Spatial Construct
My new website portfolio - Spatial Construct
My new website portfolio - Spatial Construct
It was a good summer.
I passed the BAR exam. Legit!
Glad to move onto the next phase of my career. (see below)
I had the great honor and unique pleasure of marrying two of my good friends.
Two days later I hopped a flight to the Caribbean.
...for an adventurous sail.
The rest of the summer just floated by smoothly.
Weekdays working at Archetype, restoring Satis and drinking with Tigers.
Weekends relaxing in South Hampton NY, Princeton NJ, Washington CT and Dover VT.
Lots of running and yoga. Not enough baseball and golf.
And along the way I met some charming individuals.
I rounded out the summer with a trip to Italy.
One week working at the incredible La Biennale art festival, as 'il corridore del carro armato' in Gloria, Track and Field.
One week hanging out in Milan, la citta piu alla moda.
Now I welcome Autumn and all the changes that it will bring.
Cooler weather, colorful leaves, cardigans, football and apple picking...
After training all summer, I officially become a team member of the Central Park Track Club, which is affiliated with New Balance Elite and USA Track and Field.
I will continue to write fashion and lifestyle articles for Kenton Magazine. And I will begin producing monthly fashion documentary shorts with my friend Kota of Own Magazine.
That's all good fun, but I'm most excited for my work.
The phoenix rising...
I continue my journey toward becoming a great real estate, hotel developer and property designer.
I will be getting my LEED certification, and taking design classes at FIT to get my ASID and IIDA certifications. Along with my JD, thats a badass combination of letters and skills.
I will be entering some design competitions and working on freelance projects.
And most exciting, I will be working with my family again, three generations, expanding the business into a full service real estate development company. Vanderbilt, Bluth, Trump, ...Ruffino. Our antics are just as good as theirs.
...it begins.
I look forward to sharing all of my art and work with you.
Black Book Style will soon be retired and replaced with my new business website.
Black Book Style has meant a lot to me. It has been a great form of expression and a lot of fun. I hope you enjoyed it and thank you for reading.
As the sun sets on one chapter...
it rises on the next.
June was a very busy month.
I turned 29. I feel good about that. #bestshapeofmylife
which I attribute to daily physical activity,
running, s, yoga, e, dancing, x, tending to home/property,
an ocd healthy diet
and a slight obsession with my body.
* the night of my birthday party:
I sang on stage with The Drinkers. (#excellent)
I woke up in McCarren Park. (#notsoexcellent)
A different kind of excellent, perhaps?
I officiated my friends' wedding.
... a unique(ly excellent) experience.
New England Summer Lakeside #beautiful
"By the power invested in me by the empire state of mind, I now pronounce you..."
...and let's give a big round of applause to NYS
for joining the fight for equal rights for all U.S. citizens.
I did some traveling - a little vacation, a little adventure.
I won't bore you with my tales of island life or my sailing stories.
I won't waste you're time attempting to describe
Mother Nature's perfection,
my oversized, brightly colored frozen cocktails
or the wonderful display of cultures, languages and body types.
I'll just say #puravida : )
I've been so busy that I haven't had time to write to you here.
Family, friends, love life, training, travaille.
Writing, writing. I've been doing a lot of good writing.
I wrote an essay on sustainability.
And one on the intersection of equal rights, marriage equality, legislative terminology and the 14th Amendment.
But neither are ready yet for your consumption.
They're not fully cooked.
So this is your appetizer. Enjoy. I hope you find it mellifluous.
This is an actual photo of the white matter of a human brain, taken by a PhD neuroscientist at UCLA. I don't fully understand how the imaging works. But I'm not a UCLA PhD neuroscientist. It's diffusion imaging, which traces the movement of water diffusing through white matter tissues, to show the speed of the connections. Resulting in a very cool image.
The human brain consists of grey matter and white matter. Grey matter is made up of mostly cell bodies. Its the guts of the brain, controlling all sensory perception, muscle movement and speech. White matter is made up of mostly axons (long, slender projections of a neuron that conduct electrical impulses.) Its the nerves of the brain, the electrical network that connects all grey matter.
Until recently, no devices existed to see and decode neural pathways(white matter) in live subjects. This breakthrough is impressive and the possibilities for scientific and medical advancement are fascinating. Think about it. Neural pathways are responsible for our development, aging and learning. Physical and mental handicaps, autism, Alzheimer's and schizophrenia are all the result of broken or irregular neural pathways. For the first time, we can now see the electric flow of the brain, the 'real' human brain in action.
good style is positive energy and activity, smooth flow of electricity.
Django Reinhardt - Daphne
Good style is quality craftsmanship. It takes time to learn and refine one's craft, one's style and aesthetic. As well it should because your work and your style will ultimately define you.
George Ohr - The Mad Potter of Biloxi
1857 - 1918
George Ohr was the son of German immigrants, born in New Orleans. He began as an apprentice under Joseph Fortune Meyer, a noted ceramic artist who worked at Newcomb College. Newcomb is the women's college of Tulane University and it was well known for its pottery in the early 1900s. Soon after, George married and moved to Biloxi.
At the turn of the century decorative arts in America was dominated by Art Nouveau followed by the Arts and Crafts style. (Louis Comfort Tiffany and Frank Lloyd Wright.) Art was neoclassic and displayed control and perfection in all its forms. But George was an eccentric and he had an abstract artistic vision. He was forward thinking and his work was not fully embraced, understood or appreciated during his lifetime.
He is considered the father of the American Abstract-Expressionism movement which began after WWII, twenty-five years after his death. (Jackson Pollock and Jasper Johns.)
George Ohr was always known for his porcelain thin ceramics and interesting glazes but his early pieces are traditional ceramic forms.
In 1894 a fire devastated most of Biloxi and George's studio was destroyed.
And then from the ashes, like a Phoenix rising, George began to create remarkably unique ceramic pieces, displaying tremendous energy and fluidity.
A master craftsman, George Ohr called his own work "unequaled, undisputed, unrivaled."
He created hundreds of ceramic art pieces, no two alike. His pieces are rare these days, and no one since George has been able to replicate his porcelain thin walls and unusual glazes using a pottery wheel, as he did.
Mazza Frame
My grandmother is an incredible woman and she has led a very interesting life. She is the definition of chic. And she never has a bad word to say about anyone (except Democrat politicians).
She is an artist at heart and she worked for many years as an interior designer and furniture maker. She inherited a furniture factory, Mazza Frame, (from my great grandmother, her mother-in-law) and became a well respected designer in NYC through the 60s 70s and 80s.
Over the years her clients included a long list of celebrities, politicians, artists, society ladies and business tycoons. Among them, Robert De Niro, Sophia Loren and Jackie Onassis. She designed furniture and interiors for most of NYC's museums, department stores and institutions. And she created replica chairs of classic American designs for the White House.
It is from my grandmother that I get my great appreciation for and knowledge of interior design, decorative arts, woodwork and quality craftsmanship. A lot of her furniture is still in my family. including the desk on which I write.
I remember running around the factory with my brother and cousins when were little kids. Its was kind of a dangerous environment ...but it was great fun. We used to play hide-and-seek in a huge storage room full of furniture frames.
These are a few images from her catalogs.
These chairs were made for the Guggenheim Museum.
My grandmother made only two of these chairs. She was commissioned to make this chair by a board member of the NY Stock Exchange. There were twelve of these chairs in a NYSE boardroom. The client's son was joining the board and would become the 13th board member. So the client, whose name she could not remember unfortunately, asked her to make this chair, an exact replica of the existing twelve. She made one extra as a gift for my grandfather and the chair is still at his desk.
The star chairs, a classic, Americana design.
These are a personal favorite, part of the family collection.
A classic European design.
An Asian inspired design.
I love these chairs, so unique, elements of both European and Asian design.
A neoclassic design.
I love the finished piece, but I have always had an appreciation for the furniture frames. That's where good quality and good design begin, on the inside, with a strong foundation, with strong bones... with a strong heart and a strong vision.
good style = good quality craftsmanship
(which does not equate to name brand or designer label)
David Bowie - Rebel Rebel
Good style transcends time, space and even gender.
Time
It is important to appreciate the history of clothes and fashion. The history of fashion is the story of an art form. And rocking vintage clothes connects you to that story. In the same way that owning a Dali connects you to the story of surrealist art.
I love quality vintage pieces; authentic, unique finds.
I found this gem in a thrift store over 10 yrs ago.
This shirt is a favorite.
Very well worn, its basically sheer.
Speaks for itself.
found in a junk shop in New Orleans some years ago.
A perfectly simple well-worn hat.
These pieces all represent different times in fashion history, and they work well together.
Space
Here's a really cool example of style transcending space (and time). Two aesthetically very different styles, the finest examples of their respective styles, combine to form a great artistic experience.
Takashi Murakami at the Palace of Vesailles
Takashi Murakami is a popular contemporary Japanese artist. He uses traditional anime and manga images to blur the line between 'high' and 'low' art. He's an awesome artist and I'm a big fan of his work - classic Japanese pop art.
In the fall of 2010, Murakami set up an exhibition at the Palace of Versailles. The result was impressive. Murakami's modern pop aesthetic is totally different from the classic baroque aesthetic of Versailles. But both are over the top, colorful and intense styles. Murakami created interesting pieces that parallel and compliment the art of Versailles.
Gender
Good style transcends the restrictive labels of womenswear and menswear, from blouses and beads to top hats and tailoring.
Naturally and successfully incorporating elements of womenswear and menswear into your style...
check it out...
wearing Celine Spring 2011
Press Photo
I recently acquired this shirt
Whatever. Its a cool shirt.
David Bowie
The ultimate example of good style transcending time, space and gender.
I am a young American. I am a rebel, rebel.
I appreciate a plain and simple aesthetic. One that is striking in its simplicity. Plain and simple can be dull and boring or it can be strong and bold.
Strong and bold!
Think... Piet Mondrian, Jil Sander, Romeo and Juliet, a burger and fries.
NYC Greenmarkets.
There is nothing more 'plain and simple,' and striking in its beautiful simplicity, than walking to the greenmarket to buy fresh produce from local farmers.
NYC greenmarkets are all officially part of a greenmarket system, GrowNYC, which began in 1976. There are over fifty markets located all across the five boroughs. The Union Square greenmarket is the largest, most popular and one of the oldest in the city. At peak season almost 150 farmers, bakers, fishermen, florists, etc. sell 1,000s of varieties of produce and goods to 100,000s of customers. The energy is electric! Its the only place where I will suffer the crowds, because its worth it, every time.
But luckily... most of the bountiful offerings at NYC greenmarkets are organic - so that's cool.
Greenmarkets are the reason NYC has so many Michelin star restaurants.
They are usually crowded, which is great. But a lot of people still don't know what they are missing. Fresh breads and baked goods, fresh meats and fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, all sorts of honeys, jams and cheeses. Flowers and greens everywhere! The variety is certainly impressive. And all the farmers are right there, happy to talk to you about their products.
Jonathan Calugi
Artist and graphic designer. His style is plain and simple, vintage and graphic, and very strong and bold. He uses simple lines and basic shapes (circle, square, triangle) to create striking images.
Simple Lines
Basic Shapes
Wood Carvings
Fonts
Be love!
bold simplicity = good style
.
In my own way, I have always felt a connection to 'the street,' and its a part of my style. Growing up I spent a lot of my hang out time outside. My parents encouraged us(my siblings and me) to get out of the house, to play outside and to be social, not lazy. They both grew up in NYC in the 1970s, during the birth of modern street culture. As a young energetic kid I ran around the neighborhood playing games (The Sandlot). As a 'rebellious' teen, I drank and smoked in the local parks, fields and schoolyards (Dazed and Confused). Or hopped on a train to the L.E.S. for a punk show (ABC No Rio). My friends and I then graduated to our own apartments. At first we had animal club houses: 70 Greene, The Estate and The Academy (The Warriors). But now we are all mature, respectable adults:
I have always been impressed and inspired by the street art that surrounds me. So many different styles that convey so many different emotions. Street art is a moment in time, a brief expression of the rhythm of the city. It is not meant to last, it is part of a constantly evolving canvas. From graffiti tags to the mainstream, NYC has some incredible street art.
NYC Tags:
NYC Graffiti Art
NYC Street Art By Famous Street Artists
Handball Court - 128th Street and 2nd Avenue
Grand Street and Wooster Street - Soho
Houston Street Mural (temporary)
PS 11 - West 21st Street
Collage murals around Soho
Subway Ad Remixes
I love seeing subway ads that have been altered, drawn on and messed with. They're usually a funny improvement. And every once in a while I catch one that stands out; one that has a high quality and a poignant message. It is probably by Poster Boy. These are a few of his images.
Poster Boy collaborations with Aakash Nihalani
My Old Neighborhood
I lived off the Morgan L train stop for a number of years, right on the edge of East Williamsburg and Bushwick. It was an interesting neighborhood, a mix of artists and hispanic families. The neighborhood is changing but hopefully the surprisingly great graffiti art will continue.
Two of my favorite street art pieces are in Bushwick
street style = good style = support public art works and free access to art.
A few designers and looks that I like.
Very different viewpoints. But they do share some common characteristics.
Similar color scheme - black, white, gray, blue, earth tones.
Emphasis on fabric and pattern.
Comfortable, loose fitting casual clothes. Sharp, slim suits.
And together they combine to form my eclectic aesthetic.
American Style
John Varvatos
Nice suit.
Great American rock 'n' roll style.
J. Crew
J. Crew is classic, simple American style. Always some good, basic pieces.
Tommy Hilfiger
Great suit. Great blue. But I wouldn't wear red socks or white shoes.
Italian Style
Etro
Awesome shorts.
Missoni
There are a lot of layers going on here - especially when I think summer. But individually these pieces are great. I particularly like the sweaters. I'm not a fan of boat shoes, but if I had to wear a pair, I could rock these tri-color ones.
Etro and Missoni are two of my favorites, when it comes to good patterns. Etro's paisleys and Missoni's zigzags and stripes - so classic, consistent and cool - it really doesn't get any better.
Avant Garde Style
Rick Owens
Ann Demeulemeester
I love the craziness that is Rick and Ann. For me, their pieces aren't that wearable. But I respect what they do. Their designs are modern, architectural and weird - in a great way. They use mostly (if not exclusively) black and white. They are very conceptual. Its fashion as art.
Rookie Style (these guys are still pretty new on the scene)
Umit Benan
Cool sweater. I can't really tell what's going on with it, but I like it.
Umit is Turkish with a very international educational and professional background. So he has a unique design style. Elements of East and West, traditional and modern.
Timo Weiland
The overall look borders on hipster. But individually the pieces are cool. And I like what's going on with the socks and (banded)shoes.
Accessory Style
agnes b.
Awesome hat. Great color. Reminds me of Brando.
Good style is like water. One element that can take on different forms. Be consistent in your style so it always defines who you are. But mix it up, add variety, allow it to take on different forms.
There are two kinds of trips - vacations and adventures.
A vacation is where you live it up in London, Paris or Shanghai. Lounge on a Mediterranean beach or on the deck of sailboat in the Caribbean. Enjoy the comforts of a great hotel. A vacation is fun and restful and can be planned at a moment's notice. Vacations are for everyone, even your grandma and your spoiled dog.
An adventure is where you live out of backpack, don't get to shower on the regular, and have some wild experiences. An adventure takes planning and requires a good amount of time. Adventures are only for the bold. Because they are often challenging and uncomfortable. But they are amazing experiences that change the way you view yourself, your environment and your fellow man.
When you vacation, its all about catching some sun and dressing for fashion.
But when you're on an adventure, you dress entirely for function and utility. It doesn't matter at all what you look like. Everything you have and everything you need is on your back. Its all about simple living, and sometimes survival. Its all about letting go and immersing yourself in your environment.
I have been very blessed. I have seen the world and had many incredible adventures.
My first adventure. Bretagne, France. I was 17.
A high school summer program with a group of 9 other students from all over the country. The first month we lived with host families in the beautiful, quaint little town of Vitre and the second month we biked all over Bretagne, from town to town, living out of the saddle bags on our bikes.
The next year, after graduation, my crew and I backpacked across Europe. Look at our adorable punk rock baby faces. We were only 17/18 years old and we thought our parents were ridiculous for being hesitant to allow to us go. Ha! (It was safer than the LES dives we hung out at.) England, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Italy and France!
Some of my best memories with my best friends.
Camping in Big Sur. Big Sur is an amazingly beautiful place. Giant redwoods, mountaintop prairies, waterfalls, hot springs, crystal clear rivers (we used the water for drinking, cooking, washing, etc.), wild animals, starry skies and the Pacific Ocean.
That's me, midair, cliff jumping...
Exploring Scottish ruins.
In 2001 I discovered the ridiculous sport of skeleton! And I spent the next five years regularly visiting Lake Placid, NY to train with the U.S. winter olympic team. I miss hanging out in Lake Placid, Burlington and Montreal. I miss that sexy speedsuit and kickass helmet. And I miss the insane rush from speeding down a mile long ice luge at 70mph. But I definitely do not miss the bitter cold and the black and blues, ha.
On my 21st birthday, I flew to Baja California with my family, completely smashed from celebrating the night before. This was definitely a vacation, family style. But I did convince my siblings to join me on some adventures.
After college graduation, six of us spent a month traveling all over Costa Rica. Such an amazing, beautiful and friendly country.
A view of the rain forest as we trekked through it.
The following year, I traveled throughout China. China is a very dynamic place. So backwards and forwards at the same time. So connected to its storied past and so eager for its boundless future.
but at one point we had to crawl, which I was not at all excited about.
Hiking the Himalayas. 14,000 ft above sea level. Tibet really is the 'rooftop of the world.' The air was so thin, it was very strange. And you really feel like you can reach up and touch the clouds and the sun.
Good style = being adventurous, taking risks and chances, letting go of comforts and preconceptions, connecting with your environment, being open to all of the amazing experiences that life has to offer.
Happy All Fool's Day! ...to all the other drunken fools, hopeless romantics and idealistic dreamers out there.
Sometimes things are not always as they appear.
Sometimes you need to take another look, a closer look, a more honest look.
