Watercolor

Since I discovered Inslee I have been in love with watercolor. Trying to teach myself how to perfect my 5th grade/junior year in college watercoloring experience she is my go-to for inspiration. Her blog is simply stunning. She studied studio arts/ art history at the Art Institute in Chicago and her love for illustration has turned into a lucrative note card/yearly calender business.

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Im baaaaack!

I moved 3 weeks ago, landed a new job 4 weeks ago, and haven't even had time to transfer my internet service, mail, or finished unpacking! So, needless to say I haven't even had time (nor means) to update my poor blog I have neglected so much this month. It is so much fun to catch up on all my favorite blogs (listed on the right margin) and get re-inspired.

Check this out:

American artist/sculptor, Herb Williams from Nashville TN, has a sweet outdoor installation on display in Lubbock Texas. Internationally known, he focuses his art on identifying objects that society perceives to associate with one role, and reintroduces them into different subtexts.  Ranging in height from 3 to 5 feet, Unwanted visitor: Portrait of wildfire is being shown at the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock. The five free standing, three-dimensional sculptures-which are meant to emulate fires and flames-reminiscent of a wildfire, are created to raise awareness of fires in an area that has been severely affected by drought. Each of the pieces are created from Crayola crayons. Melting and changing shape in the unpredictable outdoor conditions, each piece will continue to be altered by blowing wind and dry conditions such as those that affect the intensity and duration of a real wildfire. 

The colorful crayons provide a striking contrast to the dry, blown landscape and are reminiscent of an actual wildfire and its destructive aftermath *via

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String Art

 

Characterized by an arrangement of colored thread strung between points to form abstract geometric patterns or representational designs, string art plastered wallpapered walls in the 60's and 70's. I need to learn how to do this! 


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Fall

i want one of these jackets.

 

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Thrifting in Phoenix

I admit, I am a shopaholic. But in my own defense I am somewhat wise about it; I buy second hand clothing.  I get the occasional "shut the hell up-you bought that at Goodwill?!"when in reality thats where all the best finds are. Lucky for me this year I have been fortunate enough to travel around different cities and rummage through their thrift stores having found some of the most amazing things. I stumbled across this article written by blogger Elissa from Dallas. She couldn't have said it better with thrifting tips for the clothing snob like myself. The internet has made it extremely easy to search out the spots if you aren't familiar with an area and one of the first things I start with is figuring out the neighborhoods that are in a higher tax bracket. Goodwill stores are located almost everywhere and on their site is a handy store locater link. The employees are constantly putting new items out and most of the stores are well maintained with clothing organized by size and sometimes even color. Like Goodwill St. Vincent de Paul stores are located in most areas too, often carrying really nice second hand furniture or even floor models from local retail stores. Their clothing sometimes seems out dated though, but I have gotten really nice handbags and shoes moderately priced. Plato's Closet is a super trendy consignment store for the person who is a little shy or uncomfortable about thrift stores for whatever reason. You can even bring your own clothes there and they buy them for store credit or cash right there on the spot. They are super picky, however and only take things that are in season and in stores right now. Prices are fairly decent depending on where you are (Des Moines prices are awesome, Knoxville prices were a little steep for what they had). Their target market are teens and 20 somethings, both men and women clothing, shoes and accessories.

Click the link below to see what I've found this week.

Jumpin' Bean

mGphotography <3

Happy Columbus Day!

No, they don't rub off

"It's a good thing they (tattoos) hurt, otherwise every pussy in the world would have one." -tattooist Jack Rudy*

I started getting tattooed pretty much right away when I turned 18. Since then I haven't gone an entire year without getting something done and every time I sit down in that chair I ask myself, "why the hell do I continually put myself though this ridiculous pain?!"--that being said I am the worst person to tattoo! Somehow I've managed to get through a ton of hours... and I cant picture myself not getting tattooed in the future. It was fun going through all my photos and putting this log together! 

Budha working on my arm 

How to feel miserable as an artist.......

by Matthias Heiderich

1. "Constantly compare yourself to other artists.

2. Talk to your family about what you do and expect them to cheer you on.

3. Base the success of your entire career on one project.

4. Stick with what you know.

5. Under value your expertise. 

6. Let money dictate what you do.

7. Bow down to societal pressures. 

8. Only do work that your family would love.

9. Do whatever the client/customer/gallery owner/patron/investor asks.

10. Set unachievable/overwhelming goals to be accomplished tomorrow".


Check out his photography work here, matthias-heiderich

Kudos to MG photography!!

Woodland Cemetery. Sept 1 2011. 

maggieGphoto

Dia de los Muertos

Ok, maybe I am a little early but is it just me or are sugar skulls popping up all over the place?! It's ok with me because I absolutely love them.  Celebrated in central and southern Mexico during the 1st and 2nd of November, Mexicans in this region partake in a full-on party to commemorate and honor their deceased loved ones. "They believe that the gates of heaven are opened up at midnight on October 31st, and the spirits of all deceased children are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours, on November 2nd, the spirits of the adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them" (Day of the Dead history).   People in this region spend a ton of money decorating tombs to the fullest extent. Sugar art in particular was brought to the New World by Italian missionaries in the 17th century. Mexico, abundant in sugar production and too poor to buy fancy imported European decorations, learned quickly from the friars how to make sugar art for the religious festivals. Sugar skulls represent a departed soul, have the name written on the forehead and is placed in the home or gravestone to honor the return of a particular spirit. Sugar skull art reflects the folk art style of big happy smiles, colorful icing, and sparkly glitter. Its unfortunate that real sugar skulls are disappearing as fabricated imported candy skulls take their place. Sugar Skull background info

This past May my girl friends Maggie Gulling and Tiffany Dean showed off their talents and did us girls up like sugar skulls! Tiff, who is an amazing makeup artist painted us up and Maggie, an amazing photographer ever took photos.. then we all went out to the bar to scare people off with our faces on!  Click the link below to see more photos from our day and get inspired to do your own sugar skull face!! November is just around the corner.

Beach bum

I just got back from a stay on the west coast. While visiting the southern california Los Angeles area I did some amazing things. One of which was the Art in the Streets exhibit at the MOCA in Little Tokyo downtown. The first American street art/graffiti exhibit to date, it featured artists such as Banksy, Shepard Fairey & Swoon. "Tracing the development from the 1970's to the global movement it has become today, concentrating on key cities such as NYC, LA, San Fran, London, and Sao Paulo, where a unique visual language or attitude has evolved"(moca). There, you can see paintings, mixed media sculptures, and interactive installations complete with a comprehensive timeline illustrated with artwork, photos, video, and ephemera which will provide a historical context for the work.

Oh, and every Thursday night between 5-8pm its free--thanks to Banksy who is sponsoring the free admission. He has this to say about it: "I dont think you should have to pay to look at graffiti. You should only pay if you want to get rid of it."

There is never a dull sight at venice beach either. Everything from artists selling their handmade drawings and bracelets to any kind of food you'd ever want to eat.. all the beer and booze you can handle.. skateboarding, surfing, lifting weights at muscle beach.. whatever, its there! One of my favorite spots to visit just for the entertainment value and the ocean breeze.. Venice is a must-see.

Bargain of the day

Tarina | Puffer | Collections | Latico leathers

          Attention to details such as unique artisan linings, unexpected leather treatments and extensive interior organization have become Latico signature features that turn heads from coast to coast. Paul and his casual, down-to-earth ways translated into bags that reflected the same qualities-mellow, leather basics with laid-back comfort. Specialty boutiques in Greenwich village couldn't keep his merchandise in stock and soon the ever-famous rock group, The Greatful Dead and crew became fans of his naked-leather bags. As this was Latico's first lucky charm, it invited many other musicians to seek out the bags (read more about the company here).
          I grew up bargain hunting with my mother- living in thrift stores, off clearance racks and going to garage sales. I dont usually buy clothes or shoes without them being marked down once or twice (Von Maur is my favorite!) and it almost always pays off. Here is a prime example of what you'll find on the clearance rack at TJ Maxx. I found this Latico hobo for a measly $23!! It didn't have the original tags but I knew it was something special after I felt the leather.. plus the color is what initially sold me--I am obsessed with green. Retailing for a whopping $168 I'd say I made a pretty good choice.


  

Rainy weekend

My newest obsession(s):

      * All things deer (it started when i bought these).

      * Seersucker: i cant get enough!

      * Burlap/jute (click to buy here).

I have such a weird accumulation of fabric laying around my work space- often finding myself struggling to think of what combinations to use. Being more motivated to sit with my hands under the sewing machine during rainy days, this week has sort-of paid off. By paid-off I mean I made a new bag! One of these days I'll get to making an etsy site and selling all my things, until then I continue to give them away to friends... still never having enough inventory when someone asks to buy one. I did buy some fantastic fabric from Spoonflower & Fabricworm--my two go-to sites for the most amazing fabric that you wont find in your local JoAnn's... and I cannot wait to put it all to use. 

  

RIP ReadyMade

    

It wasn't until I added a second minor in college and picked up Journalism that I really started to dig into what a magazine is. Growing up with home decor magazines all over the house, pulling pages out and tossing the rest aside, I really took them for granted. Upon taking a few magazine courses at the Greenlee school of Journalism and learning all kinds of things involving circulation, publication, advertising, different parts of a magazine, and all behind-the-scenes things that go into it (One of my instructors actually gave lectures for Meredith (ReadyMade's parent company)), that I  have a new appreciation for them. On average, 150-400 magazines are launched annually in the U.S. Less than 50% survive the first year, 10% or less survive the second year, and 30% or less survive 5 years (Lecture, JLMC 341). Readymade has been inspiring DIYers since 2001 across the world to "rethink, reimagine, and reinterpret their everyday life---it encouraged people to take a much broader view of what they might consider DIY"(Farewell, ReadyMakers).  It's evident that crafters have turned to the web for inspiration and information, but isn't it so much easier to follow projects with a magazine in front of you?!?!?! I am truly saddened that ReadyMade isn't going solely to the internet (like Craft magazine did) to keep their readers in tune- I know I would pay for an online subscription! In a time of economic hardship people will be wanting DIY content more and more.   :(
     I will continue to reference ReadyMade publications I have stashed away!

<3

Marker amazingness

I found this on HonestlyWTF a couple weeks ago. I have literally gone to this video a dozen times since I first viewed it because it is that amazing: Two French artists, supakitch & koralie teamed up in Sweden last fall for an exhibit called kimono fusion.

if you've got 8 minutes to spare & be totally inspired peep the video documentary by clicking the link below

Supakitch & Koralie