Citroën To Be Featured at The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2018

Yet another amazing addition is planned to be added to the the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this year, which will be nothing short of spectacular. This year’s event marks the very beginning of Citroën becoming a featured marque at the 18th fairway on August 26th, 2018. The Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance poster that was painted by Barry Rowe (as shown above), pays tribute to this momentous occasion.

“Interest in Citroën among collectors has seen exponential growth in recent years, and the Concours is pleased to showcase custom coachwork Citroëns that offer the best of French technology and design,” said Concours Chairman Sandra Button.

Having made its first appearance at the 1955 Paris Auto Show, Citroën’s emblematic spaceship-like DS earned itself high praise for its unique design, which resulted in more than 80,000 orders by the end of the week. The innovative DS platform didn’t end with just its amazing outer appearance as advanced features such as, hydro-pneumatic suspension and hydraulic systems for the brakes, steering, and transmission were implemented. With the addition of these dynamic upgrades, the DS became one of the most reliable autobahn cruisers to have been built. The extraordinary vision of the DS became an enticing concept for coachbuilders like Henri Chapron to utilize as a canvas. The art was later sustained into 1970s custom Citroëns.

Jeffrey Fisher, a Citroën enthusiast, relates Citroëns to couturier dresses —“because they featured some of the highest number of interior and exterior permutations for a car ever.” The Tour poster illustrates three cars from Fisher’s collection depicting the development of the Citroën DS from middle class family car to postwar work of art.

The largest and first car on the poster is the two-tone blue 1966 Citroën DS 21 Chapron Le Léman Coupé, of which is just one of around 24 assembled. This exact car (chassis no.4350020) had once been on the stage of the 1966 Geneva Motor Show and symbolizes the peak of Citroën custom coachwork. The green 1967 DS 21 Chapron Cabriolet d’Usine was modified to convertible specifications directly from the factory. On the other hand, the yellow DS 19 embodies the spirit of the original DS saloon. Each of the Citroëns in the poster were fully restored by famed Citroën expert Vincent Crescia, who operates today from the very same building his father’s Citroën dealership was located.

As a member of the Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS), Barry Rowe delves deeper into the inner workings of the ever growing relationship between the automobile, society and daily life. When expressing cars, he is admired by his creative use of light and color. Together with Rowe’s contribution, the Concours commemorates the launch of Citroën as a featured marque.

Image Courtesy of: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

The Culinistas

Let’s face it; a job with demanding hours makes it hard to prepare healthy meals. So, Jill and Tiana of The Culinistas make it easy for residents of New York and The Hamptons: every week, a personal chef shops for you and stocks your fridge with delicious meals you select together from a handcrafted menu. They also help with dinner parties and events, from sit-down dinners to backyard BBQs.

The two founders hosted The Extravagant for some fun conversation, delicious and healthy treats and, of course, wine. Check out the video and some photos of the food below:

Photos and video by Emilie Genuard, words and editing by Erica Commisso.

Talking Aviation: Interview with Thomas Flohr of VistaJet

Meet Thomas Flohr, Founder and Chairman of VistaJet, who’s Bombardier business aircraft fleet offer clients an unforgettable flight comprising of complete comfort and exemplary class.  The VistaJet experience is simply incredible, taking travelers all across the world, which even include the most secluded and difficult to reach destinations.  Passengers aboard VistaJet have the privilege of choosing specialized preferences for their journey to best suit their reason of travel.  Read the interview below to find out more about the VistaJet fleet, as Mr. Flohr talks all things aviation and travel.

What in particular do you believe sets VistaJet apart from other Charter operators?

“VistaJet is the only global business aviation company. And not only are we the only global operator – in 2017 we arranged over 20,000 flights, and everyone of them is tailored to the occasion [as well as] the passengers’ preferences: we provide seamless travel solutions to businessmen who need to be in multiple-locations within the shortest period of time, and create the most memorable leisure trips to remote destinations anywhere in the world.  What really makes VistaJet even better than owning your own plane is that we make our entire fleet of over 70 business jets available to all our Program customers – with guaranteed availability, no asset risk or positioning costs. Since I founded VistaJet in 2004, we’ve flown our silver and red jets to over 187 countries worldwide.”

What is the inspiration behind the interior design of VistaJet’s current fleet?

“The cabin is designed as a home away from home. The spacious stand up cabins feature understated elegant furnishings, dark wood, fine Italian leather and even a curated library. For corporate leaders, it is business as usual as all cabins are equipped with the most advanced office-equipment to maximize productivity.  But, most important, VistaJet is renowned for the only consistent fleet in the industry: the interior of our aircraft is identical throughout the entire fleet.”

VistaJet is at the forefront of travel to some of the world’s most difficult to reach locations, with that said, is there any particular location that comes to mind when you think of the most challenging flights your company has completed?

“Our pilots are certified for snow and difficult landing, and the training we provide is way above the strictest national regulations. Our customers ask us to reach incredible private islands, or the top of mountains, at any time of the year. Unfortunately, I cannot provide you much more details, to protect our client’s privacy.”

Tell us more about your current partnership with Christie’s for the global tour of the David and Peggy Rockefeller collection.

“When we heard about the project, we saw it immediately as a perfect match. The Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller is an unbelievable collection of some of the finest works of art. The fact that 100% of the proceeds from the auction of the collection will be donated to charity is a remarkable philanthropic effort. We fully support the Rockefellers’ commitment to giving back, and our sponsorship is our way to facilitate and contribute to the Rockefeller family’s charitable mission.  Finally, the global nature of this art auction and exhibitions also gives us the unique opportunity to serve all our clients in the world with one unified experience.”

Any tips for beating jet lag?

“To help our clients avoid jet lag, we set the pressure in our cabin to the same as you would find at 1000m altitude – with this setup, the cabin air is more dense and has a greater level of oxygen saturation. As a result, the body does not have to work as hard to oxygenate blood and sustain itself, decreasing the chance of developing jet lag.  In addition, we have humidifiers on board to help our passengers feel more refreshed upon landing. Should you not be traveling on a business jet, you should try to keep hydrated with water and creams, and include resting time to start adapting to the arrival time zone.”

Where to next?

“If current trends continue, 2018 is expected to be another momentous year for the company. The upper-end of the sector historically tracks the global economy, and with Europe, the US and the Middle East seeing growth, demand is only set to build in 2018. While the entry end of the sector is still struggling with oversupply, trading for premium brands such as VistaJet is strong, as business leaders, corporations and UHNWIs are becoming ever more selective in their booking choices.

While all private aviation customers are always interested in the efficiency offered by the service, in 2018 the key will be attention to detail, additional services, and a personalized experience. Generations that have grown up with the world at their fingertips are increasingly searching for travel solutions that deliver both speed and high quality. Customers are also choosing to fly ever more globally, and average flight times are rising. On top of that, exciting new long-range aircraft models such as the Global 7000 will only add to the positive momentum in the sector. As a result, demand for larger aircraft is building; and in the private aviation market, only VistaJet is able to meet this need all over the world.

With the growth of the tech sector on the West Coast of the US and a growing body of entrepreneurs in key global financial hubs such as Dubai, the audience for private aviation will get even younger in 2018. After many years of stability, the private aviation industry is finally beginning to innovate to meet this burgeoning demand. VistaJet is at the forefront of innovation; its On Demand solutions and Direct app give entrepreneurs transparency over pricing, and its business model is based on access over ownership, an approach users of Uber and Airbnb are familiar with.”

You can keep up to date with VistaJet by following them on Instagram: @VistaJet

Images Courtesy of:  VistaJet

Billy Joel’s Florida Estate Hits The Market

American singer, songwriter, and pianist, Billy Joel has just put his nearly two-acre Florida estate, situated in the private enclave of Manalapan, on the market for $16,900,000USD.  This masterfully restored property is currently listed by Pascal Liguori and William Koch of Premier Estate Properties, which is an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate located in Boca Raton, Florida.

This luxury home was renovated in 2015, where it was given an extremely open and refreshing design to its already breathtaking Mediterranean styled layout.  In addition, it also boasts bespoke furnishings, which even includes the piano personally played by Mr. Joel in the house’s club room.  This detail alone was quite eye-catching because Mr. Joel was nicknamed “Piano Man” for his primary use of a piano with many of the pop songs he wrote.

The geographic position of the estate is beyond excellent as it spans across the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, of which each side offers a lofty 150 feet of waterfront view.  The 13,000 square-foot main residence features elegant artisan marble flooring, exquisite cypress and coffered ceilings, as well as Chicago brick accents for the ceilings that makes it an incomparably extraordinary architectural design.

The home has two gated entry points that both guide you to the formal entrance, where a motor court is stationed.  After entering through the eight-bedroom main house’s grandiose front doors, you are welcomed by a marble staircase that spirals up to the upper gallery, which is flooded with light thanks to a double deck of oversized oculus windows.  Furthermore, due to a multitude of French doors, the outlook of the pool terrace can be clearly seen, not to mention the spectacular view of the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, which are definitely a sight to see when the sun sets beyond the horizon.

The main floor features a two-story dining hall that seats up to at least 14 with a hand-stenciled wood ceiling and impressive wood-burning stone fireplace, as well as a European style kitchen with a barrel-vaulted brick ceiling that includes top of the line appliances such as the six-burner Wolf gas range alongside double ovens, Wolf steamer, dual Sub-Zero refrigerators and freezers, dual Miele dishwashers, and a Summit wine cooler.  Additionally, the first level boasts a club room complete with a wet bar and seating encircling an onyx counter, a media room, a private bedroom suite, a fitness studio/playroom, and staff quarters.

As for the home’s second level, which can be accessible through the elevator, it accommodates a grand gallery that commands a view over the dining hall.  The master suite features a sitting area centered around a fireplace, a private balcony with views overlooking the water, walk-in closets, and two opulent marble-and-onyx baths. The second wing of the estate consists of a total of three en suite bedrooms, all of which include their own personal balcony.  Moreover, the estate has an air-conditioned four-bay garage that is right underneath a guest house with two bedrooms and one bath.

Once you take a step outside the house, you will find an Intracoastal dock, verdant landscape, lawns that stretch all the way to the Intracoastal shoreline, and oceanfront space along with a dune passage way.  There is also an outdoor colonnaded loggia with an alfresco layout that introduces a fountained spa, a summer kitchen and bar, a cabana bath, and a seated dining area accompanied by a fireplace nook, which provides a stunning view overlooking the saltwater pool.

Images courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

For additional information, please visit www.christiesrealestate.com.

McLaren Launches 3 North American Track Programs For 2018

McLaren North America’s “Pure McLaren” program, will be offering both clients as well as interested buyers the opportunity to test out the automaker’s vehicles at three different locations throughout the United States and Canada.

Pure McLaren, which will be launching in 2018, will provide participants the chance to test both McLaren’s standard road vehicles as well as their “track only variants”. Spread across three events for the 2018 season, enthusiasts will have a few different opportunities to practice and improve their driving as well as racing skills for advanced participants.  Custom tailored services include personal driver coaching sessions with a professional driver, dedicated technical teams, driving analysis, a VIP hospitality set up, in addition to personalized hotel and circuit transfer handling.

Entry level packages start with coached sessions in the McLaren 570s over a half day period. More advanced options offer the McLaren owner the ability to drive their own vehicle around the circuit. However, our personal favorite is the Performance Academy Race Level 3 course which takes place over two and a half-days, and allows the participant to get behind the wheel of the ultra impressive McLaren 570S GT4 track car.

Program locations will include Le Circuit Mont Tremblant in Canada (June 2-4, 2018), The Thermal Club in California (October4-6, 2018), and Circuit of the Americas in Texas (November 7-11, 2018).

Images courtesy of:  McLaren Automotive Inc. North America

For further information, please email:  NAexperiences@mclaren.com

Artexpo New York

Anything approved by Carolina Herrera is good enough for me. So, when she attended New York’s Artexpo this weekend to celebrate the show’s 40th anniversary, it automatically upped its intrigue.

Courtesy of Redwood Media Group, Artexpo CEO Eric Smith and Carolina Herrera

Artexpo showcases designers around the world, with works ranging from impressionist paintings to holographic art that changes as you move (unfortunately, making it very hard to photograph) to incredible sculptures, the event had something for everyone.

Check out some of the highlights below:

Mick Jagger and John Lennon made guest appearances.

Marc and Matt Lipp created these designer dogs. The New York born brothers that make up M&M fashioned the series of painted and lacquered bronze sculptures as a part of their latest venture.

Canadian artist James Paterson created large works out of wire and stained glass, exhibiting his collection called “A Prayer Machine.” Each piece is intricate and complicated, but every work varies in size and composition. A huge feat of the work, though, is that it takes Paterson only about three weeks (albeit three weeks of non-stop work) to complete a large piece.

Mher Khachatryan‘s The Smoke collection combines the ephemeral beauty of smoke and the softness of a woman’s silhouette to create a series full of intrigue and dark beauty. The black and white color scheme creates a moody feel, and the beauty of them all is ever-present.

Two years after David Bowie’s death, his presence is still strong as ever. Of course, his eccentricity is perfect for art, and German and American duo Micha Kuechenhoff and Grant Rosen took the musician’s legacy one step further. Saving damaged dictionaries that date back over 100 years, they handpick pages that connect in some way to the artist they are depicting. Words for Bowie include “admire, musician, space” and the like, drawing from the musician’s history. Each of their pieces, depicting various public figures, is considered one of a kind.

Toronto-based Vito Piacente creates works that grapple with psychological juxtapositions between two extremes, like pain and pleasure. This series highlights the complexity of the relationship between individuals and society, bringing to light the detrimental nature of self-doubt.

Franco-Hungarian photographer Pol Kurucz is now based in Sao Paolo, combining the absurdity and the sensical to create jarring photographs heavily influenced by fashion and fine art. Each piece makes a statement about the world around him. His work has been featured in several major publications, like Vogue, Elle and Glamour.

Photography by: Emilie Genuard

Mark Rothko’s No. 7 (Dark Over Light) to hit the Auction Block

In New York, the famed monumental canvas, No. 7 (Dark Over Light) by American Artist, Mark Rothko is set to make its way to the auction block on May 17 for the Christie’s Evening Sale of Post-War and Contemporary Art. No. 7 (Dark Over Light), which was painted in 1954, and at almost eight feet tall, certainly epitomizes Mr. Rothko’s highly coveted grand scale style.

Mark Rothko once remarked (on the subject of size): “I paint very large pictures. I realize that historically the function of painting large pictures is painting something very grandiose and pompous. The reason I paint them, however—I think it applies to other painters I know—it is precisely because I want to be very intimate and human. To paint a small picture is to place yourself outside [your] experience, to look upon an experience as a stereopticon view or with a reducing glass. However, you paint the larger picture, you are in it. It isn’t something you command.”

The sheer size of No. 7 is only paralleled by its magnificent content, which channels intense raw emotion.  Additional noteworthy factors that make this work particularly coveted include both the period of the work’s inception as well as its vibrant surface. Characteristically defined by its rapid cloud like corners, No.7 is a perfect demonstration of Rothko’s desire to produce direct works that bring viewers into a pure unperverted state of emotional sentiment.

Jussi Pylkkänen, Christie’s Global President, remarked: “No. 7 (Dark Over Light), comes from a small and highly sought-after group of monumental canvases by Mark Rothko. Standing before this radiant picture, one is immediately enveloped by the dramatic brilliance of Rothko’s artistic vision.  Between its intensely kinetic surface and its epic scale, No. 7 is a consummate example of Rothko’s ability to convey pure emotional power. Given the international demand for canvases of this quality by Mark Rothko, we expect that No. 7 will draw enthusiasm from collectors around the globe.”

One of Mark Rothko’s most coveted desires was to depart from the conventional norms associated with the relationship between not only artist and creativity, but also paint and canvas.  His efforts proved most successful, especially in the way they altered viewers long established perception of preconceived notions regarding art as an illustration rather than an experience. This pursuit of turning art into an experience governed Rothko’s work for more than a decade, controlled by his two main principles of space and color.

As part of a very limited series Rothko painted in the 50’s, No.7 exhibits dark colors, which reminisces alongside a conquering array of splendid paintings such as No. 203 (Red, Orange, Tan and Purple) and Untitled (Violet, Black, Orange on Gray). First acquired by storied collector, Count Alessandro Panza di Biumo, Sr. in 1961, this is the first time No. 7 has come to auction in over 10 years. No.7 (Dark Over Light) is estimated to fetch somewhere in the region of $30 million USD.

Image credit: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2018

Christie’s International Real Estate Showcases the upcoming Rockefeller Sale in Beverly Hills

The highly anticipated upcoming Christie’s auction regarding the collection of David & Peggy Rockefeller has received nothing short of royal welcomes, as it has made its way across the globe. The collection, which includes a widespread & diverse set of artwork is estimated to gross more than $500 million USD; the proceeds you say? They will go to benefit several charities selected by the late David & Peggy Rockefeller. Some of the organizations that stand to benefit from the sale include charities dedicated to medical, educational, cultural, and environmental causes.

“The Rockefeller Collection is arguably the most important and valuable to ever be sold at auction,” Christie’s International Real Estate Executive Director Zackary Wright said. “The opportunity to provide both art and real estate clients an up-close preview of this historic sale, as well as a glimpse into the lives of the Rockefellers and their passion for art and philanthropy, is what sets the Christie’s luxury brand apart from the others.”

On April 10th of 2018, Christie’s International Real Estate in collaboration with Hilton & Hyland, VistaJet and U.S. Trust hosted an exclusive gala style discussion titled “The Rockefellers: Art and Philanthropy, A Family Legacy”  which acted to conceptualize the upcoming May 8th through 11th auctions that will take place at the Rockefeller Center in New York City. The High Society committee included Marc Porter, Chairman of Christie’s Americas and John Goldwyn, producer of the hit TV series Dexter.

The committee, who explored insights on The Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller also explored ideas and thought processes regarding the tax implications related to sale, donation, and holding of one’s own collection. The discussion was followed up by a chic gala and private preview of pieces belonging to the collection.

The collection consists of numerous works; pieces that are particularly noteworthy are Picasso’s Fillette à la corbeille fleurie (Young Girl with a Flower Basket), as well as a Claude Monet water lilies painting.

Images courtesy of: Christie’s International Real Estate

Cuba’s 2017 Edición Limitada Cigars

The remaining number of Cuba’s 2017 Edición Limitada cigars have just started to make their arrival to global markets.  Even though Cohiba Talismán Edición Limitada 2017 was launched in late 2017, the other two cigars, such as the Partagás Serie No. 1 (5 1/2 by 52) and the Punch Regios de Punch (4 3/4 inches by 48 ring gauge), are still making their way to the market, albeit at a leisurely pace.

The two cigars first started showing up in many different countries, however, the distribution of these cigars have been very infrequent.  Sometimes one of the cigars would reach a country, while the other one doesn’t.  For example, in South America some countries may have received Cohiba Talismán Edición Limitada, but have yet to receive the Punch and the Partagás.  Furthermore, some of these countries haven’t even acquired any of these cigars at all.

Fortunately, both the Partagás Serie No. 1 and the Punch Regios de Punch are now currently in the hands of Phoenicia Trading, where they were promptly dispatched to Phoenicia’s extensive net of retail markets across the globe.  Being one of the biggest cigar distributers, Phoenicia Trading offers Cuban cigars to some parts of Europe, most of Africa, and the Middle East, which also include Beirut’s duty free mediums.

The Edición Limitada program is relatively new as it officially commenced in 2000.  Following each year after, Habanos S.A. started unveiling a total of just three cigars in different dimensions that were not found in traditional production.  In addition, these cigars had a far darker shade than average ones and also had upper priming casing.

In Germany as well as in a few other countries, despite the irritable infrequency, the shipments of both of these Edición Limitada cigars arrived on schedule, but fell short in the quantity supplied.  This caused the commercial launch of the two cigars, which were planned to hit the market in 2017, to be further delayed; and though this pushed back the Partagás Serie No. 1 and the Punch Regios de Punch’s delivery time, their arrival to global markets was only slowed down and not cancelled.

Featured image courtesy of: Habanos S.A.

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

Talking Art: Interview with Prince Rostislav Romanov

Meet His Highness Prince Rostislav Rostislavovich Romanov, a member of Russia’s former ruling Imperial dynasty and an incredibly talented artist “who strives to capture the beauty and strangeness of the world.” Prince Rostislav’s highly imaginative work sits at an avenue where modern figurative meets abstract. 

The Prince, who is best known by his nickname Rosti, pushes his viewers to see the underlying work beneath his art by rationalizing a time-tested approach of trial and error. Prince Rostislav’s compositions force us to feel in an era that has nearly lost itself to meaningless pieces of art.

His Highness’s artwork leads viewers down a path of the utmost originality, showcasing provocative scenes reminiscent of a bygone era of Russian History mixed with modern cultural elements that engulf the strange world around us. If a typical picture says a thousand words than a painting by Prince Rostislav screams a million. 

What is the inspiration for your current series?

“Inspiration is a funny thing for me! I have travelled and asked that question to many people across the Art World. The best quote about inspiration, is when I asked that question to the late Oscar De La Renta, he bent down to me (I was 17 at the time, he was a tower of a figure!) put his fingers to his eyes, widened them, and said, “Everywhere!”

That took me a long time to understand, from the ages of 17 to 28, I thought how arrogant! Only after turning 28, when I got sober and started to look what was around me, I realised he was right! So that is the foundation for me to build on.

At the moment, I am really into shapes and lines with a limited palette. Which reminds me, I had a conversation with the Queen of Denmark once, found out she is a keen artist! So, we were talking about art, and I foolishly told the Majesty that I deal with just colour no shapes or lines. The Queen of Denmark turned around to me with her cigarette in one hand and said to me this, “No matter what type of artist there is, from the back of their minds to the paper they all use lines.””

You’ve lived across the globe, from the USA to Russia and the UK, that said, how do you feel that your travels have influenced your work?

“The one thing I learnt from my family history, is that they always acclimatise to where one is.  This little bit has helped me to adapt to the local culture; also, to have lived in so many different places helped me understand a different side of the world. The fact is I always want to be influenced by different cultures, people and art! We live in an age where travel is more accessible now than say 20 years ago! Where ever I go, I look into local folk art and textiles to figure out how they use colour and shapes.

For example, I was in Lisbon for a holiday. Strangely, it was the first holiday where I did not take any art equipment with me – never again! Portuguese ceramics – their tiles are amazing! It gave me an idea to put tiles on the lower half of my house one day!

But for me, I want to go to Mexico on the Day of the Dead! Ever since I worked at the De Young Museum, and was there to help out in the Chicano art exhibition, South America has genuinely interested me, the stories, the shapes, and colours will be forever burned inside my skull.” 

How did you first get involved in the Art world? Was it an encounter with art in your childhood, or through family or school?

“Simple, I was terrible at art when I was a kid from ages 0 through 14. I was not setting the school alight with my art! The only reason I choose Art and Design for my GCSE, (Which is the English National Exam every kid has to take when they are 16. Kind of like one’s SAT’s I think?) if an artist can put a shark in a tank like Damien Hirst, or drip paint like Jackson Pollock. I said to myself I can do that, so I thought it would be easy! But at that time, I was speaking to my art teacher (God, I feel sorry for her, me spilling my guts about the death of my father to her! I do not know if she had training in that? Oh well.) She told me to paint my feelings, which I did, then she told me to look at Kandinsky, which I did.

That is when everything changed, I had an outlet where for a brief moment I could escape and use my pain, my emotions inside of me. She left, then came in my mentor John Hinchcliffe, he put me onto landscapes. When John Hinchcliffe arrived, I was in my last year of school, and John turned around to me and said, “You could do it. You can become a professional artist.” I had nothing better to do with my life, so I thought why not! Off I went.” 

If there is just one thing that a viewer takes away with them from your work what would you like that to be?

“To get to that finished piece of art, I had to fail so many times. So, failure is only really a failure if you do nothing about it, failure can be the best type of inspiration! So, try to learn, feel, be open! I always say that art is my life, and my life is art! It makes it that much more precious and fun. Oh, a couple of things my mentor taught me, first keep it simple. (The best thing is your simple, will be different from my understanding of simple, which is spectacular in itself!) The other thing, is everything leads back to itself like printmaking has helped me understand more about shapes and patience, which has allowed me to see and explore different ideas and develop my paintings.”

Tell us about some of the work you’re doing with Raketa, Russia’s oldest Watch Factory, which was founded by your ancestor, Peter the Great. Have you always been passionate about Horology?

“Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved watches, how they are designed, how they all work beautiful and efficient, with no waste what so ever! That alone has taught me the importance of what I am working on, and not to waste that space. Also, to learn a different and highly crafted art form is rare! I don’t think the big watch companies in Switzerland would allow me into their workshop, and learn for free. Working in Horology has put a different set of limits on me, which is wonderful. How to get all of the information that I use into such a small area, and to still have the same effect of one of my art pieces! Last thing horology has taught me, is working inside the limits. (If one looks at the limits, there is a lot of space to play with.)”

What does it mean to you personally to be a member of the Romanov family?

“This question has always troubled me. Am I an Artist, or am I a Romanov? For so long, I thought both could not coexist with each other! So, it was easy to rebel against both of them for a long time. It is only now, I have come to realise that both can work together. (I learnt this from my collaboration with London jewellery company Ortaea.) I found that being part of the Romanov family and history has given me an absolute lack of expectation, and fear of people, ideas, and places. But, the most important thing I learnt from my family is that A.) Family matters, and B.) That I have a platform to do some good in the world. I have a friend, Max McLaughlin working on a design for me of the Russian double-headed eagle, but instead of holding a staff and orb, the eagle would be holding a paintbrush and palette with a quote by Tom Waits going around it, I hope. He is still working on it, so I have not seen it yet.”

Tell us about your passion for cigars. What are some of your preferred brands at the moment? 

“My passion for cigars is something I love! It is strange for me because I am very much an introvert, I love my solitude! But when it comes to cigars, I love going to the cigar room in London on St. James Street, sitting there with people I have never met, from different walks of life, and we are all talking with one another like we are friends. It is amazing comradery.

For the type of cigars, what I like changes with the mood I am in. I do not stick to the big brands, I enjoy trying things further afield. I remember, I was on holiday with my family off of the coast of Venezuela in this beautiful, strange place, and some locals found out that I like cigars. They told me to go to this woman on the Island. So, a driver, a family member and I set off on this journey. We pulled over, and the driver and my family member told me to wait in the car, but the things I saw there were too strange! So, there was a group of locals next to the car with half a carcass of something big!  I was freaking out a little bit, thinking the worst. I got out of the vehicle and took a speedy walk to the house, where this old woman was. What I saw was terrific! This old woman was from Cuba, learnt how to make cigars by hand in her home country, but fled to Venezuela where she kept on doing it. I must have got about 200 handmade cigarillos for $4. Kind of wish I took a photo back then.”

Any thoughts on the art scene in Britain today? How do you feel it compares to its counterparts around the globe?

“I can only use my viewpoint. In the UK the whole art scene is flourishing, there are more opportunities here for artists from music, performance, to exhibitions. It is exhilarating to me, I can feel the energy in the air kind of like the early 1900’s but with more health and safety.

In Russia, the art scene is more politically driven, but art in Russia has been like that for more than 100 years, pull and push situation, which gives art a deeper meaning for me. For example, when there was a massive change in two governments that I am close to, I decided that I am going to be more creative use more colour be more vibrant, be more positive with my works to rebel against all the negative judgemental right wrong viewpoints of individual people. So, in a way, I want my art to be there for the people if they want it?  Lastly, I have artist friends in the UK and Russia that inspire, drive and push me and my art.”

How has your style changed since you first began painting? And are there any other mediums you’re looking to explore further in the future?

“Yes, I always look at where I started. At random years, I go back to one spot in the world where I did my first plain air painting just to see how I have changed, as I can remember the first one. For a long time when I was drinking, my art was stuck in one place! Mind you, I thought back then, to be an artist one must be an addict, and/or a drunk, playing into the stereotype. Strangely, when I gave up drinking, my mind was playing a trick on me saying, that is the end of being an artist! How wrong was that part of my brain! Literally, my art was an explosion of feelings and colours, when I gave up drinking, only then, I finally gained the perfect practice of my art to control, and manipulate those raw emotions into my art. Not to shy away from my feelings and body, but to let all that speak out!

Also, I am always exploring new things, mediums, and techniques in the art, as it is another way for me to speak. Art has given me a voice, and I am going to shout out with it. I was told from a young age that I am dyslexic. I found it very hard to learn, and the support from schools was not significant until I fell into the art world which led me to a new way to communicate. I have just started to learn about different forms of etching which are amazing, I love it. I am trying different ways to paint by using more body motions. Next year I am going to get into textiles and weaving. I also want to try ceramics!  Maison d’Art gallery in Monaco always tells me I should do that! Hell, why not? I live in the UK where it has some of the best ceramics factories. It is beautiful, the more I explore different mediums, the more it helps me in my life and art.”

Like Kandinsky, you often listen to music while painting, with that said, who are some of your favourite artists to listen to while painting?

“When I learnt History of Art at school, I was taught that some artist in Paris in the early 1900’s use to take drugs and drink the Green Fairy to get to that strange place to create. When I was looking at Kandinsky, I started to use music as one of my tools in art. I found that drink could not get me to that strange place to work, the only thing drink took me to was more drink. But, music has brought me to the most bizarre parts of my mind.

Remember that scene from Almost Famous, with The Who album Tommy. For me, the mind-bending staple music is Tom Waits post drink, where he is not afraid to do what he wants in his records, just thinking about it wants me to work even now. One other thing I love is Iggy Pop confidential on BBC Radio 6; it is the same teaching to be open to new beautiful, strange ideas, and music. (I swear every time I listen to him, I end up buying new music that I heard on that show!) But, if I am genuinely stuck, bring out Chuck E. Weiss. I owe these musicians a painting for driving me. I am really into Punk, I just cannot get enough of it, it might be because they stand on the edge of music and push it to where it is just recognisable, and to rebel against the norm and anyone can join. But, to counterbalance it I found this British rapper called Kojey Radical; again, it is how he uses his words and music to communicate what he sees around with his eyes.”

How would you describe your creative process?

“I met an artist back in my younger years in San Francisco, and asked her that question. (Sorry, I sadly cannot remember her name for the life of me.) She said she goes into her studio every day and works. For me, I love being creative, but also what is an essential for me is the craft side of art. That side has made me appreciate and value what I am doing more. I would never let anyone else do that for me, where is the fun in that? When I look back at a painting, I know that I stretched the canvas and sized it with rabbit skin glue and primed it to just how I like it, that gives my pictures a complete feeling for me. I try new things, mostly fail, learn, and work again then slightly change where I failed. I keep my eyes open to new shapes and my mind open to different ideas. For me, even the simplest concept can give me so much creative drive, even if the concept does not come to bear fruit. Lastly, I never stop thinking about art, continually considering, painting, and creating in my mind to see where it fails or not and/or where I need help on my obsession, like that character from Stefan Zweig novella called Chess.” 

Any upcoming shows that we should keep our eyes peeled for?

“Sadly, I like collections of museums more, they are regularly there, which means that I can return at any time; so here are the top three museums. One of the places is a part of the Pushkin Museum in Moscow, called the European Gallery, it is the most amazing of museums. Their collection is the envy of any other significant museums’ collections in the world, here they have everything from the only painting Van Gogh sold Matisse “The Dancer” to a whole floor of Cezanne! But, what makes it remarkable is that it is always empty! So, one has plenty of time to look at these paintings and sculptures. Oh, did I mention when you start, the first thing one sees is a whole room of Rodin; how genuinely spectacular that is? But, the other two museums for me are the Chicago Art Institute, (This place holds a special place in my heart. A world of wonder.)  and lastly, The V&A in London, for the fact that they have a piece of textile from my mentor John Hinchcliffe.

For me, I follow artists then exhibitions. So, the artists that push me to be a better artist are Dickon Dury, Poppy Jones, Dan Feit, Daira Fursey, Jethro Buck and Louise Thomas. They all are jaw-droppingly fantastic, but what links them all is their work ethic. I feel guilty, but hey, while here, I do have an exhibition coming up in London at C. John gallery from May 14th-18th, just a mention.”

Image credit: Richard Williams

Where can we follow you?

“Here is my website: rostislavromanov.com, also Instagram: @rostislavromanov and lastly Ello is again: @rostislavromanov that is for the World Wide Web, but I am always lurking about somewhere on Winchelsea Beach with my Chocolate Labrador, Bister.”

Images courtesy of: His Highness Prince Rostislav Romanov