American Fossil Odyssey
Previously, I discussed American minerals and some of my recent travels here in the States to uncover remarkable specimens. Not only is the United States filled with extraordinary minerals, but there are also fascinating remnants of ancient animals, including dinosaurs, Ice Age mammals and other iconic creatures. The specific fossils that I’ll be discussing come from different […]
A Rare Gem
At first glance, Sohn & McClure Jewelers, primely situated on East Bay Street in downtown Charleston, may look like any mainstream jewelry store with its glass cases showcasing sparkling diamonds and vibrant gemstones—a place to buy an engagement ring for your love or scoop up a unique bauble to add to a cherished collection. But […]
Artistic Equation
It was five years ago that Cynthia Huston made her art debut after decades of secretly painting. She was a student under Charleston artist Laurie Meyer, who encouraged her to participate in a student art show. With her pieces in hand, she unveiled her work after decades in the dark. “I was so nervous to even […]
Pulp Fiction
While Ricky Schneider may have been in a field that took a lot of vision for many years, the former creative director of advertising knew that he wanted to use that artistic vision for something of his own. In 2016, he summoned all of that creativity and began working on pieces of art that, to his […]
Shine On
Mixed-media artist Amy Dixon is one of those rare individuals who has managed to hold on to her authentic self and a genuine sense of joy, curiosity and creativity throughout her life. All of it—the authenticity and vitality—is contagious. Dixon is represented by Hagan Fine Art Gallery & Studio in Charleston and is one of the […]
Living Outside
Over the past few years, more and more focus has been given to outdoor living spaces and creating oases where people can spend just as much time outside as they do inside. It’s given rise to all manner of products for outdoor use—the most important of which, of course, is outdoor furniture that’s just as stylish […]
Great Andes Wine
According to south american legend, when God finished creating the earth, the angels came to him with a problem: “We’ve got a lot of mountains, valleys and rivers left over.” God answered, “Dump them at the end of the earth.” And that’s how Chile and Argentina were made. Grape growers and winemakers are eternally grateful. Not […]
A Love Letter To Charleston
Rob Leahy, the owner of Fine Rugs of Charleston, has been weaving stories for 50 years, having spent five decades in the carpet business. He opened the independently owned flooring design showroom 18 years ago and is profoundly grateful to his customers for their loyalty and the privilege of being part of their lives. “My relationship […]
The Humanity of Art
A portrait of girl with a pearl earring made entirely of buttons, a punk-rock Buddha robed in Swarovski crystals and a bronze grenade flowerpot. When Aldo Castillo is considering an artist for his eponymous galleries in Naples and Estero, Florida, he looks for two things: innovation and documentation. For more than three decades, the gallerist has appreciated art’s […]
Bespoke Carpets
When Gary Shafran was in his 20s, he opened a store in Brooklyn, New York, and named it Gary’s Curtain Shop. “I learned a tremendous amount about business and the way to treat people in my first venture,” says Shafran, who spent many years working in the fabric and wallpaper world for comp-anies such as Stroheim […]
