The Art Collection The Pacific SF tells a story of inspiration starting with the colors of Northern California, with Dark Moody Interiors, the Blues and Grays of the Pacific Ocean, with the Rich Gold of the northern California Landscape. I've titled the collection "Sky, Sea and Mountains", a nod to the panoramic views and golden sunset enjoyed at The Pacific SF. The artworks are luminescent, misty compositions, dominated by large areas of color that seem to have emerged naturally and organically.
Maria Di Grande
Upon entry into The Pacific SF, we are met by a grand piece at the concierge area, a wall of elegantly carved and stitched Camellia's by London based artist Helen Amy Murray. Murray is known internationally for creating intricate hand sculpted textiles, often using stitched and hand-carved leather panels in her designs. Camellia's were chosen not only for their beauty, but for their significance as a California flower that loves the mild weather and that thrives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Elise Morris' work is about exploring nature's point of view, particularly fleeting moments of growth and change. Two watercolor works on paper are located in the entry level corridors of The Pacific SF. Ms. Morris finds inspiration looking at the shapes of leaves and blossoms, as well as the shadows that are cast in the Northern California sun. She allows the paint to seep into and stain the paper's surface, leaving room for light and space to permeate the work. In this way, her artworks are both abstract and specific, ethereal and grounded.
Bresnahan was recently inspired by a trip to Sienna Italy and the elegant and classical architecture of Roman buildings.
Two large oil painting from this series command the Observatory at The Pacific SF. The vibrations and abstract expressionism emitting from these artworks connect them to the overall art collection at The Pacific SF.
These beautiful and dramatic large works greet residents of The Pacific at the Motor Lobby.
"Emotive rather than purely visual, the abstract and ocean inspired painting I create are evocative of the ocean's sway" Ned Evans.
Salida greets guests off the lounge elevator, echoing the rich bronze motifs throughout the Observation Lounge. Inspired by the views seen from the ocean, Evan's piece is a perfect introduction to the luxurious golden sunsets witnessed from the lounge terrace.
The serene-scape present in this piece is a perfect complement to The Pacific SF's tranquil Yoga Garden and it's movement connecting it to the fitness center.
Inspired by Los Angeles art and film history, the aesthetic direction of the art collection at Ten50 is aimed to reflect the sophistication of contemporary urban nightlife found at the heart of the city's Arts District. The mix of moody and industrial glam interiors provide an intimate and elegant atmosphere to urban dwelling.
Welcoming guests and residents upon entry is a tall commissioned artwork by Los Angeles artist Chris Trueman. Trueman's work exudes warmth and depth achieved by layering inch metallic colors creating a distressed yet luxurious and alluring drip effect. The piece is a celebration of the many layers of industrial charm and sophistication found in the city's Art History and cinematic Hollywood roots that makes Los Angeles come to life at night.
Located at the elevator lobby entry level at Ten50LA, this photograph taken by Jeffrey Vallance endeavors to capture the essence of the spirits of the artists he encountered using digital technology. Each "Spirit Photo" represents what Vallance saw in his mind's eye during several seances, which were performed live and captured on video.
Mara De Luca's epic painting of mixed media on canvas is located at the dining lounge area of Ten50's owners lounge. Her work explores a variety of art historical references from action painting of the Abstract Expressionists to late 19th century Romanticism. Inspired by the landscape of everyday life in Los Angeles with it's traffic, billboard advertising and the "stunning natural beauty of coexisting in a cultural climate of facile content.
The art collection at JASPER is about contemporary San Francisco's 21st century style with a nod to it's film noir history. For the lobby, we have introduced dramatic pieces by Reed Anderson that highlight a noticeable handmade quality. Mr. Anderson uses pieces of intricately cut paper as a stencil, which is folded and painted upon itself to create a collaged image. He utilizes printmaking techniques to further embellish the artworks. The signature Lobby pieces is titled "Jasper Rhapsody" and measures 100" by 80". the details in the hand-cuts and the painted and printed stencil become more fascinating as you view them up close.
A series of black and white photographs were commissioned for the Jasper's corridors by local photographer and architect Jason Fox.
Cara Barer;s work entitled "Cartographica". treats maps as the primary source material. She paints, rips and tears before binding them into a book form which she has been working with for several years. She then takes these handmade objects and presents them renewed in a photograph. This piece is located in the Lounge corridor at Jasper.
NEMA is a 754-unit high-end residential apartment complex in the Mid-Market neighborhood of San Francisco, California. The complex consists of a 19-story, 220-foot (67 m) tower at Jessie and Tenth Streets know as the South Tower, and a 35-story, 352-foot (107 m) tower at Market and Tenth Streets known as the North Tower, connected by a nine story podium along Tenth Street. In 2013, the building was given the name "NEMA”, short for New Market.
The first residents moved in to the South Tower on October 1, 2013, while the North Tower was completed March 2014. Maria Di Grande Art Consulting was hired by Crescent Heights LLP in early 2013 to curate and consult on all aspects of the art selection for the South and North towers of the building, as well as oversee the commissioned piece by the artist Graham Gillmore. Ms. Di Grande’s vision in establishing NEMA’s art collection was inspired by the architecture and interior.
Ms. DiGrande discusses curating NeMa's art program below:
My approach to the art curation of NEMA's permanent collection was inspired by the tension between the dark exterior color palette of the building, it's glistening deep blue skin and edgy architecture, balanced by its warm interior hues and materials. I proposed a contemporary art program dedicated to a celebration of the Northern California lifestyle, using original paintings and photography that captures the unique California light and places a focus on Bay Area artists.
I was immediately drawn to local artists such as Amy Kaufman, Jon McNeal and Brent Townsend whose works felt engaging and exciting, as well as an interest in the work of Graham Gillmore. GIllmore's pivotal mural titled "Made in San Francisco" anchors the south tower lobby, while Amy Kaufman's black and white charcoal drawings swirl through the north tower lobby, emphasizing the movement and energy of its residents. The Gillmore installation pays homage to the many renowned iconic films and novels in or about San Francisco. His masterful skill in creating poetic graffiti and word art provides an active and playful background to the interior landscape.
The ideology behind my approach to curating contemporary art collections for both large and small scale projects begins with the gathering of information and characteristics that are inherent in the design and vision of each project. Finding a common thread which tells a story is as important as is the style and placement of each piece of art. I am especially energized by my clients interests and vision when developing new architectural projects.
In 2014, Ms. DiGrande proposed a partnership between Modernbook Gallery in San Francisco and NEMA to create a rotating gallery space in the buildings connecting corridor. "Artway by Modernbook" is the result of her proposal. This gallery is an added amenity for the residents of NEMA.
This large scale bark image was commissioned for the South Tower Lobby Waiting Area.
This piece is titled "Lasso" and is a charcoal drawing in two panels by local artist Amy Kaufman.
Nove is a luxury nine-unit residential development located in San Francisco’s Mission District. It is contemporary in style but harmonizes with this neighborhood of mostly three-story Victorian-era structures. Nove is LEED-platinum certified, employing sustainable elements such as solar thermal hot water, in-floor solar assisted radiant flooring, double glazed thermally broken windows and doors, energy star appliances, low-flow faucets and toilets, low water drought tolerant landscaping, and maximum use of locally sourced sustainable materials. Maria Di Grande was hired in 2008 to curate a selection of contemporary paintings for the client, highlighting Nove's innovative, modern and unique aesthetic.
In this Northern California Hacienda, dramatic contemporary art is brought in to compliment and juxtapose the more rustic details of the home.
Bohemian chic rooms are filled with a mix of vintage and modern pieces of furniture and contemporary art is a critical component to this unique combination of elements. Bohemian has it's roots in gypsy life and spaces are imbued with a "collected" look.
Family photographs are such an important element to a home and the proper framing and placement of photograhy is one of our many services.
Charles Eames lounge chair and ottoman.
The Four Seasons Residences at 706 Mission Street in San Francisco is a dreamlike space, with artworks that enhance the reflective and luminous quality of the architecture.
The works are meditative and contemplative, some with an alchemist quality. We encounter both an international and local perspective thru local emerging artists, critically acclaimed and museum collected artists.
