Many of you might know Canadian designer Martha Sturdy. She’s been creating bold, sculptural pieces since 1978. Her work is paired down and minimal and illustrates a great appreciation for material and proportion. If you have ever visited the rugged West Coast of Canada than you will understand her work. I have personally always lusted after her resin pieces and hope one day that one of her works will find it’s way into my home.
Her latest collection called Rivet is made from individually crafted brass accent pieces in limited editions. They are in a word – stunning.
In signature Sturdy style, this collection presents bowls, and chargers in epic proportions with bowls 10” tall and chargers up to 48” in diameter.
The piece de resistance is a 36” circular coffee table carefully executed with riveted seams and castors and is generously proportioned to appropriately demonstrate the intricate details of the finish. The patina is ever evolving.
A thing of beauty, no?
One of the things I never expected when I started this blog was all of the interesting people I would meet. A year ago or maybe more I received an email from a local filmmaker who was looking for a location for her film. Sara St Onge had seen my Hello! Neighbor house tours and wondered if any of the owners would be interested in loaning out their home for a week in exchange for a trip to Mexico. I sent out an email and left the rest in Sara and the homeowner’s hands.
Fast forward to last night when I got to watch the final film – Molly Maxwell. It’s amazing (really and truly) and featured prominently is Abi and John’s house and a lot of other familiar looking places in Parkdale. I’d even go as far as to say that it is probably the best film I have seen in a long time. And I’m not the only one who thinks so – Molly Maxwell had a screening at MoMA in New York City last month. I take my hat off to filmmakers like Sara. The blood, sweat and tears that must go into making a feature length film is unfathomable to me.
The film has it’s theatrical release on Friday, April 19th and runs until April 25th at the Carlton Cinema. If you’re in Toronto I urge you to go see it. You won’t be disappointed.
Before we go, it’s also time to announce the winner of the Shopgirls giveaway. Congratulations Elle. You get to go shopping at one of Parkdale’s finest. Thank you Shopgirls!
I’m experiencing some steep learning curves right now. My mind is boggled to say the least. It’s a little bit like picking up a new language. At that moment not a lot is making sense but I’m sure if I immerse myself that slowly it will all start to come together. I just cross my fingers each night hoping that the baby Orla sleeps more or less through the night! I need as much of my brain power as I can muster.
As a result I’m making this short and sweet. Here are a few things that have caught my interest lately.
This house tour belonging to Brady Cunningham. I want that macrame textile hanging over the fireplace.
These stunning natural dyed Easter eggs. So much prettier than the garish store bought dyes. I’m totally giving this a try this weekend.
Kristin’s studio photographs of the two amazing women, Claudia Dey and Heidi Sopinka, behind the new Toronto based fashion label Horses Atelier. I want all of their dresses!
And finally a little interview with me on the West Elm blog!
Last week I introduced you to artist and designer Courtney Wotherspoon. Today we’re going to take a closer look at one of the projects she had a hand in designing – l’ouvrier kitchen/bar. With a little ingenuity and some serious DIY she turned a blank space into a riveting venue. These are projects you could even try out in your home. I think the “detritus baggie” installation would look great in an office. Great inspiration for a Tuesday morning!
L’ouvrier is a lesson in white – specifically high gloss white. Vintage table bases and wood tops were painted in high gloss white paint to create a uniform and clean look.
Of course, every rule needs to be broken so there is one standout fluorescent pink table at the from of the room – a trademark Courtney Wotherspoon colour!
Throughout the space Wotherspoon made the utilitarian beautiful. Here are a typical black electrical cord becomes captivating wall art.
On the opposite wall, Wotherspoon installed a series of ziploc bags filled with construction and renovation debris.
A detail of the “detritus baggies.”
A casual place to have drinks withe more wall art made from electrical cord by Courtney.
Wotherspoon also designed the restaurant’s logo, menu, gift certificates, and business cards.
At the back of the restaurant is a solid concrete bar with vintage laboratory stools. On the wall, Courtney has installed sticks she has painted in vivid colours.
For more information on l’ouvrier check out my interview with Courtney Wotherspoon.
All photographs by Kristin Sjaarda.
