SOUTHWEST HARBOR — Award-winning Maine artist Sherrie York will lead two printmaking classes at the Wendell Gilley Museum in October, using Speedy Carve, a soft material that is easier to
Award-winning printmaker offers classes at Gilley Museum
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AIDS Sculpture By General Idea Finds Permanent Home In Amsterdam
Following its display at the General Idea retrospective in Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam their AIDS sculpture is to go on permanent display.
Five Skills That Give New Photographers an Edge
Sure, it is wise for beginners to learn from experienced photographers, but there are certain qualities that most new photographers have that many experienced photographers spend years trying to recover.
In this video, photographer Alex Kilbee considers the great things that uniquely set beginner photographers apart, allowing an unburdened approach toward photography. Lots of knowledge can actually interfere when you are trying to take photos due to the vast amount of information that has been built up over many years of training and practice. The beginner photographer is not burdened with this knowledge, and so, they just see something and take a picture of it, not thinking beyond what is in front of them too much. That is an extremely free way of taking photographs.
It’s certainly an interesting take on the topic. Experienced photographers can sometimes lose their inquisitiveness as they become comfortable with their skills and routines. They’ve mastered the technical aspects, honed their artistic vision, and built a portfolio. This confidence can lead to complacency, where they stick to familiar subjects and techniques, failing to explore new horizons. Yet, photography thrives on curiosity, and the beginner can shoot fuelled with raw passion, relying more on instinct than thought, which is a wonderful trait for a photographer to have.
Can we recapture some of the qualities that we had as beginners? Perhaps it is possible to regain a little of this magic when we pick up a new piece of equipment or approach familiar subjects in new ways.
Stillmade Debuts the Collaborative Series With Four Artists + Designers
Some of our favorite collections are of the collaborative sort, and we have a great one to share today – Stillmade’s Collaborative Series. The Brooklyn-based manufacturer and designer has been a leader in the American furniture manufacturing industry for the past decade. Along the way they’ve consistently provided small, emerging designers access to production that’s generally reserved for big brand names and large manufacturers.
For the Collaborative Series, the brand is tapping into these relationships and flexing their own creative skills in tandem with ceramicists, industrial designers, and artists. The inaugural edition features furniture made with Danny Kaplan, Pat Kim, Michele Quan, and Stillmade’s founder and creative director Paul Mignogna’s own design practice, Mignogna Studio. This edition of the project includes a sofa, credenza, hutch, side table, and two coffee tables that combine each collaborator’s aesthetic with Stillmade’s design and manufacturing capabilities. The four furniture collections also embody the qualities the brand holds close: a reverence for artisan craftsmanship and an understated, modern aesthetic.
Celebrated industrial designer and artist Pat Kim introduced a playful, sculptural approach to Stillmade’s design process. Both the coffee table and side table feature bases with very organic shapes finished in hand-troweled lime-based plaster. Sculpted wood arm hold up each circular table top, adding an element of natural warmth.
Kim Coffee Table, Pat Kim
Kim Coffee Table, Pat Kim
Kim Side Table, Pat Kim
Kim Side Table, Pat Kim
Painted Credenza, Michele Quan
This is the first time ceramicist Michele Quan’s work is being presented as furniture. For the series, her signature celestial ceramic half-moon shaped sculptures are reinterpreted as functional cabinet pulls on two large scale cabinets.
Painted Credenza, Michele Quan
Painted Credenza, Michele Quan
Painted Hutch, Michele Quan
Painted Hutch, Michele Quan
Jane Coffee Table, Danny Kaplan
Danny Kaplan’s coffee table was inspired by Roger Capron’s ceramic inlay tables. Kaplan designed a set of tiles that sit atop Stillmade’s minimal solid wood table base, adding an organic geometry and texture to the base’s clean aesthetic. The juxtaposition of the table’s angles paired for the rounded and oval-shaped tiles create a beautiful visual.
Jane Coffee Table, Danny Kaplan
Clifton Sofa, Mignona Studio
Mignogna Studio, that of Stillmade’s founder Paul Mignogna, brought the Clifton Sofa to the series. The furniture piece prioritizes comfort and lounging, while featuring a sleek, minimal design that highlight’s the brand’s manufacturing expertise through an exposed wooden frame and joinery.
Clifton Sofa, Mignona Studio
Clifton Sofa, Mignona Studio
To learn more about Stillmade’s first edition Collaborative Series, visit stillmade.com.
An English Woman Paid $100 for a Sculpture at a Trunk Sale That Turned Out to Be an Elisabeth Frink Work Worth $72,000
An Elisabeth Frink sculpture estimated to be worth about $72,000 was found in a car trunk sale in the U.K.
The groundbreaking female photographer who changed the way we see fashion
Petworth, UK
CNN
—
When Eve Arnold joined Magnum in 1951 – four years after the renowned photographic agency was founded – she was its first female photographer. “Magnum was about to open a New York office,” she would write in her acclaimed monograph, 1976’s ‘The Unretouched Woman’. “I went to see them. Being a woman helped. I was to be their token American woman stringer.” By 1957, when she became a full member, she was one of just two women on the agency’s books internationally.
Seventy years later, a new exhibition delves into Eve Arnold’s extensive archive, foregrounding a collection of her most significant work. “The subject matter is definitely not just women, but it is her perspective that we wanted to reflect,” said Nicola Jones, founder and director of the Newlands House Gallery in Britain, in an interview with CNN.
The photographer’s most celebrated images are presented alongside several of her lesser known but equally compelling works: from Marilyn Monroe on the set of “The Misfits” to Malcolm X speaking in Washington, and Black fashion shows in Harlem to a natal ward in Long Island.
“One thing that comes through in all of her photographs is a non-judgmental, empathetic character,” continued Jones. “The breadth of her work too, was so extraordinary, as was how quietly and effectively she overcame various taboos, and similarly the access she managed to obtain.”
Born in Philadelphia to Jewish immigrant parents from Ukraine, aged 31 Eve moved to New York where she married, eventually settling in the UK in the 1960s where she lived until her death, at age 99 in 2012. While in New York she took a photography class under Alexey Brodovitch — the-then art director of Harper’s Bazaar — at the New School for Social Research.
Tasked with a “fashion” assignment, Eve spent a year photographing weekly catwalk shows in Harlem, a largely invisible (within the mainstream fashion industry) series of events featuring Black models showing off homemade outfits to a Black crowd. “The photos were fantastic and really ground-breaking,” said Jones. “She chose to do something so incredibly different at a time when segregation was still so prevalent in America.”
“The issues she photographed are as important (now), if not more so, than ever before,” Michael Arnold, the photographer’s grandson, told CNN in an interview. “She kept herself neutral because she saw her job as a reporter. She was fascinated in what was going on in the world around her and wanted to shine a light on it. Despite being apolitical, her subjects (revealed) her interests.”
Elsewhere on display is a lone image from a series shot to accompany a piece in The Sunday Times Magazine: “Lesbian wedding celebration” highlights the heterogeneity of Eve’s camera. “The original piece, interestingly, was called ‘Women Without Men’ — as if that’s such a groundbreaking thing — but in 1965 it was something you could make a reportage story out of,” said Michael. “When Eve started out doing photography, 95% of women were housewives. For her to go out and be traveling the world was groundbreaking.”
Indeed, she acknowledged the anomaly and supposed eccentricity of her gender in “The Unretouched Woman”. “My colleagues were not spoken of in inverted commas; they were not ‘career men’ or ‘men photographers’,” she wrote, recognizing the double standard while never establishing herself as a feminist.
Her gender however, while in no way shaping her photographic successes, would, by default, inform her legacy at the vanguard of twentieth century photography, something she frequently downplayed said Michael. “It wasn’t false modesty, she genuinely found it quite strange,” he recalled. “She perhaps didn’t even recognize the role that she played in the history of photography.”
While Eve once told Michael she didn’t want to be known just for her Marilyn Monroe work, the images are a striking example of her broader practice and ability to build authentic relationships with her subjects. “Those shots, globally known now, tell a story of a lady who managed to gain the trust of someone who was notoriously vulnerable and at times fragile, who trusted Eve to photograph her in ways that perhaps she wouldn’t allow others to,” said Jones.
Moreover, what allowed Eve ultimately to produce work as she did, was her bold sense of curiosity. “That drove her, a genuine, insatiable kind of curiosity. She wanted to know what made someone tick,” said Michael. “I think her compassion and curiosity is one of the major things that sets her apart. It’s the kind of humanity that shines through, whether she’s photographing the royal family or a working-class family. That’s what makes her photography relatable, and timeless.”
“Eve Arnold — To Know About Women” is on at the Newlands House Gallery in Petworth, UK, until January 7 2024.
Iloilo museum trains spotlight on women printmakers
ILOILO CITY – The Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Arts (ILOMOCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) are feting women achievers in three exhibits on printmaking,…
Time in a Bottle: Conrad Shawcross Sculpts a Space-Age Tribute for Royal Salute’s Second Edition of The Art of Wonder
The British artist will unveil his stunning new time-inspired sculpture for Royal Salute’s Art of Wonder platform at Frieze London this week.
Congratulations to the Winners of the 2023 Shaw Contract Design Awards!
Shaw Contract is once again celebrating the optimism of design and its ability to positively impact our communities and our planet. Now in its 18th year, the Shaw Contract Design Awards take a closer look at spaces that are inspiring new ways of working, learning, healing, and thriving. By sharing the work of international designers who have the same commitment to creating a positive impact on interiors as the brand, Shaw Contract continues to highlight how design can transform interior spaces and enrich lives. From innovative healthcare facilities that promote healing and well-being to workplaces fostering creativity and collaboration, all the projects submitted have been inspiring to us all.
The 2023 Shaw Contract Design Awards were judged by a panel of international luminaries, who considered overall design intent alongside the brand’s four People Together Planet Forever ambitions: Material Health, Circular Economy, Carbon Impact and Diversity, and Equity & Inclusion. Over 650 submissions from 40 countries gave them a lot to consider, with only 39 projects emerging as Best of Region Winners. These winners were then eligible for the next round of judging – Best of the Globe.
A smaller jury was responsible for choosing the best of the best. Each Best of Globe Winner is awarded a $2,000 USD charitable donation in their studio’s name to the organization of their choice, as well as a trophy designed and hand-made by Singapore-based crochet artist Kelly Limerick using Eco Solution Q yarn.
Join Design Milk in celebrating the accolades of Eckenhoff Saunders, HOK, Tatsuro Sasaki Architects, SWOT Design Group, and Rezen Studio! Keep reading to learn more about each of their standout projects.
Featured Product: Community Collection
Location: Subiaco, Australia
Photos: Jack Lovel
As the world’s leading gold miner, Newmont is widely recognized for its environmental, social, and governance practices. The workplace reflects its culture and aspirations, and is a functional, flexible, forward-looking tenancy for a future that supports a remote first approach.
It’s an example of the evolving office, which can respond to rapid changes in business operations. Completed during the pandemic, the hybrid workspace has plenty of social spaces for informal interactions, as well as generous meeting rooms for more traditional collaboration. A “work club” approach to the floor plan provides settings that support productive interaction, whether casual or planned.
Newmont by Rezen Studio
Sustainability principles were observed throughout the project, particularly through the reuse of existing furniture. “The innovative reuse of furniture added an intriguing layer of complexity to the design,” said Lima. “It’s quite commendable how seamlessly they integrated reused furniture into the overall aesthetic. From my perspective, this is a noteworthy achievement.”
Newmont by Rezen Studio
The project also includes a selection of Cradle to Cradle certified flooring by Shaw Contract. Low VOC paint and acoustic panels made from recycled materials are also featured in the design. Daylight from the perimeter glazing has been maximized through spatial planning to reduce the need for electric lighting.
Newmont by Rezen Studio
“What stands out the most to me is the incredible comfort and coziness it exudes. What truly sets this apart from the ordinary office environment is the thoughtful allocation of social spaces,” shared Wong. “I appreciate the design aesthetics; it’s not overly polished but rather smart and functional. I believe this is precisely why I’m so drawn to this project; truly a hybrid work club for an agile workforce.”
345 North Michigan by Eckenhoff Saunders
Featured Product: Forum Collection Custom Rugs
Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Photos: Kendall McCaugherty, Hall + Merrick + McCaugherty Photographers
345 North Morgan is an 11-story, ground-up, Class A commercial office building in Chicago’s Fulton Market. Located adjacent to the metro tracks, the design by Eckenhoff Saunders drew inspiration from the neighborhood’s industrial history along with the scale and luxury of classic railway stations. The lobby is entered through a stately two-story barrel arch – a motif repeated throughout the interior and mirrored on the floors with custom area rugs by Shaw Contract. The commissioned artwork in the lobby was woven with textile scraps, some of which were repurposed from upholstery in the building.
345 North Michigan by Eckenhoff Saunders
“What truly captivated me, particularly in the lobby, was the ingenious repurposing of upholstery fabric from the building to fashion a striking central feature that harmonizes beautifully with the soaring ceilings,” said jury member Karen Wong, Design Director & Partner at ArchitectureFARM. “This project showcases a masterful utilization of raw materials, striking a balance between an industrial aesthetic and contemporary modernity.”
The building’s footprint prioritizes flexibility and equitable access to daylight on 23,000-square-foot office floors, which feature 13-foot ceilings and near floor-to-ceiling windows. Each level also includes a large private outdoor terrace with city views. Finishes and materials are raw and durable with exposed concrete floors, walls, and ceilings, while soft textiles and area rugs provide warmth and comfort.
345 North Michigan by Eckenhoff Saunders
The amenity spaces promote health and wellness by offering opportunities for social connection, retreat, and physical activity in the fitness center. Meanwhile, the flexible conference space doubles as a coworking library with booths. Perhaps best of all, the plant-filled glass box Conservatory provides a year-round connection to sunlight and nature with access to the wraparound terrace in warmer months.
345 North Michigan by Eckenhoff Saunders
Jury member Amanda Moore, Associate Principal Interior Design at Wardle shared, “This project exemplifies the direction workplaces should strive for. It encapsulates a profound sense of tranquility and well-being, emphasizing human-centric design rather than solely relying on cutting-edge technology. It signifies a shift away from the conventional task-driven office environment towards a more holistic approach.”
Boston Consulting Group Canadian Headquarters by HOK
Featured Product: Community & Suited Collections
Location: Toronto, Canada
Photos: Joel Klassen
Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a global firm helping leaders in business and society address their most pressing issues. The firm’s Toronto team sought a new Canadian headquarters to connect clients and staff while highlighting their history, their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values, and to foster an environment where employees can do their best work. The HOK team designed a space where you can immediately understand that BCG is part of the community of leaders shaping Canada’s future, with sustainability at the forefront.
The building the headquarters is located within has earned a WELL Health-Safety Rating, it will also attain LEED Platinum core and shell certification and WELL Platinum Certification. The space supports BCG’s commitment to climate change in its client work and its own operations.
Boston Consulting Group Canadian Headquarters by HOK
Another goal was to create a work environment that gives back to workers, with employee health and wellness being as important as environmental impact. Upgrades were implemented to increase fresh airflow, while low-flow fixtures and circadian lighting cut down on energy costs. And with open spaces placed along the perimeter, daylight can come in and filter through the space.
“The strategic harnessing of natural light, coupled with the creation of purposeful spaces around it, elevates this area into an exceptional office environment. Not only is it a visually stunning space, but it’s also executed with utmost excellence,” shared juror Rachita Khanna, Associate Director, Design at SWBI Architects.
Boston Consulting Group Canadian Headquarters by HOK
A state-of-the-art gym and bike storage – transportation that doesn’t emit greenhouse gases – encourage movement and physical fitness. Nourishment stations stocked with healthy snacks, coffee, and kombucha taps provide easy access to healthy foods and drinks. Elsewhere, wellness rooms include shower facilities with towel service, a mother’s room, therapy rooms, and sound therapy rooms. The prayer room is equipped with a space where mental health counselors can meet with staff to provide services.
The new office also includes amenities to meet the needs of the neurodiverse population. Design features include sustainable elements, circadian lighting temperatures, acoustical treatments that provide buzz-y and quiet spaces, music, and furniture that promotes movement and posture changes.
Boston Consulting Group Canadian Headquarters by HOK
The curated art, objects, and greenery within the space come from Canadian artists and vendors. Materials and furniture were chosen to bring in the comforts of home with ergonomics in mind, including layered wood tones, hand-troweled plaster, textured brick veneer, and leather wrapped pulls.
“The continuity in design elements is remarkable, evident in the subtle curves of the sofas mirroring the workstation layouts and lighting fixtures echoing the same round-cornered motif seen in the double-height spaces. This consistent design language is reflected in even the smallest details, particularly the lighting fixtures,” said juror Carina Lima, Design Director at Swiss Bureau Interior Design Company, Dubai. “Additionally, the judicious choice of materials introduces a touch of residential luxury to the workplace, featuring textured fabrics, hints of gold, and touches of leather strategically placed to elevate the space without deviating from its core identity.”
OMO5 Kumamoto by Hoshino Resorts by Tatsuro Sasaki Architects
Featured Product: Shifting Fields Collection
Location: Kumamoto City, Japan
Photos: Atsushi Nakamichi
OMO5 Kumamoto is centrally located overlooking Kumamoto Castle, the symbol of Kumamoto City. Built on Mt. Chausu and surrounded by nature, pulling the scenery of the castle and the bustle of the city into the hotel was a must.
“One aspect that stood out significantly to me was the project’s unwavering commitment to sustainability,” shared juror Fernando Zabala, Design Director at Gensler LATAM. “However, what sets this project apart is its exceptional connection to a specific historic site across the street. The deliberate selection of materials, textures, and shapes seamlessly integrates with the site’s context.”
OMO5 Kumamoto by Hoshino Resorts by Tatsuro Sasaki Architects
Zabala continued, “A unique selection of elements consistently permeates the entire building. It’s not just about a single space; it’s a holistic approach. The clever vertical layout, seamlessly connecting the street and elevating the experience, left a lasting impression, especially the flooring design, which exudes intricate details throughout.”
OMO5 Kumamoto by Hoshino Resorts by Tatsuro Sasaki Architects
The public space has a deck terrace connecting the inside and outside, a “topography” to connect the city and Kumamoto Castle with the hotel. On the uneven terrace there are various places to enjoy: a sofa to relax, a cafe space to enjoy conversation and meals, and a gathering space for groups.
OMO5 Kumamoto by Hoshino Resorts by Tatsuro Sasaki Architects
The materials and colors of the earth created by Kumamoto have also been included. Brick tile walls with an image of red soil, stone pavements of castles, tiles of Kumamoto Castle turned into rubble by an earthquake, and red gradation carpets/shifting fields that are unique to the region all make their mark. Each choice expresses the locality through resources unique to the area.
“What sets this project apart is its ingenious utilization of materials, clever play with lighting, and a profound connection to its locale,” Khanna said. “Despite what I strongly suspect were budget constraints, what impressed me the most was their remarkable sensitivity to material selection and their brilliant execution of these materials in a coherent narrative.”
Naelofar Office by SWOT Design Group
Featured Product: Shifting Fields Collection & Composed COREtec
Location: Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Photos: SWOT Design Group
Naelofar, a brand known for Muslim modest wear, has grown exponentially in the recent past. The move to an office space of over 7,000 square feet and a bright façade provides a welcoming environment for staff and better conveys the brand.
Inspired by the ideology that connection is a crucial component in building a productive and efficient workplace, SWOT Design Group aimed to capture the essence of nurturing relationships with a polished and creative space, while also conveying the brand’s professional and personalized approach.
Naelofar Office by SWOT Design Group
The office offers a sleek look but is also functional and flexible. Using an open plan, exposed ceilings created height and were combined with carpet and vinyl flooring for a modern yet timeless feel. A featured front-of-house area with a waiting space that can be reconfigured for training sessions or work functions, flexible work zones that include a boardroom, client-facing meeting rooms, and a pantry area all built on the experience.
Naelofar Office by SWOT Design Group
“I found this project to be particularly impressive despite its relatively compact size. The layout forgoes a conventional reception area and instead transforms the front space into a versatile multi-function area. What’s striking is that this space can be viewed from virtually anywhere within the office, thanks to its thoughtful furniture design,” said Wong. “It’s remarkable how they’ve managed to maximize functionality and aesthetics in such a small space.”
Introducing greenery was also important, as plants can enhance the aesthetic of a space while improving the physiological and physical well-being of employees. Placed indoors they can also absorb noise to help create a more focused, relaxed environment. Here, plants are placed around discussion areas and the perimeter of workspaces. Another element embraces the incoming sunlight – perforated mesh – to further emphasize a sense of openness, sharing beautiful vistas, and connecting beyond the building.
Naelofar Office by SWOT Design Group
“I find this design to be absolutely captivating due to its seamless connection with the exterior. Everything on the interior is thoughtfully designed to recede into the background, allowing the natural view to take center stage. Incorporating green elements further strengthens the connection to the beautiful surroundings, striking a delightful balance,” said juror Anthony Orasi, Partner at iN STUDIO. “The overall ambiance exudes a sense of tranquility and functionality, and despite the inclusion of traditional features, it maintains a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.”
Franklin resident named president of Tennessee Professional Photographers Association
The Tennessee Professional Photographers Association recently announced the appointment of Misty Westebbe, owner of Misty Westebbe Photography in Franklin, as president for 2024.
Westebbe’s dedication to her craft, combined with her exceptional leadership qualities, positions her as an exemplary choice to lead TNPPA into the future, according to a press release from the organization.
Westebbe is a well-respected figure in the photography industry, known for her expertise in family portraiture. Her studio in Franklin has consistently delivered exceptional photographic experiences and earned her numerous accolades and recognition in the field.
TNPPA, an official Community Network of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), shares Westebbe’s passion for photography and her commitment to elevating the industry. The organization’s core values of innovation, inspiration, and the relentless pursuit of photographic artistry align perfectly with Westebee’s vision for TNPPA.
“Misty is kind, capable, and a consummate professional,” said Karen Fox, incoming chair of the board for TNPPA. “She runs an extremely successful studio in Franklin specializing in family portraiture, and has earned many prestigious industry accolades, including a recent trip to Ireland to attend the Future of Photography conference.
“Misty brings a wealth of business and technical knowledge to the organization. She is currently planning an incredible spring workshop event for April 2024. We are excited for Misty to serve as the organization’s president for 2024.”
Westebbe’s leadership will undoubtedly steer TNPPA toward continued growth and success, fostering a vibrant community of photographers across Tennessee. Her dedication to photography, coupled with her business acumen, will inspire and empower TNPPA members in their photographic endeavors.
For more information about Misty Westebbe and her photography, visit Misty Westebbe Photography.
Established in 1951, the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA) has a rich history of photographic excellence. The art and business of photography have evolved over the last seven decades, but the mission and purpose of TNPPA have remained steadfast: to offer educational and networking resources for aspiring and professional photographers who are serious about their craft.
