In a moment of fortuitous timing, I came across Vanessa Mckeown's Instagram and immediately became attracted to her colorful and whimsical imagery.
I can't wait to see more from her. You can track her down on her website or on her IG.
Although I've never been to France I have always envisioned it to be a romantic and ethereal destination. Naturally, when I came across this recent installation set inside the courtyard of the Hotel de Griffy I felt it was my France romanticism come to reality.
As a result of the Lively Architecture Festival in Montpellier, France, hundreds of pink and white balloons hang above and below on the grass for an engaging urban art installation called "Un Dixieme Printemps." The courtyard at the Hotel de Griffy is transformed into a whimsical whirlpool of delight.
The design team (consisting of Margaux Rodot, Michael Martin and Benoit Tastet) drew inspiration from a traditional Japanese custom called ohanami where people admire the beauty of cherry blossoms. The intent of this installation allows viewers to engage with the idea of petals dropping in the wind and allow them "to meditate on the inviolability of passing time, on the delicate balance of life but especially on its perpetual renewal" that comes with the changing of the seasons.
Balloons. They're inherently whimsical and playful with their shape and how they float. It's why kids love them and adults feel so nostalgic seeing them. So, Duffy London took the whimsy of the balloons and created something magical with them. Enter the UP Balloon Coffee Table (the 2015 edition). The details are impeccable - down to the knots and strings of the balloons integrated together to "hold" the glass table up.
If your pocketbook is so inclined, you can purchase the table for yourself (in red, gold, silver or mixed). A special table made from toughened glass, metal resin composite and toughened steel rods is indeed meant for a special buyer.
