Tuesday, May 25, 2010

in very good company...

I'm absolutely thrilled to announce that "chelliswilson." is now a Selvedge affiliate shop!  I received my box of the new issues today and there we are, on page 83, for all the world to see!  I must say that the lovely photo makes the shop look particularly inviting (thanks, Maria..).  And it's doubly special for me to have us in the issue with "Bright Star" on the cover---a film that I adore!  


I have a copy here just for you!


3 degrees of separation...


 Once upon a time,  two women sat at a bar in Portland, Maine over a cocktail (the delicious but lethal Basil Lemonade at Local 188, to be exact) discussing art, men, and an unlikely, but mutual, interest: American designers who hail from Alabama.  Her favorite: Billy Reid.  Mine: Natalie Chanin.  Throw in a little Gas Design, a little PieLab (and another cocktail), and you have an unforgettable bonding moment.  Since that evening, Sara Lemieux has been one of my favorite people and a dear friend. Two years later, Miss Sara and Miss Kellen have gone on the road, and found their way to Alabama. And, in addition to making the pilgrimage to Butch Anthony's (Natalie Chanin's significant other) Museum of Wonder, they've blown kisses to Billy Reid in traffic, and secured a residency at Gas Design Creative Fuel Design Center!  The beautiful creation in the photo above is just a portion of the loveliness to emerge from their time at Gas Design.  For more, visit their blog documenting this trip and the art being created: Silt & Sediment.  And please disregard the ridiculous "content warning".   Yes, indeed, nude women are a feature of their work. (work created by women, for God's sake!)  Gee, it's 2010.  Why are we still such a nation of prudes?


Another lovely bit of synchronicity found courtesy of "Why Design Now?", the National Design Triennial at the Cooper-Hewitt and Alabama Studio Journal.  "Why Design Now?" showcases inspiring work from "designers around the world (who) are answering this question by creating products,  buildings, landscapes, messages and more that address social and environmental challenges."  Alabama Chanin pieces are sharing space with three other uplifting endeavors--- two sociopolitical, and one that's design in its purest form---a love letter to the idea of conscious creation.

First, "The Girl Effect".  A call to action reminding us of the potential of all girls...everywhere. Second, Annie Leonard's "The Story of Stuff" which champions the idea that we should reject mindless consumerism and, instead, "have greater reverence and appreciation" for the goods that we purchase.  Finally, and most perfectly, "Painted" the Dutch fashion design collaborative (I've raved about them previously...) that, with both their couture and small-run series, has raised clothing construction to an artform.  Or, as they call it, "a story of garments".

Now doesn't that all dovetail nicely?


And before I leave you, two more examples of the beauty of skill and detail.  One from Japan, one from France.





Sunday, May 9, 2010

shameless maternal bragging...

Miss Meg is among the young authors being published here!  Congratulations, my love!


Spring 2010

 


Thank you to all the lovely, dedicated people at The Telling Room from one excited girl and her proud mother!  A Portland treasure.

Happy Mother's Day! (where appropriate...)   Miss Meg and I chose to spend "Mother's Day Eve" cuddled on the bed, eating ice cream sandwiches, and watching classic Rocky and Bullwinkle.  Good times...

Friday, May 7, 2010

"15 Points"

Come by this evening for the opening of "15 Points", an exhibition by Lisa Tichy. This installation is a fresh and haunting new work which utilizes her extensive collection of boro and folk garments from Japan.


Lisa is a dealer as well as an artist, and some stunning examples of Japanese craft and textiles will be available for sale or to order.  This is as fascinating as it is beautiful.  We hope to see you this evening!

**Special thanks to Avery Yale Kamila at the Portland Press Herald for mentioning us here.  Thank you so much!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

What's going on in there?


Come by this First Friday for a cocktail and a treat and find out...

Details from our new installation.


"15 Points"