Timidly mesmerising - Exhibition Arjan Janssen

In October of last year I wrote a post about a wonderful Dutch artist, Arjan Janssen, whose work I had stumbled across and, ever since, I absolutely love to follow. The piece, A Study of Beautiful Simplicity, looked at the the mesmerising way in which Janssen draws us in through his work. His style sees the viewer getting quietly and willingly lost in the world that he depicts, a world that is built on a foundation of humble simplicity in order to create a harmonious rhythm for both the eye and the soul of the partaker.

So, having just recently found out that Janssen is currently exhibiting, I wanted to absolutely post about this and encourage one and all to discover his great work, or for those already familiar with it, to simply re-immerse themselves in his refreshing, modern approach.

The exhibition is on as we speak, will go through until the 23rd of February 2013, and is taking place at Galerie Hein Elferink, in Netherlands' cute town of Staphorst. So if you're currently lucky enough to be in Europe than this seems to be such a wonderful way to spend a weekend. I've even checked out where this cute little town is, and it turns out Staphorst is a 90 minute drive from Amsterdam and is, amongst other things, well known for inviting visitors to bike along the Staphorst-Rouveen road where one can take in an array of deliciously picturesque thatched-roofed farmhouses.

Looking at the collection of Janssen's work that is being exhibited, I strongly hold on to my opinion and love for what he does. There is such a presence and weight in what the lines have to say, but beyond the lines I find more in where there is no lines, the white of the canvas. As I look carefully, I find the spaces lure me softly, whereby I discover careful smudges playing on the textural characteristics of both the charcoal and graphite on paper. The composition seems to be perfectly balanced, and the weight of each stroke to be in seamless harmony with the canvas as well as with the space that it embodies, a space that we are all invited to interpret and inhabit as we desire.

Images courtesy of - Galerie Hein Elferink

Green inspiration for a summery, sun-kissed home

Ok, so we're slowly settling down, internet is connected, the year is getting into its groove, and we are starting to feel like Sydney is really becoming home. The weather is certainly also doing its part in welcoming us, with mostly beautifully sun-kissed days and scrumptious ocean views... no complaining here. So with that in mind I'm so excited to be looking at ideas to sass up our Sydney home. We have news that our boxes have arrived in Oz and they are currently at the mercy of the Australian customs officers.... oooooh, hope all goes well.

I'm dying to see my beautiful, big, red lamp and our ever-inspiring hard-cover design books. Once all arrives in order we're going to roll the sleeves back, get down to some dirty and fun apartment designing and of course, share it with you right here on Nest of Pearls.

In the meantime, I'm continuing to collect inspiration, and there is few better ways than Pinterest, I say. I'm loving what I'm seeing lately with delicious, in-intrucive green accents to liven up an interior and make the heart dance. I'm an absolute lover of red, but I need to free my soul a little, even if with small accents of other colours. So I share with you some of my favorites here below. I love both the freshness of the subtle use of the colour, as well as the bravery to inject a whole green wall into a space and make it look like it always belonged there. The furniture pieces cover both rustic and modern examples, and I love the different tones ranging from zesty, lemony greens to summery aqua greens transporting me to the Mediterranean.

All images courtesy of - my Pinterest

Delicious eye candy - Anish Kapoor at Sydney's MCA!

I've been sharing lots of great things, photos, images, art and exhibitions that I've come across in Paris, but 'yikes!' does ravishing Sydney have a feast of cultural deliciousness to offer! I recently went to see the work of one of my favourite artists, Anish Kapoor, and did so right here in my hometown of Sydney. The exhibition is an absolute must-see and it is housed in the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney's Circular Quay, or MCA for short. 

Just getting there is an amazing experience... walking down the quay and lapping up the sunshine while watching the mild harbour waves slap the shore and sway the ferries. I stopped for an amazingly delicious and well-deserved coffee at the museum's cafe terrace before heading inside to enjoy the show, which runs through to April of this year. For the depth and breadth and 'wow' moments that the  exhibition has to offer, tickets are very fairly priced at $20AUD.

I was, honestly, very taken aback by the simplicity, depth of colour and intrigue in Kapoor's work. I adore the way he uses beautifully opulent and abundant saturated colour to create optical illusions that hide soft curves... or do they?? One is never quite sure of the depth of any curve, nor the limits of any shape. The tension of wanting to desperately touch the exquisite work and its rich colour is almost tear-jurkingly painful, although I promise no finger print of mine will be found... I resisted!

I'm such a fan of straight lines and simplicity and rarely find curves indulgent, but I absolutely melt when I see the seductive curves of Anish Kapoor's work. I urge all who are lucky enough to be Sydney to go along. Below you'll find some pics I took myself. Enjoy!!

The debut of Rue Monsieur Paris at Maison & Objet in Paris!!

If you're lucky enough to be in chilly Paris at the moment, have I got some fabulous news for you!! Not only is the annual Maison & Objet Home Influences Trade Show on (18-22 Jan), but there is also a fabulous new group of very talented designers that are showcasing their funky, modern and oh-so-sexy furniture collection this year.

Meet Rue Monsieur Paris, a French-based furniture company founded in 2012 by a trio of friends sharing the same aesthetic values: Marjorie Renner, Marcin Kokowski and Marjan Denkov who all met in Paris. I must admit I'm a little jealous that I can't see their glorious stand in person, but nevertheless, here's some scrumptious photos of their collection.

Among their fabulous pieces one will find the edgy and very unique Calaf Coffee table, part of the 1st capsule collection by Vito Selma, as well as the Liu side table... But I have to say, as much as all the pieces are like deliciously enticing eye-candy for my little soul, my favourites are the Turandot dining table and the Turando Altoum single seater. Such unique design, such sexy curves and perfectly refined edges.

And if you're like me and won't manage to scoot by Paris over the next several days, you can find the full collection of Rue Monsieur Paris right here online, and you can peruse other collections from the complete show on the official Maison & Objet website. 

I absolutely love the work these guys do and the creativity they apply in bringing ideas and projects into action. I will be sure to bring you regular updates of their exciting journey... and for now I hope you enjoy their below collection!!  

Images courtesy of - rue monsieur paris
For more information on furniture pieces, collections, designers and purchasing please contact rue monsieur paris

Paris Mon Amour 1 - A stroll around the Eiffel Tower

It isn't without sadness that I post these Paris photos that, somewhat surprisingly, bring a heavy lump to my throat... As we prepared our move to Sydney last year I took even more time to do what I loved doing most in Paris, which was to photograph this beautifully mysterious and historically rich city, one that took me on a whirlwind of emotions with each passing day, one that I called home for over five years and which will forever live to be one of my homes. So as we move into 2013 I have very carefully prepared a number of Paris-devoted blog editions that I will share with you over the months to come. Welcome to Part #1, a lazy and emotional stroll around the streets circling the Eiffel Tower where I spent some 18 months living in a small studio... streets reminding me of freezing early morning strolls to work while the tip of the Eiffel Tower was lost in fog... and summer bike-rides home from work, livened up by the wind in my hair and the evening 'boulangerie' stop in search for a fresh, hot, crusty  baguette...

Photography by - Bisera Gondevska

Image rights - Bisera Gondevska

Inspiration for a creative 2013

Yaaaaay, we're slowly getting into our comfort zone in beautiful Sydney and as this wonderful new year kicks off Nest of Pearls is also starting to breathe again, turn a fresh new page, and prepare fun stories for 2013. My goal this year is to bring you more of the exciting artist and designer interviews that were heartily loved in 2012, as well as the daily inspiration that just makes our aesthetic little hearts smile. I do hope you like the new-look template. I invite you whole-heartedly to give me your honest feed-back if this template gives you any hick-ups while browsing and enjoying the design world.   

So, to kick off the year, albeit a little late (my apologies settling into a new life across the other side of the globe was a little tough, although very exciting!!) here is some amazing inspiration from the amazingly talented Claire Basler. A French-born and based artist, Claire works out of her mesmerising Paris studio, one that is an incredible whirlwind of inspiring colour, texture and emotion. I felt this was a great post to start the year because the ruggedness, movement and depth of her artist's studio just made me want to pick-up a brush, buy fresh flowers and get really motivated for the upcoming year. The interior of this space is so luscious and rich...

Beyond Claire's charming studio is, of course, the work that she produces, an emotional and sincere depiction of how she sees, feels and interprets life. If you're lucky enough to be in the beautiful city of Paris, you can visit her gallery in person or see an exhibition of her work at the Espace Commines in the 3rd arrondissement. More information about opening times and address details can be found on the gallery's website.

Images courtesy of -  claire basler