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Portfolio
All Tradition was once Innovation- Dec. 8, 2008
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A Blue Christmas doesn't have to be sad. | | | [ click thumbnails to open in a larger window ] |
As stressful as the Holiday Season can be I will say, artistically, I love that there are very few decorating rules. More evidence that meaningful themes can really carry an interior. So, whether it's your friend's much debated collection of pink reindeer, or some other defining and unorthodox display, it all can work wonderfully if executed with a sense of purpose. Once again demonstrating the powerful design doctrine of personality and risk. But what if you don't have a personal collection? What if your holiday theme has become a bit stale, expected or common? Well, then tis' the season of innovation and new beginnings is it not?
Every holiday tradition was once a new thought. Perhaps even a risky personal introduction. Imagine the first set of blinking tree lights, the first silver foil Christmas wreath without a red bow, or even the first cake with imbedded chunks of fruit. I am certain these former innovations, now long standing traditions (icons), were met with plenty of resistence from dissapproving seasonal purists. So, in an effort to ruffle a few more holiday feathers...let's create! I always seem to start with something I love or loved. A color, an icon or an item I remember fondly from seasons past. My grandmother Sassano had a polarizing silver foil tree with bubbling icicle lights. Vegas had nothing on this carnival. It might not have been everyone's chosen theme, but the style had guts, and it worked. Above all, it was her. A visual explosion of silvers, saturated contrasting color, and mid-century modern innovation that broke the rules of midwestern seasonal timidity. More than just Christmas decoration, this display spoke to her passion for color and frivolity. After all, she had an entirely pink Master Bedroom. Lace, satin, cotton. All pink. No apologies. Her seasonal decorating was just as self confident. My grandmother Aksamit collected and displayed Nativity scenes from all over the world. Her proud example of the universal concept of Christmas and it's many international expressions. Of course, she never missed an opportunity to express her Polish pride and the work ethic needed to survive in a world that wasn't always fair. A little heavier Christmas banter, but it had substance. It was her. And her perspectives resonate with me to this day. Do you see where I'm going? Seasonal decorating is much more interesting when interiors reveal something about you and the season. Not just the holiday. Your seasonal decor should share your special holiday history, and even your unique perspectives on the meaning of the season. In this time of giving, start a theme and share it. If you already have one or several, evolve them. Look to express your existing theme with evidence of growth and dimension. Trust me, the best displays or the changes made to them, spark conversation and thought. I can't think of a more perfect platform for this season of entertaining. Pink reindeer or not, find something you love and collect it. Create and share, and please stand by your crafted innovation. Without personality, there is no sharing. Without risk, there is no conversation. Please don't set the table for another holiday filled with polite, half hearted compliments and surface discussion. Even with all of the hollow fanfare and suffocating schedules, there is tremendous meaning in the season no matter what your background. With all the commercial shrapnel flying in your face, you may have to focus and search a bit harder. But you'll find it. After all, the creative process is amazingly therapeutic. So, whether your theme involves a provocative new color scheme, or only something you visually share at this time of the year(take it easy)...if you cultivate it. Nurture it, and then share it with the one's you love in the spirit of remembrance, reflection and unity...that special holiday tradition isn't far behind. Thanks again for your curious click. More next week. The best to all. - Philip Sassano (Comments: info@refinedrustic.com) | |
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