Indiependent exhibition at DAAP

I'm so happy to be included in Indiependent, an exhibition at the University of Cincinnati's DAAP Galleries on view now through December 10. Curated by Crafty Supermarket co-organizer and Fabricate store owner, Chris Davis and Aaron Cowen, Director of DAAP Galleries, the show explores the intersection of art, craft and commerce. It features makers and artists who reign from the craft world and embrace the DIY spirit. The show takes a look at how they are giving consumers an alternative to the big box stores while introducing them to the art world. 

There will be an opening reception Friday, November 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. Since this is the evening before Crafty Supermarket, I'm excited to say that I'll be there for it! Below is one of my little friends who is included in the show.

Eight Emperors

Before we bought our house, the boy and I lived in a borderline seedy apartment complex in Ann Arbor. What it lacked in physical charm, however, it made up for in neighbors. We jokingly referred to it as Melrose Place. Very jokingly. Two of the most creative of our neighbors—Thea Augustina Eck and Matthew Shlian—recently launched Eight Emperors, a new art and design collection featuring small objects of paper and wood.

"Objects that instill a sense of wonder." Yes, indeed. Everything about this endeavor speaks to clean, simple elegance. From the sleek, sphoisticated black-and-white logo and web design to the thoughtful, handmade beautifully-crafted objects they make and sell, Matthew and Thea got it right.

Eight Emperors just announced the launch of their affordable art subscriptions series. For just $200 plus shipping, you receive a new art and design object quarterly delivered right to your door. The series will include objects in paper, wood, ceramic and a collaboration piece combining paper and wood.

I'm especially drawn to the wood objects referencing water: sails, whales, anchors. Mmmm. These are objects you want to pick up, hold, feel the weight of in your hand. I'm so excited for these local artists and can't wait to see their collection grow and evolve.

White Nights exhibition

There is a small gallery show at the University of Michigan's Institute for Humanities. It's called White Nights and according to the brochure is the collaborative work of Walter Martin and Paloma Muñoz who created it after moving from Brooklyn to a rural area of Pennsylvania. The work makes me picture them huddled together on their couch within a big farmhouse at night, large pieces of furniture shoved up against the windows and doors, lights ablaze. That said, it is a wonderfully, beautiful show. A collection of large snow globes is at the center playing out quietly alarming narratives. These are surrounded by large photographs of similar landscapes, with equally stark, lush and startling stories to tell. 

The show runs through March 16th, culminating with a reading that night by Jonathan Lethem of his story "The Traveler Home," inspired by this work. I would encourage you to drop in and have a look. You can also see more of the work of Martin and Muñoz on their web site here.

Hitting the books

After two weeks off at the holidays, I came back raring to go in the new year. I was eager to do lots of drawing and cooking and projects. Yet two weeks in and the grey skies seem to have gotten the better of me. I'm finding it hard to motivate. So what's a girl to do? Hit the books, of course. I've been scouring my bookcases and pouring over some old favorites. I thought I would share a few here. Hope you enjoy!

Illustration from Florina and the Wild Bird

by Selina Choz, illustrated by Alois Cariget

Nancy and the Rubber Plant, 1975
Alice Neel

Seated Nude, 1966
Richard Diebenkorn

Page details from Alice in Wonderland
illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger

The Mirror, 1966
Fairfield Porter


From The New Yorker, 1942

Down a Red Velvet Rabbit Hole

Skunkboy Creatures via A Beautiful Mess via Perfect Laughter

I started in Detroit and ended up down the rabbit hole in southern Missouri. Reading through some of my favorite blogs this dreamy photo caught my eye on Perfect Laughter's latest Starred column. Perfect Laughter has become my go-to for news about the Detroit art scene and, in this case, beyond. I love the color and mood and how could you not love Christmas lights cascading down a wall to form a headboard? I noticed it was from Skunkboy Creatures who I have been captivated by lately.

Skunkboy Creatures

Katie, the lovely creature responsible for Skunkboy Creatures, was my neighbor at Renegade in Chicago and she just oozes talent. Not only does she sew the most delightful creatures, but she is full of style and sweetness. The caption beneath the photo said that it was via A Beautiful Mess, so of course, I clicked through and found myself in a wonderland of breathtaking photos and southern charm.

Leigh-Ann of Freckled Nest. One of the blogs featured on A Beautiful Mess

The blog is by Elsie Flannigan and the link was to her post listing 10 blogs she enjoys. Bonanza! Each one is more delicious than the last. But even more importantly, this jump led me to Elsie's shop: Red Velvet Art.

Cuckoo Clock Necklace available at Red Velvet Art

Poster by Chris Merritt at Red Velvet Art

It is both online and a brick-and-mortar shop in Springfield, Missouri. Browsing through the shop makes me want to take a huge detour on our trip to North Carolina to soak up the atmosphere in what must be a charming, charming place. Sigh.

I'm Smitten with …

Swan boy by I'm Smitten

I have to admit that while at Renegade, I barely ventured away from my booth to see the wares. I had fantastic helpers on hand, but felt the need to stay put. Lucky for me, I didn't have to go far to see some terrific things. Today I thought I would share with you one of my favorites: I'm Smitten.

Elephant girl by I'm Smitten

I only had a quick peek Sunday morning while she was still setting up, but let me tell you these online images don't do the art justice. They are so rich in person, but I think you'll get the idea. Ashley Alexander is the artist behind I'm Smitten and her drawings are available on handbags, t-shirts, stationary and as prints. Her web site has a wonderful blend of drawing and eerily charming photography. The opening flash page is also the image from her business card and I find it incredibly compelling. Check it out!

New drawings and prints

Hi all! As promised, I have not been posting as often this month while I focused on some new drawings and designs. I thought I would share three new prints I posted to the shop this past week.

The Found Chair

This drawing is actually a detail from a larger piece that I started years ago. I had rented a studio space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for about six months or so and the larger drawing was about the only thing to come out of it. That said, I absolutely love the drawing even now, years later, and have continued to work on it here and there. This is one of my favorite parts of it, so I thought I would pull it out and play with it some more.

My dearest friend

I've also been working on some drawings of my favorite things around the house. Without my coffee, mornings would be quite scary for everyone involved.

The air between us

And, last but not least, a drawing from my sketchbook that just seemed to happen.

I'm having a lot of fun trying some new things and playing around. I also have some new paper goods planned for the next week or two, so keep an eye out. Hope you're having a great summer and making the most of the sunshine. Cheers!

North Fork farm love

Not to rush the season, but this September will be the third year of the North Fork Foodie tour on Long Island. I love working on this project because I have a lot of creative freedom and I love the event itself. Above is the image I came up with for this year's poster and brochure. If you are anywhere near the area, you should check it out. It's well worth it with all kinds of farms getting involved. More info is available at www.northforkreformsynagogue.org.

I'm following the leader…

If you haven't seen this project yet, go check it out now! Such fun. It's called Follow the Leader from the Sub-studio design blog. They have provided six different "seed" drawings each with a simple line drawing and you are invited to complete the drawing and submit it to their blog. They will highlight their favorites on the blog and post all submissions. So if you're needing a little inspiration to draw from…

Cheery thankfulness and tomatoes

First, I wanted to share my first real tomato of the season. Well, actually, pictured above is the second tomato of the season. I ate the first one all on its own. I forget just how truly delicious they are. Sandwich: squishy white bread, smear of mayo, tomato, s+p. Done. The boy doesn't like tomatoes. A potential deal-breaker if he weren't so darn charming.

Next, I'm over-the-moon ecstatic that my shop was included in this week's Etsy Take Five Tuesday on decor8. I read decor8 religiously and think Holly Becker has created quite a gem of a site. I also discovered some other terrific shops in this post. I just love this blouse from me&oli.

That's all for today. I am desperately hoping to get some drawing in and am eagerly awaiting Neko Case tonight in Pontiac… Cheers!

In good company

Coco doll by Beeb

I was thrilled to find out that one of the prints I have posted in the exhibition over at Paper-N-Stitch is included in the "Friends Favs" section put together by this month's guest curator: Irene of Bloesem and Bloesem Kids. I have been following the Bloesem blogs for some time now and think that Irene has the most wonderful design sensibilities, so I am especially excited about this curator! There are quite a few gems in her selection, including the Coco doll above that I am in love with, designed by Beeb, so take a peek…

Also, a big thank you to Amy over at Aqua Velvet who wrote up this nice post about some Paper-N-Stitch folk — cheers, Amy!

Flitting from the rafters

I couldn't help myself. I saw this gorgeous mobile from Royal Buffet's shop on the front page of Etsy a while back and had to have it. I love all of the cut paper pieces in this shop — they are really beautiful and intricate. I was so curious to see how they are put together. It took a couple of weeks to arrive and I was getting quite anxious for it to appear. Mollie Greene who is Royal Buffet is based in Greenville, SC where my brother lives. I was tempted to send him over to knock on her door. Given the intricate nature of all the paper pieces Mollie is making — and the popularity of her shop, I can understand why it did take so long. It was so worth the wait. I have even more respect for her after trying to photograph the mobile — it wouldn't stop flitting about! You can see more of this talented woman's photos in her charming, and charmingly-named, blog: Fresh Milk Delivered Daily. I hope you'll check out this shop and blog and enjoy them as much as I do.

A blank canvas…

Yes, that is a wee little blank canvas. I received this package in the mail yesterday and am very excited about it. The folks over at Charmingwall Gallery have started a new project that grew out of the success of their Tiny Art shows. I first found Charmingwall through Gina Triplett's portfolio. She did their amazing splash page. I absolutely adore all of their artists. If you haven't been over there, check it out! Their new gallery, Six by Six, will feature all six-inch square canvases. You can purchase your own submission kit at their site here. The package guarantees a month-long exhibit in their NYC gallery, the canvas, materials to promote your work and even the packaging to mail it back to them!

Also, I've posted a new print to the shop. (Actually, I posted it over the weekend and it sold this morning. But has now been relisted — yippee!) Some of you may recognize it as my entry to the DWR Design the Modern Board snowboard design contest. I thought it would also make a nice print… have a look, won't you?

Motown and biscuits

I thought I'd share a couple of photos from my day in Detroit. I really enjoy exploring there. There are some unique finds, though you really have to hunt. The storefronts along Woodward Ave. had some interesting displays going on… though there was no signage to explain whether this was some kind of organized exhibition, or even who the artists are.




I was intrigued by this colorful synagogue downtown with oddly matched curtains in the windows of the seemingly empty top floors.

And, as promised, the chive biscuits from last night. I'm realizing now, that I already shared this biscuit recipe once before. The last time I had substituted dill for the chives. This time I cut the recipe in half and added parsley to the herbs because I had less than a 1/4 cup of chives. Delicious!

The new UMMA

As promised, here are some photos from my visit to the University of Michigan Museum of Art. They did a great job with the building in that it looks beautiful, though it is a bit hard to navigate the newer section. I was really surprised at the things I was drawn to. I have to say that I haven't been to a museum in quite some time and artists that I have seen before and not thought much about, really intrigued me here. Interesting.

I was greeted by this lovely Helen Frankenthaler piece when I entered the new wing.


Giacommeti is always one of my favorites.

I loved all of the little seating nooks the museum has created with this fantastically comfortable yellow-y leather chairs — not just your standard bench in the middle of the gallery.

I loved the collection of Yoruba pieces like this staff that had octopus-like strands of cowrie shells hanging down in huge clumps that would rattle and shake when shaking the staff. You can see a glimpse of a tapestry in the background, too, that I really loved. These photographs were interesting in that the negatives are hand-drawn and then photographically printed. Great to see in the context of today's digital photographs. Unfortunately, I didn't take note of the artist's name.

And lastly, I fell in love with this painting by Jenny Holzer (this photo is just a detail from it). I have seen her work many times before, but for some reason yesterday it really spoke to me. I love the line work, the layering and depth of it and the splashes of color.

If you read my post yesterday, you know that I set off to the museum to try to jog my creativity in working on a poster project. I am happy to report that, yes, in fact, it did.I only have a rough sketch on paper at this point, but I think it's a solid concept. I'll share with you when i get it fleshed out.

AND, last but not least. I have an exciting announcement that I will reveal in the coming days. Stay tuned…

Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good…

You know when you've been meaning to do something for a VERY long time and it just kind of lingers in the back of your mind ALL the time. Well, it's been that way for me with business cards. I think I always wanted them to be an absolute perfect representation of me and just couldn't figure out how to do that (imagine that?!?). Anyway, with the upcoming Artisan Market (this Sunday, June 7), I knew that I simply HAD to have a business card. So, at the eleventh hour, as always, I uploaded my design to Overnight Prints. This was last Thursday at 3 p.m. By 9 a.m. the next morning, I had received a confirmation email that my cards had shipped — they don't call themselves Overnight Prints for nothing. It was that easy. The box was waiting for me when I arrived home last night and… drumroll, please… here they are:

I've got 1,000 of these babies and I'm pretty darn pleased. I am now also in love with Overnight Prints. The title of this post is a quote from a post by Martha Retallick over at the Freelance Switch blog that hit home for me and I think you might enjoy it, too, called Just Get Going: The Single Most Effective Marketing Trick.

Love at first sight

I cannot get enough of this lovely little lady. I just saw her in a post on decor8 about Swedish art & design studio Lula and then, of course, had to click through to find out who she is. I think her name is Lumi and she was made by Fanja Ralison of Le train fantôme. The photo is a collaboration with stylist Elisabeth Dunker and prints can be found on big cartel here. Ooh-la-la! Is she crying, or is it raining? I love everything about it.

Reduce, reuse, recycle Ann Arbor

The Ann Arbor ReUse Center is a huge warehouse of thrift, trash and treasure. In honor of Earth Day they are sponsoring an art show and for inspiration they have offered up a free "artist pile" of trinkets and gems to sort through (seen above). My first thought was groan. Double groan. As you can see in the photo, it was a beautiful, sunny, warm, springy day perfect for sifting through refuse. I was lead to this pile after weeding my way through a trash bin filled with discarded electronics — not my thing, artisically-speaking. What crap-ola. But then I began to zero in on the shiny stuff:
Gleaming, glittering circles… hmm… perhaps there is more here than meets the eye. I was warming to this idea. The artist pile did, in fact, offer inspiration. I have all kinds of ideas swarming through my pea brain now. Let's hope they (or at least one) comes to fruition.

This is a portion of my haul. Check back later this month for photos of my creation(s) and the show!!