Home Again

New Work: Backpacker Bush Music Video

Home Again — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:17:21 +0000

What started out as doing props and set dressing on a Sarah Silverman video (here’s episode 1) for the folks over at Jash, somehow turned into production designing this hilarious music video directed by Eric Wareheim (of Tim & Eric). I’m super pleased with how scummy and Euro-trashy the bar and hostel turned out. Check it out here, but be warned, this song will make its way into the depths of your brain.

Paint It Black: Samuel J Macon

Home Again — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:17:56 +0000

It’s incredibly fitting to feature Sam on the ever-important holiday of Halloween. For most of Sam’s life he’s been fascinated, or as he admits “borderline obsessed” by all things macabre and strange. Films like Raiders of the Lost Arc, ET and Jaws, which despite their advisory ratings, he managed to see before the age of five, made a profound impression on him. Those huge productions which tended to employee darker themes and more challenging characters no doubt influenced his career in filmmaking, as well as his love for Halloween.

“Halloween became my earliest creative outlet. It was a reason, or an excuse to make costumes, do weird makeup, and make elaborate decorations. In my opinion it’s the most “creative” holiday for a child, and that in and of itself was as much of a draw as anything else.”

Sam has exercised that creative drive in a multitude of ways since his formative years. In 1999, Sam and a few of his close friends started the five-piece punk and hardcore influenced band, Since By Man. Through touring and working as a filmmaker, first as an art director and now as a director, Sam’s seen quite a bit of the U.S. and European worlds. While Paris is his favorite city to travel to (working with Radar Studios in Chicago has afforded him the luxury of developing a close connection to the city), it’s the “in-betweens” as he puts it, that he favors the most. “The open road, roadside oddities, dive bars, weird gas stations / diners – those are my favorite places.”

His child-like curiosity for strange places and knack for getting into unusual situations (ask him about the time he threw a plate of spaghetti on a cop or when he got arrested in high school for possessing guns, easy, they were fake, while shooting a film with friends), is evident in his stylistically distinct work, which includes music videos for bands like Family Band, Crocodiles and Dum Dum Girls. Beyond the music videos, he’s carved out a directorial niche with his stop motion work. His travels and creative vision have also lent their hand to photography. Sam and close bud Daniel Arnold (also a Milwaukee native) currently have a photo exhibit up at Sky High Gallery in Milwaukee. Somehow, with all that in the fold, he found time to co-write the book “Sign Painters,” (available here) based on his upcoming documentary film of the same name, co-directed with Faythe Levine.

Working and traveling as often as Sam does makes being home that much more important. When asked what his favorite part about home is, he candidly answers, “family and friends.” Though he’s always been adamant about his dislike for sentimentality and nostalgia, he holds past relics of his family and loved ones close to his heart. His house is filled with pieces acquired from his grandparents, each with their own unique story which Sam is eager to relay. The rest of Sam’s modest but spacious Chicago home, which he shares with roommate Dan Yingling, is pieced together with art and rarities. ”It’s not like we came in here and did decorating, it’s just been a slow accumulation of life experience that involves gathering weird shit,” Sam explains. And aren’t those always the most interesting homes?

Sam’s apartment on the second floor of a seemingly raggedy building in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago

Sam (left) and roommate Dan Yingling in the bold dining room. Oddfellows ceremonial cloaks (on left) made in the late 1800s and purchased from Chicago’s Agent Gallery. http://agentgallerychicago.com “That place is trouble for me. So much great weird shit. I went in there for a desk and left with the cloaks.” – Sam

Painting (right) by the talented Stacey Rozich (also Sam’s girlfriend), who recently had a solo show at the Chicago Urban Art Society http://blog.staceyrozich.com/

Sam’s rotating mask collection (his favorite holiday is after all Halloween). John F. Kennedy vintage mask from Portage, WI. “Old man skull face” and “shitty Dracula” masks are cheapies purchased for their similarity to the old school masks of his youth

Rug purchased off the street in Kiev, Ukraine; Beethoven and Mozart statues (back wall) from an art job in Milwaukee. Egg chair belongs to good friend Hailey Fasse; Sam’s just “holding onto it” indefinitely. Coffee table from Blast from the Past, the amazing midcentury furniture shop in Milwaukee that’s sadly no longer

Naturalism prints from Paris, France; Charcoal portrait of a scary neighbor painted possibly by Sam’s uncle, found in his grandparents’ basement

One year for Halloween, Sam dressed up as a bloody-eared Beethoven, inspired no doubt by the statue hanging on the wall. The resemblance was uncanny (must be the hair)

The dark, enigmatic dining area gives way to a long hallway which lights the path to the rest of the apartment

Giant bullseye targets acquired from a commercial Sam worked on (the perks of having been an art director)

The huge midcentury inspired living room with great architectural details which include built-ins, a brick mantle and crown molding

Amazing sectional couch (incredibly difficult to move) from Blast From the Past

Landscape print was a Christmas present from Sam’s mom. The backside was used as a bulletin board for years and still has tons of old articles pinned up from back in the day

Sam’s first Halloween candy pail, a permanent fixture in the living room

An odd collection of faces and figurines, various stuffed heads and folk art on display above the mantle

Large, creepy rabbit head with various burns is said to have a haunted past, as a woman wearing it during a play many years back allegedly caught fire and died with it on

John Lennon, cat and a Jew walk into a bar…Matryoshka dolls picked up during Sam’s travels to Moscow and Kiev.

Clay mask (middle bottom) from Sam’s grandparents’ basement. He was terrified of it growing up, so naturally, he brought it home while moving his grandmother from her Whitefish Bay, WI home. Small coconut masks on the wall from Sam’s other grandparents (mother’s side). Tambourine was a prop from a Sleepy Sun music video Sam directed

PRACTICE Practice sign painted by Tina Vines, while shooting Sam and Faythe Levine’s upcoming documentary, “Sign Painters”

Hand painted totem pole from Broadway Antique Center in Chicago http://chicagoantiquecentre.com/

Sam amongst his books, photographs and records

Sam’s bedroom, with an overflowing suitcase surprisingly absent

Nautical flag Sam stole by shoving it in his pants; Dia de los muertos photo by Faythe Levine http://faythelevine.blogspot.com/

Framed photos by Philin Phlash, an event and street photographer from Chicago who captured punk and hardcore bands like Black Flag in their heyday. Sam bought the photographs directly from Phlash in a makeshift gallery. When Sam came back the next week to interview him, he was gone http://philinphlash.blogspot.com/

REPRESENT! Milwaukee flag circa 1972, found at Mars Cheese Castle

NO!, an original protest poster from the Kent State Massacre–a present Sam purchased for himself on his 30th birthday. Lettuce sign hand lettered by John Downer, a sign painter/typographer who’s featured in the forthcoming “Sign Painter” documentary

Framed art by Keith Shore http://keithshore.com/; Native American woodcut head by Evan Ross Murphy http://evanrossmurphy.com/; Woody Allen portrait was originally friend, Adam Loeb’s. Sam hung onto it during Adam’s many years of travel and moving from city to city. Hanging bat was a gift from Faythe brought back from Bali

Sam with his sisters Melissa and Hannah, taken at Melissa’s wedding

Pictured: Sam’s father with sister Melissa as a baby

“The Heart Shield” bible was Sam’s grandfather’s from World War II. Being made of tin, it was known to protect soldiers who carried it in their breast pocket

Mitchell Street Preservation Society: Jordan Anthony

Home Again — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 20:45:43 +0000

The rich and storied architecture of Milwaukee is just one of the factors that make the city so unique, as it lays the foundation for the city’s soul, revealing its past and shaping its future. Frank Lloyd Wright believed “The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilization.” Landlords (and artists/architects) Tom Littman and Demitra Copoulos would likely agree as they’ve spent much of their adult lives restoring and preserving the Historic Mitchell Street neighborhood of Milwaukee. One of the many buildings they’ve brought back to glory is the four-story brick building Jordan Anthony resides in (Tom and Demitra also occupy the top floor of the building in a breathtaking space they built and designed almost every piece of).

The restored brick building on historic Mitchell Street which houses Jordan and company’s apartment

A large, contemplative portrait of Frank Lloyd Wright marks their midcentury inspired loft

The spacious shared living area is well-defined with various seating areas and nooks. Pictured: Arielle and Drew

In addition to Jordan, Caressa and Birdie (both artists) and Drew (who works for Trek bikes), live in the loft, each with their own well-defined space and a bit of their personality reflected in the home, from rows of bikes to personal artwork. The four of them have a great rapport that lends itself to the comfort and ease of the house.

New and old furniture is mixed and matched, lending personality and style to the home

Blue man group. A collection of framed portraits of a 19th century chap dressed in blue, both thrifted and gifted

George Nelson inspired coffee table refurbished by Caressa

Jordan in his midcentury modern decorated living room. On the far wall hangs a large image of the Johnson Wax Building in Racine, WI designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

Jordan, a musician (formerly in The Championship), also tends bar at Blackbird and serves gastropub fare at Hinterland. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s also finishing up his degree in Old World Archaeology with a focus on occult practices and mystery religions at UW Milwaukee. His studies led him to traveling abroad this past summer to numerous cities in Italy and Turkey, and a month-long stint working on the Sangro Valley Project, in Abruzzo, Italy.

Caressa’s “Real Good” red stool by Blue Dot. The stool comes flat and needs to be heated and bent into shape to reach its destined form http://www.bludot.com/shop/

Jordan points out one of many ceramic pendant lamps he’s made

Though he’s only lived in the apartment for a year, he’s helped bring cohesion and distinct style to the large space with his love of great design and midcentury modern furniture (his roommate Caressa is also a huge midcentury lover and design buff). When asked about the appeal of midcentury design, Jordan explains “I feel like the lines, and the way the shape of the mid-century modern objects fill empty space provides an inherent orderliness to my often scattered lifestyle. Sometimes I just pause and look at a chair, or a plate, or what-have-you, and just smile. There is something very peaceful in good design.”

Roommate Caressa in front of the massive kitchen which was designed and built by the building owners Tom and Demitra

Empanadas from the local bakery and margarita fixins for a summer party

Adding a poster (in this case, a rad Black Angels screen print) on the side of the fridge is a great way to dress up a blank canvas

Housemates Jordan, Arielle (an honorary roommate and Drew’s girlfriend) with Drew and Caressa relaxing over summer beers

And what exactly is it that makes their home so amazing? The expansive space of the apartment, and the surrounding neighborhood, Jordan shares, which is situated in one of the more unique cultural/historic areas in Milwaukee. Adding, “Sometimes I feel like I’m in 3 countries at once! At times, I feel as though the apartment isn’t really mine. Past occupants — both commercial and residential — have left their mark in so many ways, I often feel like perhaps I’m just the next in the line of succession, or something. I find myself continually reinventing the design of the space to suit the season or the personalities of the inhabitants. Change truly is the only constant here!”

A large bookshelf doubles as a wall, creating a separate, more intimate space and personal retreat for Jordan

The music nook filled with Jordan’s records and guitar. Couch was a $50 score off Facebook

Hand carved and painted bats made in Bali, from Sky High Gallery in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood

Jordan’s classroom inspired office, in his spacious L-shaped bedroom

Books in preparation for Jordan’s summer long journey abroad

Painting by Stacey Rozich http://www.staceyrozich.com

Artist and roommate Birdie’s combined bedroom and studio space

Drew’s brightly colored bedroom

The fourth bedroom, also the coziest, inhabited by Caressa

The gigantic rooftop with amazing views of the city houses numerous garden and grass beds (the latter for the building’s pups)

A roof with a view. The downtown Milwaukee skyline visible with a faint glimmer of Lake Michigan

Another view from the rooftop-Historic Mitchell Street

Just Launched: Home Again Shop on Etsy!

Home Again — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 05:05:17 +0000

I like to think it’s all the little stuff that makes a house a home. Big pieces are easier to come by, it’s the smaller, personal and storied items that take time, but inevitably make a space more interesting. Home Again Shop on Etsy is a collection of those lovely little things that make home, home. Whether for yourself or a friend, you’ll find a unique piece to add a certain je ne sais quoi to your place! Stop by, you just might find what you like.

Wild At Heart: Engagement Photos at Wildwood Regional Park

Home Again — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 04:35:56 +0000

About a ten minute drive from my parents’ home in Westlake Village, California, is the breathtaking Wildwood Regional Park. I only became acquainted with the place three years ago while on a hike with a dear friend but it certainly left a mark. I’ve since made it a point to hike through some portion of the 1,700 acre park during each trip back home. While nestled in a fairly developed area, stepping onto its dusty trails transports you to a completely different world, one where nature and wildlife still reign supreme.

When it came time to decide a location for our engagement photos with the incredible California-based photographer, Kurt Boomer, there was no question about it. On June 24, 2012, sleep deprived, slightly hungover and still elated from our engagement party the day before, we hiked a ways into Wildwood Regional Park, into the dry and prickly wheat fields, up to one of my favorite peaks overlooking the grand south entrance (glistening from sweat, fancy clothes and all) and just as the sun was setting on one of the most memorable weekends of my life, we made our way back onto the dirt roads and home again–but not before spotting a white owl honing in on its prey, a couple deers in the distance and a coyote only a few feet away.

Kurt took nearly 200 gorgeous photographs (all shot on various forms of film) that perfectly captured this milestone in our lives. Narrowing down my favorites was no easy task but here are ones that really make me swoon, or perhaps that just Travis’s doing.

Ride On: Scott Johnson & Maureen Post

Home Again — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 16:15:34 +0000

Scott Johnson and Maureen Post’s home is so much the antithesis of the sterile, minimalist space that fills page after page of interior design and architecture magazines. Where those lack in character and soul, their’s fills to the rim with warmth, character and charm. You won’t find fancy pieces out of a catalogue–their home furnishings have amassed over the years thanks to resourcefulness and a keen eye–but their collection of industrial chairs, all worth a pretty penny these days, will no doubt leave you envious.

The two have pieced together their shared home of two years with treasures found at rummages, flea markets, the occasional salvage yard and even taken in from Scott’s restaurants (him and partner Leslie Montemurro own the restaurant group Mojofuco Inc., which has given birth to some of Milwaukee’s greatest spots–Fuel, Palomino, Comet, High Hat Lounge, Garage, Balzac and Bel Air Cantina).

A myriad of photographs of family, friends and travels taken by both Maureen, a freelance writer and photographer (see her work ">here) and Scott, alongside paintings and artwork by local and international artists climb up the walls like the ivy that grows outside their home, while pieces resting on the floor or on shelves are layered atop each other, creating fluid vignettes with their own stories to tell. Even the fridge acts as a canvas for storied images. It all works together largely due to the neutral colors that paint each room and the couple’s ability to filter out the filler. Though there are plenty of pieces, each one serves a purpose and brings its own unique quality to the beautiful East Side Milwaukee home. Dense and interesting, while at once cohesive and inviting, the home shows just how inspired, passionate and full of life the couple are.

Ivy grows atop Scott and Maureen’s verdant East Side home in Milwaukee, WI

: Maureen and Scott relax in their bright dining room on a sunny summer afternoon

A neutral color scheme balances the layers of pictures, paintings and pieces abound in the home

Items of different sizes and shapes stacked up and leaning against one another make for an organic vignette

Scott built the dining room table originally for his workshop but put it to better use upon adding steel legs and casters. A mix of aluminum Good Form chairs and blonde wood chairs add even more character to the well-crafted table

Trippy painting (center) by Scott’s friend, Milwaukee-based artist Fred Stonehouse http://fredstonehouseart.com/

The striking blue painting was once a Fred Stonehouse piece called “Island” from 1985. Milwaukee photographer Stanley Ryan Jones rescued it out of a dumpster and gave it to his girlfriend’s son, Adonis, to paint on in 1992. Scott purchased the painting from the very first art show held at Fuel Cafe. Upholstered blue chair (right) was Maureen’s grandmother’s

Photography plays an important role in their home. Books on the subject are a backdrop to a photo in a mug of Maureen’s mother

The living room, framed with number plates from Scott’s race bikes. Coffee table was a thrift store purchase that Scott vamped up by adding casters

The bold red painting is one of Scott’s very favorites painted by his college friend Nima Tehrazi. Scott adopted the piece when Nima realized his wife wasn’t nearly so fond of it

Taxidermy like the boar head (top right) appear subtly throughout the home, keeping a watchful eye. Scott picked up the slender gold lamp (left) at a rummage despite Maureen’s uncertainty: “It speaks to Scott’s ability to see things in a way different from me.” Needless to say, it’s Scott’s favorite lamp.

An entire wall of photographs taken by both Maureen, Scott and friends paints a colorful portrait of their lives and experiences

Family and friends may be scattered around the country but photos always make them feel closer

Wood dog sculpture by a Wisconsin folk artist, purchased at the Dean Jensen Gallery

A wiley boar (left) originally from a forest region of Bavaria and stoic cow greet you upon entering Maureen’s office

One of Maureen’s favorite pieces is an old Milwaukee Public Library table, once her father’s, which she refinished and uses as a desk

Family matters. Maureen’s grandfather and great grandfather (pictured left). “It was so rare to have your photograph taken back then so something special was captured here,” shares Maureen

In the background, a piece by a Brazilian artist made up of passport pages

A view into the living room from the foyer, which also doubles as Scott’s office

An old school desk in a soft seafoam green scored from the Elkhorn Flea Market, paired perfectly with a vintage swivel chair from Monogram Boutique in Delafield, WI http://www.monograhampaper.com/boutique/

A long list of to-dos from the many restaurants co-owned by Scott

In frame: Tattoo flash by Joe Darpel had recently been on loan to a Chicago art gallery

Freebird. Center image of bird is a screenprint from the Just Seeds Artists’ Cooperative in support of a cause rooted in Chiapas, Mexico http://justseeds.org/

Tiny it may be but it’s cozy and filled with love

A few of Scott’s trophies from past motorcycle races

The vintage-industrial kitchen houses some great flea market finds and displays some of the couple’s creativity; A utility tool chest with a butcher block on top becomes added counter space

Cooper peeks his head into the kitchen, where old signs, photographs and one-of-a-kind pieces are on display

An old racing sign marks the garage which houses Scott’s many bikes

Maureen, Scott and pup Cooper hanging out in the bike garage

“It’s kind of like Appalachia back here,” says Scott of their spacious yard. Vintage camper narrowly fit up the driveway but it sure looks at home in between the trees

Down By the Sea: Travels through the Dominican Republic

Home Again — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 04:03:30 +0000

After photographing Charles Dwyer’s home, I took with me his want for aging things, whether it be to physically ware away a piece of furniture for that bit of desired character or allowing time to naturally color its patina onto a photograph. Time allows for reflection which more and more I find there’s less and less an opportunity for, unless of course you make the opportunity.

It’s hard to believe Travis and I traveled to the Dominican Republic nearly four months ago. Taking two weeks to travel abroad, experience a different culture, walk new streets, taste new foods and charge up life’s “battery” is just what my mind and body needed during the cold and grey months of winter.

The Dominican was every dream of–crystal clear waters, lush tropical rainforests, perfectly sunny days, vibrant culture, adventure and fresh-off-the-boat seafood–come true. We explored a handful of coastal towns, weathered by the sun and salt of the sea, reconnected with nature (the Samana Peninsula has some of the world’s best whale watching), hiked in mysterious mountains, learned how to surf in the Caribbean, watched magnificent sunsets night after night and took time, lots of time to do whatever we wanted. There’s rarely a need to hurry in the Dominican, unless of course you’re trying to catch a seat on a guagua (local transport filled to the gills with people). This ease washed over us from the minute we stepped into those endless blue seas. So much so that Travis proposed, unexpectedly (even to him) on what felt like our own piece of paradise in the serene waters of Playa Bonita. We decided to keep that secret for the rest of our trip, making it that much more exciting to spill as soon as we set foot in the U.S. The phone calls, texts and emails would have to wait.

Throughout our adventure, we brought along our film camera to take photos when it seemed unobtrusive. I resisted the knee-jerk reaction to get them developed right away and waited even longer to look through them, eventually scanning my favorites. Sure enough, time has already pressed upon these photos its magic, and allowed me ample opportunity to reflect upon those 14 days that changed my life. The photos below are not exactly a documentation of our trip but rather a small mirror reflecting moments of life (as we experienced it) in the Dominican, a reminder to breathe deep and take it slow as often as you can.

Colorful buildings and scooters line the city streets of the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo, the country’s capital

La Catedral de Santa María de la Encarnación

Dominican flags strung around the city in celebration of Independence Day

Kids waiting to take a guagua (minivan crammed full of people) home. It may be out of focus but I love this one

En route to the Samaná Península for lush tropical forests and secluded sandy beaches

Whale watching in Samana. That tiny speck protruding out of the water in mid-frame is a magnificent humpback whale

Our four-legged friend taking a break during our hike in Cabarete’s El Choco National Park

Queen of the Voodoo Cave, El Choco National Park

The picturesque Playa Las Ballenas near Las Terranas

Fishermen bringing to shore their catch of the day in Las Terranas

Blue for days and no one around for miles. Playa Bonita, the beach where Travis proposed

Life in Art: Charles Dwyer

Home Again — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:04:43 +0000

How I came to photograph artist Charles Dwyer’s home was really quite simple. Milwaukee artist and friend Faythe Levine, and a few others suggested I take a look at his place. But before reaching out, I had the pleasure of meeting him by chance one afternoon (as so happens in this small city sometimes). And that was that. Kismet it might have been, but the truth is, I was extremely lucky, realizing after the fact that Charles doesn’t exactly open up his home to strangers. And for good reason, his home is a tangible amalgamation of his hard work from the last 30 years of his life. If one’s home can reflect who they are, then Charles’ home reflects a youthful man with a lust for life, a deep respect and understanding of art, an incredible eye for beauty and design, a sense of humor and above all an appreciation for nature and humanity. In other words, there truly is something special going on here.

Entering Charles' home, you are greeted by a very cozy, Midwestern kitchen which belies the fact that it's in a very spacious loft

Hidden doors. The entrance and fridge doors are covered with memorabilia, making the home feel like its own self-sufficient island

The home office nook and entryway. The two columns of shelves (right) house thousands of film negatives from Charles' photography years, yet to be shared publicly

Beyond lies a sea of treasures

Located on a nondescript street in quiet Bay View is a large brick building Charles has resided in for over ten years. Entering the former factory is witnessing a dream realized. When Charles and friend Tim Dixon, owner of the Iron Horse Hotel (which prominently features Charles’ work) first spotted the place, it was not exactly an ideal place to build a home. Enlisting the help of Tim and an architect, Charles began building the interior of his home. Stunning cream city brick remained intact from years past and building on that as a foundation, they used reclaimed lumber to build walls, a kitchen, bathroom, a second story loft, where the bedroom lives, and most important to Charles, an artist studio. “I kept fighting for more studio space but they [architects] wanted it in half. I pushed for a little more and they gave it to me. But it all works together too because I’ll do artwork prep in the living room…but I could always use more studio space.”

Tree stump was found on a daily walk along Lake Michigan. Charles painted the appendages, reminding him of ol' ring toss games he played as a kid

"Remember that time you tap danced in my kitchen..."

Found Art. Tree was found along Lake Michigan in Bay View. With a little stain and paint, it's perfectly at home among the equally tall windows

With the help of an architect and friend Tim Dixon (of the Iron Horse), Charles built a completely new interior structure in this old warehouse which now includes a second story

"Lucky Strike" painting is part of an odd collaboration between Charles and Gary Pollack, a homeless man he befriended

Collections. Charles' has amassed an impressive library over the years. While on the road restoring art in his 20s and 30s, he purchased one book a week. To the left (top) of the bookcase is a petrified beehive from his sister's backyard

The custom-built bookshelf is a recent addition to the home. Charles made it look dated and worn with stain, nail holes and lots of hammering

A wood furnace helps keeps the large, mostly brick and concrete space warm but also adds a rustic element. Homemade wood fire sticks (hanging - right) are functional and decorative

Bottom left: A toboggan from his childhood now lives as a sculpture, with backward letters representing "The Ecstasy of St. Theresa" (a famed piece by Italian sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini

After finding this gorgeous wood slab, Charles was inspired to learn the art of wood burning, resulting in this mighty fine cougar

Italian chandelier from Design Within Reach adds a refined quality to Charles' rustic urban abode. "I love the eclectic quality of something beat up and something classy, like a really nice Edwardian-style home with an abstract work thrown into the mix."

Furry friends. Charles with his cats, rescued during a trip in Arizona two weeks before opening his home to Napoleon, the incredibly warm and friendly Bouvier

The home was dubbed "The Tainted Loft" (a play on words from the song "Tainted Love") by Charles' friends. Gillian Welch photograph by friend and talented photographer Jim Herrington

Angel sconce (top left) once kept an eye out at Notre Dame University where Charles lived and worked for a year restoring murals and stained glass

View of the living area from top of the stairwell, leading into the lofted bedroom

A plastic horse Charles rescued from the garbage and painted "to give it a new life, another chance"

The eclectic mix of style makes the bedroom interesting while minimal furniture make it serene enough to lay your head at night

Napoleon (a friendly Bouvier–not a rug) finds warmth and comfort in the bathroom

Looking into to Charles' spacious studio from the lofted bedroom

As a multi media artist with incredible talent in several mediums, like photography, set building and set design, printmaking and painting, Charles takes full advantage of every inch of studio space allotted to him. Though having studied fine art at the Milwaukee School of Art (now MIAD), it wasn’t until he landed a 12 year job with a Wisconsin restoration company that he truly delved into art and art history. The job gave him the opportunity to travel in his early adult years and sink his teeth into what would be a career as a successful artist. “I learned so much about decorative painting, gold leafing, stenciling and faux finishing. I learned how to paint and the history behind it,” he explains.

An assortment of colorful utensils used daily

The Alchemist. A homemade collection of paint solutions, lacquers, mixtures, etc.

In his studio working on a mixed media piece on stained paper. "If it's new, I like to make it look old"– on his love of adding patina and age or "the human element" to just about everything

Charles’ work, which is largely consists of figurative drawings and paintings of female figures colored in gorgeous hues and subtle patinas, has been displayed in galleries internationally. He’s also collaborated with unlikely individuals (like the homeless and schizophrenic) producing the Lucky Strike series with Gary Pollack and Sundae Girls with Jerry Pfeil. And over the years he’s done quite a bit more. Though many may not know as he hasn’t shown his photography publicly in the past, Charles is an incredibly skilled self-taught photographer, who painstakingly creates large, elaborate sets for his photo shoots. He once built a complete 1950s set in his studio from scratch, which included wallpapering the walls and creating costumes. When asking him why he has yet to show his photographs, he expounds “I wanted some nostalgia to happen to them, where they patina, and there’s time from when the girl or women were photographed until now.”

It’s incredibly inspiring to come across a person like Charles who can never seem to satiate their desire to learn and do, whether it be creating art, learning a new skill (like wood burning), reading one of a thousand books he covets, or walking his beloved Napoleon along the shores of Lake Michigan. “It may be a curse to want to do everything. It might be better to focus yourself on one body of work but I have more in me to share and more to challenge myself.”

A female figure painted with watercolors and colored pencils, layered with fabrics, texture, symbols and words

The Poetics of Space: Ashley Morgan

Home Again — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 03:35:10 +0000

A little less than a year ago, Ashley Morgan’s shared home was featured in the Home Again post, “Subject to Change.” Ashley’s own study and exploration of the nature and dynamics of change couldn’t be more fitting given her continuous experience with it (better fodder for her art). One of her latest transitions is a relatively new shared space with boyfriend Joshua David Lickteig in Milwaukee’s quaint Shorewood neighborhood.

Their home is rich with architectural charm–an abundance of natural light, gorgeous archways and built-ins, a brick fireplace, recessed ceilings and antique chandeliers are just a few of the attributes of their home. The striking white walls are a perfect backdrop to Ashley’s romantic and sometimes haunting art and Joshua’s brightly colored midcentury furniture inherited from his grandparents.

Together they have created a space filled with art, history, sentiment and beauty. When asked about the intrinsic qualities of her home, Ashley shares “I really love my home. For so many reasons–I think it is because of the layout it’s maze-like quality, the welcoming swoop of the front of the house, the little built-ins and thoughtful details, and mostly, my 3D lab in the basement that has allowed me to create so much sculpture since I’ve been here and the chance to cultivate a painting studio in the attic. I can drink tea all day and move from space to space thinking and creating. It’s bones very much feel like the homes written about in The Poetics of Space.” In Gaston Bachelard’s 1958 book on how we experience intimate spaces, he states “It is better to live in a state of impermanence than in one of finality.” I’m willing to bet Ashley would agree.

Ashley and Joshua live on the first floor of this brick English Tudor-style duplex

The beautiful living room boasts numerous architectural details

Ashley with her camera-loving furry feline, Evelyn

Inspiration and information: Ashley's desk

Their home has an abundance of inherent character. Metal/leather circular chair (bottom left) was Joshua's grandfather's chair

Installation above fireplace by Ashley, entitled "The Lake." Lake water inside glass tubes with a thread running through them. "The thread starts off-white, then becomes a bruised purple as it sits within the lake water. I made it for the potential that the materials have. It is fantastic to see such a vibrant color come from the lake that appears to be so clear or made of nothing, so I like the idea of simply revealing some of the lake's complexity."

The writing on the walls. A bare wall is transformed with the placement of a book, which deliberately resembles a home

Vintage hanging light and accompanying furniture was gifted to Joshua by his grandparents

Painting and resin on interior window panes by Ashley. The Danish modern dining room set from Marcia's Second Time Around in Milwaukee is one of Ashley's most treasured pieces. "It was the joint effort of the hunt and capture of the beautiful second-hand table that makes it so special. Plus, I reupholstered the chairs myself, and learning the skill and gathering the materials with a friend was genuine fun."

The 1950s emerald green velvet couch was part of Joshua's grandparents' living room set. An iconic Eileen Grey adjustable chrome plated steel side table (bottom left) was the first piece Ashley sold at her former job at Design Within Reach

Painted portrait of Joshua's grandfather placed in Joshua's study as though he were looking over him

One of the lovely arched built-ins in their home. This little one is home to a few masters of prose and poetry

The bedroom. Above their bed is a sculpture by Ashley entitled "Arc" from a 2011 exhibit. Rainwater and glass vials are used to preserve individual eyelashes she collected over 8 months, representing wishes never used

The basement is home to Ashley's workshop and studio. On display: Deconstructed furniture–work from her 2011 exhibit with friend Jessica Steeber entitled "Shared Space"

A collection of the remaining pieces from Ashley's hand-carved chair rail molding sculpture, titled "What Remain (from I Carved Your Name Into a Tree)"

All Grown Up: Saba Sadeghi

Home Again — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:59:21 +0000

Not your average bachelor pad. Dark and rich colors, textures and materials create a very intentional masculine mood

At the ripe age of twenty-four, Saba Sadeghi, my younger brother from another mother, possesses the style and wisdom of a man twice his age, carrying an aire of elegance that conjures the ghosts of Carey Grant and Laurence Olivier. It’s rarely a surprise to find Saba sporting a three-piece tuxedo while attending the opera or looking debonair in an all-white suit, bow tie and a pair of Allen Edmonds for a casual summer dinner. It’s intelligible then that his apartment would share the same level of sophistication as himself. While the apartment’s architecture is less than exciting (Saba currently lives there for its proximity to Marquette University School of Dentistry where he attends as a second year), the contents and design are what make his place stand out from the usual twenty-something’s bachelor pad.

Saba blends a classic masculine aesthetic–apparent in his traditional brown tufted leather couch, plush velvet mahogany wingback, cowhide rug, and various taxidermy–alongside artifacts from his Persian heritage, pieces he’s collected from his travels and interests he’s picked up along the way. His preference for all things classic (he enjoys smoking a pipe and listening to classical) is no doubt inspired by his love of film, literature, music and the arts–all of which are apparent in various aspects of his home.

When asking Saba where he sees himself in five years, he quickly answers “out of debt.” Though I intended the question more about his interior style, finishing dental school and eventually being out of debt certainly says something about where he’ll be. I imagine in a much nicer apartment with less household items borrowed from his parents, comfortable in a pair of Tom Ford slippers, still sipping a whiskey neat and reading Thomas Pynchon.

Dim lighting casts shadows on the warm colored walls, further creating an atmosphere ideal for indulging the senses

Farzin the deer, Saba's favorite piece, often takes on the role of a friend (a very quiet one)

Clock on left (glass cover missing) can be found in almost any Persian home. Plastic, rubber, wax and acrylic teeth molds, compressions and models made and used in Saba's dental classes

A beautiful antique wood and leather trunk is used as a side table. On display: Arthur, the taxidermied crocodile Saba's father brought back from Nicaragua

Hand carved wooden chess and backgammon board Saba's mother brought back from Iran

Daily essentials

A small jade plant adds a touch of the feminine and natural

Coffee table reads

Saba on his plush velvet mahogany chair. Cow hide from Ikea. Traditional persian rug (top right) from Iran

A dark brown tufted leather couch is the essential gentleman's piece. Persian prints (left and far right) from Iran

Vertical stripes behind the bar, inspired by Saba's close friend Adam, add color and break up the monotony of plain white walls

Arabic style pendant lights add a worldly charm. Below, a dresser becomes a bar with plenty of storage space

Antique decanter bar set. Saba's appreciation for imbibe followed a natural progression, from beer to craft cocktails

A light fixture and painted stripes turn this small, otherwise nondescript wall into an interesting accent wall

Saba at home with a cocktail

Saba's love of mystery, sci-fi, the mystical and the natural are evident from the books to the board games that accompany his home

An eclectic mix of hip hop, jazz and classical music stream from the speakers, complimenting the aesthetic and moody atmosphere

Human skull (right), previously used for studying anatomy, adds a touch of irony sitting beside an ornate mask acquired during a trip in Venice, Italy

Steer skull from Scottsdale, AZ, where Saba's parents own a home. Taking this beast through airport security was a challenge but he arrived in Wisconsin without a turquoise tile out of place

Hand painted and carved bat made in Bali, purchased from Sky High Gallery in Milwaukee