Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Deborah Buck and the Art of the Tableau




I love Buck House and think that Deborah Buck has the best eye. Well actually, I've never visited Buck House in person, but I have passed by the shop a few times at night and I'm always captivated by Deborah's vignettes and tableaux. I'll admit that styling a tableau is not one of my fortes. You have to really let your creativity and artistic side take control of the situation. You have to let loose, so to speak. Otherwise, your efforts will appear tight, rigid, or at worst contrived.

I think that one reason Deborah is such an ace at assembling objects is due to her artistic background. She seems to innately understand the souls of the pieces with which she's working. And to me, that is the heart of decorating. You take furniture and objects that have stories and histories and you weave them together to create a new story- yours.

Deborah has recently published a book entitled Tableau, and you can get a sneak peek
on her website. I think this book looks fantastic for two reasons. From a practical standpoint, you might get a better feeling for creating your own vignettes. And more importantly, you'll be privy to the stories that Deborah has chosen to share through her tableaux.

(
Tableau is available for sale on Deborah's site by clicking on the link. The book retails for $71.)









All images from Tableau by Deborah Buck

13 comments:

  1. This is absolutely thrilling - I must buy this book. I've long had an obsession with tableaus and (I hope) a natural knack for them - this will help me push it further with such great inspiration. Thank you for bringing this to our attention!

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  2. Great post. There is a real art to it. I especially like her wonderful sketches she has done of some of her tableaux.

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  3. This is thrilling. I've got to have this one. Right up my alley. Thanks Jennifer! Gorgeous post by the way.

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  4. Actually, I think this one of my favorites that you've done. For you, it's brief but you really nailed the subject with few words. I had to add a link to my "worth reading" sidebar :)

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  5. Anonymous12:30 PM

    HI Jennifer,
    I love Mrs.B too! I am so happy that this book is out!!!
    Great meeting you also dinner was so much fun!
    xo
    Eddie

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  6. Anonymous12:38 PM

    Oh these are gorgeous photos. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. I'm always amazed at those who can do this well. And the impact that a well-thought out tableau has on even the most casual viewer.

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  8. This looks like one I might have to put on my "buy" list!

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  9. Anonymous7:07 PM

    Thanks so much for your kind words regarding my book, " Tableau ". It has truly been a long labor of love and I am thrilled by the response so far. You really captured the essence of the book by understanding that these images are the creation of an artist who also happens to be an art and antique dealer . You are right; I DO see the souls of the objects and their conversations are very audible to me. I Love the Peak of Chic. Let's get you into Buck House instead of standing outside looking in ! My very best regards, Deborah Buck, Buck House, www.buckhouse.biz

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  10. Sounds like a great book, and as DB and you suggest, it is a work of art. I particularly like the last photo with the famille rose Chinese lidded vases - exquisite.

    DB is obviously very talented, and the shop name is so clever!

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  11. Jennifer - thanks for the heads up - this is something I could sorely use a tutorial in. In which I could use a tutorial....I should go to bed!

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  12. Very interesting post ! by looking at these photos , I can tell this is AN ART

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  13. A tableau makes a home look so individual to the owners taste, seeing immediately their favorite art, keepsakes, etc. Great post!

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