AERIEL PAGODA I
AERIAL PAGODA II
FIREMASTER
THE THREE BODIES OF BUDDHA
THE PURSUER
CLEAR SOUL
SNOW WONDERLAND
SOUL GUARDIAN
THE GENUINE STATE
LANDSCAPE IN HEAVEN
GOLDEN PALM
ELEVATION
LORD OF WIND
OFFERING
SOARING DRAGON
CAUSAL (soul)
THE ILLUMINATOR
THE ILLUMINATOR CLOSE UP
"Behind the Beacon is a ceremonial process; its essence lies in “Yinze”—the full or diminishing glory of the sun and the moon. (Li Chen)
One morning I received a call from a dear friend of mine whose taste and creativity I greatly admire, she recounted to me her trip in Paris and all the wonderful art she had seen but especially wanted to share with me in detail something she knew I would love. Buddha statues like she had never seen, her description immediately resonated with me and the googlelista that I am I fell on Buddhas Big Lap. It was love at first sight for me too, Splendid Buddha, big and round like a baby, strong yet soft, heavy yet light, almost as if Botero and Buddha had baby via Artist Taiwanese Li Chens mind.
Li Chen's Spiritual Invocations come from his deep knowledge and experience in Taoist, Buddhist and Classic Chinese Traditions but most of all from his connection to his soul. That is what make these sculptures be different from the rest, they glimmer within.
Now how can I invoke one of his sculpture in my house?!
*When night light Glimmers : The Beacon*
In this Series:
The Pursuer, Illuminator, Angelic Smile, Fire Master, The Pavilion, Aerial Pagoda & Soaring Dragon.
"One evening in 2009, Li Chen returned from a busy day at work to his home. He lit a long unused candles on the family Buddhist altar and enjoyed the warmth of the silence, and the experience brought back memories of one of his earlier drawings titled “Illuminator.” This event was the spiritual beginnings of the artist’s current series of work. For the “The Beacon” Series, Li Chen completed just eight pieces in total. For Li lighting the lamp constitutes an act of “recuperation” and brings with it a certain ritualistic joy. Through the interaction of humanity and fire the burning of materials not only changes the environment, but a certain romantic sentimentality dances in the candlelight. As a result, ones state of mind becomes becalmed, providing an opportunity for one to communicate with oneself. “The Beacon” is far richer and more diverse than any of Li’s earlier work. It also marks the first time the artist has sculpted the human form, deliberately showcasing the characteristic of the Asian physical form. This work makes the connection between people and such high places as towers, pavilions, heavenly fire, containing objects that appear distant, but can be compared with Chinese literati’s slow wander.
"The meaning of the Pursuer’s candle light can be decided by people’s different definition and thought for life. A white cloud twirling around the waist of the figure is evocative of a dream-like illusion, triggering the imagination and lending a surprising touch of humor to the otherwise thought-provoking theme. Such is the wondrous creativity of Li Chen." (Thomas Lee, President of Asia Art Center)
******* NEWS***************** ( Lucky Parisians )
LI CHEN EXHIBITION IN PLACE VENDOME PARIS 2 SEPTEMBER-29TH. 2013.
Li Chen has accomplished an artistic style that incorporates Eastern philosophy of Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist traditions with contemporary thought, evincing the idea of “Spirit of the East.” His sculptures will be showcased at the center of Paris surrounded by historical buildings. While such arrangement seems to emphasise the contrast between two different cultures, they are alike in terms of providing new possibilities and interpretations for our cumulative civilisation and wisdom in contemporary world. Facilitated by the speed of globalisation and technology nowadays, we can thus expect a profound intellectual dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures occurring at Place Vendome.
This exhibition is organised by notable non-profit organization—Global Art Center Foundation (GAC), and Asia Art Center, with full acknowledgement and support from the Vendôme Committee (Comité Vendôme), Ministry of Culture (Ministère de la Culture) and Paris City Council (Conseil municipal). After 18 months of deliberated planning by the curatorial team, which consists of international experts from Paris, Netherlands, Italy and Taipei, the team has successfully overcome various obstacles such as transportation, structural calculation, artwork placement, loading capacity, and weather conditions. in the hope to help Taiwanese artist break free from geographical boundary and to engage in the infinite possibilities of the world.
As the economy of the east begins to rise and attract global attentions, Li Chen’s artworks inspired by Eastern culture and traditions will surely bring to light a visual and spiritual feast in the world.
SOURCES
www.lichensculpture.org
www.asie-antiquites.com
To see more like LI Chen see my previous piece on Dashi Namdakov
Born and Raised in Munich Germany Eva Menz chandeliers and installations are out of this world. Pieces can are customized in different sizes and materials to best suit your space. Crystal waterfalls and birds flying into the sky all with names like Free as Bird , Galaxy and Vortex, her work is unique and ethereal.
Trained at the Prestigious Central Saint Martins in London, Eva has accomplished a spectacular portfolio of work. Now I just need to find a bigger home to fit one of the pieces or hang one outside of my building if all else fails.
You can find her workshop in Notting Hill, or Browse her website to see more of her designs in different spaces such as Hotels, Restaurants , Yachts and private homes.
Let there be light xo
Eva Menz Design
10 Claredon Cross
London , W11 4AP
Tel +44 (0)20 7243 8292
www.evamenz.com
Photo Via Architectural Digest House in Pebble Beach California
Photo via Elle Decor Courtney Cox in Malibu California
Photo via Elle Decor Courtney Cox
Photo Via Elle Decor House in Capetown South Africa
Photo via Elle Decor Southampton Long Island
Photo via AD house in Bodrum Turkey
Photo Via AD Silicon Valley California House
Photo via House Beautiful Farmhouse St Helena California
Photo via Elle Decor Hamptons Long Island
Photo Via Elle decor Cottage in the Bahamas
Photo via Elle Decor Brookhaven Hamlet New York
Photo via Elle Decor Amagansett Hamptons Long Island
Photo via Elle Decor David Adjaye Designed Denver Colorado
Photo Via Elle Decor House of Rose Anne De Pampelonne Paris France
Photo via AD Robert Zemecki's house in Tuscany
Photo via Elle Decor Kevin Carrigan & Tim Furzer Home Hamptons Long Island
Now that summer is here, wouldn't be lovely to dine Al Fresco in any of these splendid locations. Bliss.
www.elledecor.com
www.architecturaldigest.com
www.housebeautiful.com
Hotel Caruso Amalfi Coast Italy
Anantara Hotel Thailand
Tirta Ening Como Shambhala Estate Bali
Sol de Occidente Costa Careyes Mexico
Sol de Oriente Costa Careyes Mexico
Tuscany House via Architectural Digest
Wakanasa Como Shambhala Estate Bali
Pantai Lima Estate Bali
Villa in Key West Florida via Architectural Digest
Sonoma Valley California via Elle Decor
Ibiza House via Elle Decor
Venezuelan Villa via Elle Decor
Las Ventanas al Paraiso Cabo San Lucas
Source Unknown
Inspired by the rainy June day here in London , wishing I was swimming in one of these pools on a hot summers day.
http://www.careyes.com
http://www.hotelcaruso.com
http://www.pantailima.com/
http://www.cse.como.bz/
http://www.lasventanas.com/
http://www.anantara.com/
http://www.architecturaldigest.com
http://www.elledecor.com/
Fan Coral Sculpture
Tortoiseshell Shell Candle Holder
Fig Leaf Serving Bowl
Pomgranate Nut Bowl
Honey Pot with Spoon
All Photos from Neiman Marcus
We could do with a Michael Aram Shop in London. Love his work and they make great gifts.
http://www.michaelaram.com
New Designer Alert!
Haitian -Italian Stella Jean has truly marinaded both of her unique cultures to create a very individual collection. The Italian blood shows in masculine pinstripe and jean shirts and the Creole side comes in the choice of fabrics and patterns. Then these are taken to another level with the impeccable tailoring and the fun and elegant accessories which include the hair scarf's (would love to wear them like that) topped off with hats and some fun jewellery that was also created by Stella Jean. The formula works wonders, so could wear this in the summer but this is last years collection. But I loved it so much that I had to share who cares what season it is or what year it is.
In the meantime enjoy the Caribbean via Italia! xo
Moda Operandi had a trunk show of her pieces , I think Matches London will be stocking her this year too. Browse her site for stockists and video of the show.
All images via,
STELLA JEAN
The Computer Says NO!
Borrowing someone's tiny laptop, so all my new posts have been delayed. In the meantime I am posting these retro Ads to amuse myself until am back up and running.
Can't remember where I found the pictures but will update when I find the credits.
"DEMON CHEF" ALVIN LEUNG'S X-TREME CHINESE CUISINE..
HIS TWO MICHELIN STAR HONG KONG RESTAURANT BO IS OPENING IN LONDON'S MAYFAIR IN DECEMBER. NOW THAT WILL BE AN EXPERIENCE!
VIDEO BY RYAN HOPKINSON ON NOWNESS
http://player.vimeo.com/video/37876758
INTERMISSION: CHAI BREAK
Masala Chai is perfect for a cold winters day.
Video by High Beam Media
Via Fine Dining Lovers
Hamiltons Gallery in London is Exhibiting for the first time the works by German Cathleen Naundorf. Her Haute Couture series titled "Un Rêve de Mode", Cathleen had the incredible opportunity to work with the greatest couture houses, Dior, Chanel, Valentino, Elie Saab, Lacroix & Gaultier. her work is so outstanding that the she was given complete access to choose gowns from their archives for her production of this series.
Her attention to detail is obvious as she researches her work thoroughly , cataloging her journey in handmade journals that develop into her storyboard. Including text, sketches, composition, everything carefully thought of, the models, hair, makeup, locations. Would love to see that journal, there will be a book published on her work sometime this year.
I have seen two of her images at Hamiltons stand in the PAD Fair London and they were breathtaking , they really are from another era, I believe that Cathleen Naundorf is going to rise as fast as a Shooting Star.
Dast ist Wunderbar xo
Exhibition is on from 1-31 March 2012
Hamiltons Gallery
13 Carlos Place
London
W1K 2EU
Images via ,
www.cathleennaundorf.com
www.hamiltonsgallery.com
INTERMISSION
CHANEL
PARIS ÉDIMBOURG MÉTIERS D'ART 2012/13
Linlithgow Palace, KIrkgate Linlithgow, West Lothian Scotland
Gorgeous clothes and setting but shame about the music.