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HOFA embraces equity for IWD 2023 with all-female art exhibition
‘Genesis’ exhibition launches 8 March 2023
Ilhwa Kim, Mary Ronayne, Lucile Gauvain, Anne Von Freyburg, Sophie Victoria, and Marie Pol feature in a new art experience focusing on embracing equity in honour of IWD 2023 
#EmbraceEquity for IWD 2023 and HOFA ‘Genesis’ exhibition. Left to right: HOFA Co-founder and Curator Simonida Pavicevic, female artists Anne Von Freyburg and Mary RonayneHOFA is set to début a new and exclusive all-female exhibition titled ‘Genesis‘ for International Women’s Day 2023 (8 March 2023) where six trailblazing female contemporary artists provide perspectives on equity through their artworks and artistic practices in the hope of inspiring greater understanding of the concept and why it matters. Founded in 2012, HOFA Gallery seeks to explore beyond the creative constraints of the contemporary art world, demanding to challenge the conscious, stimulate the subconscious and amplify the voices of the under-represented. Achieving gender equity in the world of contemporary art, has always been at its forefront. To prepare for their IWD exhibition, HOFA engaged the feature artists in a dialogue about what equity means to them and how their selected works express the concept. 
Lucile Gauvain, L’ornement, 2022. Coloured pencils on paper. 100 x 100 cm (in frame) HOFA Co-founder and Curator Simonida Pavicevic explains, “Female artists face unequal challenges, unequal barriers to entry and unequal representation in the industry, and our feature artists interrogate inequity through their subject matter and chosen mediums.” She adds, “This year’s IWD theme is an opportunity for us to learn the difference between equity and equality and to understand why equity matters if we are to achieve lasting equality for women, especially in the contemporary art world.” Dutch mixed media textile painter Anne Von Freyburg states, “Equity means everyone should be included in the art conversation because art should reflect all of society.” Her exquisitely detailed textile reconstructions of Rococo paintings contest inequity by challenging the historical devaluation of mediums and crafts associated with women. Her colourful, tassel fringed artworks defiantly assert that every material is equal and permitted to make art with. 
Anne Von Freyburg, I want Candy (after Fragonard, Girl with Dove), 2022. 110 x 140 cm For Irish figurative painter and multimedia artist Mary Ronayne, the reality of inequity is the core of her better known satirical portraits and fête galantes. She exposes inequity through the unease and doubtful looks of people, especially women, who while engaged in pleasurable pastimes seem to be questioning their roles and situations. For Ronayne, “It is important to acknowledge the diverse inequities rooted in the positions women hold today.” French figurative artist and illustrator Lucile Gauvain considers equity to be essential for achieving collective goals and interests and engages it through artworks that depict people connecting and creating together beyond gender. In Gauvain’s words, “Concepts, categories and notions of difference should never be a source of inequity and I think it is necessary to keep writing it, saying it and yelling it where necessary.” 
Mary Ronayne, Celeste’s Liquid Lunch with Friends, 2021. Enamel on wood. 150 x 120 x 4 cm For Sydney-based figurative artist Marie Pol, equity is about inclusivity and as she puts it, “Inclusivity starts with embracing ‘the other’ and letting go of prejudices and ideas of superiority.” Her works gives primacy to the female gaze – emotional, intimate, and empathetic rather than objectifying – and in this way, they defy the inequities inherent in the historical focus on the male gaze in art. Marie adds, “I synthesize rather than oppose contrasting textures, styles and ideas in my works and I think this shows that equity means acceptance.” Summing up the forthcoming ‘Genesis’ exhibition, Simonida Pavicevic says, “Uniting these 6 women artists is their shared courage to confront and subvert received ideals of society, art and artistic practice through innovative artworks that experiment with various media, styles and techniques.” Genesis solo exhibition runs 8 – 22 March 2023 at HOFA Gallery, London. Press preview 7 March 2023 (RSVP only) HOFA Gallery HOFA Gallery (House of Fine Art) specializes in contemporary art by established and emerging international artists. HOFA is determined to feature a multitude of artistic disciplines with an intent focus on exceptional talent, diversity and cultural relevance. Dedicated to supporting rare talent and making their work globally accessible, the gallery works closely with all of its artists to ensure the highest level of excellence and integrity across its locations in London, Los Angeles and Mykonos. With a unique selection of highly collectable artworks of appreciative value and an uncompromising dedication to art world innovation, the gallery is committed to its mission in cultural leadership. Using new technologies and digital innovations, HOFA pledges an accessible entry point to the market and inclusivity to art collectors on all levels. -
Dress to Impress Mother Nature with Tom Cridland new collection of 30 Year Clothing
Tom Cridland has just launched the world’s first ever full collection of sustainable clothing that is backed with a 30 Year Guarantee.
The first new Tom Cridland clothing collection since 2017 is out now at www.tomcridland.com. This features menswear, womenswear and unisex wardrobe staples such as the 30 Year Sweatshirt, T-Shirt, Hoodie, Polo, Chinos, Shirt, Jacket, Tracksuits, Accessories and more all backed with their signature 30 Year Guarantee. As The Sunday Times so wisely put it, 30 Year Clothing has “taken the fashion world by storm”, so they have got you covered if you’re keen to try to be more sustainable by holding on to your garments for longer.
30 Year Hoodies, T-Shirts, Sweatshirts and more are made out of 100% GOTs certified organic cotton, and built to last a lifetime. Unlike so many companies who talk about sustainability but do nothing to encourage consumers to hold onto their garments for longer, 30 Year Clothing says “buy less, buy better”, something which has been shown to reduce carbon, water and waste footprints. They are looking help lead a fashion industry trend towards protecting our natural resources and the future of this planet by making truly durable clothing.
Key story details:
Campaign for Sustainability
30 Year Clothing aims to put an end to fast fashion that causes a needless cycle of consumption and waste. Fashion is currently the world’s 2nd most polluting industry.
30 Year Clothing believes this is a make or break moment in time when the pressure that they are putting on the planet’s ecosystem – warming, acidification and pollution – is already causing climate change nightmares such as the floods in South Asia, the droughts in East Africa and the devastating wildfires in Australia.
Business Story
Tom Cridland started designing clothing with a $9,000 government start-up loan after graduating from University in 2015. He now has customers on every continent, has been named a Fortune Cool Company and included on the Sustainia100.
He has a podcast called “Greatest Music of All Time”, featuring conversations with cultural icons about music, current affairs, culture, lifestyle, entrepreneurship, politics and more. Guests have included Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, Dionne Warwick, Chick Corea, Chance the Rapper, Smokey Robinson, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Temptations, Kevin Bacon, Christina Hendricks, Rose McGowan, Rachel Bilson, Kool & the Gang, The Pointer Sisters, Sir Cliff Richard, Lynyrd Skynyrd, David Crosby, Pixies, Johnny Marr, The Hollies, Toto, 10cc, Seal, Chris Rea, David Guetta, UB40, Boyz II Men, Don McLean, Gloria Estefan, John Oates, Jon Anderson of Yes, Sean Paul, Tito Jackson of The Jackson 5 and many more.
Alcohol Abuse
Almost four years ago Tom Cridland overcame an addiction to binge drinking that led to him putting on 30kg in weight and nearly dying on several occasions. He has been working on this new collection ever since – it is his first in four years!
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An Essential Accessory – The Pen – A Subtle Sign of Power and Lavishness.
Luxury is all about the detail; subtle elements that elevate your style by exposing the delicate craftsmanship and superior quality of your outfit. No look however is complete without the most luxurious accessory of all – the pen – a subtle sign of power and lavishness.
Everybody from James Bond to Gordon Gekko carried a pen; used to mark ones’ authority and even as a product of mass destruction (007 in Goldeneye). Treaties and contracts are sealed with one and it’s said you can tell a lot about a man or woman by looking at the nib type they choose – true aficionados will tell you an iridium nib should be your only choice!
Pen Heaven, online retailer and gift hub, presents its top three most extravagant pens, each a work of art in its own right, designed by pen innovators and experts to the highest possible standard.
Otto Hutt Design 08 Fountain Pen, £975 / $1170
A collaboration with designer Mark Braun celebrating everything Bauhaus, this pen is the hottest to launch in 2021!
Graf Von Faber Castell Classic Fountain Pen Ebony Wood, £439.37 / $526
A fine specimen for a true gent, this beautiful power symbol will make you feel as if you can conquer the world. Stylish in an understated way, it adds a touch of opulence to your wardrobe with its ribbed Ebony wood barrel, bi-coloured 18k gold nib, iridium tip and screw close cap.
Montegrappa Extra 1930 Bamboo Black Fountain Pen, £1075 / $1290
Rich on style and superior craftsmanship, this pen highlights the brands rich Italian roots. Offering timeless appeal, this impressive writing instrument is complete with 18k gold nib and finished with a polished sterling silver trim, to contrast beautifully with the jet black and green barrel.
Yard O Led Viceroy Victorian Sterling Silver Fountain Pen, £995 / $1215
This British brand pride themselves on fine penmanship with each sterling silver fountain pen hand-finished with intricate detail. Desired by pen connoisseurs the world over, every Yard O Led fountain pen is presented with a smooth 18k gold nib, ink converter and a lifetime guarantee.
Visconti Homo Sapiens Tuscan Hills Fountain Pen, £850 / $1020
Celebrating the home of Visconti, this limited-edition pen mimics the Tuscan Hills, with shades of verdant green and deep brown. Complete with an inbuilt filling mechanism, this design perfectly showcases the attention of detail the Italian penmakers give to each and every style.
Each of the above comes with a sumptuously wrapped presentation box, to showcase your stylish choice of writing instrument in the best possible fashion and to ensure it retains its beauty for years to come. Why not opt for engraving too (all performed in-house) for that extra touch of class and individuality.
About Pen Heaven:
Pen Heaven, founded in 2008, offer a comprehensive range of writing instruments and leather goods with in-house engraving and embossing. Specialists in classic brands such as Parker, Cross and Lamy, Pen Heaven also boast some more unusual and hard-to-find items such as the Japanese hand painted Platinum range, Italian calligraphy sets and the design focused Worther brand.
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This Gift Totally Touched My Heart – A Personal Engraved Propelling Pencil from Pen Heaven
As you may know, I am a blogger, but actually I am a professional artist. I started to draw when I was 6 years old, and then the art life continues. After art collage, plus two graduate school studies, I received two master degrees in Fine Arts. Art is my life and I am super lucky to have my family supporting me to chase my art dreams. For me, or any other artists & designers, the best gift is always something related with our professions. If you ever look through my holiday gift list, you would be surprised that 90% of the things that I really want are art supplies. My parents in law ask me to think about something else, like anything more personal – a designer dress? a bottle of perfume? But I have to say, if you can gift me something that I feel too expensive to buy in my daily life, I really want some better art supplies, those are the best gift for me!
An engraved propelling pencil has been on my shopping list for a long time. The normal pencils are fine. But a good propelling pencil makes a big difference, which I don’t need to sharpen it a lot, and I can carry it with me all the time without dirtying my purse. There is another reason very important, I love to have a personal engraved pencil with my art company’s name on it. Pen Heaven offers a grand selection of fine writing instruments that will last a lifetime and become excellent family heirlooms.
Add a sense of refinement to your note taking and doodling with a propelling pencil made from quality materials such as carbon fiber and sterling silver (the added weight gives an extra feeling of control). Pen Heaven stock pencils from brands such as Cross, typically with an HB lead, and a width between 0.5 and 0.9. For a truly unique writing experience try the revolutionary Yoropencil with its finger support and ergonomic grip, or the Worther if you need to draw on unusual surfaces such as wood or glass.
Faber-Castell Ambition Pearwood Pencil
Reach for new heights of style with the Ambition mechanical pencil. Faber-Castell have taken a bold departure from conventional luxury writing instruments, opting for a straight-edged profile made up of right-angles and clean lines. A barrel of unpolished brown pearwood brings a certain artisanal quality to the whole design. Keep a little slice of German design at your fingertips with this simply excellent mechanical pencil.
Key Features
- The barrel is made of pearwood and the natural variations in the grain make every pen unique
- Gleaming chrome-plated metal trims
- 2 year guarantee
- Spring-loaded clip
- Fitted with 0.7mm lead
- Replaceable eraser underneath removable end cap
- Twist action
Pen Heaven use a state of the art laser engraving machine which gently etches away the top layer of the pen to reveal the base metal underneath. The color of engraving depends on the base metal underneath. Lacquered pens tend to engrave with a brass finish, whilst chrome pens with a subtle two tone effect (check preview on every product page). 3 font choices are offered.
(LULU.LIVE ART) on my pencil
Pen Heaven can engrave any letter, number or character that can entered from a standard computer keyboard, in any language. This includes English, Arabic, Hebrew, Greek, Cyrillic etc. Pen Heaven can engrave UTF8 symbols. Either choose from the list or copy and paste your own.
Each pen has a limit to the amount of characters Pen Heaven can engrave due to its size and curvature. Look out for the character limit on each product page.
Other pencils on my list:
Calligraphy Pens
LAMY joy Calligraphy Pen Set – Black & Red
Practice the traditional art of calligraphy with sets from brands such as Lamy and Sheaffer. Sets come with different nib widths so that you can try your hand at different calligraphy techniques, and learn the basics from the booklets provided.
Whether you’re a master calligrapher or you’re only just beginning to explore the art of writing, the LAMY joy is an excellent choice of tools. The distinctive ergonomic grip aids proper finger placement and improves control, and the three easy-change italic nibs are of varying widths, allowing you to practice different lettering styles.
Fountain Pens
Waterman Hemisphere Matt Black Gold Trim Fountain Pen
A fountain pen is about the smooth flowing style, returning to a time honoured tradition. Explore our range of nibs from extra fine to broad, including those for left handers from Lamy. See Pen Heaven comparison of different nib widths. Go for Gold! Graf Von Faber Castell, Cross Townsend and Waterman Carene’s (among others) gold nib adjust to your handwriting over time. Choose superior quality and value with Platinum fountain pens, their unique music nib encouraging smoother ink flow.
The Waterman Hemisphere fountain pen exudes elegance, with clean lines and minimalist detailing bringing its stylish simplicity to the fore. This Matt Black finish brings the Hemisphere right in line with contemporary design, whilst a little luxury is added by touches of 23k gold plate. The grip features a ridged base to support the fingers and offer unparalleled comfort and control.
Feather Quills & Dip Pens
Brown Pewter Feather Quill & Ink Bottle with Pen Holder
Discover the charm of simpler times with our range of feather quill and dip pens by Coles Calligraphy, handcrafted in Italy. Feather quills are made from genuine goose feather in a variety of colours, with a removeable nib. Pen Heaven hand blown Venetian glass pen set makes a pretty gift, whilst the ostrich feather is for those with a flamboyant streak. Art lovers will enjoy the wood dip pen with 8 ink colours. All sets are presented in a gift box which may include a variety of nib sizes, quill stands, ink bottles, calligraphy booklet.
The Brown Pewter Feather Quill & Ink Bottle with Pen Holder set is a traditional design statement for any desk, made from genuine goose feather with intensive attention to detail. Crafted in Italy, the set comes packaged in a premium gift box and will make the ideal gift for calligraphy and art lovers. Includes an elegant brass feather quill holder and black ink to get you started.
About Pen Heaven:
Pen Heaven, founded in 2008, offer a comprehensive range of writing instruments and leather goods with in-house engraving and embossing. Specialists in classic brands such as Parker, Cross and Lamy, Pen Heaven also boast some more unusual and hard-to-find items such as the Japanese hand painted Platinum range, Italian calligraphy sets and the design focused Worther brand.
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The First Gift for My Best Friend’s New Born! Right at Easter.
About a year ago, the world was changing quickly as COVID-19 became a huge part of all of our lives. It meant we were all suddenly working remotely, unable to see family or friends, and missing big moments we were looking forward to. My best friend gave birth to her first baby girl last year and I never get a change to visit them, even though we live only 30 minutes away. Finally, this week, all of us have been vaccinated and decided to plan a brunch together. I have been so looking forward to meeting her new baby girl. The time is right at the Saturday before Easter weekend.
A cute Easter Bunny gift will be perfect for her, and this year’s Easter will be her first Easter ever! As she is so little for a toy that she could play with, I chose Blossom Bunny Kimono Romper and Hat Set from Bunnies By The Bay, which is a super lovely baby & young kids brand provides timeless baby gifts with a soft bunny touch just in time for the holidays. From lovies and buddy blankets to adorable stuffed animals, their gifts will be cherished “hareloom” possessions (parents may wish to get multiples in case a lovie gets lost!). An added touch of personalization with an embroidered name makes the gifts even more special.
Blossom Bunny Kimono Romper and Hat Set
Too cute for words, this is the perfect newborn clothing set for the newest little bunny girl in the bunch. This soft, cozy, and convenient cotton knit kimono-style short sleeve romper and the matching cap have unique de-tails for fashion, function, and fun.
Designed in an adorable pattern of our classic Blossom pink bunny and her pal tweet the bluebird with pink flowers on a white background. Topped off with a darling pink floral pattern on a white background to make the contrast trim and ties the perfect dash of adorableness.
The snap crotch makes diaper changes a breeze, and the tie wrap closure makes dressing even the wiggliest of littles a little less daunting. The wrap closure is also made to keep only the softest cotton against the baby’s sensitive healing belly button.
The matching easy-on cap for keeping baby’s head warm, cozy, and cute with knotted ears is a perfect addition to this darling outfit!
A wonderful choice for a “Coming home from the hospital outfit”, or for that first “Sip and See” social event to introduce baby to the world.
FEATURES:
- Sweet kimono-style wrap design
- Darling cap with knotted bunny ears
- Easy on babies sensitive and healing belly button
- 100% cotton knit
- Easy care machine wash and dry, low settings.
- Available in Sizes 0-3 or 3-6 months. See our Sizing Guide for more details.
The best gifts are those that are thoughtful, unique, heart-warming and often unexpected. At Bunnies By The Bay, you will find something perfect for any occasion, from baby showers to birthdays to “just because” gifts. Bunnies are our best friends, indeed. They do delight and Give Glad Dreams. Give a gift the whole family will cherish for generations. Bunnies By The Bay baby gift sets are specially curated with the very best plush, lovies, blankets, cutest clothes, and accessories. All bundled up in the signature gift box, complete with carrot tissue paper, logo sticker, and carrot logo ribbon, a gift presentation that will be remembered. In addition to a memorable presentation the gift sets are an exceptional gift at an exceptional price, bundled together you save 10% versus purchasing items separately. Here are other adorable gifts that you can choose from Bunnies By The Bay.
Bud Bunny Buddy Blanket -
2020’s Holiday Snacks in A Box of British happiness
We have to admit that holiday season is officially here, and Christmas is coming. The year of 2020 goes too fast that I haven’t really prepared to end the year. But Christmas is still coming and we should do the celebrations properly. Holiday snacks are so important to make sure that you will have a fun holiday. Now it’s literally the time to do holiday snacks shopping. How about trying some British snacks this year?
British Corner Shop is the online grocery store for British expats around the world. Whether you miss Marmite or crave Warburtons crumpets, they can deliver your British favorites straight to your door. The website stocks over 10,000 products from Britain’s most loved brands, meaning you can enjoy the British food you miss, wherever you are in the world.
Almost 700,000 Brits currently live in the USA and bosses at the online business – BritishCornerShop.com, which launched in 1999, estimates it sells its goods to a customer base comprising 75% expats and 25% US nationals who love British foods. The website offers over 12,000 British food and drink products from much-loved UK brands and products ranging from Ambrosia custard and Warburtons crumpets to Branston pickle and Heinz baked beans.
Sales of the most popular item – the ‘Brit Kit’ favorite British ‘biscuits’ collection are up a staggering 1,840%. The heart-warming collection of cookies (known in the UK as biscuits) weighs in at almost 4 pounds, and contains brands such as McVitie’s Ginger Nuts, Rich Tea, Chocolate Digestives and Hobnobs, and Crawford’s Custard Creams and Bourbon Creams.
British Corner Shop was recently voted as one of the most exciting companies in the South West region of the UK, by Insider Magazine.
Here are some ‘Brit Kits’ that you might consider to be your holiday snack kits. Or if you have friends or relatives overseas who may be missing the taste of home, why not order them a box of British happiness? British Corner Shop is perfect for sending parcels of British food to Brits in the Armed Forces and others working abroad.
Brit Kit – British Chocolate Selection – The Magnificent 37What a magnificent variety! This scrumptious Brit Kit contains 37 different types of classic British chocolate. The pack includes Aero Bubble Bar, Aero Bubbles Peppermint Bar, After Eight Munchies, Boost, Bounty Milk, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Caramac,
Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons, Chomp, Crunchie, Curly Wurly, Double Decker, Finger of Fudge, Flake and Freddo Faces M&M Peanut, Maltesers, Munchies, Milkybar Buttons, Milkyway Bar, Picnic, Revels, Rolo Tube, Smarties, Twirl and many more!
If any items in the Magnificent 37 are out of stock at the time of purchase the company will substitute with a similar product of equal value. The Key Ring is currently out of stock.
Swizzels Matlow Advent Calendar
Mix up your count-down to Christmas with the Swizzels Matlow Advent Calendar – the advent calendar perfect for sweet lovers.
Behind each door, you’ll find one of your favourite Swizzels sweet, including Love Hearts, Drumstick, Parma Violets, Refresher Bars, Squashies, Fizzers and much more! This retro sweet calendar is sure to revolutionise your countdown to Christmas!
Waitrose Top Iced Christmas Cake
Select the best this festive season with this Waitrose Top Iced Christmas Cake.
Packed full of sultanas, glacé cherries and glacé citrus peel covered in a thick blanket of marzipan sugary icing and edible holly decoration – this is a Christmas cake to be proud of at the table this year.
Afternoon Tea is recognised across the globe as one of the most quintessentially British traditions. Dating back to the 1800s, Afternoon Tea has become a firm part of our culture, and provides a much-needed boost when the afternoon slump hits!
Contains: Mr Kipling Viennese Whirls 6 Pack; Mr Kipling Jam Tarts 6 Pack; Mr Kipling Bakewell Tart; Tiptree Seedless Raspberry Jam; Cottage Delight Classic Clotted Cream;
Greens Scone Mix; and PG Tips Pyramid 40 Teabags.
British Corner Shop are proud winners of the Queen’s Award for International Trade, and Sunday Times Fast Track 100. British Corner Shop has been growing rapidly in recent years, developing into ‘The British Brand Export Platform’ that can catapult British Brands onto a global stage.
With British Corner Shop, an emerging British food or drink brand can access global markets easily, both direct to consumer and via large wholesale opportunities that British Corner Shop brings via it’s global network of importers, distributors and retail chains.
There is no better present for an ex-pat than a Christmas Hamper from British Corner Shop. Give your loved ones an amazing Brit Kit full of all their home favorites. British Corner Shop has got an amazing selection of different Brit Kits which are guaranteed to bring joy to the lucky receiver. Whether they’re crazy about Cadbury or missing their favourite Waitrose products, there is something for everyone this festive season.
Knowing that you’ll be looking for the ideal Christmas gift that will make your loved ones feel at home, British Corner Shop carefully selected your British favorites so they can be enjoyed wherever you are in the world.
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