Quintessence Is

Enjoying one last boat ride and beach weekend this season…

• 31 August 2012

Mesmerized by the work of Gray Malin, a Los Angeles based photographer who travels the world, shooting some of the most famous beaches and pools from a perspective few will ever see. Y’all know I’m a beach bum, so I’m just melting here. Two of my favorites, Rio, above, and Lisbon, below. I need to get to Lisbon already, it’s all the rage!

Here’s a shot of the waters in Bondi Beach, Australia. I was there many years ago – it’s one of Sydney’s most popular beaches, especially among the surfers – and Gray has noted that this image is among the most popular in his series, too.

• 22 August 2012 • 3 notes

Olympic Inspiration

If you don’t follow Jackie Magpie, you’re missing out! Celebrating creative living via contributors around the globe, it’s a smart and inspiring site. And I just had to re-blog these photographs they shared last week in honor of the Olympics’ conclusion.

Says the author: “I have loved watching the Games this year and found myself gripped by so many sports that have never even slightly interested me before. The buzz from London has been contagious. My new favorite has to be the delightfully strange and undeniably hardcore sport of synchronized swimming. I am totally in awe of the spectacular strength and coordination of the swimmers, not to mention the kitsch costumes and the crazed smiles.”

I couldn’t agree more. So enjoy these dreamy underwater images by US artist Jill Greenberg. Au Revoir ladies! See you in Rio, 2016.

beach summer synchronized swimming Jackie Magpie Jill Greenberg art

• 19 August 2012 • 3 notes

Cross Bay, Bermuda

Alright Bermuda, this is getting a little ridiculous!! These pictures are essentially taking themselves…

This island has exceeded my expectations. I’ve been to some amazing beaches around the world – from the Caribbean to Australia to Indonesia – but there is something very special about Bermuda. Beyond the obviously exquisite beaches and lush green landscapes, there is a strong sense of community and national pride. Strict real estate and foreign investment policies ensure that Bermudians can continue to reside and work here, preserving a legacy of island culture and custom. There are no chains here. No Marriotts. I hit every part of the country and observed a steady middle class, not a stratified system that you often encounter on holiday in other islands.

You can’t exactly capture this Bermudian spirit via photography, but I believe it contributes to the natural splendor and beauty of island.

Bermuda Cross Bay beach travel vacation Southampton

• 13 August 2012 • 2 notes

Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda

Suntanned and swizzled in Bermuda. Behold one of the country’s most beautiful beaches, Horseshoe Bay, in Southampton Parish.

Bermuda travel Horseshoe Bay beach

• 3 August 2012 • 2 notes

Behold today’s office space: my Sid Vicious beach towel, designed by Elizabeth Peyton for Works on Whatever (WOW). I’ve written about them before, but they’re a collection of artist-produced functional objects commissioned by Art Production Fund. You can purchase this – and a variety of other cool towels by WOW - here.

Elizabeth Peyton WOW (Works on Whatever) art beach towel summer beach Sid Vicious

• 23 July 2012 • 3 notes

One year later and Argentine accessories label Valeria Smith still has one of the best summer ad campaigns I’ve seen. Cheeky, modern, beautifully shot.

Argentina Valeria Smith advertising campaigns fashion summer beach

• 12 July 2012