We love to set our communal table in inspirational spaces where people can easily connect through food, wine & design. As with all our lark locations, there is an underlying familiarity that bridges creativesāand we knew in an instance that we wanted to create + collaborate with the founder of this well styled space.
In this fun Proust inspired questionnaire we gain insight to Jasmina Jaskovicās background, inspiration, and meaning behind her creative endeavor known as CASA CDM an inviting gallery of chosen art & objects anchoring the north end of Corona del Mar.
Jasmina Jaskovic Founder of CASA CDM in Corona del Mar, CA
To show my love for craftsmanship through local artists and objects that have character and meaningāand build a community around it.
What is the most enjoyable thing about your profession?Ā
Working with artists, challenging myself, and working with and guiding customers/clients by educating and nurturing their own style.
Is there a moment you can pinpoint that inspired you about art/design in your youth?
My culture, travel, and my mother had the most impact on me. My mother taught me and showed me what true craftsmanship was. At such a young age I was creating… always drawing, rearranging my room, sewing clothes for my dolls, and always expressly myself.
What do people most overlook when it comes to choosing artwork/objects for their space?
Most people believe all things need to match or have theme.
Art and Objects do not need to fit in a mold.
Special pieces are always relatable.
If you had followed another career path, what would it be?
I would be an Attorney fighting for Human Rights.
Are you a foodie?
I love a thoughtful, beautiful, and delicious meal.
Can you visually describe your idea of the perfect dinner party?
A curated tablescape filled with vintage glassware, flatware, and handmade ceramics. Dishes plated “family style” accompanied by a bold glass of Cabernet and, most importantly, enjoyed with a few close friends.
What is the representation/focus for the gallery?
CASA CDM is proud to be a vessel of local artists.
What is the one thing you want people to know about CASA CDM?
I would like everything I do, for artist and customers, to reflect my character and values.
Lark has always been ātalent forwardā whereas we work shoulder to shoulder with like-minded creatives to make things happen. We love to invite people to put their own spin on the larkāand that leads us to introduce Curator + Stylist Christina Peterson. Take a dive below the surface to learn more about her with these Proust inspired dinner party questions:
Christina Peterson captured on a guerrilla lark/creative sesh in Corona del Mar by James (Huddy) Huddleson
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Cerritos, California (shout out to C-Town!) and spent my early adulthood in Los Angeles. I later settled in Surf City aka Huntington Beach.
Have you always liked style & design?
Absolutely! Iāve been obsessed with style and design ever since I tried to coordinate my crayons by color as a kid. Letās just say, my coloring book was the most fashionable one in the class!
Any early memories in this realm that tie in with lark?
Iāll never forget the days of transforming my bedroom into my makeshift cafe, complete with menu options written in crayon. Nowadays, lark dinner parties are a bit more sophisticated, but the spirit of fun still remains.
Are you the chef at home?
Absolutely! I’m the head chef, sous chef, and the dishwashing staff too. My kitchen, my rulesāunless someone else is cooking, then it’s their domain.
What is your prize ingredient?
Itās always better with butter.
Has the way you entertain evolved based on your experience with lark?
Iām all about those homey vibes and throwing dinner parties that are a mix of pretty and totally unexpected ā just like a lark!
Any favorite food memories?
One of my fondest food memories is watching my mom expertly craft lumpia, a beloved Filipino dish that holds a special place in my heart.
Can you describe your perfect day?
Going to watch a Dodgers game.
Who would you like to dine withāif you could choose anyone in the world?
Architecture and real, down-to-earth conversations with genuine people light me up. Beautiful buildings and authentic vibesāmy favorite combo of inspiration.
What is your most marked creative characteristic?
Fashion is where I leave my most vivid creative footprint, expressing myself through color and style with every outfit.
Christina Peterson captured by @candacerockphoto on a lark at The Sunlight House in Newport Beach
How does one benefit from attending a lark?
Attending a lark offers not just a meal, but a rich social connection, shared experiences, and newfound friendships.
What advice do you give someone wanting to throw their own dinner party?
My top tip? Set the vibe! Your energy sets the tone, so keep it fun and easygoing. The food matters, but the good times you create matter even more!
Christina Peterson captured by @candacerockphoto on a guerrilla lark in CdM
Any fun or interesting stories to share behind-the-scenes lark?
There were so many comical mishaps and funny moments BTS of larks that trying to remember them or even list them all would require an entire evening of storytelling and laughter.
What alternative occupations have you entertained, real and imagined?
From lifeguarding to coaching swimmers to navigating the choppy waters of advertising, Iāve done it all. Now, as a full-time Mom, my days are a whirlwind of school runs, sports practices and games, and navigating the joys and challenges (and boy, are there challenges!) of parenting through the teenage years.
We know you love music, whose first on your playlist?
John Mayerās music is like a musical embrace for my soul.
What is your motto?
Love + Learn.
Christina Person captured on a super fun (& delicious) lark at The Salt Horse in Laguna Beach by @missmphotography
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Christina is always up for a lark and can give us fashion inspiration weeks in advance OR on-the-fly. Her staple advice? Wear what makes you feel goodāand add bold lip!
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining.
Come on a lark with us!
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Our muse for our 1/25/24 lark at Cleobellaās gorgeous 1920’s seaside cottage can be summed up in two words: Ciao Bella!
Cleobella has outgrown their gorgeous boutique, on PCH in Sunset Beach, and the time has come for release but not without gratitude and a proper goodbye.
Cleobella, Sunset Beach
In the beginning the boutique served as an oasis where the dream + determination behind Cleobella came together as one. And over the years has delighted the community with itās style + vibe and has also hosted many gatherings.
Because founder Angela OāBrien loves to create, collaborate & elevate, our gathering is an opportunity to honor the idea of chasing oneās dream and paving a path that empowers others.
We are thrilled to set our communal table with Cleobellaāand we invite you along as we dive below the surface with our (ode to Proust) dinner party questionnaire with āAngeā:
Yes! Ever since I can remember I loved dressing up, whether it was dolls, my brothers or myself. Itās when I feel most aliveā¦I step into a creative portal and I get lost. My high school days were spent modeling and that exposed me to the fashion world and travel and gave me a deeper appreciation for the art of fashion. I am an avid vintage shopper, and I find inspiration in decades from the past, its like a history lesson for me. I often describe it as a treasure hunt to spend the day searching for something that sparks the next design detail on our latest collection. I pinch myself that this is my job:-)
Can you remember your earliest inspiration (people/books/places/experiences)?
My earliest inspiration is shopping with my Grandmotherā¦sheās a professional shopper ;-)ā¦sheās always down for the hunt and she does it with so much joy! When I was 18 I got an opportunity to have a modeling contract in Tokyo for 6 months and thatās when my true love for travel inspiration started. It was then that I was bitten by the travel bug and that has continued to be a source of inspiration for all of Cleobellaās collections.
What is your most marked creative characteristic?
I lead from the heart. Intuition drives my creativity. The journey of entrepreneurship is such a journey of self, and tapping into the truth of who we areā¦give us wings to fly!!!
Who are your hero’s?
My mom, Cleobelle. This is also my great grandmotherās nameā¦I have a long lineage of Irish women in my family who possess this unique duality of feminine//strength and they inspire me daily.
Would you say food & fashion go hand in hand?
100%! Iām very sensitive energetically, and I believe in the value of creating meaningful experiences when all the senses are thoughtfully curated. The smells, the community, the atmosphere, they all raise the vibrations. I believe food should be equally beautiful and delicious and should awaken all your senses. This is why Iām so excited to partner with Lark as I know we share the same values.
We know you love a good dinner party, are you the chef at home?
Iām the chef and my husband does the dishes:-). Our daughter, Indigo, loves to cook with me. She also loves to set up a beautiful tableā¦she has such an eye for creativity and she thoughtfully designs our dinners with fresh flowers, candles and our handmade Cleobella block printed napkins. We bake together because we love dessert!
What is your go-to meal OR most prized ingredient?
Our backyard is an edible garden. We grow herbs like sage, lavender, rosemary, and thyme. I visit our local farmers market on Sundays with the kids and pick out whatās fresh and that helps determine our meals for the week. I enjoy making soups and I love to use spices from our travels. We recently made a curry soup using spices that our team in India sent us. Iām not much for using recipes, Iām a lazy chefā¦.I throw it inā¦cook for taste and serve:-)
We have always loved the look and feel of your boutique in Sunset Beach, can you tell us how you discovered it?
When my husband and I started Cleobella, we were doing business out of our home and we were spending half of the year in California and half of the year in Bali, Indonesia. At this time, our oldest, Keenan was just a baby. I wanted a separation of the work and family life. When I found this 1920ās cottage it was a grow house for marijuana and looked like a halfway house inside. I had a vision and I knew if I could renovate it, if I could sell enough handbags in the front then I could afford an office space in the back. Within 2 years we tripled our sales and outgrew the space and moved our offices to our current headquarters and design studio and fulfillment center just down the street in Huntington Beach. Our wholesale and online business began to grow and it was a dream come true.
What dream was in your heart at the time you moved in?
The dream was to build a sustainable lifestyle fashion brand that created jobs for our artisan partners and build a life that is rich in experience and travel as this is our passion.
Was there anyone instrumental in helping you transform the cottage into a dreamy + well styled boutique?
My husband, Jim O’Brien. He has always been such an amazing supporter. I have also had so many friends and family along the way who supported us from the early days when I was selling my designs at farmers markets and out of the trunk of my carā¦.I believe in the philosophy of growing a business for good. Aligning our personal values with our professional values to support our family has been a dream come true. WE now support more that 1,200 artisan partner around the world, where we have an office in India with a talented team who brings our vision to life.
How long has the boutique donned the Cleobella sign?
11 years! Keenan, my son, was a baby and now he’s a teenager…how time flys by…when you’re having fun :-0!
We know due to time and circumstance you will be letting the space go, do you want to share more about this transition?
Cleobella is in over 500 retailers across the country including Nordstrom, Shop Bop, Revolve, Anthropologie. We are focusing on building our e-commerce business and delivering timeless, sustainably made collections. Our company has grown tremendously over the last 5 years and we have some very exciting projects ahead of us.
What is your current state of mind?
Joy. My focus is moving with flow and ease. My currency is freedom and I continue to have this as the forefront of my decision making.
Business school, yay or nay?
Nay for me, personally. Growing Cleobella has been business school for me. We started this brand with $12,000 and have grown it grass roots, and always stay curious and open to the wisdom we learn from others. This has been my business school.
What is one thing people most often donāt realize about Fashion?
I would say the time it takes to build a collection. Typically, it takes about 12 months. From concept to sketch review, then to producing and perfecting samples, from there to selling, then production. Then comes the behind the scenes stuff like marketing, telling the story, then finally the product is brought to the customer. We are always working on future collections about a year ahead. We just launched our Spring ā24 collection while currently designing for Spring ā25.
What advice do you find yourself most often sharing with other female business owners?
Entrepreneurship is such a journey of self when youāre curious and open hearted you will thrive. Believe in yourself and donāt compromise your values and life will happen for you in the way itās meant to beā¦trust the journey.
What is your motto?
I have an optimistic point of view and I always have, it’s in my nature. I believe it’s a muscle and the more you lead with love…the more meaningful your life will become. Iāve always seen life through rose colored glasses, which is something I learned from my grandma. A positive mindset is so important to me. Sure, this is a trait that can get me into situations that I have to learn to work my way through, but that is the beauty in it. It keeps you learning and growing and for that I am forever grateful and humbled by this beautiful Cleobella world I have created with my husband, he’s my best friend and business partner. As well as our beautiful community of talented and hardworking people that have supported this dream come true.
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Thoroughly inspired, we are looking forward gathering around the communal table to enjoy a delicious chef curated meal, be warmed by each others company, andābest of allāpartake in the (rediscovered) art of conversation.
Although our Thursday 1/25/24 Lark at Cleobella w/the talented Chef Matthew Roberts is sold out, we invite you to come along through our images and stories!
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!
We have strolled the Civic Center Park’s winding trails dozens of times, enjoying the varied pieces of art, flora and faunaāāand always leave feeling refreshed and carefully noting the best locations for a picnic.
Super fun (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark in Newport Beach
We decided to settle in the towering presence of the amazing Talking Heads sculpture by the classically trained sculptor Oleg Lobykin. Fitting as time between the bigger larks is always used for reflection (our motto: do, reflect, refine, do again).
Super fun (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark in Newport Beach
While enjoying a delicious array of cheeses, meats, fruits, and crackers accompanied by sips of sparkling water and gentle ocean breeze, we talked about what was happening in our lives, things silly and serious.
Super fun (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark in Newport Beach
We shared stories and laughed about the larks past and present and, of course, dreamed up what could be next.
Super fun (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark in Newport Beach
Appearing along the path near our table is Lisa Hughes Anderson who enthusiastically snapped a few photos and her friend Suzanne Redfearn who graced us with her recently published novel. You never know who’ll you will meet on a lark!
Super fun (& delicious) times on a guerrilla lark in Newport Beach
Love that we took the time and effort to create a beautiful experience that filled us with adventure and inspiration.
Thank you Matt & Adam for opening the doors to your amazing studio to lark! We are fascinated with the original Art Deco build dating back to 1924, making it just shy of 100 years old!
We loved how you cared for the building and how you really got into all aspects of interior design (one of our favorite realms).
The studio is a great combination in design, photography and full of good energy…and our chef cannot believe his lucky stars to have a beautiful, convenient, and fully functional kitchen (rare on a lark!).
Below are some fun Q + A’s for everyone to get to know you more:Ā
Adam & Matt on a super fun (& delicious) lark with Chef Kyle Powers at Urban Americana in Long Beach. Image captured by the talented Talia Pashey.
How do you know each other? We met online many many years ago, went on a date and have been together ever since!
How did your professional relationship evolve? We both fell into our careers serendipitously and while we both perform different jobs within the photography world, itās nice to have our work paths travel together.
What made you take “the leap” in pursuing your passions full time? It was a necessity! We both wanted to work and like most things you must give it your all to get it off the ground. So we did. Itās easier said than done I realize.
You have done so much amazing work for magazines, books and just about anything that needs a great photo, what is/could be your dream duo project? Weāve worked on so many amazing projects all over the world, I think at this point we are the happiest working with amazing people from all creative disciplines. As long as everyone is kind and the vibe is there, weāre happy!
As it is essential to your craft, why FOOD? Food unites us. We all eat. We are all experts. We know what we like and what we donāt. Itās inherently political, sensual, personal. We have an immediate built-in common element with everyone through food.
What is your most memorable meal (one you made or one you’ve had)? Weāve eaten in Michelin-starred restaurants all over the world, dive spots from coast to coast, and while theyāve all be once-in-a-lifetime experiences, we both tend to remember the meals that are personal, humble, and focus on the connection between people. Iāll never need another 29 course tasting menu!
What is your most prized ingredient for meals OR for photographing? Thereās not one ingredient! All of them make our jobs so interesting and worthwhile!
What is your idea of perfect happiness? When life, work, health and energies are in balance.
What is your greatest extravagance? Adam: Caviar, fragrances, and skincare. Matt: Champagne, my Oudh collection, and long summer days in the pool! With bubbles, of course.
What do you find yourself saying when people ask what it’s like to be a food photographer / food stylist? Itās quite a mystery to so many people; weāre usually met with āWait, thatās a job?!ā The conversation then moves to what people THINK we do, as they think we use fake ingredients and slight-of-hand tricks. Alas, we do not.
What is your current state of mind? Clear.
If you could change one thing about how people look at and/or enjoy food, what would it be? We need to remove the shame-based aspect of food. Subsequently, we also need to remove the sanctimony involved with our food choices. Of course we can all make food choices that benefit the growers, the farm workers, the animals, the environment, but we donāt need to use these and things to brag about and make others feel less. But back to my shame-based statementā¦ how many times have we said āOh I deserve this because xyzā or āI canāt have that because I didnāt work outā? Food is food. Itās for everyone and we deserve to eat what we like, not because weāve earned it.
What words or phrases to you over-use? Adam: āFuck.ā Matt: āTotally.ā
What do you most value about food culture? It unites us. We can argue about politics and religion all damn day, but we all eat.
What do you think the future of dining is? It changes every few years. Whatās new on the horizon next year will be dated in 3 years. Itās ever changing. So the future of dining will be anything and everything.
What is your motto? Be kind to yourself so that you may be kind to others.
Any favorite photos — perhaps one that comes with a fun behind-the-scenes story? I could never pick any favorite photos!
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We love all the thoughtful answers (definitely food for thought) and can’t wait to step into their inspirational + gorgeous studio for welcome drinks & mingling leading up to a four course chef crafted meal and wine pairing…all while enjoying the (rediscovered) art of conversation.
Studio Armendariz + Pearson 428 West 10th Street Long Beach, CA 90813 (x-streets Pacific + 10th)
Saturday, July 23, 2022, 6:00-9:00pm $178 per person all inclusive 4-course chef curated meal + wine pairing by the talented Chef Taylor Elam of Merkato
Purchase Tickets: Let’s Go On A Lark! (non-refundable/absolutely transferable)
So thrilled to find our way back to collaborating with people who are passionate their craft.
Weāve known the talented San Diego Chef & Photographer Jim Sullivan for since our early lark days and through the culinary connection haven known as The Hood Kitchen Space in Costa Mesa.
Chef Jim Sullivan
Chef Sullivans love for food + film have led him to various kitchens around the world from sandy surf shacks to Michelin Star restaurants. His energy and enthusiasm are contagiousāāand itās just what we need at this moment.
Chef Sullivan introduces to Chef Alejandro Bolar who comes from a background of his own supper club Eclair in Atlanta, Georgia and who currently finds his way creating delicious meals in various kitchens throughout Los Angeles and surroundings via kala.
Chef Alex Bolar
We are looking forward to creating a super fun (& delicious) lark with these two chefs, who will be taking full creative control of the menu.
We invite you along for the ride through this introductory Q & A:
Q. How do you two know each other?
Jim: Iāve known Alex for some time now. We originally met one another while cooking at a friend’s restaurant in Atlanta a few years ago.
Alex: We met in Atlanta at a restaurant called Better Half and then on a subsequent trip to California we met up again. Weāve been wanting collaborate for a while, definitely looking forward to creating some magic.
Q. What led you to lark?
Jim: Iāve always admired the Lark events and have worked with Lisa a few times in the past, both as a chef and photographer.
Alex: Jim said had a friendā¦he showed me your instagram and I was in.
Q. How did you arrive in the culinary scene?
Jim: I basically grew up in the restaurant industry, starting at the age of 14. After having a long career in the medical field I decided to go back to school. I graduated from culinary school in 2007. Since then I’ve been doing pop ups, staging and being part of the restaurant industry as a professional food photographer.
Alex: My brothers and I are super competitive from who can catch the most or biggest fish to seeing who make the best burger. During these times I noticed that cooking was fun and I had a natural gravitation towards it. During a semester off from college worked Silver Star deli and that introduced me to the commercial kitchen.
Q. Yay or nay to culinary school?
Jim: I did graduate from culinary school and while it was a great experience, I donāt think it’s necessary to become a great cook/chef. If a young person is motivated and can gain knowledge/experience under a great chef then I would suggest that route.
Alex: I went to culinary school and I met cool people along the way, but restaurants teach much more. For someone with a late start, they should consider a schoolā¦ but if you have the time, working in a restaurant is the school of hard knocks ā youāll have no choice but to learn.
Q. What is your most treasured memory when it comes to food?
Jim: For me that would be working as a young adult/teen at an Italian restaurant in my hometown. This is where I spent my formative years learning the ins and outs of the industry.
Alex: Fierce competitive cooking with my brother Kyle Bolar.
Q. Can you share an impressive elevated dining experience?
Jim: I really like what Outstanding in the Field does. Jim Denevan travels around the country working with local farmers and local chefs. Together they create a fantastic dining experience. I’ve had the pleasure of both eating and working with his team a few times and I absolutely love what they do.
Alex:Atomix in New York City offered a 16 course meal. Korean fine dining. Also, Wolvesmouth in Hollywood was pretty amazing.
Q. What advice do you have for people who want to become chefs?
Jim: Do it because you love it. Don’t do it expecting accolades, money or fame. Do it for the passion, love of food. I realize that sounds cliche but honestly it’s the truth.
Alex: Always be willing to learn something new. With food, there is so much to learn.
Q. What is your most treasured ingredient?
Jim: It used to be fresh seafood like uni or abalone. But as time goes by I’m learning to appreciate and use vegetables more.
Alex: A squeeze lemon on everything!
Q. What is your go-to dish when cooking for yourself?
Jim: Fried rice or Congee, using anything that’s left in the fridge.
Alex: Rice with soft egg and chili crunch.
Q. What is your go-to dish when cooking for others?
Jim: That would depend on the season and what is currently inspiring me. Recently it was using stone fruit.
Alex: Always something chicken based because itās more familiar to people and there is no variation when it comes to cooking, i.e. raw, seared, etcā¦.
Q. Who are your heroes?
Jim: Alex Bolar (wink wink)
Alex: My parents who are both self-employed, I am witness to them creating a life and lifestyle.
Q. What phrase or word to you use too often?
Jim: F*ck
Alex: āMy Manāā¦ an ode to Denzel Washington!
Q. As we are now navigating new seas, do you have any thoughts on the future of dining?
Jim: Man, thatās a tough one. I think the way restaurants are going to run for the foreseeable future has changed. Considering the rising costs of ingredients and the pandemic restaurants are dying off or barely hanging on. I see restaurants pivoting to more of a fast casual model, or dining halls. No longer are you going to fine dining or upper echelon restaurants unless you’re willing to cough up $300 or more per seat.
Alex: Restaurant owners will adapt to meet the needs of their employees. The gap is closing between fine dining and comfort food. Fine dining chefs are creating burgers and comfort food has become more acceptable.
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Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Come on a lark with us!
3/26/22 at our favorite designer playground known as Urban Americana in Long Beach.
Looking at the horizon on a super fun guerrilla lark with Lisa Martinez + Christina Peterson at The Jetty CdM. Lisa Martinez, Christina Peterson, Jim Sullian & Alex Bolar on a super fun guerrilla lark at CdM. Winter 2022.
Thrilled to connect with Chef Jim Sullivan (who is also a culinary photographer), fellow creative-meets-practical Christina Peterson, and (new to the L.A. scene) Chef Alex Bolar.
Chef Jim Sullivan on a super fun guerrilla lark in Corona del Mar. Winter 2022.
This super fun guerrilla lark (creative sesh) on The Jetty at Corona Del Mar finds us having fun, enjoying food & conversation while creating the good vibes for an upcoming lark communal dinner party!
Many thanks to Chef Huskey at The Jetty restaurant for serving up these delicious classic burgers + perfectly spicy cauliflower “wings”… a reminder that, in Chef Alex Bolar’s words, the pandemic has closed the gap between fine dining and comfort food.
Thoroughly enjoyed on a super fun guerrilla lark, thanks to @thejettycdmGood and good for you. Splurging on some spicy caulflower wings thanks to @thejettycdm
📸 by the talented @jameshudddy who we met way back when on a lark at Maiaās cottage in Laguna Beach-so fun! We were thrilled to hear the occasion inspired him to create backyard dinner parties of his own, the best!
Our last gathering of 2021 found us in a bundle of good energy as we came together to for a “private” pop-up dinner party.
We seldom do private events, but we can be convinced through sheer sincerity and determination.
Friday, December 4, 2021
Lark x Cleobella x Chef Taylor Elam
Here we gathered around the communal table to be inspired by the surroundings, enjoy an amazing chef crafted meal & partake in the (lost) art of conversation.
We had such a good time collaborating with Chef Taylor Elam to create a special moment for our friend Angela — and we are thankful to @kathryncoblyphotography for capturing the moment.Ā
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!
During the summer had a fun little creative session with Victoria Kennedy who happened to open her first Art Gallery (next to Kean Coffee in Newport Beach in March 2020 and never looked back. Follow our Q + A session below to learn a bit more about this determined and inspiring Gallerist:
Where were you born and raisedāand where do you live now?
I was born in San Marino and raised in Corona del Mar/Newport Beach. It was always my goal to leave the OC bubble (which I did for a period of time!), but I am so glad to be back as an adult. My husband and I live in Westside Costa Mesa and we love the creative community out here.
Did you dabble or immerse yourself in art growing up?
Definitely! One of my first art experiences outside of high school was taking a summer drawing course at LCAD. It was an incredibly challenging (and humbling) experience that gave me a lot of respect for artists. Similarly, I took an oil painting course at Stanford University and realized that my skill was not in creating art (ha!). But having experience in working with different artistic mediums gave me an understanding for how the materials work and how difficult it is to create unique and coherent art.
What led you to Stanford University?
I had always had my heart set on Stanford as my parents met there when they were undergraduates and I had many fond memories of the campus and community. Luckily, I was recruited to play water polo at Stanford, so it was a natural fit!
What did you ālearn to embraceā about Northern California?
Living in Northern California was really my first time immersed in the beautiful diversity of thought, culture, religion and ethnicity. I really embraced the openness and willingness to learn from others different from myself.
Victoria Kennedy at Kennedy Contemporary @kennedycontemporary
We understand you lived abroad for a spell, how does your experience inform your present day approach to life?
After four years at Stanford, I spent a fifth year studying at Oxford University and using that time to travel and get my fill of academic life. Afterwards, I worked for Backroads, a luxury active travel company, and moved to France to lead tours in Normandy and Brittany.
Life abroad taught me two things: don’t be afraid to ask for help and be open to new experiences. There were times when I couldn’t figure out the best cell phone plan, how to pay road tolls, French dining etiquette, etc. Just asking for advice or assistance shows that you’re willing to put in the effort to integrate with the locals and connect! And ultimately, life is all about human connection.
What is your greatest culinary pleasure?
I LOVE throwing dinner parties, which was why I love the concept of Lark! My go-to dinner is a roast chicken – most of it is done ahead of time, which gives you ample time to socialize with your guests and relax. And the leftovers can often last the whole week!
Tabletop on a guerrilla lark at Kennedy Contemporary features @lunareece.ceramics
What is one of your favorite culinary experiences?
When I lived in London, my roommate and I put on an American Thanksgiving for all of our British and international friends. Our oven broke that morning (and luckily got replaced the day-of!), but we managed to make a whole turkey, apple + pecan pie, stuffing, and a salad. We had a blast sharing the traditions of the meal with our friends over many bottles of wine!
What was your first introduction to art?
In high school, I took AP Art History with John Gunnin. I loved learning about history through the lens of art and thoroughly enjoyed the course. It made me want to pursue a minor in Art History at Stanford.
What epiphany about art carries you to where you are today?
All art is contemporary. Meaning every piece is created of its own time and in relation to that day, month, or year when it was conceived. Understanding this helps to put art in context, and context is everything! It’s why we praise Jackson Pollock even though paint splatters seem so trivial and amateurish.
You can look at a piece of art and think “I love this,” which is the most important step to collecting art. You have to love it. The second step is understanding why it was created and why its creation is significant.
Coppers Tritscheller Sculpture at Kennedy Contemporary @coppertritscheller
One of your favorite things is helping people find the right pieces of art for their homeāany inspiring stories (or advice) to share?
When we first opened, we had a client stop by the gallery briefly while at Susie Cakes. Immediately, they grabbed their partner and pulled them into the gallery to see an artwork. They bought it on the spot!
The best part of my job is developing long term relationships with my artists and clients. Although I have been in the contemporary art world for years, it’s been really encouraging to cultivate relationships with new clients as a gallerist representing my own artists. There’s a beauty to investing long term in our artists’ careers and sharing their stories with our clients.
Texture, color, vibe at Kennedy Contemporary @_joejustus
You started a community called The Bohemians Womenās Club what was the catalyst for that?
Yes! I started the Bohemian Women’s Club in partnership with Ali Faulkner from AEF Interiors. We had both recently moved to the area, started businesses, and wanted to expand our professional networks of like-minded women. Since April, we’ve grown our network to about forty local women and host monthly events to connect with and support each other. It’s been awesome to buy from/partner with local women-owned businesses like the Grazing Kitchen, Cabane, Argaux, the Regina Oswald Collection, and (of course) Lark…!
What is the greatest myth about the Art world?
That you need to have a masters or PhD in Art History to understand and buy art… you don’t! Many of our clients buy art because they love it and want something beautiful and meaningful to enrich their lives. You can certainly educate yourself by going to galleries, fairs, auctions, and maybe taking a course in art history, but ultimately it’s about what you love and want to live with.
We know you also love furnitureā¦how did that come about?
If I could outfit my entire home with Sean Woolsey‘s furniture… I would! But for now, I’m happy to showcase some of his pieces in our gallery. Sean was super kind to lend us some of his pieces to create a comfortable gallery environment. One of our artists, Heather Zusman, actually used to work for Sean which initially spurred her interest in woodworking!
Woolsey chair at Kennedy Contemporary @thewoolsey + @_joejustus
If you could be anything other than an Art Curator / Gallerist, what would it be?
I am very happy being a gallerist and probably wouldn’t want to do anything else full time. I’m a true believer that you make the time for things that are important to you. For me, I’ve continued working out, writing and recording songs, going on long walks/hikes with friends, and traveling all while building and running the gallery. Maybe in the future, that will shift and I will renew my scuba diving certification or take a sommelier course (which are on my list of things to do!).
Laura Brophy captured by @missymphotography at her studio in Newport Beach.
We are thrilled to set our 55th communal table at Laura Brophy Interiorsin Newport Beach on Friday 9/10/21 with the talented Chef Kyle Powers. We love her energy, eye for design and enthusiasm–and that she is always up for an adventure. Although our lark communal dinner has sold out, we invite you to come along with this brief dive ābelow-the-surfaceā into her beautiful world of design.
Q. Where do you call home? I reside in Southern California, but home to me is wherever I have family and right now we have an opportunity to be nomads,o I feel like that could be anywhere.
Q. When did you decide to open your own business? What factors came into play? Oh gawd, that is a loaded question. Come to dinner and I’ll tell you about it. But really, I eventually got “over the fear” and just went for it. It is the best decision I ever made.
Q. Is your interior style influenced by anyone…any heroes out there?I am constantly inspired by fashion and feel that this influence of design can play anywhere, even in interiors. Kelly Wearstler is a great example of funky and cool, constantly translating her fashion aesthetic into the homes she designs.
Q. By the local businesses in your area, your studio location straddles both the old and new in creative conquests. How does this influence or inspire your work (or day)?Being connected to TToes on the Noseis a dream situation. Love their vintage fashion vibe and would love to see this play into the California home lifestyle.
Q. The mood in your studio is so positive, do you a have work style/management philosophy? I like people to thrive at what they are great at. We have a group of people whose individual skills all contribute to a group effort and that makes all the difference.
Q. We know your taste + love for beauty and style is expansive, has the world of design always been a part of your life?Yes, growing up I went to fashions shows with my parents and they also exposed me to Interior Designers. I got an early view of the creative process and became inspired.
Q. What is your favorite question to ask a potential client? How creative can we get on this project?
Q. What three things do you love about being a Interior Designer?
How personal this business is… working on homes, you become intimately involved in a client’s life..
I really enjoy being able to source things and meet really interesting people.
I get to do what I love. I consider it a gift knowing not everyone finds what they are passionate about.
Q. Can you share a bit about The Next Layer? Yes, it’s something we offer our clients and it’s a great way to transform a home quickly and make a space look personal without doing a huge remodel.
Q. We always ask our chefs about culinary schoolāā is design school necessary? Yes, just to gain confidence and extra knowledge. Honing in on portion and scale AND the why behind things is an important aspect when designing a home. Once you have a solid understanding of design, well, that is when you can break the rules.
Q. Who or what currently inspires you?Instagram, there are so many amazing great amazing people on there. You can connect with people you admire easily.
Q. What is your favorite culinary pleasure?Chef Kyle’s food! Going on larks! I like interesting experiences — things that are different.
Q. How did you hear about lark? I heard about it from Lisa on “the downlow” while we were both working in similar industries…. I followed her on Instagram for year before I made the leap and fell in love.
Q. We have collaborated on many occasions, want to share a quick, fun story about lark? Well….there was this one occasion when Lisa almost got swept away by the ocean. It was a guerrilla lark in Corona Del Mar and it was absolutely the hardest set up and breakdown…we scaled our tables, chairs and food over craggily rocks to arrive at our perfect location. We dined with our feet in the water. It was so different and so fun!
Super fun times on. guerrilla lark in Corona Del Mar. Image captured by The Delauras.
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!
