CC Interview: Acclaimed Artist Dai Ying

 Darlings, CC is delighted to introduce you to Chinese-born world-renowned artist Dai Ying, a luminary in the realm of contemporary painting, installations, and performance art! She weaves intricate narratives of tradition and feminist-inspired innovation through her captivating creations. Presently residing in New York, Los Angeles, and Beijing, Dai Ying recently showed at New York’s Future Fair at Chelsea Industrial in tandem with the Frieze. She also partnered with the Pashmina Art Gallery in Hamburg, Germany where she's donating some works of art for their Louis Vuitton and Dior sponsored art auction benefiting the rescue of Asian street dogs.

Below, see CC's interview with Ms. Ying:

CC: Ms. Dai, thank you so much for sharing with Couture Carrie readers!

How do you utilize your art to channel your emotional experience？

DY: I use mixed media painting, installation, performance art, and other creative methods and media art languages to convey my emotions.

Temple, installation, 2020, marble, printmaking paper, galvanized iron sheet

CC: I also lived in New York for 6 years! What are your favorite spots in the city (museums, stores, restaurants, parks, etc.)?

DY: I like MoMA. All the art spaces and galleries with the latest exhibitions are places I often visit.

Give Me a Piece of Heaven and Earth 给我一片天地, 2023, 120 x 80 cm, oil on canvas

M-Theory 2 超弦理论M 2, 2015 - 2016, made with Chinese paint, Japanese paint, acrylic paint, marker, and Chinese rice paper

CC: You’ve graciously donated some of your work to the Pashmina Art Gallery in Hamburg, Germany for its upcoming Louis Vuitton and Dior sponsored art auction to benefit the rescue of Asian street dogs. I am a dog walker and pet sitter, so animals are dear to me, too! What inspired you to choose this cause?

DY: This charity auction is hosted and organized by Ms. Maria, the largest collector of German Expressionist art globally. She is a passionate animal rescuer, saving over 100 stray dogs from Asia each year and finding them homes in Europe. The Pashmina Art Gallery in Hamburg provided support for the space for this event. I was invited by Ms. Maria to participate in this charity auction in Hamburg. I donated a small piece I created in 2016, "Great Love, Saving All Lives," which was auctioned for 5000 euros by a kind collector. Louis Vuitton and Dior also donated their products for this charity auction, but they are not the sponsors for the event. The proceeds will go towards helping stray dogs in Asia. For me, it is the respect for life and natural compassion that inspired me to do this.

The artist in her 2023 installation Suddenly Moon White, holding soil from Suzhou.
Many thanks to Dai Ying and her translator for this amazing interview!
xoxox,
CC

CC Interview with Sotheby's Jewelry Expert Tiffany Dubin!

Darlings, CC is super excited to introduce you to Tiffany Dubin, Senior Business Development Executive at Sotheby's auction house in New York! Ms. Dubin, an art and jewelry expert, recently curated (with London gallery owner Louisa Guinness) a pop-up exhibition of art-inspired jewelry. "Sculpture to Wear" will be on view at Sotheby's East Hampton from August 3 through August 28, 2021. If you can't make it out to the Hamptons to see the show, not to worry! CC had the incredible opportunity to interview Ms. Dubin. Please see my queries and her brilliant responses below!

Favorite Artist: Gustav Klimt the Austrian Symbolist painter however I love everything from that era.

Klimt, Portrait of Baroness Elisabeth Bachoven Echt, c. 1914.

Favorite piece from Sculpture to Wear

The William Copley’s  necklace with the naked girls running around.  I was introduced to Copley’s a few years back through an exhibit Adam Lindeman curated a few years back and was struck by his American Pop Art sensibility mixed with Surrealist humor and riffing sexuality. 

The necklace he made for Louisa Guinness shows his high style, with ten of his cartoonish figures suspended from a circular link chain.  This is an object that can be played with and manipulated in various ways. I think this is the absolute expression of the artist’s DNA.  However I am also obsessed with the Man Ray lips based on his 1936 surrealist painting.  The surrealists believed in the concept of the devouring woman... Well I would like to devour that necklace! 

 

How does your current career differ from what you envisioned doing when you were at Georgetown?

When I was at Georgetown I studied Eastern European affairs and thought I was going into the diplomatic corp. I had visions of being Keri Russell on The Americans.  Instead I am an art world version of a character in “Call my Agent” keeping clients happy and business afloat. 

As a former boutique owner (I miss Henri Bendel!), what are your go-to shops, online and/or brick-and-mortar, for the most fabulous clothing and accessories?

My go to for this summer has been Reformation introduced to me by my daughter.  I love AmandaRossGirl, Soler in London, I still look for old favorites on eBay, theRealReal, obsessed with Live Auctioneers, Matches based out of London, Moda Operandi.  

Who is your favorite fashion designer, past or present? Which label do you currently wear most?

I have to say I dress in a bit of a hodgepodge of old YSL, old Valentino,  70s silk blouses, adapted vintage items I update to today with a superb dressmaker. 

I do have a Chanel ballet slipper habit but buy them on eBay. 

They are just super comfy to me.  

Cotton and grosgrain ballerinas, at chanel.com.

However my favorite designer of all time is not a fashion designer but a mind blowingly talented jewelry designer named Rene Biovin who ironically was related to Paul Poiret.  As a disco child from the 80’s I am obsessed with her version of disco jewelry in the 30’s and have managed to collect a few of her brooches since they have been a bit under the radar. 

Rene Biovin Art Deco necklace.

If you could visit only one museum or gallery for the rest of time, which one would you choose?

I think it would be a choice between the Louvre or placing myself at Peggy Guggenheim house/museum in Venice and having constant revolving artist shows come in and out every time there was a new biennale.  

If I did that I would probably channel the Marchesa Luisa de Casati and hold legendary soirées and look to spot today’s new Fortuny or Poiret. I agree with her; there is too much sameness in the world and one should be a work of art.

 

Of all the places you've lived or visited, which is/was your favorite? 

I am madly, deeply in love with Capri and my fantasy in life is to have a fabulous house in Capri where I could have constantly  revolving groups of friends who were artists, philosophers, writers, thinkers from all parts of life join me.

A big CC thank you to Ms. Dubin and to Ron Boling of Jonathan Marder + Co. in NYC for the intro!

xoxox,

CC

Cool Coloring Book Giveaway!

Darlings, CC is so excited to introduce you to contemporary artist Shantell Martin, whose beautiful book comes out today! Wave: A Journey Through the Sea of Imagination for the Adventurous Colorist is a beautifully illustrated continuous nine-foot panel featuring an ever-changing whimsical illustration inspired by Japanese horizontal narrative scrolls.

Available for purchase at a amazon.com.

Fabulous news, darlings:

CC has one of these amazingly illustrated Shantell Martin coloring books to give away to one lucky Couture Carrie reader!

See more at shantellmartin.com and follow the author on Twitter @shantell_martin.

Five Day Giveaway:

To enter, simply leave a relevant comment on this post!

Limit one entry per blogger. Open to U.S. Residents.

Good luck, darlings!

xoxox,

CC

Perfect Pumps

Darlings, CC is so excited to introduce you to Taylor Says, a spectacular range of shoes with trademark hidden platforms and colorful, arty soles.  The artist and designer behind the name is the lovely Taylor Reeve.  Here's a bit about her from the website:
"The self described 'crazy blondie from Southern California' has made a name for herself by painting unconventional mediums from motorcycles to surf boards. She has worked for Quicksilver, Bell Helmets, Dragon Alliance, and Skullcandy and now brings her talents to the fierce modern woman through Taylor Says.
This sassy shoe line features one-of-a-kind designs inspired by bright colors, vivid dreams and the desire to live and take in each moment. Taylor's vision is to create designs that allow today's woman to show off her individuality. 'My high heels are all about having fun, expressing yourself and living it up!' Keep an eye on this fearless young lady. With her fresh approach to wearable art, Taylor Reeve is quickly climbing the fashion ladder, in stilettos no doubt!"
 CC is super smitten with these perfect pumps.  All items at taylorsays.com.

Blondie.

Jane.

Kaida.

CC has and absolutely adores! 

The snakeskin-effect leather is super sophisticated, and the hidden platform lengthens the leg for an amazingly flattering look, whether you wear these pretty pumps with your favorite pair of jeans or with a fabulous cocktail dress to your next holiday party.

Lipstix.

Melons.

Pink Lady.

Rummy.

Sydney.

Talia.

Which of these perfect pumps do you prefer?

Be sure to like Taylor Says on Facebook so you can keep up with all the fabulousness, darlings!

xoxox,

CC

Haute Accessories by Vivienne Kelly

Darlings, CC is so excited to introduce you to NYC-based designer Kelly Brett, creator of Vivienne Kelly, a line that is fierce, independent and defines her own style.  Her passion to create unique hand painted pieces using a variety of techniques such as paint splatter, color blocking and graffiti prints stems from her core belief of daring to be different.  Visionaries such as architect Antoni Gaudi, who she was exposed to while living in Barcelona, left a profound impact on the spirit of her work.  (Btw, Gaudi is one of CC's favorite artists!)  Through her leadership, Kelly continues to expand and not only offer custom one-of-a-kind pieces, but also put forth designs that reflect the elegance, beauty and complexity she envisions accessorizing today’s modern woman.  CC hopes you enjoy these haute accessories, all available at viviennekelly.com.

Splattered clutch in red.

Talen ring in mint.

Adriana earrings in pink and lavender.

Animal print chain bangle.

Aziza bangle with gold mica.

Juliette earrings in black and gold.

Lily bracelet in coral.

Lina collar necklace in red.

Lori ring.

Patricia necklace in red ~ CC has and absolutely adores...

The paint splatter details are so fun and fabulous!

Which of these pretty pieces do you prefer?

Be sure to like Vivienne Kelly on Facebook and follow Vivienne Kelly on Twitter so you can keep up with all the gorgeousness, darlings!

xoxox,

CC

Peter Breese Prints & Giveaway!

Darlings, CC is so excited to again be featuring artist Peter Breese, whose spectacular paintings, prints and lithographs have been shown in galleries all over the country.

Peter Breese’s artwork has appeared in a variety of publications, including The New Devil’s Dictionary, Spectrum 18, They Draw & Cook, Creative Quarterly 25, Me: In focus, Covet, and Ballad Of. His artwork has been exhibited in galleries in Los Angeles, Dallas, Denver, Ann Arbor, and Key West, and his commissioning clients range from fashion boutiques to Hollywood stars.  All artwork at peterbreese.com.

Atomic K.O.

Black Swan

Glam

Icarus Supersonic

Kitty Kat

Neon Lights

Tron 2010 

Wonder Woman 

WrENCH

Fabulous news, darlings!  CC and PB have three (3) gorgeous prints to give away to three (3) lucky CC readers!   Seven Day Contest: To enter, simply "like" Peter Breese on Facebook and tell CC you have done so in the comments section of this post! CC will randomly select a Grand Prize winner, a First Prize winner, and a Second Prize winner on July 2, 2012.  The Grand Prize winner will receive an 18 x 24" Kitty Kat print, and the First and Second Prize winners will each receive a smaller Motor City Sirens print. Good luck, darlings! xoxox, CC P.S. Be sure to check out Peter Breese's Etsy shop, too!

A Scarf for All Seasons & Chickdowntown.com Giveaway!

First things first, darlings! The winner of CC’s EmbellishedByJessica Headband Giveaway is the lovely Redhead Fashionista ~ congrats, darling!
Illustration of Tolani scarves at right custom created for CC by Charmaine D'Silva. Thank you so much, darling! Visit this talented young artist's site here.

Global warming and trans-seasonal dressing have coalesced to give us that most coveted of accessories: the all-season scarf! These runway photos, which vary from Fall 2009 to Resort 2001 to Spring 2010, show the versatility of this must-have piece! Pics via style.com except where noted.
Aquascutum
Bottega Veneta Resort
Chanel Resort
Danielle Scutt, via nymag.com
Dsquared2
Eley Kishimoto, via nymag.com
Erdem Resort
Halston
Isaac Mizrahi Resort
Isabel Marant

Jonathan Saunders Resort
Marc Jacobs, via nymag.com
Missoni
Rag & Bone Resort
Ralph Lauren, via nymag.com
Richard Nicoll Resort
Richard Nicoll, via nymag.com
Roberto Cavalli
Vivienne Westwood Red Label, via nymag.com

Fabulous news, darlings!
CC and Chickdowntown.com have one of these fabulous Tolani Turquoise Pebbles scarves to give away to a lucky CC reader! This scarf is super-soft and well-constructed. And the color is even more brilliant in person! Two Day Contest: To enter, simply leave a relevant comment on this post! Limit one entry per blogger. International Fellow Fashionistas welcome! Best of luck, darlings!
xoxox,
CC