Event Recap: Scott Frances' MonoVisioN Rocks the DDB (Part 2)

We made sure to talk with as many of Scott Frances' fans as we could while attending the opening night of his exhibit MonoVisioN at the DDB's Annex Building last week. With so many A-list attendees, we learned from the industry's best why Scott's work has had such an impact.

Pilar Viladas, Design Editor for the New York Times, has written the text his photographs in several design books. Pilar shared what she enjoys most about working with Scott.

"Scott has always had such a devotion to his photography, it's truly a marvel to watch him work," said Pilar. "Perhaps one of the finest things about his photography of design and architecture is his loyalty to natural light and his dedication to a literally perfect capture."

Patti Frances, Scott's wife, agreed that Scott's dedication to perfection is a true rarity.

"I can't even explain how impressed I am with Scott when I've been present on a shoot," Patti said. "When we were in South Africa, everyone watching simply couldn't get over how determined he was. The sky was cloudy and the light wasn't ideal but Scott squeezed every single drop of light from the sky until he was satisfied with his work!"

Ashlee Harrison, Marketing Director of the DDB, didn't forget to add that not only the photography, but also the gallery space was part of Scott's mastery.

"Before this installation of MonoVisioN, this space was previously a showroom," said Ashlee. "Watching Scott's creative ability to help transform three floors of showroom space into an intimate and artistic exhibit is further proof of his talent."

Be sure to check out MonoVisioN in the DDB’s Annex Building in Suite 110 now through July 29 before it travels to DCOTA and DCH.

Photo credit: Patrick McMullan Company.

DDB Spring Market Buzz: Gracie Teaches Chinese Painting Techniques

Veteran Gracie artist, Yen Ming Tsai was the center of attention at Gracie's Spring Market event, where he taught designers the technique of hand painting 18th-century-style Chinese flowers and birds. Designers had the opportunity to try their hand at painting such beautiful images and even took home their watercolor paintings to show off.

"This was just so much fun and so different from any event I've gone to!" said a Spring Market-goer. "Yen Ming Tsai is so talented and seeing him paint in the showroom just brought a whole new level to the way I look at Gracie's showroom. It makes me love and respect it even more!"

"Typically exposed to so much product at Market, one could become a little jaded, or less impressed because everything is beautiful," said Bobby Contini, VP Marketing of Cohen Design Centers. "Experiencing an artisan sharing his craft is a reminder of the incredible talent and creativity that surrounds us."

“Yen Ming is a senior Gracie artist who has been with us for many years," said Mike Gracie, President of Gracie. "He’s been enjoying some celebrity status recently after being mentioned in the New York Times for his work on the Gracie wallpaper in Jeff Lincoln’s Kips Bay Showhouse room. He also is very cheery and fun to be with so I know our visitors are having a great time while showing some excellent painting talent of their own!”

Be sure to check back with GoDesignGo for more Spring Market Buzz at the DDB, and please send us your work if you painted with Yen Ming Tsai.