"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?

"FUN AT WORK"

Sorry, Stickley, I couldn't resist! This is me at work having a bit of fun a couple of years ago. I call this the "Bow Arm Electric Chair". I love my work...it is so much fun.

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.

FORMAL ELEGANCE - "SNEAK PEAKS"

Take a look at this metal sculpture. "Yours Truly in the Hand of Design"

From casual to formal. "From Swick to Swank." Here is another interpretation of the classic Chesterfield style sofa brought to you by Hancock & Moore Furniture. http://www.hancockandmoore.com/ They truly have a passion for leather and skillfully produce some of the most glorious creations using such. This is another factory that I have had the privilege of visiting with the folks from MossCreek. http://www.mosscreek.net/ Nestled in the "Furniture Capital", Hickory, NC, at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains sits the most intriguing of furniture factories. In it are numerous master craftsman, carpenters, leather workers, upholsterers and visionaries. Out of it come some of the finest leather pieces crafted in the entire world. No matter what the style, no matter what the combination of materials, and no matter what you can imagine, they can deliver the goods.

This particular setting reminds me of the first time I ever attended a symphony. The metallic treatment of the leather is your horns section, the mohair on the seat is like that I sat upon in the auditorium, and the marble on the table top is like that on the auditorium's grand staircase. What a beautiful experience. I have never been the same since. Speaking of metallic treatments, this is a huge movement as well in the design industry. From leather, to paint finishes, to the reintroduction of reclaimed metals and the post-modern usage of steel and aluminum, metal is hot: Cool too! There is so much more to share however, for now, I must go! Stay tuned and thank you!

CASUAL ELEGANCE - SNEAK "PEAKS"

This will be a "quickie" from "Swickey". Who says you can't have elegance on a budget? This sofa by Robin Bruce, aptly named "Donovan", is a favorite new item of mine for several reasons. Now, I know what you are thinking, and it is not just because we share the same name. But that doesn't hurt it one bit. This sofa is classic, fresh, responsible and a bit of casual mixed with elegance. This style is often found in leather however it is upholstered here in a natural washed linen: Very Eco. It is attainable. It is comfortable. Most importantly, it is made right here in the "good ol' U.S. of A."

I am a big fan of reinterpretation styles. I personally wear a lot of vintage clothing on a regular basis. I particularly love the blue flame-stitch fabric ottoman as well. This blue was also a huge color for the Spring Market. Oh, by the way, this photo was taken at the Rowe/Robin Bruce showroom of the High Point Spring Market. Thank you to Sean O and all of the gang! For more information go to http://www.rowefurniture.com/ . Now, back to this discussion. Vintage is beautiful as it represents a wonderful story in design. We take something that is considered worthless by one person, given away or thrown out, and it becomes new again when discovered by the right person. Sounds like my life. It is spiritual in a way; in a good way. It is like the old record your parents stored in the attic that you may have come across, only to find that it was a doorway into another realm of your life, as you dance the night away. Such is the wonder of vintage.

This is a small glimmer of the meaning behind this blog: "ART-ECO". For more insights and behind the scenes looks, please stay tuned.

A HISTORY LESSON

"To the best of my ability." This is the long-standing translation of the Flemish statement, "Als ik kan," adopted by Gustav Stickley as the motto for his wonderful and practical furnishings company, STICKLEY, circa 1901. To this day in up-state New York lies a true craftsman shop/production facility unmatched in today's furniture world. Gustav is long gone now, but a little town called Manlius, New York hosts artisans who still construct furniture to the standards by which all others should be measured. Birthed in 1905, two immigrant brothers, Gustav and Leopold Stickley, formed L. & J.G. Stickley. The rest, as they say, is history. The honest craftsmanship and practical design of solid wood joinery changed the world of furniture even to this day. Gustav has been termed, "the Father of the Arts & Crafts movement in America." Given the resurgence of Arts & Crafts style architecture in our country and around the world, it is not by surprise that this company continues to lead the industry. This picture shows the Morris Chair, inspired by William Morris, and the Settle as displayed in STICKLEY's High Point Showroom from this past Market. Both of these pieces are icons of the "Mission Movement." What you cannot see is how meticulously they are built. I invite you to zoom in on this picture and discover the inherent beauty of true quality workmanship.

I have had the glorious privilege of touring their factory and company museum due to the kindness of the Braden family, owners of Braden's Fine Furniture & Interiors. I am a "sawdust in the veins" kind of guy and I was absolutely blown away. The pride and joy I absorbed from every skilled artisan at work while there was awe-inspiring. No glitz or glam here, just honest and natural beauty. The deeper you look at a piece of their furniture, the more you fall in love with it. Using only solid Quartersawn White Oak, Wild Black Cherry, and Mahogany choice lumber, STICKLEY allows the creative spirit of humanity and the true essence of nature to dance together in perfect step. Every piece serves a purpose and every component to construct it has value. It is integrity. Any of their pieces will long outlive us here and now. It is instant heritage.

Connecting to our roots as individuals causes us all to reflect and dream at the same time. This is but a small example of this process being fleshed out into a practical and usable object of art and design. Born of the earth and still connected to it, as we all should be, is how I can best describe this truly unique line of furniture. For more information please visit http://www.stickley.com/ and enjoy the wonders of woodworking and fine construction.