The Steeple Times asks Olympian swimmer Amini Fonua: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
“Don’t judge, be open-minded and approach everything you do with love” – You can never go wrong.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Never underestimate the power of forgiveness”.
Could a V8 engine save the Fisker brand?
Yesterday, FoxNews.com asked: “Can the internal combustion engine save the electric car?” and answered: “In the case of the Fisker Karma, it just might be”.
The Steeple Times asks art curator, advisor and advocate Kipton Cronkite: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
I surround myself with those who remind me not to take life too seriously and to laugh, no matter what. For new relationships, focus on those who have positive energy and a similar outlook on life.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Immediately forget timewasters who are negative and dramatic.
Thomas James chats with artist Conor Mccreedy
The quintessence of any artist is what distinguishes them from others. So, when I met with Conor Mccreedy to ask him about his, he begins by reading me his artistic statement:
“I lose myself in a divine invention, where judgment is laid aside and my experiences in the world are left to breathe without the constraint of self-awareness or convention. The raw power and mysterious void of the ocean is my inspiration, the equalizer of mankind. We live in a volatile world where race, gender, time, and religion distract us from the real. My experiences of the human dilemma are archived in my mind; they arise in moments of unabashed and unbounded creativity. Tides of creation are painted and put into motion by pure adrenaline. This creative combustion has driven me to go beyond portraiture, and to explore new worlds of neo-expressionism and abstraction where volatile uncertainties are not only demolished but also become unheard of. The blue pigment that I use conveys a sense of ambiguity. It is a unique substance out of which almost elemental water emerges”.
Mccreedy divides his time between South Africa, the Unites States and Europe he loves discovering new things whilst traveling. His fascination with scents and colours is reflected in the candles and soap bars he collects and equally, he has become especially known for the colour he created, “Mccreedy Blue”. This blue is incorporated into his artistic works and most of his handmade European suits also.
Conor Mccreedy has a passion for animals that not only can be seen in his art but also can be seen in his life. He has his very own African lion, Mohlatsi, which is kept in South Africa at The Ranch Conservancy. Lions as well other cats are dear to Mccreedy’s heart, which is why he donates a percentage of most of his art sales to the Protecting African Lions (P.A.L.) foundation. Mccreedy is also an ambassador for the Ubuntu Educational Fund, which was founded, by Jacob Lief, a close friend of his.
Mccreedy’s creative vision has created a surge of interest in the art collecting community. One painting, Secret Movements, was sold to an undisclosed collector in Manhattan for approximately $196,000. This individual was offered $260,000 dollars for this rare piece in early 2013 but declined to accept.
In conversation, I asked Mccreedy further questions about his paintings and his philanthropic work and below I record some of his responses:
Thomas James: Is there something in particular about Secret Movements or your paintings in general that draws this undisclosed collector to your work?
Conor Mccreedy: “He has always loved my work. However, my trademark Mccreedy Blue paintings are what he collects mostly. This is the highest price for a single painting of mine to be sold as of yet. I am honoured that people would spend this amount of money on one of my creations. The collector turned down the initial offer as he felt it was not enough but equally, he does not intend on selling this piece anytime soon”.
TJ: Why does Secret Movements have an almost magnetic effect on people?
CM: “The lines and angles are unending in the painting. It can be looked at for hours as it starts to almost move within the canvas like a wild ocean. The piece is extremely powerful and strong. This is a unique sized piece being around 8 foot long by 3 foot high”.
TJ: What influencers and personalities have you sold your art to?
CM: “I do not really keep track of the ‘famous’ people who own my works. Time Warner has a piece or two and Steve Tyler liked an early work of mine so much he started to kiss it. We are working closely with Goldman Sachs and their art department this year and the following year to possibly create a mural for their Manhattan headquarters. I all goes well, the mural will be a painting almost as large as a tennis court”.
TJ: Assuming your favorite animal is the lion what ways are your trying to help and preserve lions in Africa.
CM: “Yes, my favorite animal is the lion. I am very upset to see what has happened to the rhino population also and do not want our lion population in Africa to continue to fall drastically. This is why I have decided to take a stand to make sure our lions don’t become extinct over the next 10 years”.
“We launch the ‘Mccreedy Blue P.A.L.’ bracelets in 2 weeks time. These bracelets won’t just support P.A.L., but will also fund my four affiliated foundations. It is a global movement that will be built up with tribes of believers and connectors and the bracelet will symbolise the connection between people and lions. Every time we sell a painting, I make sure that a percentage is put into the Protecting African Lions (P.A.L.) foundation. It needs all the seed funding and support it can get in its early stages so that it can flourish with the right team. We are fortunate enough to have amazing ambassadors from all over the world. This I am very grateful for and have worked extremely hard on pulling this together. It is something very close to my heart. I am African. I love Africa and will always be African”.
There is much interest in Mccreedy’s works amongst collectors living in international cities such as London and New York, but for him, the South African contemporary collecting art market is becoming increasingly important. This year, there will be two solo exhibitions of his works in Nigeria and South Africa and he will also be displaying two paintings at the Sydney Art Fair with his South African representative, the Everard Read Gallery.
For more information about Conor Mccreedy, go to: http://conormccreedy.com
Follow him on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/CONORMCREEDY
For more details on Protecting African Lions (P.A.L.), go to: http://protectingafricanlions.org
Whether innocent or guilty of the murder she’s repeatedly been accused of, this American has made $4 million from her memoir deal with HarperCollins. The family of Meredith Kercher, the true victim in all of this, have rightly stated that they “do not believe anyone should profit from the murder” but Knox, whose conviction for calunnia stands, is therefore indeed proof that crime can indeed pay.
This New Yorker is the son of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly filmmaker Julian Schnabel and curated his first exhibition aged 16. Vito Schnabel dated Demi Moore at the age of 26 and though that relationship ended in December 2012 supposedly because Schnabel didn’t like the intrusion of the paparazzi he subsequently took up with Heidi Klum. In February 2013, he again hit the press when he organised a group exhibition entitled “White Collar Crimes”. Naturally, amongst those featured at the show in Acquavella Galleries was an image of Ruth Madoff. Aside from art, Vito Schnabel wants to make a movie “one day” and worked with Jeff Zalaznick, Rich Torrisi and Mario Carbone on the launch of the Italian-American Carbonne restaurant in Greenwich Village.
The Steeple Times asks high jewellery expert Francesco Paolillo: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
My guiding forces are the everyday challenges that I face and my family of course.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Nothing comes to mind. I don’t have a motto.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
I don’t really know who Kerry Katona is but for me the political situation in Italy is unfortunate.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I miss living in New York and walking in Central Park.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I would give up everything I have to spend one more day with my father.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
My view on the banking crisis is that we are all responsible for it.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
The word “manager”. I think it is overused.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I do not support any causes at the moment.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
These devices are essential to our lives. They should simply be used politely.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Tony and Cherie Blair and Gordon Brown. I would also have George Soros and Nicole Kidman.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
I would have a steak in Tuscany with a bottle of Brunello di Montalcino. A friend would come with me.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
When I fancy it.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
I would be most likely to go for a martini.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
My own, because I know how to enjoy myself.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Me: I trust myself.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Women.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
No tattoo can sum me up.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Porsche.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I have won several trophies for BMX bike riding.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
A group picture of me with some good friends.
Francesco Paolillo is a high jewellery expert based in Knightsbridge, London.
Follow him on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/fppaolo
The Steeple Times asks estate agent Edward Thomson: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Honesty and integrity.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
My favourite is: “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger” but “Try everything once, except incest and Morris dancing” is more amusing.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
Mexicans using live dogs and kittens as shark bait.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Living in the countryside and most of the time, a river and a dog.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
The love of my life.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
My integrity and reputation is all that I am; all that I can absolutely determine. When you give that up what have you become? The banks no longer have a code. A few prison sentences ought to remind them to gamble their money, not ours.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“It’s not my problem”: I absolutely hate the mentality of people who say this.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Family and friends first and then animal welfare. In particular, beasts of burden across the world.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
Mobile phones are anti-social, but absolutely necessary in today’s world.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Bill Murray, Ranulph Fiennes, that chap who just survived 40 minutes at depth in the North Sea with 20 minutes of mix (seriously interesting chat to be had there I think), Johnny Cash and oh yes, a seriously amazing and beautiful Australian I know.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Potted shrimp on toast, lamb cutlets and some very good Stilton. I would have it on the banks of the River Nadder near Salisbury.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
12 noon. Sherry.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
Definitely a cocktail. A Porn Star martini is my current favourite.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Any that end up in Annabel’s. Call me old hat, but I just love the dance floor in there.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My stepfather, Richard. An extraordinary chap.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Smoking. I have to stop again soon.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A rod and a rifle.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
My Triumph TR6. My dream car is a 1949 Ferrari 166MM Barchetta.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I like crooning to old Fred Astaire songs in the shower.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
A carriage clock, two candlesticks, a picture of me releasing a salmon, a wedding invitation and a Herend porcelain rabbit.
Edward Thomson works for Strutt & Parker LLP in their Cadogan Street sales office. Website: http://www.StruttAndParker.com
A happy hour with a difference launches at The Palm in London’s Belgravia
Opened in May 2009, The Palm replaced the legendary restaurant Drones of Pont Street. Amongst the original backers of Drones were David Niven Jr. and Sir Roger Moore. Nicky Kerman, a titan of the restaurant world, was another part owner. A later reincarnation was the brainchild of television chef Antony Worrall Thompson. Of the décor of this era, critic Nick Foulkes described it as: “Daphne’s meets The Magic Roundabout with a touch of Swedish sauna”. Next came a lady named Annie Foster Firth and most recently it opened as Marco Pierre White’s Drones in 2001.
At the funeral of her grandmother, Baroness Thatcher, this young lady from Texas showed herself to be a “chip off the old block”. Her reading was composed and faultless and impressed the nation. She’s also said to be a talented sportswoman and there’s a most definite possibility she’ll take up the Iron Lady’s mantle in due course.