Unexpected Guests: Marci Washington.

I've been very lucky lately to have been visiting the inspiring accommodations of some really talented artisans, crafters and designers. So I'm turning these visits - some live and in person, some via flickr, into a weekly feature, Unexpected Guests. That way, ya'll will get to pop in behind the scenes, homes and studios of the talented artists we may have a curiosity about. I always wonder what space a designer likes to work in, or even where they like to plop down with a good book, host dinner parties, or brew a pot of coffee and hang out with their partners and pets.


This week, I bring you the lovely and talented painter, Marci Washington. I met Marci briefly at the Rare Device opening the other night and was quite taken with her sweet demeanor and surprised that someone this amazingly talented was so young.

She has so much more to share with us as her story evolves. Marci says in her bio, " Currently I am interested in building a fictional narrative with connections to history as well as to the present. It's like I'm illustrating a novel that doesn't exist. If it did, it would probably be a lot like Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, or Bleak House - novels which function as social commentary as well as beautiful romantic epics. "

To see more of Marci's hauntingly beautiful work, you can visit her website here, as well as the online gallery, The Beholder. For now, we're going to take a look at how Marci lives, works and thinks. I asked her a few questions, because, well, inquiring minds usually want to know. And I thought it would be fun to be James Lipton for a little while...


Who is your favorite artist?
I don't have just one favorite, I have a long list of true loves.

What's your favorite food?
Lasagna and fried chicken, not together of course.


What is your most treasured belonging?
My grandmother's charm bracelet.

Favorite color?
Olive green.


If you could photograph anyone in the world, who might that be?
An apparition.


What do you despise?
People who are mean to animals.


What's your favorite word?
Right now it's 'craggy'.


Who would you like to sit down to tea with?
Angela Carter and Nick Cave.


What's the last great book you read?
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson.


Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Bad pop music and instant mac and cheese.

Amsterdam Bound!

My office is unexpectedly sending me to Amsterdam tonight! I will be arriving on Tuesday around 1pm and have one small errand to run and then I'm free to explore. If anyone has any suggestions, or would like to meet up, please drop me an email. I'll be trying to blog from there, too! Yipeeee!

Vintage Finds For A Modern World: Swimsuit Edition.

I've long been an admirer of the retro-fabulous decor at Indian Springs Spa in Calistoga. All around their famous spring-water-filled pool are vintage bathing suits displayed in simple Lucite frames. I love the contrast of the faded, funky print swimsuits in the modern acrylic frames. I've wanted to do a bathroom around this idea for awhile now (it's on a long list of to-do's) and when I saw this perfect suit at Greasy Waitress, it reminded me it may just be time. Wouldn't this swimsuit look perfect framed against a crisp white wall and accompanied by some lush, pastel-colored towels? I do believe I'm diving in!

Weekend Finds: Karen Klassen's Cabin Fever.

I was browsing the ever-so-fabulous Poppytalk Handmade this weekend when I came upon some of the coolest vintage-inspired textiles I've seen in awhile - Cabin Fever handmade by Karen Klassen. Karen's Cabin Fever pillows, potholders, tea towels & aprons are sophisticated, a little bit baroque and quite lovely. Her color, pattern and textile combinations are wonderful. You can check out much more about Karen Klassen on her blog.

Sunday in The City.

A bit of eyelet on Potrero Hill.

Some nice old fonts and some sunny San Francisco BBQ.

Old school signs at a neighborhood cafe.

Oh, and happy, happy Friday.

Glancing Back.

It's been a strange week. I've been coping with the sad loss of Coop and trying to move past that on the blog so y'all don't just feel like crying every time you visit. A lot of that involved healing through your wonderful support and comments, and by just keeping really busy! Thankfully Grace was here visiting, so I gave her a mini day tour of some of my favorite neighborhoods in the City. We visited the fabulously delicious Miette which just should not be missed. Even if it's for just the decor alone, but do try and eat something sweet, too.


Grace's visit to San Francisco was primarily based around hosting her Biz Lady Meet Up, which was a blast, and quite the packed house. It was so great to meet you all! If you missed the meet up, you can still download some really informative information here at design*sponge.


Also on the agenda for the week, was the much anticipated opening party of the San Francisco sister store of Brooklyn's Rare Device. Another packed, fun house full of guests! Best of luck to Lisa and Rena on what is one beautiful shop, filled with amazing artwork and handmade creations. Super well done, bravo!


Being in all of your talented, creative company was so inspiring this week and I am grateful for such a positive transitional period for me. It could have been quite different, and I am so thankful to have sfgirlbybay to challenge me and all of you amazing supporters. I have a load of new plans for the site, so I hope you'll check back soon, for some fresh, regular features I'm working hard on. And, please remember if I can be of help to you, do get in touch. Have a wonderful, creativity-filled weekend. Cheers, Victoria.

Open Studio At Eric & Annie's.

Just a reminder to visit Annie Galvin & Eric Rewitzer's Open Studios this weekend. Drop into their cool 3 Fish Studios in Dogpatch and check out their painting, printmaking, and listen to lots of good music. Annie and Eric will be there on October 27 & 28, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 6pm.


3 Fish Studios is located on 3rd Street @ 22nd in Potrero Hill. On Saturday, all doors will be open, so when you get here, come up to the 2nd floor and go to Studio 243. On Sunday, they will have a nice person at the Main Entrance at 2345 3rd Street who will direct you to the 2nd floor. Just follow the signs. Everyone is welcome. Annie and Eric hope to see you there!

3 Fish Studios
2415 3rd Street @ 22nd Street
Potrero Hill, SF 94107
Studio 415.865.0420.

Upholster Me, Please.

This mid-century modern rocker has major potential! I found it on craigslist and think with a new slip cover, or some upholstery in a lovely combination of Amy Butler's Nigella collection it would look just smashing. A little bit of Imperial Dark Green and then some touches of Wood Fern in Silver and Eggshell on the arms would make a cozy, comforting reading chair. And this one on craigslist swivels and has sweet tapered legs for just $40!

Indie Artist/Small Business Discount.

I was so inspired last night at Grace's Biz Lady Meet Up by a room literally packed with creative, talented and intelligent women. The speakers were really informative and full of great suggestions for women in business, and those hoping to start one. But, the questions from the room full of women were just as inspiring and I was so impressed and honored to be in the company of such cool gals. It was also so nice to meet some of you whom I have only known online, through sfgirlbybay, face-to-face! What a fun night!

To hopefully do my part for all you indie artists, etsy shops, crafters, and small businesses (both men and women), I want to extend a sort of friends and family advertising discount to y'all to help you all get started. If you are interested in advertising, please just drop me a line and we'll chat up a plan. Again, it was great to meet all of you and hear so many artistic, articulate, talented women speak. You go, girls! And, a big rah to you guys out there, too!

Elephants Never Forget.

I've been receiving these teaser emails for a new online shop, White Elephant Vintage. It's from Jane LaBatte and Hollie Pocsai, founders of the shopping blog Love It A Lot. The design looks quite nice, so I'm looking forward to seeing White Elephant Vintage launch on Monday, October 29. Also, there's a deer in the promo, so they had me at hello. Don't forget to check back on their site next Monday to view their vintage offerings.

The Darjeeling Limited.

Movies are my big escape...and well, I've kind of needed one. I went to see the The Darjeeling Limited and it was just what the doctor ordered. A little bit of Wes Anderson always takes me somewhere else. The Darjeeling Limited is kind of like Amélie meets Sgt. Pepper. So visually stimulating and beautiful, and a really wild ride with an Anderson-like spiritual quest thrown in. And, of course, some rocking good music. I loved it.

San Francisco's Rare Device.

This week San Francisco welcomes the long anticipated opening of Rare Device.
Originally based only on the East Coast (Brooklyn, to be exact), Rena Tom teams up
with San Francisco's own Lisa Congdon and Rare Device goes bi-coastal with their
new shop on Market Street. I can't wait to check it out, and happily we'll all
be able to at this Thursday evening's Opening Party, and gallery reception for
Los Angeles artist Kelly Lynn Jones. Kelly's show, "Far From Main Street"
will open at the party on the 25th and run through Dec. 2nd in the gallery.

Rare Device will feature art and design products by small, independent designers
from around the world (from clothing to housewares to stationery) and an art gallery
with monthly shows to look forward to. To read more about how the two talents
met up, read this really great interview by Jan over at Poppytalk.

Join Rena and Lisa for cocktails, music and celebration from 6-10pm, this Thursday,
October 25, at 1845 Market Street between Valencia and Guerrero. Hope to see you there.

Domino Decorating Contest - Oooooh Awkward!

I just noticed - I'm not a finalist and there I was asking you to please vote for me!
Oh, so awkward - sorry! It was fun while it lasted, though. Thanks Domino!
The Domino Magazine Decorating Contest voting begins today, Tuesday, October 23rd.
Go vote for one of the beautiful rooms - there's some lovely design work there.

Okay, so...here goes...

I have to start back somewhere, and I'm starting with art. Writing about wallpaper, lighting and pink fluffy pillows seems quite asinine to me at the moment. When you lose someone special, all those extra sensory perceptions bounce into perspective and it's tough to be trite. Never fear, though, I will get back to that fun stuff soon. I can't stay all Jack Handy deep-thoughts and philosophical forever. That's not really what I'm here for, huh?

I ventured out for the first time in two days since Coop's passing and I chose the San Francisco Open Studios with good friends Eszter and Lisa. I knew they wouldn't coddle me, and they'd be there for me at the same time. They get it already, without having to say too much, or too little.

I met them at this gorgeous, light filled loft on Folsom Street, run down to be sure,
but filled with the most lovely art studios. I could picture living there...stark, new,
old and fresh at the same time. It's hard to be home right now. I need to hear the
pitter patter of paws on hardwood, and they're just not there. The loft seemed cold,
yet cool enough I could handle it. So, I'm going to share some of the beautiful
things I saw on Saturday, without a whole lot more commentary. I gotta start
somewhere, and I gotta start slow. Speaking of beautiful, this one's for Coop.

First stop this amazing mini, and not so mini lush forest within the large concrete building.
That tree, well, it's not a tree, it was built tiny bits of bark, by tiny bit by artist Justine Light.

Beautiful oils by painter Elana Kundell.

Such lovely light. Encaustic paintings by Charli Ornett.

Tiny boats of glass by
Alexander Sarkis Abajian.

The big city.

A hidden staircase to the top of the lofts. And structures we weren't sure of.