{The Dig} Colors & Shapes

by kate on February 10, 2012

We’ve just wrapped up a huge week of planning and brainstorming for future issues (yay!), and I’ve been eagerly devouring inspiration for upcoming projects wherever I can find it. When I came across this photograph, I was immediately struck by its incredible beauty, and honestly I’ve been staring at it ever since. Who knew there was such visual delight to be had in a mass of bouncy balls? I hope you enjoy this image as much as I do, and that this heavy dose of glowing, cosmic color sparks your creativity as you head into the weekend. See you on Monday, everyone!

{Photograph by Doug Wheller, via Pinterest}

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Miniature Artists Books by Elsa Mora

by kate on February 9, 2012

We’ve received an overwhelmingly positive response to Issue No. 6 and its cover, created by paper artist Chloé Fleury. If you haven’t seen the video of how the cover was assembled, you can check it out here (or in the column to the right). It’s so fun to watch the paper elements come together to form the room. We have more fun things cooking for the next cover as well, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, I thought I would celebrate another of our favorite paper artists, the phenomenal Elsa Mora, aka Elsita. We featured some of Elsa’s work last year, but I stumbled upon another project she’s been working on: these incredibly intricate miniature artists books. Each pint-sized volume is unique, and comes elegantly presented with a tiny and beautiful sleeve, box, or bow. I just can’t get over how elaborately detailed and finely crafted these pieces are—so clearly a labor of love by the artist.

You can see all of the miniature books Elsa has made here on her site; to check availability for purchase, visit her Etsy shop. I’ll leave you with a few of my favorites, although it was hard not to share them all. I definitely recommend you take a quick trip to her site and see the rest!

{All artwork and images by Elsa Mora}

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Recipe Roundup: Edible Valentines

by kate on February 8, 2012

Valentine’s Day is less than a week away, and we’re getting pretty excited about the variety of culinary delights that accompany it. As far as I’m concerned, the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach—men and women alike. We’re huge fans of chocolates, bon-bons, and the rest of the standard Valentine’s Day fare, believe me. But we’re equally enthralled by a deliciously warm and oozy egg sandwich, or a pile of pancakes and fresh fruit—especially if they are presented with a surprising twist. I’ve rounded up some of our favorite Valentine’s Day recipes, ones that we feel bring a fresh take to the concept of sharing your love through cooking. We hope you find a recipe you can’t wait to try, or maybe just a bit of inspiration to give your loved one’s favorite food, whatever it may be, a little romantic spin. Enjoy!

{Image above: Valentine’s Egg in the Basket recipe from Petite Kitchenesse}

{Image above: A collection of heart milk cubes by A Subtle Revelry}

{Image above: Four cheese ravioli hearts recipe on Annie’s Eats.}

{Image above: A pancake breakfast with fruit hearts from Stephen & Shauna’s “I Made this for You…” series on Poppytalk}

{Image above: Martha Stewart shares her homemade versions of familiar valentine treats—handwritten hostess-style cupcakes and miniature candy-heart shaped cakes.}

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{Attributes} Maria Alexandra Vettese

by kate on February 7, 2012

It’s been a little while since our last Attributes column, but we’re back today with a gorgeous portrait-in-objects of one of our favorite designers, Maria Alexandra Vettese. Maria has unique, impeccable taste, which shows through in her styling, art direction, and photography work, just as in her personal projects. It was treat to read Maria’s description of the artifacts in her collection and learn a bit more about her take on art making. Thanks for sharing, Maria!

In another life I would have been the type of artist who works with her hands. I suppose I do work with my hands in some ways, and certainly when I take photographs, but I mean really down and dirty work with my hands. The kind of work where you feel the grit on your hands and your soul. I think this collection of items which paints my character shows just how much the tactile world means to me. I love holding something simple and somewhat common in my hands. And then in an instant something cosmic happens when I touch it … I know it has a life of its own and it is mingling with mine. The object becomes a part of my world and I become a part of its world. Each time I see these items in my home/studio I remember the moment we first came into contact. Love at first sight. I am grateful for the depth they give to my everyday life.

You can see two of my favorite mugs—one being an antique with a very tiny handle and worn out ink and one being a Karin Eriksson piece. Every holiday season I order a big box from Karin. I have quite a collection and so do my loved ones. This is a tradition I plan to keep for the rest of my days. Karin’s work really speaks to me. You also see wood and rocks from many a beach walk. I limit myself to one rock per walk if I indeed happen to see one that speaks to me. The pale grey one with seaweed attached is a particular favorite. It’s really stunning and I swear, even after all this time, you can still smell the ocean on it. Also among these treasures is a ceramic bell made by White Forest Pottery, a gift from one of my closest friends. I adore how unique it looks and feels. The most important item in this collection is the small porcelain bird. The piece is broken, actually, and I have just one half but still it’s one of my most prized possessions. This bird speaks volumes about who I am and where I have come from. I can’t tell you the story but I can tell you that one of the most important people in my life has the other half (which is another bird). —MAV

{Image above— Art Direction: MAV / Photography & Styling: Chloe May Brown}

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Designer Inspirations

by kate on February 6, 2012

One of my favorite aspects of working for Anthology is getting the chance to share a bit of someone’s life story. Whether they’re opening up the doors to their homes; showing us around their studios and explaining their processes; or revealing their prized possessions—these talented individuals all share a bit of their lives with us, and for that we’re endlessly grateful.

If you’re like me, and you love getting a sneak peek inside talented minds and see what fuels their creative fires, then you will undoubtedly enjoy this article from New York Magazine on designer inspiration. To celebrate the beginning of New York Fashion Week, which begins February 9th, 99 designers shared a word and an image that encapsulates the inspiration behind their latest collections. You don’t have to be a huge follower of fashion to enjoy this series. Seeing how far and wide these designers will explore for inspiration—from the spheres of science, nature, art, and history; to the clothing and landscapes of the past; to a fragment of a material or shadows shapes captured on a sidewalk—it’s just a thrilling reminder of the capacity for creativity in all aspects of life.

I’ve rounded up my favorites, but you can check out the entire slideshow here. Apart from being an enjoyable visual preview of what’s to come on the runway, the series elicits an exciting question—where will your next inspiration come from?

{Image above: Erin by Erin Fetherston, “Fantasia”—Photo: Barry Underwood Photography}

{J. Crew, “Shape”—Photo: Irving Penn}

{Jen Kao, “Foxy” —Photo: Still from Wong Kar Wai film, Sony Pictures Classics}

{Bill Blass, “Chromatic” — Photo: “Then Suddenly Another Room,” a painting by Anette H .Flensburg}

{Edun, “Electric” — Photo: Courtesy of Edun}

{Kate Spade, “Serendipitous”—Photo: Collage courtesy of Kate Spade}

{Tess Giberson, “Wrap” —Photo: Christo, Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Publishers, NY, 1969}

{Peter Som, “Boom” —Photo: John Chamberlain – A Retrospective Exhibition, Diane Waldman, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York, 1971}

{Lela Rose, “Calatrava” —Photo: Alexander Tzonis, “Santiago Calatrava; The Complete Works- Expanded Edition,” Rizzoli, 2007}

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