If you peruse this here blog often, you probably know by now that I’m a fan of all things embroidered in an unexpected way. So, understandably, I’ve been stuck on the work of Inge Jacobson via SF Girl by The Bay. I’ve seen Inge’s work in the top mag’s over the years – and her pieces always stand apart as work that blurs that line between between art & fashion, and questions our ideas about mass imagery as a whole. I’m sensing a play on the perception of beauty…what about you?
I’m so inspired by the stunning work of Ghanain sculptor El Anatsui. Have you ever seen his work, much less seen it in person? He weaves the debris of our daily consumptions into gorgeous, monumental sculptures. Reminiscent of traditional African weavings, El Anatsui often uses up to twenty people at a time to help weave bottle caps and other discarded excess into these lovely creations below…
El Anatsui is also part of the Nsukka group, a group of artists associated with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in the 1970s. They work to revive the practice of uli, or traditional Nigerian design. By incorporating traditional uli design with contemporary ideas and media such as acrylic and oil paint, and gouache, and they keep the uli tradition alive and relevant today.
Aren’t the details below simply amazing? His work will be on display in the Clark Gallery until October 16th. 
This golden beauty below is made from woven aluminum labels off liquor bottles….
Simply stunning, no? If any of you out there visit the gallery – please let me know!
here
There’s nothing like a rainy Fall day to get me in the mood for some cozy, crafty quilt appreciation According to the hand stitched inscription on the back of the beauty below, this crazy quilt was stitched in 1871 by ‘Eleanor’ on a horse farm in Tennessee. Do you know the history of crazy quilts? They were all the rage back in the 1880′s and earned the name ‘crazy’ because of their whimsical, irregular patchwork patterns. The patches were hand appliqued on top of a base fabric rather than being stitched together to create a more regular surface pattern. Because of the small surface area that each patch covered, the quilters were inclined to get crazy-wild-n-free with their embellishment techniques and incorporated beads, buttons and hand stitched details. A crazy quilter often became as skilled at embellishing as they were at quilting. Oh my, what I wouldn’t give to have spent some hours with Eleanor on her Tennessee horse farm, learning her crazy quilting secrets. What do you think? Inspired?
I am hands-down loving these ceramic plates by Janice Tchalenko. These quick,loose painted florals feel right for this cozy Fall weather. How great would they look piled together on a table with some worn, overdyed linen in dark indigo, purples, and grays? So lovely, no?
I wanted to share with you some illustrations that I pulled them the other day from the Fashion Illustration Gallery website. It’s a cool spot to spend some time on if you’re thinking about getting your drawing tools into action or are just looking for some inspired work. I’ve been putting pen to paper lately and have been coming up with some drawings myself (pictures soon!) and the site is a great stop off to check out a variety of different types of mark making. You’ll recognize much of the work as well – recognizable illustrations from campaigns, ads, and editorials.
This Geisha giclee print was painted by Tobie Giddio using pigment inks….
The fabulous Hiroshi Tanabe, whose use of clean lines are reminiscent of the woodcuts he’s inspired by. I love the simplicity of this illustration; 2 colors and so much energy.
And finally, Tanya Ling‘s work has been the most inspiring to me lately – it’s the gestural, free form pieces that get me excited. Her illustrations are spontaneous, light hearted and confident all in one go. Do you love?
Although I am thrilled about heading in to Fall, I couldn’t help but grab this Spring-time Better Homes & Gardens book from Lawson Fenning the other day. Published in 1951, it’s like a time capsule - it’s filled with how – to planting diagrams, tips for pruning and weeding, and how to create the perfect garden for where white picket fences reign.
Saturated rose photos and a diagram on the anatomy of a rose…
I’m loving these hand painted technicolor illustrations on the old, worn paper…
I couldn’t help but notice the similarities to Rifle Paper Co.’s recent botanicals line. 
Their new botanical calender features 12 hand-painted floral illustrations printed on felt paper, while their note cards showcase wrap around florals in garden perfect hues of pink, marigold, peach, red, and green, which are quite similar to the color palette found in our little book, no? I’m thinking the notebook collection below may inspire some Sunday morning garden sketches as well…….
here, here & here
I had a late night the other evening – you know the kind; spend way too much time digging through the pathways of the internet past the midnight hours? Lucky me, I did find some magic. I came across these oil paintings of crystals by Carly Waito. Dare I say it, she has a talent for capturing the energy of these seemingly inanimate minerals. Her work, although meticulous, is at the same time full of life – the adoration and wonder she has for her subject shines through. Below are her renderings of sphalerite, topaz & amethyst. If you are lucky enough to live in Canada you can check out Carly’s work up close at the Narwhal gallery. For now, let’s just take a moment admire these beauties…..
I’m loving these little creations by the Paris based Ma + Chr Design Studio. Scouring the shops for vintage photos, they add sharp graphic touches and color combos that make the old-timey feel fresh. I could live with a few of these on my walls. What do you think?
I recently came across the work of Lucas Grogan, an Australian artist who uses incorporates traditional aboriginal techniques and references in his pieces. With his intricate patterns, he tells a story of the culture and spiritual beliefs of community, while also representing the beauty of two cultures sharing each others traditions. Communities sharing techniques can only lead to a better understanding and appreciation of culture as a whole, don’t you think?
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