trading lessons from Everest

day before yesterday, on 29th, was the 60th anniversary of the conquering of the Mt.Everest

summit by Edmund Hillary and Tenzin Norgay in 1953.

it was a sheer coincidence that i was reading a book by arjun bajpai (world's youngest non-

sherpa to climb everest) since last few weeks and ended it around midnight (00:03hours) on

29th may. i never knew that everest was conquered on 29th may till i read it in th elast pages

of arjun's book "on top of the world".

all these weeks i felt as if i too were climbing world's highest mountain alongwith arjun. so

excited was i that i just couldn't come off the submit once the book was out.

i wanted more of everest. i wanted to know more.....experience it more. i checked for books on

everest and found one "into thin air" by Jon Krakauer. i downloaded it, read it. then i

downloaded and watched the movie adaptation of this best seller book.

still thirsty, i downloaded and watched 2 BBC documentaries on everest.

by now, i knew the route to the summit by heart, the heights, the camps, the rules, the

tragedies, the risks, the weather.......and a lot more. though i may not be able to attempt a

climb everest for many reasons, i have somehow felt as if i have climbed top it a few times

already, on the back of those climbers.......and died a few times along with those who choked,

fell and got buried on the way up or down.....

i can go on and on but that some other day.

today i want to register / pen down (rather key down) certain lessons which i learnt while

virtually climbing mt.everest. having been climbing trading mountain (arguably higher than the

everest, and certainly no less treachorous) for so many years, it suddenly struct me that

many, if not all, rules of mountaineering on everest were astonishingly applicable to trading

as well. why not recognize them....and record them?

now here are those rules. there may be many more (which i will keep adding as and when i

receive them). one more thing, i have deliverately kept the rules short and terse, with

minimum explanation. mainly because of two reasons : one - to stimulate you to go climb or

read or watch about everest for yourself ( i want you to google and learn more), two - i am

plain lazy. all i am doing it writing the everest rule followed by trading adaptation comment.

so, here are the rules:

-------------

* acclimatize : go slow, adapt, acclimatize.....or get killed.
= every new trader wants to conquer the trading summit without acclimatizing to the altitude,

the oxygen, the body metabolism.....getting altitude sick and dying

* first learn the basic mountaineering, the rock climbing, the tools, the gear.....
= no alternative to this in trading as well.....basic technical skills and awareness is a must

* study, read, learn, hear, watch a lot about the mission before going there
= know what to expect. be mentally ready.

* try lower hills first.
= paper trade, mini-trades....

* climbing everest is not a passtime...not a picnic
= same about trading. trading is not an escape haven where you go and seek shelter from life's

other losses and rejections.

* fix the logistics
= and the computers, the internet connections, the demat accounts etc.

* fix your turn-around time before you start. better return alive to attempt the summit

another day (final summit push, beyond camp 4, is started by the climbers around midnight so

that they reach summit before noon and return before it turns hot, avalanche-prone, or before

the weather turns bad.....you have to return to the highest camp, below the "death zone" under

8000m before it turns dark. if you are not at the summit by 1 pm, it is time to turn back,

come what may.)
= if trade is not going your way, turn around.

* don't force the climb
= the market won't be tradeable just because you are there ready with your climbing gear.

* beware of the avalanches
= aplenty in the market. know how to get out of the way.....or take advantage

* beware of the crevasses
= pitfalls, traps of trading.....they are always there, often covered.learn to spot them.

* use ropes, and hooks....
= and stop losses

* don't move out without checking the weather report
= macros

* wait for the window of opportunity....stay put till then.
= 90% trading chance will come in 10% time.

* improvise when stuck
= once your sub-conscious is attuned, it can advise you when u r stuck/

* never mind the coughs
= fluctuations are normal....including a few ribs crackings.

* mind your self talk
= no negative talk.no fool hardy. "any sufficiently determined idiot can reach the

summit...the trick is to get down alive"

* every climb is a different one
= overconfidence kills. good traders avoid reputations.

* respect the mountain (god). (everest decides who climbs it)
= market decides who makes the money.

* love the mountain
= love the market

* never under-estimate the mountain forces
= just because you have been spared doesn't mean you can bet it all.

* pray
= pray

* be lucky
= be lucky

* remember
= be thankful

update: Pietro Moschini, a photobook by Pavel Konecny



I have updated my post of april 24, 2013, about Pietro Moschini, adding that this month (may 2013) a photo-booklet about Moschini has appeared, edited and published by Pavel Konecny.

Konecny, a collector of outsider art from the Czech Republic, by chance came along pictures of Moschini's work, published on the internet by tourists, who had visited the self-taught artist in his home in Tuscania. It was a discovery with a major impact, resulting in the opening of Moschini's house as a Casa-Museo, thus doing justice to an hitherto unknown artist. 

In the introduction to his book (in czech, italian and english), Konecny not only relates this story, he also has a biographical sketch of the artist and a first artistic appreciation of his work, recommending there is every reason for an art historian to delve into Moschini's life and work and produce a comprehensive study.  


However, almost seventy of the hundred pages of the book, have photographs by Konecny of Mochini's sculptures, both pictures of the various locations were Moschini has resided (houses in and outside Tuscania) and pictures of free standing sculptures in wood, porous concrete, stone, cork and gypsum.

These pictures give a wonderful impression of Moschini's creative talent..


The photo-book (16x23 cm) is self-published and since it has a limited edition, I would recommend those interested in outsider art and art environments to take timely action in ordering a copy (10 euro + postage), by writing to the author via his email adress konecny.p(at)raz-dva.cz

Preliminary Injunction Filed To Prevent Harm To Cliff Swallows Until Highway Agencies Comply With Federal Law

Earlier this week, along with co-counsel from the Animal Legal Defense Fund, we filed a preliminary injunction before Judge Jon Tigar of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeking to halt bridge construction affecting a sizeable colony of Cliff Swallows, until and unless the agencies comply with their duties under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) and Migratory Bird Treaty Act (“MBTA”).  The agencies have never in any NEPA review subject to public participation considered or analyzed the impacts of exclusionary netting and other activities on this swallow colony, which has already resulted in many dozens of killed, injured, and captured swallows and other migratory birds, nor have the agencies obtained authorization for their harmful activities under the MBTA.  The preliminary injunction motion and memorandum can be found here.

Blogfest 2013? Check...

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Yeah I did!
  Don't ask how I was able to fit in the D&D Spring Market, IFDA Take A Seat, Brimfield VIP, 2 kid birthday parties, client meetings and a 3 day Blogfest all in one week. Lets face it I had to drop the ball somewhere. Although unfortunately missing IFDA and Day 2 of Blogfest to squeeze in those important client meetings, I say all in all I mastered my calendar that week. So let's dish on Blogfest! I promise come next blog post I will share my practical tips on running a smoother design business, but you know I will share some tips here too. 
 
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(Photo by Joshua McHugh) CLICK on Image to see a 30 second video on how JA is inspired to "Make Cool Sh*T".
This was my first year attending Blogfest. As I have made some great friends with bloggers, this event was all the talk, so I was game. Well when you kickoff with a cocktail party at Jonathan Adler's store in NYC, that sounds like a great start! JA is one of my Pros to go to when I need an unconventional business pep talk. He literally has a "F*ck It" attitude when it comes to his approach on business. Love that! I shared a great 18 minute video on my Facebook Biz page on this, but take a look after you finish reading the rest of my post to see what I mean. (There's a video tip for ya.)


"Luckily I was proved to be absolutely unemployable."

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Cheerful Spring deco of the luncheon held at Hearst Tower NYC.
First stop on the agenda for Blogfest was actually Kips Bay, but to juggle the balancing act of squeezing in client meetings, I was so glad I attended the Gala last month. So my start was a client meeting in the morning then race to catch the luncheon at the Gold LEED rating Hearst Tower. I have to say it was like attending the Emmys. Not like I've been, but we all watch and know there are beautiful table settings for celebrities. In this case the celebrities were the designers and bloggers in attendance.

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Myself with Guest Speaker, Interior Designer extraordinaire, Thom Filicia
Never one to shy away from a Step & Repeat, there was a pink & green color coordinating one which complemented the sponsor, Valspar's table settings. I always tell my design clients to represent themselves and their business by taking a photo on one. It builds confidence and as a great designer friend once mentioned, "after all, who wants an interior decorator filled with self-doubt?"~ Martyn Lawrence Bullard

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Live streaming of Twitter feeds from bloggers, celebrity designers and coo coo for cocoa puffs like me.
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Blogfest panel, Jennifer Powell, Sara Peterson, Alexa Hampton and Thom Filicia
I tweeted "The best comedy act in town was just at Blogfest!". My ribs are still recovering. Yes there were learning lessons from the people sitting on this stage like rating if hanging pictures too high or painting wood is a bad thing? Nothing like changing the scene of Q&A to making it into a game show with flash cards! Oh I ate this up like birthday cake. The panel would answer questions with bright pink cards that read, "not so bad", "pretty bad" and "super bad". Thom Filicia doesn't miss a beat. He mentioned he would take the cards to his next meeting and start answering client questions with them! Hilarious. (By the way, congratulations Dr. Thom!)


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Guy Regal, David Easton, Beth Green, Jonathan Adler and Suzanne Kasler
Next stop, cocktails at Newel Antiques. This place became the designers/bloggers playground. There are numerous floors with treasures galore. Plus this was a fierce place to meet in person with the tweeps that are now my peeps. Love meeting Guy Regal who is the Managing Director of Newel Antique. Also I have to give a shoutout to Nicole Kapit who is the Gallery Director and hostess with the mostess. She is fabulous and took every ham shot I have posted on my Facebook and Twitter pages of me and those celebrity designers I can't get enough of. (Thanks Nicole!)

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Beautiful photo of me and interior design icon, David Easton taken by Blogfest.
My addiction to interior designers started with my working days at Howard Kaplan Antiques. There I was privy to working with true iconic designers like, Albert Hadley, Mark Hampton and (why this photo is so dear to my heart) David Easton. To be able to speak with him, hug him, laugh with him and take such a photo has been tremendous. By the way, he is as sassy as evahhhhhh! We were not just smiling for this shot, but trying to hold in a hard laugh from a joke he told me. Gotta love him. He is one of the reasons why I wanted to work with interior designers the way I do now.

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The infamous Birdcage recently featured in the HBO series, Boardwalk Empire.
We bloggers had an amazing time at Blogfest. To end the evening with cocktails at Newel Antiques is beyond, but the designers in attendance were not the only celebs. I must personally thank Guy Regal for giving Thom Filicia, a few bloggers and myself a personal tour. Especially meeting a few pieces that have been in music videos and movie sets. (God how this tour reminded me of my days at Howard Kaplan) For instance this birdcage made it's appearance on the HBO's hit series, Boardwalk Empire. 
Just had to take a photo of it.
This cage is a beauty. It has hand painted details with rustic iron cage doors. Its curves are hugged by seating which is upholstered in Fortuny fabric. This cage is massive. It was so tall it look like it could hold the birds from Jurassic Park or...

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Yep, that's me. Thank you LuAnna Silvia of Lilu Interiors for this fun shot.
Yes I stepped into a reportedly over a quarter million dollar birdcage. With my 5" heels and flexibility from doing Zumba, I didn't even step on that gorgeous Fortuny fabric. Final tip here, make it a point when attending events like these to gain the best experience possible. (I don't recommend chancing your business insurance by stepping in a priceless gem like this birdcage.) If your shy or reserve, get your butt on a step and repeat and strike your most confident pose. Keep that picture as proof you are confident and it will spill into areas of your life when you feel less confident. You know if you tell me this story, I will push you on that S&R, take a photo and send it to you. I did it to one blogger I met there and I hope she can take this experience with her via proof in a photo.

Big thank you to all the wonderful people who put this together and made it special. The list is huge, but I personally want to thank each and every sponsor, coordinators, designers, bloggers, photographers and new friends made from Blogfest 2013. It is a check off my bucket list and I thank you.

Now don't leave me hanging. Share your experience if you attended Blogfest or even better you are now making plans to next year. Would love to hear your tips.

(Don't forget to get inspired by the Jonathan Alder video I have linked for you. You may find you too will take a 'F*ck It' attitude and not let other people's opinions get in the way of how you do business. We can relate and appreciate.) 

XOXO
Barbara V.

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Happy Memorial Day...

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Via Cococozy
Viteri Style Management would like to wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day.

Our weekly Monday blog post will be published tomorrow as we take this day to remember the brave men and women who fought for our country and our freedom.

XOXO 
Barbara V.

Note: We would love to connect with you at our social media tables. Your invited to 'like', 'follow' and 'pin' with us and don't forget to subscribe!

Tough Competition Helps Startups Succeed

In a short article "How Competition Strengthens Start-ups" (HBR March 2013), Andrew Burke and Stephanie Hussels report some key findings of their study of tax data of 2 million companies that were launched in the UK between 1995 and 2005.
Surprisingly (or perhaps not), they found that companies launched in crowded markets had higher odds of failure in the first year, but once they survived this year, had a much greater chance of surviving the first 3 years.

The authors explain this effect (that serious competition apparently helps startups thrive) by stating that a challenging environment causes young firms to focus extra on satisfying client needs on one hand and keeping costs down to a minimal level on the other hand.

Let that be a comfort for all startup entrepreneurs who started in the harsh economic circumstances of the last couple of years :-)

Lawsuit Filed To Protect Cliff Swallows And Other Birds From Death And Injury In California

On Friday, along with lawyers from the Animal Legal Defense Fund, we filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeking to protect Cliff Swallows that nest on two bridges from continued death, injury, and entanglement due to exclusionary netting placed on the bridges by the California Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration as part of their Highway 101 widening project in the Marin-Sonoma Narrows.  Over the past two months, more than one hundred Swallows have been killed or injured as a result of the netting, and other birds have also been killed, but the agencies have not obtained authorization for those actions under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  The agencies also never analyzed the impacts of this project or the exclusionary netting on Cliff Swallows in general or the Cliff Swallows that nest on these two bridges in particular, in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act.  The complaint can be found here, and the press release here.

D&D Spring Designer Fever Market...

 
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Courtesy of D&D Building- Spring Market
Spring Market at the D&D is more like Spring Designer Fever. I am a fanatic over interior designers. Hence the creation of Viteri Style Management which is all about providing practical solutions to interior designers. So when asked to participate for the first time at the D&D's Blogger's Lounge, I was ecstatic. This meant reserved seating and advance questioning to some of the very best designers in our industry. Talk about VIP access! I was ready to get educated and party like a rock star.

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Traditional Home has an eye for New Trads.
First stop was Traditional Home discussion panel with the New Trads. I was all over this like white on rice. These three ladies epitomize my clientele. They all have boutique style design firms and are making their mark. Ann Maine who is the Editor in Chief of Traditional Home was the mediator for the event. The panel designers were, Heather Garrett, Katie Lydon and Summer Thornton. These lovely ladies kept it real. It was one of the most honest and candid discussions I've heard. From project disaster stories to admitting sometimes you have to "fake it to make it"...well partially, I was in awe of these women. I am a firm believer that you have to give off a certain perception in order to create your own reality. Basically what you put out into the universe can become true as it sure did for these designers. Interior designer, Heather Garrett mentioned, she started her portfolio by taking photos of her home (which was her first and only project at that time) but made it look like 4 different projects for her website. Again, perception creates reality. Now she and her team are working on multiple projects. All three designers would admit that sitting on this panel discussion was their "Big Fish" and they are so proud of their hard work to get there. Kudos to all of them.

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Glam Interior Designer, Ally Coutler and Niedermaier's Jewel, Rio Hamilton
Ally Coulter's Lounge on the 14th floor for the D&D Spring Market Event
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Patrick Hamilton, Moi, Ally Coulter, Iris Dankner and Christopher Highland. {Photo courtesy of Niedermaier}

So where does a girl go to process her notes and prep for more fun events at Spring Market? She hangs out at the best design lounge via glam interior designer, Ally Coulter. This room was so chic and of course it was the perfect spot to sip champagne and gab with friends. But I would not have done my job if I did not have scoop to share. It turns out my girl Ally has a chic furniture collaboration with Niedermaier and some pieces will debut in her room for this year's Holiday House in the Hamptons. Ally tells me she will be bringing sexy back in the Master Bedroom of the Show House with white on white. Can't share too many secrets just yet, but I would get my tickets for the Holiday House Hampton Gala for the first peek!

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Is there a Book Club for Interior Designers? This beautiful book should be included as a must read/see.
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Mr. American Beauty Himself, Thom Filicia and I
Well, thank God I met Thom a few times enough to settle my nerves and not scream over him like some teenager at a Justin Bieber concert. (Yeah, I know I have issues with being starstruck by certain designers. Don't judge me.) I adore him. He is so sweet and a true talent. Thom was at Spring Market to sign his new book, American Beauty. There were so many supporters which goes to show how loved he is. The touching moment would have to be the dozen or so students from his alma mater school, Syracuse University. All there for Thom and of course he was there to share the love with them. He is too cool for school and another reason why I love his style so much.

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Interior Designer, Suzanne Eason working not only fabulous interiors, but her fabulous fashion.
There is no way you can attend every event. Trust me, I was like Tom Cruise from Mission Impossible trying to get all my favorites in, but ended up more like Sophie's Choice as I had to miss some really great ones. (So sorry Robert Passal. Next time love for sure!) At this point I was the Eloise at the Plaza Hotel running around the D&D meeting/greeting designers, clients and friends all dressed in their Sunday best I might add. For instance love bumping into interior designer, Suzanne Eason. She has great interior design style, but worked this black and white fashion ensemble as well.

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Celebrity Interior Designers, Mary McDonald & Martyn Lawrence Bullard get inspiration in India for their new collection at Schumacher.
Now you all know I was not going to miss meeting these fine folks. Celebrity Interior Designers, Mary McDonald and Martyn Lawrence Bullard were my fine chocolate and jewelry addiction. Actually if you were at their speaking engagement or just watch their hit design reality TV Show, Million Dollar Decorators on Bravo, you will know it is their addiction as well. Put your assumptions aside. (I'm talking to the annoying designers & bloggers who told me not to go as this will be a high thrown presentation all about them- yes I am calling you out and you all know who you are.) Let's get into the facts. Both have created a beautiful line of fabrics, trimmings, pillows and wall covering collections for Schumacher. They are the real deal when learning how to strategically place yourself in this competing design market. Basically don't hate the players, hate the game.

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Mary McDonald's Collection for Schumacher
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Martyn Lawrence Bullard's Collection for Schumacher
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Best Glam Sandwich Evaaaaaaah!
Okay, so lets dish. I had to wear the sparkle shoes to build enough confidence to chat with these two. (Again, yeah I know!) I wanted to not only get some juicy information, but answers to what my design clients and I want to know. So putting on my big girl Spanxs, I braved to raise my hand and asked the questions..."You both have very successful design businesses, TV apperances and of course your new products lines. How are you capable of doing all this? What is the power team you put in place to make this all happen?" So here are the tips they shared with me.

Without missing a beat as if they were both separated at birth they said, "Your looking at the power team. It's us." Now I know that may have been a jaded answer, but their explanation made me think about who truly holds the power of building such an empire? Well not to make this blog into a novel, I bullet point the tips to hopefully shed light to this:
  • When your name is the company you are the company. Martyn is front and center in his business. Every client he works with will be working with him directly as that is what they are paying for. Even with a team of 15, he is hands-on when it comes to his clients.
  • Get a kickass lawyer. These sharks make sure no shenanigans are stirring up when building a brand such as theirs.
  • They are selective with the team they choose to work with. Some employees have been with them for years, but make no mistake it does take a village.
  • They are smart and appreciate the history and longevity of companies they partner with. You can't just partner up with anyone and vomit a product line. There is thought and hard work that goes behind it. It's worth it when it works, but detrimental when it doesn't and that usually falls on the designer.
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Nicki Minaj
Mr. Delish himself, Martyn Lawrence Bullard will soon be adding raptress Nicki Minaj to his celebrity roster of clients. I am a huge fan of Hip Hop and I even roll hardcore by doing Zumba with one of the master voices and DJ, Lil Jon. So you know Martyn earned gangsta points in my book to take on this women. All I could think of was Barbie meets rock and roll. Martyn's comments to me, "You just wait darling." Boom!

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That's a wrap at the Kick Off Party for Holiday House
To wrap up Spring Market at the D&D, there was a celebrated kick off party for Holiday House. You know I love a Step & Repeat and always tell my clients to get to steppin on one. There are so little opportunities to feel like a star at these events as you are predominately there to connect with star designers. But a step & repeat is a perfect opportunity to feel like a gem and shine. There is no shame in it and I recommend it!

I have to say both my curls and smile had a hard time holding up by the time I hit the kickoff party. For me it was like going to Disney World, too much fun packed in one day will make you exhausted by night. I was so happy to get a chance to say hello to my clients and friends that attended. It was packed! Everyone seemed to be there from our industry. This is why I highly encourage designers to attend Market at the D&D. Now you know I say it like I mean it so let me put it to you this way, I have yet to be invited to all these popular Design Camps, but I have to say I got the best education by attending Spring Market. The panel discussions were riveting, the selected celebrity designers were mind-blowing and the opportunities to network with some of the best minds in our industry is just priceless.

Thank you D&D for selecting me to be one of your feature bloggers. As you can see I had a blast. For all those that have attended I hope you will share your stories here with us. You know we want to hear your dish! 

XOXO 
Barbara V.

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Outdoor exposition at Facteur Cheval's Palais Idéal


panel presenting Chatelain's Humoristic Garden
pictures courtesy of Marie-José Georges, director Palais Idéal

From May 10th untill October 31 2013 the Palais Idéal has an outdoor exposition, presenting highlights of art brut, a project by its director Marie-José Georges in cooperation with Sarah Lombardi, director of the Collection d'Art Brut, Lausanne, and Laurent Danchin, art historian and specialist in the field of art environments.

Displayed  on panels of some 50x50 cm, as in above image, the exposition will introduce the visitors of the Palais Idéal to twenty-seven art brut artists and thirteen creators of art environments.

Focussing in this note in particular on environments, the topic of this blog, it is good to establish that Laurent Danchin in selecting the examples, has opted to show creations from several countries, in this way indicating the international dimension of the field, while he also shows various states of preservation, some extant, some in danger or abandonned.

another panel with Chomo's village of preludian art

The exposition has international toppers such as Nek Chand's Rock Garden (India) and Sabato (Simon) Rodia's Watts Towers (USA) and famous artists from Canada ("anarchitect" Richard Greaves), Finland  (Veijo Rönkkönen)  and Spain (Josep Pujiula i Vila).

France is represented by its three best known sites, Cheval's Palais Idéal, Isidore's Maison Picassiette and Abbé Fouré's Sculpted Rocks, supplemented with the environments created by Chomo, Fernand Chatelain, Marcel Dhièvre, Jean Linard and Robert Tatin.

this picture (via website Les rochers de l Abbé Fouré) shows part of the exhibition

The Palais Idéal hosting thousands of visitors each year, this exposition is a praiseworthy contribution to dissiminating information to the general public about outsider artists and art environments, topics that so far sparsely get attention by the mainstream media and the mainstream art world.

Documentation
The exhibition features a brochure in which all panels are included

New Lawsuit Filed To Curtail ORV Use To Protect Fragile Resources Of Big Cypress National Preserve

In a new chapter to the decades-old saga of off-road vehicle (“ORV”) management in Florida’s Big Cypress National Preserve, we filed suit this week on behalf of a coalition of national and regional conservation organizations challenging the National Park Service’s creation of a massive network of secondary ORV trails in violation of the Preserve’s management plan and various federal environmental laws.  Park Service officials have long acknowledged the devastating impacts of rampant ORV use on the Preserve’s sensitive soils, vegetation, hydrological patterns, and wildlife (which includes the highly endangered Florida panther, among other federally listed species), but the Service has nevertheless authorized an extensive off-road vehicle network that caters to recreational ORV users at the expense of these vulnerable resources.  The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, where four previous related lawsuits have been filed.  The complaint is here and a press release concerning the new case is here

update: Josep Pujiula, save the Argelaguer site


picture courtesy of Rafa Castells

Recently, I several times have updated my original post (January 9, 2009) about Josep Pujiula, who since the eighties  has been active in constructing an outsider art environment on the banks of the Fluvia river near the community of Argelaguer in Catalonia, Spain.

Local authorities early 2012 have decided that the high-rising wooden structures were not safe, especially in the case of fire, and ordered the dismantling of these constructs.

Next video (may 10, 2012), a news item on Catalonian tv, shows Pujiula busy in tearing down the structures (fragment starts at 2'40").

March 2013 an international petition has been organized to ask the local authorities to save the site, at least those parts of it with constructs like ponds, fountains and sculptures, made mainly from solid materials like steel and concrete.

Now it appears that on April 3, 2013 the Agència Catalana de l'Aigua (the Catalonian water authority) has ruled that all still existing constructs should be removed, so that the area along the river returns to its original state.

Inhabitants from Argalaguer and other interested parties have issued a Manifest (May 13, 2013), to save the site.


The Manifest (translated into english) says: 

1. The Argelaguer cabins constitute an architectural, cultural and social heritage with a great beauty and sentimental value

(click here to read the full text, as republished in OEE-texts)

Donato Zangrossi, Casa delle girandole/The house with the pinwheels


unknown photographer (picture made available 
by Zangrossi's daughter to the Allogi Barbario weblog )

Venice has a lot of creative and artistic constructs which are admired by people from all over the world. 
It also once had a site that was very loved and admired by the locals: the casa delle girandole, the house with the pinweels.

Life and work

Up to now little has been published on the internet about Donato Zangrossi (1905 - 1992), the man who has decorated the exterior of his house in the Campo Castelforte quarter of Venice with small colored wooden items and a large number of sefl-constructed colorful pinwheels.

He probably has begun decorating the facade in the sixties, untill in the eighties the exterior had become fully equipped with his self-constructed wooden items and pinwheels.

 
example of small wooden items in the decoration

After Zangrossi had died, in 1992, the decorations have no longer been cared for. The following picture, a screenprint from a 1995 video (see documentation), shows the facade as it was quite soon after its author had passed away.


Growing interest

Recently, in relation with the Italian costruttori di babele project, interest in Zangrossi's creation and comparable ones in the Veneto region has increased.

Giada Carraro, correspondent of the project, already wrote a thesis about the site, is active in collecting information and documentation about it and in general promotes interest in arte irregolari, inter alia by organizing conferences, such as one about the Casa Bepi Suá on Burano (end may 2013).


Documentation
* Article (april 6, 2013) in a local newspaper La Nuova (in italian)
* Article (april 7, 2013) in another local newspaper, about the costruttori di babele project  (in italian)
* Video "Il nonno bambino",1995, Acadamy of Fine Arts, Venice (two students researching the site)


Donato Zangrossi
Casa delle girandole
Rio Frescada
Campo Castelforte
Venezia, IT
no longer extant

The Faces of Kips Bay Decorator Show House...



We all know the highly anticipated Kips Bay Show House will be covered by bloggers, press and design media before you even have the chance to walk through the green doors. You can easily see the beautiful professional shots of each room and outdoor space covered by the NY Times. I wanted to delve into something a little different. How about showing off the beautiful faces of the designers that created such amazing spaces for this Show House.

Viteri Style Management, LLC
Andrew Suvalsky
Viteri Style Management, LLC
Barbara Ostrom
Viteri Style Management, LLC
Christopher Peacock
Viteri Style Management, LLC
Joan Dineen
Viteri Style Management, LLC
Eve Robinson
Viteri Style Management, LLC
Felicia Zwebner
Viteri Style Management
Louis Jon Garcia-Maldonado

Viteri Style Management, LLC
Mariette & Brooke Gomez
Viteri Style Management, LLC
James Huniford
Viteri Style Management, LLC
Jack Levy
Viteri Style Management, LLC
Judy King
Viteri Style Management, LLC
Kathryn Ireland
Viteri Style Management, LLC
Kristen McGinnis
Viteri Style Management, LLC
Monica Rich Kosann
Viteri Style Management, LLC
Nievera Williams
Viteri Style Management, LLC
Robert Brown
Viteri Style Management, LLC
Sara Story
Viteri Style Management, LLC
Stephen Mooney
Viteri Style Management, LLC
Town and Gardens, Ltd.
Viteri Style Management, LLC
West Chin
This year's Kips Bay Show House has an eclectic mix. Almost as if some of the designers received the same memo for this year's Met Gala. There are a few rooms that will seem to have a punk theme and others that reflect almost an archaic sensibility. You will need to attend to make that decision for yourself. I just love knowing the faces behind the talent that came up with some incredible designs for this year's show house. Let us know which rooms inspired or perspired you?
 
XOXO
Barbara V.


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