Mornings in Essaouira

In May I traveled to Morocco. Months later, memories of this magical country still inspire.

Essaouira boats

Essaouira lies on Morocco's Atlantic coast. Peach hued stone ramparts dating back to the 18th century encircle its spiraling medina.

Essaouira rooftops

Each morning in Essaouira I awoke to brilliant light streaming through the slats of my wooden shudders, creating crisp stripes on my white sheets.

Gulls circled the rooftops of the city, breaking the early morning silence with sharp caws from above. Roosters arose from deep sleeps, their cries echoing within the alleyways below.

Essaouira Oranges

Listening I thought, I must always remember this moment.

just shoot me.

Christie’s Asia Week auction preview opened for viewing this past Wednesday, and I have spent much of the week assisting clients in the busy galleries.

Yet even with the excitement surrounding the upcoming auction of one of the world’s most important collections of Asian art, I am still reeling from the wonderful and sometimes wild contemporary artworks I viewed last Friday at Scope’s VIP preview.

Featuring over 60 galleries from around the world, Scope brought together an impressive array of international art. The fair proved to be my favorite of the long weekend, and I discovered a number of new and intriguing artists (like Peter Gronquist whose skull / gun / lit mirror piece is pictured above).

Beyond finding new and inspiring artists at Scope, I recognized some recurring themes throughout – the most obvious being the incorporation of guns in art pieces.

Peter Gronquist combined guns, skulls, and mirrors to create a sculpture that forces viewers to look at themselves in the face of death.Nathan Vincent crocheted lifesize armed soldiers ready to fire (see above). Even Mickey Mouse was given a gun. Artist Og Slick poses the formerly loveable Disney mouse with arm raised, maliciously wielding a loaded firearm. All seem to poke fun at the various ways humans use weapons to intimidate and threaten. Do these weapons really protect us? Do violence and intimidation do more harm than good?

Whatever the answer may be, no one shuns the fact that guns have the power to kill.

Ravi Zupa built submachine gun sculptures from office supplies (staple and typewriter components specifically) and scrap steel (see below). Guns certainly can cause harm, but a job you hate can also kill you…

Good thing I am pursuing a career in the arts.

independent and unexplainable.

Yesterday as I slipped and slid my way home from the Independent Art Fair’s preview, snow from the hundredth storm to hit NYC this winter blinding my eyes, I wondered: who is the bigger jokester, Mother Nature or the contemporary art world?

Housed in the heart of Chelsea at the old Dia building, the Independent Art Fair brought together more than fifty galleries from fourteen different countries. Visitors climbed the steep Dan Flavin illuminated stairs to peruse three gallery floors and a rooftop filled with some of the most cutting edge contemporary art on view this art fair weekend.

Contemporary art has become somewhat of an obsession for me in recent years. As a painter, I am naturally drawn to works on paper and on canvas. The non-traditional methods of creating much contemporary art peaks my curiosity. The shockingly high prices that this radical art demands fascinates me. And the fact that there are people who will buy these unusual (and sometimes not very good – in my opinion) works at these ridiculous prices continues to astound me.

Take the “sculpture” pictured above. “Crafted” from 1972-1973 by A.R. Penck and titled “Standart-Modell”, the piece consists of cardboard, rope, and paint. At first glance, it appears to be just a cardboard box that has been flipped upside down and mangled to reveal some new strips of cardboard jutting up and out like a tower. It reminded me of the forts small children may create from their parents’ old packing boxes. Yet, this “fort”, this old damaged cardboard box, sells for $120,000.

When I asked the dealer about the work, feigning interest in a possible purchase, he spoke eloquently on how the artist intended to reference cubism and architecture in the piece. Beyond the artistic references, the work also speaks to the times as the artist was living in East Berlin when it was made and materials were scarce. Judging by the looks of “Standart-Modell”, materials were indeed very scarce.

My interaction with the gallerist regarding The German Cardboard Box amused me. Did this man actually believe his story? How did he manage to keep a straight face when spitting out the $120K price? Did the artist actually intend these things or was he playing a joke on the art market? Was the gallerist playing a joke on me?

Cardboard works seemed to be en vogue at the Independent. At first, I was not clear on whether or not the “sculpture” (? found object? interactive art piece?) pictured above was in fact an art piece. I was in fact visiting the Independent on a preview day, so perhaps the gallery had not finished unpacking its works on time. Initially too frightened to ask and potentially appear unintelligent or (worse) uninformed, I walked past the cardboard crate without a word.

However, after later experiencing The German Cardboard Box two floor ups, I was emboldened. I needed to go back to the Large Cardboard Box in Saran Wrap and enquire about its story. I needed to know if it was indeed a piece on show, for sale.

It was indeed. The artist, Hugh Scott-Douglas, titled this 2015 piece “Untitled”. As the German gallerist somberly explained, Scott-Douglas makes multiples of this art work, each one containing the pieces of a large old billboard. The client may choose which billboard design goes inside the cardboard packaging, and then he or she may also choose whether or not the package is opened at all, whether or not the billboard is assembled however they may like. This art piece starts at $12,000.

I asked the gallerist if there was indeed a billboard in each sculpture? Is it possible that the box could be empty? What if the client chooses to never open the art piece and chooses to imagine that there is a billboard inside, even if there might be nothing at all? Is the billboard real if we never see it? Would we never know for sure? Is it a sculpture or an interactive piece or is it up to the client to decide the label as it is up to the client to interact with the piece and open the box or leave it as is?

He stared at me blankly, not cracking a smile. I guess I’m not allowed in on the joke.

brooklyn beginnings.

This past weekend marked a First for me.

I participated in my first New York art show.

Greenpoint Gallery’s “Small Works Show” opened this past Friday night. The exhibit featured artworks by a healthy group of emerging artists in the Brooklyn area working in mediums from paint to pencil to ready made objects (toy cars and toy soldiers popped up in – and out from – some works).

Hidden in the upper levels of an old nondescript building on the edge of Greenpoint, the gallery show felt like a secret underground party arranged by the hippest art crowd. Upon entering through the discrete, unmarked door from the bleak and icy street, visitors climbed two flights of stairs only to enter a warm and buzzing gallery room hosting a solo show. The next floor housed the group show and was even more packed. Artists and friends chatted over Pabst Blue Ribbons as incense curled through the air. A band set up as gallery goers perused the works and lounged on the much-loved couches, propped up amidst the fake potted trees and random mannequins wearing alien masks. The decor was almost as weird as some of the art on view. A fitting environment that made me feel weird and welcome all at once.

All in all, a good start.

how to wear your life’s scrapbook around your neck.

Like many women, each fine jewelry item in my jewelry box tells a special story. Wearing a certain necklace reminds me of my grandmother, slipping on a particular ring prompts memories with my father.

Also like many women, I tend to hold onto certain trinkets for sentimental reason alone. Despite the fact that an item is no longer wearable, it remains in the safe for years due to its story. Rather than dispose of precious heirlooms or continue to clutter the jewelry safe, I encourage women to rework and re-imagine their prized pieces.

I recently did just that for my mother. With a safe chock full of unworn baubles, she did not even realize what treasures were hiding in the mess.

After a few hours of troving through my mother’s dusty jewelry boxes, we had unearthed a collection of sentimental charms. An old locket my mom wore as a kid was removed from its broken chain. Charms from a now too small bracelet from were clipped off, each representing one of her childhood loves. We re-discovered a very cool amulet (that opens to become a cross of pyramids) my father had given her and a delicate cross I had once worn in my teens. Lastly, we pulled aside my grandfather’s wedding band.

Beyond finding some very special trinkets each commemorating people and memories from throughout my mother’s life, we also managed to amass a substantial pile of junk jewelry that had been creating clutter in the safe – items beyond repair or too out of style to justify the cost of re-design. 

Rather than keep a messy jewelry box consisting of mostly unworn baubles, we streamlined my mother’s jewelry collection. The items that were not worth keeping were melted for scrap gold value. This cash was then put towards creating a highly wearable, very personalized necklace. 

To allow the charms we had discovered to really stand out, I chose a simple but substantial 14K yellow gold Italian oval link chain. Each charm was laid out carefully along the chain by shape and weight so as to create an aesthetically pleasing design that would hang well on the neck.

New elements were added to the necklace to finish the look. A gold disc was engraved with my grandmother’s script monogram and soldered together with my grandfather’s wedding band. On the back of the disc, a white gold date originally stamped into her old high school ring was fixed at center with her high school information was engraved around it to complete the charm.

Finally, a new large gold disc engraved with my mother’s initials was placed at the center of the necklace. A message with initials belonging to me, my father, and my brother was inscribed on the back.

Each piece of the necklace tells its own story and the necklace itself literally starts conversations whenever my mother wears it.

From the chaos of the cluttered jewelry safe we created a chic and wearable scrapbook of my mother’s life that brings joy on a daily basis.

Nicole Weiler is available to re-imagine your jewelry wardrobe. Please email inquiries to: nicole@weiler.am

All photos and design by Nicole Weiler.

take me back to menorca.

New York City’s streets are bathed in a layer of gritty grey ice. Small mountains of hardened snow line the sidewalks and dagger-like icicles loom from the fire escapes above. Every other day the heat in my building fails and the freezing temperatures outside seep in.

I have never wanted spring to arrive so badly.

As the temperature continues to drop, my mind wanders to warmer climates. I wish that I could transport myself back to magical Menorca, where I spent a very relaxing vacation this past June.

menorca 1

Located in the Mediterranean Sea, this Spanish island boasts breathtaking cliffs, clear aquamarine water, and some of the tastiest Spanish cuisine on the planet.

The trip was defined by the wonderful delicacies we ate throughout the week. Our gracious friend hosted us at his villa, and his chef Jacqueline spoiled us every day with the finest traditional Spanish meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Trained in the Spanish Basque region, Jacqueline prepared every dish artfully and with the finest ingredients from the region. The fish was caught fresh off the island’s coast, the fruits picked from the villa’s orchard, and the vegetables gathered from the local farmers.

As a long time pescatarian, I am always mindful that what I choose to eat does not include meat ingredients. Traveling in a foreign country presents certain challenges as I always want to experience the local cuisine but sometimes have trouble translating the menu. Jacqueline spoke little English and my Spanish is a bit rusty, so I often relied on our host or the internet to translate ingredients.

When we went out to dinner in town, I did the same. Many of the small restaurants did not have websites translated into English, so I spent extra time double checking that the meals met my dietary restrictions. Translation software would have certainly sped up the process of choosing a restaurant or a meal and probably would have opened up a wider range of options for me.

I did discover many delicious Spanish dishes throughout the trip. The tortilla española, a thick omelette made with potatoes and onions, was a favorite along with seafood Fideuà, a dish similar to paella but made with very thin noodles and seafood cooked in fish broth in a large paella pan. And the gazpacho was out of this world – the best I have ever had.

Luckily, there is one menu that never presents a problem no matter what the language… the wine menu.

Shot in Menorca, Spain. All photos by Nicole Weiler.

walls of water.

Last week while in London, I spent an afternoon at one of my favorite spots, The National Gallery.

On view through February 15th is “Walls of Water“, a show featuring a series of paintings by British artist Maggi Hambling.

Eight canvases line the walls of the small gallery dedicated to the show. Each work is large, most measuring more than six by seven feet.

At a first (very quick) glance, I was unimpressed. In my hasty scan of the room all I could see were large messes of house paint spilled carelessly across canvas.

My opinion quickly changed after I took a moment to pause and consider the painting pictured above. Following a few quiet breaths I was sucked into the complex patterns of paint, was swallowed up by the power of the piece, was drowning in emotions.

national gallery I

Each work overwhelmed with energy created by Hambling’s intricately laid out splashes and drips and stabbings of paint. Waves and shadowy figures emerged before me only to disappear as I examined another layer of paint. Each one felt as if it literally was hitting me in the face. The works were forceful. Angry. Violent. Raw

I couldn’t tear myself away.

All photos by Nicole Weiler. Shot at the National Gallery, London.

the story behind the bark tourmaline pendant.

Despite the twinkling holiday lights and festive Christmas garlands adorning the streets, New York City has been quite dreary the past few days. Icy rain, coupled with the nasty cold I am currently suffering from, have kept me largely indoors.

On the brightside, while staying home-based I have had plenty of time to work on my jewelry collection, Nicole Weiler Fine Jewelry.

Beyond designing a few custom holiday gifts for friends, I have been re-photographing and properly editing my main jewelry designs. And falling in love again with each and every special piece.

My very first fine jewelry design was this Watermelon Tourmaline Bark Pendant.

I happened upon the tourmaline slice while attending a jewelry buying show a few years ago. While I was on a very strict budget (NYC rent is a killer… and at the time I considered it a luxury to even be able to spare cash for the occasional cab ride), I could not resist the vibrant magenta center, deep green halo, and sparkling inner crystals of this natural gem stone. I splurged and spent months agonizing over how to create the best design for such a special gem.

Ultimately, I opted for a simple bezel design that referenced nature. Because the watermelon tourmaline slice reminded me so much of the inner circular patterns of a tree trunk (a very colorful one at that), I drew up a design for a heavy bezel setting that mimicked the texture of tree bark. Diamonds were added to give the hint of growing branches (albeit sparkly ones).

Interested in learning the entire jewelry process firsthand, I worked with my jeweler, Tony, to build the “bark” bezel for the tourmaline. We melted wax directly onto the tourmaline slice, slowly building up the thick bezel wall. Eventually, this wax enclosure was carved to resemble the texture of bark and little knobs were carved out for the diamond “branches.”

Once the wax was finished, a mold was taken of the final product. 18K gold was then poured into the mold, creating the casting. Tony polished the rough casting, set the three diamonds, and placed the tourmaline slice into its new home. Chain was added to finalize the necklace.

Since then, the Watermelon Tourmaline Bark Pendant has been one of my defining style staples and a piece that garners attention daily.

The bark pendant is available in 14K or 18K gold as a custom order with your choice of stone. Write me for details: nicole@weiler.am

what to wear when wandering the irish bogs.

Still reeling over my trip to Achill Island the other week.

While I was in Ireland (and the UK) again last week, I wasn’t able to take many photos (thus, the re-living of the Irish countryside through these images).

Both Dublin and London were festive, the streets dressed for the holidays with twinkling lights and bountiful garlands.

Both cities felt like the holidays, too. It was freezing. A stark difference from NYC, which reached a temperature of 70 degrees yesterday.

As much as I love the warm sun, I am looking forward to the impending chill. I am ready to don my coat and winter boots, like I was able to in Ireland.

If you are ever exploring the Irish countryside, take it from me. Wear a warm long coat (protection from the tall grasses) and a comfortable scarf (for extra warmth – and the ability to shield your face and hair when the inevitable rain storm surprises you).

And don’t forget thick, sturdy boots (for walking through the wet bogs, of course).

Shot on Achill Island. Wearing: Dolce & Gabbana black wool coat, Brown Thomas patterned scarf, American Apparel black hoodie, Frye combat boots.

adventure in achill.

This past weekend I visited lovely Achill Island in western Ireland. Achill is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.

Saturday afternoon I took a short hike on Slievemore Mountain and discovered an ancient Deserted Village. Crumbling stone buildings and winding rock walls scattered the breath-taking rolling green hills.

Up in the mountains it is incredibly peaceful. My only companion was the sound of the gurgling streams lining the dirt path and winding down the hills. The soft breeze caressing my face and rustling my coat. A place for reflection and calm.

Beyond my excursion into the countryside, which allowed for some wonderful photography, the rest of the weekend was filled with flying drones, new friends, and a lively pub crawl.

A big thank you to the Drone Conference organizers (who introduced me to one of the most magical places in Ireland) and to Pure Magic Lodge (the place to stay in Achill) for a fabulous weekend. Wish I was still there.

All photos by Nicole Weiler. Shot on Achill Island, Ireland.

unexpected art.

Street art has been a big source of inspiration for me over the years, even inspiring some of my own art.

It so exciting to happen upon an unexpected burst of color and whimsy on an otherwise dark and dilapidated city street.

At WIRED2014 the other week, Global Street Art co-founder Lee Bofkin spoke about how street art can do more than just brighten a dark alley… street art can transform a neglected public space and create new opportunities for artists and cities.

Bofkin’s street art platform features photos of some truly incredible works of art found in public spaces in cities around the world.

Global Street Art also helps organize legal murals throughout London with its “Walls Project.”

My favorite part of Bofkin’s talk was his point on how street art sees a city not for what it is… but for what it should be.

Hoping to see more streets around the world transformed into a celebration of art, creativity, and positive energy.

Shot in Shoreditch, London. All photos by Nicole Weiler.

star wars sculptures.

Before visiting Frieze art fair the other week, I attended WIRED2014.

Hosted by WIRED Magazine (a newly-discovered guilty pleasure) at Tobacco Dock in London, the two day event brought together over fifty speakers – from musician and entrepreneur will.i.am to experimental psychologist Bruce Hood.

While I was completely enamored with the tech toys in the Test Lab (visitors were encouraged to take a go at Oculus‘ transformative goggles, among other things), the Star Wars-esque sculptures hanging just past the entrance garnered most of my attention.

Created by Heavy Petal the striking sculptures are composed of bicycle parts and florescent tube lighting.

These “flying” art pieces  made me nostalgic – I fondly remembered watching the magical Star Wars movies in awe growing up.

Their design also seemed similar to that of drones – a reminder that what was once just film fantasy is now becoming a reality.

frieze london.

Frieze London just wrapped up at Regent’s Park. I was able to catch the tail end of the must-see art fair over the weekend.

While I was very excited and inspired by the art on view, the experience of visiting the art fair – of actually being there – was exhilarating.

Some observations….

Like many art events, Frieze seemed to be as much about seeing the art as about being seen. The tents and surrounding area brimmed with fashionable scenesters. Most attendees dressed for the occasion, donning their finest “arty” outfits – mismatched patterns, vibrant color, and anything uniquely high-end were en vogue.

And of course, beyond the well-curated closet choices, there were the outrageous outfits. Before even entering the fair, I crossed paths with a woman (I think) wearing  an all white flowing dress… that draped over her well-platformed feet… and extended all the way up, covering her entire head (white mesh completely covered her face). Probably not the best way to clearly see the art on view… but certainly a sure-fire way to put yourself on view.

Beyond admiring attendees’ trendy trappings, I spent much of my time at Frieze observing the wonderful interaction between young children and the art on display.

At many art institutions (think the solemn museum space or the “white cube” style high-end gallery) I feel hesitant to express a physical (or sometimes even vocal) response to pieces. I often feel the need to whisper (if I dare to speak at all) while inside the hallowed halls of the museum or gallery space. Not quite the right atmosphere for a young, wondrous, and potentially rambunctious child.

Yet, at Frieze London, many attendees brought their little ones along for the ride.

And rather than prohibiting, Frieze almost seemed to encourage direct interaction with many of its pieces.

Little kids could not only look on in wonder at the magical imaginings around them… but they could also touch and feel and even crawl through some of the art works.

What a wonderful way for children (and children at heart) to re-engage with art! How exciting to be able to introduce a child to the magical realm of art…. potentially inspiring a whole new generation of artists.

 Shot at Frieze London art fair in Regent’s Park, London. All photos by Nicole Weiler.

how did i get here.

The past few days have been packed to the brim and punctuated by some very surreal moments.

I have casually joked around with a Latin American president, gone late night dancing with a renowned scientist, and made the art rounds at one of London’s biggest fairs.

Feeling exhausted but inspired. And looking forward to sharing some lessons learned and knowledge gained at Dublin’s One Young World Summit, London’s Wired2014 event, and Frieze London. After I get some actual sleep. Stay tuned.

frieze

Shot in London at Frieze art fair. Wearing: a 3.1 Philip Lim jacket, Rag & Bone jeans, and a vintage Italian bag.

 

good people good energy.

One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that in order to be successful – and to be happy – you must surround yourself with good people.

I am blessed with an incredibly supportive family, a positive network of friends, and a loving partner who constantly inspires and teaches me.

Pursuing your own business is not easy, and it can often be lonely and disheartening. My loved ones provide the support network to raise my spirits when I feel down and want to give up. They also cheer me on and push me forward after even the smallest of successes.

They give good energy.

Mentor figures give the extra kick to continue after my dreams.

Surrounding myself with entrepreneurs and leaders who have succeeded in following their dreams (and by succeeded, I mean they have actually gone after their dreams in the first place!) inspires me to work harder. And helps make me feel less alone.

Last weekend I visited Manchester, England for TEDxSalford. Here I was surrounded by extraordinary entrepreneurs, artists, writers, scientists, inventors, and visionaries. Hearing their incredible stories filled me with hope and excitement.

Just even being at this event encouraged me – positive energy buzzed throughout the crowd and was contagious. The modern buildings reiterated this sense of excitement. The bridges and buildings of MediaCity in Manchester shout progress, pushing upwards, reaching for the stars above.

I returned to NYC with a new sense of purpose, totally reinvigorated and ready to pursue some new projects.

Got to surround yourself with good people. All about the energy.

Shot in Manchester, England. All photos by Nicole Weiler.

a butterfly about to take flight.

I have been thinking a lot about how our lives are truly shaped by the lens through which we choose to view the world.

Depending on the perspective we choose to take, a turn of events can be debilitating and painful disaster.

Or it can be the unexpected opportunity to make a positive change. A blessing in disguise.

Sometimes that which we find most unattractive and ugly about ourselves, our family, our job, our surroundings…. can actually be beautiful and uplifting. With a fresh pair of eyes and an open mind.

Perhaps that is why these “ugly” cocoons caught my eye. At first glance they may appear strange, grotesque, alien. But on closer inspection their soft hues, sparkling gold markings, lovely textures… are quite gorgeous. In my eyes, they appear almost gem-like.

And, underneath it all, is the butterfly waiting to flight.

Shot in Boston. All photos by Nicole Weiler.

moving forward.

When I began modern muse and musings almost a year ago, I did so with the intention of letting it grow and develop on its own. I wanted to allow myself freedom to explore multiple interests, to not be limited by a label.

I initially assumed that I would lean towards about personal style, art shows, and Manhattan. 

Yet, as time went on, I found myself more interested in sharing my own art, my own experiences as an artist, and my own view of beauty, of gorgeous moments captured in my travels.

Beyond sort of discovering more of a focus for modern muse and musings, in the past year, my life has changed dramatically.

Since last September, I am no longer working for a jeweler, I am no longer limited to exploring Manhattan, I am no longer just an artist who paints and draws. 

I am now pursuing an art career. I am now fortunate to have the flexibility to travel and explore more of the world. I am now an artist who not only paints and draws but also works in photography.

Moving forward, I will be sharing what my life has become.

xo,

nicole

back to basics.

Blocked. Insecure. Uninspired.

How I have felt over the past few weeks.

While traveling abroad, I yearned for time to paint.

And yet, when I finally returned home and sat down in front of my easel, I could not put pastel to paper.

Doubt clouded my thoughts, blocked my creativity, darkened my mood. 

I questioned myself and my capabilities as an artist. Do I “fit” into the New York art scene? Is there a place for my work in the contemporary market? Am I good enough?

After much reflection, I realize that the only way to unblock myself and move forward as an artist in general is to stay true to my instincts.

To stick it out. To fully experience doubt and excitement and inspiration – these feeling are all part of the artistic process. To forgive myself when I feel I have failed. To allow myself to practice – not every painting or drawing needs to be a masterpiece.

It is time to get back to the basics.

To break down my subject :

1. See the light and the shadow.

2. Color. Layer. Illuminate.

3. Make magic.

To just paint. To just do.