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By Jane Antonacci, January 27, 2012

Fair Paris richly inspired California interior designer Jane Antonacci, resulting in a gilded private retreat for an avid lover of contemporary art.  Ample window coverings dominate the soft and open room, filled with creative pieces selected by both designer and homeowner.

This is the introduction to “Unique Finds Inspire Creative Interiors,” an article by Allison Brophy Champion, a writer for the San Francisco Chronicle.  This article focuses on the unique designs of Jane Antonacci and was featured on the cover of the Home & Garden section of yesterday’s feature, as well as being featured on the online edition, SF Gate.

It is an honor to be on the front page of the Home section of the Chronicle, with a full page photo of our project and total of 3 photos in the article.  The online article only showed one photo so here is another one for your enjoyment.

To read the article in it’s entirety, please click here.

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By Jane Antonacci, October 19, 2011

Recently, I was looking for a very organic wooden bowl for a client’s coffee table on the screened in porch.  I came across an amazing artist that made me forget all about wooden bowls.  I saw a couple of his sofa-style root carvings and fell in love.  I contacted the  R20th Century Gallery  in New York which represents him. It turns out that they are having a show of his work right now.

The extraordinary artist is  Hugo França  from Brazil, and his new exhibit is a series of carved Casulos, or “cocoons,” from Pequi and Imbuia coarse woody debris and roots that he scavenges from the felled trees of the  Brazilian forest.

Hugo França’s sculptures showcase his deep connection with the organic, fluid shapes of the tree. This admiration undoubtedly stems from the fifteen years he spent in the jungles of northeastern Brazil, where he learned woodworking techniques from the indigenous people of Bahia.

“For me, it is an exercise of directing my eye,” França says, “trying to recognize and work with the forms already outlined there, and finding a functionality in those forms.”

His work reveals a powerful appreciation for the cycles of nature, by uniting the natural elements of the tree with his creative process, and presenting it back into the human environment. Take a look at this video of the progression from tree to organic sculpture.

França’s pieces encompass the observer, forcing us to experience the aliveness and natural energy of Brazil’s exquisite natural resource. França brings the viewer inside these intriguing massive “cocoons” so we may experience directly the textures and natural designs of the tree, to “create an organic space of retreat and contemplation.”

“The temperature is different, the sounds are different, the smell and texture are unique,” says França. “This direct contact generates empathy and encourages a bonding experience between man and nature.”

If you are in New York,  visit his exhibition where it will be featured from October 5^th – November 5^th.  Until then, I will curb my craving with these pictures of his striking furniture. I can just imagine the gorgeous natural colors and contours of the wood bringing warmth and texture into a scenic lakeside cabin.

And more good news about Franca, he still makes very large (36″ across)  and wonderful wooden bowls.

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By Jane Antonacci, July 27, 2011

I can imagine this sitting in front of a garden wall with a beautifully trained vine growing next to it, repeating the flow of the wood. Magic!

Pablo Reinoso is a French-Argentine artist and designer and has lived and worked in Paris since 1979.  His work is currently being featured at the Carpenters Workshop Gallery in London.  The gallery describes the exhibition in this way: “Nature overcomes inanimate objects, resurrecting life and philosophical thought into everyday items.”  Reinoso’s multicultural background ignites his interest in finding the links between different cultures.   His work is acutely linked to the human condition, “All his works radiate strong human feelings, like traces of people that have been made visible,” Juliette Faliu, Malakoff, June 2003.

Reinoso’s latest piece, Spaghetti Bench (pictured above), hopes to inspire emotion and memory with each observer.  He says, “Everyone has sat on a bench like this, some have been kissed on one, other have waited for their kid on one, they are common to everybody.”

Here is another bench made out of steel

Wouldn’t this be wonderful on the estate I am working on in Woodside?   What do you say, Woodside?

Take a moment to visit the Carpenters Workshop Gallery online.   Take a look at some of the other artists represented there as well, including Ingrid Donat.  I have been following her for several years.  She creates exquisite bronze tables and terrific lamps.  I want a table from her NOW!

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By Jane Antonacci, July 26, 2011

Eric Zener is an amazing, self-taught painter. He was born in 1966 in Astoria, Oregon, but was raised along the California coast in Encinitas.   Interestingly, after college Zener traveled the world for two years, bartering his paintings for room and board.  In 1991, Zener moved to San Francisco, where his mother was previously a violinist for the San Francisco Symphony. His paintings have been showcased worldwide and have won numerous awards.  His art has also been widely featured in publications such as Harper’s Magazine, Travel and Leisure, Traditional Homes, and American Art Collector.

Zener’s works are so detailed and vibrant that they appear to be photographs until you take a close-up look.  Then, the paintings are boldly painted using heavy paint and brushy strokes, almost like an impressionistic piece.  The style is intriguing. He calls this style of painting “Contemporary Renaissance.”

I had the privilege of visiting his exhibition at the Hespe Gallery in San Francisco recently, and I was in awe of his new exhibit, “Tree Series.”  Take a look at some of his striking pieces from the exhibit:

This last piece is a bit of a departure for him.  He had just finished it before the show.  It was oil on canvas, with an  1/8″ of  space then a layer of glass.  The glass was reversed painted with the fire, giving incredible depth and aliveness to the piece. You can learn more about Eric Zener and see samples of his work here.

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By Jane Antonacci, June 6, 2011

Until 2010, Art Fairs had been missing from the San Francisco scene for 10 years.  The weekend of May 20-23 brought an abundance of art fairs to San Francisco.  Before that, there had been a big fair for a number of years at Fort Mason.  I missed it in those years, as it was an opportunity to take clients to see hundreds of galleries all in one weekend.

The ArtMrkt, the Fine Arts Fair, and Art Pad all held wonderful shows..

As many of you  know, one of my secret  passions  in my design work is to include contemporary art in all of my projects, whether the project is classical or more contemporary.   It gives the home a feeling of creative energy that can  inspire the family and friends to open up more to the pleasure that is available from exploring  an artist’s creations.  It gives me such joy to place wonderful, energetic pieces within an appreciative environment.

.Below  are some of the pieces I especially liked at the fairs this year.  Click on the links to learn more about the artists.

This is a charming piece consisting of painting, cut paper and wood by Mark Fox, shown by Cainschulte.com.  Love the whimsy!

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This  lovely smaller sculpture from Cain Schulte Gallery is by Jessica Drenk.  Although it looks like wood, it is actually carved out of books that were soaked in hot wax. Yes, really!

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An impressive piece was this one by Brazilian artist Maria Bonomi from Transarte Brazil.  This is a woodblock print on heavy Nepalese paper.  This print took the very high honor of First Place in the Venice Biennale 2009 for print work.  At 106” wide it is grand and strong.

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This monolithic piece stood approximately 110” high and was 24” x 24”.  Enlarge it to see the detail.  It is from a very established Korean artist named Jae Hyo Lee.  His medium is  scorched wood in 2 styles.  This style, which is covered with steel nails inserted in to it.

The other style is this:

This large chair is  45” in diameter, perfectly shaped to sit in comfortably. You can visit his very large website to see his amazing, very  large scale pieces.   His work is available at two American galleries with links on his website.   For me, his work was the most memorable  of the entire weekend.

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This piece is from 1962 by Shirley Goldfarb.  The brush work and colors are charming.  It is from a gallery that I hadn’t heard of before, Gallery Sam in Berkeley.  The owner is Evan Morganstein and he had several nice pieces.  While the gallery is open by appointment only, most of his collection is viewable on Artnet.com.

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This is another piece from the same gallery.  I liked it because it reminded me of Klee.  It is by  Robert Jay Wolff titled, “Galaxy” , 1953.   He was a well-known abstract artist from the 1930’s -1970’s.

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I got to see several paintings by Wolf Khan, an artist I have admired for many years.  Seeing five of his landscapes,  in shades of purples, blues,  pinks and yellows  at once was a thrill.  Wonderful colors and a great liveliness pervade his work.  The gallery that showed his work, Jerald Melberg Gallery had other classics, like Motherwell, de Kooning, etc.  It is always good to see the masters and to remember again why they are so important.

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This painting moved me with its exceptional qualities of simplicity, accomplished techniques and quiet aliveness.  The artist is Pat Steir and the gallery is Leanne Hull Fine Art.   This piece was large at 84” x 60”.  Observing it at length, I could almost hear the sound of the waterfall and feel the mist on my face.  It was really lovely.

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All in all:  The fairs were Enchanting!

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By Jane Antonacci, March 8, 2011

A  recently published design book  “Alberto Pinto Today” is one of the season’s best.   This is the latest book by the renown designer from Paris.  His interior architecture and his graphic backgrounds contribute a masculine style characteristic to his work that is “at once classic and modern”.  He was born in Morocco and the Middle Eastern aesthetic touches his designs as well.

Interplay of the curving handrail line with the severe sawtooth stairs

Isn’t this striking?  The strength and the simplicity work to dramatic effect.

Hotellerie de Plaisance, Saint-Emilion, France

Another place on my list where I’d like to spend a weekend imbibing in the beauty of it all!

Detail of embroidered curtains and custom furniture

It’s all in the details, isn’t it?

Classically Modern details

I love this look, clean and strong.  Right now, I am working on a mantle design that is inspired by this photo.  I like it that much.

Perforated suede leather panels in a bedroom and abstract art

Elegant, comfortable, unique and chic.  4 favorite design descriptives.

A graphic flourish of black squares on a white gold ground

These strong lines in combination with very thin lines and added with the bronze ellipses work very well together.

And this, my friend, is why Alberto Pinto is my new, not-so-secret,  mad crush.  I’ve warned my husband that, for right now,  I am in love with another man (and his amazing designs!).

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By Jane Antonacci, March 1, 2011

Artistic expression arrives in a variety of mediums and continues to inspire.  One place I get inspiration is from fashion and at Style.com , where I can follow all the shows.  I appreciate the unending flow of new ideas, and occasionally, there is something I would even like to wear.  The D & G Fall 2011 Ready to Wear show qualifies.  The clothes had a strong 80’s feel, with the longer skirts, big belts, leggings and big tops.  I love the lines.   The “alphabet” patterns made it feel very fresh, but still strongly graphical and bold.

Stretch tube skirts worn over a chiffon skirt were prevalent and charming

Dresses were worn over skirts, over chiffon. How fun that would be to wear?

The shoes were sneakers wedges , so the look was casual

Who doesn’t love a black and white print?

Very sheer skirt would need to be “modified” , but this pattern feels like a fresh spring day. Now if only I were 6’ tall, I could wear this.

The D & G Couture Show was much more rigid, with a lot of menswear.  The RTW  line looks like a lot more fun.  Come fall,  I am ready to wear this RTW line!

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By Jane Antonacci, February 24, 2011

These dramatic chairs are made of driftwood and old planks by a furniture manufacturer in France,  by Louis Crusoe for www.bleunature.com .  The seats are covered in leather.  Which amazing seaside or mountain estate that I am working on will get to have these?

There is also this to complete the set:

How cool would this be for a hideaway terrace at a romantic resort? Put some large pillows on it and book me a reservation now!

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By Jane Antonacci, February 22, 2011

At Bonhams, our local favorite auction house, a good sale is coming up next week for 20^th century pieces.

Click here for the auction & details.

Here is a taste for you:

Here is a pair of Art Deco style walnut pedestals,  executed in a classical fluted column shape of book-matched walnut.   The highly polished finish would freshen up your foyer, wouldn’t it?  The hammer price is listed at $500-$700.  The pair looks great in the catalog.  Please remember to go to the preview days to see a piece you are considering buying at auction to check the condition.  But even if they need a bit of work, they qualify as a terrific Design Value.

Since green is the fashion color of the year, check out this beautiful Russian style malachite box, formed to look like a book.  Put this on your coffee table in your all-beige room,  and your  room will become instantly chic!  This is listed with a hammer price of  $800-1000, so go for it!

If you haven’t purchased at auction before, check out my previous post  (“Designers Secret Source for Great Values”) to get to know all the secret steps.

Here is a fun little piece for all the DIY people out there:

Isn’t this piece charming?  I can see it in a California bungalow with some new bright and lovely floral prints.  With a hammer price of only $300, you can believe it is going to need some repairs, but even so, what fun this piece could be!

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By Jane Antonacci, January 12, 2010

As predicted, I’ve already received several auction catalogues this week.  Here is an item from  Bonham’s London “Period Design” sale that happened earlier this week.    

Lot No: 336  A 19th century Anglo-Indian teak, bone inlaid and brass travelling writing / dressing box, the hinged lid enclosing a fitted interior including a mirror and hidden secret drawers, distressed(18.5″ wide, 9.5″ deep, 6.5″ high). 

This is listed at $750-1200, with fees.  Remember what we talked about in the last post? “The hammer price is not the price you pay”.   There are always those pesky fees added. And don’t forget customs and shipping.   Guessing that the New Year auction prices will be as soft generally soft as last years,   my estimate for it would have been at the low end of the scale.   Anglo-Indian items are still very hot, but it just sold for $550,including fees.   Still, in a lovely retail environment, the cost would be around $3500.  See what I mean about great values?

Domestically, Bonhams has an item in the New York “American Furniture” sale coming up in late January that I am dreaming about using  to create an  amazing guestroom.                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Lot #  1213:      An American Aesthetic inlaid and ebonized cherrywood bedroom suite
Herter Brothers, New York  circa 1880

OMG!  This is exceptional.  Herter Brothers pieces rarely come on the market.  Their work is in major collections in Europe and the US, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Imagine it in a bright white bedroom, painted white floors, with bedding and curtains of the finest, pure white, 100%  Italian linen.  A pure white, Barcelona leather chair and ottoman would be by the fireplace and white lacquered nightstands would complete the set.  The final touch would be overscaled heavily carved giltwood 18^th c.  mirror over the fireplace, and, while we are dreaming,  a set of Franz Kline  paintings. A serene and stunning heaven would be the outcome. 

Given the estimated hammer price of $20-30,000,  this suite would be at least $95,000 in a gallery setting.  If this goes at the low end and you complete the design, you’d have a very chic, million dollar look for a small fraction of that.  At least you could make a down payment on the Franz Kline with the money you saved at auction!

If you need a single room done, I’d suggest you keep an open mind and start watching the auctions.  You’ll come up with something you never would have dreamed of and feel very proud of yourself for your smart thriftiness and your contribution to sustainable design!