Friday, December 29th, 2006
I came home the other day to a long awaited package from Muji. Everything inside was simply beautiful, but the packaging was amazing. Scored cardboard sheets, that when pulled slightly transform into this 3 dimensional landscape of texture. Functionally they work extremely well to provide a cushion for breakables. Visually -I can’t stop looking at them.
By the way, did you know Muji carries clothing? Sadly only in their stores (except for a few small items), and maybe only in their overseas stores? I want the women’s moleskin jacket pictured for sale right now on the home page. Oh, and the grey belted one too.
Wednesday, December 27th, 2006
yarn, paper, library book
Continuing to think about insides, and inspired by Hoping for Happy Accidents photos of what is in her bag, I started documenting what is in my bag. My bag is big and messy and holds alot of disparate things. I thought this type of photo might capture it better than the ordered documentation style in the original flickr group. Click on the photo to see a set of images.
I love the way the blurry, close up images give the mundane objects a phenomenal quality. They seem to have a relationship to each other. And it makes the minimal color feel so rich and emotional. They really look best all grouped together, so I think I will make a little book out of them.
What I’ve been looking at lately:
This grey drawing (my obsession with grey continues)
The latest issue of Dwell - The craft of design (this whole issue is making me feel out of breath)
Alison writing about simplicity (yes, exactly)
Hope everyone is enjoying a peaceful holiday season.
Wednesday, December 20th, 2006
I have been thinking about photography quite a bit lately. Mainly how to photograph my work -what sort of photographs will best show the clothing and accessories on both children and adults. I like the minimal approach here -white background, no props -but also wonder if it is too stark.
Zoe and I had a quick, but fun little photo shoot the other day. Her house is the perfect place -it’s filled with light (usually) and has a great combination of classic proportions and clean modern furnishings. She is also a great model -so relaxed and unselfconscious.
It was interesting to see someone modeling the clothes. I feel like I learned a lot. At one point she put on this tunic over a short sleeved t-shirt which I never would have thought to do, and it really worked. A great way to extend the season on this as well.
These tunics are available here in Minneapolis at Gallery 360.
Oh -and have you seen the Kim Family auction site? Beautiful work. wow.
Monday, December 18th, 2006
After a few glitches and delays, my shop has been updated. Because the update was much (much) later than I expected today, I am going to extend the free shipping through tomorrow.
The show this weekend was really fun and the work of all of the other artists was absolutely amazing. I took a ton of pictures, which I will post soon, after I recover from my anxious etsy updating experience.
Speaking of pictures, I really want to get a new digital camera. Mine has this annoying delay when you press the shutter, which isn’t good for taking pictures without a flash (I never use the flash) or for taking pictures of children (who rarely sit still). Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Friday, December 15th, 2006
This is me trying not to laugh at the silliness of taking ones own picture. This proved to be quite difficult -both trying not to laugh and taking the picture. And also putting it up here. So I’m off to the holiday show in a few minutes and this is good practice for all the smiling I will have to do.
I also wanted to let you know that I will be updating my shop this Sunday, December 17th. Sometime in the afternoon. I will have these scarves, and more cuffs, and lots of other things. AND, as a thank you to everyone for being so supportive last time -I am offering free domestic shipping if you order on that day. (I will discount international shipping).
Hope you have a peaceful weekend.
Thursday, December 14th, 2006
Boiled Art Editions has opened an Etsy shop! Brian makes beautiful letterpress cards and prints.
Go take a look and do some holiday shopping before they’re all gone.
Wednesday, December 13th, 2006
Color
I think color is so emotional. When I see certain colors and color combinations that resonate with me I can feel it inside. They sing. Everything is right. And when they aren’t working, I feel antsy and edgy. Colors and color combinations that I don’t like actually make me feel sad.
My two year old son seems to have inherited this emotional connection to color. Some of his first words were color names, and he seemed to just know them all instinctively. When I go in to get him in his crib each morning, the first word out of his mouth is the color of the shirt I’m wearing. And it’s uttered with so much intensity and urgency, you can tell it’s very important. Ah, BLLUUUE, mama. BLLLUUUUUUE!
When we first started spotting holiday lights in our neighborhood, I thought he was literally going to leap out of the car. Ah lights! Color lights!!! Ah, blue, ah green, ah red, ah ello, ah purple!!! So when it came time to put lights on our tree, there really wasn’t an option. Colorlight it is. This is what they look like when I don’t have my glasses/contacts on.
I have to say, they’re kind of growing on me.
Monday, December 11th, 2006
Karen Gilbert is another talented artist friend of mine and she makes exquisite jewelry, alot of which utilizes blown glass. Her pieces are quite intricate, but still modern. Karen recently relocated her studio, called Placement, to the bay area from Minneapolis but will be back in town this weekend for a show that she has curated in conjunction with Gallery 360. She also graciously invited me to be part of the show. Karen is super nice and really funny, and it will be fun to hang out with her at the show. I have to admit though, I’m a bit nervous to be in this lineup. These are serious artists. Better get back to work….
Details:
2006 Holiday Show
Presented by Placement + Gallery 360
4810 Nicollet Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN
Friday, December 15th:
5-7 RSVP Preview
7-10 Opening Reception
Saturday, December 16th:
Open 10-7
Stop by and say hi.
Saturday, December 9th, 2006
I am inspired by so many people. I feel lucky to have many talented, creative friends in my life, whose work and dedication to their work inspires me every day. I love how diverse the creative endeavors of my friends are as well -often quite different from what I do and so inspiring because of it.
Rebekah is my closest friend in the world and she is a street artist! How cool is that? The saturated colors and expressive nature of her character ninja, ninja’s turtle and their world are truly engaging. Bec also makes incredibly complex 3D animations and renderings of buildings and campuses and cities. Her best talent by far: she is the only one to get my weird sense of humor.
I have known Eireann for exactly one year. We met over her table at the No Coast show last year, as I rushed up at the very end to snatch up this snowman I had fallen in love with on her website. As many of you know, Eireann is multitalented as well. She makes wonderfully feminine, delicate clothing and accessories, like this skirt, which I think is my favorite skirt in all the world. Now if you know me, you know I couldn’t actually wear a skirt like this-if I had it I would put it in my house like a piece of art. But I love it all the same. The image is printed using lithography. She also makes quirky little drawings like this and is an accomplished poet, with a book deal in the works.
I am so lucky.
added: Oh, it looks like the feeling is mutual. Thanks E. Guess I am behind on my reading….
Friday, December 8th, 2006
Like many of you, I am extremely saddened by the news of James Kim and my heart goes out to his family and friends. Lisa and stephanie are planning an online auction of art and handmade items as a benefit for the Kim family. This speaks volumes about the power of the online artist community to come together and make a difference in peoples lives. When I started writing this journal, I thought it would be primarily a way for me to document my process and motivate myself to work. What I have found is so much more. I didn’t realize how stong and supportive this little cyber community could be. Amazing.
Thank you to everyone who came by and made a purchase in my new shop. I was completely overwhelmed and touched this morning to see half of the items sold already. You guys are quick:) thankyouthankyouthankyou