Trees of Namibia by Vicente Wolf

Tomorrow I will have a profile on the inspiring Elizabeth Mayhew and her fab new book FLIP! For Decorating. Several weeks ago Mary Alice Sherrill put me in touch with the super talented Elizabeth. We have been working on her profile for quite sometime. It was great to meet her in person this weekend and I can’t wait to share more with you. I will also be giving away her new book FLIP! For Decorating to one lucky reader.

However, it occurred to me that while I have posted a ton of photos in the past few days, I have not given you any details about the partnership with Vicente Wolf and the story of his fantastic photos. Honestly, I have not been able to get the images out of my mind. So please allow me just one more post.

Friday was the announcement and launch of our online partnership. Together we are offering readers of All the Best Blog a chance to purchase limited edition photos from Vicente’s recent collection ‘Trees of Namibia’, captured during a January 2009 trip to the African country. The selection of photographs depicts the vastness of the Namib Desert where relentless sun and endless sand create haunting, ever-changing vistas.

In the world of design, Vicente Wolf has been at the top for over 30 years. From the spacious light-filled loft in New York City where his company is headquartered, Wolf maintains many creative undertakings: photography, art collection, interior design and global travel. You can imagine my delight and honor to be working with such a talented and well-respected man.

Those in attendance had the pleasure of viewing all six (6) prints in the series. Boasting some of the highest dunes in the world and haunting petrified trees, Sossusvlei, where the pictures were taken, is a photographer’s dream. Vicente’s photographs are truly incredible compositions. He has vividly captured the unbelievable colors of the desert landscapes. When I first saw the digital version of the images Vicente sent me, I was sure they had been ‘photoshopped’ or enhanced in some way – but they weren’t. The colors are that incredible and vivid.

These memorable images, a dry Camelthorn Tree watered by infrequent floods from the dry Tsauchab River, a lone bird perched on a leafless branch, and the afternoon shadow cast against the base of a sand dune, are astounding. While it took Vicente a few days to relax in this vast emptiness, he eventually found the surroundings to be a haven for his minimalistic nature.

During the launch Vicente revealed the photos’ backstory. While going down a dune a bit too fast on an ATV, he broke his arm shortly after arriving. All of these awesome images were captured while Vicente’s arm was in a sling. If nothing else, you have to respect his intrepid nature.

One of the main motivating ideas behind our online collaboration is that we are able to instantly introduce and offer Vicente’s work to those who may never have the chance to come to New York for a gallery showing. In discussing the exceptional opportunities for partnerships between bloggers, designers and artists, Vicente, Susan Moolman and I were struck by the idea that people all over the globe can now discover artists’ work in ways that simply were not possible even 10 years ago.

I love the idea that this medium allows me to serve as an ‘advocate’ for the talents of the people who I have come to know and support in creative fields and enterprises. The partnerships that have organically developed between myself and Mr & Mrs Smith and another I am developing with The Rug Company (more on that in future posts) allow me the opportunity to support the wonderful people I have profiled on All The Best. I can’t wait to see where these – and other – alliances go in the new media age.

You can view more details on our dedicated webpage. There will be a limited run of three (3) prints per image. All prints available in two sizes (24” x 30” $1,700.00) and (18” x 24” $1,400.00). The frame options are white or black. To purchase or inquire contact Susan Moolman at susan@vicentewolf.com