What can John Singer Sargent teach us?

Written By Linda Secondari

John Singer Sargent
Nonchaloir (Repose)

During this time of social distancing, I've been thinking quite a lot about John Singer Sargeant. I don't really know why? Perhaps because his paintings are imbued with a serene elegance that I find calming.

I wish I could say that during this period of hibernation, I looked as stylish as this woman in the painting above entitled "Repose (Nonchaloire)" from 1911. But to be honest, I haven't worn anything but yoga pants and tank tops since this whole thing started.

 
 
 
 

John Singer Sargent Fumée D’ambre Gris (Smoke of the Ambergris)

I wish I could also say that some Ambergris smoke can cleanse and sanitize you from the Coronavirus, but I would be lying if I said that. We all know that washing your hands for 20 seconds is the best way. Nonetheless, this painting "Fumee Ambergris (Smoke of Ambergris)" from 1911 has become a totem of purification for me.

During this crazy period, when offices everywhere have had to move to virtual operations, rest assured that Studiolo Secondari is fully operational, a benefit of having a thoroughly vetted virtual workflow already in place!

With so much changing, I wanted to offer to speak with you about troubleshooting your design workflows, dealing with isolation, or just to say "Hi".  If you are interested drop me a line at linda@studiolosecondari.com

 
 
 
 

If you are wondering, what is Studiolo Secondari up to?

We are continuing to work with our clients delivering on projects and hitting deadlines.

  • We are sewing masks for use in local hospitals to help address the mask shortages!

  • We are offering our design and communications expertise to community health providers as part of an outreach project creating information graphics and handouts for marginalized communities on how COVID19 is transmitted. 

  • Linda, in her role on the Board of the Graphic Artists Guild, is hosting a series of virtual town halls lead by professionals in accounting, law, and strategy to answer questions and offer advice to our small business owner members impacted by the current economic shift.

John Singer Sargent
Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose

 
 
 
 

All paintings by John Singer Sargent, American, 1856 - 1925

TOP: Nonchaloir (Repose), 1911; National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC

NEXT: Fumee Ambergris (Smoke of Ambergris), 1880; Clark Museum, Williamstown, MA

LAST: Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose 1885–6; Tate Museum, London

Linda Secondari

I’ve spent more years than I care to mention honing my skills at preeminent academic publishers. As the Creative Director for both Oxford University Press and Columbia University Press, and Art Director for Russek Advertising (where clients included Shakespeare in the Park and John Leguizamo), I felt the call to take what I’d learned and what I’d done and start my own design studio (or studiolo).

Using intelligent design strategy and inspiring design solutions, I believe we can improve the world through better communication. I’ve been fortunate to do that for independent authors, major publishers, NGOs, educational institutions, nonprofits and think tanks. And while the industries might be varied, the one unifier is a desire to reach their audience and get their big ideas noticed.

Whether I’m cooking up a batch of puttanesca or helping an organization rethink their look, message and go-to-market strategy, I always strive to create an end result that wows.

My clients often remark how I interpret what they need from what they say and that I’m the calm voice of reason in their often frenetic industry. (must be all that meditating.)

If you have a project that could use some transformation, let’s turn the page together.

 

http://linda-secondari.squarespace.com/
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