Chic Galleria » Eddie Ross

Internet Provides Instant Gratification, But At What Cost?

Theresa Jones — Wed, 19 May 2010 07:08:00 +0000

Shortly after my “Aha” moment with Kelly Cutrone, I found myself sitting in on another Scad Style event. From Magazine to Monitor – The Rise of the Blog panel discussion featured four of the Design Industry leading professionals. Jaithan Kochar, Nick Olsen, Rita Konig and Eddie Ross discussed their perceptions, thoughts and ideas of just how E-Magazines and blogs impact not only the magazine industry, but our life and the world that we live in as well. One of the first questions raised was whether or not the rise of the digital world will see the fall of the current print world as we know it today. I myself have often wondered this. Everywhere you turn there are digital versions of your favorite newspaper, most magazines have websites and I can’t remember the last time I went to the mall! Online shopping allows me to visit my favorite stores from the comfort of my home, while still in my pajamas!

The rapid advancements in technology has had a major impact on how we receive information. It is almost instantaneous now. The panelists all were in agreement that this instantaneous delivery of information has a definite impact on trends and the desires of consumers. Before the advent of blogs and such sites as Twitter, consumers had to wait six months or more at times to see what hot trends that magazines were offering for a current season. Eddie Ross commented that now he can be at an antique shop, great flea market or anywhere else and snap a photo with his phone, upload it to Twitter and followers who receive “tweets” from him can see the latest hot design trend or fabulous new item within minutes.

The panelists also discussed the instantaneous nature of blogs, as opposed to the often stagnate nature of a website. Blogs also offer consumers, followers and information seekers an almost instant and constant influx of brand new information. But how much influx of information is too much? Rita Konig told the audience that if you are going to write a blog, make sure you are giving your readers pertinent information and not just empty prattle. Having your own point of view was also something that all four panelists were adamant about. They said that if you are going to blog…then blog about what you are passionate about! If you are worried about followers – don’t! When you follow your passion, then others who are also passionate about the same things will find you, and they will follow you!

I loved listening to all four of these professionals, not only on their life and careers, but also about their viewpoints and ideas about the world of blogging. I had the best time and felt that they each had imparted some very valuable information and tips for my own writing and love of seeking and imparting information! As I sat in on the discussion, I did have questions pop back into my thoughts that I had often discussed with fellow art teachers and friends alike. Are we, as a society, falling apart because of not only our dependence on technology, but for our need for instant gratification? As an art teacher, I see it on almost a daily basis. While I love my students (there isn’t a day that goes by that one or all of them can’t manage to put a smile on my face, no matter how little sleep I’ve had the night before) they are deeply immersed in an instantaneous culture. I find that they have very little patience or attention span to projects that when done properly can take multiple class sessions. They want to see the rewards of their finished project almost from the moment that they begin! I try to explain to them that the creation of art is something that is meant to be nurtured and cultivated; savored and enjoyed. The creations should bring as much joy to the creator as the finished piece does to the viewer. They look at me like I’ve just landed from some distant planet and possess three heads! Seriously? They don’t know a world without video games, cell phones, microwaves and drive-thru eateries. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am all about my drive through Starbucks!

Have we done a disservice to our younger generations by not instilling in them the same sense of satisfaction in waiting for something that most of us in our 30s, 40s and upwards have learned as an asset? Have we created a breakdown in not only the ability of people to enjoy the process of something almost as much, if not more than the finished product? All of these questions I have hashed and rehashed with fellow teachers on many an occasion. We all say the same thing. The instant gratification society that we live in has cultivated a generation of fast paced individuals. Maybe when they are my age, they will realize that there is just as much beauty in slowing down, taking a breath and enjoying the moment!

That having been said…lookout if my internet goes down and I do not have access to the “outside” world! I do not think I could live without my cell phone…I wouldn’t know what to do if I couldn’t have an entire conversation via text messaging! Yep, I too have become a creature of this instant world we live in! Now I’m off to the game store to look at all the new releases for the THREE gaming consoles I possess!

Photo: Jaithan Kochar, Theresa Jones and Eddie Ross.

Written by Theresa Jones for Chic Galleria magazine.

Vote for Eddie Ross In Bloomingdale’s Big Window Challenge

Beth Anderson — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:26:06 +0000

Our friend Eddie Ross is representing ELLE DECOR in a two-week competition with designers from Apartment Therapy and Bloomingdale’s as part of the 2010 Bloomingdale’s Big Window Challenge! As per the rules of the challenge, you can vote twice a day every day, either online here or by texting 1 to 89800. Chic Galleria magazine encourages all of its readers to peruse the windows — online or at the Bloomingdale’s 59th Street store in New York City and vote daily for Eddie’s stunning design. Voting ends January 28, 2010.

DESIGNED BY Eddie Ross for Elle Decor

DESIGNED FOR A media mogul and mother of two

INSPIRED BY The signature space shimmers with a mix of classic and modern, new and old, together with a balance of bold patterns and vibrant colors. A spatter-paint print, like stars in an endless sky, reflects the owner’s love of travel to wide-open spaces, and her passion for sparkling evenings at home entertaining friends and family.

ITEM’S IN EDDIE’S WINDOW
The furnishings listed below are available from Bloomingdale’s Furniture on 5
• Hilary Sofa – Bernhardt
• Copley Bookcase – Allan Copley
• 2 Kendall Lounge Chairs – Palecek
• Hudson Park Loft Living 3 Drawer Chest – French Heritage
• Chase End Table – D.I.A.

Remember, you can vote twice per day for 7 days: (1) online at http://www.bigwindowchallenge.com and (2) text 89800 and enter “1″ in the body. Go Eddie!!!

Chic Galleria’s Interview With Eddie Ross

Beth Anderson — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:01:52 +0000

A native of Greenwich, CT and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Eddie Ross began his career working in television, first as a food editor on Martha Stewart Living and later as Associate Design Director for all in-house production at Food Network.

After a two-year stint running his own catering company, where he continued to refine his skills in decorating and entertaining, Eddie made the move to publishing. As Associate Decorating Editor at House Beautiful, he produced the popular “Weekend Shopper,” a monthly article in which he’d travel to flea markets around the country, giving new life to old things.

As the Senior Style Editor of Martha Stewart Living , Eddie continued to inspire readers with clever ways of integrating vintage furniture and objects into clean, classic design. From decorating and entertaining to food styling and flowers, Eddie produced consistently elegant stories that related to a variety of people’s tastes and budgets.

In 2008, after an appearance on season two of Bravo’s Top Design, Eddie left the publishing world to start a lifestyle company, along with partner Jaithan Kochar, a graduate of Stanford University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Based in upstate New York, Eddie Ross, Inc. offers styling services, guided flea market shopping trips, and vintage tabletop and giftware via Etsy. Together, they also produce a daily blog at eddieross.com with inspirational tips and information on how to decorate and entertain both beautifully and affordably.

In October 2009, Eddie appeared on the HGTV special Halloween Block Party in which he transformed the classic tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, into a beautiful, budget-friendly party to remember.

For those of you who watched HGTV’s Celebrity Holiday Homes a few weeks ago, Eddie did an incredible job decorating the home of Kathie Lee and Frank Gifford in Greenwich, CT. Being a long time resident of Greenwich myself at one time, I couldn’t wait to contact Eddie to talk with him about his busy schedule. While decorating and preparing for a holiday party at his home with partner, Jaithan Kochar, Eddie chatted with me about decorating the Gifford home in the middle of the summer. The boats in the water and leaves on the trees gave that secret away. We talked about the schools he attended in Greenwich and the time he spent in culinary school. He also told me about upcoming projects and events in the works. Most recently, Eddie is teaming with Larson-Juhl for a Tea at Two framing workshop January 9 in Atlanta.

Eddie was kind and gracious and every bit the person you saw on the TV special. Thank you Eddie for multi-tasking during the holidays by talking to me and preparing for a party at the same time.

Visit Eddie Ross at http://www.etsy.com/shop/eddieross and http://www.eddieross.com.