:::H20 FASHION::: AVEDA event for CLEAN WATER

LeT's Go CrAzY!!! CONCEPT BY :::donovanswick::: of ART-ECO

HAIR & SET by SALON AZURE

BACK STAGE :::donovanswick::::

MAKEUP BY STEPHEN MEE

DJ MICHAEL Xi

TELEPHANT W/ UT STRING QUARTET


Now for the models and clothes...

SWEET...

GRRRRRRRRRL!

!

FINALE!!!

ENCORE!!!

THANK U LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARIE THOMPSON...MARK LANE...HOLLY SCHENCK

"I GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS"

You may be wondering, "What in the @#+% is ART-ECO?" Simply put it is a movement in Art and Ecology where, based on their relationship to one another, the two become one flesh. In last month’s feature you were introduced to this concept in the art-form of jewelry made from repurposed objects. Well, that medium only scratches the surface of this unlimited form of expression. I intend to take you on an adventurous journey through the lands of the highest peaks, most glorious shores, serenest valleys, and most mysterious terrains of this art-form. However, for now, let us start here in good ol’ Knoxville, Tennessee!
The objet d’ art featured here tells a story all its own…This first in a series of tables is crafted from 100% recycled materials cultivated from the heart of Downtown Knoxville. If you look closely at the base of this table you should notice that there is what looks like very old floor trusses. You are correct! As a matter of fact this wood was being thrown away during the remodel of the old JFG Factory on West Jackson Avenue in the Old City. I simply asked the foreman if I could haul off the trash for him and save him the extra expense of several trips of full construction site dumpsters. He said, "Certainly!" and Bada Bing, I was halfway home on my design. So, I call my buddy Chris Horton and say, "please get your flatbed down here now, I’ll explain later!" He did. "I get by with a little help from my friends." Unbelievable, because this wood was over 300 years old Heart of Pine cut into solid planks measuring over 3 inches thick, close to 2 feet wide and spanning up to 30 feet long, just being thrown away! I held on to this wood for two years due to its scarcity.
The quest was not complete as I wanted to mix 2 types of wood for this particular design. I was in search of two oversized solid wood doors from the turn of the century to be the icing on the cake (top of the table). Lo and behold as I found help from another friend, Daniel Schuh, who had such doors left over from one of his Historic North Knoxville Homes. Ahhh…now to the drawing board! So next is the design. This is the part I personally enjoy the most. I execute the drawing, call another friend, Terry Martin, and show him the design. He takes over and in a few days we have what you see below. Note that Terry built the piece and also did the faux crocodile finish based on my specifications. I simply love this process and hope you at least appreciate it as well. Just like a symphony…many distinct pieces and players coming together in harmony. ENCORE!

"SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THESE..."

http://www.margecarson.com/

www.margecarson.com


Sleep is necessary and dreams are only ushered into our lives through this doorway. The bedroom is a very important, personal, romantic and unique place. It should be our own private sanctuary. As a result, it should feel as such. We spend more time on this furniture than on even our office desk chairs. These dreamy offerings are presented to you by Marge Carson Furniture. http://www.margecarson.com/ (Just a few examples of what you can create as the gateway into your castle in the air.) Explore the world within your visions of rest and relaxation. I encourage you to be daring in the bedroom: Not in the way that you are thinking, but in the way that you are decorating. Your place of refuge should reflect the fantasies of what inspires you yet leaves you recharged. Like a "New Moon on Monday," once you are well rested, you can embark on the journey that life has laid out ahead of you. So, dream a little dream and create! "SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THESE..."

"VINTAGE-EMOTION"

Fashion: the one form of art that seems to drive the bus in the entire industry of aesthetics. On top of that you add the wonders of vintage and you can surmise quickly the influence it has on what we see today. Designers these days are searching through the archives of history to find patterns, fabrics, products and materials that can be reinterpreted and modernized. As a result we are beginning to see new forms of old. Color studies that were ahead of their time way back when are regularly seen on the new products of upholstered goods we have grown to love in our homes of late. Look at how many clothing designers, namely Ralph Lauren, who now have their own furniture collections. It doesn't take long to do the math and see that this equation equals success.

Fashion sets the tone within the music industry. Consider the iconic ensembles adorned by the likes of Elvis, Madonna, Frank Sinatra and even Michael Jackson. Then pay attention to what shows up on the runways, and eventually ends up on your very own sofa. The most wonderful thing, in my opinion, about vintage is the principle of timelessness that it instills. Almost all of art is cyclical. Classics endure. But sometimes, the extraordinary (even the flamboyant) shine out from the crowd and turn your head. Styles evoke emotions. Styles are born from emotions. Emotions are like the wind as they come and go, sometimes barely noticed and other times forces to be reckoned with and subdued by in our lives. Vintage is that "Peaceful Easy Feeling" that we can all hum along with and end up smiling. And as I have covered previously, when used properly it is extremely responsible. So, look in your closet and see just what treasures may be hidden once you look at that garment with "Betty Davis Eyes."

Pictures from the Sanctuary Vintage Fashion Show

"OLD'S COOL"

So sorry for the delay as I have been working on a large commercial project. I truly cannot say enough about this company, Habersham Plantation Corporation. www.habershamdesigns.com The most glorious finishes on the planet coupled with the highest level of craftsmanship and design are the qualities that set this company apart. Often copied but never duplicated, Habersham creates all you would ever need for the complete home. They actually have a program called Habersham Home, which allows you to be the maestro and compose a home that is truly a masterpiece. From kitchen cabinetry to upholstery, from finishing trim to architectural elements, even to the dining chairs you retire into as you feast; this line will dazzle and delight most anyone. This is the company I spoke of in my introduction "What is Design", when I referred to actually seeing a client brought to tears in this showroom due to the overwhelming sense of grace and beauty of their products.

Timeless style and exuberant expression are the trademarks of this company. And best of all, they are an absolute joy to work with on any level. I have had several projects where they have customized whatever I might need or dream up for my client. It appears a bit "Old School", however I am left with the sense that "Old's Cool". If you have a specific finish request, no problem. Since 1972 and still going strong in Tecoa, Georgia Habersham continues to shine. We are cooperating on the development of a custom line of furnishings for MossCreek homes currently. I will keep you posted. In the meantime, turn on some Louie Armstrong, preferably "What a Wonderful World."

THIS IS PERSONAL- SNEAK "PEAK"

Above is a first look at a personal design I have had produced locally as a prototype for my line. It is made exclusively out of reclaimed American hardwoods. I worked with an artisan by the name of Andrew Heneise, originally from Alaska, to bring this beauty from concept to reality. The woods are Wormy White Oak and Black Walnut. The joinery is real and the top of the legs are wrapped with acid etched copper bands. What you see is what you get with this one. It has a story to tell, and if you listen closely you may catch a tune from days gone by coursing through its veins.

Reclaiming materials, or salvaging, is my approach to design for all of my personal pieces. This is another aspect of the name "ART-ECO." If you look at my logo, the "SWICK" one, you may notice a little twist. If you turn the logo upside-down, you shall discover a new way to read the initials that further describes what I do. It becomes "KCIMS". This stands for "Knoxville's Couture Industry of Materials Salvaged." Who knew?

FASHION FORWARD - SNEAK "PEAKS"

"Old Glory" has never looked better. Patriotism and fashion salute one another as the "Star Spangled Banner" is represented on this glorious leather sofa by Old Hickory Tannery.

I saw several flag-themed pieces of upholstery at this past market. From the Union Jack of Great Britain to the Drapeau Tricolore of France, from the Bandiera of Italy to the Stars and Stripes of the U.S.A., the forging of streamers onto items of everyday use was evident. Patriots can fly their colors inside their personal forts as well as outside on the standard flagpole.

I could see one of these in the Oval Office: You think? Perhaps President Obama should give me a call so we could set up an appointment. I could help him out, no question. I'm just sayin'...

Here is a behind the scenes look at a fashion forward design by Old Hickory Tannery Furniture. http://www.ohtfurniture.com/ This ravishing banquette can and should be used in a multitude of applications. It is shown here in this extravagant white patent leather with zebra hide toss pillows. When I saw this piece I had to take a seat. Again, we have another interpretation of the classic Chesterfield style that I have been fixated on as of late.

MORE SNEAK "PEAKS"

Let there be light! Seems like someone special a long time ago said this and look at what we have now. This wonderful offering of luminescence is brought to you by Four Hands as shown at their High Point showroom from this past market. Four Hands does not simply do lighting as they are a complete "lifestyle line" of case goods, upholstery/leather, art, accessories and now even rugs. For what they do I have to say that they are one of my favorites. They literally travel the world to bring us the latest and greatest products at an incredible value. Their president, Brett Hatton, started out as a photographer who scaled the globe and along the way discovered a wide array of wonderful cultural displays. He started reclaiming teak before it was "chic".

Lighting is absolutely crucial...it will make or break the total outcome of a design. The uniqueness of this cluster invites the traveler home after a long journey. As well, it welcomed me and my colleague, Craig Marcum, into their glorious showroom. This display stopped both of us in our tracks; Craig's, for whom this was his first market, and mine, who claims to "have seen it all"; but I digress. Light is the life source for all creation, for without it we all cease to exist. There are a vast amount of truly wonderful lighting designers, too many to list. However, if you think about light, it is powerful.

Consider the diamond. Without light it has no chance to shine. Without light its facets are but lifeless. Design and all art is much like a diamond. It is birthed as the result of immense pressure and heat being applied to the byproduct of life itself. From that comes the raw stone which once discovered, then is taken to a master artisan to have portions removed by the cutting away of excess. And finally, you have the diamond; priceless, right? Actually, without light it would be unable to capture and radiate the reflective qualities of said diamond, hence it would be absolutely worthless. Artists are much the same way, but at best we can only hope and strive to be a glimmering facet of the one true diamond that is art and design.We can only reflect the true source of all creation and apart from it we are not worth much either. So, in essence let this spark some interest into your spirit and "shine on you crazy diamond".

WHAT IS DESIGN...

::donovan swick::
What is design?

This is a question with a plethora of answers. No one can argue however that proper design has the ability to reach deep within the human being. Just as a mirror reflects the image of the one standing before it, so also does the art of design capture the soul of both the artist and the observer of the object of art somewhere unique in time and space. No matter what a person's stance is on the matters of spirituality, morality and the origins of life, one cannot dispute how their very emotions have been stirred at the deepest level of their being at one time or another by a particular piece of art, an exquisite piece of furniture or a well designed environment. Where does that come from and where is it going?

I have seen first-hand the most stoic and detached individuals be moved to tears and literally have their emotions taken hostage for a moment by a wonderful design. It is almost as if being swept off of one's feet by love. Design is not only a skill, not only a trade, not only a talent...it is a means of unspoken communication between our species. It is eternal, beyond measure and certainly not merely superficial. Like a song that moves you to dance, so is design. Think about it. Design is practical, technical and emotional. Design transcends history. It inspires. Design, like the looking glass, reflects the joy, pain, love, hate, bliss, depression, comfort, suffering, hope, disappointment or in other words the pure energy of the human soul. It is a physical expression of the intangible mystery of what connects us all. I invite you to come along as I remind you of things past and introduce you to what is to come. Let's explore several examples of one human's love affair with design. I have a lot to offer and still yet more to learn. But the lights are set, the instruments are all tuned and the floor is open...Shall we dance?