The Goddess Known as Nan

WWD has done a fun little piece today on the illustrious Nan Kempner.

If you don't know her, she is the ultimate lady who lunches.  (She was painted by Warhol for goodness sake.) And was an impeccable party gal until her death. Here she is with Yves St. Laurent. 

When asked by NY Mag in 2004, how she fills out customs forms she said, “I’m not rich enough to be a real philanthropist. And I loathe being called a socialite. So I write ‘housewife.’” Get it gurl!

 

Originally from San Francisco, Nan was a dedicated patron of the arts, loved fashion and was generally considered to be perfection, by me. 

Check out the article of great quotes by Nan. And in her own immortal words don't forget, “... when you accept an invitation, you’re taking on a commitment. You've got to be just as attractive as you know how to be — because you’re not just another face or pair of legs. You’re there to help the gang get cracking.”— The Observer, 2001

Here, There, and Everywhere

Well I made it. Cathryn and I had plenty of time, or so we thought. But as we sat on the Cross Bronx at 8:00 in bummer to bummer traffic I thought my chances of making a 10:00 a.m. flight were looking slim. But something miraculous happened and I had time for a cappuccino in the Porter Lounge at EWR. Nothing quite like a coffee and the New York Times.

I know we are getting close when the Falls come into view

What an indulgent night in town with this man and our fantastic drinks.  At Cantine.  Spent the rest of the night in Yorkville attending the city wedding party of one of Toronto's most dynamic musicians, Ms. Clara Venice.  It was a night of glamour, love and mariachi.  All with good friends.

The rest of the weekend was spent abed in the arms of a man and his chocolate Lab.  But Monday was so beautiful and I was so happy to be in the "old 'hood"  I had to get out and met Lauren, Crystal, and Beef at Fire. The old stomping ground of yore.

                                                               By Wednesday I was back in the tri-state, at MoMa with Joey B, of S.O.T.A fame, and Paul.  These two are the most famous guy I know in New York City.  Joe got me a ticket to see his show at The Cell  - Hard Times, which, by the way, got a fantastic review in the Times.  And Paul is bringing Patty Smith to Toronto in February.

The next week, I was back at it dolled up and going to Gramercy. 

Sometimes timing is just right, and you get to see one of your Toronto favourites in New York, like I did when Ms. Sharron Matthew's world tour stopped at Flute Gramercy.  She looks so great in Gold.

Had a late night dinner with Paul on one of my last nights in town.  It is always nice being at The Club.  I only wish Blackie could be there with us.  Oh and that reminds me I better send my Uncle a check for my bar bill.  This is what being "here" is all about.  

Landscaping is only the half of it ...

Kelowna Property

The "PCL" sight. Google it. Property.

I am gonna try and get a few more shots Monday if I am still on sight. I want to be discreet of course... And in my haste I got the below shot, quite by accident.


I would also like to point out my fierce, Fierce, nails, considering I picked weeds with my bare hands for the better part of fourteen hours yesterday and today.

Yeah that's how they do.

Power Plant director Gregory Burke with Norah Stone.

Gregory Burke, perhaps Toronto's most important international art figure was in San Francisco over Pride weekend - well not San Francisco exactly but Calistoga, in the heart of Napa's wine region. Burke, who I admire from a far at many Power Plant openings but never have the nerve to speak to, was photographed for the Art Forum Diary with none other than Norah Stone. A San Francisco social/power broker, Norah is "Wiki fined" as a philanthropist, lawyer, art historian and collector. She was also named by San Francisco magazine as one of the city's best dressed citizens in 2007. She always reminded me of another San Francisco lady, Ms. Nan Kempner, although they look nothing alike - because they are both so fierce. Norah married Norman Stone and together they have amassed an impressive collection which is divided between their residences in San Francisco and the Napa Valley, and which features artists such as Jan de Cock, Robert Gober, Jeff Koons, Cady Noland, Richard Prince, Richard Serra, Keith Tyson, Christopher Wool, Andy Warhol, Marcel Duchamp, Hans Bellmer and Tony Conrad. And according to ArtForum a few Baldessari's here and there. To make the Stone's credentials even more impeccable their property in Calistoga is a respected vineyard. And their art cave, where most of their work is on display was custom designed by Bade Stageberg Cox. Below are Norman and Norah greeting their guests, and their sculpture by James Turrell called Stone Sky. Don't they look flawless? There is nothing I love more than art collectors with good taste, who throw dinner parties at their property. It is also nice to see a local Torontonian out and about in the international art world. Now if only I could get myself invited.

Check out the rest of ArtForum's article about dinner at the Stone's, the article is linked below.
http://www.artforum.com/diary/#entry20686