ELYSIAN Women Inspiring Women
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CYBER GIRL 2 BY ARTIST AND JEWELRY DESIGNER CLAIRE FLORENCE
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arta Estrems seeks to visualize the human capacity in her paintings, to connect with nature and each other, focussing on the
inexpressible, the intangible, and the immaterial, with her abstract canvasses forming a bridge between our inner and outer world experiences. This focus is mirrored in her creative process of deep contemplation and immersion by accessing
these raw collective emotions and experiences in human interconnectedness. By surrendering herself into this state of open receptiveness and vulnerability, no matter how painful or disturbing, her goal in this creative process is to allow these formerly intangible and sometimes chaotic forces to find artistic expression, and transmutation by materializing on her canvasses. Many of the artists’ paintings emerge from a need to respond to these disruptive forces representing harrowing violations against women, in this case of the painting titled N.274, the brutal abduction of about 274 girls, that occurred on April 2014. These young women were taken from a school in the small community of Chibok, Nigeria, by a terrorist group called “Boko Haram.” When Marta learned of these events she states it was like “274 thorns that were stuck in my heart”. She set to work immediately, first choosing the large size of the canvas, to symbolize the overwhelming power exercised by men over girls and eventually trying to resolve and reflect on this story through her immersive process using a neutral palette, with charcoal, oil, graphite, medium and working layer upon layer on the canvas. The interplay of light and dark hues creates a sense of depth and complexity, adding richness and texture to the composition and simultaneously conveying complex, underlying emotions. The sign of the number 274 was interwoven with various other symbols throughout the artwork, creating a dense and weighted atmosphere through the use of kinetic brushstrokes with “its repetition rendering strength to the barbarism inflicted on these young women.” as stated by the artist. Marta Estrems’ painting N.274 is a tribute to this spirit of compassionate transmutation and serves as a reminder that art is not only a means of self-expression but also a path toward a deeper understanding and connection with the people around us, opening avenues of deep unity and collective katharsis.
D C SERIES N274, mixed media on canvas, 2023, by Marta Estrems
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66 Peace
The Mother of
88 Cheney Chan BY SUZANNE JOHNSON
FALL/WINTER 2024 “DREAM IN BLOOM” COLLECTION. BY JENNIFER SHIH
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The Angel’s View BY IRENE WATERFORD
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Thom Browne FALL/WINTER 2024 HAUTE COUTURE COLLECTION FROM FASHION WEEK PARIS. BY SAMANTHA PAIGE
PHOTOGRAPH DPA PICTURE ALLIANCE / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 4 THE PEACE ON EARTH ISSUE / L’ÉDITION DE LA PAIX SUR TERRE HIVER 2024/2025
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Art in
Pieces
OF ALL THE PAINTER’S ARTS, STAINED GLASS IS PROBABLY THE MOST INTRACTABLE, THE GLASS THROUGH WHICH LIGHT PASSES, OFTEN TIMES REVEALS AS MUCH TRUTH AS COLOUR. BY CHRISTY NIELSON
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Inspiring Women Chitra Narayanan page 150 INTERVIEW BY KAREN FLOYD
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architecture&interiors
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The Heart of a Home. BY CHRISTY NIELSON
art&fashion
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Claire Florence: AI-Driven “Fine Art Jewelry”. BY ELIZABETH BRADFORD
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Paece, Love, & Chocolate. BY SONIA HENRY
essentials
Estate Pieces. BY SINDIE FITZGERALD-RANKIN
174 philanthropy
180food&culture in Pursuit of Peace. BY ASTRID WOLFE
Rahm Roast Coffee: from Ancient Roots to a Modern Mission of Peace. BY AMBER EDWARDS
192back story
Team ELYSIAN and the ELYSIAN Circle celebrate an unforgettable Autumn magazine launch in Nashville, Tennesse.
on the cover
Portrait of Mother Teresa while visiting Dublin, Ireland. PHOTOGRAPH BY MATHIEU POLAK/SYGMA/SYGMA VIA GETTY IMAGES
The Search For
PEACE The Women Who Lead. BY MARCIE DUBROFF
162 PHOTOGRAPH BY VIZERSKAYA / GETTYIMAGES.COM
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Back Study Gray Oil on Canvas 40h x 30w in By Catherine Woskow
BY BLOOD AND ORIGIN, I AM ALL ALBANIAN. MY CITIZENSHIP IS INDIAN. I AM A CATHOLIC NUN. AS TO MY CALLING, I BELONG TO THE WHOLE WORLD. AS TO MY HEART, I BELONG ENTIRELY TO THE HEART OF JESUS.” —MOTHER TERESA
other Teresa served the dying and dejected. She loved every person, regardless of background, ethnicity, or station. Mother Teresa changed the world one person at a time. It began with a desire to serve every person. She held no power as a nun, yet her purpose was clear. And she harnessed her passion and galvanized others to change the way they served “the forgotten.” She was driven, fearless, and deeply felt the responsibility she shouldered. Mother Teresa “belonged to the whole world.” She did not see borders or nations. She did not see geopolitical divides. She saw the world as an interconnected being, where humanity shared the same red blood and the world was joined together by loving one another. In this complex era of division, do you ask yourself, what has caused our current state of discord . . . where human beings can ignore the devastation and pain of others? On Friday, September 27th, Hurricane Helene came through my hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Reported as “historic destruction,” homes were devastated by falling trees, and hundreds of lives were lost. The area was deemed a national disaster. FEMA and government assistance sprang into action. Neighbors who previously had only waved as they drove past one another felt compelled to lend a hand as they worked together to remove fallen trees across driveways. Across America, rescue workers came to lend assistance. In the days following, there was no electricity, internet, or television. The temperature was mild and never went below 60 degrees or above 80. Our homes were quiet without internet or television, and my mind wandered to Ukraine. That year, the utility grid was demolished by missiles targeting the civilian population in the midst of winter, with regular subzero temperatures. Mothers, children, the elderly, and families were left in wretched freezing conditions. A humanitarian crisis of epic proportions ensued. Can you imagine being in a small high-rise flat in the center of Kyiv, with no electricity, heat, or running water? Your husband, son, uncles, and father are dying on the frontlines, as you struggle to stay warm, with little to no hope as random missile attacks occur daily. Why was there no global outcry for assistance or even neighboring countries coalescing to bring aid? The world acted as though it was unaware. Maybe it was?
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Karen Floyd Publisher
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other Teresa’s compass was the “heart” of Jesus. She believed in love. “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Her immense capacity to love was fueled by enormous compassion and empathy. She lived amongst society’s most deprived. Imagine the horrors she saw as she cleaned and tended to the worst human conditions possible. She begged the world to help the least of their brothers . . . and I cannot conceive of the deafening silence she heard in response. She “felt” their suffering, which drove her to accomplish what others never dared. Love requires connectivity which cannot happen if people are insular. It is easier to ignore, even hate, when there is a lack of awareness and understanding of others. On the one-year anniversary of Israel’s unfathomable invasion, I remember the world dissecting, analyzing, and pontificating on what should be the “proper” response. I could not help but reflect on the stories of Mother Teresa calling to the world . . . rebuked with silence. Every mother with compassion understood. I thought of the kidnapped Americans, the abduction of innocent concert attendees, and the systematic terrorizing of civilians where one street literally divides warring communities. Where was the contemporary Mother Teresa who could awaken the world by bringing peace beyond understanding? The human condition in the 21st century has made strident advancements, so much so that you would think we are interwoven. But we are not. We have the capacity to send people to Mars, embed technology in the brain to interface with computers . . . and turn deserts into oases. With our immeasurable worldly comforts, how have we become blinded to war, genocide, and the immense suffering of others? Because all humanity is inextricably linked, you would think we share the global responsibility to seek knowledge, battle injustice, and strive for peace. Using the example of Mother Teresa, world change is possible when three things occur. It begins with a humility, a willingness to learn and connect . . . to seek awareness beyond “self.” Like Mother Teresa, to “belong to the whole world” and not only a small piece. Second, when people recognize a purpose larger than “self,” they transcend. This starts with self-actualization, which, in turn, changes the hearts and minds of others. The suffering Mother Teresa witnessed in the poverty of India fueled her efforts. And finally, when those she inspired unified, they were strong enough to stand against evil. This is the seedling for world peace. Women are the peacemakers. We bring life into the world and shoulder the aftermath of destruction. At a visceral level, we understand the consequences of war for our children and humanity. We have watched the thirst for power grow, creating division and evil, and we have been largely silent. I have come to realize that until the Power of Love is greater than the Quest for Power, our world will never find peace. And I believe Mother Teresa’s example provides a roadmap for world change. I wish you every blessing in the season of giving. With much love,
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architecture&interiors
hea the
BY CHRISTY NIELSON
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Living room with blue paint room with Louis XVI gold mirror art sculpture and fireplace. IMAGE COURTESY PRESS LOFT / PRESSLOFT.COM / COVETHOUSE
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architecture&interiors
art of a home BY CHRISTY NIELSON
PHOTOGRAPH BY SNORKULENCIJA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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hether in your home, in the lobby of a luxe hotel, or under a covered patio at a ski chalet where snowflakes float lazily from the sky, a fireplace can create a chic, cozy vibe in any setting. Curling up with a good book under a fluffy blanket near the hearth. Enjoying a carpet picnic beside the fire as you stoke the flames of your romance. Gathering the family around the fireplace to play games and roast marshmallows for s’mores. Getting lost in the mesmerizing dance of the flames as you let the stress of the week melt away. A fireplace is universally enchanting and appealing, which draws people to it like a proverbial moth to a flame. Historically, fireplaces were central to a home’s structure and mainly used for heating and cooking. On a trip to Ireland several years ago, award-winning interior designer Marcelle Guilbeau, founder of Studio Guilbeau, was struck by the fact that fireplaces on the Emerald Isle were in the actual center of the homes. “They are the place where meals were made, and bodies were warmed, the gathering spot for people in that space,” Guilbeau says of what she observed. “Fireplaces are the focal point in the house—a big, dominant feature that was created out of function.” Today, fireplaces symbolize gathering – a place where family and friends share the joy of togetherness and relish in figurative and literal warmth. With the advent of modern home heating that made fireplaces more superfluous to that function, they have come to connote luxury and are a popular focal point that creates a “wow moment” in the room. Fireplaces, which our sources say are among the most desirable amenities, can also increase property values and improve the aesthetics of
IMAGE COURTESY PRESS LOFT / PRESSLOFT.COM / COVETHOUSE
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a space, making it feel comfortable and inviting. “Fireplaces are the most popular visual focal point of a room—whether they are wood-burning, gas, or the ventless kind that may not give off much heat but still have that warming element,” notes Guilbeau. “The materials of the fireplace inform the room; they are the start of the design of the room.” With the fireplace at the heart of the design, Guilbeau says she then considers what surrounds the fireplace—windows, bookshelves, a firewood nook, or an extended hearth to sit upon. Fireplaces have evolved in both functionality and design throughout the years. Nathalie Malka, founder and president of LA-based Nathalie M Designs, says, “In the past, there was a trend for walk-in fireplaces that were used primarily to keep rooms in the home warm. Now, I am incorporating a slicker, more minimal design of fireplaces used throughout the home and lend more of an ambient feeling of comfort and coziness.” She adds that the medium in which fireplaces are ignited is also shifting. “We are moving away from wood-burning to gas. In Los Angeles County, for example, we can only use electric or ethanol fireplaces.” Some modern designs have embraced minimalistic and eco-friendly features such as geothermal heating. Brad Smith, CEO and lead designer at Omni Home Ideas in Dallas, said, “Today, the integration of smart technology allows for fireplaces that are controlled via mobile apps, adjusting heat output and ambiance settings.” Smith adds that aesthetically, linear and wide designs with less visible hardware are trending, allowing for a seamless blend with sophisticated, modern décor. Smith says a well-integrated fireplace should complement the room’s layout and style. “For example, in open-plan homes, a doublesided fireplace can serve as a divider while offering warmth on both sides. Lighting and furniture placement are key to enhancing the fireplace’s presence as a central feature.” Natural stone, stucco, porcelain, tile, brick, and plaster remain the top choices for the decorative framework around a fireplace due to their durability and timeless appeal. In-place limestone and white quartz that mimics marble are other trending options. Industrial materials such as
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polished concrete and metallic finishes that produce a sleek, contemporary look to surrounds are also gaining popularity. “Fluting is a huge trend,” says designer Christine Vroom of Christine Vroom Interiors in LA. “We have been seeing this in wood and stone and now concrete.” She adds that dramatic marbles are also in. “And not only just the marble but a complete custom dimensional fabrication. We are seeing and using lots of chunky stone and coming back to precast limestones. Basically, lots and lots of texture!” The fireplace mantel is another place where homeowners can showcase their unique style both in the type of mantel selected and how it is—or isn’t—styled with décor, art, and other pieces. Popular mantel materials include wood or reclaimed wood, but they can also be crafted from elements like stainless steel for a contemporary room. Mary Patton, owner of Mary Patton Design in Houston, has this advice for styling a mantel. “If the mantel is custom marble or something really beautiful, I would not put anything on it. If it is a focal point that could use a little oomph, stick to groups of things in odd numbers. For example, you could do three candlesticks—two on one side, one on the other—all at different heights.” In addition to style, safety must be considered when integrating a fireplace into a design, especially if it’s wood-burning. “It’s important to account for the heat it emits and the potential for sparks, ensuring furniture is positioned at a safe distance,” says Nataly Bolshakova, founder of Bolshakova Interiors with studios in France and Cyprus. “An open fire has its own aesthetic appeal, but you must consider functionality and the materials surrounding it, which should be resistant to sparks and embers,” she adds. A protective barrier, such as a screen or glass, may be needed in front of the fire, which can be customized to complement the design. Even gas and ethanol fireplaces are not exempt from safety considerations. “They produce a scent and require proper ventilation and fire-resistant materials,” Bolshakova warns. “Despite seeming like a simpler option compared to traditional fireplaces, all aspects still need careful consideration.” Increasingly, homeowners are adding outdoor fireplaces to extend their living spaces and allow the enjoyment of yards, gardens, and patios in cooler weather. Outdoor fireplaces are not just a trend but a lifestyle enhancement that has become a centerpiece for get-togethers—an area where friends and family can enjoy being together outside all year round. Adding a fireplace to your patio or backyard creates a welcoming, functional space that’s just right for entertaining in style. When considering an outdoor fireplace, it’s essential to work with professionals who can design one that is both beautiful and functional. They will need to take safety and local building codes into account. If you’re opting for a gas fireplace, your installer will need to have the know-how to connect your gas line properly. “We’ve seen an uptick in see-through or double-sided fireplaces,” notes Aaron Brundage, director of operations at System Pavers, which transforms ordinary spaces into enduring outdoor living environments. “This allows a single fireplace to be enjoyed from different angles. Aesthetically, some of the latest trends are sleek, minimalist designs that are both versatile and functional.” Brundage adds, “It’s important to design an outdoor fireplace that complements your home’s existing architecture and landscape.” A fireplace—inside the home or outside on a patio—is an enduring feature that makes a statement, creates a conversation piece, and offers a gathering spot for family and friends. By blending style, technology, and functionality, fireplaces can be as unique and customizable as the homes that they grace. As Guilbeau puts it, “The fireplace is an architectural moment that defines the space and brings us back to our roots. It grounds us—we live in a world constantly on the move—but a fireplace is grounding.” ■
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