ILevel

2012-02-12T15:59:00.000-08:00

On Friday, a large group from our company drove up to Dutchess County, NY to hang a very large painting in a stairwell. Perhaps the photographs don't let on just how big and heavy the work is, but I'll tell you it was. Thanks to Chris Deo for measuring the hardware, and Phil Penberthy and Alan Fleming for the hoisting and careful installation.

Terrariums are back!

2012-02-11T15:15:00.000-08:00

Personally, I find plants to be as essential to creating an enjoyable space as any other item of decor, and plants have great presentation opportunities. Building a terrarium is an easy way to take advantage of this. They are really fun to make and are always eye catching.

Could this be the end for ILevel?

2012-02-10T09:34:00.001-08:00

Mantle Piece

2012-02-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

If you are a person who doesn't have a lot of extra dollars around, it is important to always be on the look out for interesting opportunities to use what you have available.
My landlords offered up an old, wooden mantle piece that my girlfriend and I could have for our apartment, however it was missing its mirror. As a handy solution to this we had a print made to fit where the mirror once was, and then retrofitted the mantle to our bedroom wall.

Greene Street

2012-02-03T10:34:00.001-08:00

Underground Reading List

2012-02-02T20:59:00.000-08:00

One of the definite plus’s to having a job which requires frequent time spent on the subway (on average 7 different trains each day), is the amount of reading I get to do. Here are the 7 books I read during my 2011 commute. They are rated on a scale of 1 to 5 levels, with 5 levels being so good I may have forgotten to get off at my subway stop. Not bad Eugenides!

Market Ready

2012-02-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

The New York Times asks David Kassel his opinion,
read here http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/02/garden/what-to-do-with-those-family-photos-market-ready.html?_r=1&ref=garden

View from our office.

2012-02-02T05:34:00.001-08:00

While not as balmy as yesterday, it doesn't feel like winter has come.

Frye in SoHo

2012-01-27T09:27:00.001-08:00

Love this interesting installation of shoe hardware at the Frye store.

2012-01-25T19:41:00.000-08:00

Mick

2012-01-19T11:32:00.001-08:00

2012-01-14T17:21:00.000-08:00

2012-01-13T09:24:00.001-08:00

Tiffany Lamp

2012-01-10T19:32:00.001-08:00

These lamps, for me, tow the line between chintzy and beautiful. While handmade and unique, they seem to have an inextricable place in steakhouses and bars.

Ivy House, Essex, England

2012-01-08T16:00:00.001-08:00

Homeowner in England let ivy cover up the entire building including windows.
Picture: PETER LAWSON/EASTNEWS PRESS AGENCY

Inspiration

2012-01-05T13:30:00.000-08:00

After getting married this summer, I had the pleasure of accompanying my wife on a trip granted to her by her school. On our honeymoon of sorts(her brother came with), we visited much of Ireland and most importantly the specific parish where her grandparents emigrated from. Note the photograph of Kiltullagh Church, built in the 1400's and nearly destroyed by Britain's Cromwellian forces in the mid 17th C. in an effort to rid Ireland of Catholicism(http://www.kiltullagh.com/history.htm). The location of the structure up on a hill in rural Western Ireland, its stark simple architecture, and its ability to remain throughout the years, albeit in ruins, seems to be unreal.

Art Of The Album Cover: Kiss's Rock And Roll Over

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Composed by Michael Doret for Kiss in the late 70's, the album "Rock and Roll Over" is a graphic masterpiece. Among his many accomplishments he also has 5 Time Magazine covers in the National Portrait Gallery and even designed the logo for the NY Knicks. So it is easy to see how this cover can be oversized and used as a wall mural (right). (Hey, he's a Cooper Union Grad too!)

Art Of The Album Cover: The Velvet Underground & Nico

2012-01-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

A commercial failure upon release but one of the most influential albums ever. And one of the most recognizable albums due to the use of Andy Warhol's print of a banana. The earliest printings were actually a sticker of a banana skin that could be peeled back to reveal the banana underneath (right). This was repeated several times for various re-issues. Also interesting, as one can see the original release, is that the band name and album name are not on the cover. Just simply "Andy Warhol".

Beauty on wheels.

2012-01-03T12:20:00.001-08:00

I often wonder how contemporary design aesthetics will be perceived in 50 years. Will the electro-hybrid double long crosstown buses in New York today rival the attractiveness of this vintage vehicle parked in front of Macy's? Is it all nostalgia that makes it so nice looking?

Upcoming Exhibition -Because You're Mine-

2011-12-29T14:31:00.000-08:00

Image: Because You're Mine, 2011, Archival Digital Inkjet Print

I am pleased to announce the opening of a unique solo show at the University of Maine Museum of Art in Bangor, Because You're Mine. Unique, because it opens in conjunction with my partner Brett Day Windham's own show entitled I Put a Spell on You. The titles obviously are a bit of call and response. The two shows are each in their own conjoining galleries of the museum and show case each of our individual works, however the two of us will be exhibiting a collaborative video installation entitled Key West. We began working on the project together during a residency at The Studios of Key West in December '10. The exhibit is all new work I have made in the past year. The show's opening will take place on January 12, 2012 from 5-7 at the UMMA at 40 Harlow St, Bangor ME 04401, and will be on view until March 24 2012.... should you just happen to be passing through Maine this winter.

More info can be found on the museum's website here: http://www.umma.umaine.edu/exhibition/future_art/12jan.html

Art of the Album Cover: Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Often considered one of the greatest albums of all time, Dark Side of the Moon also contains one of the most icon and recognizable covers in history. Designed by Hipgnosis and George Hardie, their work continues to capture one's attention and stop one cold. It is one of those images that once you see it you have to know whats going on inside.

Mirrored

2011-12-21T10:59:00.001-08:00

Art of the Album Cover: Judas Priest's Screaming For Vengeance

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Some of the first artistic images I remember are album cover art. Many great artists have had their work used in this excellent method of exposure. One of my all time favorites was Doug Johnson's 1982 Judas Priest album Screaming For Vengeance. As a child this was unbelievably cool and I still love it today.

Vladmir Tatlin: Buildings That Never Were

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

In researching for a new drawing project I came across this shot of Tatlin's Monument To The Third International. Which would have been an amazing structure with a use of steel that can only be compared to the wildest bridge and Eiffel Tower hybrid. Sadly it never saw construction mainly due to the fact it would have consumed more materials than Russian could produce in a year.

A New York Gem...

2011-12-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

I walked by this little place in the West Village at 121 Charles St. The house was moved from uptown intact in 1967. In the 40's it was the home of the the author of the children's book Good Night Moon, Margaret Wyse Brown. Here is a link to a blog post I found with more info and photos. Enjoy!

Bleeker st. Station

2011-12-12T11:41:00.001-08:00

Exciting new developments are happening at an oft used subway station. Older brick and mortar are being replaced. Nice juxtaposition here.

Nautical Maps: For More Than Navigation

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Maps have always been popular and always will be. But I have noticed a recent uptick in our installation of navigation maps. I personally love them. They include a crazy amount of information that dissolves into design elements (unless you actually need to know the sounding depth of a certain area). I think they are great because you can easily get an image of an area that is meaningful and they are available in fantastic sizes to be used for wall decor.

Labyrinths: My New Obsession

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Well I have moved from an obsession with circles. (It's not as sad as it sounds.) To an obsession with labyrinths. These things are fantastic, I just haven't figured out how to draw them with any conviction. They just turn out kind of sad. And then thousands of years of art and design history are erased and all I can see in my mind's eye is David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly in 1986's movie Labyrinth. I think I actually saw it in the theater....

Dressed up Nursery

2011-12-06T08:30:00.001-08:00

Just a few simple items gave this room
a lot of life.

Atomic Ray Guns: Art of Design and Destruction

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Along with tin robots (see previous posting) my next favorite 50s space art design object has got to be atom ray guns. Who doesn't love these? A combo of aerodynamic stylings (they encounter wind resistance?) and unnecessary ribbing and tubes make these things the coolest thing around. This one is from WETA where they design a full array of retro-futuristic weapons. The only thing better than the design are the names. My personal favs are the Victorious Mongoose and, of course, the Manmelter. The Manmelter! Again I remind people that there are limited number of shopping days....

Tin Robots: The Perfect Nexus of Art and Toys

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Tin robots are awesome. If I had room I would have many many many of them. But I don't so I don't. They embody the space age kitsch art of the 50s perfectly. With the gift giving holidays rapidly approaching, they make the perfect gift. Hint. Hint.

Neither straw, nor sticks, but bricks...

2011-11-30T18:54:00.000-08:00

Exposed brick can greatly enrich an interior. These black and white photos with white matting really pop off the wall because of the color and texture of the brick. Would they look as good on a white wall? I'm not sure. Would the modern utility lighting scheme work in a a different setting? Probably not.

Before you cover it with paint or drywall consider the brick's potential. Huff and puff and you just may love it!

Bergdorf Goodman Christmas Windows

2011-11-30T16:58:00.000-08:00

Photograph - Ricki Zehavi

T'is the season in New York, and Bergdorf Goodman has unveilled this years holiday windows. From its architecture, couture clothing, housewares, and jewelry... all the way to its window display, Bergdorf's is truly one of a kind. Because it is the only store of its kind, every detail of the window displays are painstakingly made by hand. This window of mosaic fish features a couture Alexander McQueen dress made out of sea shell. Everything but the dress (including the model's headdress) was made by the lovely Brett Day Windham (who happens to be my girlfriend), and her team of amazing assistants. She started production of this window in March, and it may be the most labor intensive window the store has ever done. So next time you are walking down Fifth Avenue remember that artist's spent most of their year gluing little glass tiles on those fish!
If you would like to see more of her display work check out: http://windhamprojects.blogspot.com/

Works of Man

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

My mom is an art lover to the core and she finds the oddest and coolest things. My recent visit she showed me a piece I had never seen. Tiny, intricate, and mechanical. It was if my drawing had sprung to life (and gotten better). The piece above is not hers but all of his works have a similar vibe. Very cool.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T12:20:00.001-08:00

From all of us at Ilevel: Happy Turkey Day!

Before and After

2011-11-24T10:43:00.000-08:00

Give us a wall!

Give us some art!

Carlito Carvalhosa at MOMA

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

This has since ended its run but I thought it was worth a mention. I admit I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Unfortunately I could not hear the ambient noise that was part of the exhibit (on a busy day one can only hear the crowds). But walking through the maze if you will was very immersion. It felt secretive. I can't really think of a better word for it. It did take all of my willpower to not run full tilt through the pathway creating a 'wind backwash' in the fabric walls.

Almost the end of the year, Again.

2011-11-22T11:11:00.000-08:00

It is that time of the year, it feels like the days go so fast at ILevel. It is easy to run ourselves down by forgetting having lunch or running across the city in multiple directions. I had an opportunity to literary flip my morale to a better one by placing the red book in front of the blue.
It is good to see clients' faces light up and say that we did a good job. After all, this is a service business.

Fluxus Editions at MOMA

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love books. And artist editions only make it better. The print and books galleries are housing a great showing of this often (in my opinion) overlooked movement. Encouraging publications that would introduce their experimental art to the masses, they produced a fantastic array of books and artifacts. Reminds me of the 'pataphysics gallery they had years ago. Can't say I understand everything that they were attempting (I'm looking at you Yoko Ono), but I find it utterly fascinating and mesmerizing.

Rock'n'Roll Dreams

2011-11-20T18:53:00.000-08:00

I just love this set of guitars; the 12-string Rickenbackers are the coolest looking, but a Les Paul and a shiny dobro aren't bad either.

Beauty and care that go largely unnoticed are also ILevel standard.

2011-11-17T15:19:00.001-08:00

Just like there are front and back, our service has what is seen and unseen. ILevel staff follow safety protocols the mechanics of it sometimes look simply beautiful. Too bad we don't hang art backside front!
The first picture shows the back part of a mirror that went on a mirror wall. There was a limited small opening for hooks. The solution was to create a double wire hanging system for extra security. Black electric tapes on wires are there to protect edges of the mirror wall the piece is on.
The second piece was hung on an elevation panel in front of a tv. There was, again, a limited space that twice as wide art work needed to be installed. This project was tricky because back braces were not in symmetry and the braces alone could not hold the entire weight of the piece itself. There are two sets of loops attached to the braces and bottom frame. A cross wire was added for extra security.

Measure twice, hammer once!

2011-11-17T07:56:00.001-08:00

Atsushi, veteran art installer, measures for a mirror on a painted wall surface above a fireplace mantle.

Coffee break

2011-11-17T07:28:00.001-08:00

This is the scene at 73rd and Columbus at 'Alice's tea cup'where scones and tea to go are a hit with the iLevel staff.

Orchids are nice

2011-11-17T07:01:00.001-08:00

Here are the three different types of orchids. The purple orchids in the middle, the white on the right and the mixed colors on the left. It has a nice succulent base. Great for every setting.

Security Hardware: Not Just For Anti-Theft

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

One of the services that we offer is security installing works. Basically locking them to the wall. Commonly used for theft deterrent or safety in high traffic areas. (Think bars, hospitals, lobbies, restaurants, etc.) However we have used this in private homes. I often recommend it when a work is going in a precarious area (above the baby's changing table or crib). But I have also be asked to do it to a group of works that were in easy reach of highly curious and adventurous children. The best part is that all the hardware is hidden behind the work and is not visible from the front.

Tis the season of de Kooning!

2011-11-16T17:42:00.000-08:00

I haven't gotten to see the show at MOMA Scott posted about, but I have read the Pulitzer Prize winning biography: de Kooning; An American Master. If the show has inspired any further interest in the man and artist, this is the resource to seek out. It's a very well constructed biography of a very important 20th Century artist.

Here's a quick anecdote from the book:

He began his time in the States working in Hoboken as a sign painter. He had an epiphany in the ferry terminal that serviced the crossing to Manhattan one day witnessing a man pouring coffee. What amazed the Dutch immigrant about this was the fact the man never pulled up the coffee pot when pouring between cups. He spilled coffee all over the place filling up the cups! De Kooning was awestruck. Coming from the Netherlands where coffee was slowly and preciously fussed over in porcelain cups, he was fascinated by the energy and urgency of New York and the United States. Here was a land where if a little coffee was spilled in its delivery to the rush of humanity and the paper cup, so be it. He knew he had finally found the home he was looking for: New York, NY. The place so nice they named it twice.

MOMA: de Kooning: A Retrospective

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Ok big shock...the show is amazing. It totally does not need to be said, of course it would be amazing. Sure it would be amazing. To say it is amazing in no way conveys just how amazing it truly is. But you know what. Its amazing.

Enough of that but wow. MOMA went all in and the entire top floor is devoted to this show. And this is a good thing. This can be a crowed show but they have given the viewers plenty of space. I am biased. I have always loved de Kooning but to see this range of works is amazing (there's that word again) and I must say inspiring. It reminds me of my early days in art school when I wanted to paint like de Kooning. And then reality sunk in and I came to realize I was no de Kooning, but it only made me admire his genius more.

Be sure not to miss this non traveling exhibit. Surely a once in a lifetime chance.

Hall of Mirrors

2011-11-11T07:34:00.001-08:00

This was the scene as Patrick and I installed 4 full length mirrors in a future ballet studio. Imagine a railing in front of the mirror and you'll get the picture

Diego Rivera: Murals for MOMA

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

I haven't seen this show. In fact, as I write this, it hasn't opened yet. But I am jazzed. This is another must see show with MOMA being the only venue. Focusing on works done during his stay in NYC. This will bring together works and background material not seen in 80 years. I look forward anxiously to this shows opening.

Salon wall with a TV

2011-11-08T21:39:00.001-08:00

It's hard to figure out sometimes what to do with that TV. Mine is attached to the wall to save space. Can you really just dedicate an entire wall to a television though? Sometimes the

answer is to incorporate the black box with a collection of other ephemera and toss it all together on the wall.

Before you throw out that vinyl!

2011-11-07T16:29:00.000-08:00

You can see a sliver of a water cooler on the right so you can see this is an office. The music lover here decided to dust off the old sleeves of his records and put them to use on his office walls. This particular arrangement is one of any number of fun possibilities when adding spice to the workplace that are a little outside the box.
We all spend a lot of time at work, yet we often tend to neglect the space we work in. But why is that? We spend so much time there and we invest a lot of effort in our office "home" away from home. Why not take time to make it more personal, or more comfortable, or more fun? Take a look around the workplace. If you had the ability to liven it up a little what would you do? It doesn't need to be something traditional or expected. Consider the album covers as an example of a creative "allocation of resources." The possibilities are endless. Get to work!

Late Halloween Scare

2011-11-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

I don't have a picture to accompany this terrifying scenario but it is all too true and frighteningly common. I was recently re-installing a painting that had fallen after hanging for the last decade or so and the client asked me to double check the other works to make sure they were doing alright. It was shocking. As I looked behind a large painting I was confronted by a disaster in progress. Not only was the large (and heavy) painting on one tiny hook but it was pulling itself out of the wall. (I could actually see space between the hook and the wall!) Needless to say we re-hung everything.

The moral here is that works should be periodically checked. I always recommend hanging from 2 points which adds to stability and creates a failsafe. Also use the appropriate hardware. (Those weight ratings are there for a reason.) All too often this is not done. Remember it is always best to be safe than be sorry.

How to Hang 300 pounds on Drywall... call Ilevel

2011-10-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

I kind of have no idea what product this is. It looks extreme though.

Also, I like how it is just one hook that you are hanging this three hundred pound object on. It would have to have some kind of huge wire/chain on the back to support the weight and even then, the pressure on the d-rings of the mirror/artwork/moosehead would seem to be too great to support it. Instead, if I wanted to hang something that weighed three-hundred pounds, I would call Ilevel: 212.477.4319

Follow @OOKPictureHooks on Twitter

2011-10-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

@OOKPictureHooks is on twitter! They also have a blog, which you can find here: http://ookarts.blogspot.com/

Here at Ilevel, we love our Ook Hooks! Don't miss their tips for Halloween decorating!

Art in the Dumpster

2011-10-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

The most recent development in the hunt for 5 stolen artworks from the Museum of Modern Art in Paris is not so great. One of the accomplices to the theft told investigators that he got nervous after not being able to sell the works and tossed them in the dumpster.

The trashed art includes: "Le Pigeon aux Petits-Pois" (The Pigeon with the Peas) by Pablo Picasso; "La Pastorale" (Pastoral), by Henri Matisse; "L'olivier pres de l'Estaque" (Olive Tree near Estaque) by Georges Braque; "La Femme a l'Eventail" (Woman with a Fan) by Amedeo Modigliani; and "Nature-Mort aux Chandeliers" (Still Life with Chandeliers) by Fernand Leger.

French authorities are sceptical of the gangster's story, but if you see some nice cubist works in the thrift store by your house (in France) well they just might be the real thing!

Elevator action

2011-10-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

I recently saw Leandro Erlich's show at Sean Kelly gallery on west 29th street in Chelsea. It is one of the funniest shows I have seen in a while. Humor is often the red-headed stepchild of the artworld, with it being constantly underfoot, but rarely praised. Laendro is obsessed with elevators, with four elevator-themed sculptures. One is a long, narrow hallway designed like a sideways elevator shaft. The viewer must navigate it to get to the rear of the gallery. Another sculpture represents 6 mirrored elevators cabins 3 wide and 2 deep. The effect is eerily mysterious, with some surfaces looking like mere reflections and others being actual space that you don't realize is occupied until another viewer enters.

Sunday in the park with George (Terry)

2011-10-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

(this is not the George Terry I am talking about)

Not to be confused with George Terry, the blues guitarist, our George Terry has an art show coming up in January at the University of Maine Museum of Art! Curated by George Kinghorn, the solo show runs until March. Catch George in the video below (our George, not the famous guitarist George, even though he is playing guitar in the video).

Play the Interior Design Flash Game!

2011-10-10T06:13:00.000-07:00

Having trouble managing all your contractors and getting the project handed over to the client in time? Then maybe you haven't been playing enough of "Home Sweet Home" the online interior design flash game! I've only played the free preview, available online here, but this game is a play on Sims-like reality puzzle games. You click on your workers and direct them to build the items that are unfinished on that level. When everything is complete, you advance. If you are a decorator, then you may be asking yourself why you would want to play a game that is a reproduction of your workday? The answer is twofold: (a) professional basketball players like to play basketball video games, right? and (b) what else did you get that Ipad 2 for?

Compostion with Electrical Box #4

2011-10-07T16:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes art goes in the electrical closet. I tried to talk the client into putting the photo even closer to the other random stuff (too much white space for my taste), but she wasn't having it. She wanted her dancing guy in just the right spot.

Would you like a tiger or a sink with your art?

2011-10-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

Here we have a lovely sink interacting with awards, diplomas, and publicity photos. When you go for a "wallpaper effect," you end up incorporating many unusual elements. The desire to include everything and cover every inch means lamps, counters, curtains, chairs, tables and couches all end up playing a part in the composition.

Sometimes tiger pelts play and important role:

Or is that a cheetah? A puma?

Salon Style: Lost in Space!

2011-10-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

I like to call this salon style my lost in space edition. The couple who owned this apartment had basically one huge, two-story wall to create an arrangement of art and mementos. I worked with the client, a hard-working chef, on an arrangement that would satisfy her desire go high up the wall of the room and mimic the two-story bookshelves that faced this wall. The pictures are spaced out from each other, but still share some lines here and there to make it look neat.

KC&CO

2011-10-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you've been seeing as much of these little bits of propaganda as I have, but I started to get curious about this phenomena.

What is keeping calm and who is carrying on? The answer, it turns out, is the the British Government's Ministry of Information. The poster was designed and printed in 1939 to boost spirits during World War II. It was not widely distributed however and effectively disappeared from the public consciousness until 2000.

A vintage copy of the posted turned-up at a bookshop in Alnwick, Northumberland and the shopkeeps started reproducing and selling the poster. Between 2000 and 2009 the Barter Books sold over 40,000 KC&CO prints.

I see these prints all over the city and assumed it was some sort of Shepherd Farey meets Barbra Kruger collaboration sold at Walmart. It turns out that its a little bit of rediscovered WWII propaganda instead!

Can you spot the diploma in this photo?

2011-10-03T17:04:00.001-07:00

Here's a closer look.

Definitely one of the strangest places you'll ever see a diploma!

Can I Come Down Now?

2011-09-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

I recently came across the picture from an install from a few years ago. It was also one of the most punishing installs I have ever done. Essentially I was screwing small silvered glass disks to a wall ....over 150 of them. To do this I was stuck on this ladder for six hours while I was handed the pieces from bellow and a side landing. In a word painful. But the end result was worth it.

Classic Grid

2011-09-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

One of the pitfalls of installations is over thinking a layout or trying to come up with something never seen before. It is often the simple, classic, and clean solution that is best. This grid of nine looks fantastic and timeless.

Mountains and Rivers

2011-09-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

A reference in the book The Practice of the Wild by Gary Snyder recently led to an interest in Chinese landscape painting from the Song Dynasty (960-1270 CE). The paintings are rooted in Daoist and Confucianist philosophies and often display detail in the foreground while the background fades to the vastness of space. They are usually not based in linear geography but instead convey the overall force of a region.

The Meta Baseball

2011-09-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

So this is the end result of Wednesday's tease. A baseball made of baseballs. Definitely one of the more unusual installs. And even more impressive, if I must say, this install was done without a template. We mapped it out manually onsite.

Top Heavy

2011-09-08T15:02:00.000-07:00

This simple installation ended up with a nice top-heavy look, characterized by clean lines.

Screwball?!?

2011-09-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

So I spent several hours inserting screws into baseballs. No, not for the most awesomely dangerous version of baseball ever to be played, but for a truly unique install. Ponder it and check back on Sat.

Wooden Pangea?

2011-09-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Actually no. But it is very cool. And a very difficult install. As one can see by the vents above the work the wall is dense with vents and other obstructions. So very little to no penetration was allowed in the wall. The answer...you guessed it. Industrial strength velcro!

Paris Metro Entrances: Why Can't NYC Have That?

2011-08-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Granted not all Paris Metro entrances have these fantastic covers. But many do and many more have the decorative railings and signs. While in good old NYC, the best we can do is...well I have problems thinking of one that makes me want to visit it (ok Grand Central...until the Apple Store goes in. Really? I had no idea it was a mall.). The two cities have many similarities but everything is a bit (or a lot) nicer in Paris. Its like NYC had nice things once (Penn Station...cough) but we must destroy, ruin or neglect something until it is replaced by the ordinary. Anyway, NYC could do a lot more, because while I may leave here, often my heart is there.

Ralph Lauren Car Collection at Musee des Arts Decoratifs

2011-08-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Quite by accident we caught the Ralph Lauren Car Collection displayed at Musee des Arts Decoratifs and was blown away. Fantastic cars, great curating and very accessible. I was blown away. They even were able to incorporate the unique sounds of each car into the exhibit. If it travels a must see.

The Moulin Rouge, Toulouse-Lautrec...and a really long line.

2011-08-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

I finally dragged myself to at least look at the exterior of the Moulin Rouge at night. Which looks about a 1000 times better than it does during the day. I try to image what it would have looked like for Toulouse-Lautrec, but kept wondering if it was surrouonded by a continuous line of porn shops back then as it is now. What I was most struck by was the insanely long line (look at the bottom of the shot....it keeps going). I'm sure its cool, or something, but I checked what it cost. Basically a cool 90 Euros and that's for the bare bones no food no drink experience. (And it is difficult to imagine surviving the experience sober). Or you could go all out and shell out 180 Euros. Needless to say this was enough for me.

Parc des Buttes Chaumont: Surrealist Dream

2011-08-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

One of the favorite things we did in Paris was spend an afternoon in this far flung park on the eastern edge of the city. Originally an quarry it was transformed into a fantastic park with bridges, waterfalls and spectacular landscaping. The dramatic island that rises above the surrounding land caught the attention of Surrealists back in the day. Almost completely devoid of tourist it was a fantastic afternoon of drawing, reading, and relaxing the day away.

Grand Galerie of the Louvre

2011-08-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about the Louvre is its Grand Galerie in its southern wing. Housing many of my favorite works this wing is dedicated to Italian painting and nearby are the salons dedicated to Romanticism and Neoclassicism. What makes this area exceptional is how unbelievably long this hall is and the continuous skylight. I can never get enough of this area.

Madame Gres at Musee Bourdelle

2011-08-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

An exhibit I liked a great deal more than I expected. The juxtaposition of fashion and the monumental sculptures was inspiring. This small museum on a far edge of Paris was beautiful and one of those unexpected pleasures that one hopes for on vacation. Madame Gres was ever inch a sculptor in her own right, but in fabric as opposed to stone or plaster. (Not a good museum to wear leather soled shoes to. I could be heard from a mile away.)

Cimetière de Montmartre: Eternal Art

2011-08-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

As with all vacations (or at least mine), one must add the reminder of mortality. Actually I just like graveyards and they don't get any better than in Paris. This is the Cimetiere de Monmartre which is one of the lesser visited ones but no less impressive. And is the final resting place of Picabia and Moreau among many others. As you can see from the photo many of the monuments are modest and unimpressive. Kidding! There is fantastic and amazing scultures everywhere. Plus they day we went it was overcast and the sound of ravens in the shadows added to the ambiance.

Emmanuel Fremiet at Musee de Paleontologie

2011-08-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Yes this is the image that greets you as you enter the Musee de Paleontologie. Even more striking is that it is at ground level, it is larger than true scale and you wait in line right next to it. Add to that just beyond this room is a room filled to the ceiling with skeletons. Nature definitely asserting its revenge. Fremiet also has a lovely sculpture in the Orsay on the main floor.

#1

2011-08-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

I don't know what order the list is in or even what it is from, but here is a link to a New York Times article/blog post called the CONNOISSEUR from December 2007 that says Ilevel is "known for creative collaborations with collectors on placement and display as well as white-glove treatment." What is the connoisseur? Also, how come I only found this link today? I got there from this other page called museumplanner.org's top 10 list. I am glad we are on the list, but is it in reverse numerical order? Clearly we are #1 in fine art handling and installation!

Musee de Paleontologie

2011-08-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

One of the most impressive museums to visit in Paris is the Musee de Paleontologie. Essentially it the equivalent of a section of the American Museum of Natural History in NY. But in Paris it is split between 3 fantastic buildings and set in a park with a small zoo and a giant botanical garden. It is a shame that it is missed by most tourists. The ground floor displays comparative anatomy in a gorgeous building. The combination of the building architecture and the breath of their display puts the AMNH to shame.

Congratulations Jack and Meghan!

2011-08-01T06:03:00.001-07:00

Apparently, I had so much fun I was incapable of getting any decent photos of the wedding. However, this shot of the ice cream truck that arrived after diner nicely sums up the general mood and atmosphere of the event...
Best wished to Jack, one of ilevel's finest, and his wife Meghan.

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Kandinsky: Circle is Still the Word

2011-07-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

I never get tired of his work. It amazes me. How can something that is so old still seem so new? Maybe everything has been done and we now are at a point that it all turns and folds back upon itself. Or maybe this is a lull before the renewal. Who knows, certainly not me. I studied illuminated manuscripts and Gothic churches!

Richard Serra: Circle is the Word

2011-07-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

While I did not install this exact work, I did install one very much like it. And I found it entrancing. The work really made an impression on me. As of late I have become focused on the circle. Which I must admit sounds a bit nutty. But there is a proud history of the investigation of this proud and noble shape. Ok that is nutty. Still its a great shape that many artists have investigated and will continue to. Hopefully I will find something in my investigation of it. Study the circle. Draw the circle. Be the circle. Circle. Circle. Circle. See it grows on you. Circle.

Salon for Bear Givers @ JBS

2011-07-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

Back at JBS again to install a show for Bear Givers. Not only is it an awesome function but for me a challenge. When I arrive close to 100 drawings of future artists are waiting for me to organize into a show with a meter and order. But hopefully a challenge I will always be up to. This wall was devoted to landscapes, specifically those involving a tree as a central element. As always I enjoyed the challenge and was doubly impressed by the work shown.

Gericault: RIP

2011-07-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

Yea I know he's been dead for a while. Ok a long while. But he is a god. Raft of the Medusa? Amazing. So it felt appropriate to check out his final resting place and pay homage. And on his rather massive grave stone....Raft of the Medusa, of course. Beats Morrison by several degrees.

Quadrivium from Wooden Books

2011-07-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

I recently picked up this book and have enjoyed it immensely ever since. Wooden Books has a fantastic line of books that blend science and art with fantastic illustrations. And this book is the compilation of 4 of them. But please PLEASE make a digital version! Seriously....check this series out.

Alan Fleming

2011-07-15T12:20:00.001-07:00

Check out Alan Fleming, of Ilevel/shown here in a couple impromptu break dancing poses. He will be shown learning/peforming some salsa moves on Peruvian/Univision Television this Sunday.
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Babymine: the Elle Decor of Baby Blogs

2011-07-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hey all you design folks with (or expecting) babies, check out my friend Ashley's wonderful baby blog Babymine. It has features of the latest in baby gadgetry, ideas for decorating, and wonderful photos of being pregnant in NYC. I really liked this Oeuf crib that they recently highlighted on Recrib, a new second-hand design internet retailer. They have great posts that highlight the latest thing in the world of fancy pants babes.

Scott Ogden @ Ricco Maresca

2011-07-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Again one of the great pleasures of the job is installing shows for galleries. I was instantly drawn to Scott's work while I was doing the install. The repetition of line is just beautiful. Definitely one to see in person.

Bridgehampton Bienniel

2011-07-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

The Martos Gallery is hosting a biennal at their Hamptons outpost that is neither a biennal, nor is it being held in a traditional gallery space. Instead the curator, Bob Nickas, has put together a show of artists they like at the house that (I assume) they are staying at for the summer. With heavy hitters, known as art-world pranksters, like Louise Lawlor, Jules de Balincourt and Mary Heilmann, the biennal is sure to amuse. The biennal runs through Sept. 5th and I would bet that weekends would be the most likely time for the house to be open to the public. I can't seem to find reliable hours of operation on the website, but 631-613-6698 is the number at the house, so call ahead of time or just drop in at 112 Sagaponack Rd., Bridgehampton to join the summer fun

What Am I?

2011-07-09T06:39:00.000-07:00

I was seen by many,

hated by few.

Photoed by the masses,

yet this was rarely the view.

What am I?

Re-stretching a large canvas

2011-07-06T14:52:00.000-07:00

Re-stretching a large canvas is exceptionally simple, especially if you follow these two steps.

1. Call Ilevel and schedule an appointment, 12124774319

2. Sit back and relax

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Earlier Art: The College Years

2011-07-06T06:28:00.000-07:00

I am currently resetting my computer due to a catastrophic failure (way too old). And in the process of reconstituting my files I have run across drawings from college when I dreamed of being an abstract figure expressionist. What is this a picture of? Who knows. Certainly not me, but I like it and it reminds me of coming home coated in charcoal dust.

Paul Laffoley

2011-07-02T06:19:00.000-07:00

So I have been trawling the image boards for inspiration and came across Laffoley's work, who I saw several years ago. The combination of intricate geometric shapes and esoteric information is something to behold. Sadly it is hard to find images that are detailed enough to read all of the information given.

Zanotta S.p.A. Inflatable Chair

2011-06-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

On view in MOMA's design gallery is this fantastic piece of furniture. You look at it at it screams...."I will make awkward noises when you are hot and sweaty", "Keys will pop me" and "I am hard to get out of". But you have to love a piece of furniture that looks like it was made out of Gummi Bears.

Physical Photography

2011-06-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

In addition to offering visually stunning design solutions in your home or office, many of us at ILevel maintain an artistic practice of our own. In the piece above, titled "4 Failed Airflare Attempts", I am caught somewhere between take off and failure of flight, tumbling across the horizon. This photo documents my repeated attempts at an 'airflare', a breakdancing move I have yet to master.

Plate Paintings...

2011-06-27T18:26:00.000-07:00

For many years I thought Julian Schnabel's plate paintings were just horrible. I caught an interview of him describing his process in the documentary 'A New Spirit In Painting'. I thought it was a rather unoriginal idea and I was probably jealous of his giant tennis-court studio... However, I came across one of these plate pieces on a recent job. It was a portrait of the late Dennis Hopper (actor/director/ab-ex painter!?). When I saw the piece I was transfixed. It glowed with its pale green background on a trapezoidal construction and the broken plates still had orange stickers from their second-hand purchase. Something about the way he brought sculpture and object-hood into the dialogue of painting attracted me to this work. Needless to say, the only way to experience this painting is to stand in its presence, the jpeg above doesn't do it justice.

Dolla Dolla Bill Y'all

2011-06-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

This is in response to my post below. Sadly the 1,000 portraits is eclipsed by the Hans-Peter Feldmann piece currently on view at the Guggenheim Museum. The artist was this year's recipient of the Guggenheim’s Hugo Boss Award which consists of a $100,000 prize. He decided to pin 100,000 used dollar bills on the gallery walls from floor to cieling including the support beams in the middle of the space.

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words, But How Much Is 1,000 Portraits?

2011-06-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

Well the artist had each person sit for about an hour for $50 to get their portrait painted, you do the math. The 1,000 colorful portraits fill a small gallery space from floor to ceiling including the support pillars in the middle of the space. Currently on view at the NY Studio Gallery.

David Gammon's Turntable

2011-06-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

First thing I thought when I saw this is me want. You have to love tech that looks dangerous and insanely complicated, especially when all it does is spin. But its hard to justify an piece of audio equipment that most likely costs as much as a car. (At least a car that I could buy.) Currently on view at MOMA's Shaping Modernity: Design 1880-1980.