31 December 2011

I'm breaking up with 2011. . .


I'm saying adieu to twenty-eleven or perhaps It is breaking up with me. . .it's a bit unclear...isn't it always when it comes to goodbyes?
It introduced me to new faces, objects, literary delights, and fabulous urban corners. . .We awkwardly laughed at serendipitous encounters and cried at cinematic wonders. . .It brought a lovely puppy into my life. . .but even though we spent every second together, we just didn't fall in love. Tomorrow, I have my first date with 2012, I have a good feeling about this one. . .


Image above: Illustration by Maira Kalman created for the book, Why We Broke Up, written by Daniel Handler.  I recently devoured its every word and encapsulating illustrations (all by Kalman) with uncontrollable laughter and bittersweet melancholia.  I highly recommend it!
NOTE: The image is a picture I took of Maira Kalman's drawing which can be found on page 11 of the book.

29 December 2011

sexy and cozy...

It's 2pm (eastern time), about 5°F, Babas is taking her afternoon siesta and I'm sick.  All I want to do is read and drink a warm alcoholic apéritif. . . 
mmm a glass of that Danish gløgg would be delightful!  I have yet to see Michelle Williams's portrayal of Marilyn Monroe, but this shot of her by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue expresses that cozy sexiness I wish I could presently embody. . .not even close. . .cough, cough...

25 December 2011

Louise Joséphine Bourgeois. . .100 years old today!


 December 25, 1911 (Paris) - May 31, 2010 (New York). . .Celebrating the birth of a phenomenal artist. 


© Viviana de Loera. Drawing inspired by a photo of Louise Bourgeois wearing the latex costume she created & wore, circa 1975, 
and her 1974 sculpture titled, The Destruction of the Father


14 December 2011

piece by piece...

Some of you will recognize that I've been making a few visual changes to Cosmo, I hope you like. It's for a reason...
I started blogging in 2009 with no specific purpose or direction (which was ok at the time), but now I want a more curated experience both for me and those of you who enjoy reading my random thoughts.  Basically, Montreal, the city where I currently dwell, will have a stronger presence; And, I will allow it (and only it) to influence & guide those miscellaneous posts from around the world. Well, I will give it a try anyway...After all, Montreal is very Cosmopolitan!  


Welcome, passersby, and merci beaucoup to my loyal readers!


The image above is not of Montreal, it's of Los Angeles, a city I love to hate and called home for many years. Oh, those palm trees! The sketch is by the artist, Chris Dent.  His urban illustrations are very Calvinoesque in my eyes. Image borrowed from here.

12 December 2011

If you lose your purpose. . .it's like you're broken.

Creativity can feel like a curse when you stop craving inspiration, when you find the work of your peers "better" than your own, when you no longer sense that itch to create anything. It's not depression, its more like dissatisfaction, but with who or what?
Brian Selznick personifies this feeling of absence beautifully through his character, Hugo Cabret: 

  "Did you ever notice that all machines are made for some reason?. . .
They are built to make you laugh. . .or to tell the time, like clocks, or to fill you with wonder, like the automaton.  Maybe that's why a broken machine always makes me a little sad, because it isn't able to do what it was meant to do. . .Maybe it's the same with people. . .
If you lose your purpose, it's like you're broken."  

If you're a fan of the French film, Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulainyou will love Scorsese's, HUGO.  It has that same spark of wonder + Paris The story originates from a 500+ paged book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, written by author and illustrator, Brian Selznick.  I went into the theater expecting to see a children's film, but it was really so much more: A busy train station in Paris, an enchanting music score, gorgeous costumes, an incredible cast, an automaton that draws, hysterical dogs, antique toys, an inspirational representation of books...and a fabulous homage to Georges Méliès  - the magician/filmmaker responsible for the first science fiction film, Le Voyage dans la lune (A trip to the Moon), realized in 1902. 
Scorsese and Selznick should team up and give a talk about their creative collaboration for this project.  I'm fascinated by Selznick's ability to piece together such a real yet wondrous story.

And so I ponder, when we feel like we've lost our purpose, what then?  Can a conference, an inspirational speaker, a sacrificial pilgrimage etc...break the spell? 


Images below were borrowed from official site, click here. The bubbly display was created by me.











  
Topic No.1: Innovative Conferences, Cosmo THIS! 

05 December 2011

the action of conducting a discussion or argument so as to avoid the direct mention of something...

FENCING (v, figurative) According to the OXFORD-American dictionary.

Thanks to my friend Iris, who always sends me fabulous links, I've discovered the most appropriate soundtrack to compliment the rainy Monday currently experiencing here in Montreal.  Have you ever heard of the English artist, Puzzle Muteson? I've been enjoying his debut album, En Garde all morning. The lyrics, the album artwork, the titles of the songs. . .all brilliant!  There is something about the sport of fencing that I've always found quite fashionable and alluring. 

Image detail above from the album. Visit, Bedroom Community for more info.

02 December 2011

Part Two: Moment Factory. . .wish you were here!

Part One: Moment Factory. . .10 years of working hard and playing harder! click here.


Moment Factory celebrated 10 years of phenomenal growth and hard work last Saturday by throwing a SUPERPARTY.  Check out pictures of the party here.  Image below:The digital artist, Mateo M, created illuminated portraits of the guests using his digital light painting technique. 



Adam Hummell (aka DJ A-ROCK), one of the MF designers behind the huge pyramid installation exhibited at the party, was kind enough to give me a few minutes of his time to summarize his SUPERPARTY experience...


1. How did it feel seeing your pyramid installation come to life?
I think I let my contact lenses get a little too old, so what I saw could only be explained as the pyramids aura.  My view was so hazy and magical, I didn't even bother with eyedrops.  When we first lifted up the sides, it blew me away seeing how large it actually was, in comparison to the 3d models we built to visualize the room!!  With the sand, dust and smoke in the air, plus my contact lens issues, me and this pyramid definitely had our moment.  All this to say, I gave her my number, and she didn't call.


2. Where there any comments expressed by your peers or guests that made you recognize your idea was successfully executed? 
You could see it on peoples faces, I think people were generally blown away by the environment as a whole.  The entire room was an inspiration, and hands down one of the most memorable parties that I have ever been to.  I have a feeling a lot of people are sharing that same memory.  It felt natural and organic, nothing forced, and that was the vibe throughout the night.  The guests at the party didn't know what to expect, and I think they got a lot more than they could have imagined, just short of having the pyramid launch into the air, hover above our heads, while raining down a stream of sand, creating a temporary projection screen that you can walk through!!  ...um, look for us in 2021.

Picture of party (above) and shot (below) of Adam Hummell aka DJ A-ROCK courtesy of Moment Factory.

As I walked around Moment Factory's studio a few days before the SUPERPARTY, I couldn't help but reminisce about those long yet unforgettable days in architecture school.  The rushed meals, the inspirational quotes to keep me going, the MANY cups of coffee, and the playful diversions to clear my head after those intensely draining design charrettes . . . hmmm.  Believe it or not, this is the lifestyle of the MF staff, but they love it because demanding creativity pays off!  The pictures below highlight a few details that caught my eye...enjoy!


The genius of Moment Factory comes from the intense dedication of its multi-disciplinary staff and the vivid imagination of its founders, Sakchin Bessette, Dominic Audet and Eric Fournier, who you see below, recently featured in an article published by the Gazette.  Click here to read the article.




FYI: The quote, If you can't solve a problem, its because you're playing by the rules!comes from the amazing book, by Paul Arden titled, IT'S NOT HOW GOOD YOU ARE, ITS HOW GOOD YOU WANT TO BE. (MF has quotes from this book displayed all around their studio.)










Merci Beaucoup, Moment Factory, for allowing me to peak into your creative world!

01 December 2011

Celebrate those that inspire you...


Today is the birthday of my friend Kelly, curator of the blog, Halcyon Days.  I can't believe we met almost ten years ago in the gorgeous city of København, Denmark. Hmmm . . . the good times. I shot this portrait of her under the hazy pink elevator light at the Standard Hotel in downtown L.A. in the Spring of 2004.

a Barista, a Luthier, a Tattoo artist and a Barber...





A few of my favorite videos from THE CRAFT & THE PRIDE series. 

Video 1: Introducing CARAVAN, Coffee Traders & Roastery located in London.

Video 2: Introducing Nick the "Luthier" of Wildwood Instruments located in Brunswick, VIC, Australia.

Video 3: Introducing The Family Business tattoo parlour, located in London.

Video 4: Introducing Waldorf Barbers located in Dublin, Ireland.


30 November 2011

"MO" is Aussie slang for moustache...

Today is the last day of the 2011 MOVEMBER campaign.  I had never heard of this movement until I saw the poster below while touring the Moment Factory studio last week.   What's it about?  Well, every year, men around the world commit to growing and sporting a moustache during the 30 days in November to bring awareness, and raise research funds for the cruel reality of prostate cancer.  
As it turns out,  this is a global movement  launched in 2003 by some guys in Melbourne, Australia. I'm very impressed by the alluring style of the campaign. The MANLY HUNTER visual strategy is hysterical and genius!  I also love the The Craft and The Pride video series. Bravo for promoting the craft behind the man, it's just as important as health in my book! 
This is Canada's 5th Movember campaign and it grows bigger every year.  It's funny, at the beginning of the month, I though it was the latest dandy trend among Montreal hommes. . .sorry to say that it doesn't suit all men . . . Désolé! BUT I LOVE THE PLAYFUL DEVOTION!


Photos borrowed from the official site, click here.  
Also, check out the YouTube videos from The Craft and The Pride series, here...absolutely stunning production. 


The beautiful shots below were taken at a barber shop in København, Denmark in honor of the Danish Movember Campaign. Borrowed from here.





28 November 2011

En algún lugar de China...

"Someplace in China"


Recently, I've been tempted to start a book collection of children's books.  Many are  so beautifully illustrated and well written, that it almost seems like they're designed more for the parents than for the young ones...or for book lovers like me with no kids, but who admire unique illustrations.  Bravo to those adventurous publishers!

I share with you a few images I stumbled upon last week belonging to the book, En algún lugar de China. It's part of a project launched by the author, Ana Folgueira and the illustrator, Emilio Amade. (Founders of Syllabus Ediciones). The book describes, in an illusory manner, how children are adopted from an orphanage in China with the help of magical birds. It's designed to bring awareness and funding for the many orphaned children living in China today.  I believe the book only exists in Spanish at the moment. . .but just look at those colorful pages!  A great gift for any child. . .no matter what language they speak.

For more info, visit the official site here.  (Get a friend to translate it for you if you don't speak/read Spanish!)



24 November 2011

Part One: Moment Factory. . .10 years of working hard and playing harder!


A couple of days ago, I put on the "journalist hat" and had the privilege of visiting Moment Factory's creative think tank. I took some behind-the-scenes shots of the insanely radical entertainment, currently under construction, for their upcoming 10 year anniversary party taking place this Saturday at L'Espace Griffintown, located in one of my favorite industrial corners of Montreal.  
The all-night celebration is open to the public, so if you live in Montreal, I highly recommend you come celebrate a decade of hard work and ingenious vision. I can't wait! I will be taking many pictures between boozing and dancing for those of you reading from far far away.  
Hmm. . .what do you wear to an event that is sure to lure the Cirque du Soleil artists, the local hot designers & trendy architects of Montreal? (Where is my friend Kelly when I need her!)


A special thanks to Julie Armstrong-Boileau, Oliver Beaudoin, Pierre-Guilhem Roudet and Adam Hummell for their time. 
Pierre-Guilhem Roudet (left) and his sketches + Adam Hummell (right) 


Not familiar with Moment Factory's body of work? Well stay tuned, I have more "backstage" shots to show you from my visit.  In the meantime, explore their portfolio here

23 November 2011

my first snow...

I promise not to turn this blog into a dog journal, but I just had to share with you this shot of Bohème's sprinkled face taken this morning.  
Oh, those simple little moments. . .Yes, winter has officially arrived in Montreal.

19 November 2011

Breakfast anyone?

There should be an entire blog dedicated to breakfasts from around the world, honoring  cultural richness with appetizing photographs like the ones shot below by Angus Fergusson for enRoute Air Canada magazine.  Let's all dream together and pretend we're having brunch in . . . 
(from top to bottom) St. John’s, Newfoundland * Frankfurt, Germany * São Paulo, Brazil or Beijing, China. . .bon appétit!


Images borrowed from enRoute, Air Canada.



18 November 2011

silencio...

Ever time I watch the trailer for this upcoming film, the Artist, I nostalgically sigh, it highlights breathtaking scenes!  
Hollywood in the late 1920's when silent films begin to transition into films with audible dialogue . . . yes please. 

The last movie that left me speechless was La Môme (La Vie En Rose) where Marion Cotillard's portrayal of Édith Piaf was peerless.  The leading lady in the Artist is Argentinian born French actress, Bérénice Bejo, who happens to be married to the French director of the film, Michel Hazanavicius, hmmm...stunning wardrobe!  Isn't the image below surrealistically yummy?  


Photos borrowed from the official French site, click here.