California may not be shy of some sensational modern architecture and homes designed to epitomise the word ‘luxury’, but this exclusive beach house sure takes some beating. Designed by the San Francisco based company, Segan Piechota Architecture, this luxury residential property has been built on the edge of Carmel’s stunning beach.

This small city in the Monterey County of California was not founded until 1902 and, because of its beautiful natural scenery and rich artistic heritage, Carmel has become a well-known haven for attracting bohemian writers, actors, poets and artists. Naturally such an exclusive crowd of artistic talent require only the most luxurious and comfortable of abodes, hence Segan Piechota Architecture’s presence.

Known as “Otters Cove”, this sensational home is poised grandly on the top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean. At a first glance it is difficult to distinguish the plush and adventurous pad, as, with its stone cladding, connecting the house to its site, it momentarily appears to be an extension of the stunning seaside scenery.

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Despite France’s fascinating history of art, sculpture and architecture, which dates back further than 450 B.C, when the development of Celtic Art was seen in France, and the nation’s uncanny penchant for exhibiting some of the most wonderful, inspirational and influential exhibitions in the world, France has never housed an exhibition devoted to the Bavarian-born Austrian sculptor Franz Xaver Messerschmidt. Until now.

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The French Riviera boasts a remarkable biodiversity, and its rich and vibrant plant life gives this exceptionally exquisite stretch of coastline even greater colour, life and allurement.

So striking are the gardens on the Cote d’Azur that many of the world’s most celebrated artists have created some truly inspirational paintings, depicting the gardens and plant life the French Riviera is blessed with.

Although it’s warm and sunny Mediterranean climate crafts a favourable environment for plants and wildlife, gardens this vibrant, inspirational and immaculate to not come without dedication, hard work and a tremendous creative flair.

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James Burke and Paul Arad are an inspiration to us all. With determination, dedication, creative talent and entrepreneurial flair, just two years after graduating the highly talented duo are having their artwork bought by the likes of George Michael and Prince Charles.

Facconable is privileged to have caught up with these innovative artists and talk about their inspirations, career highlights, recognition in the States and their celebrity and royal fan base. JB refers to James Burke, Creative Director, and PA is Paul Arad, Managing Director.

Acrylicize is obviously an extremely pioneering and creative use of acrylic. How did you get your inspiration for using the material in such a creative way?

JB: I wanted to bring the traditional art canvas into the 21st century and create art that could be admired at face value. The acrylic canvas wasn’t very widely used and I liked the modern, clean and minimal effect it had.

What are the advantages of using acrylic as opposed to traditional art canvases?

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Artist Clare Ormerod is internationally recognized and admired for her impressionist-style townscapes and seascapes and her unique portrayal of animals. The young artist took some time out of her hectic routine to talk about her work, babies, her passion for dogs and, her latest venture, running an ancestral castle in Ireland

From dogs, cats, birds, houses and places, your work involves a diverse mix of subjects, which is your favourite subject to draw and why?

A: I love characters and capturing them and putting it into artwork. Dogs have always been a passion partly because their faces are so expressive but I adore all animals and as no two are the same.

Your work certainly is unique as it captures the spirit of inanimate, man-made locations as well as animals and wildlife. What gives you your inspiration for your varied art collection?

A:  All sorts of things inspire me – everyday there is something new to draw or paint – I only wish there were more hours in the day!

You have had recognition in New York, was it difficult to break into the American market?

A: I have had recognition from all over the world America, Australia – this is mostly through selling of prints but now I am doing commissions from all over the world

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