* Etsy Edition * Artifact Bingo *

I'm back (hopefully) ... and to start things off again thought I'd share a new Etsy favorite, the shop of Artifact Bingo. I'm especially loving the Out of Context series, including the 'Alice. Getting Up.' image above, further described by the artist:

From the shoes’ point of view:
When you get up and move around, you have to be careful where you tread. If you are not watchful, you could ruin something fragile and new.

From the seedlings point of view:
All the work expended in getting up and breaking through can be cut short by forces beyond your control.

Don't we all know a little something about being careful where we tread, and those forces beyond our control?

Another piece, 'Alice. Nothing Suits.,' also adding new meaning to another page out of Alice in Wonderland.


And 'Crusoe. Strongest Building.' from Defoe’s “Robinson Crusoe.”


Here's to a new week of getting up, even though nothing suits, and still overturning the strongest of buildings. ☺

[images © Artifact Bingo]

Tableau Vivant

Friday night I attended my first ever Tableau Vivant party, hosted by my friend Dorothy. She's an amazingly talented photographer here in Atlanta and I've previously posted about her here on the blog (remember the photograph from which my header image was created?). I’ve read about and seen photographs of such performances, but had never been to one in person. If I used the word ‘incredible’ to describe this one, I’d be making a gross understatement, but it really was incredible, and then some.

If you’re not familiar with the phrase Tableau Vivant, it’s French for ‘living picture.’ To quote Wikipedia, “The term describes a striking group of suitably costumed actors or artist's models, carefully posed and often theatrically lit. Throughout the duration of the display, the people shown do not speak or move. The approach thus marries the art forms of the stage with those of painting/photography, and as such it has been of interest to modern photographers. The most recent hey-day of the tableau vivant was the 19th century with virtually nude tableau vivants or "poses plastiques" providing a form of erotic entertainment.”


This is a very poor picture taken with my camera phone, but at least you’ll be able to get some idea of the visual treat with which all the guests were presented as we stood in the doorway of Dorothy's studio during the twenty minute performance. I felt as if I was looking into a storybook, which suddenly came alive, or that I'd stumbled upon some secret spot in the forest and all I could do was quietly gaze upon what I'd found. The model remained perfectly still until quickly changing from one pose to another, despite all of us standing right there and chatting away, snapping shots with our cameras and camera phones.

All I know is the next time I throw a party, unless I can pull off something similar for entertainment, I'm really going to feel like a lackluster hostess! The evening really was perfect.

I'm so glad I went, and gave myself a dose of something I've been doing without lately: fun. I've slumped back in to the very bad habit of all work and no play; going in early, working late, and spending my weekends at the office. I know better, but lately I also don't know how to tackle all that needs to be done other than putting in the hours. What's that quote, "No one on their deathbed ever said, 'I wish I spent more time at work," or "Work to live, not live to work?" Touché! If anyone knows of a good self-help book I should be reading . . . ☺

[top image © Wikipedia]

Little People

I have an Aunt who's a dwarf so I'm pretty well-versed in the term Little People, but I've been completely out of the loop on the work of UK artist Slinkachu and his tiny street art project entitled Little People. Where have I been?!


In an interview with Fused Magazine Slinkachu explains his idea for the project:

"I was thinking about how little we look around ourselves in day-to-day life. I grew up in the country and loved playing outside when I was a kid, digging things up and finding bugs. There isn’t much chance to do that in the city. And as an adult you lose that sense of wonder about what is around you. I wanted to introduce a bit of mystery and encourage people to look around themselves a bit more. And of course the notion of being small in a big city is quite emotive - everyone who lives in the city feels lost and lonely from time to time."


I love this as it makes me think about a whole other population of beings or objects amongst us, easily missed if, as Slinkachu says, we're not looking around ourselves. I try to pay attention to things in the periphery as that's always where the surprising manages to find a home, but sometimes I lose that focus and seeing this work makes me appreciate how important it is to keep.


Hooray for Little People!

[images © Slinkachu]

Draw Your Face

Jeff over at Booooooom! has launched his latest endeavor, Project #3, in which you can submit a picture you've drawn of your face, with your eyes closed. Submissions must be hand drawn, but can be done by drawing while your eyes are closed, or from a picture of you with your eyes closed. I love it!
Be sure to send your submission in by September 11th, as Jeff will be randomly drawing a winner on the 12th, who'll receive a gratis order of 500 business cards.

I'm sure I have more than a few pics around here somewhere of me with my eyes closed (don't we all have one or two of those in our collections?), so maybe I'll be brave enough to recreate one for Jeff's project. Booooooom! ☺

[image © Jeff Hamada]

Fabulous Fifi!

Does this look familiar?!! I am completely amazed at the painting the Fabulous Fifi Flowers created of my living room. Read her post here for details of her inspiration. Thank you, Fifi!!! If only all my Fridays could start off on such a good note!

[image © Fifi Flowers Design]

The Lovely Leann Zafuto

I have been completely remiss in not posting much sooner about the work of my friend, Leann. When she sent out a reminder e-mail last week for the Drinks 4 Pink event to which she'd donated a piece for the silent auction, I took the extra minute to go to her site and check out pieces from her new series, “High Fashion Fall 2008.” In this body of work, including the YSL Today piece above, she brings the canvases to life, merging her love of art and fashion in the mixed media and resin format she's successfully perfected.


We were supposed to get together for dinner on her birthday in May, but then a work conflict came up and I needed to reschedule. We planned for lunch and then it was her turn for a conflict, and here it is July and we still haven't gotten together to catch up. :(


Not only is her ever-evolving work a visual feast for the eyes, it's even better to know firsthand she's an incredibly nice person, generous in both talent and spirit. I do have a grouping of several of her smaller pieces gracing one of the walls in the hallway at my house, but I'm very tempted to add one of these new works to the mix!


To paraphrase from her web site regarding the High Fashion series: "With incredible vision and eye for color, style, design--and passion for fashion, Leann will also feature a specific painting with a “fierce” twist of 2008 Project Runway winner Christian Siriano." I can't wait to see this one!

A third, brand new collection features the already trademarked “Designer Shoes With A Little Friend” which features an artsy, illustrative replica of 2008’s famous shoes by Chloe, Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Marc Jacobs and many more. “It’s a simple concept to illustrate a ‘woman’s love for shoes,’ with a special friendly touch you will see upon full design release--and perhaps even more affordable!” All meaning she's got some interesting work coming our way, and not to be missed. If I can talk her into a sneak peak, I'll be sure to share! In the meantime, check out her gallery to see how far she's come.

[images © Leann Marie Zafuto]

A Special Piece of Snail Mail

It's nice to come home after a long day at work, open up the mailbox to retrieve the day's deliveries, and find a little something special waiting there. A white, nondescript box with a return address of For the Love of Light. It was vaguely familiar . . .

I'd pre-ordered this book after reading one of The Dailies over at DFM, this one featuring Polaroid luminary Jen Tauritz Gotch. From Jen's blog, I learned about For the Love of Light, to which she is a contributing artist. It's been about two months so I'd completely forgotten about it until it arrived today, so I suppose having a selective memory is sometimes a good thing!


It's a beautiful little book, created by editor and fellow photographer Jenifer Altman, along with 24 other featured artists paying tribute to their love of Polaroid. It came sealed with care in a lovely vellum envelope, and included a print of one of the Polaroid shots from the book, also carefully tucked into cool crisp vellum. Details, details, it's all in the details!


The images are beautiful, all including a healthy dose of that gossamer tincture only found in Polaroids. It's not hard to want to jump on the bandwagon and capture as much of this magic as possible, keeping it safe and sound.

Thanks to Jen Altman, Jen Gotch, and all the other artists for their work on this compilation. You can get yours here.

As as aside, I'm kind of in the weeds again and the days are running together, but I WILL be back to daily posting soon. ☺ Thanks for hanging in there with me!

[images © Jenifer Altman and fortheloveoflight.com]

Deconstructing David Hilliard

Actually, I won't even make an attempt at deconstruction, but to marvel at the seamless construction of these gorgeous panoramic photos by David Hilliard is something I could do for hours on end. Pieces make a whole . . .


I came across an announcement for the opening reception of David's Saturate show held at Jackson Fine Art last year, which reminded me how quietly provocative and movingly depictive I found his work.


It's art like this that makes me wish my wallet and my wall space were without limits. These are beautiful panoramics, worthy of nothing to detract from the stories they tell.


It kind of makes me wonder . . .


Do we really even need furniture? Can't we just live on love, fine art, good books, clean water, and a comfortable sofa alone?!

[images © David Hilliard]

Winding Down The Week

Friday's just about here, and you know you're not going to be completely in the throes of work because you're thinking about 5:00 not getting here fast enough, and anticipating everything the weekend might entail (well, at least that's how it's probably going to be for me), so in all the inevitable downtime pay a visit to the Coudal Partners web site. To quote the webmaster: "If browsing around here while at work has had a negative effect on your productivity we're sorry but imagine what it's done to ours." There's so much here, including the not-to-be-missed Western State, a series of documentaries featuring artists Andy Mueller, Cory McAbee, Geoff McFetridge and Jason Gnewikow. Go ahead . . . take a peek.

[image © Hellen van Meene]

Reinventing The Wheel

I haven't been on my bike since . . . October? November? It's been so long, I honestly don't remember [Sue, where are you?!]. I will get out to the Silver Comet Trail at least once this year, but if not it's good to know there are creative alternatives for my neglected bicycle, or parts thereof, as the case may be.

I love what artist Alissa Sorenson has done here in her Crossroads piece ("We are at a crossroads in history where we can begin to make choices environmentally that will change our future."), using the found object of a wheel from a road bike, combined with wool and silk yarn and recycled linen floss to create something soft and graceful and . . . unexpected.

You can read about her design process here. I really want to spin that wheel, don't you?!

[image © Alissa Sorenson]

Mouse on the Run

If the mouse for your computer had four legs instead of a clicking mechanism, those little legs would probably be pretty tired. Think of all the miles they would cover on a daily basis, taking you from site to site at all points around the world in a manner of seconds, and opening countless doors along the way.


This really doesn't have anything to do with the work of photographer Lilyan Aloma, but you know sometimes I get a little carried away and like to talk in terms of grand metaphors. ☺


Her site is where my little mouse took me this evening and I just wanted to share. These are a few images from her Billscapes series, and if my little mouse could manage to take me along for more than the virtual ride, they're ones I'd love to see in person.


Thank you, little mouse (guess I need to give him/her a name).

[images © Lilyan Aloma]

The Deep End

On the edge, in the deep end; do I feel a universal theme coming on?

Actually, in this instance The Deep End is the aptly titled fashion spread in this month's issue of Atlanta Magazine, with fantastic photography courtesy of the über talented Alex Martinez.


I love how he's put the fierce face of fashion beneath the menacing gray clouds, which somehow seem to complement each other quite nicely.


If only I could pull it off, you betcha I'd walk around the pool with this cover up donning my curves:


Can you say yowza?!!

[images © Alex Martinez]

A Tale of Two Towels

Sometimes when I see an image I immediately start the mental composition of a short story, and this one is no exception. ☺

[image © Alec Soth]

Воплощение детских рисунков глазами фотографов

Does anyone in my blogosphere read Russian? I have no idea what my post title says, so if it's something anyone finds egregious . . . sorry! If I'm going to be offensive I'll generally do so using languages in which I'm verbally and grammatically fluent. ☺

Thanks to the fabulous Jen for sending me the link to this Russian site, where the animated work of Korean artist Yeondoo Jung is featured (gotta love the Internet for making the exchange between nations so seamless). After a little Googling, I learned these are from the artist's Wonderland series (2004), in which he brings to life scenes from numerous drawings by children. Aren't these great?


While it's been out for a while (where the heck have I been?!), the series was described on Jung's web site (which seems to be down at the moment) as:

Jung's new series of photos, "Wonderland" (2004), presents costumed adolescents posing in sets based as closely as possible on children's drawings. He collaborates with many people to bring to life the boundless imagination in the drawings. For four months, Jung oversaw art classes in four kindergartens in Seoul and collected 1,200 drawings by children between the ages of five and seven. After pouring through them, he carefully selected 17 drawings and interpreted their meanings. Then he recruited 60 high school students by passing out handbills at their schools in which he invited them to act out the scenarios in the children's drawings. In order to recreate faithfully drawing details such as dresses with uneven sleeves or buttons of different sizes, he convinced five fashion designers to custom make the clothing for the photo shoot. He also made props unlike any scale found in reality but similar to those in the drawings.

Wonderland changes fantasy into photographic reality without the aid of computer-generated graphics. The works, entirely made by hand, are a tremendous group effort similar to a stage production that captures the sudden changes in the actors’ forms, in the midst of people going about their lives against the backdrop of the city.

Incredible! I'm not sure which one is my favorite, but you can see a good number of them and pick yours here. Thanks, Jen!

[images © Yeondoo Jung]

Peep Show with Peter Bahouth

"Having a moment." It's become a euphemistic phrase for those times when we perhaps aren't at our best (i.e. meltdown) ☺, or on the other end of the spectrum in the most positive sense (let me enjoy my moment of greatness!), including that instant you introduce yourself to the work of Peter Bahouth.

As an aside (and a very big aside, at that), not only is Peter an incredible artist, he's also the former Executive Director of both Greenpeace (!) and Turner Foundation, Inc., and is now leaving Atlanta to take up the chair as Director of the U.S. Climate Action Network. An artist and a Green Doobie? Be still my heart!

In addition to all his environmental do-gooding, he's reintroducing the world to the lost art of stereoscopic photography, creating one-of-a-kind peek-a-boo images meant to be seen through his personally designed stereoscopic viewer. You don't know what's waiting for you, but the surprising and unexpected is what manages to find its way behind the lens.

Peter was part of the click/shift/enter exhibition at Marcia Wood Gallery last year, in which he collaborated with artist Amber Boardman to create this magical stereovideo piece, 'I Shouldn't Be Here,' which is exactly what you start thinking as the frames begin to play. From the floral wonder of the specially designed viewer . . .



. . . to the voyeuristic environment from which you're unable to pull away.




These are definitely pieces you have to see in person to fully appreciate (especially so you can have a moment all your own!).

You can read more about Peter here, and see pictures of his Atlanta house for sale here. (Treehouses, Erin! Let's buy it and start a commune!)

[images © Marcia Wood Gallery]

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

I don't do it often enough (unfortunately, there's quite a few things I don't do often enough!), but I really do enjoy entertaining. I try to have a big bash at the house at least once a year, usually in December to ring in the holidays, but throughout the year a little dinner party here and there helps to keep my cooking and hostess skills in tune. I get out the good china, charger plates, individual salt and pepper shakers, place card holders, table linens, and of course lots of candlesticks for dining by candlelight and fresh flowers for a final fragrant touch. We all know details really do matter, and setting a warm and welcoming table graced with as much detail as possible always makes me feel good.

Even though they're for 'decorative purposes only,' I would love to set a table with a collection of these Fornasetti plates from the Themes and Variations series, picking just the perfect one for each respective guest. Incredibly, over the years the series has grown from an original set of 6 to now over 350, each a unique variation of the lovely face which graces each plate. You can find a great selection (be ready to break the bank), including some exclusive designs, at Moss (go ahead and go for broke and check out the Extreme Moss products while you're there). Which plate should I set for you?


[images © Fornasetti]

Don't Look Now

But wait . . . what if you've already looked? And don't you kind of have to look to read the words which tell you you shouldn't be looking? Enter the Aesthetic Hazard project by artist Michael Betancourt. Because what an unfulfilled life it would be without jumping into aesthetically hazardous situations. ☺

[images © Michael Betancourt]

Yellow and Blue Make . . .

'Yellow Sky'

and 'Blue Head'

make . . . anything and everything. Mix in a little color and composition and the possibilities are endless! ☺

[images © Ryan McGinley]

* Etsy Edition * PaperSchmaper *

I know I say “I love . . .” a lot, but isn’t it good for the soul to express love at least once a day? Of course it’s not the same when you’re referring to inanimate objects, but I kind of think art and beauty each have a pulse and heartbeat all their own.

And so here I go again, saying “I love" about the work of Graphic Designer Krissy Erkmann, who just recently opened her PaperSchmaper Etsy store. I have a real weakness for fine paper products (there are still those sentiments for which an e-mail just isn't sufficient), and Krissy's fabulous work definitely meets the criteria. I was immediately drawn to her Glee note cards (there's just something about a girl in a petticoat; especially when she's been caught in the middle of a huge leap!) and everything she offers includes a perfect punch of color and design.


These Damask note cards are equally as fetching, especially as she's printed them on thin birch wood, making them unique pieces onto which a special dispatch can be composed.

I'll definitely be visiting Krissy's shop often to keep current on her new work, as with her talent and attention to detail I know she'll have some great things to come. Thanks, Krissy!

[images © PaperSchmaper]

Love Your Laptop

Check out these gorgeous gelaskins for laptops designed by artist Catalina Estrada. I like the silver sleekness of my MacBook all on its own, but these would really add a punch, no? You can order them here at Gelaskins.

[images © Catalina Estrada]

Earth Day 2008

I'm a little embarrassed to admit I didn't even realize it was Earth Day yesterday until it was almost over (that's me up there, lying upon my bed of woebegone shame ☺). I don't feel completely bad, though, as I think I work pretty zealously every day of the year, not just the one reserved for honoring Mother Earth, to make a difference in my own footprint. Hopefully she'll forgive me this once for not doing more.

While I slacked off in my usually diligent Green Girl duties, the fabulous Jen definitely earns my Green Doobie award, cum laude. She reported on her blog yesterday that in honor of the event, she went through all the garbage cans at the school where she teaches and retrieved the cans and plastic bottles, taking them home to put in her recycle bin. Kudos to you, Jen. You rock!


So, while I didn't do anything particularly green yesterday, I did spend some green (doesn't that count?) on this fetching original piece, appropriately titled going green, from Marisa Haedike. I've wanted to acquire one of her colorful works of art for a while now, and when I saw this one on her blog yesterday and read of her new commitment to composting, well, how could I not support her by making this one my own?

I really hope we're all making a difference.


[images © Agatha Katzensprung, Marisa Haedike and Samantha Lamb]

Green Goes Gorgeous

I'm completely enamored with Cascade, this gorgeous light fixture by British artist and avid supporter of sustainable waste management Michelle Brand. Incredibly, the three dimensional fabric for each piece is made from the bases of approximately 600 plastic drink bottles, each doomed to otherwise spend eternity in a landfill, which she cuts, sands and then tags together to form these elaborate and stunning fixtures. At $3,250 for a 6-foot fixture and $7,600 for a 14-foot (yikes!) I won't be installing one at my house any time soon, but they definitely get my green thumbs up. I don't think I'll look at a plastic water bottle in quite the same way ever again!

[image © Michelle Brand]

* Etsy Edition * Pink Flamingo and FireFly Girl *

I'm really into collage art lately, especially as I'm still working on my big shadowbox collage birthday project, comprised of items sent to me by friends and family from near and far (I think I'm saying "I'm still working on ..." much too much lately, aren't I?). Thanks, again, to all of you who contributed, and sorry it's taking me so long to get the finished product put together. I'm writing a little (or a big) blurb about everyone who sent me something, and the time to get this done while paying it all proper justice is more than I anticipated. I'll be finished soon; promise!

As I started compiling things for this project, I also pulled together some pieces of my own, and sought out some other objects for little vignettes to place here and there in the shadowbox. Enter the Etsy shops of Philadelphia-based artist (and art instructor) Mary (PinkFlamingo61) and Arizonian Margaret (FireFlyGirl777) (why is the name Sister Mary Margaret running around in my brain?!).

At Mary's shop I found the 'Awake in the Dark' paper art doll, which I loved because sleep continues to elude me more often than not, leaving me literally awake in the dark. Plus the bottom of this little trinket has her standing upon the words 'Exciting and Unexpected,' two types of things you might encounter while being awake in the dark. ☺ I think it will be a great little piece to add some interest when mingled in with all the other objects.


I also picked this wonderfully eclectic "Does He Love Me" necklace, Mary's description for which begins with 'Does he love me? I saved the lace from the dress I wore that night, and a piece of the book he gave me, the rose I wore in my hair...' She further describes the objects she used in its construction: Vintage lace sandwiched between glass and soldered into charms, the same with a piece of old book cover from the 1800's. Very old rhinestone bead spacers, old deconstructed flower jewelry. A really neat spinner with English on one side and French on the other side with choices of love or not. Soldered brass heart, large turquoise drops, glass beads, vintage beads, lapis drops with sterling silver wraps. Every inch of this necklace has a little bit of treasure.

She tells a story with each of her pieces, which is my own goal for the shadowbox, so I think these are going to fit in quite nicely. Check out Mary's bio to read more about this equally interesting and creative lady. 'If it isn't fun,' she says, 'I don't want to make it.'

I also found some other little trinkets to include in Margaret's FireFlyGirl shop, another artist who uses found and unexpected objects to construct her creations. Here's 'Cute as a Button' residing in a salt shaker with verdigris lid:



and the captured fairy in a collaged tin, frightened by the prospect of her center stage appearance, only to be buoyed by the words, "Suit up...put on your wings! It is courage that counts..." And don't we all need a little boost of courage every now and then for whatever life may bring us?


You can see Margaret is another tactile story-teller, especially in her take on 'And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon' from the old Mother Goose nursery rhyme (which I haven't thought of for years!).

Thanks to both of these very creative ladies for their unknowing contributions to my own story, with both of their work becoming part of my own special collage (really, it will be finished one of these days!).

[images © PinkFlamingo61 and FireFlyGirl77]

Little Lamb in the Big Apple

Congrats to Samantha Lamb (you know she's a favorite of mine), who'll be opening her first exhibition in NYC at In Good Company Workspaces on April 25th. Her heart must be skipping a beat at least every hour; I would be excited beyond belief to be showing something (anything, even my boobs, well, maybe not my boobs) in New York. I hope it's going to go great, and send all good wishes out her way for a great show.

[image © Samantha Lamb]

Marvelous Marcus Kenney

Architectural scavenger extraordinaire Marcus Kenney (here I go again, professing my love for those artists giving a reallocation of purpose to objects otherwise discarded without thought) will be back in Atlanta next Thursday for the opening reception of his new show, Midnight in America, at Marcia Wood Gallery.


His work is thoughtfully constructed of everything from magazine clippings, receipts, wallpaper, postage stamps, aged book illustrations, cigar bands, marble dust and paint-by-numbers silhouettes, all combined to create works of visual texture and commentary depth.


To describe his work, I think his own depiction says it best: “I will say that these works are about multiculturalism, youth culture, hip hop and fashion, the players club, 50 cent, puff daddy, over and out, gap, banana republic, dolce & gabbana and Salvadore Dali. The daily news the daily bread the young and the restless and as the world turns. Young Americans... black white puerto Rican everybody just a freaking… get your booty on the dance floor tonight...make my day!!!"

No Marcus, you make my day! (I wonder if he'd let me come scavenging with him some time?)

[images © Marcus Kenney]

Captured by Karin Jurick

The light of an ordinary instant . . . While all her work succeeds mightily in capturing that magical snapshot of a moment, I especially love these paintings from the Art Patrons series by Atlanta artist Karin Jurick.


Haven't we all been there in a gallery or museum, visually inhaling a work of art? And were we really cognizant of how our bodies were reacting to the pieces in front of us?


Karin has more than mastered adding her special touch in documenting the everyday, paying equal attention to both shadow and light, and for an artist who returned to art only four years ago ('After 15+ years of not doing any art, in 2004 I started painting. . .'), she has a prodigious (incredible!) portfolio which you can view here on her extensive web site.


Her story is definitely an inspiration to me, giving me hope that whenever I make it to the place in which I'm ready to pick up a paint brush again, it - that special something which allows you to create - will still be there.


You can watch Karin in action right here, or keep current with her latest endeavors on her blog.


Capturing these singular yet ordinary moments with such a softness of composition puts her in a special niche, and she undoubtedly has many more years of honing her extraordinary talent to come. I definitely plan to keep watching, and enjoying those moments she chooses to record.


[images © Karin Jurick]

Love and Rockets

Because you can't have one . . . without the other. ☺

[images © Laura Noel]

For Jen

With enough mousse and sculpting gel, you wouldn't even need the headband and could go au naturel! ☺

[image © Laura Noel]

From the Hands of Pam Moxley

I had the complete pleasure today of meeting the fabulous Pam Moxley, busy mother of four and self-taught photographer extraordinaire (how does she do it?). I don't own any of her work (at least not yet!), but this piece, Deep Breath, from her 'In the Hands of Babes' series, is definitely on my wish list, especially as it will fit perfectly amongst the collection of 'Nest' pieces I'm starting to build.

In addition to pursuing her own exceptional talent, Pam is also curator of Grace Gallery in Marietta, where I met her this morning to see the current exhibit of another of my favorite artists, Dorothy O'Connor. I've written more than once about Dorothy's work, but as I'd never seen her wedding dresses in person, it was the perfect opportunity for me to see them firsthand (they really are stunning, and the online pictures I'd seen don't begin to capture their full beauty), as well as to finally meet Pam after we'd exchanged several e-mails.

Grace is a very fitting adjective here, as a quiet grace combined with an unspoken intricacy is what I see in Pam's work. I think I'm secure in singling out Deep Breath as my favorite, but everything she creates is so full of subtle nuances it's hard to not be taken with each and every piece.




Just lovely. Thank you, Pam, for taking time out to meet me, and for gracing us with such splendid works of art.

Post Script 03-31-08: I'm a little behind in reading my magazines, so just spotted Deep Breath in the March issue of Traditional Home magazine, where it's included in the Atlanta Showhouse feature. Congrats, Pam!




[images © Pam Moxley]

A Stitch in Time

What if time was stitched? What if creation was delicately sewn into existence with a needle and thread? So begins "The Sea, The Surge & The Seamstress: A Story About Salt & Morning Light," the new self-publication by artist Samantha Lamb, my signed copy of which arrived today.

I'm a big fan of Sam's work, and when I learned she had a coffee table book ready to roll off the presses, I anxiously pre-ordered my copy. I haven't read it yet, but I have turned every page to see all the beautiful captures she's included, as well as gone a little ga ga over the little metallic print of Needle and Thread she included with my order (she always hits the mark, as the little extras she includes randomly happen to be ones I love upon first sight).


There's lots of color and light here, and when combined with her thoughtful prose makes for a beautiful little book I'll be happy to stack on the coffee table (whenever I get around to actually getting a coffee table!)

Sam's book, and Kerry Pitt-Hart's I Spy, both available on Blurb, really inspire me to do a book of my own one of these days. But of what content? Should I make prints of some of my paintings from days of old and write about their meanings to me? Should I strive to create a collection of incredible photographs? Should I just write and hope it morphs into a story someone would actually want to read? Should I quit my job, sell all my Earthly possessions and adopt a nomadic lifestyle, simply embracing whatever it is each new day would bring? Should I? Should I? So many questions . . . including the one which started it all: "What if time was stitched?" If only my own needle and thread could construct all the answers.

[images © Samantha Lamb]

* Etsy Edition * Cat Bishop *

Don't we all know someone who carries themselves like this; hands on hips in a determined stance, and you're just waiting to hear what's about to come out of that mouth (um, I think there's a mouth in there somewhere!)?

This piece is just one of the many creative sculptures (a/k/a/ recycled assemblages) constructed by North Carolina artist Cat Bishop and available in her Artsy Etsy store.


In addition to the actual sculptures, Cat has recently started selling prints of her pieces, and she's also self-published a book, Art of Cat Bishop featuring her work from 2006 and 2007.


In addition to the humorous characters she ultimately creates, I'm completely enamored with her re-use of objects which would probably otherwise be discarded, giving them a brand new life cycle as a work of art.


As her bio explains, "If our outward appearances were to accurately reflect the incongruity we feel inside, on a daily basis, we'd look like these people--eyes asymetrical, faces askew, legs off at uncomfortable angles, ill matched jello molds for boobs. The work is about the ways we assemble ourselves, the cobbling together of a self more presentable than the one we know."


I've never really thought about it that way, but if my outward appearance were to sometimes match that of my inward . . . asymetrical would merely be a starting point! ☺

I'm continually amazed by the countless different ways artists use to express themselves, and Cat's work is a perfect example of harvesting inspiration in even the most unexpected of places (or objects).

[images © Cat Bishop]

* Etsy Edition * Annette Mangseth *

I'm getting ahead of myself here, as I planned for my first few Etsy Editions to feature artists with a knack for reusing found objects, but I just received a second set of stickers I'd ordered from Carambatack, the Etsy store of lovely Norwegian artist Annette Mangseth, and had to share. I'm using these as envelope seals for cards and correspondence, and they lend the perfect extra touch.


She has so many wonderful pieces, and I love how she breathes new life into vintage book pages (from the 1800s, no less!) by using them as her canvases. They all have a softly ethereal element to them . . . and I find it awfully hard to pick a favorite.



I've been good, and have only ordered her stickers so far, but I see an original or one of her prints sneaking its way into my shopping cart one of these days.


Pretty as . . . a peacock!
[images © Annette Mangseth]

The Remarkable Ruth Barrett

While I've written a good bit about photographers whose work I love, I haven't touched too much yet on my collection of paintings and my appreciation for those artists (just give me time!). I can't begin here without first paying proper homage to Ruth Barrett, who has helped me cross that threshold from enthusiast to collector. Art is such an integral part of my life and I know I'm incredibly blessed to be able to own the pieces I do, but acquiring most of them really wouldn't have been possible without Ruth. Not only is she an incredibly talented and successful artist whose work is in countless private and corporate collections, she also owns and operates Lansdell Galleries here in Atlanta, named after her Grandmother.

When I called her a couple of weeks ago to ask if I could come by the gallery to take a few pictures of 'the table,' she was silent for a moment, and I know she was probably politely thinking 'what kind of craziness is this girl up to now?" My intentions were more than tame, though, as this table is one of the anchor pieces there in the gallery and I think offers a silent "come in and stay awhile" greeting to all who enter, as does Ruth with her warm smile and genuine Southern charm. It's dangerous for me to go in there as I always find something I like, but it is nice to stop by and just stroll, and quietly regard each of the pieces there. She represents a select group of established and up-and-coming artists, and the collection she curates never fails to deliver in singular Lansdell fashion.


This is one of Ruth's beautiful paintings featured in the January/February issue of Atlanta Magazine's HOME:


She has a huge body of work spanning over many years, and I've always sensed a bit of spirituality in each of her pieces I've been able to see, that certain unnamed ingredient which seems to add something . . . I suppose comforting is the right word here, to her work. I'm lucky enough to have two Ruth Barretts hanging on my walls, and I will say it's pretty nice to come across something of hers in a magazine (which I've done more than once) and be able to say she's someone I know and admire.

She also happens to be somewhat of a hero to me, as while her academic studies led her to obtain degrees in accounting and later in law, she always made room in her life for art. After realizing a career as a lawyer really wasn't for her, she decided to change her path and follow her passion for what she really loved. I don't know how hard that transition was for her, but she's crafted it into a success, both for herself personally as an artist, and into the beautiful gallery she's built in Lansdell.

While I'm not in the tax bracket to be able to walk in to the gallery and write a check for a significant piece of art, Ruth has worked with my budget each step of the way. It's taken me years of layaway (I'm sure she's glad not all her clients are like me!) to build the collection I have, but every little bit has been worth it as I truly love each piece it includes.

Ruth is just one example of the really wonderful people who've come in to my life because of art (it has to be telling me something, don't you think?!), and whom I'm blessed and privileged to know. Thank you, Ruth, for all you do!

[images © Run4istRun and Atlanta Magazine's HOME]

The 'Art' of Emotion

I'll come back to this later, because I like what it says about art in this month's 'How To' edition of Atlanta Magazine.

Earlier this week Erin over at Design for Mankind (one of my favorite reads; she does all the leg work and all I have to do is kick back and enjoy) posted about a first for her; discovering a piece of art that brought tears to her eyes. This has to be speaking volumes for someone who spends her day looking at art in all its many forms.


This photo by artist Angela West (a fellow Atlantan, via her hometown of Dahlonega) is, at least up to this point in my life, that one piece for me. Angela is represented by Jackson Fine Art, where my friend Linda and I spent a good bit of our lunch hour one day a couple of years ago. Linda has been collecting photography for years, and Anna Walker Skillman, Owner and Executive Director of Jackson, has helped her build a really fantastic collection. We walked around the gallery that day, absorbing the latest exhibit and eyeing one of Linda's new acquisitions, when I turned the corner into the front room and found myself face to face with this piece. It moved me in that one instant and I really had to fight back the tears, especially when Anna came over and explained the subject matter to me.

The image, Gracie #1, is part of a series called "My Father" Angela shot in 2002 and featuring her father involved in various daily tasks at their home in Dahlonega. This particular shot was taken when their cat, Gracie, was dying, and her father was there to comfort her in the process. When we went to the gallery that day, it hadn't been too long since my Mother had passed away. I don't know if I would have been so attracted to this if she'd still been alive; honestly, probably not, but in that moment so many of its elements reminded me of her, a woman who'd grown up in a small town much like Dahlonega. I saw the country bedroom of a house in a little town in Georgia, complete with chenille bedspread, the doilie pillows, porcelain plates on the wall and simple valence curtain over the window; it was all so familiar. And then there's Gracie curled up there, just as my Mother laid in her bed in those final days before she passed. I certainly know she would have thought I was crazy that day, becoming tearful over and remembering some little piece of her in a photo depicting a dying cat. But, that's kind of the point, as there's so much more there than what is obvious. This one picture there on the wall of the gallery, taken by someone I had never met and didn't know, had somehow captured the essence of a very personal experience for me. And that, is the art of emotion.

In this little blurb in Atlanta Magazine Annette Cone-Skelton, cofounder, president, and CEO of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia says:

"No one expects you to come in an expert." She suggests approaching art with less chatter and more attention. "Art can talk about social issues, our times. It can be enriching. It can cause you to think," she says. "Be quiet with it and let the art speak to you. Let yourself experience it. Drop your preconceived notions." Get introspective. What does this art say to you? Are you scared, angry, bored, amused? Ask yourself why you're reacting this way. Be really honest. Now you're ready to talk, and the best way isn't to make erudite statements about form or color theory. "Ask questions," she suggests. "Turn to the person next to you and ask them what their response is."

'Be quiet with it and let the art speak to you.' I like that! And even though in our quietness none of the conversations we'll each have with art will ever be the same, that's okay. It's what makes us different. And though I think I've mentioned more than one weepy episode recently, I'd like to think it's a reflection of me growing older and wiser and entrenching myself even further into the human experience, and feeling more of what I couldn't have recognized twenty years ago (at least that sounds a lot more elegant than the alternative!). So, Erin, let those tears flow, as it's just you and that piece of art communicating what words fail to express (and I'll keep crying over everything else!). ☺

[images © Atlanta Magazine and Angela West]

* Etsy Edition * Artist of the Week *

Well, I guess it’s time for me to make a larger leap onto the bandwagon of the sweet onion known as Etsy (I say onion as there are sooo many layers, only a smidgen of which I’ve really had time to peel away). I’ve written before about several Etsy artists whose work I’ve purchased, and I hope in those posts the Etsy link has been clicked and you’ve visited there to see it for yourself and learn what it’s all about. But, just in case you’ve negligently skimmed through that part (because if you have you're really missing out), I’ll quote from Etsy and those who created and continue to sustain it:

Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade. We built it for those consumers conscious of the true value of handmade goods and their creators, as well as to give all independent artists the technology and information they need to make a living, making things. Our intention is to offer viable alternatives to mass-produced objects in the world marketplace, and to encourage consumers to be aware of the social and environmental implications of their purchases.

The connection between producer and consumer has been lost. We created Etsy to help them reconnect, and swing the pendulum back to a time when we bought our bread from the baker, food from the grocer, and shoes from the cobbler.

Our vision is to build a new economy and present a better choice: Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade.

I like the idea of restoring that connection between producer and consumer, and can honestly say all my Etsy experiences to date have been just that – a connection. A lot of my Etsy sellers have convoed (a/k/a an Etsy ‘conversation’) me soon after a transaction to thank me for my purchase and if not via convo, I actually can’t remember any Etsy order I’ve received which hasn’t included a thank-you note. Some are elaborate, some just a handwritten 'thanks for your order!' on a print-out of my receipt, but regardless of form it’s genuine appreciation you’re not going to be the recipient of at any big retail store. How great is that, to converse (even if only virtually) with the actual person who’s created whatever you’ve purchased, and know the care of craft gone into bringing it to life? Honestly, if they'd form some kind of co-op with local farmers to offer home delivery of organic fruits and veggies (because you can find pretty much everything else you might need there, including cookies, soap, and even bras and panties), I might never leave home!

Etsy artists and finds are mentioned daily (sometimes more than once) on several great design blogs out there, and many other blogs are solely or otherwise not-so-solely devoted to all that is Etsy (etsy-love for one), but I’m taking a little more (unfortunately) diluted approach here and plan to start featuring at least one artist a week whose work I admire. Stay posted for lots of good stuff, including the first batch of artists who include the concept of 'recycling,' 'reclaimed,' 'salvaged,' and 'found' in their work (because you know I could talk about art all day long, and I'm really in eco-heaven when I can mention 'art' and 'recycling' in the same sentence!).

[image © Etsy]

A Random Sunday Evening

It's a little late for me to dive into anything lengthy, so I'll just share some random images for interpretation as you wish (top one part of a polyptych by moi many, many years ago). Have a great week!

[images © Run4istRun, Kate Javens, At West End and Fereydoom Family]

In Praise of Women

I ordered the book 'Against the Odds: Women Pioneers in the First Hundred Years of Photography' by Martin Sandler some time ago and last week it finally made its way to my door. If you’re someone with any level of appreciation for photography, it’s definitely one I’d recommend for purchase, or at least check-out at the local library if they have a copy (it's no longer in print so Alibris is probably your best bet). The cover image, 'Lady in the Water' was taken by photographer Toni Frisell at Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida in 1947 (I've actually been to Weeki Wachee but was a child at the time and honestly don't remember much of it other than the mermaids). It's amazing to me this image was taken sixty years ago, yet seems so timeless. I love how she's floating there with her hands grazing the water, seemingly so peacefully . . .

I’m sure documenting the full role women have played in the history of photography is somewhat incomplete, but this book brings much-deserved attention to female photographers who did, as well as those who didn’t, receive recognition for their work. I can only imagine what it was like for a woman living in America a hundred years ago to be toting around what was then incredibly bulky equipment. They really must have had a strong love for what they were doing, and that same adoration certainly must have compelled those following them into the early and mid-19th century.

Collecting photography is a fairly new endeavor for me, and while it hasn’t been intentional it’s just worked out that so far, the pieces I’ve acquired are the works of women artists, with many of the subjects being women. I think if I psychoanalyze myself (because isn’t that such fun!) I’d have to admit to living a little vicariously through ‘my girls.’ I am drawn to pieces which portray women who live in beauty, who reflect intelligently, who speak softly yet whose words are strong, who always have something to say but who also know silence is sometimes the best thing you can contribute to a conversation. I certainly admire these traits when I recognize them in others, so hope I possess at least one or two of them myself.

I’ve yet to touch on the rest of my art collection, in which women artists and subjects, including a few nudes, are also pretty prominent (hmmm; if I wasn’t so secure in being a hopeless hetero I might wonder if the work to which I’m drawn is trying to tell me something!).

These two charcoal drawings are by artist Elizabeth Moretz-Britt (unfortunately she doesn’t have a web site, and excuse all these incredibly poor photographs which do these pieces absolutely no justice and will definitely be replaced at some point):



It’s obvious her subjects are naked, but the pieces are imbued with such a soft subtlety the nudity is secondary to the pose.

Here’s an oil and wax on wood by Steve Webb (ditto for no web site):


and another piece on wood by Melissa Sims (no web site, either!):


Again, each of the females here are sans clothing, but, at least for me, the eye is drawn to everything other than the lack of external accoutrements. They each maintain a specific brand of composure and self-assurance and their nakedness is very matter of fact (and wholeheartedly support the concept of 'real women have curves!').

Playing the self-analyst once more, I admit to some more vicarious living through these works. We all have our issues and I am certainly no exception, but if there would be one thing I could change about myself (gee, where to start?) it would be reaching a place where self-inhibition had no home, much like I think it’s absent in the lives of these subjects. Sometimes, though, it's just so hard to change!

Women. What complex creatures we are, capable of fierce insight and even fiercer emotion regardless of whatever baggage we may continue to throw over our shoulders. So, as long as I'm able, I'll continue to keep 'the girls' around to always remind me to keep looking, and to always move forward. ☺


[images © Toni Frissell, Elizabeth Moretz-Britt, Steve Webb and Melissa Sims, respectively]

A Love for Letterpress

You know that feeling you experience the first time you slide your body into a bed made with really fine sheets (I hope all of you have had this 'ahhhh...' moment, and if you haven't, make a budget-friendly splurge for a set of sheets from Bed Bath and Beyond made from Modal fiber so you'll know exactly to what I'm referring!). There is no comparison between standard, run-of-the-mill sheets and those made in the highest of thread counts from the finest of fibers. They are the ultimate in luxury, and usually carry an equally luxurious price tag. But, they're so incredibly sooofffft and once you've experienced a night's sleep upon a set of them, there really is no turning back.

This is the same type of 'aha!' reaction I felt the first time I saw a really beautiful piece of letterpress stationery. Each piece is truly a work of art, so of course I was sucked right in. I also felt downright dirty after receiving the first order I'd ever placed from the fabulous Peggy Lo's Figments store, because I just couldn't stop fondling the letterpress business card she enclosed with my goodies. Hers are of a beautiful three-color design and I'm not sure what weight the cardstock is, but they are thick and command attention; the kind you keep just because they're so impressive. If I am ever fortunate enough to have my own business (doing what, I don't know!), the first line item in the budget will be for a box of letterpress cards. Like luxurious sheets, they are not cheap, but as the old adage goes . . . you never get a second chance to make a first impression.


Peggy has several letterpress products on her site and offers full letterpress design services as well. There are other sources out there too, including numerous letterpress sellers on Etsy, Lynn Russell of Satsuma Press being amongst them.


Lynn works out of the garage her husband converted into her studio, and handles every little detail along the way. I think it's pretty special to know someone is using their hands solely to create something for you, instead of being mass manufactured in some far off land. I very much like how she describes what she does:

I don’t know which direction Satsuma Press will take me, but I like that I have found such a simple, straight-forward way to bring a little bit of beauty in to people’s lives. I like that Satsuma Press is just me, that from start to finish I am fully involved. All things considered, any way I look at it, my work is a joy.

And how many of us are fortunate enough to be able to include 'joy' and 'my work' in the same sentence? Here's hoping a little 'letterpress love' will work its way into your life . . .

[images © Figments and Lynn Russell]

The Splendor of Samantha Lamb

Sometime on Friday, between the time my rescue from the house began and my stay at the emergency room ended, a very special package coming all the way from Oklahoma City was on a delivery truck and making its way to my front door, packed with lots of TLC by the tremendously touched-with-talent hands of photographer Samantha Lamb. Sam had sent me the tracking info so I knew it would be delivered that day, and I actually thought to myself as the ambulance was pulling away, “But, I’m expecting a package today!” When I arrived home Friday evening the big white box was on the front porch, just adjacent to the door, and while I knew what it contained and had been anticipating its arrival, I waited until things calmed down a bit before opening it.

I actually took the package up to the frame shop on Sunday, where Eric (framer fantastique) opened it for me and uncovered Sam’s stunning ‘I Promise You This’ print, from her ‘Faceless Portraiture of a Country Girl’ series. Even though this is one of Sam’s series from almost two years ago, I embrace what I’m sure is a cosmic coincidence, as the primary subjects in these pieces are the legs, and hips, of a woman. If only Sam knew the day this piece would arrive, hips would be in the forefront of my mind, and she'd be giving me something which now inhabits an extra special place in my memory.

I knew I loved the piece the minute I saw it (although it's awfully hard to pick a favorite from her expansive body of work), but didn’t realize it would be developed on metallic paper. It’s luminous quality was an unexpected surprise, and absolutely worth the two days I waited before its revealing.

I’m definitely drawn to the apple (having metaphorically bitten into one a time or two myself) . . . that splash of red and the extra dash of it in the background, the light, the shadows, that beautifully simple white dress clinging in just the right places. What intrigues and impresses me most, however, is what’s not in the picture, and Sam’s ability to capture just that. What kind of expression is she wearing on her face? What, or who, is there in front of her? Where will those feet take her when she leaves that spot?

As if the pièce de résistance wasn't enough, Sam also included a little something extra for me, a smaller print of 'Which Came First' (another cosmic coincidence, as for a couple of reasons I've decided to start collecting pieces with nests, and of all the images she could have sent, just what do you see here?!).


In addition to her beautiful web site, Sam’s Flickr gallery is not to be missed. There’s lots of magic there; more than enough to make any random viewer sigh in wonder and visit again and often to see her latest contributions to all that is beautiful.

Thank you, Sam, for more reasons than you'll ever know.



[images © Samantha Lamb]

Decidedly Dorothy O'Connor

I’ve previously written a little bit about Dorothy, but since then I’ve been privileged to meet and get to know this incredibly talented and exceptionally nice woman. She possesses a generous spirit and quiet grace, which seem to enter a room before she does, but when she steps into that light there’s no doubt those qualities belong to her. These attributes also seem to be absorbed into her work, which I've come to adore.

This piece, Untitled, was the first of her many images which caught my eye. I was at Composition one day, leafing through the stack of prints when I stopped at this one, looking at it as deeply as I could, then looking at it some more. I loved the splashes of red, the bright blue of the house in the background, the soft yellow still clinging to the aging walls. I didn’t take this one home that day, but continued to keep it in the back of my mind.


The next time I went in to pick up a piece I’d purchased from another artist, I again made my way to the print bin and was instantly drawn to two new finds, the gorgeous Nest:


and beautiful Water,


both pieces from Dorothy’s ‘Elements’ series, now gracing two of the walls in my home.

The Untitled piece did finally come home with me, again when I was at Composition (although I'm trying to stay away from there for a little while as every time I go in I find something of Dorothy's I haven't seen and can't resist!), as did Asleep, which Dorothy has graciously permitted me to use as the header image for this blog.


My most recent Dorothy O. original is the dramatic Trees.


There are lots of little nuances here, as there are in all her pieces, but in this particular scene my eye usually falls to the little splash of sunshine spilling on to the ground just to the left of the sofa. Then I look at the darkness behind it and wonder what resides there, what stories are being held up by the beautiful branches of those trees, and of course the curve of the hip against the equally gentle curves of the sofa frame. Those arms and legs; who will be lucky enough for that embrace?

Dorothy's work holds so much attention to detail, mixed with elements carefully and artfully crafted to portray her vision, just two of the reasons for which I'm such an admirer. I feel like she's accomplished what it takes a very special person to achieve, taking a vision and making it tangible, yet leaving that little bit of space in which the viewer can include their own personal interpretation, always subject to change. It's just my layman's translation, but I'm definitely an expert at what I like and am particularly proud to have her work in my collection.

I haven't even mentioned her Wedding Dress series, another strong extension of her talent which also contain that singular quality she's able to take from lens to paper.

I could go on . . . but Dorothy's work, decidedly Dorothy O. (which you really need to find a way to see in person) speaks for itself.

[images © Dorothy O'Connor]

The Lovely Lush Bella

The very lovely Lush Bella (a/k/a Kerry Pitt-Hart), at that! Her photo is included on the right inside fold of the dust jacket for her newly released self-publication “I Spy,” a hardcover copy of which I received today. After exchanging several e-mails with Kerry last year and ordering a handful of prints from her Lush Bella Etsy storefront, I can now finally see the beautiful face behind the creative tour de force.

I Spy is an elegant little book (it’s just so pretty!) and I’m sure a project of which Kerry is (and how could she not be?) extremely proud. I admire her for being someone who keeps following her heart, cultivating beauty along the way and sharing that gift with others. Congrats, Kerry! It's really something special.

Kerry published her book through Blurb. I haven't seen any other end-products of a self-publication site so don't have anything with which to compare it, but I could absolutely see this being amongst the art books at any of the big retail book stores. The Blurb Bookstore is definitely one to which I'd recommend paying a visit.

This is one of the first prints I purchased from Kerry. I love the image, but am even more partial to its title, "Without You I Am Nothing." To be the 'you' in that sentence is an incredible feeling, and to harvest that in some shape and form is no easy task, yet Kerry's image is a soft and comforting interpretation.



She's also continued the thought with the just as graceful "Without You I Am Nothing II."



This has me thinking . . . and contemplating perhaps publishing a little something of my own to document my Shadowbox Collage project (still working on it but all the details will eventually fill an upcoming blog entry). Some of you made submissions to this so you know to what I'm referring. It might be a nice way to thank everyone who sent me something, being able to read the page I'll be writing about each of them in a nice little book, with their names in print and properly memorialized for posterity. It's not something which would have any mass appeal or meaning to anyone other than the participants (maybe, who knows?), but I think the one-of-a-kind quality would be pretty exceptional. Contributors, what do you think?

See Kerry, you do inspire . . . more than you know!

[images © Kerry Pitt-Hart]

The Elegant Iridescence of Irene Suchocki

Another wonderfully talented artist I recently discovered is photographer Irene Suchocki.



Her Follow Your Bliss and This Bird Has Flown pieces are now amongst those hanging in the Appletini Green den, and blend in perfectly with the grouping of other works (yes, I think this wall is finally finished!).


I'm also completely enamored with these pieces from her Infrared Series, Possible Worlds, The Surreal Life and Awake to Dream.




I like the soft splash of color the blue sky holds in Awake to Dream. I can clearly imagine spreading out a large cashmere blanket under those two trees (I say imagine as a cashmere blanket really isn't in the budget, but if it were it would be an ivory color to blend in with the landscape), wearing an equally elegant Rochas dress by Olivier Theyskens (also not in the budget and I could never get away with wearing this, but can't you just see it being worn by the dreamer in this picture?) and laying down to watch the clouds roll by. There are countless other scenarios I can envision under that sky and beneath those trees, but that's what makes it so special.

The Possible Worlds piece is printed on gorgeous metallic paper, adding a beautiful layer of phosphorescent dimension. The pieces I ordered are 8x10s, but after seeing how dramatic the paper is I also ordered Awake and Surreal in 11x14. I'm running out of wall space so am not sure where they'll go, but I'll certainly find a proper place for them to reside.

I'm really becoming a photography junkie these days, but when presented with such talent as Irene's, how can I not form an addiction? I'm constantly amazed by the end result of a gifted eye's peek through the viewfinder, and her vision is no exception. Merci!

[artist images © Irene Suchocki]

What a Search for Weird Revealed

Weird is a great little word, really. Webster states its use dates back to the 15th century and further describes the adjective form as: weird may imply an unearthly or supernatural strangeness or it may stress queerness or oddness. I think the latter explanation probably applies to me, but when I did a search for 'picture of weird people' (yes, I did have a perfectly good reason for doing this and it wasn't just a random quest to get some strange) and these lovingly carved fruits and vegetables found their way into the search results, my immediate reaction was they've definitely been mischaracterized. How can these beautiful little herbaceous victuals fall into the genre of weird? C'mon people, this is (edible) art!



Look Jen! Frogs out of green peppers!

























We really need more weird in the world, don't you think? ☺

One More Nod to Molly

Because these came out so beautifully, I just wanted to share my adoration for Molly Jey's work one more time. As I needed two more paper sculptures to complete the wall in the living room (I'll post a pic when everything is properly hung and in place) I asked her for more of her creative handiwork. My custom order was for "a glamorous woman with orchids in the background" (this one came out with a great art deco feel I hadn't expected)



plus "a woman putting her hand into a koi pond" (because at the time I was looking at my own koi pond, thinking about my little fish who've been braving the cold weather),



and these were her creations. Beauteous!

Now that she's finished with all my requests, I see her Etsy store is filling up again with new pieces, both paper sculptures and her handmade cards, all hopefully making their way soon to other lucky recipients of her incredible work.

More Magnificent Molly Jey!

Now that Christmas is over and the presents I was keeping under wraps have been opened, I can freely bestow an additional dose of praise upon artist Molly Jey. I've previously blogged about the beauty of her paper sculptures, which I've come to adore even more after she made several custom pieces for me to give as gifts this year. I really love being able to give someone a one-of-a-kind treasure, and Molly made that possible for me with her singular creations. I only gave her a brief description of what I wanted, then her imagination and talent went to work to perfectly construct the final product. These pictures really don't do them justice, but here is some of her recent handiwork:


For Bonnie, whose cat Zoë is an avid lizard hunter who likes to leave their lifeless little bodies at undisclosed locations throughout her house, to be discovered months later as nothing but skeletal remains. ☺


For Bruce, who usually prefers to see deer from his tree stand or through the scope of his hunting rifle (he's so Republican), but whom I believe recognizes their place in the wilderness enough to appreciate this intricately crafted piece.


For Jennifer, who's an avid collector of frogs in all shapes, sizes and mediums (I know she must have quite an extensive collection by now, so hope she'll tell me if she's running out of room!).


For the Fabulous Dorothy O., inspired by her beautiful 'Nest' piece.


For Gustavo, in honor of his love for the stately giraffe.


For Marla, whose cat Sadie is just as regal as this one.

And for my own collection, to help add a very unique touch to the overlapping squares design in my living room:








Molly's Etsy store has only been open for a couple of months now, and I hope her list of admiring customers will continue to grow. I wish her much success in the upcoming year and thank her for all her beautiful work. Grazie!!

The Resplendence of Raydel Shanks

Look at these gorgeous prints from Raydel Shanks' Vintage Items photography series. Aren't they wonderful? I have both of these and picked them up from the frame shop about a week ago. They now inhabit the perfect spot in my bedroom (because they do have that 'come hither' quality to them, don't they?) and I couldn't be happier with how they turned out.

I'm very much into photography these days. I've always enjoyed the medium but it hasn't been until the last couple of years, after essentially filling up most of my walls with oils and mixed media pieces, that I decided to switch gears and work on building a solid photography collection. I think I'm off to a pretty good start with the work I have so far, and Della's pieces fit perfectly into the mix. They have a gentle luminous nature to them I really love, and I whenever I sit down and really look at one, feel as if I can pull back the gossamer veil and interact with whatever object she's used for the subject matter.

I also purchased these for the living room, which are unfortunately still with the framer as the frame company keeps sending the wrong moulding (the only redeeming quality here is they're giving me a nice discount as things keep getting so messed up!):






Incredibly, which makes me admire her even more, Della hasn't been at this too long at all. Her sister Jennifer reported to decor8's Holly Becker: "In August Della bought a camera, with the intention of becoming a photographer. We laid out the instructions (Bill and I were photo majors in school and he is a photo instructor now), helped to edit, and she shot. And shot. And shot. Thousands of pictures." She opened her Etsy store not long thereafter, and also took part in her first art show at Gala Corina in Tampa, Florida, where her Vintage Items series was on display. It's obvious she's found her passion, which I hope she'll always continue to pursue so people like me can enjoy the end result. ☺

[artist images © Raydel Shanks]

The Marvelous Molly Jey

My early Christmas present to myself, these beautiful paper sculptures by artist Molly Jey arrived from Italy today, each one just as delicate and lovely as alluded to by their photos.


I have been looking for some small unique pieces to fill spaces in the overlapping squares design on one of the walls in my living room. When I recently stumbled across Molly's Etsy store, I knew these would be the perfect fit.


When I opened the package today and held one of them up against the wall, it really looked as if it was made especially for the space.


Because they are small enough for two of them to fit into one of the squares, I actually need four more to finish the look. I've already ordered an additional two (which is probably why Molly's store is a little empty right now, because I'm buying them as soon as they're finished!), and she's going to make two others for me as well. I'm not quite sure how she manages the intricate cutting and scoring of paper, but the end result is really something special.

Molly also enclosed one of her handmade note cards with my original order (which is so lovely I might never send it to anyone), along with a nice thank you note and origami swan. It's these extra touches, plus her incredible talent, which I know will further her success. Kudos to you, Molly!

More O'Connor Magic

I picked up two more Dorothy O’Connor prints this weekend, "Water" (above) and "Nest" (below). I also had the pleasure of meeting her before the opening of Composition Gallery’s new exhibition: Strange True Tales: Photographs by Joeff Davis. I have really come to be a little crazy about Dorothy’s work, but crazy in the absolute best sense of the word. The end results of her compositions are quite beautiful, each with an elusive quality, yet conveying a stalwart significance left for the viewer to interpret. They seem magical to me, as if I am right there behind the camera, being graciously invited into her intricate thought process . . .



[artist images © Dorothy O'Connor]

A Piece of 'In Our Midst'

I added this beautiful piece by Ansley West to my burgeoning photography collection this weekend. It was one of the images from her 'In Our Midst' exhibition at the Composition Gallery in Candler Park.

I was drawn to this piece by its softness, the subtlety of its colors, and the look upon Ansley's face (who often poses as her own subject), as if someone from behind has called out to her, or she is simply looking back at what is there. I can interpret this is so many ways, most likely not as she originally intended, but I adore it regardless.

Composition is a special little gallery operated by Ron Hughes. When I went to the gallery on Saturday to pick this up, I first headed further down McLendon to run an errand and as I passed, there was Ron out on the storefront sweeping the sidewalk. When I drove back and then went in, I found him working at his desk with Bob Dylan at a soft volume quietly playing in the background. This is the atmosphere of the gallery: quiet, intimate, and just the right size to enjoy a show without the possibility of being overwhelmed by the number of pieces. It definitely becomes a lively and louder place during exhibition openings, but I think most of the time it is just a very nice space in which to enjoy the work of the rotating roster of participating photographers.

Ron is extremely nice and has always been above and beyond helpful with the work I've purchased. I applaud his efforts, as true to the tenet posted on the gallery's web site, his purpose is twofold in affording artists the opportunity to showcase their work, while allowing new or existing collectors the chance to purchase quality originals at an affordable price. We actually spoke of this a little bit, how past shows had included a piece or two in the range of a thousand or more dollars, but how that was an exception and I don't think what he would want to become the rule.

I also picked up a smaller print of this piece by Dorothy O'Connor.


She has done some gorgeous work, in particular her very successful wedding dress series. Both she and Ansley are up and coming artists whose work I am very happy to add to my collection. Thank you, Ron, for being the facilitator for acquisitions which open my eyes and make me look at things from an alternate perspective.


[artist images © Ansley West and Dorothy O'Connor]