Treasures from India

There are no words to describe all the cool treasures I found in Goa.

This wall panel is functional as both art and a candle holder. I love the charm of the elephant carving and the colored stain on the wood.

This antique panel measures 11″h x 21″w . I have never seen anything quite like this!

These carved wood elephant bookends were my favorite. Just searching for the right books to display with them.

Now you can see the whole mantle with a painting by textile designer Mabel Martinez. I like to change up the mantle all year.

I think of the mantle as sort of an ongoing art installation, where I can add and subtract things for the season; according to my travels or (my favorite) display garlands and cards near the holidays. Since, we live in an apartment is something refreshing to change and style regularly.

I found these brilliant nesting tables in Goa.

I loved the colors and the composition of the design.

I think we are going to use these as nightstands. One large on one side and two small in a little stair step configuration for my stuff! Sometimes, perfect symmetry in design can be over rated, but balance is a must!

Some of these antiques,  I have to share and others have found a place in our home. I set this gorgeous wood carved mirror on top of a chinese butterfly chest, both of which are for sale. I can picture them together or apart, but I love the way mirrors look propped up on vanities or leaned against walls.

The ornate carving and color of the mirror make it a great focal point. It measures 14″h x 16″w.

For now, I am offering all items here, until I can add Google checkout to PinkPianos…a feature that is coming soon:)

If you want to see more contact me at hilary.hahn@pinkpianos.com , I have a glass lantern, paper stars and an Indian beanbag (flattened and re-filled)  all of which need a home.

Believe me, were there not a limit on suitcases for travel I would have brought more. Literally, it was a sight to see us dragging all of the above through the Chhatrapati Shivaji airport! The nesting tables were the toughest to explain at customs because they had been wrapped and sewn shut in this funky looking burlap (too bad I should have snapped a pic!), people thought something was alive inside of there.

All in all, I know it was worth effort.

Coachella: A backstage pass

I am happily recovering from a cocktail of jet lag and a desert music festival. I have rejuvenated enough to share with you an insider’s glimpse of the backstage art at the Coachella Valley Music Festival held annually just outside of Palm Springs.

This is my third year collaborating as an artist and 2nd year in the Art Department backstage. I designed 8 paintings for the event in all, most of them sitting in a little office from a window in Mumbai.

I also spent lots of time styling the trailers with a team of amazing artists led by Mary Anne Campagna. Here is a slideshow of my favorite little tableaus from the dressing rooms. These are the ones quickly styled by me.

Art credits: 1. Concept by Mary Anne Campagna 2. Hilary Hahn 3. Hilary Hahn 4. Mary Anne Campagna 5. Mary Anne Campagna 6. Andrea Chavez 7. Mary Anne Campagna 8. Andrea Chavez

The artwork is contributed by many talented artists, whose bios I hope to share soon! In this set I designed art for She and Him, Infected Mushroom, and Florence and the Machine.

Her songs are catchy and edgy at once. She has a great energy and her performance did not disappoint.

The polo fields are full of large light installations that you can see here!

I’m sure many have heard of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, but man, I am in love with this band!

I really enjoy the Art Direction in this video.

What can I say?
I. dig. these. guys.

Now that I’m back, this weekend I have so much to catch you up on, I will share my collection of finds from Mumbai along with a sweet photography shop and DIY photo collage for that vacant wall you’ve been needing to fill.

Indian blogs to love

I did something daring yesterday in Mumbai. I met with blogger, Vineeta Nair, whose blog, ArtnLight, I’ve been following over the last six months. We met just outside of the Lotus Cafe, a famous spot to lunch at the J.W. Marriot in Juhu, Mumbai. I could go on and on about the food, the ambiance, the extravagance of the surroundings, but what  I really want to share with you is Vineeta. She is a refreshing source for design ideas and creative energy here in the city.

As an artist, she does paintings, collage, and has a photographer’s eye. One thing, she designs beautifully are these decoupaged trays. You can see all the love and spirit that goes into making them unique.

Here in India, these are used often as serving trays for tea and home decor. Sometimes, I find the thing we do can be a work of genius, that said, here’s a look at Vineeta’s first tray design.

When visiting ArtnLight, you’ll notice pages of well curated banners, buttons, and photography. Therein, Vineeta’s background as an Art Director shines through. It was exciting to meet the person behind the blog!

I’d like to thank Vineeta for being such a fun and delightful host yesterday.

I have scoured the web for other fascinating Indian bloggers because the palette here is so vibrant and the objects are captivating. If you are in the mood for further enchantment, then you must read on!

Now get out there and explore;)

Star Light, Star Bright

I am so loving all the Paper Lanterns that I spotted this weekend in Goa. They are providing me new inspiration. Although, they are traditionally a Catholic decoration and very common here in India, I’d love to see the lanterns used as interior decor.

Seeing Stars, Original photo by .TDub via Flickr

This talented photographer has captured them exquisitely.

Photo courtesy of Captured Moments Photography via Flickr.

I can see the all white one used in bundles or how about this Morrocan star lamp that I found on Apartment Therapy? This light really adds something to the room.

Since Goa is a beach-y place, I’d love to add some of these to the sea and surf room I am currently designing.

Goa + O Hotel

I’m sinking into relaxation mode in lush and festive Goa. My visit here officially feels like a vacation with expansive views like these.

Staying at the O Hotel has felt like an exotic retreat.

Some amenities here include an infinity style pool, rain shower, and spa. Mostly, what I like is the unique architecture and art.

As I am posting this, I sit in the restaurant lounge sipping Masala chai. Above, is a glimpse of the airy restaurant from dinner last night. They offer tasty Asian, Pan Asian, and Chinese cuisines.

Now, onto the highlight of the morning, if I had to pick….

was stumbling into Buddha Arts, a lovely shop located right on the main road. Filled with antiques and treasures…

It’s a trove of sculptures, salvaged panels, and extraordinary novelties. If you are like me this is the really good stuff.

This window built to shelter a deity, and hanging sculptures are just some of the interesting finds. I took home a patchwork pouf, elephant bookends, and antique carved mirror that I cannot wait to find a home (pictures of these are on the way;)

I hope you have all been transported here, for a moment, if only for a tea.