Friday, July 31, 2009

Exceeds all expectations...















When I made the decision to open a venue (I like to refer to it as a "venue" instead of a "shop" because, in my heart of hearts, I really want to create a social space, a creative community, where ideas are exchanged as often as currency.), I was clear that in lieu of frequenting trade shows, that I'd do my own detective work---independently seeking out designer/makers whose work inspired me personally. Less pure commerce, more curating and mentoring. Far more satisfying overall. Well, occasionally in this life, reality can actually exceed expectations. One such instance has been the opportunity to work with the thoroughly lovely Abigail Percy. Throughout the entire process, from initial contact to the order arriving on the doorstep, she was a shining example of warmth, grace, and equanimity. (even while I was tearing my hair out with the "Paypal follies"---it's an "in" joke...) Then, of course, there's the absolutely stunning jewelry. It's gorgeous. Without exception, every customer's been smitten. And then there's the way it feels in your hand....let's just say it always elicits a very impressed "hush".

So, thank you, Abigail. Exceptional work from an exceptional woman. A pleasure.


Friday, July 24, 2009

hopelessly devoted...























In case you were wondering....

My favorite design element in the shop is the iconic Zettel'z suspension light by Ingo Maurer. An iconoclast of the first order, Maurer's designs are full of wit, occasionally outrageous, always impeccable. The Zettel'z has a mesh-covered cylinder at it's center into which red-tipped wires (in two sizes) are inserted. Each wire has a tiny clip at its end to hold the "notes". The piece comes half completed: some of the papers included are love notes in various languages. The rest are blank and sent in an envelope with a directive in Maurer's handwriting: "This lamp needs a co-designer with fantasy and patience.---I.M." And so, I've asked a variety of creative types in my life to contribute an "original" to this effort. I'll have the results on display the evening of our gathering. Then we can add them to the light and watch it grow before our very eyes! (since we'll be serving Prosecco, perhaps I should appoint a "designated" ladder climber?)

I must also confess that I'm hoping that the Maurer also serves as "architect bait". I'm a huge architecture buff ("Sketches of Frank Gehry" is one of my favorite movies! Directed by Sydney!), so nothing would please me more than having architects as new friends and customers. And I'm not above a cheap ploy.

So that's the Ingo Maurer story. I love him.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

join us!

on first friday, august 7th

from 5-8 pm

for our

opening party!!

*meet le bouton studio's lisa dorr!

*decorate ingo mauer's zettel’z!

*drink prosecco! eat cupcakes!


where???

@

chelliswilson.

17 pleasant street

studio district

portland

207-518-9018

www.chelliswilson.com

Saturday, July 18, 2009

in the beginning...

The energy of imagination,
deliberation, and invention---
these are the ingredients of style.
And all who have it share one
thing: originality.

DIANA VREELAND