Gratia Artis: Gal Harpaz

We're having a launch party at Code C in Sunset Plaza tonight and I went for a quick reccy a week or so ago. I was drawn to the art that they had up, a guy named Gal Harpaz. In one of his sets he uses wood that he's found and sort of decoupages photos onto it. When I checked out his site I found his beachside panoramas. He just hits all the right buttons for me.

Authorship: Shop Talk

Idolatry: Tintin

I moved back to LA and uncovered a ton of stuff from my youth in various boxes in various friends' parents' garages. Amongst the toys and ephemera was a collection of Tintin comic books. I picked one up this morning and remembered just how excellent his style truly is. Preppy, adventurous, not afraid to add a bit of color. His uniform always gets changed up so subtly that you might not even notice. Class. Herge nailed it every time.

Obsession: Environment Furniture

So I went to the Green Blogger Convention today at the flagship Environment store on Beverly Blvd. here in LA. While the convention was 98% ladies and the schwag included something called "foaming body polish", the decor was decidedly rugged and it was right up my alley. The closer that I looked at items the more I realized that every single thing in there spoke to my aesthetic. The Wood Book, collections of hardbacks on California style, simple zippered "essential bags", reclaimed military tents-cum-messenger bags, old wood-cum-desks. It was all dead on. I might have to go back there for a reccy for an event I'm working on and am cooking up any excuse I can find.

It's always cool to be in a room where only a few people catch your eye... and it turns out the two people who caught my eye due to their impeccable personal style were the CEO and DoM of Environment, Davide and Camilla respectively. Well done both for making it such an incredible space that combines flawless aesthetic with a commitment to sustainability and nature.

Echo Country Outpost

If you're out Echo Park way and are in the mood for some curated Americana, good company and an occasional party then look no further than the brand new shop/space, Echo Country Outpost.

I went to their sneak peek a few weeks ago and enjoyed a very, very cold beer with some old, old friends. I wish I'd had my camera but I've promised myself that I'd return soon to take pictures. The vibe there is one part teepee, one part trading post and one part rock and roll. I'm looking forward to seeing how this space evolves.