Atlantan in the Hamptons

This month's edition of Elle Decor was so full of beautiful images that I almost missed this small photograph of a large painting by one of my favorite Atlanta artists, Carolyn Carr. The palette for the East Hampton home was designed with the painting's hues in mind...
The colors remind me of that moment when the surf meets the sand. More images from the portfolio of East Hampton interior designer, Robert Stilin can be seen here.

Lean Times

No, I am not talking about the economy. For houses like ours where the art inventory tends to ebb and flow (or maybe it is because we are too lazy to get out the hammer), leaning pieces against the wall makes for a novel and contemporary display.

A Carolyn Carr print stands out in the pack of layered art in designer Keith Arnold's apartment in this month's Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.(Photography by Erica George Dines).

I know these ledges are kind of "Pottery Barn '98" but this gallery hall still works for me (from Elle Decor, May 2008 via The Framing Fashionista).

In addition to the buffet of art, there is a lot I love about this room. Photo by Simon Upton for Domino Magazine, June 2006.

Not only does the lean and layered method allow one to keep more art on display at once, it also appeals to the commitment phobic. (It takes one to know one).

In case you are in the market for a new piece to hang or not hang, I suggest checking out the wonderful contemporary collection at the recently opened Emily Amy Gallery in Atlanta.

Oil on canvas by Sarah Hinkley, available through the Emily Amy Gallery.

I Saarinen-der

In honor of the ongoing Eero Saarinen exhibit at Atlanta's modern design museum, aka MODA, I began to prepare what was going to my personal ode to the Tulip Table. Then I stumbled upon the Turkish design blog, A Mad Tea Party with Alis, and realized there was no way I could do it better than this.

The Furniture of Eero Saarinen: Designs for Everyday Living at MODA through May 5th.

Photograph of Saarinen Tulip Table with Norman Cherner Armchairs from Design Within Reach.

In other "Current Exhibition News", one of my favorite Atlanta artists, Carolyn Carr is now showing at the Spanierman Modern in New York City through April 5th. I promise this is the last time I show this photo, but don't the two look great in the same room? 

Photograph via PaperCity.

The Art Papers Auction

A large work by Carolyn Carr in PaperCity.

Thanks to the lady bloggers over at the Pecanne Log for reminding me about the upcoming Art Papers Auction this weekend. This is one of my favorite art events of the year as it boasts an impressive roster of artists. Among the participants will be works from Carolyn Carr (above) and Scott Ingram (below).

An interior by Suzanne Kasler features a drip painting by Scott Ingram

The silent auction event is held Saturday, February 2nd at Mason Murer Fine Art. In case you are not in Atlanta, you can participate in the online auction which ends Friday at noon.

Office Notes

Even though there are miles to go before my little office is complete, I am fairly pleased with the progress I made over the weekend, considering my next-to-nothing budget. The basement-find table is freshly painted, my books are somewhat organized despite lack of shelving, and the Carolyn Carr painting is hung by the window with care (relocated from elsewhere in the house). The Hable Construction pillow is split from a pair bought at Pieces earlier this year. (Reminder: Pieces is having an excellent holiday sale going on now).

Next on deck for refurbishment is this naugahyde number, another freebie. I know orange is all the rage these days, but I am more of a neutral girl when it comes to upholstery. I am thinking of a nubby, dark brown fabric with matching nailheads on the back. However, suggestions are welcome.

Michael Gibson

Photo from Paper City, May 2006

Tonight in Atlanta, artist Michael Gibson will be giving a short talk at the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center. Gibson, who's work is displayed in the loft he shares with wife, Carolyn Carr, has been profiled in such prestigious publications as the New York Times and Art in America.

The orientation and density of the color shapes are carefully balanced in Gibson's works, and the allover distribution of the shapes gives the impression that the painting is part of a larger whole. Luminous biomorphic forms appear to extend beyond the edges of the panels, suggesting these paintings could be part of some continuous molecular configuration. -Rebecca Dimling Cochran, Art in America

Couldn't have said it better myself. Artist talks begin tonight at 7 p.m. Click here to see more photos from the loft pictured above.

Stable 1897

A piece by Michael Gibson hangs behind a Duncan Phyfe dining table. The inlaid commode is 17th century.




Artist Carolyn Carr in her home/studio, Stable 1897. (From Paper City, May 2006. Article "From Horse Stable, to Art Stable; The Evolution of a Loft" by Brooke Hortenstine)

Layers of contemporary art and family heirlooms make up the loft residence of artists Carolyn Carr and Michael Gibson in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood of Atlanta. Built in 1897 as a stable and feed supply, the 16,000 square foot building has had many lives in the 100 years previous to Carr and Gibson's inhabitance, one of which as a brothel and speakeasy.

Initially overwhelmed with the empty space, Carr dialed up designer Vincente Wolf (whom she had never met) for some decorating advice. Graciously, Wolfe took the call and told her to hang curtains and paint the walls with Benjamin Moore.

10 years later, Carr and Gibson's purchase of the building has given a lot back to the historic neighborhood, as well as the Atlanta art scene. Approximately half of their two story building is rented out to other artists while the street level exhibition space "Garage Projects" raises the doors during the monthly Castleberry Hill Art Stroll.

Atlanta Eclectic

This is a page I ripped out of Paper City eons ago. The large silkscreen is by Atlanta artist Carolyn Carr. She is represented by Fay Gold Gallery.

Now through August 31st at Fay Gold is the "Our Artists" group show. For a complete list of works and artists, see http://www.faygoldgallery.com.