Getting Cinematic

A glimpse into illuminating in the 21st century, the book trailer. Cannot wait to read this one. Looks like a howling good time!
Links to the videos below.

 http://youtu.be/YMHXqRYf9_g

http://youtu.be/1mqW1YvjN1g

An Illuminator in action

Freakin' sweet!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1496420787/the-endangered-alphabets-project

“Go West…”

The Book of Eli is an excellent movie about the nature of faith and the power of  The Good Book, despite being slightly blunted by a somewhat miscast Mila Kunis, who channels a Valley Girl-accented actress in her "extra-skinny" jeans and obvious hair extensions. Denzel Washington is so classically gifted, as usual.

It's a fascinating scenario about the art of illumination and a warrior monk in our post-apocalyptic, climate-changing future. Stick to the right path, warriors. Stay in the light of The Word, and its truth. Amen to you, today.

Art is where you find it, in every step you take

One of the many joys about living in New York City is the richness and abundance of art and design everywhere the eye falls.

The contribution artists and craftsmen have added to our shared cultural history over centuries is staggering; their tender ministry given over to the details so many of us pass by each day, have grown to become powerful symbols of love and generosity, careworn with time.

A walk through our city is not only beautiful, but enriching with each step. Here is my tribute to them all, as a small token of my appreciation.

Thank you, for your hard work.

Gorgeous cover, interesting topic, book love.

Thanks to http://www.loveitalot.com/

The benefits of designing with white space

Thanks to Cathleen Ouderkirk from Amacom Books, for using one of my cover designs as an illustration to her article: http://amacombooks.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/guest-post-cathleen-on-why-white-space-isnt-nothing/

A Shining Moment at Grand Central Station

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

—opening stanza from Keats' A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever

Skywriting

A walk down the block today yielded a lovely surprise—huge letters in the sky, backwards. Still a mystery to me as to their message, yet beautiful and cheerful at the same time.

5th Avenue - Park Slope, Brooklyn

The Noguchi Museum, Long Island City

Beautiful space, an oasis of tranquilty in the urban jungle.
Check it out! - mld

Small town fireworks

Central Avenue, Pearl River, NY.

Parking lot sunset.

Hometown crowd.

Nighttime at the drive thru.

Hot Dogs and Coronas

The Boardwalk at Coney Island.

Nathan's Famous of Coney Island, site of the Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Memorial Day Weekend

South Street Seaport.

Paper Power

"The Paper Runway", from  the show Paper Power 
(from the 2011 National Stationery Show at The Javits Center in NYC).

All the dresses and accessories are made entirely from paper.

Red Hook, Brooklyn

Abandoned trolley at the end of the line.

Hiking around Rockland County, NY

Nyack Beach State Park

Forest view on Rockland Lake trail

Forest on a Rockland Lake trail, leading to Nyack Beach State Park

Night Game at Citi Field

Mets vs. Dodgers, 5/6/11. Mets 6, Dodgers, 3.

Mets game at Citi Field

5/5/11-Mets 5, Giants 2

Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

Cherry Esplanade

Tulip Blossom

Branch Sculpture

Rainy Day

Italian Basil

One batch is in a flower box....and the other....

...is on a pedestal.

Happy eating, from me to you.

Oliver's Bar and Grill, West Village

Signs of Spring

With warmer temperatures, come other signs of life. I bought some pussy willow branches as decorations, and over a short time, they began blossoming wildly, growing shoots, leaves and a root ball in their clear glass vase.

After a trip to the grocery store, I stopped by the organic deli for one last item (Guinness, naturally, for St. Patrick's Day). As I rearranged items in my bag, I put these gorgeous eggs on the counter, to the notice of the cashier. She picked them up asking "What are these?!" Such an amazing green color, they look like Easter Eggs already dyed.

I found in both the eggs and the branches the essence of Spring, through their freshness and beautiful colors. As we begin to see life renew itself around us, I hope you enjoy everything this season has to offer.

Marie

Kitchen Still Life

Apartment Still Life

A Fresh Coat of Paint

With new paint comes a new outlook. It really helped to bring out all the features of the apartment, as well as the furnishings and artwork. Check out these peeps.

The toy collection has also caught a breath of fresh air!

I chose the colors with care from a swatch book, arriving at the final four: a matte white for the ceiling, a sticky oil-based gloss white for the trim, a neutral yellow for the walls, and finally, a durable finish for the floor. I took into consideration everything, with particular attention to the mantle, still, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it came together. All the disparate elements fit, as I put my home back together within a harmonious setting and backdrop—a place for everything, and everything in its place.

 

As I worked my way from room to room, I realized one final component would determine the true success of my selections. Flaws tend to be more marked in the harsh light of day. How would it all stand up? I opened a few of the shutters to let the sun pour in....

...and found my apartment beaming back at me. Enjoy the day, wherever you are :)

Everyday Art

One of the many boons of living in a creative place like Park Slope is seeing art and design everywhere, made out of anything. When there's a lot of raw material like snow, the kids have fun with it. Here's a sampling from some of my walks around the way. Hope they bring a smile to your face as they did to mine.