Christophe Pourny Puts NY "On The Straw"

French Artisan Christophe Pourny has a story that reads like a novel.   This antique restoration specialist was born and raised in the perched village of Fayence, France in the Var region, near the Riviera.   With his studio based in DUMBO, Brooklyn - Pourny says he is constantly reminded just how different his life is now.   "So many times when I look at the Brooklyn Bridge or the NY Skyline, I can't help but thinking of when I was a kid growing up in this little village in France".     While I'm sure that village seemed like a bore to a child - Fayence is a story book town in one of the most celebrated regions on the planet!   Just the mention of the French Riviera brings chic images of St. Tropez, Nice, and Cannes to mind.   Not to mention Antibes and the legacy of Authors, Painters, and Actors that made this area their second home from Picasso to Cocteau.

Mr. Pourny grew up watching his parents - Christian and Arlette Pourny run one of the most sought after antique shops on the Riviera.   The Pournys had a loyal following of the fashion flock who would make the annual visit to the region on Holiday.   The shop specialized in Provencal style and had an eclectic offering.   Christophe remembers - "I would watch my parents as they charmed visitors and finessed the pieces they sold.   They really loved what they did and they had such a talent for it.  I was like a sponge, I wanted to be involved in everything happening in the shop.   It was on the property of our home, so my sisters and I were constantly back and forth to see what was going on".    The Pourny's have since retired and continue to enjoy life on the riviera.VIEW OF FAYENCE VILLAGE
As if growing up in this environment wasn't training enough- after college at the exclusive Lycee Massena  in Nice, Mr. Pourny began an apprenticeship with his uncle Pierre in Paris.    Pierre Madel had one of the most well known shops on the Rue Jacob in St. Germain des Pres.     Madel specialized in anything to do with the fireplace - from mantels to andirons.   A former actor, his leading man looks helped him to amass quite the following.   His fans stretched from Santa Barbara to St. Tropez, with Gwyneth Paltrow and  Valentino being two notable clients of the shop.

"My uncle was a very generous man, and he wanted me to learn every aspect of the business".  Mr. Pourny says  with a laugh.  " This meant doing every tedious little bit of polishing or errand running, which in the end was priceless - as it really taught me what it meant to run my own business".  Mr. Madel passed away in 2006 at the age of 92.

Christophe moved to NY in 1993 and opened a studio in Dumbo, Brooklyn.    Mr. Pourny says he watch the neighborhood go from a "where's that?" place in the beginning to a "mini TRIBECA" now.    The real estate boom of the past 4 years did see DUMBO become one of the hottest destinations for new families.    The area has the same feeling of remoteness as TRIBECA does.

The studio has a following with interior designers and private clients as well.   Mr. Pourny specializes in all types of restoration - from hardwood to upholstered items.   The studio also creates custom pieces and is known for its French polish.  Industry bible The Franklin Report gives Mr. Pourny's work quality 5 out of 5 stars or "highest imaginable".  STRAW AS IT ARRIVES FROM FRANCE AND A FINISHED VENEER SAMPLE

The latest news for 2009 is the addition of straw marquetry.    The age old process of straw application has been a luxurious finish and coveted craft since the reign of Louis the XV due to the countless hours needed to achieve the look.    Mr. Pourny noted " I am so proud to be able to offer this finish in our repertoire.   Straw Marquetry is extremely labor intensive and can be applied in so many different manners."VINTAGE STRAW MARQUETRY SCREEN

Jean Michel Frank was known for his use of marquetry in the 1920's in Paris.   Fashion designer Paul Poiret brought straw marquetry back in fashion as he commissioned Michel-Frank to practically encase his apartment in Straw.   Jean Michel Frank became the marquetry artisan of his time, leading writer Jean Cocteau to write that Michel-Frank was "putting Parisian society on the straw".   A  double entendre noting the astronomical cost in those days of Frank's work.

Christophe Pourny Studio is located at 20 Jay Street in Dumbo, Brooklyn.   To make an appointment or find out more about the studio or Straw Marquetry- visit  www.ChristophePourny.com  or  contact 718-855-8865.

Artisan Steven Garfield Puts Down Roots with ARBOL Collection

The name Steven Garfield might be familiar with those readers who work in the fashion industry.   For over 20 years Steven and his wife Judy rode the roller coaster of the NY Fashion World.  First with a dress collection under the label Judith Lowe and ultimately as TRIO - the Garfields were dynamic fixtures in fashion during  the early heyday of Soho Loft living in the early 80's when there was no such thing as Gourmet Garage- to say the least.   Fast forward almost 30 years, the children are grown, the duo has sold their fashion company and their Greenwich Village penthouse apartment.  We now find them in historic Hunterdon County, NJ on a 50 acre farm named January.   The Garfields pulled a bit of a Green Acres and headed for the rolling green hills to live a different kind of life.   To her defense - Judy does a hell of a lot more around the farm than Eva Gabor ever did - and I've never seen Steven ride a tractor in a suit!  Also, I must say that Hunterdon is no Hooterville.. after all the local riding club was the choice of Jackie O.  So actually there is no comparison.. but I couldn't resist the comparison - I love that show! To watch the iconic intro to the show - "Green Acres".   It is with great pleasure Steven unveils a new venture involving an old love - ARBOL.

The graceful 20-piece collection is comprised of dining, occasional and coffee tables, cabinets and desks, chairs and stools,  made from the indigenous species of woods found from nearby farms in what is America’s birthplace. Each piece exudes a purity and natural beauty that is becoming the hallmark of a new era of artisan furniture. Made of walnut, cherry, apple, butternut and maple, the collection has its roots in the George Nakashima vernacular where Garfield once apprenticed in his youth, but is further evolved by such unique details as cast bronze or etched glass for bases, signature tapered laminated wood legs, and hand hammered wrought iron.  
“We have these beautiful 100-200 year old trees in this area that are coming to the end of their natural life cycle and crying out for some new purpose,” says Garfield. “I’m in awe of what is out here. I love the process of creating something new with these materials; there is a history and a value, as well as a grace, beauty and soul from these trees.”   

Garfield is a creative character and really an interesting person to know.   He is someone who enjoys feeling the sun on his face and the wind in his hair as he spends time with his horses.    Judy is the Yin to his Yang and  the two of them have been balancing each other out for more than 30 years - just saplings compared to those beautiful trees!  Visit January Farm  for more information on one of a kind Arbol creations or the farm's riding facilities.

Off The Wall.. Treatments...new approach to home furnishing from Artist Pato Paez

One NY based company is offering the most unique concept in home decorating.  Completely custom designed murals.  IMURI INTERNATIONAL is the brainchild of Abstract Artist Pato Paez.    Paez has found a way to keep the integrity of his artistic influence intact while providing a commercial use of his skills.    IMURI works with clients (both residential and commercial) to create something that is very unique to the space the mural is designed for.   While most of the work is done with paint - IMURI has also created pieces that incorporate fabric, wood, plexi, etc.    At a time when many people are spending more and more evenings at home - IMURI is a great idea if you are looking to add an unusual and unique twist to your home.  Also, the murals are a no-brainer for childrens rooms and I can't think of a less expensive way to really add a punch to your office decor!  Visit the website for contact information and also to learn more about Pato Paez and his portfolio.