MADE IN THE SLADE
It was a full house at the McLean Gallery in Malibu the other night as art lovers eyed the latest creations by Carol Slade. The unique mixed media exhibit is a kaleidoscope of color with dazzling tangerines, brilliant blues, emerald greens and chocolate browns.
In addition to her vibrant hues, Slade’s abstract oils contain tiny surprises, tucked away like hidden clues to a treasure hunt. Look closely and you’ll spot a scrap of sheet music, a torn piece of newsprint, a leftover train ticket, a ripped bit of roadmap, a remnant of wrapping paper, an Italian postage stamp.
The self-taught artist has a natural eye for color, pairing shades of mahogany with ox-blood red, electric blue with lemon yellow and pale pink with pistachio.
Drawing from modern masters like Kandinsky, her whimsical shapes and squiggles seem to float in mid air.
But aside from color and form, Slade says her biggest inspiration comes from music. “I am very moved by sound,” she explains. “I love music. I listen to everything from Beethoven to Country and Western.
That’s what you see.”
In addition to being bright and lyrical, she also describes her work as spiritual. “I use my paintings as a form of meditation. Life is about learning. It is about exploration. That is what I want to convey.”
C.W. Slade’s “The Color of Sound” exhibition continues through May 11.
SWEET CHAIR-ITY
More and more celebrities are showing off their artistic sides in the name of a good cause. Stars have been going all out, designing their very own Christmas cards, plates, perfume, jewelry and even brassieres.
What’s next? Hold on to your seat and get ready for celebrity-inspired La-Z-Boy recliners.
The cast of “Friends” turned into lounge lizards to raise money for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Each of the actors designed a rocking recliner, which was brought to life by La-Z-Boy’s master craftsmen.
For Courtney Cox, it was classic tuck and roll with a modern twist. Lisa Kudrow’s queen-sized seat was crowned in diamonds. Matthew Perry’s tremendous throne was a disco delight. Matt LeBlanc and Jennifer Aniston went for simplicity, while David Schiwmmer had a blast with beach balls.
The chairs can be snatched up on eBay beginning May 12. Proceeds go toward the foundation’s research and treatment programs.
So rest assured, when it comes to a worthy cause, you won’t find these friends lying down on the job.