petits papiers

an afternoon with... veronica schwartz & pablo castro

 

Veronica and Pablo are artisans in the most noble sense of the word.  As a creative chef, Veronica discovered many years ago the benefits of the raw-food diet and converted her talents in the kitchen to creating foods essentially based on activated nuts, gluten/soy/dairy-free organic and unprocessed ingredients.

 

The two of them are running Dr Cow, a rapidly growing environmental-conscious company.

They also use the principals of raw living in many aspects of their lives with a lot of recycling, crafting and low-impact consuming.

Their authentic philosophy is just written all over their gorgeous home and I am very inspired and humbled by their lifestyle.

It is also one of the most breathtaking space i have seen in a long time. It reinforces my conviction that industrial and botanical can cohabit beautifully!

 

 

©2012 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved

 If you wish to inquire about my photography services, please contact me directly via www.anneclairerohe.com

 

Tell us where you currently live, since when and where you are from originally

Vero:

I'm originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I came to Williamsburg, Brooklyn 11 years ago.

You have quite an unusual lifestyle, can you describe the essential principles of the living-raw philosophy?

I've been following the raw food diet for the past 7 or 8 years.  I'm not 100% raw but I'm trying my best to be 90%.

I only eat raw sprouted food, mostly fruit and veggies, seeds and nuts and basically food that is not cooked above 105 F.

No meat or dairy, no process food. Lots of super foods and good supplements.

Tell us how you transitioned from being a traditional chef to a raw-food chef

After you understand what raw food living is about and its benefits there is no way back.  It was literally overnight... I am really, truly what I do.

What is the best advice you can give the rest of us?

Eat only Organic food and always use filter water for EVERYTHING!

How would you describe your home?

My home is my ecosystem.

An object you cherish in particular?

Mmmmmm... My vintage pallets, my plants, my fabrics and one of my friend Jeremy Zini's paintings.

Actually I love all of them together, in the same way my husband does.

What is your favorite occupation at home?

Craft!!!!!!!!!!!!! sewing, knitting etc...

What would you attempt if you had super powers?
 

I would fly my entire house (the building and everything) to my next port, like the Wizard of Oz.

 

an afternoon with... chloé garcia ponce

 

Chloé is living the life many of us only dare to dream having: Few months out of the year she travels the world as a buyer to bring back upon her returns countless treasures from her voyages. Soon after returning from her trips, she usually curates trunk-shows in the intimacy of her home.  She is a fine collector and her home is sort of an open storybook, without a final chapter.

Spending an afternoon in her intricate world made me forget all about the monotony of winter.  As i walked out, i realized i was energized by her space, and there she was again, about to pack her bags off to Mumbai.

She shares her life with Fiancé Frederico and their two magestic cats. 

To find out more about the trunk-shows, follow Chloé's travel blog Nomadic Songlines.

 

 

 

©2012 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved

 If you wish to inquire about my photography services, please contact me directly via www.anneclairerohe.com

 

 

Tell us where you live, since when and where you are from originally

I live in Brooklyn Heights. My apartment used to belong to Howard Phillips Lovecraft, a 18th century writer. I am originally from Mexico, I grew up in Geneva Switzerland, and Paris France. I moved to New York to study painting at NYU, in the early 90's. What I love about my neighborhood is the old cobble stone streets, lined with linden trees, cherry blossoms and great old oak trees. I get the best of both worlds, a beautiful quiet and serene neighborhood filled with charm and history overlooking Manhattan's crazy and vibrant energy.

What field are you currently working in?

I have a very diverse background, I am a painter at heart. I incorporate my passion for creating through different modalities. I am an herbalist, working with the magnificent world of plants, creating salves, tinctures and healing oils. My love for travel and self exploration have led me to amazing cultures and indigenous communities. I am a buyer for Matta, I incorporate all my beautiful finds from souks, markets in India, Cambodia and Thailand, with Cristina Gitti's beautiful collection. My passion for textiles, color and story telling have allowed me to manifest my blog Nomadic Songlines. My home is a testament of me, it is my sanctuary, everything I love is in my nest;  My books, art, music, cats and photographs. I am a traveling gypsy, therefore it is important to have a harmonious home to come back to, in order to restore and digest all of my travels, allowing me to create magic.

3 elements that best describe your daily routine

Meditation in the morning, setting an intention for the day.

Finding meaning and inspiration in the small crevices of life

Fresh flowers, organic fruits and vegetables, Sencha Tea from Marriage Frère and listening to music.

What was the most memorable trip you have taken?

All my trips are memorable, but India holds a very special place in my heart. I have never been able to recreate the feeling of love, beauty and gratitude that She has given me. My body and soul belongs to this magnificent country. I travel there twice a year, it has become a second home for me. I am divided between India and Mexico, my country has given me so much wisdom and teachings. Mexico's rich heritage in history, food and music, will always be a source of inspiration and spiritual nourishment.

Your most cherished object?

My most cherished objects are my huichol medicine pouches. If they are not near my heart, they reside on my altar. They are small parts of me.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, what would be your place of choice?

I would live in Jaipur, Kyoto, or Oaxaca. I love these cities, they are filled with rich history, culture and tradition.    

A quality or talent you most envy in others?

I don't envy anyone or anything, but I do admire and respect people who are fearless. I find fear to be paralyzing, it fuels the worst in humanity. Everyday I try to live my life, shedding any fear that may harbour my heart. I admire the Dalai Lama, his teachings of forgiveness and selflessness.

Your latest obsession

My latest obsession is Rose. Rose tea, rose ice cream, rose macaroons, rose essential oil, fresh roses. I find roses to be an expression of Grace, beauty, purity and natures testament of unconditional love.

 

an afternoon with... asako ueno

 

 I've known Asako for few years now. Asako is a freelance writer, she also curates a lifestyle blog and runs an online shop called Southern Accents.

For a home-lover like me, I have to say that photographing her apartment was one satisfying experience.
Her thrive for balance and beauty in life really shines here, the space is filled with light and captivating visual stories.  With a flawless eye for interior styling, she nurtures a passion for objects and original Art.  I felt like i was discovering treasures after treasures, the kind of home you want to walk through silently for hours.

But most of all, it's her quiet and respecful sense of hospitality that really humbled me.  We ate a delicious home-perpared lunch at the sunny table and tried to catch up, always in a calm and thoughtful manner which i enjoy so much.

What an authentic home, what a beautiful afternoon.

 

 

 

 

©2012 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved

 If you wish to inquire about my photography services, please contact me directly via www.anneclairerohe.com

 

 

Tell us where you live, since when and where you are from originally

I moved to New York City in 2009, and am currently living in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I am originally from a little beach town in Japan called Chigasaki, an hour away from Tokyo by train.

What are the 3 essential elements in your daily routine?

Ginger tea in the morning, taking deep breaths at Prospect Park (although I don't get to go there every day) and reading in the bath tub before bed (I lounge in the bath tub for at least half an hour).

Tell us how you began working in the field you are now

In Japan, I owned a lifestyle shop for 16 years, while writing books about American antiques and interior design.  I was also working as a buying consultant for NY Takashimaya, as well as an interior consultant for hotels and restaurants.  During this time, I would visit New York several times each year and had always thought how nice it would be to be able to live here.  When my dog passed away in 2006, I thought I would like to become smaller (like the book "Little Miss Tiny"), and bring my lifestyle back to the basics and be truthful to myself.  That's when I decided to close my shop and move to New York.  I am currently a columnist and writer for a Japanese magazine, coordinating special issues and such. 

What was the best piece of advice you have received in the process?

Be honest and sincere to people, keep things simple.

How would you describe your home?

The brownstone I live in was built in 1896 and has such historical character.  It might be bizarre to say that a house has a heart, but this house did not open its heart to me at first. After about a year it opened up to me and seemed to have accepted my personality.  As proof of this, I feel so comfortable and cozy now.  I also feel like I am being protected.

What detail do you recall most about the home you grew up in?

My grandfather's room.  My grandfather's hobby was to read haikus, take care of his bonsais, and collect little things that had beautiful shapes (such as fountain pens, scissors for bonsais, clocks, and other random tools and utensils that he used everyday).  In his room, there were rocks that he collected from the beach, which he displayed beside the windowsill; and he would have flowers that he had found during his walks, where he would keep in a vase on his desk.  It was a small room, but I would always feel at ease when I was there. Now that I think about it, the room was full of his personality.

Your latest obsession

Dogs! I had a special relationship with Jaye, my Schnauzer of many years, and now feel comfortable and ready to invite another furry friend to be a part of my life.

What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?

Parachuting！

an afternoon with... yoshiaki takao

 

For you long time readers, it's not the first time you read about multi-talented designer Yoshiaki Takao over here.  I have featured his work numerous times (including this recently) and I couldn't be more excited to share with you his living space today!

From the creative flow of his basement workspace {bunny bunny hole design - link soon to come} to his studio apartment, Yoshi's décor is simple but imprinted with character, imagination and humour. 

The low and understated layout was such a great feature i thought, the way i have always imagined the comfort of traditional Japanese homes.

On this rainy november day, we decided to cozy-up at a local bistro and shared {as always} laughter, creative ideas and stories; our favorite thing to do!

I feel very fortunate to have him as a friend.

 

 

 

   

 
   

 

©2012 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved

 If you wish to inquire about my photography services, please contact me directly via www.anneclairerohe.com

 

 

Tell us where you live, since when and where you are from originally 

I live in Brooklyn NY, I came from Japan 11 years ago.

What are the 3 core elements that shape your life?  

Being innocent, being original and being emotional.

Tell us how you began working in the field you are now

I was quite handy when i was a child.  My father was a carpenter, he had many tools and i just naturally loved making things. Especially in the town I was born which is surrounded by natural elements.  I often went to the forest and sea side with my father's tools, cutting branches, finding driftwood and making toys (ships, weapons, etc...). I think i started my career as a designer at that age!  

What was the best lesson you have learned in the process?    

Being original is being strong.

What is your favorite occupation at home?

Eating ice cream in bed!

What detail do you recall most about the home you grew up in?

 

The house i grew up  was so messy,  my mum didn't care for it so much, i had a small room that was mine and that was totally my microcosm. 

My first attempt at decorating my room was to paint the light bulb in red with watercolors and it looked really psychedelic, matching perfectly the Beatles poster pined up on the wall, i was 10 years old.

    

What natural ability are you most proud to possess?

Being indvidual.

Finish the sentence, "you can not fail when you..."

Smile!

 

an afternoon with... wesley fuller

 

What i like most about this project of introducing people's home is the variety of people i meet in the process.  Today, we are peeking into what i would call the quintessential downtown life of the busy new yorker.

Wes is a young investor living in a fairly new building.  But his apartment somehow reflects the feel of a classic New York interior.  He really used the space cleverly and created a home that is uncluttered, comfortable and simple.  The stark winter light outside made the place extra cozy that morning.

As the nature of his profession always calls, Wesley had to work that day and i swifted out as fast as i had swifted in, leaving behind a sense of wonder on how it would be for me to live his kind of life.

 

 

©2012 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved

 If you wish to inquire about my photography services, please contact me directly via www.anneclairerohe.com

Tell us where you live, since when and where you are from originally
 

I live at the corner of Henry street and Rutgers, where the eastern edge of Chinatown bleeds over into the southernmost section of the Lower East Side.  I've been in NYC for eight years, the lower east side for five, and this apartment for three.  I'm originally from Austin, TX and other than short stints in Dallas and London I have called New York "home" for all of my adult life.

What are the 3 fundamental elements in your daily / weekly routine?

I travel quite a bit for both work and fun, so i'm constantly in a state of packing and/or unpacking.  The apartment is actually laid out to facilitate that which is something i got some help putting into place last year.  When i'm in town i try to get out to Brooklyn at least once a week.  I rent a workspace in a converted industrial building near the Brooklyn navy yards which is super convenient to bike to from here.

Another constant is eating out.  I'm not a cook and i love trying new restaurants so the kitchen doesn't see too much action.  The neighborhood has some great restaurants like Fat Radish, Barrio Chino and Cafe Petisco so i have some terrific standbys if i'm not checking out something new downtown or in Brooklyn. 

Tell us about your current project

I'm on the board of a great local non profit called Hester Street Collaborative.  the group does incredible programing at the intersection of community design, education and public spaces.  I'm working with them to develop a marketing plan to get the word out about HSC's mission to the nyc design community.  My background is in finance so we're all learning together.

What's the best lesson you have learned so far?
 

Change is a constant, whether in your personal life, your neighborhood or the world.  There's no way to resist it so it's best to embrace it, enjoy it, and to harness that momentum instead of expending energy trying to slow things down.

What is your favorite occupation at home?
 

Flopping onto my couch or my chair and watching a program on Roku or Apple tv.  Usually i'll peck away at some emails as i'm unwinding with some entertainment.

Your most cherished object?
 

My vintage Chesterfield chair.  I picked it up off of a friend when she was downsizing apartments.  I feel a bit bad about it because it's the greatest chair i've ever sat in and she must miss it terribly, but not so much that i'm willing to sell it back.  I guess a good chair is worth the guilt.

What is your present state of mind?
 

Optimistic about the year ahead.  Last year i invested a lot of energy pushing a number of moving pieces in my personal and professional life into place, so i'm excited about enjoying the benefits and opportunities provided by those efforts.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, what would be your place of choice?

Does Fort Greene count? (a neighborhood in Brooklyn) 

I would love to spend a year hiding in Havana. I recently ran across some Andrew Moore images of Cuba at the Queens museum that really captured my imagination.  I also have this Hemingway inspired idealized version in my mind.  Those romantic notions and its unattainability make it the perfect place i'll never live.

an afternoon with... bentley beich

 

When Bentley's apartment door opens, you are greeted by whiffs of fresh ginger tea simmering on the stove. 

Aside from being a product developer at Marc Jacobs and curating a lovely inspirational blog ,  Bentley nurtures a passion for food and baking. She spends most of her free time experimenting in the kitchen.

But her talents are not only resumed to what she does, she also possesses the wonderful ability to recreate a country lifestyle right in a middle of the city. Her style reminds me of Europe for some reasons and how people live there.

We had spectacular light all afternoon in her south facing sun-washed bedroom, the perfect place to grow a {genius!} mini herb garden.

We shared laughter and tasty goodies for most of the afternoon, which is in my book the definition of a perfect day.

 

  

 


 

 

 

©2011 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved

 If you wish to inquire about my photography services, please contact me directly via www.anneclairerohe.com

 

 

Tell us where you live, since when and where you are from originally?

I'm originally from Texas, but I've been living in Manhattan and
Brooklyn for the last 6 years.

How did you begin working in the field you are now?

I graduated from college and moved to London. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but when I had studied abroad during college I discovered Orla Kiely and quickly became obsessed. I walked into their office without a meeting scheduled and asked to meet with the managing director about helping them out for a few months. I started in their warehouse and quickly they offered me a 2-year position to manage their international sales. It was my first exposure to 'fashion' and I loved every minute of it.
I’ve been at Marc Jacobs for a little over three years, managing product development for their accessories.
Ever since I can remember I have had a keen interest in baking. I’ve experimented with food markets, catering, and most recently working at the Blue Stove bakery in Brooklyn. It has been the highlight of my fall! I’ve never laughed and learned so much at one time.
I’m not sure that I would ever want to leave the creative industry, but I love the balance of working with my hands and working with people.

What was the best piece of advice you have received in the process?

My parents instilled a great work ethic in me from a very young age.  You can do anything you want if you put your mind to it.

How would you describe your home?

Cozy and bright.

An object you cherish in particular?

A dear friend of mine surprised me with Matteo sheets a few years back that I am still obsessed with. I love the way they crinkle.

What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?

I have this ongoing dream of owning a little grocery store. Very ‘mom & pop’ style, with prepared foods and flowers. I would want everything to be packaged like a present, in something that you would never want to throw away… or in no packaging at all. One of my favorite mindless activities on the weekends is strolling through the neighborhood grocery stores to check out their new stock.

What quality or talent do you most envy in others?

Narration. I wish I could captivate a room with a good story.

Your latest obsession

Anything WHITE. I think I am going to fight off winter a bit this year by wearing whites and creams all season long.

 

an afternoon with... theresa di scianni

 

 

I met Theresa during my days at Matta and it was almost instant with her. I think it had a lot to do with the fact that we both share a healthy obsession with home styling and interiors. 

If i had to describe Theresa's home in one word, it would be EARTH. There is something so undeniably organic about her decorative sense in addition to the fact that her home is nestled in the woods and somehow makes one with nature around it.

She effortlessly brought West-coast style to the East-coast. Ultimately recreating the best mix of both worlds.

 

 

©2011 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved

 If you wish to inquire about my photography services, please contact me directly via www.anneclairerohe.com

 

 

Please tell us where you live, since when and where you are from originally

We have been in the Springs which is a little hamlet of East Hampton for 3 years now. "We" being my husband, Freddie and two pups, Lord Nelson and Lt. Hardy. 
I am originally from Los Angeles and have lived in New Zealand where I would eventually love to own land.

What are the 3 fundamental elements in your life philosophy?

The Tao Te Ching has been the biggest influence in my life. 
TAO: A road, a path, the way by which people travel, the way of nature and finally the way of ultimate reality.

Connecting with Nature.

Exploration.

Living and creating beauty.

The best lesson you've learned in life 

Live in the moment because you have everything you need.

How would you describe your home? 

We live in an A-Frame nestled in the woods. Given my love of nature the house is infused with natural elements; from Atlantic driftwood, to Vermont funghi, to a California tumbleweed and seashells I have collected from all over.  And of course, fresh local flowers.  Given that A-Frames embody the joy of being on vacation and more broadly, the good life, our home ignites my love of exploration/travel and fulfills my need to be connected with nature.  Its triangular design simultaneously grounds me and connects me to the sky to look upward. Living here is truly a daily uplifting experience.
 
What detail or memory do you recall most about the home you grew up in? 
 
There is a painting that I absolutely love of a little girl sitting at a table that my mother painted over. She started out with blond braids and blue eyes and ended up with raven hair and eyes as black as coal.  For some reason this has always resonated with me.
 
Finish the quote "I would never compromise..."

Good food - good music and a good laugh.

A quality or talent you most envy in others?

Talent: Anyone with a green thumb, like my mother.

Quality: Being non-judgemental, which i strive to be, but i would love for it to come naturally, like my husband.

Your latest obsession

I just rented Jane Eyre, just like the book, shook me to the bone. I need to read it again.
And it goes without saying Michael Fassbender will put you into a trance.

What part of your life experience you are proud to label as “no regrets”?

I wish I could say I had no regrets, but I'm human and will always have a few. But I find as I get older the weight of past regrets seems to lighten with time.  For instance, I had regrets moving out to the East Coast, especially to the Hamptons. It was hard to find my place here, but after 3 years my husband and I finally nested and I feel more at home. I still find myself missing California, it will always be a part of me. For now the East Coast is my home. Only time will tell where Life’s adventures take us next.

 

an afternoon with... rebekah baker

 

Today, we are peeking into the home of real estate agent and mother of two Rebekah Baker.

I knew very little about Rebekah when I entered her home for the first time but i immediately thought she had skillfully achieved what many of us wish to master: Color!

Each room tells a compelling story. She chose soft, powder hues in the relaxing rooms and energizing colors in the areas of living.

The house, like many in the area, belonged long ago to a Sea Captain and it had this wonderful and comforting feel of nostalgia. Navigating through her home felt somehow like a little voyage back in time.

 

 

©2011 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved

 If you wish to inquire about my photography services, please contact me directly via www.anneclairerohe.com

 

Tell us where you live, since when and where you are from originally

I live in Amagansett, NY. I've lived here since i was pregnant with my son about 9 years ago. Before that I split my time between Amagansett and New York City. I have lived in many places including Chicago, Montreal, Ottawa, and Ireland.  I am originally from Philadelphia.
 

What are the 3 fundamental elements in your life philosophy?

Mistakes will happen, look for the lessons.

Search for the gold in a person.

Life is full of ups and downs, have a strong center.
 

Tell us how you began working in the field you are now

I was considering going back to school to study Architecture and while trying to figure out the logistics I realized I couldn’t move my family out of town and hours away to attend an architecture school.  Meanwhile, my sister said why don’t you get a real estate license and help me find a house? My husband and I had been involved with buying houses and fixing them up and I continued forward with getting my real estate license with trepidation.  Once I started working it all became very natural as I enjoyed the hunt for something special and the importance in finding a home that someone could love.   

What was the best piece of advice you have received in the process?

Treat success and failure equally.

How would you describe your home?

Living and breathing – constantly changing and evolving.  Full of color. Quirky.

What is your favorite occupation at home?

Cooking for friends and family, sitting on the floor with my kids to play, and at the end of day when kids are asleep, taking a bath!

Your most cherished object ?

Defintely without question the art I own – namely a Jill Musnicki painting of a jelly fish that hangs over my mantle piece in my living room.  Whatever house I live in it will feel like home if I just have that one painting with me…

What detail do you recall most about the home you grew up in?

It was how the light filtered into my bedroom. I had a large window with a ledge that I could sit on comfortably and spent most of time playing with dolls, reading, making things… A lot about a house is how the light enters and is retained within its walls.  I grew up with a father who is a master of modern architecture. From an early age he taught me how to see elements of space differently. Just by standing next to my dad you get a sense of something magical happening, in just the way he observes the world around him.

What is your present state of mind?

Trying to find comfort in uncertainty.

Finish the quote: "i would never compromise..."

In general I don’t believe in "nevers". Life is “a great game of compromise – it is a dance between effort and surrender”. 

an afternoon with... elena de tullio

 

Today, i am sharing the world of fashion stylist Elena De Tullio.

It would be an understatement to say that she is the essence of romanticism. Her living space is filled with powder colors, soft textures and feminine energy. We shared an afternoon tea in her luscious garden (isn't she so lucky?) and took a long walk through the park, enjoying the last few warm hours of the season.

 

 

©2011 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved

 If you wish to inquire about my photography services, please contact me directly via www.anneclairerohe.com

 

 

Tell us in few lines where you live and where you are from originally 

I live in Brooklyn, New York where i moved four years ago. I am Italian, i was born in Rome and i grew up in Milan.

What are the 3 fundamental elements in your life philosophy?

I just have one, love for life.

Tell us how you began working in the field you are now

I think it goes back to my childhood. I grew up surrounded by art and creativity. I come from a family of very talented people. My mum was making clothes for me and my sister and knitting (she still is actually,  she can make any dress i imagine... she is amazing).

My dad is an architect and photographer, my sister a designer, my grandfather was an architect and art collector. I have always been sensitive to beautiful things and always had a prolific imagination.

My first professional experience in the fashion field was for 10 Corso Como in Milan. My last one is for Matta in New York. In the middle i crossed paths with other very creative brands and talented people including Maurizio Pecoraro, Akira, Gianluca Capannolo, Marni, Cesare Cicardini, Rossana Orlandi and Alessandra Dainelli.

What was the best piece of advice you have received in the process?

"Close your eyes in order to see"

Settler or nomad?

A nomadic settler or a settling nomad... I love to travel but i need a home to come back to. I spend a lot of time at home.

I've kept my apartment in Italy since moving to New York so i have two homes, one in Brooklyn and one in Milan. 

How would you describe your home?

She (my home is a woman) is charming, warm, calm, intimate, simple and sophisticated. 

My home is my corner of the world.  A peaceful place to dream, love, create, share, cook, read, relax, and care.

I found most of my furniture on the street or at the flea market. I like searching for unique vintage pieces for both clothing and home décor.

Your most cherished feature / object?

I have few actually, they either have a sentimental meaning or they just make me happy.

Here in New York: a white Moroccan rug, my dad's painting of venice, a soup cookbook handwritten by my sister and a baby alpaca blanket that i call my 'doudou', perfect when i travel and always on my couch.

In Milan: an antique japanese painting on canvas and the collection of 'the little prince' (my favourite childhood book) in many different languages.

I love art books and magazines for inspiration, but i don't believe in accumulation, I'm a big fan of public libraries.

A quality or talent you most envy in others?

A quality, i guess patience. A talent, i would love to know how to play piano and how to surf, although it's never too late right?

Your latest obsession

dark chocolate with sea salt and almonds.

Obi belts.

an afternoon with... silas shabelewska

 

Announcement

My love of blogging, photography and interiors has now come full circle!

I am beyond thrilled to finally unveil a new rubric called: "an afternoon with...".

You can now follow this monthly feature which presents an intimate conversation with someone sharing her/his living space and life philosophy. I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as i have fun making it. Comments are open & welcome!

......................................................................................

 

My first guest is actually in the spotlight this week: Fine Art photographer Silas Shabelewska opens a show tomorrow night curated by the Soufer Gallery  on Madison Avenue (22 Sept - 29 oct. 2011). She warmly welcomed me in her peaceful & softly lit one bedroom apartment that she shares with painter & husband Andre Von Morisse.

We spent an afternoon talking about the importance of preserving photography as an art of mastering the light more than a matter of technology.

 

 
 

 

©2011 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved

 If you wish to inquire about my photography services, please contact me directly via www.anneclairerohe.com

Tell me where you live, since when and where you are from originally 

I live in New York in the West Village. Originally I am from Monaco where I was born and raised. I came to the States in October 1983 and In September 1985, I moved to New York. I've lived in New York since then. 

What are the 3 fundamental elements in your life philosophy?  

AUTHENTICITY, QUALITY and LESS IS MORE for everything. And when I talk about quality it goes as well for objects as for human relationships. I prefer quality to quantity, authenticity to superficial contact.  With objects, I prefer to have less of everything but it has to be of beautiful quality: handmade textiles, or hand-blown glass, handmade wood furniture, linen sheets etc... My glasses are all hand-blown by artisans in the US or from the South of France.

 

Tell us how you began working in the field you are now

at 14 years old I was fascinated with images. I was an avid reader. I read a lot of photo magazines and I started to photograph my sister. At 16-17 , I went to the Studio of photographer Bob Martin. It was in the building where I lived in Monaco. On my first day at his studio (as a young pupil) he gave me a roll of black & white film and told me to go out and do anything... whatever I wanted. So, I went off and tried to impress him and took photos of my sister again. When he saw the results he was so enthusiastic that he gave me more rolls of film.  Those rolls became THE MONTE CARLO SERIES that I am showing now for the first time at the Soufer Gallery. His extraordinary enthusiasm allowed me to believe in myself. And my passion for Photography grew & became my life goal.

What was the best piece of advice you have received in the process?

The best advice I received was from Bob (Martin). He told me: "Anyone can learn how to print, anyone can learn how to use a camera. The most important thing is your imagination as well as the way you look at the light... not everyone can do that." I still use his advice today in my work.

A quality or talent you envy in others? 

I am always amazed by other people's imagination. I don't envy others, I admire what they come up with. It's inspirational and refreshing.

How would you describe your home? 

My home is my sanctuary. I try to keep it minimal which is difficult when living is such a small space. I love modern furniture, mine are handmade by Ben Bajorek Studio Furniture. I collect handmade pottery, glasses, textiles and throws.  All textiles on the bed are handmade Polish folk Art from 1970's.

Your most cherished object ? 

My favorite objects actually are a white vase that belonged to my maternal grandmother. Its from the 50's or 60's modern era in Poland. When she passed away this is the only thing I could carry with me back to America. And my collection of bears, hand-downs from my grandfather.

What activity makes you feel most "at home"?

Reading while listening to music and looking at the flame of candles...

Your latest obsession?

Glassybaby a company that makes handmade glass votive in Seattle. I own a few now and I am totally obsessed by their glow. That's the only place i shop now when I have to make a gift.