Bye Bye 2011, Hello 2012!

with my kids Annemarth and Mauk (26 december 2011)

For the last few weeks I have been quiet on all fronts: Blog, Facebook, Twitter...... Mid December I just crashed. Exhausted, in bed with the worst flue in years. My body forced me to take a rest, but my mind kept wandering, especially about all the things that have happened last year and how to go forward.
2011 has been a year of enormous growth. We did our first trade shows in Highpoint, New York and Paris, added more product ranges and designs, received great media coverage. I met inspiring people, including Jonathan Adler and Maxwell Gillingham. More designers and retailers support the brand Mariska Meijers Amsterdam and last but not least the social media support has been fantastic. But in between successes I had many doubts and insecurities as well. Am I good enough, can I keep up with the pace...... I have had days that I felt I was all over the place, losing focus. I just so much admire colleagues who just seem to manage everything effortlessly. I could make a long list of do's and don'ts for 2012.....I could but I won't.....

What I envisage for the New Year is that I will continue to believe in myself. I will continue to do my best every day to the best of MY ability, whether it is being a mother, (girl) friend, daugther, sister, artist, designer, marketeer, employer.... I will not worry (too much) about what others say about me. I will continue to trust my heart and gut feeling and be grateful for all the support and positive feedback I receive. I will continue to embrace life with all its ups and downs and be happy with the choices I have made.

Thank you for your support and patience and I wish you all a wonderful 2012, making time to chase your OWN
dreams!

"Man, alone, has the power to transform his thoughts into physical reality; man, alone, can dream and make his dreams come true." Napoleon Hill

The 2nd edition of HeartHome magazine has arrived!

Huge compliment for editors-in-chief Carole King and Arianna Trapani and art editor Daniel Nelson for yet another "tour de force". The 2nd edition is filled with fabulous (holiday) inspiration and interviews with even more fabulous inspiring people like bird of paradise Zandra Rhodes, Design Sponge's Grace Bonney and ELLE Decoration's newly proclaimed Designer of the Year Mr Lee Broom!!!
pssssss For this issue I worked with the HeartHome team on a feature on my wonderful hometown Amsterdam (on which I will do a separate post).
It is a must read so click here and absorbe!  Note: all pictures in this post are via HeartHomeMag

Museum Talk

 Charles in a Striped Jersey (Henri Evenpoel, 1898)

Mauk in a Striped Jersey (hallway @ home)

 

new facade Stedelijk Museum

 

inside the new exhibition hall @ Stedelijk Museum

One of my Eclectic Interiors (100x100cm, oil on canvas)

on show @ Wereldmuseum Rotterdam 

Last week was all about museums for me both as visitor and exhibitor.

VAN GOGH MUSEUM AMSTERDAM

At the Van Gogh Museum I saw Snapshot. Painters and Photography, 1888-1915 an exhibition that zooms in on artists' everyday live. On show are phothographs and paintings by George Hendrik Breitner, Pierre Bonnard, Maurice Denis, Henri Evenpoel, Henri Rivière, Felix Valloton and Edouard Vuillard. The exhibition gives an great insight on the creative process of these painters. 

My favourite of this exhibition is a painting (and matching photograph) by Evenpoel "Charles in a Striped Jersey". Dated 1898, but looking so unbelievably modern and touching (Charles was his illegitimate child). I went back twice to study this wonderful painting and made me laugh at my own attempt a few years back to paint a portrait of my son Mauk (in a striped jersey). I guess I will never become a portrait painter....
The exhibition will run from 14 October 2011 to 8 January 2012 at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam(and in Washington from February to April 2012, and in Indianapolis from June to early September 2012).

STEDELIJKE MUSEUM AMSTERDAM
Our "MoMa" closed for many years for extensive renovation, to be re-opened in 2012. I was lucky to get a sneak preview last Friday when the spectacular white main entrance façade of the Stedelijk Museum was officially revealed by means of a lightshow (and meeting the architect Mels Crouwel of BenthemCrouwel).

WERELD MUSEUM ROTTERDAM
In connection with the exhibition Future Pass two of my paintings will be on show and the Museum store has added my designs to their collection. The exhibition will run from December 8 to March 11, 2012.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend. I am flying off to London!

 

Black Friday teams up with the Weekend Proffer

Being Dutch I am not really familiar with Black Friday. Wikipedia says: "
Black Friday is the day following Thanks Giving Day in the United States, traditionally the beginning of the Christmas Shopping season. On this day, most major retailers open extremely early, often at 4 a.m., or earlier, and offer promotional sales to kick off the shopping season.
So Black Friday teams up beautifully with my recent tradition of the Weekend Proffer. I am offering my giclees and screenprints (any design) normally €170 (ex shipping) for €120 (including shipping, even international!). If you are interested send us an email at info@mariskameijers.com.
For more designs check our webstore but to receive the deal order by email! Wishing you all a Black but Happy Friday!

Belated Weekend Proffer & British Interior Design Magazine Heart Home

Working weekend with Arianna Trapani of HeartHomeMag 

 

and with Carole King of HeartHomeMag

Photographer Wouter van Ierssel at work

for HeartHomeMag at Bridges (Sofitel The Grand Amsterdam)

Belated Weekend Proffer In Bloom Green tray table

Oh yes I did not forget about the Weekend Proffer but I was having a wonderful time working with the team of British online Magazine HeartHome on a feature for their next issue (to be launched December 8). Their next issue will be filled with so much inspiration and holiday goodies so mark your diaries!
The belated Proffer is the In Bloom Green tray table, hand made in Scandinavia made out of FSC cerified birchwood (65cm) with a foldeable black metal base. Normally €325 now €260 including shipping. If you are interested drop me an email at  info@mariskameijers.com. There is only one available at this Proffer price!

Thursday's Pep Talk: Isaac Mizrahi on fashion and creativity

"..as a matter of fact a lot of my design ideas come from mistakes and tricks of the eye because I feel there are so many images out there, so many clothes and the only ones that look interesting to me are the ones that look slightly mistaken ofcourse or very suprising.."

    ISAAC MIZRAHI

When I am having a lunch break at my desk one of my favourite habits is to tap into TEDtalks.
After watching one or two talks I always feel inspired and full of positive energy, ready to take on the rest of the day. Today I saw a 2008 funny, inspiring, uplifting talk by Isaac Mizrahi. This made me also go to his website which besides his collections includes a videoblog and web-i-sodes. Mizrahi is so much more than a fashion designer and thank got he is not striving for perfection!

Isaac Mizrahi on fashion and creativity | Video on TED.com

Introducing the Weekend PROFFER

Proffer? Is that a word? Yes it is! According to Wikipedia the word proffer is derived from Anglo-French "por-", forth, and offrir, to offer. The act of proffering involves making an offer prior to any formal negotiations.

So what does it mean when I say I am introducing the Weekend Proffer? It means that every weekend I will make a special offer regarding a painting, drawing, limited edition print or a product from my range. You can confirm or negotiate by email if you like the artwork or product. The email exchange will remain private of course.
For this weekend the proffer is a Graphic Blossom in Pink giclee. Distinctive, colourful, limited edition of 50, signed and numbered. This approximate 36x43cm giclee on German etching paper fits perfectly in a standard frame 50x60cm. Shipped rolled in a tube unframed. Normally €160, proffer price €100 including shipment! NOTE: although this is a limited edition of 50 I offer ONLY ONE giclee at this price. Interested? Drop me an email at info@mariskameijers.com

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mariska

3 Things that made my Wednesday

GENEROUS HAPPY CLIENTS

I received this beautiful blue & white teapot from a very generous and happy client. Great subject to paint and I am using it in my Studio now. It is a perfect match with my blue Ikat trays (available amongst others through my webstore, for retailers check here).

MY NOTEBOOKS ARRIVED!!!
Excited to finally receive my first note and address books from my publisher. They came out beautifully. Two designs, available in size A6 and A5.  Hardcover, bound, 144 pages (left blank, right ruled), contrasting green elastic closure and matching green lining inside. They also have a rear inner pocket like Moleskine does (available amongst others through my webstore, for retailers check here).

PAINTING
Just spend a whole day in the Studio painting. FINALLY after all the travel, tradefairs and other stuff, stuff and more stuff......

Dark but Happy Monday!

 

Monday morning, outside it is a bit gloomy, inside I am enjoying my (new) dark walls (above just a sneak peek, soon more about revamping my house on the blog). Have to say I have had the most fantastic, relaxing weekend since ages. Friday I had the honour attending the 5th Stars, Food & Art event at Sofitel The Grand in Amsterdam. A culinary feast/charity event organized by my friend Lise Goeman Borgesius of Clafoutis. 6 chefs, in total 13 Michelin Stars, including Sergio Herman, Jean-Andre Charial, Erik van Loo, Giovanni D'Amato, Lucas Rive and Emmanuel Renaut. Yes I confess I am a food groupie!

Have a beautiful week everyone!

 Cake of Piece, Sergio Herman***

 More deliciousness...

  Proud of Lise!

 Having a groupie moment flanked by 4 Michelin stars Lucas Rive** 

and Eric van Loo**

Sporting Arts - The London 2012 Olympic Posters Unveiled

Sports and arts unite as the 2012 Olympic posters were unveiled at the Tate. An impressive group of British artists, including Tracy Emin, Bridget Riley and Rachel Whitebread are responsible for the designs. To see all go to BBC News.
Which one is your favourite? I find it hard to choose!

The picture below was my painting for the Dutch Ladies Olympic Hockey team which was also used for cards handed out by the team in Beijing in 2008 where they won Gold.The painting was auctioned for the charity "Spieren voor Spieren".

Highpoint Market, Meeting Maxwell Gillingham and beyond

 With Maxwell Gillingham after his "Rocket Fuel" 

 breakfast talk

Our showroom at Suites at Market Square, Highpoint

I have really toured the world this year. Debuting my designs in Paris, New York and Highpoint, the last two with my wonderful US distributor Interdecorations.
I came back from Highpoint last Saturday, tired but thrilled with all the positive responses. I have been trying to take some time off this week, spending time with my kids, Halloween, taking siestas, had my hair coloured, browsed for vintage books and in between just a little bit of work.

During Highpoint we have been totally consumed, mainly spending time in our showroom, talking to designers, boutique and department stores. The best experience outside the showroom was a short escape to hear Maxwell Gillingham founder of Apartment Therapy speak. OK one can build a perfectly popular and engaging site/platform but that doesn't always mean the person behind it reflects this as well. But after hearing Gillingham speak there is only one conclusion: Gillingham = Apartment Therapy (with the support of his fantastic team of course).
Gillingham is a natural speaker, he is genuine, entertaining and really knows how to open people's eyes and mind. Every word he says has value I especially loved "Your home is a path, not a place".
Gillingham's road has not been an easy one and with his "twisty and turny" but extremely inspiring journey he infuses confidence in others to follow their passion (and it made me extra proud of my AT showcase nomination in which I landed 7th).
So thank you Maxwell for your "Rocket Fuel" talk but also sponsors Withit (Women's Leadership Development Network) and IHFC for organizing this fantastic #Hpmkt event.

And what is up next for me? Working on new designs to show in Paris and New York in January 2012. My collection is growing slowly but steadily and so is our client base. One can not conquer the world overnight although my impatient character wishes otherwise of course. Building a brand takes time, never losing confidence in yourself is vital, my road is "twisty and turny" and I hope that you are willing to bear with me during my bumpy despite my little disappearing acts. I am not making promises but I will do my best to suprise you with more frequent postings in the coming months!

Have an inspiring and passionate weekend! xox

On my bookshelves soon: The World of Muriel Brandolini

Colourful stylish Muriel Brandolini

The World of Muriel Brandolini

pillow avaliable through Barneys NY

The one good thing about heading with extreme speed to Christmas is that my wish list will soon be fulfilled!
One of THE items on my list is The World of Muriel Brandolini, a book which I came across through a tweet by Barneys NY). I have been a long time admirer of Brandolini's work. What immediately attracted me were her Asian infused interiors, but always perfectly mixed with contemporary art and antiques. She is a true master when it comes to mixing different styles and fearless when it comes to using colour (although the cover of her book would like you to believe differently).  I love the way her work has evolved over the years and now finally there is a beautiful book covering her fabulous projects!

Besides being an interior designer Brandolini has also designed her own fabric line and only recently created a beautiful range of limited edition pillows and small furniture exclusively available at Barneys NY.

New Press: Blue Bird Pillow as "Cover Girl"!!

Blue Bird pillow on the cover 

Interior Designer Eveline Schmitz and Painted Ikat pillows

Blue Bird pillow in the left hand corner

Eveline Schmitz' stunning design work

 White Allium and Painted Ikat pillows in the Atelier

Eveline's stylish living room with spectacular views over

Amsterdam's harbour

One of my first ever clients Dutch interior designer and shop owner Eveline Schmitz has wonderful 14 page article in Dutch glossy RESIDENCE. The feature was styled and photographed by talented couple Sunna & Marc van Praag.
I simply love Eveline's style, her sense of mixing colours, patterns and textures. Her store is incredibly warm and inviting and I am always proud to see my pillow designs mixed with Manual Canovas, Pierre Frey, Etro and many other beautiful brands. I can't thank Eveline enough for supporting my work. I don't think I have had my pillow designs shown 7 times in one feature which also means a big thank you to RESIDENCE and Sunna and Marc van Praag! :).
The November issue is by the way filled with lots of other goodies and inspiration such as features on maison de luxe Pierre Frey,  Neisha Crosland and a beautiful NY appartment decorated by talented designer Iain Halliday.