Vivian Maier Photography

Trailer: Finding Vivian Maier from John Maloof on Vimeo.

On my way back from Vancouver yesterday, I tuned into an episode of Fashion Television. Thrilled that I had found something fab to watch on my flight I was so intrigued by the segment they had on a photographer named Vivian Maier. Her story is just as amazing as her photographs.

Traveling back and froth from Europe and the States, Vivian finally ended up in Chicago after stints in NYC. Her main job was a caregiver and she took these amazing photographs as hobby until the early 90's. She left the world with over 10,000 negatives, documentary films, and audio recordings. Ones that never would have been found until John Maloof came across them at an auction and curated this amazing archive.

I love stories like this. Someone who was so talented but never really knew it. She just had an incredible passion for doing something that she loved and now, the rest of the world gets to see what she saw through her creative eye and through a camera lens.

Check Out:

Vivian Maier

Vivian Maier Prints

Pop Art Beauties

I love being introduced to new artists and seeing what inspires them to create gorgeous works of art. One person that I was recently introduced to and have the privilege of owning of his pieces is Steve Csorba. I was given one of his pieces from his Pop Art Beauties collection and was so taken aback by its layered quality. I love the mix of graffiti, graphics, and then using a pin up girl as a central focus. It really makes a statement.

Steve is a visual artists that was born in Edmonton, but grew up in Vancouver. He is known for his paintings of sports legends such as Wayne Gretzky and Mohammud Ali. His works can be seen in the National Art Museum of Sports, many prominent private collections, and has been recognized by the Smithsonian Institute. Steven has survived cancer and took his 5 year recovery to create art as a cure.

I spoke with him briefly on the phone to thank him for the wonderful gift and can say that from what I have heard from others and my short conversation, he is not only talented but down to earth. I am honored to have one of his pieces hanging in my home.

Check Out:

Steven Csorba

Weekend Inspirations

Sunday afternoons are best spent relaxing and even taking a short drive somewhere you haven't been. For me, this past Sunday I took a trip about 30 min from Calgary to a place called Saskatoon Farm. This place is a one stop shop for plants, decor, brunch, and their delicious Saskatoon berry pies!

We walked the property that is filled with the most amazing range of plants, greenhouses with the most luscious hanging baskets, and of course the views... breathtaking. It is hard to think that this place exists so close to the city yet feels like its a million miles away.

Check Out:

Saskatoon Farm

Barn Door

Photo courtesy of: specialtyglassdoors.com

Picture courtesy of: yourhomeonlybetter.com

Photo Courtesy of: 2009 Texas Idea Home

Photo Courtesy of: Barbara Bestor

Photo Courtesy of: Brooklyn Home Company via DesignSponge

My second post on Stampede Inspiration are barn doors. Whether your tastes are modern, traditional, or a little country, the barn door sliding door system really adds so much to a space. Not only is a great space saver, perfect for small spaces but also adds a little western flair into your space.

The obvious thing to do would be to use reclaimed wood however in the photos above you can see that painting these door also adds so much character and can really add some drama to an ordinary space. Glass is becoming a huge trend in these sliding door systems as well and fits in perfectly in modern decor. I especially love the exposed hardware which really adds an industrial touch.

antler & co.

Every year our fair city of Calgary hosts a week long event called The Calgary Stampede. The whole city turns to into a Western explosion with denim, rodeos, cowboy hats, and the like to be seen everywhere. As an ode to Stampede, I thought to do a few posts on how to work in the week long festivities but in a stylish and sophisticated way. For the amount of beer tents that invade the city you can imagine how many hay bale, barn wood inspired looks can be seen. For me, I would like to see it done in a more chic way. So take inspiration from the western look and use it in subtle ways.

The first post is about antler & co. A company I came across while researching the web for some inspiration. What do they do you ask? Well, quite simple actually. They take antlers that they collect through out the US and have come up with some unique ways of utilizing them as hooks to hold everything from coats and belts to necklaces and pots. Their website contains quite a collection that can be incorporated anywhere in your home. Each order also comes with the proper items needed to hang the antler from either a stud or dry-wall. Easy-peasy!

These pieces are one of a kind, come from nature, and really bring in that western vibe into a space without being in your face. I simply love them and need to get my hands on some for my entrance way!

Check Out:

antler & co.

Design Inspiration: Kuba Cloth

Having a love for anything that has an ethnic or organic vibe, I have been in love with Kuba cloth for quite some time now. This wonderful organic textile comes from the Kuba people and is an embroidered and applique fabric. It is the best known example of the ancient African tradition of raffia cloth weaving.

I have seen these pieces framed, made into pillows, and throws. I simply love how they add so much pattern and texture to a space with their raw quality. I can see a large over-scaled piece framed and placed above a sleek and modern sofa. LOVE!