On Point with Pink

Sometimes I stubbornly forge my own path, trying to convince others along the way that there’s value in my point of view.  It can be exhausting, and somewhat discouraging.  Now I am not saying that it’s not worth the effort, simply that when others happen already agree that I am right, I can’t say I hate it.

pink 4

M. Flynn . in the pink.

My travels through the neighborhood yesterday – on a day that can only be described as dreary, raw, and rainy, reaffirmed my belief in the color pink.  It’s as if all the shops that I visited knew it was just the infusion of cheer I was searching for.  Like my friend and Yoga Coach, Amy Coleman says, “when the sun doesn’t shine outside, we bring it in”.  then she follows that with what feels like a million Sun A’s until my limbs are on fire, I am gasping for breath, and my cheeks are radiating heat and energy.  If the sun is blazing red, pink is rosy warmth.

pink 3

Birds of a feather . Flock to M. Flynn.

First stop – M. Flynn. 40 Waltham Street . South End – http://mflynnjewelry.com a lovely jewelry store owned and operated by two sisters, Molly and Meagan Flynn.  Aside from the dazzling jewels they feature, the eternity bands, and beachy bracelets they carry, the store is always appointed with fresh cut flowers that make it feel celebratory.  It’s walls are painted in pale pink and off-set by white floors and ceilings, their messy industrial nature keeps it from feeling too prissy.

pink2

Lekkar . hello cream puff. How is it possible you’re 20% off too?

Spirits lifted I next stopped at Lekker Home . 1313 Washington Street . South End – https://lekkerhome.com.  I had heard word of  a pink sofa with gold legs.  In what scenario was I NOT going to visit that cotton candy delight?  None.  It was lovely, and if it wasn’t 84″ long (too big for No. 4) I would have tossed my newly upholstered Verellen out like a boy toy I’d grown tired of – just kidding Verellen – I adore you.

rose

Yes Way – Rose.

Rose you say?  Which way – off to BRIX Wine Shop where they were having a Rose pouring, and India Hicks Trunk Show.  1284 Washington Street. South End.  www.brixwineshop.com.  Klaudia and Carri, aka “the BRIX Chicks” are as happy and complex as the wines they sell, the stories they share, and all the shades of Rose that are offered.  If you want to expand your repertoire beyond Whispering Angel and Miraval (Angie and Brad’s wine), pop in for a visit.  I promise, it won’t feel like class, the stories they share run the gamut from enchanting to scandalous.  Pick your poison.

pink 1

Hudson Boston . Casting a flattering glow.

Next off to Hudson, where I was so happy to see a lamp, whose heavy black base was accented by a enormous pink shade.  It was just the subtle touch needed to take the edge off.  Jill knows.  Pop on by at 12 Union Park Street . South End.  https://www.hudsonboston.com 

All that pink, and… being right, put the pep back in my step.

 

South End Open Studios

I put my money where my mouth was, and got out to support the arts today.  One of my very favorite artists is in the Waltham Studios.  Among my friends and I, we own a dozen John Vinton abstract seascapes.

jv in studio

John Vinton in Studio

Some hail from Maine or Manchester, but I selected one he did in Wellfleet.  It’s awash with color and calms me.  A former Architect, John has a real talent.  A few weeks ago, I attempted to copy one of John’s paintings and reinforced the depth of his genius.  I’m glad I stopped by because we got to talking and he just might be willing to conduct a workshop for me and some of my friends.  Perhaps I’ll be able to wade a little deeper in the tidal pool when he’s through with me.

After a month in Napa he’s begun work on a new series from his inspired visit.  Warm days, rich earth, sunshine, and vineyards.  These works, like a great wine, are sure to inspire.

jv napa

John Vinton . Napa Series – in process.

Another notable artist studio I visited was Mark Bouzane’s.  He wasn’t actually there, but the door was open and the light’s where on so in I went.  I am so happy I did.  He had large scale canvases pinned to the walls – frameless.  They were in fact enormous.  They were a bubble of laughter, splashed in a bouquet of color.  They were happy.

bouzane

Mark Bouzane . 46 Waltham Street . Studio 303 . Boston email:  paintmover@aol.com

I went back to M. Flynn again because some spaces just make you feel good.  I love the pale pink walls, and the crystal chandeliers, the Louis Ghost Chairs and the over-dyed rug at the stores entry.  I can see my canopy bed in the front room, and oh the cocktail parties I’d throw.  Sparkling Rose and French Macaroons.  Of course I’d beg the gals Megan and Moria to let me keep the sign that reads:  Faire la fete.  Make the Party indeed.  They are having an appraisal event on 19 May, so dig through your jewelry box, stop by your Grandmothers, and make an appearance.  Whether you show up with a paper bag full of gems or a velvet sack, it’s not their mode of transport that will determine their value.  Maybe, just maybe, your touting a goldmine.  Bonne Chance.

 

Classy Collaborations: South End’s got community

I admire small business owners, and the boutique.  I appreciate the courage,and creativity it takes to pursue a dream and forgo a cubicle in corporate america.  I love that my neighborhood is dotted with shops that express this creativity.  I spend my weekends wandering in and out of the shops, coffee cup in hand, chatting with the owners, getting inspiration, learning about new designers, and artisans, purchasing a card, or a candlestick, a gift, or a bauble to brighten my day.

On Thursday night I popped into M. Flynn at 40  Waltham Street . South End . Boston. mflynnjewelry.com A gem of jewelry store, owned by two smart and stylish gals, Moria and Megan Flynn.  MMThey design, curate, and collaborate with other local artists and designers.  After I adorned myself in dozens of beautiful pieces from every day staples to belle of the ball, jaw dropping statement pieces, I wondered into their newly expanded space and immediately spotted some china plates on display.  In a classic navy and white stripe with a gold edge, it really was no surprise I felt as if they belonged with me.  These dazzlers are the result of a collaboration between talented Interior Designer Erin Gates and Pottery Maker Jill Rosenwald.  Erin didn’t halt her inventiveness there – she went ahead and worked with Megan and Moria to develop a line of jewelry which can be found on display at the store.  You’ll go starry eyed for it.  I know I did.

Rosenwald and Gates – at work collaborating.

I thought the plates looked vaguely familiar.  So I dropped by Hudson at 12 Union Park Street . South End . Boston www.hudsonboston.com.  Indeed, Jill Goldberg, Hudson’s Owner and talented Interior Designer was the first locally to collaborate on specialty pieces with Jill Rosenwald.  Her vases and bowls, serving trays, and lamps in their bright stripes feel undeniably coastal chic.  They are wonderfully contrasted with a signature gold stripe that reminds one that whether you have sand in your toes, or your toes on display in a stiletto these pieces work.

jr jg collaboration

Rosenwald and Goldberg Collaboration

Now tomorrow the weather is going to be wretched.  The kind of day that might convince one to tuck in at home.  Resist the urge.  Make your way to the South End.  It’s Open Studios from 11am – 6pm.  Just three days all year, to peak into the artists quarters, to see established and emerging artists, to purchase a piece for your home, a friends wedding, and any other milestone event.  Supporting the arts, and local business is not only important for our community, but for the enrichment of our lives.  Unless you believe that on-line shopping feeds your soul and real live social interaction is a thing of the past.

Both Hudson and M. Flynn will be open and ready to receive you.  You’ll be better for the visit.  Happy Hunting!