In Conversation with Barbara gergel

As seen in SNAP magazine, February 2012

 

Barbara Gergel

 

Barbara Gergel is a very talented and recognized local stylist. I had the pleasure of meeting her years ago at a friend's party.   Since then we have shared a great friendship, and an appreciation for one another's style.

From residential to landscape design, Barbara's ability to mix styles, deep knowledge of the design elements and a clear understanding of her clients needs are evident in each of her projects. Barbara's designs have always been characterized by the elegance of their lines and a sense of uniqueness. Her work is often transitional with a perfect blend of classic and contemporary elements."I love design. Design is Art but it has to work harder. Design must serve many masters…. function, budget, and of course, your aesthetic" Barbara says.

I have always found what my design colleagues treasure very intriguing, so I had to ask Barbara what her favourite design find was and the story behind it.

 

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

Barbara Gergel - My first experience with design was when I was a teen (in the 70's) when all I wanted was a black and white bedroom. I managed to cajole my parents into giving me free rein to do as I wished and even they were surprised how three white walls, a white painted wooden floor and a black feature wall looked. What stuck out the most was the apple green Panasonic transistor radio that hung from a chain in the window.

 

Interiors by Barbara Gergel

Iván Meade - What is your favourite local find?  Where did you get this item?

Barbara Gergel - My favourite local find was an old couch I found at Kilshaws. Now I'm an Auction junkie, but this couch was elegant and it had a wonderful curve to it and it felt solid., I had it upholstered in a rich teal mohair fabric and sitting in it is like a great big hug.

Iván Meade - Why is it important/inspirational to you?

Barbara Gergel - It is important because....it has a story and I'm not sure what it is, but at that time I was missing my father in law who had just passed away and who had been such an important man in my life. Interestingly the teal colour I had it upholstered in  was the colour of his eyes, it has been with me a long time and as much as great finds come and go, this one's here to stay.

 

Interiors by Barbara Gergel

 

Iván Meade - You always respect the traditional with a fusion of vintage and a sense of modernity.  I believe this is what makes your style.  How do you achieve this?

 

Barbara Gergel –With the use of paint, fabrics and furniture I try to create a living canvas, a place where my clients can breathe, a place that is nurturing as well as exciting for them. We live with a lot of traditional shapes (in our houses)and,I love vintage, so combined there’s a modern twist; an element of surprise.

 

Interiors by Barbara Gergel

 

Iván Meade - I noticed how much you love all things Vintage.  How do you find all these great pieces?  How is the reception from your clients when you present a Vintage piece to be part of your designs?

 

Barbara Gergel – I’m always on the hunt for furniture. I scour auctions, second - hand shops, attics and basements. I’m happy in a room that others would walk away from, so someone’s clutter excites me, I like to make order out of that. When I find a piece it may not be used right away but eventually it will end up in a house with new fabric and look amazing.

 

Often clients want something that is different. It’s not uncommon for a client to have a piece of furniture that they’re attached to and once it’s been reworked it takes on a whole new look. It creates an element of surprise, or delight, and that is worth so much in the overall scheme of the design.

 

Interiors by Barbara Gergel

 

Iván Meade - Who would you like to design something for?

 

Barbara Gergel – I’d like to design a glass house for a particular piece of property that I love. It is a pastoral setting looking out over gently undulating fields with trees and ponds sloping towards a lake. This is a magical setting that I’d like to capture within a room where one’s not sure if there are walls, it’s a very surreal dream, but I see it very clearly. It’s creating the outside – inside.

 

Interiors by Barbara Gergel

 

Iván Meade - We also know that your gardens are amazing - What kind of things do you have to keep in mind while creating a landscape that the client might not realize is important for you to know?

 

Barbara Gergel – I need to find out if my client is a gardener, if not, then we don’t want a garden that will burden them. I want them to choose a garden lifestyle, what do they want to do in that garden, what do they want of the garden? I need to know if they have an aversion to particular plants, or colours, or whether or not they want a multi season garden or just one season. I want it to flow easily from the inside of their house to the outside, I want them to be excited by that possibility.

 

Exteriors by Barbara Gergel

 

Iván Meade - What are gardens for?

 

Barbara Gergel – They’re for dreaming in, they’re a place to lose oneself. They’re a place for friends and neighbours to meet and to talk in. Great gardens attract people who appreciate them, so neighbourhoods with nice gardens come alive. They inspire, elevate, calm and nurture our senses. I am grounded in the garden.

 

Exteriors by Barbara Gergel

 

Iván Meade - Is there a product, material or plant that you cannot wait to use in one of your future projects?

 

Barbara Gergel – A fantasy of mine would be to work with Patrick Blanc’s amazing team on his vertical living garden installations. They are truly amazing, inspirational works of art, to be a part of that would be a dream come true.

 

Vignette by Barbara Gergel

 

Iván Meade - You just successfully re-launched your career as a designer in the city - What's next for Barbara Gergel?

 

Barbara Gergel - Give me a room, or a house, full of furniture. I love to make sense out of chaos, so would welcome the challenge to edit, edit, edit and to turn straw into gold.

 

I invite you to visit Barbara Gergel’s website at:

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Eye Candy of the Week – Screen by Christopher Guy

 

 

PRODUCT

Greek Key Screen

 

MANUFACTURER

Christopher Guy

 

COLLECTION

Screens

 

MEASUREMENT

W94” x D2” x H94"

 

DESCRIPTION

It looks like the Greek key pattern is going to be all over the place this 2012. 

 

This screen is modern yet classic.  The timeless geometric maze screen will definitely add style to any interior.  I don’t like to follow many trends, but I can see this piece staying timeless for a long time.  I just love the language and the simplicity of its lines.

 

YUMMY FACTOR

OPA!!!

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

In Conversation with Philip Mitchell

Philip Mitchell

 

I first came across Philip Mitchell and his design work in House & Home Magazine. I was so pleased to see these beautifully designed spaces have helped Philip receive success and praise throughout Canada. I came to learn that Philip and his projects have not only appeared in House & Home (where he was selected as one of Canada’s Top 25 Designers in the magazine's 25th Anniversary issue), but also in the National Post, Dream Kitchens & Baths, and Renovation Style.

 

Philip does not limit his designs to a particular style, but they always have this one linking element: a sense of calm and beauty. They are spaces that one feels they can walk into and feel right at home. It's also most common to find classic elements throughout his creations, whether it be the furnishings, finishes or architectural details. The result is a series of elegant, timeless and functional spaces.

 

Philip Mitchell opened his namesake firm over seven years ago after gaining experience working with two of Canada's largest interior design firms. Since its inception, Philip has experienced great success. The firm has had the opportunity to work not only in Canada, but also in the US, Europe, and the Caribbean. In addition to the magazine appearances, Philip also has his own line of furniture which has recently been launched: 'The Philip Mitchell Design Furniture Collection', which encapsulates his style to a tea.

 

I can't wait to see what's next for Philip Mitchell, so to tide us all over, please read on to get in on the conversation…

 

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

 

Philip Mitchell - I was exposed to great design from a very young age. My mother and her family always had wonderfully decorated homes. Every detail from comfortable upholstery and unique linens to fine bone china and interesting artwork were always considered in these spaces. As a young boy I remember being encouraged to develop my interest in design by her and given the opportunity to participate in the decoration of my own bedroom.

 

Interiors by Philip Mitchell

 

Iván Meade -  Who or what has influenced your style?

 

Philip Mitchell – I would say it was my mother who was my greatest influence. My mother, who helped decorate her family and friends’ homes, taught me to value the quality associated with antique and custom furnishings and how objects can be displayed or arranged to create a beautiful yet personal reflection of one’s taste.

 

Also my partner Mark, an ongoing source of inspiration and support, pushes me to create new and innovative designs for our own personal residence as well as my clients.

 

Finally, all forms of design interest and influence my personal design style. Everything from my library of historical and current design books, to my travels, to new dining experiences, to the environment around me, it all inspires me.

 

Interiors by Philip Mitchell

 
Iván Meade - What is your approach to life style and design?

 

Philip Mitchell - I think they go hand in hand. It's important to me to create comfortable and personal interiors for my clients that are a stylish and attractive reflection of their everyday lives.

 

Interiors by Philip Mitchell

Iván Meade - Your design philosophy is to remain true to the spirit of the structure and location of the project - How do you achieve this?

 

Philip Mitchell – Before I start a new project, I always research the historical styles, environment and local character of the home that I will be working on. This research inspires the interior architecture, trim details, colour palette, fabric and furniture selection. I utilize local trades/craftsman and source local artists work who represent the spirit of a particular location or region.

 

Interiors by Philip Mitchell

 

Iván Meade - I have noticed that in your interiors you paint the wood paneling with a crisp coat of white paint and this has become one of your signature styles. I definitely agree in painting wood paneling because the change leads to a cleaner, brighter, and more elegant room. However, designer to designer, I just have to ask this question– How do you convince your male clients to paint the wood paneling?

 

Philip Mitchell - We often encourage our clients to paint existing less superior woods (gumwood or naughty pine) to achieve a lighter more contemporary feel and have always presented it to the husbands very delicately. I present many visual aids from tear sheets with a similar feel to before and after examples of previous homes where we have painted the wood. And sometimes the compromise in the form of some additional AV equipment (usually a larger TV) does the trick!

 

Interiors by Philip Mitchell

 
Iván Meade - While I was reading your blog, I found out that you have designed a new furniture line - When is coming out and what are you bringing new to table?

 

Philip Mitchell - It was released in the fall and available at the trade showroom Primavera in Toronto as well as through their reps across Canada. The pieces range from a cleaner contemporary aesthetic to those with a more traditional style, yet they all work together.

 

I am excited because the entire collection is made in North America.
It's important to me because we have incredible artisans and craftsmen here, I have hands on control of the quality and construction, and we support our local economy. 

 

Interiors by Philip Mitchell

 

Iván Meade - What do you look for in a furniture piece, alternatively what do you consider as being important factors when designing a furniture piece ?

 

Philip Mitchell - functionality, scale, material and definitely unique detailing.

 

Furniture Design by Philip Mitchell
 

Iván Meade - Who would you like to design something for?

Philip Mitchell - Anyone at all who appreciates and understands what I bring to the table.

 

Interiors by Philip Mitchell

 
Iván Meade - What is your guilty pleasure?

 

Philip Mitchell - Great food! (because I love all of it). And time! (because there never seems to be enough of it).

 

Interiors by Philip Mitchell

 
Iván Meade - You have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles, what would you like your legacy to be?

 

Philip Mitchell - I would love for my legacy to be a design aesthetic and furniture collection that stands the test of time.

 

I invite you to visit Philip Mitchell’s websites at:

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Eye Candy of the Week – The Senz° Original

 

PRODUCT

The Senz°

 

MANUFACTURER

Senz

 

COLLECTION

The Senz° Original

 

DESCRIPTION

This winter has been a very rainy one, looking to be as stylish as I can be in these weather conditions; I decided to source a very unique/cool and sophisticated umbrella.   Once I found this beauty I though, I had found my perfect match, but also a great eye candy of the week. Brilliant!

 

Due to its aerodynamic design, the Senz umbrella always finds the best position in the wind, which makes it exceptionally comfortable to use. Which proves that every day objects can always improve. This award-winning asymmetrical wonder can withstand winds up to 100 km per hr.  A good fact to take in consideration as we have had very strong gales lately. 

 

I wonder what umbrella Mary Poppins would pick if she was in  search of a good one. Now here is the only bummer, I love the umbrella (the sparkling silver is my favourite), but I wonder why we can’t order the queen of the umbrellas in North America yet.  What is wrong with you? Don’t you know you will have enough costumers in the west coast of North America!

 

YUMMY FACTOR

DRY AND CRISP!!! 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

The salish weave collection

As seen in SNAP Victoria, January 2012

The Salish Weave Collection is a private collection of contemporary Salish art which has travelled to various museums and galleries throughout the world. Recently, I got invited to a private tour of the collection by George and Christiane Smyth (who are the brains behind this incredible collection), where I learned about Salish Art and how important it is to support this art form in our community. Did you know that all Salish artwork is created with only 3 distinctive shapes? The Oval, Crescent and Trigon.

Salmon Headdress by John Marston

A portion of this collection has been donated in memory of Dr. Morgan Baker, and is on display at the Cornett Building in UVIC, which you can visit in a self-guided walking tour. Another fun piece of trivia that I learned is that the Cornett building houses only Salish art. You can see more pieces on loan at the First People House on campus as well.

The main purpose of the collection is to support the recognition of this art form from the north west coast of North America. The main goal is to promote talented artists like Susan A. Point, Chris Paul, Maynard Johnny Jr., John Marston, LessLIE, and Dylan Thomas who are all featured in this collection, amongst others.

A significant part of this collection will be exhibited during The Victoria Collects exhibition at the Art Gallery of Victoria from January 6 to May 6, 2012. I had a great opportunity to learn more about the Salish culture and I would recommend taking advantage of this rare exhibition to all locals.

Written Into The Earth by Susan A.Point – In loan at Simon Fraser University

Here is my conversation with activist collectors George & Christiane Smyth the brains behind “The Salish Wave Collection” :

Iván Meade - Why is it so important to support Salish artists?

George & Christiane Smyth – Because there is a renaissance of Coast Salish art, a Northwest Coast indigenous art form practiced in the southern part of BC and the northern part of Washington state.

Salmon Spirits by Dylan Thomas

Iván Meade - Why/When did you start The Salish Weave Collection?

George & Christiane Smyth – In 1999, we purchased some prints and a glass top table by Susan Point to decorate our first Victoria condo. Within the next couple of years, we purchased more Coast Salish artworks and realized we were attracted to this lesser known Northwest Coast indigenous art. We then thought we could build a significant collection by focusing on contemporary Coast Salish art.

Ravens & Moon by Susan A. Point

Iván Meade - I know the collection has been around the world - Where has the collection been?

George & Christiane Smyth – Actually, the signature piece that inspired the name of the collection, ‘’Yellow and Red Cedar Weave’’ by Susan Point, was part of the exhibition Challenging Traditions: Contemporary First Nations Art of the Northwest Coast curated by Ian M. Thom for the McMichael Canadian Art Collection of Ontario. Part of this exhibition travelled to the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland where it was on display in the spring of 2010 to celebrate the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

Yellow and Red Cedar Weave by Susan A. Point

Iván Meade - Part of the collection is currently at the Cornett building in UVIC as a self-guided walking tour - What was the reasoning housing the collection at UVIC?

George & Christiane Smyth – Most of the prints on display in the Cornett building were gifted from the Salish Weave Collection after we learned that Peter Keller, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, had agreed to dedicate this building, located next to the First Peoples House, to contemporary Coast Salish art. Other pieces on display are a large multi-media work by Susan Point as well as a large piece by Chris Paul who was the first Coast Salish artist to participate in the artist-in-residence program initiated by Dr. Andrea Walsh, professor of Visual Anthropology. We were grateful for the opportunity to bring awareness of this art form within the walls of an institution of knowledge and learning, as was the Faculty for the ability to honor the First Peoples on whose traditional territory the university stands. As Dean Keller said, the stars aligned, allowing this project to meet common objectives.

Reflections by lessLIE

Iván Meade - Who are your favourite Salish artists and why?

George & Christiane Smyth – It is impossible to answer that question because we like all the artists whose works we collect for different reasons. Artworks from Susan Point constitute the largest part of our collection. Susan is the leader of the renaissance of Coast Salish art. She is known for the versatility and complexity of her designs rendered in a variety of media such as paper, wood, glass, metal and stone. She is an inspiration to young Salish artists.

We like the Marston’s siblings: John, a master wood carver, who experimented with printmaking and glass works; Luke, also a master carver, who recently learned and used the repoussé technique on jewelry; and Angela who applies her carving, painting and weaving abilities to the creation of rattles.

We like lessLIE for his graphic designs and his writing; Maynard Johnny Jr for his imagery and use of colors; Chris Paul for his artistic, technical and business abilities; and young Dylan Thomas for the maturity of his designs and his willingness to explore and push boundaries.

Coast Salish artist Chris Paul shows his artwork "Finding Balance" in the Cornett Building. Photo: UVic Photo Services.

Iván Meade - What is your favourite personal piece?

George & Christiane Smyth – We both very much like the signature piece of the Salish Weave collection, ‘’Yellow and Red Cedar Weave’’ by Susan Point. John Marston’s panel ‘’Ehhwe’p Syuth’’ (To Share History and Culture), our first acquisition of a ‘museum-like piece’, is also very dear to us. It is on permanent display at the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver. The ‘’Ravens and Moon’’ glass spindle whorl by Susan Point is also a favourite piece of Christiane as is lessLIE’s print ‘’Protecting Posterity’’ for George.

Iván Meade - What is the most popular piece in the collection?

George & Christiane Smyth – Well, that depends on who is looking at the collection. Family and friends are taken by different pieces as are the art connoisseurs and the curators we have encountered or with whom we had the pleasure to work.

Coast Salish artist lessLIE with his artwork "Reflections" on the entrance door of Cornett. Photo: UVic Photo Services

Iván Meade - What has been the biggest achievement of The Salish Weave Collection?

George & Christiane Smyth – Privately, it has been the design and the completion of two box sets, each containing nine limited edition of 50 prints. These prints were commissioned from the artists mentioned previously. We have gifted Box Set I to different galleries and universities with the objective of spreading awareness of contemporary Coast Salish art.

Publicly, the permanent display of contemporary Coast Salish art in UVic’s Cornett building, home to the Faculty of Social Sciences, is the most significant achievement to date. Next, is the exhibition of 19 artworks of the Salish Weave Collection as part of the Victoria Collects exhibition at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Curated by Mary Jo Hughes, this exhibition, which runs from January 6 to May 6, 2012, is an important milestone for the Salish Weave Collection.

Conservation by Chris Paul

Iván Meade - What is next for The Salish Weave Collection?

George & Christiane Smyth – More exhibitions and projects with partners such as the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and UVic and the launch of the Salish Weave Collection website. As always, spreading the awareness of contemporary Coast Salish art further and farther.

To learn more about The Salish Weave Collection please visit:

Victoria Collects: The Salish Weave Collection

Online Guide to Art Displays of the Cornett Building

Ivan Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior design and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria –www.meadedesigngroup.com

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011