WSJ - OFF DUTY - OUT OF THIS WORLD

"Supernatural Ceramics" as portrayed by the WSJ - PH: F. Martin Ramin, Styled by Anne CardenasThe Wall Street Journal delivered another stunning still life last weekend in the OFF DUTY section.  The beautiful photo by J. Martin Ramin, styled by Anne Cardenas brought together sculptures and ceramics that take organics to another level.  As Meredith Mendelsohn put it, these works of art have a super-natural appeal.  They are beautiful, powerful, and calming... in the strangest way.  J. Martin Ramin's photography of this assortment is just dreamy..

We've written about Sandra Davolio's work before.  Her sculptural vessels look like they might have been thrown for the set of an Alien epic set on another planet, or a Disney film featuring a mermaid.   The movement this artist is able to create in ceramic.. I've never seen it done quite like this before.  J. Lohmann Gallery is the source in the US.  Lohmann's well curated collection of artists have earned him quite a reputation in the world of all things beautiful and collected.   Major art enthusiasts, Major Museums, and Major interior designers are all making sure to get in touch with this "by appointment only" resource!   You should probably do the same.  Spend some time clicking around highlights in this article.  There is enough creative talent to keep you busy for hours... I know I was.

For more of the beautiful work featured in the Wall Street Journal:

(clockwise from left)

Marble Riser #1, $9,000, Michael Kukla, 917-364-6238

The Haas Brothers Hand-Thrown Accretion Vase, $22,000, R & Company, 212-343-7979

Nuala O'Donovan Teasel Double Curve, $3,900, Tansey Contemporary Gallery, 505-995-8513

Junko Mori Silver Organism, approx. $10,000, and Hitomi Hosono Porcelain Camellia and Chrysanthemum Bowl, approx. $7,000, Adrian Sassoon, +44-20-7581-9888

David Wiseman Facet Vase, $1,800, R & Company, 212-343-7979

Sandra Davolio Sculptural Vessel, $5,500, jlohmanngallery.com 

Porcelain Coyote, $198, beetleandflor.com

WEEKEND INSPIRATION - INNISFREE GARDEN

LOTUS FLOWERS BLOOM ON THE BANKS OF A GLACIAL LAKE IN INNISFREE GARDEN -OCTOBER 2013 PH: JASON JOBSONI'm continually inspired by the beauty of nature and how it never ceases to take my breath away.  I spend many weekends in North Western Connecticut and North Eastern New York State - not one moment is ever wasted.   If you plan a trip to NYC, carve out a few days to drive just two hours North to experience one of the most tranquil areas in the U.S., or anywhere.   I spend my life surrounded by finely crafted designer goods, and nothing makes me appreciate those items more than the work of mother nature.   GRAND PINES SHADE FERN BEDS AT INNISFREE GARDEN IN MILLBROOK,NY

This weekend I visited the Innisfree Garden in Millbrook, NY.   A project that would take over 50 years to take shape, the park follows traditional Japanese and Chinese principals in its design and formation.   Surrounding a glacial lake, Innisfree's CUP design forces visitors to walk the perimeter of the lake.   JASON JOBSON AT INNISFREE GARDEN - MILLBROOK, NY The experience is had by taking the journey.   A pleasant walk of one hour felt like an entire weekend retreat.   Listening to Canadian Geese landing and splashing,  and waterfalls and sprays as they descend stone lined paths to return to the lake will transform your state of mind.  Blooming Lotus flowers, colorful fall leaves, and the peace and quiet - all add to the beauty and rejuvenation only nature can provide.

For more weekend inspiration visit : 

Innissfree Garden

Sharon Country Inn

Irving Farm Coffee House

CT Restaurant

Privet House

Michael Trapp

Mayflower Inn

FALL LEAVES AND MY DISTRESSED SPERRY TOP-SIDERS AT INNISFREE GARDEN PH: JASON JOBSON

NEW IN NEW PRESTON - PRIVET HOUSE & VOL. 1

Richard Lambertson and Suzanne Cassano have arrived. Truth be told, the journey was just a few miles- but with the larger, grander, new home for PRIVET HOUSE in New Preston, Ct - this "dynamic duo of the well accessorized home" have reason to celebrate! 

There is no secret to the success of Privet House.  The two talented professionals with big careers prior to joining forces, Richard designing luxury leather goods for his brand Lambertson Truex and now for Tiffany - Suzanne with her celebrated antique furniture destination -Vol. 1, they quickly built a following for this new venture.  With Two Privet House locations, first in Warren, THE TABLE IS SET AT PRIVET HOUSE - NEW PRESTON, CTthen in Greenwich, they created quite a buzz in Connecticut and beyond.  They caused such a stir in fact, a little company called TARGET featured the brand in "The Shops at Target" series in 1,700 stores across the U.S. in 2012!  Needless to say, Privet House had outgrown the  original, intimate space in Warren.   Luckily with the legacy of bucolic Connecticut, there just happened to be a 19th century General Store  that needed a refresh not too far down a winding country road.  Now, with higher ceilings, larger windows, and oh yes - triple the floor space (at least!) - Privet House is ready for it's next close up.  **The store had a soft opening on April 18th, and I got my hands on just a few quick shots..EVERYTHING IN PLACE AT PRIVET HOUSE -NEW PRESTON, CT. stay tuned for some professional pics coming soon!**BRUSH UP ON CHIC AT PRIVET HOUSE - NEW PRESTON, CT

New Preston is one of the most beautiful villages in Connecticut.  With over a dozen boutiques, galleries, and places to eat, drink, and be merry (don't get too crazy.. it's WASP central!)- THE MAYFLOWER INN - WASHINGTON, CTit is a PERFECT place to take a long weekend drive.   Come for the day, but by all means, stay the night.   There are bed and breakfast Inns in just about every hamlet.   Splurge and stay at the storied Mayflower Inn in Washington, or keep it simple at the Sharon Country Inn.  (Newly renovated, the Inn is drawing more and more weekend travellers to Sharon, one of the best kept secrets in Litchfield County).   If you can't make it to Connecticut anytime soon, don't fret - the shop now has a fantastic web-store that has the charm and style that Privet House is known for.  Click SHOP PRIVET HOUSE to see this perfectly curated collection now. 

Bravo team Privet House!  You did it.. you really did it!!

*Click logos and photos to find our more information*