Laura Villaseñor

A Wonderful Surprise in A Simple Request

Recently, a friend was visiting San Francisco and we spent a joyful day together going to museums, catching up with each other, and sharing our delight in having a few hours together where 3,000 miles weren’t separating us.

At the end of the afternoon, as we were crossing the courtyard of the Legion of Honor museum, I politely asked a young woman if she wouldn’t mind taking a photograph of the two of us with my iPhone’s camera. She politely agreed, but I detected a faint shrug, and took the iPhone from me. She suggested an alternative place for us to stand than where we were; she put our backs to the setting sun. A few seconds later, click, click, and we were digitally recorded for posterity.

But wait! As she handed me my iPhone, she reached into her tote bag and pulled out a professional camera. What’s happening?

Unbeknownst to me, this young woman is a professional photographer and wasn’t satisfied to capture our happy moment with just a cell phone’s camera, even an iPhone!

In thirty seconds she snapped half a dozen pictures with her own camera. Done! Thank you’s were expressed, and I gave her my business card so she could email me the pictures.

A few hours later the pictures arrived in my in-box. OMG!  What she captured was no less than amazing. Not so much the subjects, modesty prevails, but the lighting, the emotions, the depth of feelings that my friend and I share; all recorded by this women’s amazing sense of the moment. And all in thirty seconds!

After looking at Laura Villaseñor’s web site I was astounded at the images I saw there. Not satisfied to send her just an emailed thank you note, I called and we agreed to meet for lunch. We met a few days later, and I sat in rapt attention, listening to her amazing story:

After studying photography and working for 12 years as a photographer in her native Mexico, Laura Villaseñor came to San Francisco four years ago to study photography at The Academy of Art College. Her talent was immediately recognized by the college and she received their prestigious Presidential scholarship.

The images she captures of her subjects contain, as she says, “the essence of the person.” That’s her main objective when looking in the viewfinder. “That, and the feeling of the moment. It changes quickly, and I have to be sensitive to what’s happening in front of me.”

Her studies have included how to maximize the images she captures. “Now the photographer has the lab in the computer, so changes can happen there instead of someone else doing it.” With the true eye of an artist, Laura now has the ability to completely control the final image the viewer sees, both of the subject and her ability to capture it.

Laura photographs people, of course, but also architecture and interiors for designers, special events, and being an artist who sees the world somewhat differently than the average person, what she sees is reflected in her fine art images. Her work has been seen on numerous magazine covers in Mexico, as well as in marketing and PR campaigns.

Laura Villaseñor’s professional photography web site is viewable only with computers and devices that have Flash players: http://www.lauravillasenor.com/, but in the meantime, here’s a small sample of her work to peruse.

Pam Morris Designs Exciting Lighting, Inc.

Luminaries Inspired From Within

Pam Morris is a truly gifted artist who uses her intuition to turn metal, glass, and light into more than just a light fixture, but rather, an illuminated work of art. And the results are magnificent.

Slumped, blown, and cast glass combined with formed and cast metal are the elements she works with to create these avante-garde luminaries that defy the imagination’s boundaries.

“Light is an intimate experience and should be a pleasurable encounter,” is Pam’s philosophical approach to designing fixtures for her enviable list of clients located all over the world.

She says, “You can think of my work as very expensive light fixtures or very inexpensive works of art.” And when you see them, you know that they are indeed works of art, because, as with any great piece of art, she uses the magnetic attraction of light to evoke a visceral response.


Fire appears to be held by mankind, illuminated glass seems to float from the ceiling like a piece of paper blown by the wind, fire frozen in time, and  autumn colored leaves fall, their last breath illuminated from within. These descriptions apply to just four types of light fixtures that Pam has designed. As poetic as the descriptions are, they pale in comparison to actually seeing them.

Her studio is structurally well organized, but then there’s that sense of the chaos that’s necessary for true creative genius to emerge. And emerge it does! 

Her iconic fixture is, well, a fixture at
San Francisco's Postrio restaurant

Looking at her small physique, you wouldn’t think that Pam casts the curved glass shapes herself in custom designed kilns, or bends metal, twists wire, and coaxes and cajoles otherwise unwieldy elements into shapes that defy logic, but she does and the results are stunning.

Stories about her work have been published in numerous magazines and are available to read on her web site.

Pam Morris Designs Exciting Lighting, Inc.

Sausalito, CA

415-846-6858     

www.pam-morris-designs.com

pam@pam-morris-designs.com

By appointment only

Photographs by Pam Morris Designs and Beryn Hammil, all used with permission.

ArtHaus

Carolyn Meyer, Portrait of Geometry

WHERE ART FEELS AT HOME

In the art world not everything is always as it seems, and one plus one doesn’t always equal two. Case in point: ArtHaus.

Annette Schultz and James Bacchi are the two that equal much more than this mathematical equation suggests. As the creators of ArtHaus,  a most interesting venue for artists to display their work in San Francisco’s SoMa district, they’ve combined their talents as eagle eyed scouts of up and coming artists as well as established names in the art world to make this art gallery a destination in which to discover, enjoy, and of course, purchase, contemporary art.

Instead of their galley being a large neutral, white space in which to display art, it’s comprised of several spaces, rooms, if you will, each with its own feeling and personality. Art is displayed museum-style, juxtaposing different artists’ styles and medium together for the viewer to browse. The feeling one gets in the gallery is how art should be seen in someone’s home; different artists sharing the same space for maximum impact.

Recently voted “Best Art Gallery” in San Francisco by the Best of the BayList, it’s easy to see why: Annette and James bring warmth and human-ness to the process of acquiring art. For the uninitiated or neophyte to the world of collecting art, it’s not a daunting or intimidating experience to be in their gallery. Rather, they welcome people who want to dip their toe into this environment and make the process of learning about art and its creators a pleasurable one.

The list of artists that they represent is long and impressive, and includes guest artists as well. Gallery shows rotate to give their audience an opportunity to see a variety of styles and media, so there’s sure to be something there for just about every taste and preference. Their web site also includes a rotating presentation of artists’ work, and is entertaining and well as informative.

In addition to being able to view works in the gallery, ArtHaus works with interior designers to bring artists’ works to special events throughout the Bay Area, including the always well-attended Designer Showcase houses. 

Kenny Mencher, Lake George, oil on board

Carolyn Meyer, Tuscan Illuminato, oil on canvas

Maxine Solomon, Japel, oil on canvas

Joanne Landis, My Mother Was Beautiful

Adam Kurtzman 

Centaur and Leaded Mica Lamp

Michal Venera, Farris Wheel, sepia photograph

ArtHaus

411 Brannan Street

San Francisco, CA 94107

415 977 0223

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday 11:00 – 6:00, Saturday Noon – 5:00

http://www.arthaus-sf.com/

Artist Peggy Del Rosario

MAGICIAN WITH A PAINT BRUSH

The feeling that one has when stepping into a space transformed by artist Peggy del Rosario is that you've just taken a sip out of Alice's bottle in Wonderland, and been shrunk small enough to fit into Tiffany's Christmas window and walk around in a miniature diorama of delightful, artistic surprises to your heart's content. But, in fact, you’ve stepped into Peggy’s own reality, her home, where design fantasies have come to life.

Every surface of every room is the beneficiary of the delicate hand of a true artist as Peggy orchestras a palette of copper, rust, verdigris, celadon, and dusty miller like a conductor, blending and mixing the colors into a harmony for all the senses to enjoy. The walls are textured so the softly fauxed, multi-colored paint absorbs light rather than reflecting it, giving rooms a dream-like quality.

Windows are draped with transparent silky fabrics so the natural light is gently diffused, adding to the dreamscape. And even in the daytime, Peggy lights candles so their soft glow casts a magical spell on the tableaux of interesting objêts d'art that delight the eye at every turn. 

Beautifully arranged objects create tableaux for the eye to settle upon and rest.

Upholstered furniture is an extension of the softness of the walls, and invite by virtue of their gentle lines. Wood furniture that isn’t of excellent antique quality becomes another venue for Peggy’s paintbrush; she adds layers of interesting finishes so even the most mundane piece of reproduction furniture takes on a newfound glory.

Days after visiting her home, the dream-like feeling returns in waves like an addictive desire for a magical potion and I want to return to her cocoon of gentle illusion and stay forever. 

People wishing to have a little piece of this heavenly effect in their own homes can purchase refinished furniture that Peggy sells through several shops in the Portland, OR area. And, in addition to the furniture, Peggy has a collection of her paintings available for purchase as well.

Of course, should you want to have a room faux finished by Peggy, and several of my own client’s rooms have received this special treatment, the airport isn’t too far from her home and her bag and paint brushes are always packed and ready to go.

Stores where Peggy Del Rosario’s items are available to purchase:

PLEASE BE SEATED   

Laurie Austin, proprietor

8309 SE 13th Avenue

Portland Or 97202

503.595.1736

JUSTIN & BURKS    

Justin & Carol Burks, proprietors

8301 SE 13th Avenue

Portland, Or. 97202

503.234.6414

Peggy Del Rosario

http://peggydelrosario.com/

And who wouldn't mind going to work here;
the computer area is in this beautifully dressed alcove.

415 271 4264

This drape disguises the closet.

Details of the way Peggy combines elements; antiques, nature, and found objects.

A simple medallion with ribbon accent that draws the eye to it.

Objects in the workroom await attention.

The artist's work space is a work of art itself.

Photos by Beryn Hammil and Peggy Del Rosario and are used with permission.

The Joe Ruggiero Collection

360 Degrees of Decorating

From every angle imaginable, Joe Ruggiero’s all encompassing design career has impacted the industry in a meaningful way. From fabrics, upholstered furniture, case goods, lighting, and art, his ideas contribute to making homes beautiful, yet practical.

When most people of a certain age are considering retirement, Joe is enthusiastically looking for new venues for his ideas. And, as evidenced by the accolades his collection is receiving from the furniture industry, he’s right in staying front and center.

Joe freely acknowledges that he's inspired by Hubert de Givenchy, the French fashion designer credited with creating iconic styles for Audrey Hepburn and Jacquellne Kennedy Onassis. “Givenchy’s attention to detail set a standard for me, and I follow it to this day.” This standard is clearly evident in all the designs that carry Joe Ruggiero’s name. 

From fabric designs for Sunbrella® to implementing those fabrics on Miles Talbott Furniture, Joe’s practical sense leads his design sense; everything is kid and pet friendly and beautiful at the same time.

Joe's concept of furniture design is, as he says, "A nod to the past but with a look to the future," and that "every room can be a living room." These principles guide him in his work and are clearly evidenced in the results: fabrics that are beautiful and practical, and furniture that's simultaneously classic and modern.

In addition to fabric and upholstered furniture, Joe designs case goods for Gat Creek. He applies the same elegant and practical approach in this area as well by taking a holistic approach to designing and building wood furniture. The woods used in his pieces are from sustainable and growing forests, and are artisan made in the USA. When a piece is finished it includes the signature of the craftsman who built it.

Why stop at designing just the furniture? Casa Fiora is the company that translates Joe’s fabric designs into table linens, bedding and draperies to give a room that “completed” look where all the fabrics in a space complement each other.

And when all the fabrics and furniture are in place, the lighting is the element that gives them the satisfying glow of a room beautifully designed. Craftsmade works with Joe Ruggiero for a lighting collection that fulfills this request.

Additionally, Craftsman produces Joe’s collection of all-seasons outdoor wicker furniture so the outside living space of a home has the same elegant appearance as the interior.

The final element, graceful art, is one more piece of the Joe Ruggiero Collection.  E. King Ambler, Inc. produces fine art giclee reproductions of Joe’s original artwork and photographs from his world travels.

To see these beautiful fabrics on his designs for upholstered pieces, the wood furniture, bedding, drapery and table pieces, all beautifully lit and complemented with an art collection sets one’s imagination in high gear for how to create a pleasing room for the entire family to enjoy.

Beyond all his professional endeavors, Joe’s life is well-balanced because, as Joe says, “It’s important to replenish your soul with good memories.” Everyone who's in contact with Joe comes away from the experience with a wonderful memory of being near him. He’s truly a person who walks the talk.

Each aspect of The Joe Ruggiero Collection is available at select retail furniture stores and at design showrooms through design professionals. For more information about the collection, you can visit Joe Ruggiero's web site: http://www.joeruggiero.com/


All photographs used with permission from The Joe Ruggiero Collection.

Sandra Jordan Textiles and Home

Imagine going to work in a studio that’s in a small, wooden building surrounded by vineyards, fig trees, and goats grazing on a nearby hillside. Now imagine that the building houses yards and yards of magnificent alpaca fabric, the fax is ringing with orders coming in, and the scheduling board is filled with upcoming events where people are looking forward to meeting the designer of this sumptuous fabric.

You have a just seen a small slice of Sandra Jordan’s life.

Owner of the eponymous firm that specializes in all things beautiful, Sandra Jordan spends her time smiling, entertaining guests, and working. But the satisfaction in what she does in her very busy day is evident in her calm countenance.

The building adjacent to the studio is a barn, but not your ordinary hay-on-the-floor, animal inhabited structure. 

Instead, walking through the oversized door is like falling through the rabbit hole into a designer’s wonderland filled with furniture of Sandra’s design. Silver and horn objects that she also designs are artfully juxtaposed and displayed. The two-storey high walls are covered with art, another in-the-works project of this multi-talented woman. The light filters in through windows high on the walls, bathing the beautiful objects and furniture in a soft glow that magically enhances the tone of the space.

Sandra Jordan’s furniture is upholstered in her signature alpaca fabric. The wood frame is painted the exact same color as the fabric to give antique styles a modern twist. The table and accessories are just some of the products sold by her company.

 

A glowing display of silver creates a focal point in the large space. All items are available through Sandra Jordan’s web site.

The table is a replica of a French wine table; the zinc canisters hold ice to keep the wine bottles chilled. It’s another one of the many pieces in the Sandra Jordan line of furniture.

Furniture shown in this magnificent space isn’t just for being admired; this wing chair and complementary ottoman are used by guests during concerts that are held in the “barn.”

French champagne riddling racks line the walls of the warehouse where items are packaged and ready to be shipped to clients.

The tour continues to another building, this one a more utilitarian looking structure. But again, its exterior belies the wonders within. Collecting antiques on her travels is another of Sandra’s interests, and the large space filled with beautiful furniture is testimony to her exquisite taste. Everything is for sale, but by appointment only.

Antique chairs and a dresser are lined up, awaiting delivery to a fortunate client who purchased these beautiful pieces. 

Small antiques are looking to find a new home.

A treasure trove of statuary, large urns, framed art, and mirrors are just a few of the items in this interesting collection of found objects.

Barrels and baskets are stacked in front of armoires and cabinets. There’s something here for just about every style of decorating.

Antique doors are lined up in the entry of the barn. They’d be  wonderful as doors on a remodeled house, or to be repurposed as headboards, tables, or whatever else your imagination can conjure. 

Cardboard tubes stand in the ready for fabric orders to be packed and shipped. 

Vineyards just across the road are idyllic for inspiring creativity.

Sandra Jordan fabric is available through interior designers and decorators at showrooms throughout the country, and the silver and horn items are available at retail stores and through the company’s web site: http://www.sandrajordan.com