Robin Gibson
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Bio

Experience Hyla3D and the art of looking young

5/3/2017

0 Comments

 
Live your life and forget your age -- Norman Vincent Peale
Hyla3D lets me do this. Recently, the folks at Jan Marini Skin Research in San Jose, California, asked me to participate in their spring campaign launch for Hyla3D, a product designed to improve the overall vitality of skin. My job was simple: use a full-sized sample, which I received complimentary from them, and offer feedback on the experience. The verdict is in: wonderful. 
Robin Gibson, robingibsonart, Art, Hyla3D, Young, Morning Dew, bottle, Jan Marini Skin Research, spring campaign, sponsored content, testing, product research, research, testimonial, brand ambassador, influencer marketing, artist, writer, designer, consultant,
Beautiful packaging, product information, and a personalized note accompanied the delivery.

Hyaluronic Acid Activating Complex

The art of looking young is scientific. Hyaluronic Acid, which is naturally present in our skin in high levels when we're young, begins to decrease over time as we get older. Add in the harmful effects of the sun and suddenly our face is under attack. Hyla3D works by boosting these levels thus improving the overall volume, elasticity, and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its patented Hyaluronic Acid Activating Complex restores and revitalizes what nature subtracts.
Robin Gibson, robingibsonart, Hyla3D, Jan Marini Skin Research, Youthful looking, sponsored content, art, young, morning dew, art, skin research, product, brand ambassador, writer, influencer, marketing, product research, testing, skincare
I was thrilled to be selected for the spring campaign only to be even more thrilled by the results.

Morning dew in a bottle

I'm fortunate to live in the South Carolina Lowcountry where a near constant level of humidity keeps my skin fairly well hydrated. However, Hyla3D is like capturing morning dew in a bottle. The feeling is wonderful as it glides on effortlessly; my face soaks it up like a sponge begging for more. Within a week I began noticing that brown patches were fading and I could visually see the texture of my skin starting to improve. If you're looking for a product to fight the aging process and/or reverse the signs of sun damage, I highly recommend it. And then I recommend moving to Charleston, South Carolina. Kidding, but I do feel blessed to call this place home. Thank you, Jan Marini Skin Research, for allowing me to test your product, sing its praises, and become your newest fan.
Sponsored post powered by Brandbacker. For information on how to improve your own skin, visit the company's Spring Renewal Raffle.
0 Comments

Art Imitating Life, Again

12/8/2015

0 Comments

 
Three years ago, I wrote about the Russian-born French artist Marc Chagall and how, based on a selection of his quotes, it would be nice if art imitated life. Well, it seems I've gotten my wish. At a recent gallery show, guests were encouraged to interact with the artists by sharing comments and feelings about each piece with Post-It notes on the wall. This social part of social media played out wonderfully in real life in a manner more meaningful than online.
In what ways do you see art imitating life? How do you wish it did? The blurred boundary between the two is a fascinating subject worth exploring.
Picture
0 Comments

The Art of Editing

12/4/2015

0 Comments

 
Small spaces require an attention to detail that is familiar to the world of fashion. Stylists might remove an accessory before considering an outfit complete. Editing for interiors is just as important to avoid overcrowding tight spots.

Downsizing can make this difficult, however, as it did for me this past year. Emotional attachments cloud decisions about what to keep, what to discard. ​Regardless, whether starting fresh or moving into something more cozy, editing is critical. 

Tackling this design project on your own? Remove one piece. You'll be happy you did.

 Tip: Take a picture. Photos offer clarity. The two dimensional nature of photography is helpful in the editing process. 
As much as I love these bamboo candle sticks, the small shelf is overwhelmed.
Removing them yields a clean line aesthetic and makes the surface appear larger.
0 Comments

The Power of White

1/28/2015

0 Comments

 
2014 was a year of change. One that found us downsizing from a large space into two smaller ones. Which, despite a desire to lighten the load, still leaves us with a storage building full of unplaced furniture. We hope to clear it out soon.

One of the small spaces is a brick, mid-century ranch with an open living-dining room concept and separate kitchen. Our initial impulse was to remove walls separating the kitchen but we fought that urge, instead opting to work with the original layout. This allowed us to pay homage to the integrity of the classic design while avoiding hasty remodeling decisions.

To combat tight spaces we painted interior walls white. The next decision involved a colored ceiling to give walls the appearance of floating upward versus stopping definitively and boxing us in. We chose a pale, light, grey giving a crisp, clean finish against the stark white paint. The result is subtle with just enough hint of color to shake things up. 

Aside from making our space feel larger, white works well in that art takes center stage. Drama jumps off the walls, particularly since our collection consists of brightly colored pieces -- a blend of folk, classical, and fine art that is a feast for the senses when you enter the room. Books are also a focal point with colorful dust jackets providing an additional element of interest.

Photos illustrate the effect we were after, and, hopefully, the power of white.

Tip: Do you feel trapped by small spaces? Escape with white walls. The mind can be easily tricked with a simple coat of paint.
0 Comments

Goodbye, CAP

12/29/2014

0 Comments

 
As I sit here contemplating the end of another year, one that found me over-committed and negligent when it came to posting... it is with a sad heart that I reflect on one of those commitments and say goodbye to an organization near and dear to my heart.

The Community Arts Project (known as CAP) closed its doors in August of 2014, ending a 15 year run at Lake Norman.

Change is good. And change is inevitable. But too much change brought about the demise of a valuable resource.

I served on the Board of Directors for 3 years and know first hand how passionate all involved were, and how hard everyone worked to support the local art scene while bringing unique process-based art experiences to the community. A noticeable void will be left behind by its absence.

Goodbye, CAP. I and so many others will miss you.
Picture
Looking for ways to give back in 2015? Consider volunteering for an arts nonprofit. Most local organizations operate on a shoestring budget and would likely benefit from your time, talents, and gifts. Also, volunteer hours are critical when it comes to grant programs and other sources of funding that make operating possible. Plus, it feels good. 
0 Comments

Thriller Turns 30

2/26/2013

1 Comment

 
Well, not exactly, but today's the 30th anniversary of the song reaching number 1. If google is correct it was on this day in 1983, to be exact. I will never forget watching the video in my room thinking how cool it was and the controversy surrounding Michael Jackson's supposed connection to the occult. He was a Jehovah's Witness and I guess they frown on that sort of thing. Whatever. Crazy the stuff that stays with you when you're young and impressionable. I remember thinking, what's the big deal? It's Hollywood and movie magic and MTV and a cool song. Cut him some slack. Of course, he didn't need me to defend him back then and did enough in his life to stir up controversy more "controversial" than dead people dancing in unison. At any rate, I wanted to pay tribute to this musical milestone and moment in pre-teen history with a video that speaks to my inner 11 year old. It invokes memories of Thriller while capturing a spirit of rebelliousness with an authentic nod to the style of the 80's. Which is making a comeback, by the way. Plus, it makes me want to dance. Like, totally.




I never was too good at following rules....

Really? Me, either.



Neon Trees
Lessons in Love



1 Comment

A Love Affair with Pictures

2/8/2013

2 Comments

 
Time eventually positions most photographs, even the most amateurish, at the level of art.  -Susan Sontag
Picture

Encouraged by the words of Susan Sontag, whose relationship with photography is equal parts fascinating, political, and hyper-critical, I am embracing the medium and releasing the first in a series of limited edition prints. I hope to one day achieve the level of art.

Focused on the command of color, geographic areas of interest, leading lines, balance, and other obscure and pleasing compositions, these prints are part of a collection produced from a year long effort spent journaling with a lens.

February is the month of love. Feel free to love them.

Old St David's Church Series -- 5x7 signed numbered unframed $15 -- 8x10 signed numbered unframed $20 -- Custom framing, larger sizes and canvas prints available upon request. Limited Edition 20 prints any size. Orders shipped within 7 days.  
2 Comments

The Year that Was... On My Plate

1/3/2013

3 Comments

 
A look at the year's best food pics -- Note: Oysters made a strong showing... a year of living and eating well caught on camera. Here's to 2012. Cheers to 2013!
Color is as important to food as it is to art. I often prepare meals strictly with that as my guide. Well, not strictly. But you get the idea. Rarely do I use cookbooks. Something about bucking the system makes me not want to follow rules. Plus, I don't like to start from a place of no. What if I don't have all of the ingredients? 

Back to color, good thing I like grey. It being the color of oysters, and all. I didn't t make everything you see. But I made a lot of it. And ate it all.
3 Comments

The Power of "Other"

12/8/2012

2 Comments

 
"I'm interested in raising questions, basically, how to look at the Other" -- Viviane Sassen as quoted in About Face, an article featuring her work as a photographer in last month's New York Times
When I was 9 I asked my Mom why there weren't any black bandaids. It was 1980. We were in the car and she didn't have an answer for me. "That's just the way it is," she said. 

Hmmm, I thought. That hardly seemed fair. 

Someone else thought it wasn't, either. I open up the NYT and am immediately transported to my 9 year old self. 

There's something about being different that helps you recognize the Other. For Ms. Sassen, it was life in Africa. Me? Growing up in conservative South during height of Reaganomics. And learning you're gay.

Trust me, they don't teach that at cotillion.
Picture
David, a businessman whom Sassen met in Dakur. Viviane Sassen/Stevenson Gallery
 ...She points to an image she shot of a friend, Dakar businessman named David. Earlier, she'd seen another local businessman with a typical tan-colored Band-Aid on his dark skin. She says she finds it odd that Band-Aids for non-white people are rare: "Even if you're a well educated, fortunate African you still have to wear a light Band-Aid." 
--Dutch artist Viviane Sassen, New York Times

                                                  Do you see the Other? To read the article and view her thought provoking work in it's entirety click here.
2 Comments

Beauty in the Eye of the Boulder

11/8/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
No home is complete without an antique barber chair
As in Boulder, CO. Sure, the election has us thinking fondly of the whole state, not just the area known as The Berkeley of the Rockies, but there's something special about this town that makes the typical thrift store experience just a little more hip... if not high. Ok, I had to slip that in.

All pot smoking references aside (with the exception of this one: won't it be refreshing for Denver and the surrounding towns to lose the whole Wellness concept? The distribution channels are already set. No need for pesky prescriptions or silly medical covers anymore...now I'm done), Boulder is home to some of the coolest treasure trove hunts West of the Mississippi. 

Antiquing, thrifting, call it what you will. One man's trash is another man's treasure. Check out these pics from one of my favorite spots I found while getting my hippie fix here. 

Never underestimate the power of a thrift store to spice up an interior. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Don't be afraid to think outside the box. I have never understood the person who will go to a furniture store and buy a matching set. Or fill a home with uninspired retail items. THIS is where the magic happens. Express yourself in fun, interesting, one of a kind, often historical and nostalgic decor that comes with a story attached. Like that one time, in Boulder, when you bought an ounce of pot, smoked it and picked out some crazy shit in a funky store....

Did I just say that? Oh, well. It's legal now. As long as the Feds look away.

What kind of far-out, contemporary, fresh, dope (there goes that word again), antique finds have you scored in places like this? Isn't life more interesting when it's one big show and tell? I just exhaled.

0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    Artist, Writer, Designer. Consultant. Content Strategist, SEO Marketer. Brand Ambassador. Influencer.
    All Around Creative Type Prone to Bucking the System.
    ​Former Columnist Davidson News. Current City Charleston SC.

    Picture
    Pink Verbena, Home Improvement, DIY, Design, Decor, Inspiration, Decorating, House
    Find me also at Pink Verbena. Charleston Chic. Home. Inspiration. I am a Guest Contributor.
    Charleston, South Carolina, Charleston Blog Society, Blog, Blogger, Member
    Member Charleston Blog Society
    Robin Gibson, Writer, Life Out Loud, Lifestyle, Blog, Charleston, South Carolina, Blogger, Travel, Living, Loving, Laughing, Holy City, Adventure, Family, Food, Shopping, People
    Life Out Loud | Inspired Living by Robin Gibson
    Life Out Loud, Robin Gibson, Lifestyle, Blog, Charleston, South Carolina, Adventures, Family, Food, Travel, Shopping, People, Loving, Laughing, Living, Life, Holy City, Writer
    Writer, Robin Gibson, Contently, Freelance, Portfolio, Writing, Samples, For Hire, Writing Samples

    Archives

    May 2017
    December 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    July 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    September 2011

    Categories

    All
    2011
    Advertising
    Antique
    Antiquing
    Art
    Artist
    Arts & Science Council
    Asc
    Bag Chairs
    Basket
    Benefit
    Black Doors
    Boat
    Books
    Boulder
    Brand Ambassador
    Branding
    Bread
    Breast Cancer
    Breast Cancer Awareness
    Cancer
    Christmas
    Coast
    Cold
    Colorado
    Confirmation
    Contractor
    Cornelius
    Corneliusnewsnet894d3c1074
    Corporate
    Create
    Creative
    Creativity
    Cultured
    Davidson
    Davidsonnewsnet5138fa2c3c
    Death
    Decor
    Decorating
    Decorator
    Design
    Designer
    Dinner
    Dog
    Doors
    East Coast
    Episcopal Church
    Event
    Fabric
    Family
    Five Feet
    Folly Beach
    Food
    Free
    Friends
    Furniture
    Graphic Design
    Halloween
    Hanging
    Happy Holidays
    Holidays
    Home
    Hyla3D
    Influencer
    Insurance
    Interior
    Jan Marini Skin Research
    Keyboard
    Labor Day
    Lake
    Letter
    Logo
    Marketing
    Millenial Effect
    Millenials
    Moon
    Moving
    Museum
    New Year
    New York Times
    Nonprofitd2db352b1a
    North Carolina
    Nostalgic
    October
    Office
    Paint
    Parc
    Partner
    Party
    People
    Picasso
    Picture
    Pictures
    Pink
    Pottery Barn
    Pretentious
    Price
    Product Research
    Product Testing
    Public Relations
    Quote
    Race For The Cure
    Real Estate
    Realtor
    Relationship
    Relo
    Relocating
    Remodeling
    Renovating
    Renovations
    Rental
    Restoration Hardware
    Robin Gibson
    Rule
    Selling
    Short
    Silent Auction
    Sponsored Content
    Spoonflower
    Stage
    Staging
    Store
    Studio
    Summer
    Susan G Komen For The Cure
    Tag
    Taste Of Art
    Texas
    The Community Arts Project
    The Fresh Market
    Things I Love
    Thrift
    Tickets
    Trick Or Treat
    Water
    Web Design
    White Doors
    Wine
    Year

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.