#02
THE BULLETIN
Sharing a bit moire of what we love, paying tribute
to those who give voice to nuance and subtlety...
THE PLACE
KATSURA RIKYU /
Kyoto, Japan (1660)
The quest for harmony has long fascinated "explorers" around the world, both through the arts and through time. As the art of defining our own living space, architecture certainly is one of the fields in which this task has been most thoroughly challenged.
The Imperial Villa and gardens of Katsura, constructed between 1616 and 1660, are amongst the finest examples of such a vision, in which interiors connect and extend to the surrounding landscapes. Nothing here is gold or marble, yet it shines in its apparent simplicity in every possible way.
You can find countless books and photos of the Villa, both online and printed, of course, but most of all, if you ever find yourself in Kyoto, there’s nothing like taking the time to walk through the gardens and experience a form of perfection that has so rarely taken such a tangible shape…
THE BOOK
THE CONSOLATIONS OF THE FOREST /
Sylvain Tesson (2011)
There are books of adventure and there are philosophy books, usually not written by the same people. "The Consolations of the Forest", by Sylvain Tesson, truly blends the genres in the most enjoyable ride.
This meditation on escaping the chaos of modern life and rediscovering the luxury of solitude is fueled by beautiful and very evocative descriptions on the landscape, on solitude, on life, and on his numerous readings.
A book that is truly worth savouring word by word. An ode to the glory of paying attention, and the importance of having an inner life...
THE MOVIE
NORTH BY NORTHWEST /
Alfred Hitchcock (1959)
Alfred Hitchcock, defining the Bond genre, a few years before Bond.
With the martinis, the spectacles, that grey suit, the modernist architecture, and Eva Marie Saint as the quintessential Bond girl, it shows with the utmost class that simple espionage tactics and thrilling action can be worth any modern special effects, shoot-outs, and stunts.
It is arguably closer to the Bond of Sean Connery, and indeed the Bond of Fleming’s novels, than any Bond film in recent memory. An absolute classic always worth going back to, ideally past 8 o'clock, along with a properly mixed drink...
THE RECORD
BLUES SINGER /
Buddy Guy (2003)
In 1964, as a young studio guitarist for Chess Records, Buddy Guy performed as Muddy Waters sideman on the classic album "Folk Singer". Almost four decades later, as a lead this time, and joined by sidemen as illustrious as Eric Clapton and B.B. King, he released "Blues Singer".
A series of acoustic renditions of Blues Standards in which both his unique, creative singing and guitar playing shine in its most simple apparel.
Listen here on Apple Music, Spotify or Tidal.