Gentleman On the Go: California Bespoke Exhibition

Recently my studio was engaged to design an exhibition showcasing a variety of artisinal product designed and fabricated in our great state of California. 

This sort of design project always is exciting to me, as it is more conceptual and poses a challenge to the space but allows for great creative freedom, not unlike the Dreamscape installation I wrote about some months back.

As I began developing the concept and how I would showcase the varied products such as furnishings and textiles to stationary and soup bowls....even surfboards designed by the incredible Thomas Meyerhoffer (http://www.meyerhoffer.com/) 

I decided that the answer, at least part of it, was in the beauty of California's natural landscape.  

Half Dome in Winter
Yosemite, CA



Joshua Tree, CA





Big Sur, CA



With the concept set we began developing a space which would simultaneously provide a neutral backdrop being curated by our friends over at The Editor at Large (http://www.editoratlarge.com/), and at the same time force you to engage some aspect of California's beautiful landscape through either imagery, greenery or through the artisinal quality of all the various products.

It was an absolute pleasure collaborating with the producers of the exhibit (Merchandise Mart Properties), as well as the entire team at the Los Angeles Convention Center, not to mention having an opportunity to meet many of the very very talented artisans producing so many beautiful things that have the ability to inspire us in all aspects of our lives.



California Bespoke
Photo: Jim Harris




California Bespoke
Photo: Jim Harris





California Bespoke
Photo: Jim Harris





California Bespoke
Photo: Jim Harris



Bye for now.

CG 





Gentleman on the Move

Literally been moving.  Forgive me for  not posting.

I am happy to report that we are settling into our new digs and more importantly we are out of boxes!  I still have not kitchen counter...therefore no kitchen but what is life without a few bumps in the road.  I do have hot water now which is so nice after three days of cold...very cold showers. 

The micro cottage is a concept in small space living measuring in at a whopping six hundred square feet.  Yes you read correctly.  It is a surprisingly efficient space.  We have found ourselves making quick decisions of what is really necessary and what we can let go.  Interesting how easy it is to simply your life this way.  What you quickly learn to do in a small space is make your daily life tools objets d' art.  From plates to towels these are the elements that count the most because they are the things you connect with on an intimate level....a great closet is also important. 

The home, built in the 1940's by an architect for the park service also has a wonderful garden space which our dogs are enjoying exploring and making their own.  We intend to do some gardening and make it an extension of our living space.

I've also just returned from a trip to Los Angeles having designed and installed an exhibit for the California Gift Show called "California Bespoke".  I will share the details in an upcoming post.  So stay tuned and I will share some pictures as our space comes together. 

Bye for now.
CG