This is their beautiful pink house on Lake James.

How’s this for an inspiring view?

Joe and me on the lake rocking a canoe with color maven Kimberlin behind the lens

Joe was born among the cornfields of Illinois where he received his BFA in Champaign. After school Joe headed east to New Haven, CT and Providence, RI (where he met our amazing lady friend Tracy) continuing to work and exhibit. He earned his MFA at VCU in Richmond, Va by 2006. Love landed him near the Blue Ridge Mountains, with his wife Tracy (a textile designer working near the furniture markets …..more on her to come)

Joe and his bride Tracy heading to the dock

Joe’s imaginative work has garnered him numerous awards including assistantships at Pilchuck and Haystack, the Creative Glass Center of America Fellowship and most recently a NC Arts Council Fellowship. Check out the websites of these amazing art schools :

www.haystack-mtn.org; www.pilchuck.com

Joe in the studio doing his thang.

This is our interview , after seeing some of his various collections:

AC: I totally love the collections and the pictures you took. They look like an advertisement from a 60s magazine.

This is the orange dot collection…one of my faves !

JG: Thanks. I really like the way the colors turned out. the photos turned out really nice and I like the arrangement of the pieces.

AC: Because your colors look vintage, I wonder what inspires each collection , as far as a palette.

JG: Living on the lake surrounded by the plants and shoreline, directly influence my choices. Along with the bright colors of available fruits and vegetables in my garden.

AC: Are you more inspired living in the country, in a natural setting ?

Intense colors of the lake at sunset.

JG: MY surroundings definitely influence color choice, but I’m really seduced by the closeness and insomnia of cities.  Cities have infinite color palettes – changing with each block. To me the life and energy of the city inspire me just as much as a natural setting.

AC: I can also guess that living with a textile designer has some influence on your choices , as well.

JG: Of course. Tracy is constantly designing and her keen understanding of color, especially since she is creating for future seasons, is an integral part of my experience and ultimately, my collections.

AC: One of my favorite collections is the “Buttah” collection with beautiful creamy yellows, whites and stripes. In glass blowing, how do you control or manipulate the colors to get them so dreamy?

This is the Buttah collection …love the stripes and candy colors. This makes me think of English toffee or custard.

JG: It’s all about experimenting with colors and process. As the material is blown the original color stretches.A deep chocolate color may become a caramel or tobacco color as it expands. Sometimes layering several colors helps me achieve a great color. Putting a white glass under yellow eases the bite of yellow, allowing the buttery quality to appear.

AC: What makes some pieces have an opaque quality while others are clear -as glass ?

JG: Its transparency is controlled when it’s molten and being blown out. This is when you can manipulate the intensity of color , appearing in its solid, cool finished state.

AC: This seems really evident  in two of your blue collections. One is creamy and opaque while the other is completely transparent. I don’t know which one I love more.

The Peacock collection has creamy whites and creams layered onto deep azure color.

These beautiful vases look like they’re part of the cloudy sky.

During our  interview , Joe takes Kim and me to  his home studio to see more pieces. This is like a candy shop…colorful art in every color.

Not only do I love the shapes of these bulbous vases, but the amoeba shaped color orbs are so lovely – no need for flowers.

Pictured are some ornaments that Joe started making as gifts for his family and friends, all desperate for his work. It’s now become a tradition and here are some past year offerings . Color maven Kim Brown grouped them into his orange serving bowl and in a clear glass vase to show an easy display option. The out of this world clear spiky glass object is just one of our faves…very modern and would look amazing grouped (always in odd numbers, in our opinion) on any surface.

These perfect sized glasses look like thumbprints (blue) and spilled red wine (red). Sets of these glasses are a best seller- you can even request specific colors, as I did for a recent wedding gift.

AC: As I look around the studio I see an amazing group of prints and several sculptures, not of glass. Is glass your favorite medium, as an artist ?

JG: I’ve studied glass for over 10 years, but it can’t fulfill all my artistic desires. So I work in wood, metal for sculpture and also paint.

AC: You’re an absolute renaissance man Joe ! And may I say a very respectable drummer.

Joe’s work is available directly from the artist himself at groejant@yahoo.com.

Be sure to check out our new series of interviews with artists. Many well known and emerging artists will be featured and inspire you .

(A special “Thank You” to Henry de la Paz at Platinum Salon for the best party blow out of my life…I’ll be back.)

Window display and interior scene advertising the NYC launch of Bjorn Borg’s underwear line

Upon arrival we were greeted by a bevy of models sporting the above briefs and by our lovely hostess Katherine. The event was to benefit the UFA Widow’s and Children’s fund, so the male models were aptly picked from the City of the Brave Firefighters of NYC Calendar.

These brave men are actual firefighters in my city. Here’s our beautiful hostess Katherine striking a pose

The man behind the store is Peter Elliot. A suave, gregarious man with a well coifed mustache greeted the entire crowd. He later told us that “color is happy” and has always been ahead of his industry by insisting on color in his stores. He explained that while most men’s stores are filled with the basic grays, blacks, and tans – he has always been an advocate for color. He got his love of color from the Southern gentlemen while growing up in South Carolina. Believe me, this is a very colorful man !

Peter Elliot welcoming us into his men’s store and later showing us his pair of Bjorn Borg’s briefs with our favorite PR ladies. He also has a fabulous women’s store across the street

Our favorite fireman was Taylor. He’s been a firefighter for almost 2 years . His father , also a firefighter, survived 9-11 so this cause is dear to his heart. This man is the reason so many women find firemen IRRESISTBLE. His cardboard cutout can hardly do him justice. God bless the men and women that put their lives on the line for us and God bless Bjorn Borg for this beautiful line of underwear. Kim asked Taylor about his favorite color …his answer -RED. Kim replied “red like a firetruck…your underwear….or the color I’m now turning ?” By the looks of it…his answer should be “all of the above”. Red Hot.

Taylor with his cardboard twin and Kim with the real man

We were also fortunate to meet Katrin and Peter from Bjorn Borg Inc. They were both gorgeous, sweet, and informative and have donated underwear for our readers. One lucky reader will win a pair from each line …one men’s and one women’s pair.

Katrin with Peter Elliot , talking about the line of underwear

A good looking crowd surrounded by fit models and classic clothing. Kim with the most fabulous man I’ve ever seen. He is draped in faceted amber strands and a Cartier amber turtle circa 1971

Where do two dressed up ladies go after a party so wonderful ? The Cafe Carlyle , of course. ? This NYC institution had been one of my favorites since seeing Eartha Kitt here , years ago (thanks to Miss Julie Hoylen) . And it seems it was kismet that we ended up here….right across from the ladie’s lounge is a case filled with Peter Elliot ties and cuff links.

For a look at all the styles in the Bjorn Borg line, check out bjornborg.com , also give into your generous nature by checking out this website  ufanyc.org/funds.

Summertime…and the living is easy. After a martini and cold beer at the lovely Carlyle and with the gracious Fred, watching out for us. Thanks NYC, for a great night. Kim and I agreed that the only thing that would have added to the night was to actually meet Bjorn Borg himself. We’re working on it !

Win the set of Bjorn Borg’s latest collection ( 1 pair men’s, 1 pair woman’s- both size M) as seen above!  All you have to do to be eligible is leave us a comment- and Kim and I will randomly pick a winner.  The lucky winner will be announced on Friday August 15.  Good Luck!

I last went into the J Adler store (my Mecca of sorts) and knew I was home when a framed picture of Bea Arthur was at the register , with a lit candle , fashioned into a makeshift altar. It’s refreshing to find a place that really resonates with both your love of color and “Golden Girls”.

Decorative pillows are no longer resigned to just stripes, floral, or solids anymore. The trend is to have more elaborate pillows that make a statement. You can make these pillows yourself (a worthwhile project), buy them at DIY artist sites for under $30, or spend hundreds on the fanciest of decorator websites. This story is to incite you to go beyond and embrace the new graphic trends by some of today’s most prolific artists.

Jonathan Adler pillows (www.pillowsandthrows.com), Avanessi ring (www.shoprumor.com)

While looking at the home sites, themes started to crop up when I remembered popular jewelry trends seemed to be following these pillows. I started to see words when Dior came out with their plain but WOW “Oui” ring. The above styles are an expansion of this word graphic trend.

A current obsession of mine is sea life and ocean creatures , in all things. These delightful treats can hang around long past Labor Day to remind us of the beauty under the sea.

Oceanic charm bracelet by Coach (www.coach.com) , Tentacles ring (www.anthropologie.com) , sea life collection pillows (www.potterybarn.com) , Thomas Paul blue crab pillow (www.pillowsandthrows.com) , ray pillow (www.dermondpeterson.com) , and octopus hook pillow (www.beachchouselinens.com).

I recently went sailing with some friends and ever since, I fashion myself a seafarer. What better way to show my sea legs than with some vintage looking whaling graphics ? Ahoy.

Thomas Paul Moby pillow, Loyalty and Blood Whale Necklace (www.urbanoutfitters.com) , Jonathan Adler whale pillow (both pillows at www.pillowsandthrows.com).

Mammals other than whales are easliy acquired, too. My favorite is elephants – making me feel as though I’ve just been to India or Africa.

Fauna baby elephant form pillow (www.designpublic.com), Thomas Paul Red Bali pillow, Koko Company “Match Company” pillow (both on www.pillowsandthrows.com), Kenneth Jay Lane elephant necklace, and Juicy Couture Elephant Necklace.

So, an elephant never forgets…but I do. Well I remember faces, but my brain has a hard time with names. No problem when you just focus on faces…another graphics trend in home and jewelry.

Apollo pillow by Thomas Paul and Apollo necklace (www.lantuch.com). Fornasetti pillows (www.unicahome.com) and Fornasetti necklaces.

Just don’t find yourself talking to your new pillow and necklace friends…or people may talk. Unless of course , you host a cocktail party (they are , of course, invited.) I often dream of the “Bewitched” trend of cocktail hour. Samantha always had a fresh martini for Darren and with these pillows and necklaces – we can have more than a few.

Cocktail pillow (www.swizzlestix.net), Diamond and sapphire martini necklace (www.diamondharmony.com), and Marimekko Kippis pillow (www.pillowsandthrows.com).

As a former bartender I know the importance of a fruit garnish with all cocktails. This is actually one of the biggest trends in graphic art. Whether you like the juicy citrus fruit or the splendid pear..all tastes can be satisfied.

Full pear pillow (www.piecesinc.com), Kenneth Jay Lane pear jade pendant, Jonathan Adler sliced pear pillow, Marc Jacobs pear watch necklace, lemon pillow by sugarandfig (www.etsy.com) , enameled lemon charm by Thomas Sabo (www.rockokojewellry.com), lime pillow.

Ok – let’s recap. You’re a free loving sailor that loves all creatures great and small , you talk to yourself (and random printed faces) and love cocktails a little too much. You’re a little fruity too …Is losing your keys next or being locked out ? No worries, you’re covered.

Regency skeleton key pillow by Room Service (www.pillowsandthrows.com) , single skeleton key by Ophelia’s Art (www.cafepress.com) , printed key collection by sugarandfig (www.etsy.com), and key necklaces by Tiffany.

Whatever your interest, trust that modern designers have a pillow or necklace to cater to your taste. Boldly display your treasures around or under your neck . You’ve got good taste, great friends, fond memories, a key to my heart, and of course, Golden Girls on DVD.

What other trends have you seen that are so closely related ?

The Fashioning Felt exhibit shows both ancient and new techniques for making textiles into art, sculpture, furniture, jewelry, and of course clothing. I have long had a love of this fabric, using it for my line of children’s handbags. It’s tactile sense is both comforting and sensual to me. This exhibit fully explores all felt has offer.

This is artist Janice Arnold’s palace yurt, created as a place for contemplation and celebration. At the end of the exhibit is a remarkable video that shows the artist and her team hand making all the ceiling panels.The panels are made of wool, mohair, silk and line.

I love these modern colorful “spot rugs” by Majken Mann and Nynne Fearch for Mossimo. And these sculptural “stones” by Pernelle Fagerlund are fun “textile furniture” by a very talented lady. Look how fun they look in front of this chair (also made of felt).

This fairytale piece is called “The Slice” uncut roll and slice and looks like a woodland dream, by Lene Frantzen.

One of the largest pieces is the amazing wooly wall called “Inner Moods” by Cloudy  Jongstra. This wool is from the artist’s own flock, an endangered species, and is dyed with healing plants and herbs. This piece is supposed to be a healing , tactile piece of sculpture. It reminds me of a character from “Where the Wild Things Are” and also a den from the 70’s – healing indeed !

I would have shared more pictures but they are not allowed in the gallery. A kind security guard told me this after I had taken these – sorry Cooper Hewitt. Let this be a tease…get to the show. At the end of the exhibit are films about the process and pieces of felt that you can touch . I have to admit to being the most interested in touching the work…I”m like a curious child I guess.

Take a couple of hours to see this beautiful mansion and have a relaxing seat outside in the lovely park setting. There’s also an exhibit that has some amazing designers (Ted Muehling, Isaac Mizrahi, and Kate Spade to name a few) that are using sustainable materials. My favorite is the bamboo “Living Forest”  by artist Ezri Tarazi- truly inspirational.

Me and my Grandma and Grandad Clark with my new Pear tree that I got for my birthday, my mom planting seeds in a pair of fashionable bell bottoms, and me and my Grandad and my dad working in our family garden circa 1975

My Grandmother’s prize were her azaleas, pansies and lily of the valley…a scent that still brings tears of joy to my eyes. As a true Manhattan girl for the last 15 years, the thing I miss the most about my previous life is a garden. Container gardens on a fire escape just don’t cut it…so I find myself lately absolutely needing to see the green stuff.

To celebrate a friend’s birthday we spent a magical day at the New York Botanical Gardens and most recently to celebrate my own birthday I journeyed just north of Manhattan to the beautiful gardens of Wave Hill.

Wave Hill was built in 1843 and has hosted many tenants of note. Theodore Roosevelt stayed there with his family when he was 12 and 13 – a stay that must have influenced his love and creation of America’s great park conservation . Mark Twain rented the property from 1901- 1903 and the composer Arturo Toscanini was there from 1942-1945. Believe me that the grounds, gardens, and views are inspiring even if your not an artistic genius !

How have I lived in NYC for this long and not been here? I am now a member and look forward to my first members only picnic.

These are some of the beautiful flowers at Wave Hill right now and I expect a new palette as the summer blooming progresses. Mother Nature has come up with some pretty amazing and shocking colors . Why not bring an unexpected and shocking color into your home, or for the color shy, your garden. I hope the following pictures inspire you as they have me.

Wave Hill’s own mission statement says that its ongoing purpose is to “celebrate the artistry and legacy of its landscape and to explore human connections to the natural world.” I second that emotion…very cool stuff. Wave Hill offers classes in art, beekeeping, jewelry making, gardening (of course) and my favorite – yoga, on Tuesdays and Sundays. More food for the soul. Visit www.wavehill.org for all the glorious details.

When you go to Wave Hill, make sure to have brunch on the veranda, looking towards the Palisades.The menu features delicious quiches and pastries  that is organic and from a nearby farm. Start your work week by taking in all the colors and breath taking views of the Hudson and stop by my table to say hi (I’ll be nibbling on the amazing carrot bread with apricot jam).

The Antique show was in a tented area behind the conservatory. I live in an apartment so a full garden is an illusive part of my city dwelling. But, I find these displays so inspiring.

I’ve been obsessed with starting a garden..I have a few containers filled with herbs and spinach , but I really want a terrarium. I remember my Grandad had a few in the 70s , even some he made himself , after a few stained glass classes.

As an avid thrifter and dumpster diver for forgotten treasures, I find that almost anything you’re drawn to , can be an interesting focal point. You don’t need to necessarily purchase object d’art from fancy dealers, but wouldn’t it be nice if you could.

Potentially anything could be a garden ornament, as long as it’s waterproof. And if it’s not waterproof , try a coat of spray paint that will make anything able to withstand the elements.

These pictures are from the “Best Booth Design” award deservingly given to Antique American Wicker from Nashua, NH. I wish I could live in this display…so colorful and full of whimsy !

I love all the metal work in these next photos. Again, you could really put these indoors or outdoors for a spring fling look. Remember that re-purposing an item where it doesn’t normally go, is inspired and a great recycling project. Use what you already have.

Check out the rest of my colorful photos from the NYBG Antique Garden Furniture Show and Sale- I just posted them over in the Sensational Color Community site.  While you’re there let me know what inspires your own garden decor.

As soon as we entered the building we were handed Lands End yellow raincoats and a name tag to fill out…Hello, my name is APRIL. Then we were all lead into the studio for a live 10:00 show.

a glimpse at the monochromatic audience

The show’s guests were announced as Anil Kapoor (game host from Slumdog Millionaire) April Bloomfield (amazing chef from Spotted Pig – one of my faves) and some crafts. Too bad Johnny Depp’s real name isn’t April – now that would be some guest !

Being April Fool’s Day , you can imagine the  pranks being played, at Martha’s expense. Although she fooled the audience with her “How to harvest your pasta from a spaghetti tree” segment.

Anil Kapoor cooked black lentils with Martha. He was very soft spoken but seemed cool. In between commercials he was getting his hair sprayed like crazy- too funny. We all received a copy of Slumdog Millionaire – hooray.  I don’t have any pictures of him because we couldn’t take pictures while taping. Then April Bloomfiled made cheese beignets. I’m a big fan of hers, so that was a treat…just wished we could have tasted her food.

Punches of colorful dishes ( arranged in an orderly ‘Martha’ manner) brightened up the gray kitchen cabinetry

Then the craft portion involved an “audience member” who was really comedienne April Winchell (her dad Paul was the voice of Tigger) . She was pranking Martha and it was kinda funny to see her try to make Martha uncomfortable – that was pretty funny , although Martha was the consument professional host. But more impressive are the beautiful pastel colors of the set.

Martha’s set was awash in pastels

We all got a butterfly and alphabet stamp set to emboss stationary and a beautiful silver necklace with the letter A from Helen Ficalora (which I haven’t taken off since I received). Then Martha answered questions from the audience.

She was pretty and her staff all seemed great and looked like they really enjoyed their jobs. Just before leaving we all gathered on the floor with Martha for a picture – look how excited she is !

This was truly an experience my grandchildren will hear about …the day I was surrounded by 200 Aprils. Thanks Martha Stewart for a day to remember!

FYI- Today’s Martha Stewart Show ( April 20th ) is the ‘Color Show’… check it out- she’s featuring  how- to’s on both faux bois painting techniques and colorful floral arranging.

Even the bright colors of the fruit and flowers seems brighter in the tropics.

This post is not to regale you about my trip, but to inspire all of us to bring the colors we love , home. The beach is my therapy…color therapy. There’s a reason that people all over the world go to the beach for relaxation. Obviously the warm sun and cool waves are magical and soul restoring, but the various palettes offer each and everyone of us an opportunity to CHILL.

I am always drawn to the bright colors first. I got a pair of bright pink Havianas for Christmas that perfectly match the flowers of pink and orange, as seen from the pool.

This is my blue view from the pool. I am amazed by the contrast in the blue of the sunny sky and the deep turquoise of the sea.

This was my breakfast view from La Samanna. Even the blue mats from the lounge chairs stand out from the sky and sea blues. The neutral sand highlights the darker thatch umbrellas on the beach.

Even the shadows are calming. This is a great example of back lighting a plant and how it could transform a corner in your living room or patio. I love how the blues, greens, and white really compliment each other.

Here’s a snapshot of my bathroom tile. A little accent like this could practically bring the tropics indoors, inexpensively.

I was so obsessed with the color blue and coconuts that I named our villa visiting temporary cat …what else but Coconut. She looks like a toasted coconut sundae and protected us from all things not wonderful.

No surprise that the color green is plentiful on an island but what a crisp clean happy looking palette.

The ferns and young coconuts are such a bright and sunny shade of green.

This picture keeps me from jumping out of my snow covered window. It’s my happy place.

These muted colors are tropical and easy to live with in any locale. I love the soft cool colors that seem to dictate relaxation on every level.

The golden hue and grayish light of this sunset would be a smart look for any room.

I really love the heavenly light of this blue and very gray picture …with a sailboat no less. This almost looks like an old masters oil painting.

Funny to see how beach and tropical include so many palettes. I hope these colors bring a little sunshine into your life and inspire you to bring bright new colors into your home. What vacation spots inspire you ?

As I meandered through the small plaza I noticed that sides of buildings were bright canvases of advertisement. I suppose that a lot of Americans make their way down to the sunny shores of the Caribbean and they expect we don’t speak Spanish. But with their beautiful illustrations, the native language is not necessary , in order to find what you’re looking for (but it certainly helps) .

Anyone familiar with Mexican beer can immediately recognize that this is a bar (hence the stools) and that they proudly serve Sol beer. What sunny colors …and I add a giant wedge of lime.

This is a local restaurant where I ate the best fresh grouper of my life. Not only do I again see the colorful Sol beer colors and logo, but am treated the colorful pool ball buoys, used as wind chimes.

I absolutely do not encourage or support the harvesting of live coral, but what a cool sign. It’s very 50s Dr. Killdare looking to me…like a paperback detective novel.

I couldn’t resist posing with this clever business idea. What more do you need in life ?

The rest of the long wall had the most beautiful paintings , although none would have clued me in to the whole internet side of party.

I even love the stop sign. For some reason , the graphics look cooler in Spanish.

And of course my favorite sign was the large and brightly lit reminder of how cold it was back in NYC.

Puerto Morelos is a magical place.  So, I’ll check my magic 8 ball and ask “will I visit again soon ? “. ALL SIGNS POINT TO YES.

Wonder if I can get a cold coke here ?  What signs are you seeing ?

So this is what I call Bride #1 – she’s who I first see in a wedding dress. She looked so beautiful and HAPPY ; many friends and attendants followed her every move. I love that the ladies got to pick out their own dresses, as long as they were black and sexy .

This is Bride #2 – she made a very brief appearance in the main hall before she disappeared with her family. I love the fall bouquet that the groom is carrying.

Bride and groom #3 were by far my favorite. She wore an amazingly beautiful dress…classic yet modern. I love the lace and it looked really great on her. She and her new hubby were the most relaxed and informal, spending much of the photo shoot kissing, giggling, and dancing. I bet the reception was a fun party.

Bride #4 and party were a large fun group. They were hootin and hollerin and appeared to really be having a great time. They posed for pictures for the longest time, and rightly so, the large party was a handsome group. Then the happy couple posed alone on the steps and above balcony.

It’s strange to be a voyeur into a couple’s special day, but Grand Central is not the most private place. One of the joys of living in such a big city is participating in its daily life. This was one of those days…they will surely forget the throngs of women cooing and flashbulbs igniting. But I will forever have my camera in tow, scanning the large commuting crowd, for a glimpse of a blushing bride in a blinding white dress.

Congratulations to all the newlyweds…if you happen to know any of these couples,please comment and give us their names.