Art Business News Guest Columnist

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I was so excited when Art Business News managing editor, Jen Dulin Wiley invited me to be guest columnist for their national publication.  Shortly after that Brooke Ziccardi, President of ASID-Orange County chapter tapped me to be the Industry Partner Liaison Chair for 2010. For those not familiar, (ASID) The American Society of Interior Designers is the leading organization for interior design professionals.

Tonight we are hosting an event focusing on Industry Partners at the gorgeous Cantoni showroom in Irvine, California. It will be an opportunity to mingle with the movers and shakers of ASID-Orange County, learn about the many benefits members and how to successfully partner with ASID Interior Designers.

All You Need to Know: Figure Skating

 

 Figure Skating and Fashion

The humorous (I hope) article,  Why People Really Watch Figure Skating  I wrote for Cracked.com.   It briefly touches upon the U.S. Olympic skater Johnny Weir/Peta fur fight and other costuming controversies in the competitive skating community.

Golden Globes 2010

One of the perks of working in a fine art gallery, is the many interesting people that walk through the door and become not only collectors, but friends. 

A few weeks ago, a client just back from Vietnam gave me a 24 hour heads up to be his plus one at the 2010 Golden Globes.  I had very little time to throw together a black tie/red carpet ready ensemble. Fortunately as the owner of Poshthreads.com, I have round the clock access to lots of fabulous formal wear.  I selected a baby blue St. John Knit embellished with paillettes and rhinestone buckles and was ready to be swept away by my pumpkin coach/town car.

It was certainly a Cinderella evening for me.  Sure there were oodles of celebrities, tons of hit or miss fashion to observe up close and flowing champagne, but my absolute favorite part of it all was the bathroom.

Now I am no stranger to a washroom stocked with gum, hair combs etc., but I was blown away by the set up at the Beverly Hilton restroom that evening.  Each time I entered, a team of hairstylists and makeup artists descended on me like a NASCAR pit crew. With every imaginable tool (hot rollers, flat irons, curling irons, lipsticks, eye shadow kits, etc.) to keep everyone "red carpet ready"  I,  along with real celebrities flocked to the restrooms every fifteen minutes to be pampered.  In addition, on your way out of the powder room, they handed you L'oreal goody bags with product.  Oh never have I rued using a vintage clutch instead of my much roomier gym bag as an accessory.

Enhancing the Experience

The following article appeared in Muse magazine.

 

 "First Hour"  patina/bronze panel   22x32   artist: Nathan Fischer

Enhancing the Experience - 5 Tips on Collecting Art

There are no absolute rules on acquiring original fine art, which is why the process can be both exhilarating and daunting. Whether you are seasoned collector or an artistic neophyte – the following suggestions will help make the process more enjoyable and ultimately lead you to a personal collection that reflects your unique style.

1. LOVE IT - I always recommend that clients make their choices based on what they like, and not what they assume they should like. It is perfectly acceptable to purchase a piece because it fits the décor. You’ve surrounded yourself with that interior for a reason – you feel good about it(or at least you should). Just make sure you have a connection to the artwork beyond “it matches the settee”.

2. TRY IT OUT - If you find a piece you like but want to be positive it will work in your space, ask to take it home and live with it for a few days. It’s important to see the art in your environment. This way, you can experience it in all types of light, make sure it suits your space and confirm you want it to become part of your collection.

3. EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS – One of the greatest joys is finding a piece that a client loves that they wouldn’t have previously considered due to content, color etc. We can put blinders on sometimes. If you allow yourself to consider more challenging pieces - even if you don’t opt for them - you will have at least opened yourself to aesthetic growth.

4. BE ORIGINAL, HANG ORIGINALS Connoisseurship and confidence comes from living with original pieces. You are more likely to develop discerning taste and appreciate the nuances of your collection, if you can see the artist’s hand in creating the work.

5. MILESTONES A fantastic way to start your collection is to purchase a work of art in honor of a special event. I have clients that acquire an original each year to commemorate their anniversary. Not only have they amassed a terrific collection, each piece coincides with a certain period in their lives.

6. FOLLOW YOUR ARTIST One of the many pleasures of owning art is tracking the artist’s career. I suggest keeping a file with receipts and show cards and have the gallery update you on articles about the artist. Also attend their future exhibitions – it is fun to watch their progression, and it is a great way to meet people with similar tastes and aesthetics.

Diana Cook is a fine art consultant and owner of Diana Ferrone Gallery in Laguna Beach. The gallery specializes in original contemporary fine art. Visit the gallery website DianaFerrone.com