As I begin a new year I can’t help but look back on 2013 and think about all of the amazing people I have met through the world of interior design and blogging, a place that I never thought I belonged or would be able to contribute to in a meaningful way. I started The Gilded Owl with the idea of creating a journal about craftsmanship in design, a travel log of significant places of interest and in the process brought along some friends I respected tremendously to contribute on art, fashion and music as well, personal interests of mine. Elizabeth Moore, art advisor extraordinaire and my best friend for twenty four plus years has tipped me off to the most significant art openings in New York and beyond. Erin Hazelton, my first design assistant and the most fashionable and stunningly beautiful friend writing with wit and thoughtfulness about her fashion experiences. And David Shebiro, another friend of twenty plus years that I have attended numerous concerts I will never forget but who has an ear for music like no one else and the coolest record store in New York, Rebel Rebel Records. I thank you all and am grateful for being part of this journey.
Erin shooting the Casa Mollino in Turin and me capturing her. one of our many journeys together in 2013 and a future post.
It took a lot of nudging from my colleagues and friends to get me motivated to spend the time and energy needed to write from a personal perspective about design but it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. After years of teaching at Parsons School of Design and Auburn University where I studied under Gaines Blackwell, Sheri Schumacher, Bobby McAlpine, David Braly and so many other architecture and design heroes of mine I hope that I can give back some of the things they instilled in me when I was an eager student with eyes open to all the design world had in store for me.
Detail of an exquisite mural by my auburn university professor, mentor and friend David Braly
But through this blog the people that I’m so thankful to have met in the past year are my fellow designers and bloggers who have encouraged me and enhanced my life in so many ways. Their words and images that they put into the social media stratosphere have enriched my life and perspective on design so much and for that I am truly blessed. Following these extraordinary designers, writers and thinkers have pushed me to new levels in the past year and I look forward to the year ahead. Here’s to 2014 and all that it has in store and follow these innovators for more inspiring design! I thank you all for your friendship and for inspiring me!
David John / You Have Been Here Sometime
A visual masterpiece in blogging in my opinion, David writes from the heart and with a sensitive eye on detail in design from past to present.
Carl J Dellatore / cjdellatore.com
Thank you for writing about my design work this year and your friendship means the world to me. But it’s the thoughtful and enlightening things you write about design and your introduction to Carl Lana and Anthony Costa that I am so grateful for.
Erin Hazelton / The People I Like
Another great year for us and our travels throughout Switzerland, France and Italy I will never forget, nor working together on yet another Interior Design project! Her blog is a personal look into the lives of the most fashionable including her own. Can’t wait for you to get back to New York!
Caroline Mattar and Margot Weller of Knoll / Knoll.com/shop/inspiration
Caroline for the introduction and Margot for including me in the new Knoll.com and personal inspirations feature on their beautifully redesigned website.
Patrick J Hamilton / Ask Patrick
One of the nicest, most talented guys I have met in my career and someone everyone should have the good fortune of meeting.
