After your walls, the most natural place to put a piece of art is around your neck. Hermès has been partnering with artists to design their iconic scarves for years, after all, and the concept of translating abstract art into neckpieces has also recently been explored by Houston’s Manoosh, which creates gauzy textiles out of the abstract paintings of artist Marilyn Biles.
That’s the concept behind Houston-based Rozendove, which wants to create a platform for local and international artists to manufacture, market and sell their work in new ways. The company has partnered with 20 local and international artists to re-interpret their work on silk scarves for its first limited-edition collection.
The collection ranges from the colorful, geometric work of prolific Houston street artist Daniel Anguilu to the monochrome study of flowers by Iraqi-born Houston artist Nazar Yahya. Among the artists who are represented in the collection are Houston’s Shelbi Nicole, Betirri Bengtson, Soody Sharifii and Michael Golden, alongside international talents like Toronto’s Kareem Risan, London’s Ali Jabbar and New Jersey-based Danielle Frankenthal.
Rozendove’s 100-percent silk scarves start at $275 for a 36x36-inch square, with slightly higher prices for rectangular scarf designs by Anguilu and others.
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Rozendove NOW AVAILABLE at BAANOU
Saba and Sarah Jawda have a successful design business and a crowded social calendar, the combination of which one might think would keep them pretty busy. And yet for the third year in a row, the Jawdas have dedicated their December to hosting a holiday pop-up shop.
The smallish showroom space is filled with highly giftable goods overflowing from shelves and tables, most of which are brands that are either based in or have some connection to Houston. The spread includes paper goods from Mode Living, thick, luxurious socks from Mr. Grey, Rozendoves′ artful scarves, apothecary and candles from Manready Mercantile, Bartaille bags, high-end art/design magazines via Tomo Mags, plus a few kid-friendly treats and jewelry that ranges from simple leather bracelets to stackable gemstone necklaces. Also on offer: Saba Jawda’s abstract paintings and Sarah Jawda’s cheeky illustrated cards and prints.
Inch for inch, this just might the most target-rich gift spot in town. I also love the friendly price range—cards and other treats (candy!) start under $10, with plenty of accessories for men and women between $15 and $50 right next to splurges like stunning Houston-made leather duffel bags priced at $600.
The Jawda and Jawda Holiday Pop-Up Shop is located at 1919 Missouri St. in Montrose and lasts through Dec. 22.
Syd Moen never imagined she would be able to make a living as a photographer. It was simply a hobby, but an expensive one, so she never pursued it in a serious way. But then the digital era arrived, and her world changed.
Moen, a Houston native who grew up in Montrose and studied architecture at University of Houston, is now known for her photographs referred to as “Little Planets,” a unique style of work that incorporates 360-degree perspective.
“I consider myself an artist before a photographer,” Moen says. “I’ve always had a vision in my mind, but it’s how to make it work that is the challenge.”
She plans her photographs according to three key components: 1) Have an interesting sky — “I am always chasing clouds in my work.” 2) Have a focal point; And 3) Have an intriguing foreground. If you can at least accomplish two of the three keys, the picture is in good shape, Moen notes.
Moen also collaborates with other talents to produce public spectacles and installations. Her most recent project in this direction was for SITE (Silos Installation Transdisciplinary Exhibition) at the Washington Avenue Arts District historic silos, which she co-produced with Gary Watson. The work examined the Riviana Rice facility’s agrarian heritage.
“Change of Perspective,” Moen’s exhibition (March 3 at The Houston Club) for FotoFest, will showcase her digitally manipulated panoramic photographs. The show will feature a variety of Houston spots, including her latest image, taken from the dizzying perspective of the One Shell Plaza roof.
“I suppose what I’m striving for in my art is a crossroads between reality and surrealism,” Moen says. “In this series I present an unusual or nonhuman perspective in an effort to expose the spirit and purpose underneath the physical world. My ultimate goal is to enlist the viewer as a collaborator, allowing them to control the significance of what they see.”
Moen’s latest project takes her into the fashion world, via images emblazoned on silk scarfs. She and several other Spring Street artists have collaborated with RozeNdove to create a miniature world you can wear around your neck. The line also includes pocket squares.
“Throughout the years I have experimented with numerous artistic media. However, I always come back to photography as the core resource for my self-expression,” Moen writes. “In creating a stereographic projection, I use my experience in photographic imagery and spatial thinking. I am interested in the physical world and in magnifying the abstractions and juxtapositions found within it.”
She’s an artist whose work is well worth knowing.
Model Olivia Reagan wearing our scarf by our Artist partner Mahmoud Obaidi
Flyer from a recent event...
Behind the scenes look at our scarves being printed in Como, Italy
