Enchanted Gardens with David Nash

A Day at Kew - The Royal Botanic Gardens

 

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew usually referred to as Kew Gardens is a wonderful site with beautiful gardens and botanical glasshouses between Richmond and Kew in the southwest of London.

 

I went there attracted by the exhibition of David Nash'sculptures, but ended up equally enchanted and fascinated by the large collection of plants in the Princess of Wales'Conservatory.

 

The Princess of Wales conservatory houses ten computer-controlled micro-climatic zones, with the bulk of the greenhouse volume composed of Dry Tropics and Wet Tropics plants. Significant numbers of orchids, water lilies, cacti, lithops, carnivorous plants and bromeliads are housed in the various zones. (I was primarily excited by the cacti and aloe's, I know it doesn't sound that exciting, but the cacti were huuuuuuuuge, or looked furry, or had funny shapes... very entertaining :) )

 

Kew today it is still first and foremost a scientific institution. With its collections of living and preserved plants, of plant products and botanical information, it forms an encyclopaedia of knowledge about the plant kingdom - and it is so interesting to read about how plants adapt to climates, which medicanal powers they have... Really an enchanting place worth visiting!

 

Tea Party in the Secluded Garden

 

The Palm House - 1 -

 

The Palm House - 2 -

 

 

Cacti in the Princess of Wales Conservatory

Furry Cacti Tails :) at the Princess of Wales Conservatory

 

Flowers in the Princess of Wales Conservatory

 

'Fascinator'leaves in the Princess of Wales Conseratory

 

Davies Alpine House

David Nash at Kew: A Natural Gallery

 

David Nash is a British sculptor who works mostly with wood, trees and the natural environment. Born in 1945, David Nash studied at Kingston College of Art, Brighton College of Art, and Chelsea School of Art. He was elected a member of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1999 and awarded to the Order of the British Empire in 2004.

 

From April to September 2012, Nash worked at Kew in/on a ‘Wood Quarry’, creating new pieces for the exhibition using trees from the Gardens that had come to the end of their natural life. A quarry delves into the Earth’s surface to extract a mineral; in his outdoor workshop - his Wood Quarry - Nash quarries the tree as a vein of material to find his form. He adopts a responsive and adaptable approach to producing his art, allowing nature to dictate the direction that his creations will take.

 





David Nash's Cork Spire, 2012
 at the Nash Conservatory

David Nash's Cork Spire is made from the bark of Portuguese cork oak, a material that illustrates Nash's philosophy about our relationship with the natural world. He describes the environment as our 'outer skin'. 'We are in and of the environment, we are not apart from it or its master - and everything that we do impacts upon it, for better or worse' he says.

The farming of cork oak is one of the best examples of traditional sustainable land use because the trees can regenerate their spongy bark and therefore be stripped of it every ten years.

 

David Nash's Radial Fans, 2012
at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art 

  

David Nash's Throne, 1991 at Temperate House


 

Go visit David Nash at Kew until 14th of April 2013

 

 

Sources: Kew website, Wikipedia

Own pictures

 

Seduced by Art

Today I went to the National Gallery here in London to see their first major photography exhibition: Seduced by Art.

‘The exhibition explores early photography from the mid-19th century and the most exciting contemporary photographs, alongside historical painting. It takes a provocative look at how photographers use fine art traditions, including Old Master painting, to explore and justify the possibilities of their art.’ – National Gallery Website.

More of a fan of contemporary photography than of mid-19^th century art, I was primarily looking forward to seeing great photography work. But I really enjoyed the angle of this exhibition and how it showed the influences of the 19^th century paintings on the photographs. I would really recommend you to go see the exhibition if you are in London!

Man looking right into my lens at the Seduced by Art Exhibition

My favourite piece of the exhibition was a photograph made by Ori Gersht in 2007 and titled ‘Blow-up Untitled 5’.

Ori Gersht 'Blow-up Untitled 5', 2007
from the collection of Robin and Peter Arkus, USA
Image from Mummery + Schnelle London



Henri Fantin-Latour 'The Rosy Wealth of June', 1886

The photograph was inspired by a painting of Henri Fantin-Latour completed in 1886 and named ‘The Rosy Wealth of June’. 
Like the bouquet in the painting, Gersht modelled his bouquet to contain only the colours of the French flag – red, white and blue.
Unlike in Henri Fantin-Latour’s painting where the bouquet looks peaceful – yet containing with what Gherst describes as a looming undercurrent – Gherst’s ‘re-make’ bouquet is shattered to pieces brining that looming undercurring alive.
It is beauty in destruction.

It is thanks to technology that he is able to capture the moment of shattering. Techology makes it ailable on image. Gersht first covered the flowers with liquid nitrogen to freeze them and then embedded the bouquet with explosives. 10 high-speed cameras were then set up to capture the moment of explosion.

 

When you look at the making of video (more a series of photographs), you will see the highly technological process of making the photograph and the precision with which it needed to be carried out.

I find the process very remarkable and I love the result: the force yet stillness that is reflected in the photograph!

Cloud Imagination

Clouds spark imagination...

How I dream of having a 'cloud car' :) I would fly south whenever it gets too cold here. It also seems so much more comfortable than a flying carpet - I imagine it to feel like a super soft fluffy down :)

A cloud is also the star of Guinness' new commercial by AMV BBDO UK - "Cloud" - Made of More (see video below). After watching this ad I had the feeling that Guinness is on some kind of mission to position the brand more upscale - it seems a bit far from its heritage.

Either way, although I find the link with Guinness a bit too loose to be a great ad, I just love the story being told about the cloud: great script and good shots, good casting of the voice-over and the choice of music works wonders. You really start liking the cloud, and wanting to take it in and take care of it (probably not an association that you would have with Guinness though - a bit too cuddly)

We're also nearing the end of the year, a time often characterized by year reviews and reflection. But also a time where I  like to look ahead and look forward to the new year that is coming. Rather than looking to long at the past, I prefer to dream of the opportunities that are out there. When I saw Christopher Jonassen's pictures series I recognized this feeling. His pictures series is called 'Before we begin'

I wish you happy holidays in which you can celebrate with friends and family and reminisce on all the good moments, and I also already wish you a good new year full of Cloud Imagination!

On Peacocks and Bad Girls

A couple of days ago I wrote to you about how I was dreaming of a ‘Peacock Christmas’! Can you imagine how ecstatic I was when I saw M.I.A on the cover of this month’s Jalouse in the bright orange and gold, and even a full-page picture of a peacock in the editorial featuring this hugely talented artist!

Jalouse Decembre 2012/ Janvier 2013 - Gavras & Viollet

The images of M.I.A. and her gang were captured by Romain Gavras and Cedric Viollet in the Chateau of Fontainebleau. The mix of cultures works extremely well as the styling ensures a common thread through the luxury of the colours, the fabrics and the jewellery.

Aren’t you just captivated by the look in this guy’s eye?  The mix of questioning and fierceness – but yet a very determined expression in his mouth at the same time

Jalouse Decembre 2012/ Janvier 2013 - Gavras & Viollet

I love how this whole picture just shines gold – it’s super bling yet the younger boy with his orange jacket and pink pants brings the right touch of quirkiness and eccentricity. The composition as well brings some kind of mystery: they seem like guards, what is hidden behind the gold door? What secrets are they guarding?

Jalouse Decembre 2012/ Janvier 2013 - Gavras & Viollet

I applaud the colour combination in this picture – the hair, the pants, the sweater, the nails and lipstick! It’s great also how the lighting – the long exposure – makes this orange work well with the wooden background. And how those kohl-lined eyes just pop and draw your attention!  - It almost makes me want to colour my hair orange! But it probably wouldn’t suit my winter white complexion, so I’ll stick to winter white blonde ;)

Jalouse Decembre 2012/ Janvier 2013 - Gavras & Viollet

The artist M.I.A. surely stimulates reaction and action, so a true Catalyst and that’s also why I feature her in this blog. Not only has she developed her own very original music style defying pop conventions but she is strong in incorporating a range of political, social and cultural references in her lyrics. She believes that art should represent society. And that it should induce anything but apathy – hence the ‘provoking’ lyrics and videos for which she has already collaborated twice with Romain Gavras, photographer on this editorial. And I can understand why their collaboration would be so dynamic as both share the same philosophy. Gavras, a young French film director, aims as well to always bring an element of social consciousness to his work.

E.g. the recent song 'Bad Girls' and its video, directed by Gavras, have sparked many conversations on women empowerment in the Arab World, especially Saudi Arabia. Have a look at the video below.

Gavras won two VMAs for Best Cinematography and Best Direction and M.I.A. is nominated for a Grammy in 2013!

"Live fast, die young
Bad girls do it well" - M.I.A. -'Bad girls'

Although I have no intention to die young, a little mantra lingers in my mind that good girls go to heaven but bad girls go everywhere ;)

Family I love you

The cover of the December ‘12/January ’13 issue of L’Officiel is incredibly endearing. It features Carole Bouquet and her adorable grand-daughter with the headline ‘famille je vous aime’- ‘family I love you’.

L'Officiel N971 - Decembre/Janvier 2012-2013

The holidays are traditionally spent with family. Be it our biological families or our chosen ones, and by ‘chosen’ I mean friends. As I come from a very small family, I often refer to my friends as my chosen family J – I suppose it comes from a deep need to enlarge the idea of something so valuable.

This idea of ‘chosen’ family has sprung from my belief that concerns the nucleus of a family – the belief that being a parent is much more than providing the chromosomes to spark an existence. A belief that was shared in an article by Christopher Bennett in this winters ‘thoughtful’ I-D issue: ‘How important are genetics if you don’t have someone to provide the love, guidance and support you need to grow into the person you really are. A father fathers a child, as simple as that but a dad is there for his child 24/7. He actively participates in their lives, helps them grow, raises and nurtures them. And you don’t have to share genes to do that.’

So if someone can earn the title of ‘Dad’ by giving unconditional love but without sharing the same genes, I choose to grant some people the title ‘Family’ on the same grounds J

I hope you will all have a wonderful Christmas with your families - however you choose to define them!

My Favourite Belgian Waffle

As a Belgian I often get the question abroad on whether I eat a lot of waffles :) (should I be worried? , or should I just take it as an interest in my 'Belgianess'? ;) )

But I do reaaaaally love them, so let me share with you the address of my favourite Belgian waffle place - where they make not only the best waffles, but also the best crepes - or pannekoeken as we call them in Flemish. And trust me, when you are there you often end up eating more than one - right Geke? ;)  

Look at that lightness - the little holes in the waffle are juuuust perrrrfect!

So this weekend, during my trip home, I gathered my friends to go for sweet delights at Desire de Lille in Antwerp where they make their waffles to per-fec-tion!

Their recipe for the dough makes for an airy and light waffle, this is really key for a true Belgian waffle and they make it exactly as it should be, and the bake is also perfectly crisp and golden!

A must when you visit Belgium!

Desire de Lille - Schrijnwerkersstraat 16 in Antwerp!

Peacock Christmas!

Returning home for the weekend always means trying to catch up with as many people as possible and trying to visit some of my favourite shops. And there are certainly stores in Antwerp that can rival the London ones!

One of these is Flor Artes, the flower shop run by the brothers Yvan and Sven Roelandts who have an immaculate and refreshing taste!

At Christmas time, their shop turns into a sparkling wonderland! This year, it is a burst of colour and explosion of glitter! And if you have read my article on Anya Hindmarch, then you know that I love glitter! ;) So now i am dreaming of a Peacock Christmas!

Colourful – Exotic – Festive!

Flor Artes

No reminders of snow, the cold, the colours red and green, and the smell of pine trees.

But rather a warm exotic atmosphere with gold colours and shining blue and green. An air infused with oriental scents carrying the notes of incense, amber and vanilla. And a big festive meal consisting of different small oriental dishes to be shared with family and friends!

What does your dream Christmas look like this year?



I just couldn't resist these Christmas Decorations!



Flor Artes

Flor Artes, Mechelsesteenweg 159, 2018 Antwerp

Taste of the London Sky

The last two days I spent with my head in the clouds – literally. Two consecutive evenings I dined in the London sky, first at the Paramount and then at SUSHISAMBA. And even though the two restaurants are very different in cuisine, style and vibe, they are both worth a visit, if only for the wonderful view of London!



View from The Paramount

View from SUSHISAMBA

The Paramount serves a modern European cuisine and lends itself more to a romantic dinner as the atmosphere created by the interior feels much warmer, intimate and dimmed.

The interior of The Paramount was the work of the Design Research Studio by Tom Dixon on whom I already wrote an article in this blog. (to read this article click here)

Bar at The Paramount

SushiSamba offers an eclectic mix of dishes originating from the clash of the Japanese, the Brazilian and the Peruvian culture at the start of the 20^th century in South America, and is the perfect restaurant to start a night out with friends! The vibrant colours of the ensemble, the lively music and the happy crowd ooze a South American ‘joie de vivre’. 



The Outdoor Bar at SUSHISAMBA

I enjoyed dining at both but found the cuisine at SUSHISAMBA more refined and pleasurable. And even though the glass of Chardonnay that I savoured at The Paramount was a true delight, and much nicer than the one served to me at SUSHISAMBA,it was at SUSHISAMBA that I truly experienced heaven on a plate! The black cod miso and pickled green apples was absolutely divine! So at SushiSamba rather than taking a grape based wine, I would suggest you to ask the sommelier for a nice traditional Japanese rice wine -sake - which I found for the first time to have a subtle and refined taste, perfect to complement the Japanese influenced dishes being served.

And if you are wondering what to wear, UK Vogue's January 2013 issue describes the perfect SUSHISAMBA dress code:

From UK Vogue January 2013

Link to website of SUSHISAMBA
Link to website of The Paramount

Interview with a Creative Aiming to Support Arab Women Victimized by Violence

Abeer Maktabi - Founder of BRAVOLUTION

I met Abeer a while ago and when she told me about her project ‘BRAVOLUTION’ I was intrigued, so I decided to highlight her in this blog today (my birthday yeey!) and I hope it will help her with the further development of her venture!



Abeer is setting up ‘BRAVOLUTION – wear your rights!’ as a social enterprise to support women victimized by sexual harassment and domestic violence in the Middle East. To fund her social enterprise she designs a collection of bras – the garment that so literally supports women every day. The profits from the collection’s sales are then shared with NGO’s and women’s organisations that work to bring awareness on women’s rights in the Middle East and act as a support platform for victims of violence.

Abeer Maktabi at her project presentation

What and where did you study after graduating high school? I did a Bachelor of Sciences in Graphic Design at the Lebanese American University in Lebanon.

Where have you worked prior to taking the MA Applied Imagination in the Creative Industries at CSM?

My work experience lies in advertising mostly. I work on ATL and BTL projects, so anything from a logo to a full advertising campaign. I had the chance to work in top tiered advertising agencies in Lebanon such as Euro RSCG and Leo Burnett and also Grey in Qatar.

Why did you decide to take the MA course?

When I read the course description I felt it was exactly what I needed. A design course that enables you to focus on YOURSELF and the CHANGE you wish to make within you and in the world. It felt interesting because it was a unique course at Central St Martins. By taking this course I wanted to challenge myself and see what new knowledge I can bring at the end of a year.

How did you come up with the idea? Where did you get your inspiration from?

I had my initial idea in 2011 and it was to combine Arabic Calligraphy with Lingerie (2 elements I am passionate about). So, during the course when the time came for me to decide what I wanted to work on I brought this idea back. However since this is a "creative studies" course and not a "fashion course" I felt I needed to challenge my idea further. I felt I wanted to give lingerie another meaning, and send a message across the world. I did a lot of research on the history of brassieres and undergarments as well as Arabic art. I then realised that if I wanted to create change in the world why not do it through a collection of bras? And what is it that bothers me so much that I would like to change? My inspiration came from where I grew up (in Saudi Arabia), the women I encountered throughout my life, and my passion for lingerie. The first thing that came to my mind was "women's rights in the Middle East". I believe that the Arab woman in general needs a lot of support and protection especially when it comes to domestic violence and sexual harassment. So my question was there: "How can a bra collection serve as a tool to end violence against Arab women?"

Why is this cause so important to you?

As I said I grew up in Saudi Arabia, and then travelled to Lebanon where I come from and I felt in many cases the "Arab woman" is under male dominance (not talking about the liberated woman in Lebanon, even "TOO liberated" sometimes). Reading articles and witnessing the lifestyle of some women in these countries, I felt that the Arab woman is generally passive; some women unfortunately don't know about their authentic rights, they don't know that they have a CHOICE! I quickly associated the bra as a garment that SUPPORTS a woman's body, which is what I wanted to do metaphorically: defend women's rights - which to me are the core of a woman's body and soul. Through BRAVOLUTION I wanted to bring out a new woman, stronger and more confident!

How did your own background influence you in this project?

I just generally believe that as a woman it is my responsibility to help other women and I used my skills as a designer to do that. I think this project I am building up is genuine because I had no brief to work on and it literally came from what I believed in.

How long did it take you to develop the project? What was the process like?

Technically speaking this project started in April this year and it is still going on. Research was very important to place myself on the map. The experts and the gatekeepers I spoke to were also essential to progress in my idea. I obviously need so much to make this happen such as investors, supporters, brands and celebrities to collaborate with me hopefully in the future.

In this course, what mattered was the creative process rather than the "shiny object", which enabled me to create BRAVOLUTION: a social enterprise that aims to stop violence against women. The plan is to sell the bras I am designing and share 30% of its profits with women's organisations. The most interesting part of the project was the final stage I reached where I transformed the bra from being merely a commercial tool into an educational tool. This means that each type of bra communicates a different message: for example “The Sports Bra” offers 5 self-defence classes etc

The Calligraphy Bra will encourage women to seek education and knowledge on their rights

What was the most difficult obstacle you had to overcome?

Of course I had to constantly motivate myself and believe that I could make this happen. Also, I'm sure you're not expecting to hear this but actually producing the bra was the most difficult because I am not a lingerie designer and I had to present a sample at my exhibition but I couldn't find anyone in London to provide me with one! Eventually I found another way!

Did you meet any interesting people when you were developing your project? Why did they inspire you? Or why were they so interesting?

This is the best part of the project! The first person I thought of contacting was a Sheikh, to ask him about women's rights in Islam (since religion has a big impact on Arab societies) and you'll be surprised to hear all the rights a Muslim woman has! Unfortunately some Arab cultures and patriarchal systems misinterpret religion and this is why problems such as violence on women still occur. I also met interesting people in the lingerie industry which made me realise how lingerie can play a big role in changing societies. (For example Mrs Reem Asaad enabled women employment in Saudi Arabia in the lingerie industry).

What have the reactions been so far? Have you had any negative reactions yet?

Fortunately the feedback so far has been positive. Some people see it as a provocative project, but not in a bad way. Also, some people ask me "are you sure you want to bring this project to Saudi Arabia"? I know this is quiet challenging since the bra is also an intimate garment, but what I am trying to communicate is that the bra is a symbol of womanhood, the bra is a CHOICE women have. I tend to keep this space strictly for women so they can feel liberated and act upon their rights.

Are you going to take this forward? What is your next step?

Now that I am done with the most important thing I believe the next step is to take a lingerie course so I can have an expertise in the domain.

Of course in parallel I need to find supporters as I mentioned earlier because I do plan to bring this to life and I even hope to expand my cause to the whole world one day and support all women, not just the women in the Middle East.

I am supporting Abeer with as much as I can as I really admire her project and cause. It would be great if you could think of any contacts that might be able to help her further in her venture! You can post them in the comment box, or you can like the CATALYST facebook page through the 'Find us on Facebook' link on the top right corner of this blog, and post them there or send me a message as it is an easier means to communicate! You would give me a cool birthday present if you would do that! ;)

If you want to read more about BRAVOLUTION you can go to the BRAVOLUTION facebook page. Unfortunately, the Bravolution facebook page is now strictly for women as the symbol Abeer is using is feminine and intimate she wants to create a 'safe' female environment for women to have an open discussion.

Tea Time! & Crazy Healthy Carrot Cake

The Great British Bake-Off most definitely has been my favourite show of the year again. The suspense! The jokes! The water-mouthing showstoppers! I am already looking forward to the 'reunion' with Mary and Paul on the Christmas special to be aired on the 18th of December on BBC TWO. Camille, note it down ;)

Apparently I am not the only one who is such a fan of the show. The designer Meadham Kirchhoff said at the end of his spring/summer 2013 show: 'Thank you to the makers of the Great British Bake-Off...for providing me with the only glimpse of happiness I've experienced all year. So Vogue asked him to create his show-stopper:

Meadham Kirchoff Showstopper from UK Vogue January 2013

As it has been so cold, and I am embracing British traditions with Great Bake-Off inspiration, I decided to throw a (healthy) tea party! On the menu:

Sandwiches with 1) salmon and cream cheese 2) spinash, mustard and egg salad 3) ricotta and cucumber 4) roast beef, mixed salad leafs and pomegranate

Desserts included a healthy chocolate mousse, a healthy triffle and a crazy healthy carrot cake of whcih I am giving you the recipe below. If you want to have the recipes of the other desserts, just drop me a line in the comments box!

Tea Time

Roast Beeft, Mixed Salad Leaves and Pomegrenate

Crazy Healthy Carrot Cake

For my friend Emma who like healthy as much as I do, and for Evi who likes her Carrot Cake without raisins :)

Can I get another piece please?? ;)

As this cake really gets better after resting a night wrapped in its tin, I would advise you to make it the day before serving (trust me it will be so much more moist!), and only frosting it an hour or two before serving.

Serves 8 to 10

Preparation time: 90 to 110 minutes

Requires a 20 cm baking tin

Ingredients

For the cake

·         1 medium orange

·         2 tablespoons coconut oil

·         220g plain wholemeal flour

·         2 tablespoons baking powder, plus a pinch

·         1 tablespoon bicarbonate of soda

·         1 rounded tablespoon of ground cinnamon

·         Stevia to sweeten to taste

·         3 tablespoons of almond milk

·         280g finely grated carrots (about 375-400g carrots before peeling)

·         100g butternut squash (boiled and pureed)

·         3 eggs

For the frosting

·         100g 0% Greek yoghurt

·         200g light soft cheese

·         Stevia to sweeten to taste

·          1 medium orange

·         1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Method

Preparation

-  Start by preheating the oven at 160C.

-   Finely grate the carrots and the zest from the orange and squeeze in 3 tablespoons of juice.

-  Use half a tablespoon of coconut oil to line the base of a deep 20cm square cake tin.

Cake Mix

-  Mix the wholemeal flour with 2 tablespoons of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda and the tablespoon of cinnamon.

-  Separate one of the eggs. Put the white in a small bowl and the yolk in a large one. Break the other two whole eggs in with the yolk, then tip in the stevia. Whisk together for 1-2 minutes until thick and foamy. Slowly pour in one and a half tablespoons of coconut oil and continue to whisk on a low speed until well mixed.

-  Tip in the flour mix, half at a time, and gently stir it into the egg mixture with a rubber spatula or big spoon. The mix will be quite stiff. (Really, don’t be alarmed as it is quite hard to continue stirring but it will get better once you add the other ingredients)

-  Mix in the carrot and zest mix as well as the butternut squash puree into the flour mixture.

-  Mix in the 3 tablespoons of almond milk

-  Put the extra pinch of baking powder in with the egg white and whisk to soft peaks. Gently fold in the whisked egg white, then pour into the cake mixture into the tin. Jiggle the tin to level the mixture.

-  Bake for 1 hour until risen and firm or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

-  Leave to cool in the tin for an hour, and then wrap the tin with foil for the moisture to stay in. Let the cake rest overnight before icing.

Frosting

-  To make the frosting, stir the soft cheese, stevia, orange zest and lemons juice together. Swirl the frosting over the cake and put the frosted cake into the refrigerator for an hour or two before serving.

Crazy Healthy Carrot Cake

Enjoy!!!