbringing gave him the desire to always know the origins of his ingredients. Brian’s drive carried him from Europe to the United States, where he attended university for business. As he finished college, he simultaneously ran the restaurant Louis XVI and worked for a small capital investment firm, seeking to ground his knowledge in a strong business foundation. Brian’s thorough understanding of markets and trends would later propel his culinary endeavors. Now, after twenty-five years in the food service industry, Brian is chairman of the culinary department at the Star Culinary Institute and is known as “the” New York Yankee chef, cooking for both players and executives of the team. He has catered for events hosted by high-power business and political leaders, including the official head-of-state dinners for leaders of 22 nations. Furthermore, Brian is currently contracted with 23 “A-list” movie celebrities as their private chefs while they film or vacation in the New York tristate area. Throughout the years, Brian’s passion for the evolving culinary industry has only increased. Here, Brian reflects upon his inspiration, experience, and the changing aspects of the industry he loves.
80
Food TAO: From where did your culinary foundation primarily come?
Working with Jean George for five years was an amazing experience that gave me the ultimate base in cooking. It brought my pasion and skills to a whole new level and helped launch me into a powerhouse career, giving me many opportunities. I’m forever in his debt. It also gave me a tremendous foundation in pastries. The French techniques gave me a great start to my current passion—seafood. I learned how to fabricate the species of fish and execute it properly through cooking techniques, including sousvive.
TAO: How has your world traveling inspired your cooking?
My travels have given me a new perspective on different regions and how they cure their animals, fish, and vegetables. They also gave me better insight on cooking in general. Just like any great chef, I learn every day, absorbing the culture and bringing to it my own plating and techniques.
TAO: Which places inspired you the most?
Mediterranean cooking really inspired me, especially the restaurants Milos in Greece and Osteria Francescana in Italy. Mediterranean people utilize every portion of the fish—from the eyes to the internal organs. They don’t waste anything. I never realized you could use those portions of the body. Throughout my times learning with famous chefs from all over the globe, I’ve always been interested in seafood portions. When I lived in Europe, no one sought to capitalize on seafood and bring it to different levels, so I made it my mission to do so.
81
Food
82
Food TAO: What is your cooking motto? Simplicity. I learned it from my time in the Mediterranean. Don’t hide the food—the consumer should taste what they’re really eating and know exactly what’s in the food.
TAO: How does cooking for your “A-list” clientele differ from cooking for your usual clients? They’re world traveled, so I have to know how to execute something on the spot. This is where my extensive traveling comes in handy. The A-listers will give me an hour notice, and ask for something specific, such as Korean food. I have to know the origins, regions, food culture, how that place cooks and eats . . . my world travels have given me this ability. I’m always teaching myself, pushing myself toward ongoing learning.
TAO: Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming cookbook? It’s inspired by the outdoors. I was really inspired when I traveled to parts of Alaska and Canada, where the natives of those regions live off of the land. They teach themselves how to cook animals and species, using different products and tools that they garner from the environment and wilderness. All the recipes in my cookbook are centralized upon that, and upon using products within your region— the 50- or 100-mile radius, capitalizing on homegrown products and supporting local farms. My book is all about embracing that and making the products farm-to-table.
TAO: What’s a major challenge that you face in cooking? When I’m running a restaurant, and hiring and training staff, I have to bring on a lot of culinary students who don’t have the same old-school mentality as persisted during my own training. They believe they’re chefs when they first step out of school. It’s really hard, especially in New York, which has so many great culinary schools. It’s all about taking their egos and putting them in perspective, as well as trying to train them properly. It’s like reverse training—hand-on training, one-on-one, showing them the ins-and-outs.
TAO: How do you think that the culinary industry has changed over the past few decades? Nowadays, with social media, a lot of younger chefs in their twenties or early thirties embrace reality cooking TV shows, thinking it will bring them to a new, modern level. But this industry is all about respect, and everyone knows everyone. Your name carries you. A lot of classical chefs and three- and four-star restaurants look down on reality TV chefs. It can be really bad publicity. In my opinion? Reality TV can get you places in this industry—but are those places really where you want to go?
TAO: What are your signature ingredients? White truffle and black garlic.
TAO: What are your keys for success in building a restaurant? You have to create a great crew from people who are eager and willing to do everything over and above. They have to really want to succeed in the industry. When I build a kitchen, I make it my own.
TAO: What sets you apart from other chefs? My unique background. I work from 5-star restaurants to stadiums. It’s given me the opportunity to work with a lot of different cultures, people, and social upbringings. It’s made me more of a rounded, down-to-earth chef. I’m respected on all levels, whether I’m giving someone a silver spoon or teaching someone off the streets of Harlem, who would do anything to succeed in the industry.
83
Food
TAO: Where do you see the New York culinary industry headed? A lot more lounges coming out with trendy tapas food. People want to sample different dishes, and see more creativity in what they eat. Everyone watches reality shows and thinks they’re chefs, so new chefs have to be on their A-game to compete. A lot of chefs are finally exploring wild game, which is one of my specialties. Home cooking and Nordic restaurants are fading, though. They don’t survive in this cutthroat industry. Standard American and Southern cooking were a huge market that’s been oversaturated, and only the big corporations are surviving. People have become too food-educated and think it’s too simple for them. Brian Pancir’s deep foundation in business and global cooking, as well as his understanding of the constantly shifting food industry, sets him apart from other chefs. He and his restaurant Thalia have made a name for themselves in New York City. Throughout twists and turns, including changing continents and experiencing divorce, Brian has always been grounded by his love of cooking. He used his talents to drive his adjustment to the “New York mentality” of fast-paced hard work.
“Without cooking, I would be lost,” said Brian. “Nothing has stopped me from my work.”
84
Food
Recipe: Rack of Lamb
INGREDIENTS •1 pound lamb chops (Colorado or New Zealand) •2 Tbsp minced fresh rosemary •4 Tbsp minced fresh mint •3 Tbsp minced fresh cilantro •2 teaspoons sea salt •1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper •1 black garlic clove, minced •6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil •¼ cup pistachio cream spread (Filicori Zecchini) •1 oz shaved sweet pistachio white chocolate (Filicori Zecchini) •1 oz delicate whole beans (ground for lamb chop crust) •Cranberry compote •Shaved roasted heirloom beets •Blood orange wedges •Micro cilantro
DIRECTIONS Trim off any excess fat from the lamb chops and set aside for the marinade. In a mixing bowl, add together the rosemary, mint, cilantro, sea salt, ground pepper, black garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and 1/8 cup pistachio paste. Spread this marinade over the meat part of the lamb chops and set aside in a refrigerator for 1 hour, covered. In a cast iron pan over medium high heat with a coating of a paper towel with olive oil, cook the lamb chop for 5 to 10 minutes on each side (until the meat is cooked to the desired doneness). Sprinkle some of the ground coffee beans and a pinch of sea salt on the face of the lamb chop and set it aside from the heat.
PLATING First, using a large soup spoon and the rest of the pistachio paste (1/8 cup), move in a circler motion beginning at the center of the plate until the plate is glazed from the center to the outer parts. Next, add the cranberry compote and shaved beets to the center of the plate and blood oranges to the middle filling. Take the finished lamb chop and lay it cross-hatched across the middle filling on the plate. Finish the plate with micro cilantro and pistachio shavings, with white chocolate with a micro plane for finishing décor.
CHEF PANCIR
85
Food
the ART of ‌ TM
Italian Chocolate Making By Cynthia Chovet
Imagine truffles, pralines, and candied fruits dipped in the darkest of chocolates. Although France and Belgium are usually the first countries that come up in conversations about fine chocolates, Italy has its own long and storied history of producing these exquisite treats. The history of European chocolate began in the 1500s, when cacao became known to the continent. In 1502, Christopher Columbus encountered cacao beans during his exploration of the Americas at the behest of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. His discovery, however, did not directly lead to the production of chocolate in Europe; rather, it was the Infanta Catherine Michelle of Spain, the wife of Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, who introduced chocolate to the Italian court in the early 1600s. She planted the seeds for a fondness of the delicacy that would only spread and increase throughout the centuries. In 1678, the Royal House of Savoy gave permission for the very first chocolate house to open in Turin. At first, the house served only hot chocolate, but by the 1800s, the entire city had become the Savoyard hub for chocolate production, where Turinese chocolatiers refined their techniques and exported their work to the rest of Europe. In the mid-19th century, chocolatiers such as Pernigotti, Venchi, and Majani established the first Italian chocolate factories, all of which remain in business today. Several varieties of chocolates--including truffles, Gianduia, and Torrone-have made Italian chocolatiers famous. Italian truffles, Gianduia, and Torrone share the vital ingredient of nuts, especially locally grown hazelnuts, almonds, and pistachios. Used in confectionary to make pralines, and in combination with chocolate for truffles, hazelnuts come from the hazel tree. They include any nuts from species of the genus
86
Corylus, especially those of the species Corylus avellana. Native to North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East, the tree species of almond (Prunus dulcis or Prunus amaygdalus) shares a name with its widely-cultivated seeds. The fruit of the
Food
Photo Credit: Boutique Filicori Zechini almond, a drupe, consists of an outer hull and a hard shell that holds the seeds inside. Although the pistachio, a member of the cashew family, is a small tree originating from Central Asia and the Middle East, Sicily is renowned worldwide for the quality of its pistachio groves. Nuts are key ingredients in Italian truffles. Extruded like pasta and rectangular in shape, Italian truffles differ from their French and Belgian counterparts, which are rolled into balllike forms. Truffles from Filicori Zecchini contain the crunchy sweetness of the finest hazelnuts from the Piedmont region of Italy. The dark chocolate truffles are wrapped in intense hints of bitter cocoa powder, while white chocolate truffles are adorned with powdered sugar. Filicori Zecchini offers eight unique varieties of Italian truffles--four dark chocolate and four white chocolate. Flavors include pistachio, macaroon, sweet white, stracciatella (chocolate chip), dark sweet, extra dark sweet, coffee, and Gianduia. Gianduia, the most famous of Italian chocolates, is the perfect balance between ground hazelnuts and cocoa. Found in an array of desserts, including cakes, truffles, gianduiotti (a 2-bite piece of gianduia), and cremino (a gold ingot-shaped bar), gianduia also makes a delicious spread for a croissant or piece of morning toast. When made with the finest hazelnuts and chocolate, the delicacy is a rare treat for the most discerning palates. Torrone, also known as nougat, relies on nuts, sugar and eggs for its flavor. The length of time that the base of sugar is cooked determines whether the texture is soft and chewy or crispy and crunchy. Traditionally, torrone are either cut into individual pieces or long bars to be broken apart and shared. Other versions of torrone are dipped in dark or flavored chocolate for a unique flavor. Photo Credit: Boutique Filicori Zechini
87
Food
Photo Credit: Boutique Filicori Zechini
88
Food
Photo Credit: Boutique Filicori Zechini
Italy enjoys a long and fascinating history of fine chocolate making. We hope that we have provided you with the knowledge to discover the varieties you enjoy the most! To learn more about our fine Italian chocolates or to experience your own personal tasting, please visit our boutique at 24 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT. You may also visit us online at filicorizecchini.com.
Boutique Filicori Zecchini 203.340.9651 retail@filicorizecchini.com filicorizecchini.com
89
Business
the ART of … TM
Creative Thinking By Bryan W. Mattimore
B
ryan Mattimore is Cofounder and Chief Idea Guy at Growth Engine, an 18-year-old innovation agency based in Norwalk, Connecticut. He is most recently the author of 21 Days to a Big Idea: Creating Breakthrough Business Concepts. What are the chances that you devise an innovative new product or business idea before you finish reading this 750-word article? Pretty good, actually. Why am I confident in your creative abilities? Because I know that rediscovering the connection-making ability that we exercise so effortlessly in childhood only requires a little help from a few simple techniques. Not so sure you can do it? Let’s look to some Chicago librarians for inspiration. Every year, the Chicago Public Library closes its doors to the public for a “day of enrichment and skill training” in which all 600 members of the staff participate. After the publication of my second book—Idea Stormers—I got a call from Joan Levey, their
90
Photo Credit: Growth Engine
Project Coordinator. “Our educational theme for this year’s staff enrichment day is creativity and innovation,” Joan said. “We’ve read your book and would like to know if you’d be available to give a 60-minute keynote to our employees.” Teaching librarians about creativity sounded like a fun challenge, so I decided to bring out a few of the magic tricks that I use to train corporate executives to be imaginative and creative problem solvers. I began my presentation, which was held in the atrium of the downtown Chicago’s Harold Washington Library, by asking five volunteers to come onto the stage. “How many of you think that these coworkers can create an invention in the next 30 seconds?” I asked the audience, who responded with guffaws, catcalls, and quizzical looks—but no raised hands.
Business Yet creativity, at its essence, is simple—combine “this thing” with “that thing” to create a “new thing.” Brownie Chips Ahoy. Craftsman Laser-Etched Sockets. Bigelow’s new Benefits line of teas. These are all projects that my innovation agency, Growth Engine, helped create using a simple “combination strategy.” Add a tasty dessert to a cookie, and you get Brownie Chips Ahoy! Combine laseretching with a Craftsman socket, and you get a socket with a size that is easier to read. Incorporate ingredients with proven health benefits (licorice root, passionflower, and Echinacea) into a new line of teas, and Bigelow’s Benefits is born. Could the librarians use a similar “strategy of combination” to invent a new product in 30 seconds? Absolutely. I gave each of the librarians two cards from Bright Ideas, my creativity training game. Card #1 had six nouns printed on it: “light,” “tattoo,” “desk,” “needle,” “balloon,” and “barrette.” Card #2 had three nouns and three adjectives: “puzzle,” “mask,” “buckle,” “liquid-filled,” “motorized,” and “stringy.” The task: combine these words to inspire an invention.
What could a stringy needle be? A motorized barrette? Or a light puzzle? How about a liquid-filled buckle? Or a balloon mask?
With this simple creativity technique, each of the librarians conceptualized their own inventions–some quite good–within the
thirty-second time limit. Essentially, the exercise is a fun way to help people discover their inherent creativity. But what if, like our corporate creativity clients, you want to focus your creativity on areas relevant to your business, or in the case of an aspiring entrepreneur, an area of passion? Let us use a different “strategy of combination” exercise. Inventing your own big idea for a new product or service is a simple three-step process:
Step 1: Step 2:
Identify an area of interest or passion. This interest could be anything from gardening to boating, playing tennis to cooking. Combine your area of passion with one or more of the following ten “trend trigger” terms: “smart,” “quick,” “educational,”
“mobile,” “healthy,” “virtual,” “digital,” “futuristic,” “shared,” “growing.” You might get “smart tennis ball,” “mobile gardening,” “shared boating,” or “virtual cooking.”
Step 3:
Use these combinations to inspire a new idea. A “smart tennis ball,” for instance, might take the form of a tennis ball fitted
with an electronic chip, providing feedback and tracking information for tennis coaches hoping to assess and improve their players’ performances. A “mobile gardening” service could install and maintain selected varieties of flowers on public transportation to help make the daily commute more enjoyable and civil.
Spend a minute or two right now using this simple process to invent a
new product or service that you can feel passionate about.
How did you do? I’m guessing pretty well because, like the Chicago librarians, you are a born creator.
91