Mr. Peacock

Elbows to the Grindstone…

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0000

As of late, Mr. Peacock has noticed some of his favorite jackets and shirts are showing some wear on the elbows—specifically the right elbow. It's probably from rubbing my elbow on my desktop when I use the computer mouse. I guess I need to add some elbow patches.

The past few years have seen a revival in elbow pads in menswear. For some of us peacocks, however, elbow pads have always been a mainstay in our wardrobes.

Elbow patches began as a strictly functional repair—a way to hide wear and tear on jackets, shirts or sweaters. Over time they became mere decoration...and somewhat of a cliché...think of a pipe-smoking gent in a tweedy jacket with oval suede elbow patches standing by a fireplace. The elbow patches of today are far from cliché, and aren’t limited to just oval swatches of suede.

This jacket is traditional tweed, but the elongated rectangle elbow patches are very modern.

This corduroy blazer with suede elbow patches is a classic piece—and I love the lining too!

Mr. Peacock loves this modernized tweed hunting jacket with beautiful pocket detailing...

...and elbow patches. It's at the top of my holiday wish list! (here's another tweed jacket—with tweed elbow pads).

You won’t feel like Mr. Rodgers in this simple and elegant camel colored wool cardigan sweater with leather patches. It's also available in navy.

This slim red cardigan with leather buttons and suede elbow patches and would be festive this season.

Mr. Peacock likes the contrasting red wool buffalo plaid elbow pads on this navy crew knit sweater.

Here’s a navy merino wool turtleneck with elbow patches.

This vintage inspired Pendleton shirt with suede elbow pads looks cozy.

Another vintage inspired shirt with elbow pads.

Buffalo plaid is given a different twist as a rugby shirt with elbow pads.

You can find ready-made elbow patches at your local fabric store and sew them onto your own garments—or have a tailor sew them on for you.

Remember to keep your elbows to the grindstone and stay warm!

Mr. Peacock's Cashmere Sock Sweater

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0000

My father wasn’t into having a lot of possessions, but he was very particular about the way he dressed. I never saw him wear flip-flops or sneakers—only lace up oxfords or golf shoes (both usually alligator) and always with black or charcoal gray cashmere socks.

When my father passed away in the early 90’s, we gathered enough cashmere socks to fill a hefty trash bag. My sister was ready to send them off to Goodwill, but I wasn’t ready to part with them (I’m a sentimental hoarder). They sat in the bag for some time—I wasn’t sure what to do with them. Some of the socks were well worn with a hole or two, while others looked brand new—but all of them were either black or charcoal gray...and very soft.

One weekend I sorted all of the socks by color (black or gray) and if they had any holes (usually on the heel). I started cutting the holes off and splitting the socks open, and realized I had a generous swatch of cashmere. I decided to patchwork them together—not sure what I would end up with...maybe a throw blanket. I decided to try and make a patchwork sweater out of my cashmere sock pieces.

Here’s how Mr. Peacock made his cashmere sock sweater. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or a newbie, this project is fairly forgiving—“mistakes” and haphazard stitching add to the uniqueness of the sweater. This sweater doesn’t have a neat and tailored cut, it's more of a bohemian loose style. I would plan on dedicating a weekend to finish this project. I hand stitched it, because I think it added to the style of the sweater, but you could certainly use a sewing machine.

Here’s the tools you will need: 
• Needle & Heavy duty thread—I used a heavy upholstery thread
•  Straight pins Sharp
• Scissors 
• Glue stick 
• Sharpies
•  Ruler 
• Newspaper 
• Sweater Shaver—you can get them for a few bucks at discount stores like Walgreens (my mom gave me one years ago, I though it was a joke, but this little tool is amazing—it “shaves” off any pilling or loose threads on wool or cashmere without damaging the garment)
• A bag of old cashmere or wool socks (you could also use a few old holey cashmere or wool sweaters instead of socks)

First you'll want to make a "pattern" for your patchwork sock sweater from a favorite existing pull-over sweater in your wardrobe.

Glue stick pieces of newspaper together and lay out on the floor. Place your sweater on top of the newspaper and trace with a sharpie pen.

The lines don't have to be perfect, but if you prefer you can use a ruler. Cut the pattern out along the lines and set aside.

Wash all of the socks in hot water and throw them in a dryer. They’ll shrink a bit, but the washing process will almost “felt” the wool or cashmere and deter unraveling when you cut the pieces. I don’t recommend cotton because it will tend to unravel and be problematic.

After you wash and dry your socks, carefully shave any pilling (little balls and bumps) or excessive fuzziness.

You can now begin cutting the pieces. I was somewhat methodical about cutting. First I cut the tops off (make sure to save 2 elasticized tops for your sleeve bottoms), then the heels, and so forth. The goal is to get large swatches of cashmere (or wool).

I stacked the pieces into like colors and textures (some were smooth, and some were ribbed). I then laid them out on the floor over my paper pattern, leaving enough to cover the pattern—until I was pleased with the arrangement of the shapes. It’s good to mix the colors and textures. I then pinned all of the pieces together, and repeated the entire process.

I used a basting stitch (above), with course upholstery thread. Baste all of the pieces together—leaving a ¼ inch seam allowance on the corners.

Above: A couple of patchwork sweaters from Comme des Garçons Winter 2009 season for inspiration. You can mix patterned socks with solids for your homemade patchwork sweater.

You should have 2 basted patch worked pieces of socks that fit over your newspaper pattern. Place the pieces together, with the basted sides facing out. Lay the pattern on top, and pin the 2 pieces together, using the pattern perimeter as your guide. Don’t pin the bottom of the sleeve openings or the neck opening. Baste these together, and remove all of the pins.

Above: Dolce & Gabbana featured a few patchwork sweaters in their Winter 2008 collection. It's the same idea as my sweater—I like the gray palette.

Carefully try on the sweater. Now is the time to make any adjustments, like making the sleeves tighter, the sleeves longer (I made my sleeves longer), or the body length shorter or longer (I left mine shorter).

Now take the 2 saved elasticized sock tops and baste each one on the end of the sleeves (inside out).

With the sweater inside out, go over all of the seams with a blanket stitch (above). Trim the neck to your liking. I chose a boat style neck on my sweater. Blanket stitch along the entire edge of the neck. Carefully remove any loose threads, and it's ready to go. I think the sweater looks equally appealing with the sewn seams showing, or turned inside with the sewn seams hidden—it just depends on your mood and style.

Above: Mr. Peacock loves the knitwear by Clare Tough—a couple sweaters from 2008. I like the addition of the asymmetrical zipper.

Depending on your sewing experience, you could add a zipper or buttons on the front of your patchwork sweater.

As I said, this project is fairly simple, even if you are a beginner crafter. Once you get started, the process will make more sense to you. This patchwork sweater would make a great gift too. If you start this weekend you can make one as a holiday gift...and one for yourself!

Can you spare a dime?

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

(click image above to enlarge)
Money is on the mind of everyone right now! My neighborhood grocery store has one of those self-service automated machines that counts your coins and gives you a receipt with your total, which you then exchange for cash at the front counter. Each time I’m at the store, someone is pouring a large container of saved coins into this machine hoping for a large total.

Here’s some of Mr. Peacock’s numismatic inspired goodies on his wish list right now:

1) I like the way this foreign coin necklace looks! I think it would look interesting draped around the neck of a gourd style lamp. You could also make your own charm necklace with all of the souvenir coins from your own travels.

2) Mr. Peacock has been obsessed lately with the estate of the late floral designer/party planner extraordinaire—Robert Isabell (and fellow Gemini). He was a keen collector with exquisite taste...and what treasure-box home he created (see more here)! His estate will be auctioned at Southeby's on December 17th.

He had an amazing coin sofa (shown above in a room at his home, from the NY Times) designed by the artist Johnny Swing, made up of over 7,000 nickels and 35,000 welds (detail below left).

The sofa is too large for my apartment, but the butterfly chair (#2 at top) would fit quite nicely. It’s made up of over 1,500 half-dollars and 7,000 welds (detail above right). It would be very luxurious lounging on money!

3) This vintage inspired gold coin and ribbon necklace would be a handsome gift for any hero in your life.

4) There are many different cuff links available made of vintage or replica coins. I like these elegant cuff links made with vintage Mercury dimes embellished with black enamel.

5) Everyone needs a touch of Fornasetti in his or her home! This brass and wood tripod occasional table decorated with drawings of Roman coins would add a chic decorative accent to your décor.

6) Mr. Peacock has always liked anything with a secret compartment (especially my Pee Wee Herman watch!), and these “Spy Coins” are no exception. The tops of these real coins pop off revealing a hidden hollow space perfect for hiding an illicit piece of paper, your bank code, or some high tech tracking device. These coins are the perfect stocking stuffer for the person who has everything!

7) This decorative lidded box (14.5"H x 11.5"W x 8.5"D) adorned with faux Roman coins reminds me of my mom’s vintage faux Roman coin medallion brooch. It would be a perfect vessel for saving cherished cards and letters.

8) Mr. Peacock has amassed a collection of exonumia (flattened embossed souvenir pennies) from various destinations across the United States. The machines are frequently located at touristy spots. Each one costs fifty cents, plus one sacrificial penny.

I just love watching the penny roll down the gears and get rolled flat, and then embossed with the tourist location...and plop out as a warm oval disc at the bottom of the machine. I’m not sure what I’ll do with my collection of embossed pennies...I guess I could make a charm necklace.

Anyway, I’m very glad to be back after a brief blog sojourn. Thank you for all of the kind emails and wonderful comments—I appreciate it! I hope everyone has an abundance of coins this holiday season!

My apologies…

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Mr. Peacock is happily buried under project deadlines right now, but I’ll be back next Monday. Thanks for stopping by, and for all of the wonderful emails (I’ll be catching-up on emails this weekend too) and comments! Happy Thursday.

Teacher appreciation day…

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Take a moment and think about your favorite teachers you've had in your life. How did they influence your life path, your style and the way you view things? Mr. Peacock has 4 favorite teachers who all had different teaching styles (and personal styles) that influenced my life (and personal style).

Mr. Burrous, my junior high school Russian (last week I mentioned my Russian medal) teacher dressed somewhat preppy, and often wore a tie (completely opposite style of my father). I know I was a difficult student too—I talked a lot in class and could be sassy (a smart aleck). Mr. Burrous had patience and was very creative with his teaching methods. He made learning a language fun and interesting. He didn’t simply regurgitate lessons out of a book either—he used creative methods to teach foreign language.

Mr. Burrous's—Inspired look click image to enlarge
1) Classic American oxblood penny loafer
2) Classic blue button-down oxford cotton shirt and striped Repp tie
3) Tortoise glass frames
4) A sleeker Italian oxblood loafer
5) Chinos

Mr. Burrous even had us play “Hollywood Squares,” in Russian of course. He also taught us about Russian culture and food. We spent an entire week (each year) making Ukrainian Easter eggs (pysanky). Mr. Burrous and his wife also had a mail order store and sold pysanky supplies. Ironically, some parents didn’t allow their children to take Russian because they thought it was Communist (how stupid is that). I’m glad my parents were intelligent and encouraged me to learn.

Mrs. Ghering, my high school composition for college teacher, didn’t dress or teach like the other suburban looking teachers at my conservative high school. She wore all white (year round) in homage to Emily Dickinson. Her white ensembles always included a perfectly coiffed white wig, a white turtleneck, white slacks, white lipstick, and vintage Native American turquoise jewelry...including a ring that went over 2 fingers (sort of like brass knuckles that had a turquoise stone about 4 inches in diameter). She also often wore white or muted colored Native American woven ponchos with clear acrylic mules.

Mrs. Ghering's—Inspired look click image to enlarge
1) Native American turquoise jewelry (Mrs. Ghering's were vintage)
2) Helmut Lang hooded knit poncho
3) Sleek stretch cotton pants
4) Clear acrylic mules
5) Sterling silver double finger ring (Mrs. Ghering's had a huge turquoise stone on top)

Shakespeare really came to life in her classes. She would frequently read the different parts in character. Mrs. Ghering was inspiring both visually, and with her dynamic teaching skills. She had high expectations (which I like), and if you didn’t fulfill her expectations she would call you “a bad egg!” ...And who wants to be “a bad egg?”

My college design professor, Judy Anderson, is talented, articulate and soft-spoken. Like the women in my family, Judy’s personal style wasn’t girly or overly made-up. Her personal style was clean, comfortable and natural. She never raised her voice (unlike a few bosses I’ve had), and always gave straightforward critiques and design advice. She was also a stickler for well-crafted typography, attention to details, and problem solving. In addition to being a great designer, she’s also a dynamic artist and her artwork was also inspiring.

Judy Anderson's—Inspired look click image to enlarge
1) Boatneck t-shirt for layering
2) A soft wool t-shirt
3) Uniqlo colored skinny jeans
4) Comme des Garçons Converse sneakers

I was frequently broke in college (and frequently had some personal drama too), and on occasion tried to use that as an excuse for not giving 100% on an assignment. I remember Judy once told me, “If money is your only problem, then you don’t have any problems....” She made me push my creativity and problem solving. I still think of her when I’m on projects with tight budgets (or in my own life when I’m on a tight budget)—and push my creativity to solve problems.

Another college design professor, John Norman, stressed the importance of innovative ideas. His personal style was sort of like a sporty James Bond—good looking, tan…with a casual elegance. He always wore tinted Ray Ban style glasses that would get darker outdoors in the sun. His teaching style was somewhat loose, but he always wanted to push you to experiment and innovate with your design process and materials. In addition to his design background, he experimented with dying and printing textiles.

John Norman's—Inspired look click image to enlarge
1) Navy Wool pinstriped Harrington Jacket
2) Cargo pants
3) Black suede desert boot
4) Leather trimmed aviator glasses

I like experimenting with my process, but would sometimes quickly move on to something else if I didn’t think it was going to work. He would guide and push you to flush out ideas and see what it would lead to—even if it didn’t work. I still try to force myself to innovate, experiment and try different things and processes in my design work (and in my life too). Sometimes the ideas that don’t work lead to other ideas that do succeed.

My favorite teachers all had an enormous influence on who I am, and what I do. Mr. Peacock is grateful for the opportunity I had to learn from these fantastic teachers….and thank them for their commitment to teaching!

Who was your favorite teacher?

The Power of Pockets

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Mr. Peacock has always had a thing for jackets (and shirts) with lots of pockets—the more the merrier. Pockets, historically speaking, always served a utilitarian purpose on a garment (form follows function).

Above: Mr. Peacock’s cherished vintage Osh Kosh denim work wear jacket with functional pockets (see pocket detail at top).

Each pocket was there for a reason, whether it was to hold a tool, identification cards, hunting accouterments, or even just keys. I guess that’s why I like pockets too—they hold all the stuff I like to carry with me including my subway pass, post-it notes, business cards, and various other bits.

There are many great garments, with pockets, this season for gentlemen peacocks. And the wonderful vintage work wear vibe is strong. Admittedly, the pockets are now often more decorative than utilitarian...but hey, everyone can use an extra pocket now and then. Here are some of Mr. Peacock’s pocketed favorites.

Contrasting grays make this wooly shirt jacket both good looking and functional.

The jacket has a hidden front zipper and button placket.

Mr. Peacock is swooning over this charcoal gray heavy Melton jacket, although it may be a too warm for San Francisco (with the exception of a handful of very cold days).
The detailing on the backside. I like the contrasting white stitching too!

This cotton bomber jacket with detachable pockets is more military inspired than work wear inspired. There’s even pockets on the backside.

I love the detachable pockets, and the chunky gold zipper and gold hardware.

Mr. Peacock also loves this denim shirt with 5 pockets. The smaller fifth pocket would hold my subway pass quite nicely.

A pocket detail of this work wear inspired denim shirt.

This engineer’s jacket is homage to the workers of the American Machine Age.

But you don’t have to be a construction worker on a skyscraper to appreciate the details and practical construction of this amazing jacket.

This utility chambray shirt also has many wonderful details including the front placket...

...and the chest pockets and elbow seams.

A pocket protector would be difficult to insert on this black cotton shirt with layered chest pockets (at right).

What do you carry in your pockets?

Hide your nuts...

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Halloween has passed, and before we know it Thanksgiving will be upon us. Squirrels are busy hiding nuts and other goodies for winter. I find people either love or hate this little bushy tailed rodent. When I was a kid, I would watch squirrels raid goodies from my Grandmother LaViolette's garden—quickly grabbing fruit off the trees and skipping away along the top of the fences. She'd run and get her pellet gun and try to scare them away. I rarely see squirrels where I live, although I did see a jack rabbit the other day at my office parking lot. Here’s some squirrels I’m nuts over:

This photo of "The Squirrelton Twins" makes me laugh. You can order a print here.

Mr. Peacock is fond of these carved squirrel bookends. They’re sold as a pair, but one of these wood squirrels would look regal (and vintage) as an object on your desk.

High & low porcelain squirrels: The blue & white squirrel bank looks, at a glance, like a traditional piece of Delftware. But look closer, and you’ll see the detailed and modern hand painted surface. These squirrel salt & pepper shakers look vintage. They could add a whimsical and woodland touch to your Thanksgiving table (they’re on sale too).

This rustic squirrel planter would look great with some mums resting in the acorn. If you don’t have a garden it could simply be used as a vessel to hold something on your Thanksgiving buffet (line it with another bowl or plastic wrap).

A bushy tailed squirrel, or parachuting squirrels both look graphic on these nutty t-shirts.

This porcelain drawer pull (1.75" diameter), with a drawing of a squirrel, would add a touch of whimsy to a nightstand with a drawer.

These squirrel blankets look like they could be a clip from some vintage cartoon.

Of course a squirrel can crack nuts...this nutty squirrel will crack them for you.

A little squirrel pillow (about 7" high) could find a home on a chair, and the back is a vintage patchwork fabric!

I like this home made looking felt squirrel. It's hand-stitched with embroidered eyes and nose.

This matte porcelain squirrel lamp could softly illuminate a dark hall or entryway.

This letterpress card with a squirrel (a set of six) says, “Thank you.”

...and Mr. Peacock thanks you for stopping by...I hope I don't drive you nuts!

How Tweed It Is…

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

(click image above to enlarge)
Harris Tweed, Herringbone Tweed, anything wooly—I love it! Wearing tweed reminds me that the season is changing and the holidays are just around the corner. In San Francisco the changing of the seasons is subtle—no big snowstorms, just a bit of a chill in the air and an amber tinge to the sunlight. Here’s some of my favorite tweed and wooly items on my wish list right now:

1) This Paris Herringbone Tweed bicycle helmet would be perfect for the next Tweed Run (check out the San Francisco Tweed here)! You can pick different covers that fit snugly over a tough helmet form. You can even get optional ear warmers—for those chilly autumn rides.

2) Every autumn, when I was a kid, I would get a new pair of desert boots—but I never had a pair of Harris Tweed desert boots! Clarks released this special tweed desert boot, with contrasting leather trim, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of their most iconic footwear styles.

3) The blue and gray tweed front panels give this wool cardigan a vintage feel—Mr. Rogers never had a cardigan sweater this chic!

4) Mr. Peacock loves this Patch NYC pillow with a silk-screened gentleman’s pipe drawn by Don Carney.

5) I like the simplicity of this wooly web belt.

6) This wool Wheeler Shirt jacket is currently at the top of my wish list. I love the detailing: horn buttons, white and brown plaid lining, and elbow patches (see photo at top right).

7) Hmmm, I’m not sure which pair of tweed desert boots I like best? I think these blue and gray plaid wool desert boots are the winner!

8) Engineered Garments has a plethora of tweed and wooly goodies in their Fall/Winter Collection that will keep you stylishly warm and cozy (at right).

What wooly or Tweed items are you going to wear this season to keep warm and cozy?

Tagged—Lucky 7...

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Two creative ladies with panache tagged Mr. Peacock last week...

The very talented Patricia, at PVE Design, nominated Mr. Peacock for a “Kreative Blog Award.”

And the ever-crafty Sherie, at Skitzo Leezra Studio, nominated Mr. Peacock for a “One Lovely Blog Award.”

Thank you talented ladies!

In turn, Mr. Peacock is sharing 7 random bits about himself and tagging 7 other bloggers. So here goes:

1) My first set of golf clubs (at age 2)...came in a little red plaid golf bag (above). While my dad would practice hitting golf balls on the driving range, I would hit my golf balls (I think they were ping pong balls) nearby. When my dad would pick-up his huge black golf bag...I’d pick-up my little red plaid golf bag and put it over my shoulder.

2) I won a medal for speaking Russian in 8th grade at the state Olympiada (an all day Russian language competition for 8th-12th graders held on the campus of University of Colorado, in Boulder). During one segment of the daylong competition, you randomly drew a category. I drew “my family.” You then had, I think, an hour to write and memorize a 5 minute speech in Russian on the topic you drew. My amazing Russian teacher coached me to speak slowly (I normally talk very fast), and if I stumbled to calmly say, “Just a minute please” (in Russian, of course). The speech segment was in a large auditorium in front of a panel of judges and you were scored on your accent, grammar, et all. Ironically, I didn’t want to compete, but my teacher bribed me by telling me he would give me an A for the entire semester if I participated in the Olympiada. It worked out; I got an A and a Silver Medal.

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3) I’ve never really been a star chaser, but I do have Sammy Davis Jr.’s autograph (I liked his song, The Candyman, from Willy Wonka when I was a kid—go figure see #6). He played in a golf tournament that my father played in—President Gerald Ford’s Golf Invitational.

Above: Sammy's autograph—this was actually for my mom. I had Sammy's and his wife, Altovise's autograph, but I gave my autograph book away to a friend years ago (who was really into celebrity autographs).

I was probably 13 or 14 years old, and I remember towering over him—he was so little. His wife, at the time, Altovise, also towered over him. Me and my younger sister, Samantha, had “VIP” passes (because my dad was in the tournament) so we could walk just about anywhere unrestricted at the tournament—so we could get close-up and pester the celebrities. President Ford was more difficult, however, because he had secret service men all around him.

4) Mr. Peacock loves any kind of lemon dessert...

5) ...probably because I’m allergic to chocolate.

6) I’ve never liked candy either! Again, maybe if I could taste chocolate, it would be a different story. But I loved the original Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory movie!

7) This is my favorite letter in the Cyrillic alphabet (along with the entire alphabet above). This letter, zheh, is supposed to be inspired from looking down on a beetle (the shape)...the sound of this letter is zhur…sort of like Zsa Zsa (Gabor). I love typography, and I think the Cyrillic alphabet is what initially attracted me to the Russian language (see #2). I’m not of Russian decent either.

Thanks to all of the fellow bloggers for the tags and fun awards. Mr. Peacock was also tagged last May.

Mr. Peacock Tags:
Architect Design 
The Accessorator
 Dumbwit Tellher 
Hiberian Homme
 The Haunted Lamp 
Night is half gone
 Stella’s Roar

Ask someone you know to share 7 bits about themselves that you don’t know, and in turn share 7 things about yourself. Happy Monday!

Wingin’ It

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

There’s something very comforting about plopping into a wingback chair with a good book or the Sunday New York Times. The cozy “wings” feel very protective too—shrouding you from any drafts. Many modern wingback chairs have taken on a more fluid and curvy silhouette, as compared to the very linear wingbacks of our great grandparents. There are so many iconic wingback chairs, but here are a few of my favorites.
This Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair is at the top of my wishlist. I don't care if it's a vintage or a new reproduction...

I just love the shape and form of this Papa Bear Wingback Chair—it's like a piece of art.

This vintage wingback is very traditional and rustic, in the spirit of the 17th century...

...I like the open back, and checked fabric.

In contrast, this Bergere wingback is very modern with a fluid silhouette and a somewhat loose interior structure. The chair has a swing movement with fully removable covers. I think I’d like the cover interior in a solid fabric, and the exterior in some sort of modern toile.

Tom Dixon waved his magic wand on this sleek and tall wingback upholstered in mohair velvet.

These masculine black wingbacks have a traditional silhouette, but the glossy black legs give them a modern edge.

This Bel Air Wingchair takes the elements of a traditional wingback and turns it into a chaise. I love the nail head detailing.

Mr. Peacock is swooning over the clean and curvy lines of this modern beauty.

I like the sharp angles of this vintage mid-century wingback (it’s already been sold, but I wanted to share the shape).

I like the tufted backs on this pair of vintage wingbacks chairs upholstered in pale blue linen.

I like the turned wood legs too.

The Italians expertly create flowing, modern silhouettes. This modern wingback chair reminds me of an elegant praying mantis with its long legs.

Mr. Peacock loves this Italian wingback! It has a smaller scale than most, but it still has the comforting attributes of larger scaled wingbacks.

It’s perfect for an apartment too. When I first sat in this chair (in Milan) it wasn’t available in California (long story-fire hazards), but I believe it’s now available here.

Speaking of chairs, this book, Once Upon a Chair, is on my book wish list.

I once found a wood wingback chair frame abandoned on the sidewalk at 58th & Park Avenue, in Manhattan. I wasn't sure if someone was going to load it in a van or something, so I waited and asked people in the vicinity if the chair was theirs. It wasn't, so I hailed a cab and dragged the chair frame back to my apartment. I liked it just as an object without any upholstery, but I ended up upholstering it myself in natural linen.

Hopefully you have a wingback chair (or at least a favorite comfy chair) to plop into this weekend and read the Sunday paper or a good book!

Farewell to my faves…

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Our neighborhood video store announced they would be closing at the end of this month and put their entire inventory up for sale. We stopped by and bought a few cds. I felt like I was scavenging through the belongings of a friend that just passed away. I guess I took it for granted it would always be there.

I refuse to rent from Blockbuster, which also has a store in our neighborhood. Ironically, they are closing too. The convenience and selection of Netflix is so easy, most video stores will probably go by the wayside—if they haven’t already. We did Netflix the first year they launched, but became disenchanted with it for too many reasons to list here and quit our membership.

Jason dragged me to the 8th Annual San Francisco Documentary Film Festival this past Sunday afternoon at The Roxie theater near our apartment. We saw the film, I Need That Record, which chronicles the demise of the local independent record store—focusing on a few closing shops in Connecticut.

The film also has interviews with Thurston Moore, from Sonic Youth, and a handful of other music aficionados commenting on the current state of record stores. It portrayed the neighborhood record store as more than just a retail outlet, but as part of the community and a social place for people of all ages to go.

I left the film feeling very melancholic, and a little bit angry. I want to blame technology for what I think are the negative shifts in our culture, but it’s not really the technology to blame—it’s much more complicated and involves so many different factors. And I know, everything must change and evolve.

Mr. Peacock should make a documentary called, I Need That Magazine. I grew up reading and enjoying magazines. My mother was a magazine junkie, mind you she didn’t subscribe to Better Homes & Gardens, or Good Housekeeping—she bought Interview, Ms, Vanity Fair, Details (when it was a downtown Manhattan cultural guide), W, and Prevention (when it was just text and a few illustrations) to name a few. Of course my dad got all of the Golf Magazine titles, which bored me at the time.

Above: Some of my favorite Gourmet magazine issues—new and old.

I still enjoy the physical experience of sitting and reading a magazine, saving it and reading it again later on. I guess if I didn’t have that experience, and grew up only with the Internet, then maybe an online magazine would be a similar experience for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Internet and have many favorite online magazines, I still prefer to have a hard copy of some of my favorite issues. I’ve read the newspaper online for almost a decade, but I still like to buy a physical copy of the Sunday New York Times.

Mr. Peacock embraces and celebrates technology, but some of the side effects on our culture and society seem bittersweet. Of course I love blogs—which are sort of like the new form of leisure reading, instead of magazines. But I’m mourning the loss of many hard copy magazines (ie Gourmet), used bookstores, and local record shops.

I feel fortunate that I live in a city that has unique and independently owned stores and restaurants—all within walking distance of my home. It saddens me that a kid growing up somewhere outside of a big city will only have chain restaurants (the same ones across our country), Borders Bookstores, and Walmarts as choices for their local cultural experiences. Admittedly, these kids can find and explore the Internet—if they’re curious and long for something more, but it’s not the same social experience as the real thing.

Mr. Peacock’s hope for these endangered media favorites (magazines, local bookstores and record shops, and art film houses too) is that they start to reopen as niche shops that cater to a narrow clientele that specifically wants what they’re offering.

Our favorite local record shop, Aquarius Records (above), has weathered the storms for 30 years by focusing on offering a unique selection of music in a small shop—but also having a great website too (you can hear samples and read honest reviews). The staff is all music aficionados who love music—many are in bands too. That energy is reflected in the store.

There’s a fantastic bookstore nearby called Get Lost, which specializes in only travel books and maps. It’s great because if you’re going on vacation to say, Italy…you can go peruse everything on Italy. Yes, you can do that on Amazon too, but it’s different comparing titles in person. I admit, I succumb to the conveniece and the great prices on Amazon, but I still like to patronize my local shops too. I don’t want to end up with one monopoly online store.

Many great magazine titles have shut down in the past few years, but many new titles have also launched. So I'm optimistic about the longevity of magazines. One of my favorite launches from the past few years, Buckstyle, segued from a hardcopy magazine to a web magazine (you can read about BuckStyle's founder and editor, Steve Doyle, right here).

I think there’s still a market for magazines, but it’s a niche market that will be willing to pay more for a quality magazine. So the cost of publishing the magazine will weigh more on the reader (with a higher newsstand price), than relying on the income of selling advertisers. I look forward to the new titles that will launch in the coming years. There are only a few good local newsstands left in the city. Luckily, I can walk to almost all of them (see one above)! And support my favorite titles!

What’s your thoughts on the state of technology and media? Do you have a favorite little shop in your neighborhood?

Checks from Head-To-Toe

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

(click image above to enlarge)
Buffalo plaid, buffalo check, checked, plaid…whatever you want to call these patterns—Mr. Peacock likes 'em. The colors of these checks and plaids (blues, grays, blacks, and creams) always seem to have a vintage aura to me—which I find appealing. Maybe it’s because I had a favorite Pendleton shirt jacket in black, blue and gray when I was growing up? I probably wouldn’t wear these patterns head-to-toe—although I joyfully did in my 20’s! They look fantastic mixed with solid dark and muted colors.

1) Boxers or briefs? Well if they’re plaid boxers, then the answer would be boxers.

2) These slim checkered trousers would look great with a nice cozy wool cardigan sweater, or a gray wool coat (at right).

3) Mr. Peacock adores this plaid quilted jacket. It has a retro vibe, but leave it to Paul Smith to add a purple lining. My shirt jackets growing up just had black linings. I also like the pointed collar detail that allows you to wear the collar up or down (at right).

5) I grew up wearing many shirts similar to this Woolrich buffalo check wool shirt. It was a staple wardrobe item during the autumn and winter months growing up in Colorado.

5) Slip these black and white buffalo plaid socks under a pair of zippered boots.

6) And like every teenager, I had many inexpensive plaid flannel shirts—some new (usually holiday gifts) and some scored at thrift stores. They only get better with age too—soft and cozy! I think just about everyone has a flannel shirt or two somewhere in their closet.

Did you grow-up with flannel shirts, Pendleton plaid wool shirts, and wool shirt jackets?

Shake, Rattle & Roll...

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:04:00 +0000

It has been a beautiful day here in San Francisco—very warm, very still and no fog... or as people like to say “earthquake weather.” Twenty years ago today it was also warm and still, Mr. Peacock was working at a design studio that sold & designed fonts and published a design magazine in Berkeley, California (next door to Oakland, California). The warehouse style office was situated next door to a sake factory and a gay bathhouse near the Berkeley Marina. The day before, I lost my wallet on the subway with all of my cash, drivers license, bank card…everything. I was a newbie at this job. It was just me and my two bosses (who were married) at this gig.

I was in the back area finishing up packaging the purchased magazines and fonts (that were going to be picked up by UPS) when the electricity flickered on and off for a second…I’ll never forget what then followed.

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For 15 seconds, at 5:05pm, on October 17, 1989 the 7.1 Loma Prieta earthquake occurred. You’re supposed to get under a door jam during an earthquake, but when the quake started I completely froze and couldn’t move. I could hear one of my bosses yelling to me, “Get out of there and let’s get outside.” All of the industrial steel bookcases with the books and magazines toppled to the floor, and I ran towards the front door. The carpet-covered floor was rolling and buckling—it looked like waves under the carpet, no exaggeration. There was also a very loud rumble, almost like the sound of thunder.

Those 15 seconds were in slow motion—it felt like minutes had passed when the rolling finally subsided. Everyone was standing in the middle of the streets and cars were pulled over on the sides of the roads—everyone looked shocked and stunned.

Above: The Bay Bridge—looking from Berkeley towards San Francisco, and Treasure Island (in the middle).

One of my bosses (a Dutch expatriate) jokingly said, “Welcome to California.” The three of us went back inside and they assumed it was just another earthquake—not realizing how big and how much damage it caused. I was shaken up. I had been in smaller earthquakes before in Los Angeles but nothing like this. I lived in San Francisco, and they asked if I wanted to spend the night at their place in Berkeley, but I just wanted to go home to my apartment and be with my friends. The electricity was knocked out, so we left the mess and locked up.

They went home…and I walked to the bus stop. I could take the subway or bus, but I decided I didn't want to be under the water (on the subway) if we had any aftershocks (the subway tunnel runs on the floor of the bay from Berkeley/Oakland to San Francisco), so I chose to wait for the bus.

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As I waited for the bus, the streets seemed to get more chaotic, like a busy anthill. Droves of people started walking by me and someone shouted, “The bus isn’t coming because the top tier of the Bay Bridge collapsed.” (see photo below)

From that moment on everything became surreal that evening. I started walking towards the Berkeley campus, not sure what I was doing or how I would get back to San Francisco.

I could see the top of building pediments from the older 1920’s building had broken off and crushed the windshields of cars below (see above), and smoke was billowing all along the hills of Berkeley from broken gas lines—and of course sirens everywhere. Cell phones weren’t prevalent then, and there were long lines of people at pay phones trying to get make calls. Some streets had so much damage, while other streets looked almost normal and were unscathed.

I decided to sit down at another bus stop bench and just wait a moment until things settled down. As I waited, a Hare Krishna came up to me and said, “You are the supreme jewel…” and handed me an index card rubber stamped with the words “supreme jewel.” My friends jokingly referred to me as Supreme Jewel in the following weeks.

By now it was getting dark, and an older man sat down with me on the bench. He kept looking at me and then introduced himself and shook my hand. He was very scruffy (he could have been homeless), and seemed strange to me, so I tried to ignore him. I glanced over and his pants were unzipped and he was masturbating. I decided to go directly to the BART (the subway station).

When I got to the BART station it was a mob scene, with people sitting everywhere. The trains were shut down because the tunnel under the bay was cracked and leaking water. So I sat down and waited with the crowds.

Around 1am, they announced that buses would take people to awaiting ferries to San Francisco. I waited in line for a bus, and finally boarded a ferry boat heading for San Francisco. It was completely quiet and very dark outside (the electricity was still knocked out). Everyone on the ferry was very amorous, I think because of the emotional stress from the quake. Many people (many strangers) were making out (I wasn’t).

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As we approached San Francisco, you could see huge billows of smoke from fires, over the completely darkened city. There were just a few twinkles of light here and there from generators.

When I finally got to my apartment around 2:30 am, my 3 three roommates were all buzzed from alcohol sitting around lit candles. The water had shut off (for 2 days) and the only liquid we had in the apartment was cheap vodka. Luckily, our place didn't have any serious damage. Some of the door frames tilted a bit during the quake, and then the doors wouldn't shut within the frame, but nobody was hurt...and our building was still intact. Our neighborhood made it through the quake!

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The days following the big quake all of the bars were very crowded and everyone was very friendly. We had many aftershocks too—some as big as 4.0. I gathered my favorite snapshots and mementos and put them in a backpack with a flashlight. It weighed a ton, but I carried that backpack around with me for about a year, like a security blanket in case we had another emergency and I couldn’t get home.

The next day I got a phone call that someone turned in my wallet I lost on the subway (the day before the quake) with everything still in it—including the money!

Above: People waiting in line for fresh water. Thankfully, our water came back on at the end of the second day after the quake.

I am very thankful that nobody I knew was hurt in the quake, a that my office and apartment were built on bedrock instead of landfill.

We still have earthquakes (recent activity here), and my heart stops every time the electricity briefly flickers on and off. My apartment where I live now—creaks loudly and feels like a tree-house swaying during the smaller earthquakes (3.0-5.0) we've had in the past few years. It’s a reminder to everyone to have a plan in case of an emergency—who to call, where to meet, etc… And have at least 5 gallons of water on hand, and canned foods. I better go get some bottled water right now—all I have on hand is some good port and few bottles of champagne!

Dish it up...

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Mr. Peacock shared his dish queen affliction last fall. Here's a few more of my favorite black & white porcelain pieces from my collection.

This vintage bowl is one of my favorite pieces of my dish collection! I found this vintage Copeland/Spode bowl ages ago at a flea market. I was drawn to the zodiac pattern and the scalloped edge.

Here’s a detail of Capricorn. I always use this bowl (10” diameter) to serve a side dish at Thanksgiving.

I also use this small platter (12”) at the holidays. It’s a vintage Syracuse China plate—probably from a diner or restaurant. I’ve had it a long time—I think I bought it at a yard sale for $2. I like the black scrolling around the top and bottom edge... for some design reason the scrolling doesn't connect.

Here's a detail of the scrolling pattern. I'm guessing it's from the 1940's or 1950's.

Mr. Peacock recently acquired this inexpensive “You Are My Sunshine” plate.

Here’s a detail of the clothespins (drawn with dots) and paperclips that create the circular pattern around the center type.

This little 4” Danish plate is dated 1967 and is inscribed with “Den standhaftige tinsoldat—handmalet.” I think it translates to “The standing tin soldier.”

Here’s one of my small vintage (4”) Fornasetti plates from the Sun & Moon series.

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Here's a silly video of Cousin Emmy, and Pete Seeger, performing her rendition of "You Are My Sunshine" —circa early 1950's. Have a fun weekend!

Boots that zip up!

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

As a kid, I wore desert boots year round—year after year. Now as an adult, I also wear a variety of boots year round—although not just desert boots. I adore boots, whether they’re lace-up, pull-on, button-up, or zip-up, it doesn’t matter—I just love a good boot. Boots actually get better with age too—once they’re broken in and get a nice patina. Maybe your father or grandfather has an old pair you can acquire or borrow from their closet. With the exception of hip waders (when we’d go fishing), my dad didn’t wear boots, only lace-up shoes. So I didn’t inherit any broken-in boots, but I’ve found a few good pairs on eBay over the years.

This year, there seems to be so many wonderful boot styles for gentlemen peacocks—whatever style you like: casual, dressy or work wear inspired. I like the way lace-up boots look, but I prefer the ease of boots with a zipper (or a combo of both). Here’s some of Mr. Peacock’s favorite boots of the season with zippers.

These burnish-brown leather side-zip "desert boots" are at the top of my wish list. I would wear these with everything from jeans to suits.
I love the clean silhouette and the authentic looking weathered patina.

These faded black leather boots are quietly modern with the continuous center zip. They're from Damir Doma (I think it’s there swan song season too).

Pig skin leather is layered in panels on this modern zipper-back boot—also by Damir Doma.

These cognac brown side-zipper boots would be a versatile addition to any peacock’s shoe wardrobe...

...as would these beautifully simple black leather diagonal side-zipper boots.

This leather front-zip style boot is chic with the leather pull on each zipper.

I think I like the brown color better, although the black boot is nice too.

Above left to right: The cordovan colored rear-zipper hunter boot with strap is both rugged and refined. I think this well-crafted boot would look great with jeans or even a tweed/wool pant tucked in; these chestnut brown suede boots with a zipper-back (with sheepskin lining) remind me of desert boots—I guess because of the crepe sole.

Mr. Peacock loves the color of these double-zip gray suede lace-up boots.

These suede side-zipper boots with buckles and white leather soles look comfy—and they remind me of my black leather back-zipper biker style boots (see farther below).

This high calf boot with a back zipper and top snap also reminds me of my back zipper boots (below) sans the buckles. I like the glossy black sheen too.

This season, Mr. Peacock will be wearing his high calf zipper-back boots with buckles from a few years ago (that remind me of the glossy black boots above, and suede boots farther above)...I usually wear these with khakis, corduroys, or jeans, and tuck them into the top of the boots.

...and my old APC Chelsea style boots that zip-up in the back. These are incredibly comfortable and look great with everything.

Admittedly, quality boots can be expensive—but with proper care, a good men's boot will last for years. Think of boots as a wardrobe investment and pick a style that you love, and take care of them.

What kind of boots are you going to be wearing this season?

Superbook of Things to Make

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

One summer in the early 1970’s, an aunt from Norway visited our family in Colorado. Aunt Åse, my mom’s stepsister, stayed for a month as part of her trip across the United States. She spent time with everyone in our family, but I really wanted to monopolize her time. I liked her because she laughed a lot. She also seemed interested in all of my craft projects that I showed (bored) her, and that made me like her even more. I was a crafty child—constantly making stuff, and always taking art classes. I think I was 10 years old at the time. I gave her a special tour of our neighborhood mall, which included a stop to one of my favorite shops, Bauble Mart (the bead and craft shop). The summer flew by and Åse went back to Oslo.

Above: The design of Superbook of Things to Make is very au courant now—with touches of decorative fonts. The font on the cover reminds me of this typeface.

Months later, deep in the middle of a Colorado winter (we actually had big snow storms then), I received a package from Norway—from Åse. I tore it open—it was a book called, Superbook of Things to Make. She purchased the book in London, on her way home to Norway. She signed the inside…thanking me (for making her summer trip so fun).

I was thrilled...and became obsessed with the book for the next year. I told my mom that I wanted to make every single project in the book. Superbook of Things to Make seemed a bit exotic too me then, because it was all in metrics, and the styling of the book seemed very modern.

I found my old treasured copy of Superbook of Things to Make at my mom’s house a few years ago, and it brought back all of the fun times I had reading it and making the projects as a kid.

Mr. Peacock still likes these “Clock Flowers”...in what looks like a cleanser can vase (painted white) .

I made this straw curtain with straws and beads from Bauble Mart.

My projects didn’t turn out looking as good as the photos in the book. I didn’t know they had art directors and stylists perfecting each project for the photos, and would sometimes get frustrated with my results. I wish I had a photograph of one of my projects from then—it would be a good laugh!

I made these planters out of old cleaning bottles, but I didn’t paint them as precisely as the book...

...and my seedlings didn’t get as bushy theirs either.

Mr. Peacock loves patchwork, but I didn’t get around to making this “Patchwork Wallpaper” project. I think it could still could be relevant for the right room. They used wallpaper sample books, but you could simply mix a few wallpaper patterns into a patchwork.

I see a glimpse of some red toile peeking through the chair and table.

Colored tape carefully patterned on a wall...

I like the diagram too!

Superbook of Things to Make was such a thoughtful gift. I wore the book out—the binding is ripped and the corners are tattered. Åse sent me another great gift a few years later when I started to study (and become obsessed with) Russian, but that’s another posting.

Any other crafty kids out there? You can buy a vintage copy of Superbook of Things to Make (by Pia Hsiao and Neil Lorimer) here. Did anyone else have Superbook of Things to Make as a kid, or have any other favorite childhood craft books?

Tête-à-tête with Historically Inaccurate

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Richard Saja is the witty and creative gentleman behind Historically Inaccurate Decorative Arts. Mr. Peacock first became aware of Mr. Saja’s mischievous and cheeky toile pieces a few years ago, and immediately became a fan of Historically Inaccurate. You may already know that Mr. Peacock is fond of Toile de Jouy and embroidery.

Richard’s current site-specific installation, The Bright and Shining Light of Irreverence: Richard Saja and the Historically Inaccurate School, is at the Kalkin House (above) at the Shelburne Museum. Hurry, the exhibit ends October 23, 2009.

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The Shelburne Museum is an art and Americana museum composed of 39 different structures, including the Kalkin House, nestled in the of Vermont’s scenic Lake Champlain valley. The Shelburne is home to the finest museum collections of 19th century American folk art, quilts, 19th and 20th century decoys, and carriages...and is the perfect local for the clever work of Queens, New York based artist Richard Saja.

Above left to right: "Just this once" 23" round embroidered toile at the Shelburne exhibit; the piece which inspired it—"The Garden of Eden" by Eratus Salisbury Field, which is part of the Shelburne permanent collection.

Mr. Saja turned the Kalkin House (a two story prefab structure designed in 2001 by New Jersey-based architect Adam Kalkin) into a 19th century salon infused with his “historically inaccurate” take on tradition.

Above: A detail from "Just this once."

He used the upper space to showcase his own work inspired by objects in the Shelburne Museum’s collection, including quilts, silhouette portraits, and needlework.

He filled the bottom floor of the house with 40 portraits he commissioned (from Craigslist, Facebook and friends) depicting himself as an albino animal hybrid, and called it, The Salon of Love & Horror (above).

Above: Square Quilt print from the Shelburne exhibit, 44" x 44"—the squares are computer generated noise fields.

Mr. Peacock: Did you always want to be an artist, or did it happen through serendipity?
Richard Saja: As I child, the first thing I remember wanting to be was one of the Lost Boys from Peter Pan...the (shudder) Disney version, I guess because I had bed sheets with illustrations on them from the film that my grandmother had given me. There was something so appealing and compelling to me about running around Neverland in an animal costume and I so wanted a part of that action. When I realized that was not to be I settled on "rock star" but as the glittering, gender-bending excess of the 70's gave way to the aesthetically horrific 80's, I found myself without a clear career goal.

It took about 20 years of knocking about—streets of NY, art school, ceramics, great books of Western Civilization, bread delivery guy, art director on Mad Ave., waitron—to finally land on textiles. It was serendipity ultimately, but all that had come before laid a solid foundation for the work I now do.  

Above left to right: A cushion from the Travers series; detail.

Mr. P: What attracted you to work with textiles, specifically toile?
 I grew up in the late 60's and early 70's when the world was ablaze in the polyester prints my mother was so fond of. How could anyone not be seduced by all of those super-saturated acid hues? While I credit that for my initial love of textiles, my interest in toile was borne out of a waking reverie where I conceived of embellishing through embroidery tattoos on the faces of traditional 18th century figures. Unfortunately, I've yet to find a ready-made toile print where the figures are large enough to have tattooed faces but I modified the concept and the Toile & Tats series was begun.  

Above: Historically Inaccurate's first toile sofa (and detail) from a few years ago.

Mr. P: When did you create your first toil(e) piece? And Frankentoile piece?
My first toile piece was created over the Independence Day weekend of 2001, I believe. I wanted to upholster the seat of an old wooden chair that I found in my basement for my booth at the International Gift Show the following month so while my friends were frolicking on the beaches on Asbury Park, I sat on the porch and put needle to toile. A few weeks ago the chair collapsed (dry wood!) and I cut the embroidery from the frame.  

Frankentoile was borne out of my inability to discard any piece of toile (see pillows above), no matter how small that still had a full print on it. I have bags of scraps lying about so piecing prints back together seemed inevitable at some point. The Son of Frankentoile series is where the concept really shines for me, though: to recontextualize a toile and imbue what is traditionally a very sedate print with humor and mystery through simple patchwork.  

Above left to right: A cushion from the Travers series; detail with French knots.

Mr. P: Are you a self-taught embroiderer, or did someone teach you?
Except a brief 1/2 hour tutorial in a bar on the complexities of the French knot (see photo above), I'm completely self-taught. I'll also share that I'm in no way a technically skilled artisan and have included pictures on my blog of the reverse side of some of my pieces as a testament to this fact.  

Above: A detail from the Tats & Toile series.

As a kid, did you sew, quilt or embroider?
No. I was way too busy making dioramas of haunted houses. I did however, create superhero costumes using crayola iron-on fabric crayons and t-shirts. Starboy and Timberwolf (he has no pupils!) from the Legion of Super Heroes were favorites of mine.  

Above: At the Shelburne Museum exhibit—Saja's Fauxnasetti Bar Towels, an homage to Piero Fornasetti.

Who or what has been an influence on your life and artwork?
The great 20th century Italian designer Fornasetti has been not so much an influence as a kindred spirit from beyond the grave. I wasn't all that aware of his work until a few years after I had begun my design career and I immediately saw great similarities in our aesthetic.

Above: A view of the top floor bedroom tableau at the Kalkin House, and details of the Diversity Quilt (a statement on contemporary Gay culture)—a matrix of men all walking in the same direction with walking sticks stitched in different hues.

The actual source and inspiration comes from everything everywhere...my world is a rich, surprising and delightful one and I think that translates into many, if not all, of my pieces.  

Your ProtoBolsters are at the same time endearing and a bit disturbing—I love them! Are the names metaphors for what you were thinking as you created each one, or purely random?
Neither. When I was working on them I thought, "where can I find a nearly inexhaustible source for interesting names? " Catholicism was the obvious choice: they're named after the saints.

Above: A ProtoBolster "chandelier" hanging at the Kalkin House.

I'm glad you picked up on the endearing/disturbing aspect...it's something that just happens but it happens often in my work and I LOVE it. Things are rarely black and white and to embody 2 completely different emotions in one object really amps me hard.  

Portraits from The Salon of Love & Hate, left to right: by Mark Blanton; by J. Tom Legaspi; by Steven Levan.

The Salon of Love and Horror is brilliant. I know asking you to pick a favorite portrait would be like asking a parent to pick their favorite child, but do you feel one particularly struck a chord and really personified your personality?
Ah, Sophie's Choice! Although I feel like it would be nearly impossible to concentrate my entire personality in one painting, I think the Kristina Carroll piece touches (see below) on an aspect of me that is ever-present yet not really evident.

It's somewhat difficult for me to characterize, but I think it's a wistful but world-weary knowledge that everything is going to be alright...that things always somehow work themselves out in the end and that it's usually for the best: weathered hope, I suppose.

“Weathered hope”...Mr. Peacock likes that phrase and description. I think that sums up many folks feeling right now.

Above: Richard Saja photographed by Hiroko Masuike for The New York Times.

If you’re on the East Coast, plan a trip up to the Shelburne Museum this weekend and see Richard Saja’s dynamic work at the Kalkin House. You can also see more of his work on his website, or his blogs: Historically Inaccurate, ProtoBolster, or The Salon of Love & Horror. Thank you Richard!

Whip It good—Kudos to Drew

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:30:00 +0000

Mr. Peacock saw Whip It last Saturday at a barely half-full showing—everyone was at Zombieland. You already know I like Drew Barrymore, but I wasn't sure how she'd be as a director. I liked Whip It, and wasn't disappointed—go see it and tell me what you think.

The casting is spot on—Juliette Lewis, Jimmie Fallon, Drew Barrymore, Eve, Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live), Marcia Gay Harden (she's always great) and Ellen Page (go Babe Ruthless). I've liked Ellen Page since I saw her in that disturbing film Hard Candy. She's perfect in this teen role, and it's different than her teenage character in Juno.

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The movie is sweet, funny and inspiring. The message of the film is "accept and support your kids for who they are." Yes, it's a teenage coming of age film, but the happy ending doesn't mean you come in 1st place—you can come in 2nd place and still be a winner. Thanks Drew Barrymore!

Lounging on leather & chrome…

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

A late pal of mine, Lee, frequently liked to host huge house parties. The first time I attended one of his parties was in the late 80’s. I took my plastic cup of beer and made a beeline for his pony skin Le Corbusier lounger. I thought I was sitting in some comfy and chic amusement park ride—every now and then someone would slide the recliner back and forth as I held court on this modern throne.

Decades later, I chuckled when I attended one of his parties and watched a trio of young party revelers carrying-on and lounging on the same pony skin chaise. It reminded me of how much fun I had discovering that classic chaise years earlier. The chair only got better with time too—it withstood the abuse from decades of house parties and spilled cocktails.

There’s something very masculine about a leather & chrome chaise, although I admit I prefer the vintage models. Some of the new chrome and leather chaise lounges seem cheap to me—unless they’re made with high quality materials. Unfortunately, that usually means a higher price, but a quality chaise lounge chair can be an investment piece that lasts—like my friend’s Le Corbusier lounger.

This vintage 1920's chaise lounge designed by Mies van der Rohe reminds me of a chic lawn chair—but for indoor use. This beauty in gray leather is vintage, but you can still order new models (I love the red leather).

I like the curved arc of the arm, which was inspired by rocking chairs from the early 20th century.

Here’s another another vintage Mies van der Rohe lounge chair. I could see this in the office of Mad Men (or my apartment).

I love the warm patina of the brown leather in contrast with the cool chrome.

This leather & chrome chaise is new, but you can clearly see the Mies van der rohe inspiration for its clean sweeping curve and tubular tufted leather.

The leather is distressed to look vintage. I haven’t tried it out yet, but it looks very comfortable.

This modern Italian chaise has a unique silhouette—it’s part chair and part chaise. The flat end of this leather & steel chaise, if it were at my place, would quickly become a receptacle for books, magazines, and the Sunday Times.

The clean lines of this vintage leather chaise lounge by Harvey Probber chaise (produced by Brayton International) are very appealing to me. It would look great in a modern or traditional room. I want to relax on it right now and read all of my treasured back issues of Gourmet Magazine!

Mr. Peacock loves the gentle patina of the honey colored leather.

I think this new Grasshopper Chair has a very elegant and sleek silhouette. It would be perfect for any gentleman peacock.

The combination of canvas, leather, and chrome make it very modern and timeless.

I’m not sure if I prefer this chaise in black, natural, dark brown or cognac leather? It's very chic in the natural (above), but I think the cognac would be more practical.

This vintage 1960’s Danish reclining chaise lounge would be perfect for Sunday afternoon catnaps.

The wine colored leather is very masculine, and the detailing is nice too.

Mr. Peacock loves this boxy Italian 1970’s tufted leather chaise. It would be divine in my living room!

It reminds of a chic vintage psychiatrist couch that could have been in a movie with Marcello Mastroianni (playing the shrink of course).

I would love to lounge on this vintage leather chaise and listen to “Songs of Couch and Consultation” from the late 1950's by Katie Lee (the folk singer from Arizona, not Billy Joel's ex). The songs are a tongue in cheek and spoof psychoanalysis. You can sample a few of the songs here, including “Will to Fail” and “Repressed Hostility Blues.” Fantastic lyrics too!

You don’t have to have the “repressed hostility blues” to appreciate a well-designed leather and chrome chaise lounge.

I know leather & chrome can seem very cold, but mixed with the right elements it can be warm and appealing (above-the Mies van der Rohe chaise)—and so comfortable too. Do you have any leather and chrome pieces at your house?

Totes for the Fair...

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

If you’re going to the NY Art Book Fair this weekend you’re going to need a quality tote bag to carry your purchases home—or use of J. Morrison's custom screen printed manpurses. Mr. Peacock is always hauling pounds of books and magazines in some sort of tote bag. I showed some “Dream Totes” last January—here’s some of my current favorites.

Mr. Peacock loves the shape and size of these Phillip Lim tote bags. The orange one is very appealing, but I'd probably go with the blue-gray bag.

Gray waxed cotton and leather carryall bag make this Billykirk bag (on left) very appealing—and durable. The detachable shoulder strap makes it functional too. I also love the rubberized canvas tote (on right) with leather handles. It has snap closures on the top and sides, with an interior pocket.

This distressed horse leather bag has a beautiful worn patina and long handles to carry over your shoulder. You could fill this bag with art books!

Buffalo plaid is everywhere! I can’t help but like this Woolrich Woolen Mills wool buffalo plaid and leather tote bag. And who could resist this witty hot dog tote bag from the peacocks over at Fred Flare. I’ll have to add it to my dachshund goodies.

I like the looks of this hand made striped cotton tote with leather handles and detailing. Its simplicity belies its functionality—and it will only get better with age.

You might remember the Patch NYC peacocks from my posting in March. Their burlap and black denim tote bags are super durable. I know because I have one (with a smoking pipe hand-printed on the exterior) and I’m very hard on my tote bags. These bags are lined with vintage fabric and have an interior zipped pocket.

Mr. Peacock can’t seem to get enough of tote bags—there’s a pile of them in my closet right now. What kind of bag do you use—tote, satchel, messenger….or brief case?

NY Art Book Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

If you’re in New York, put down your iPhone, Blackberry, laptop, whatever...and make a pilgrimage to the fourth annual NY Art Book Fair at P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center, in Long Island City, Queens this weekend.

Printed Matter, the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to publications made by artists, presents this Fair of over 200 international presses, booksellers, antiquarian dealers and independent artist/publishers.

The NY Art Book Fair is free and open to the public October 2-4, with a special preview and benefit for Printed Matter this evening. For a list of exhibitors, benefit tickets and more information click here.

Don’t miss the Manpurse IV: Assembly Line at the NY Art Book Fair. This custom screen print tote bag assembly line at the Fair is organized by one of Mr. Peacock’s favorite artists, J. Morrison. Get a custom "manpurse" and fill it with your book purchases.

Above: J. Morrison (center) printing custom totes (you could choose from various artwork) at last years NY Art Book Fair.

You can get a custom screen-printed tote bag, by some interesting contemporary artists including Slava Mogutin, Paul Mpagi Sepuya, J. Morrison, and more.

Here’s a sample of J. Morrison’s work. You may remember his silk screened red bandana I featured back in April. Photos above by Maria Chavez.

If you’re not in New York, don’t worry—you can still get some amazing art books and goodies at Printed Matter online. They stock an amazing assortment of artist books, periodicals, posters/cards, artwork, clothes and ephemera that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. So treat yourself to a book by an artist today!

Sweater Weather

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000

My apartment is cold and drafty this evening, and I had to put on one of my favorite sweaters. It’s a navy blue shawl collar cardigan—a hand-me-down from my father. He always wore it in the winter time when he was replacing golf club grips in the drafty workroom at his pro-shop. There are even a few drops of hardened glue (or cement) inside one of the pockets. Sweater weather has begun, and Mr. Peacock is dreaming of new cozy chunky knit cardigan sweater with a shawl collar. Here are some of my favorites on my wish list.

This soft, chunky cable knit cardigan (a blend of cashmere, lambs wool, nylon and angora) is at the top of my list. I love the oversize buttons—they give this “traditional” sweater a modern twist.

Mr. Peacock adores this colorful reverse stitch knit cardigan with corozo nut buttons. Turning a traditional fairisle sweater inside out inspired this colorful pattern. This colorful hand knit sweater would be very welcoming on a gray winter day.

This chunky black and brown sweater looks like it has a shawl collar, but is actually a hoodie. How cozy would that be on cold and windy autumn days? It also comes in a gray and brown version.

This dark gray "grandpa sweater" has a shawl collar and pockets just like grandpa’s, but an off-center zipper front modernizes this beauty. It's also available in a light gray.

I love the color combination of this beige wool sweater adorned with swallows and folkloric design. The wrong colorway could have easily made this sweater a bit kitschy, but this palette shines with sophistication and personality.

This black and white wool cardigan looks like a beautiful handmade vintage sweater. The chunky zipper pull makes it modern and functional.

You don’t’ have to herd reindeer to appreciate the pattern on this contemporary cardigan in tones of gray.

Mr. Peacock always looks forward to sweater weather and wearing sweaters, maybe it’s due to growing up in a cold climate with snow. What are you looking forward to wearing this autumn?

An Emile Norman Treasure

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:55:00 +0000

Last April, Mr. Peacock wrote about the extraordinary artist Emile Norman. I received a very lovely email from a reader whose husband was good friends with Mr. Norman, and had commissioned an elephant and cherub (which is in the likeness of Emile’s partner Brooks).

Here's a shot of the stylized elephant by Emile Norman. Thanks Sue for sharing your wonderful Emile Norman treasure!

A sad footnote:
Mr. Peacock was saddened to hear the news that Emile Norman passed away of natural causes last Thursday. Actress Jill Ekenberry, who produced (along with her husband actor Michael Tucker) the documentary, Emile Norman: By His Own Design, told the Los Angeles Times, that “he designed his life as well as his art.” Michael Tucker said, "The way he looked at his art and work was a calling. It flowed through him. He was the purest artist I ever met." Thank you Emile Norman for your inspiration to be true to yourself!

Will Ferrell's take on health care...

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:45:00 +0000

Will Ferrell's film, Land of the Lost, fell short of expectations earlier this year, but this satire on the health care reform makes up for it. Thanks Will Ferrell!

[download]

Protect Insurance Companies PSA from Will Ferrell

From the journals of Mr. Peacock...

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Peacock) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0000

I’ve kept journals, or should I say “scrapbooks” for decades now (yikes-time flies). They’re not really a journal in the traditional sense, but more of a visual diary of my life. I've always been obsessed with assorted bits of ephemera and magazines (I work at them and buy them). I admit I can be somewhat of a pack rat too. As I’ve mentioned before, I was always a gypsy and moved around many times in my life.

One day I started gluing everything that I liked into my sketchbook, and I’ve never looked back. When I would move—all I had to worry about was my journals, instead of stacks of magazines and boxes of ephemera.

I know many people enjoy keeping similar cut & paste journals. I find the actual act of clipping, gluing and collaging to be very therapeutic and relaxing. I try do constantly maintain my journals, but sometimes I get behind on keeping up with my “paperwork.” In fact, right now I’m behind a few months, but I’ll eventually take a weekend and plow through my “stuff” and get caught up. Over the years I’ve even had some intimate friends become frustrated, and almost jealous, at the time I spent maintaining my journals.

My journals have been like a close friend to me over the years. I turn to them when I want to escape, to be cheered up, or if I need a bit of inspiration. I can tell what year I created a journal just my thumbing through the pages. It always takes me right back to where I was at that moment in my life—much like a written diary for some folks.

I’ve purchased the same size hard-covered 10.5” x 13.5” Canson hard cover sketch books year after year. I've had some red covers & white covers, but most are black covered.

I always put a “title” on the front of each journal that sums up my mind-set at the time. I’m not too precious when I work on my journals, no straight lines or perfect layouts here; they’re just for me. I can tell you I've gone through cases and cases of glue-sticks over the years.

The IKEA Billy Bookcases in my living room nicely store some of my journals ( above-on the bottom two shelves behind my sofa).

I’ve never tallied up how many journals I’ve filled over the years. They’ve been in storage, lost, stolen, and regrettably I sold some journals.

Above: I like the way some of my "vintage" journals are getting a patina and discoloring from time.

Almost 20 years ago, I sold some to a shop owner that purchased rare books and magazines. When you entered the shop you had to check your bag. The shop owner peeked at my journal as I shopped. When I retrieved my bag he asked me what my book was and I said it’s my “journal.” He asked if I had anymore and said he would be interested in buying them. I told him I didn’t sell my journals. However, when I needed some quick cash I took a few back and sold them. I don’t even remember how much I got for them, but in hindsight I wish I had kept them.

I'll probably continue to keep making my journals until I die, although, unfortunately I'll run out of space to keep them. Many pages of my journals are naughty, and I can't share them here, but over time I will share some more "G" rated pages from my journals (and photograph them better).

Do you keep a diary, journal or scrapbook of your life and thoughts? Or do you have a ritual that inspires you at the uninspired lulls in life? Whatever you do, I hope you have an inspiring weekend!