The holiday countdown clock has nearly run out, but dedicated givers are still hunting for unique presents that will delight and inspire recipients both near and far. Procrastinator’s tip: head to Karyn Craven’s Burning Torch boutique in Venice for a trove of coffee table books on such diverse topics as the scene in Los Angeles during the 1960s in Big Shots: The Photography of Guy Webster (Insight Editions) with a young Jack Nicholson on the cover, Rap Tees: A Collection of Hip-Hop T-Shirts 1980-1999 (powerHouse Books) and a road trip along California’s Highway 1 in The California Surf Project (Chronicle). Amid Craven’s ready-to-wear women’s collection and vintage finds, there’s even a selection of volumes devoted to author and muse Patti Smith. And for those who like to sip while paging through a new volume, Craven has amassed an array of vintage barware sure to divert and amuse. Here, the designer and buyer offers her tips on procuring the perfect gift.

How do you select the eclectic assortment of books and home design objects in the shop? The process of curating the books and sourcing the vintage table top and barware is one I really enjoy. The books are selected based on mood and theme of the current [ready-to-wear] collection, as well as to reflect our community and interests. And of course by the visual appeal of each volume. I enjoying putting them together in groups that reflect different facets of life: travel, art, nature etc. As for the barware, I am always on the lookout for great pieces. Sometimes I find them while traveling and sometimes they are closer to home. This process is very much like a treasure hunt.

What drew you to Patti Smith’s work? You stock her novels and photography books filled with her images as well as poetry collections with forwards penned by Smith. Patti Smith has always been an inspiration to me. She is truly iconoclastic. The sprit infused in all her work transcends time to reach out and touch the heart. And she is really cool.

How do you decide what to give as a gift? What is it about a person’s personality that inspires you to give a particular item? For me, gifting is about sharing. Books are a great way to share your interests and hopefully expose someone to something new. Gifting is also about putting someone else’s desires first. The number one inspiration for selecting a gift is the expression of joy when it’s opened. I really try to select items that result in big smiles or perhaps a gasp.

What is the thing you’re most looking forward to giving this season?
I am very much looking forward to giving my 6-year-old nephew John a Star Wars bedding set.

What would you most like to receive this season? Time!

By Elizabeth Varnell

 

Pictured: Karyn Craven’s Burning Torch boutique in Venice.
Photo by Tyler William Parker

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