Katarina Kroslakova. Photography by Pierre Toussaint. Welcome to our “Artistry” issue, which celebrates those at the vanguard of creativity — the visionaries of art, design, film, literature and gastronomy who help us see the world anew. As I consider the incredible people spotlighted in this issue, I’m struck not only by their immense skill but also by the ingenious — and daring — perspective they bring to their work. We all know that artistry involves great talent, but sometimes the most creative thing you can do is to try something different or unexpected. From the Hollywood veteran trying his hand in a new field to the 12-year-old painter making waves in the world’s leading art spaces, the boldness and unflagging determination of these makers set them apart.
Our guest editor for this issue, the art advisor and curator Viola Raikhel, has done a magnificent job helping us draw together a collection of compelling stories that delve into the creative process and examine what it means to be an artist today.
Our cover star, Pierce Brosnan, perfectly captures the essence of this issue. Although best known for his iconic Bond role, the 70-year-old actor has been a fine artist behind the scenes for decades. He sat down with Raikhel to discuss his creative journey and evolution as a painter (page 66). “I just have to draw,” Brosnan says. “I have to keep moving.”
The actor Josh Brolin welcomed T into his Malibu home (page 42), where he can often be found polishing prose in his dedicated writing hut. The writer Nick Haramis explores the renovated, art-filled space, which Brolin says is decorated in his trademark “nutty kaleidoscope” style.
Not far away, travel writer Craig Tansley takes a cultural expedition through Palm Springs, following in the footsteps of the famous actors and artists who have resided there. “The appeal doesn’t just lie in the accessibility to the homes of the icons of Hollywood’s golden age — anyone with the means can live as they did,” he writes.
Closer to home, there’s a revolution underway in the Australian gin industry. The writer Fred Siggins speaks to inventive distillers who are carving out a hugely successful niche with their wine-and-gin fusions (page 46). And we examine another appetising art form — meticulously decorated fondant-topped cakes — on page 80. “A masterpiece made of fondant makes you think, ‘Let’s just take it back to the classics,’ ” says one Brooklyn- based food designer.
We also profile the leather goods designer responsible for coming up with covetable new handbags at Hermès (page 62). In “The Walls Had Ears” (page 74), we step inside a legendary Milanese palazzo that has hosted the likes of Leonardo da Vinci.
I would like to thank our guest editor for her contributions — and her own creative vision — which have helped to shape this issue. And thanks also to all the artists and creatives who have brought these pages to life. There’s no shortage of inspiration on offer. I hope you enjoy the issue.
Katarina Kroslakova — Publisher, Editor-in-Chief
