the world according to sherimaven

Hi, kids. Happy Friday. I went to Scope yesterday which was pretty awesome.
Digging on Lee Kyung Ho's work- he photographs bags flying through the air a
la American Beauty. Lovely. Oh and Jason Bryant's piece with Bogie and
Bacall and the bitmapped faces? I can't...

Anyhow, I guess my love for art and fashion make sense, as the two are
nowhere near mutually exclusive. In fact, they're lovers for the ages. One
can't really exist without the other- both are barometers for the times in
which we live, both suffer due to economic hardship, and both are all about
expressing oneself. And art and fashion have always depended on each other-
the fashion world loves art (think Marc Jacobs and his collaborations with
Stephen Sprouse, Murakami, and Richard Prince) and the art world loves
fashion (have you seen the outfits at the fairs? Incredibleness).

This is why this Sid Vicious towel by Elizabeth Peyton needs to be mine,
because even before you get dressed in some fabulous creation, you need to
rock some serious fashion, or at least I do, anyway. I adore Elizabeth
Peyton- her work is super pop culture inspired and she's a darling of the
fashion set who love her figurative pieces of the beautiful people. And a
towel with Mr. Vish on it? Yes, please.

The artist/towel collab has been going down for a few years now, thanks to
the Art Production Fund and the fabulous Yvonne Force, who herself is a
major leagues fashion plate. It started at Basel and this particular terry
number is being sold at Opening Ceremony, for $95 (link below). A small
price to pay for a Peyton is all I'm saying...you should hit that. Now's
good.

Cause that's what's up this accessible art filled Friday in the MIA. I am
excited for the weekend and can't wait to see more inspiring things and
beautiful people. XO

http://www.openingceremony.us/products.asp?menuid=2&menuid2=3&productid=8179

Check it, Thursday. We are on art world lockdown here in Miami and it sure
feels nice. It's a full on freakfest and I love it to pieces. My my. Heady
times, these.

So I wanted to chat about Mary Boone this fine morning. I am dedicating this
post to my friend Jon, who is the best person to do Basel with but
unfortunately was not able to make it down this year as he's a busy bee. Jon
is a dear, dear friend of mine from the NYC days and Mary Boone was a topic
of endless fascination and titillation between us. Mary, Queen of the New
York art world, holding her own with Go Go and Castelli. She of the stealth
good looks- silken raven tresses, styled by some Madison Avenue coiffurer,
and icy, frosty demeanor and stare. She could cut glass with her eyes.
Needless to say, Jon and I were smitten with her and tickled by her persona.

Professionally, Mary's bar is way higher than most. The lady is no joke. She
has represented Julian Schnabel, David Salle, Brice Marden, and Eric Fischl
to name a few. You know, all the big dogs that were positively on fire
during the halcyon days of the 80s art world in New York. And if you have
ever discussed the 80s Manhattan art world over a few bottles of Beaujolais
in a smoky bar, no drunken conversation would be complete without shouting
out Mary Boone (I know this because I have had much intoxicated discourse on
said topic, with Jon in particular. How I miss him. Nobody is better for
such exchanges). Mary doesn't just "deal" art- she quietly pounces like a Chanel clad Ninja
and has an uncanny knack to pick the best and most terrible of les enfants
to represent. I'm not sure how she does it, but Mary is a force. And a
creature who I am endlessly intrigued by for her rapier sharp instincts and
feral business sense. I think they should make her an honorary member of the
Wu Tang Clan- she is simply that hardcore. A straight up, high art gangster.

And hardcore broads like Mary have the wardrobe to match, natch. Last night
at the opening of the big show, I quietly entered Mary's booth to gaze at
her intense aura. And she didn't disappoint. Clad in white boucle Chanel,
suited. Small Jacketed. Skirted. Her hair- long and loose. Her stare-
intrepid. Her mouth- curled into a beatific, omnipotent smile. It was all so
very Mona Lisa, and much like the attempt at a grin you see pictured here. I
couldn't stand it. Don't ask me what pieces she bought to the fair. I
haven't a clue. I was too busy thinking about where Mary may have had dinner
last night before the festivities began, though I suspect she was locked in
her travel sized oxygen chamber, preparing for the insanity that is Art
Basel. Breathe, Mary, breath.

As I exhaled and left her booth, I felt lucky to have seen this celebrity of
epic art world proportion. It would not be a Basel without a Boone sighting.
I have seen the Boone. And it was good. Now I can carry on with the rest of
my activities for the week, though I will be wondering what Mary is doing
the whole time.

Cause that's what's up this power dealer Thursday in the MIA. Excited for
more and more. I'll post some of my photos from last night later. Jon, get
on a plane. Stat. XO

Good morning, sexy people of Earth. I am so so excited about tonight's
Vernissage- the pre-opening of the big show (Art Basel). I'm looking forward
to seeing all the incredible work, beautiful people, and feeling the
incredible vibe that is Miami during Basel. Have a party or two to check out
this evening as well- looking forward to those and plotting my outfit as we
speak (gonna go for vintage methinks).

To continue with my week of art posts, I wanted to share the work of one of
my favorite young artists, Jason Bryant. Bryant hails from North Carolina
and was Kehinde Wiley's assistant before coming into his own as a painter. I
first saw his work a few years ago at one of the satellite fairs at Basel-
his gallery, Like The Spice, was showing his stuff and I went mad for it. He
was throwing a major Rosenquist vibe- who happens to be one of my all time
favorite artists and influenced my aesthetic as a young art fan (F 111 is
permanently etched in my brain).

I am also beyond a devotee of figurative works- I think it's my years of
following fashion and photography but I adore art that involves the human
form. So it's no surprise my plot to own one of Bryant's pieces started that
very day, as well as my longstanding friendship with Marisa Sage, the owner
of Like the Spice. You must check out her booth at Scope this year if you're
here, and if you live in New York, go to her gallery on Roebling Street in
Brooklyn, she's got great taste and is one of the coolest chicks you'll ever
meet.

Oh and my husband is pretty cool too. Because on my birthday a few years
back, he bought me my very own Bryant, pictured here (the black and white
close up of the girl with the Guess shirt). I was thrilled beyond belief and
will treasure it forever. Marisa's always down here for Basel, and it's
dangerous territory for us. Last year, we bought a charcoal sketch from
another one of her artists, so let's see if we can practice some restraint
this year. Last year, we decided in lieu of children, we would just collect
art. Not a bad deal, really.

I may be childless but I'm amassing quite a little collection of things I
love, and wanted to share the work of this superstar with you. I am looking
forward to tonight's preview and all of the other amazing pieces I hope to
see this weekend, as well as checking out all the beautiful freaks in town
for all the madness. The town is pulsing with energy and I for one feel
lucky to be here. Catch ya in the am. To all my Miami people, happy Basel.

Cause that's what's up this aesthetically pleasing Wednesday in the MIA. XO

Greetings, sweet Tuesday of mine. Gorgeous day and gorgeous week on tap for
the art world to descend upon Miami like a swarm of chic and black clad
locusts. How I love this time of year.

Today I thought I'd post some pieces as well as a photo of Helen
Frankenthaler, one of my most favorite painters of all time. If you are
arty, you of course know who she is, but if you are on the periphery, you
may not have heard of her- she is arguably not the household name of her
contemporaries like Jackson Pollack. She's in her early 80s now, but was a
prolific member of the Abstract Expressionist movement and as long as I can
remember, her work has given me a deep sense of satisfaction, sensuality,
and warmth. I'd love to be able to hug one of her canvases and return the
favor of their embrace. Her work is just so inviting (the one attached with
the red and pink field in the middle almost has a heartbeat, right?) and
positively divine.

A few seasons back at the big show, I spotted an INSANELY beautiful piece of
Ms. Frankenthaler's, a lush green wonderland of a canvas that almost made me
pass out. And then David made me ask the price. It could have been mine for
a mere $350,000- peanuts for the Basel crowd but insane nonetheless. I stood
in front of that painting for what seemed like a week- marveling at its
serene and rich beauty. There are just some artists that stir your soul- and
that's what great art does I suppose. I just adore her and hope to see some
more of her pieces up close at Basel this year. If I had the benjis, I would
surely procure one of her pieces and let it light up my whole house. A girl
can dream, I suppose. And Ms. Frankenthaler will surely enter mine. As she's
quoted in the photo above "Every canvas is a journey all its own." I'm
thankful that as a viewer, I get to come along for the ride.

And that's what's up this dreamy, abstract Tuesday in the MIA. Getting
stoked for the next few days of dizzying overstimulation. See you there,
virtually or in person. XO

Good morning, Monday after lovely Thanksgiving weekend. Had a great time
with my family and managed to bring the dog as well. Fun was had by all. But
now on to the next thing, and in Miami, the next thing after Turkey day is
Art Basel, that long weekend spectacle of liveliness, art overload, and
people watching that is second to none.

Oh and it's time to be thinking of holiday gifts, natch, so I'm wanting an
Avedon this year (ha ha), just because. In all seriousness, I adore this
photo and this week I am going to be posting some of my favorite pieces of
art in honor of my favorite time in the MIA. Don't you just LOVE this Avedon
photo? Amazing and so freaking chic. Who wants to buy it for me?

Cause that's what's up this exciting art filled week in the MIA. Hope to see
many of you out and about this week. I'm over the moon and giddy about it.
XO

Hi, Friday. It's pretty grey here in the Northeast, but it's black all over
the country as countless hoards get their shop on. I am not among them, but
I'm there in spirit. Enjoy your consumption, people. I myself am watching
telly with the fam and eating leftovers. XO

SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR. SO VERY MUCH.
Thankful for everything in my life today. And thankful that Tom Ford is once
again making clothes. Oh and I'm thankful for carbohydrates, namely
stuffing. And lots of it. And love being in the Northeast for my favorite
holiday, it's only right. But for real, so much around me to feel good
about- here in Philly in my sis's beautiful house with my family and two
adorable dogs and one Macy's Parade on very large telly...heaven on earth.
Feeling very lucky and appreciative.

Love you all, XO

HAPPY HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS. Cause that's what's up
this blissfully Turkey'd Thursday in the 215. XO

Hiya, Wednesday. I'm off this afternoon to Philly with pup and hub in tow.
Should be a lot of fun. I'm not sure who needs the tranquilizer- me or the
dog.

In any event, keeping it light this Wednesday for all you lovely folks. Not
sure what you wear to your family foodfest, but my Thanksgiving tends to be
more casual, and not too fussy. I'm planning on something quite forgiving-
thank the Lord for jeggings is all I have to say, paired with a voluminous,
peasanty top and some high boots, and a fitted sweater. But even if you wear
sweats, you can class things up a bit with this pretty nail polish that is
positively autumnal and goes well with turkey and football. Good way to perk
up a plain outfit with a wink to the holiday. Cute. (Maybe you even scored a
cute Lanvin dress at H&M to go with this polish)?

That's all I got, peeps. Gotta go pack. Hope your travels are safe and free
of probing TSA hands. Cause that's what's up this ochre tinged Wednesday in
the MIA en route to the PHI. XO

Happy Tuesday- one day till my full body pat down or x ray. Can't wait. The
lines at the airport are going to be FANTASTIC. But home for the holiday is
worth it.

And because I'm going home for Thanksgiving, I can't help but think about
family. I lost my dad a few years ago and it's still hard to go home without
him at the table, taking out his lighter and firing up a wine cork, then
using said cork to make a moustache, but I am still super excited to
celebrate the holidays with my one and only fam. Sometimes you just have to
pause and remember where you came from- I feel like I am so far away from
how I was raised and from what I used to know as a kid. The cool thing as
you get older is you get to catch yourself in behavior that you may not want
to emulate, but you can also recognize the great things you learned from
your family and take those with you wherever you go. Because as you get
older, you make your own rules- and realize genetics can play the part you
want them to play, even if you may have inherited your mom's predilection
for worry or your dad's big schnoz. (For the record, my dad did not have a
big nose, but my mom with the worrying? Oof).

A weekend highlight will be my niece's first big dance at school, so I'm
psyched to see her in her dress going out for a night on the town. And Khan
is coming to meet the fam too, which will only add to the pandemonium.
Whether your brood is loud, argumentative, shy, wacky, or boring- they are
yours to love and embrace and accept. So wherever you are this holiday,
maybe dispense with some of who've you become and discover all the great
things about how you got there. I myself am looking forward to a bit of the
Philly Fall and the inevitable hip hop dance party that always breaks out at
Thanksgiving at my aunt's house (yes I said hip hop).

I raise my glass to you all this holiday season- hope you have a lovely
Thanksgiving with your quirky brood, as I will be with mine. Because that's
something to be thankful for, for real.

Cause that's what's up this Tennenbaum of a Tuesday in the MIA. XO

Hi, Monday....on the serious meds now to try and rid myself of this scourge.
Hopefully by the time Wednesday rolls around and I have to fly, this will be
a non-issue. Aside from that, it's Thanksgiving week- my all time fave. Since it's all
about American tradition this week (or breaking with it if you're a
rebellious type), let's talk about a brand I've talked about a few times
before on this blog, LL Bean. You know I adore them. There really aren't
many brands out there that are more sporty, outdoorsy American than them.
And since everyone and their mother are showing some version of a duck boot
this year, you might as well go straight to the source, because these are
still the coolest, regardless of what anyone says. And the chicest ones are
the ones in the signature collection, pictured here, and link below. Whether
you're fly fishing or shopping during the holidays in sleety weather, these
boots will be your fast friend. I have many friends in Boulder, Colorado
and I'm thinking these could be your favorite things this winter as you hit
the slopes (apres, natch) or the streets.

So as thoughts of tryptophan and carboliciousness waft through my brain,
I've also got my eye on these boots, and some of the other offerings in the
signature line. (The sport wool plaid bag in accessories is divine and
perfect for holiday weekends away).

Cause that's what's up this ducky Monday in the MIA. XO