mystudio302

Creative Archive Post

2008-08-18T11:42:00.005-04:00

I know it's been FOREVER since I've posted anything, so forgive me. I've been busy with projects, such as, a 2009 calendar, as well as, learning and being obsessed with typography. With that said, check out my guest post of images on Creative Archive (note that the 2nd image is by Tim Fishlock)...

The poster above is also from Tim Fishlock Studios. His music inspired moving images are beautiful and worth taking a look at as well.

Pup Request

2008-06-30T13:20:00.010-04:00

The time has come to design a new collection of dog breed cards...something very different than my last batch (Minpin, Boston & Pit). Clearly, there are ones that I have in mind, like the French Bulldog, but I ask for your suggestion on breeds you would like to see. Either email me or leave a comment and I will post the top 5 in a couple of weeks!

Picture of my girls, Nina & Roo, lounging in the studio...

Eames Mail

2008-06-20T21:00:00.006-04:00

It's been awhile since I've been this excited about stamps...I was literally counting down the days before they went on sale June 17th. These 42 cent commemorative Charles and Ray Eames stamps are definitely worth the wait. Featuring 16 different designs of their extraordinary body of work, you're never going to want to use them!

Making of a Print

2008-06-15T22:51:00.005-04:00

Silk screening...

Screen 1: Yellow with all the transparencies

Screen 2: Turquoise

Screen 3: Dark Brown

Layer 4: Yellow again

The Clouded Yellow, edition of 25, first of a series. Visit my Etsy shop for more info...

Luna Update

2008-06-07T11:23:00.008-04:00

For those of you that read my Luna Totes post back in January, here's an update on Luna and her cute merchandise...

On petsugar, Famke Janssen was spotted carrying the fabulous Luna Tote while walking her boston, Licorice.

Luna playing with my minpins, Nina and Roo, in someone's backyard...compliments of Jerry.

Great new products: the Hiding Luna Tote and Luna Cellphone Charm. Click here for more details and to purchase.

Thanks Amanda, Jerry and Luna!

Coral Gables Doily Notes

2008-06-01T21:22:00.006-04:00

New work from Beau Ideal Editions, made in my studio (302). Doily patterns spontaneously hand silk screened on large sheets of paper, then cut down to make flat note cards. Each one is truly unique.

Where is Coral Gables? It's a city in Miami, FL where I'm from. That wonderful coral color reminds me of being home...

For more info or to purchase, please see my Etsy shop!

NSS & ICFF

2008-05-26T19:51:00.014-04:00

Now that the National Stationary Show and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair at the Jacob Javits Center are over, I thought it would be nice to write about some of my favorite artists and designers whose work really stood out.

Of course there were the usual suspects...Snow & Graham, Elum, and Hello! Lucky. They showed beautiful new work, but the following few booths were the ones I found truly inspiring and memorable:

L2 Design Collective displayed their collection of hand silk screened cards and journals made by artists, designers, and illustrators. Love the artistic diversity and attitude of their work.

Tenth & Grant showed some amazing work from their guest artists. Love that you can submit your work and if accepted, they print your art or design to be part of their line of "creative artisan goods".

Hammerpress had their array of fun letterpress cards and prints, but my favorite was their alphabet series in that bold font and striking color. (photo: Design Sponge)

Screech Owl Design showed witty hand drawn cards, as well as, an awesome bench that one of the artists built. The unique style of the illustrations really stood out amongst the rest. (first photo: Design Sponge)

Peculiar Pair Press had their beautiful arrangement of letterpress cards and stationary. I particularly love the aesthetics of their work with their decorative details and interesting compositions.

Thomas Paul is always eye catching with his bright colors and graphic images, but I find him inspiring because of how simple and versatile his designs are. Not only does he make stationary, he makes great pieces to liven up your home. He also had a booth at ICFF.

Speaking of ICFF, practically everything was fabulous. I was in awe of all the things I am not capable of creating, let alone, ever have. As much as I would love to talk about all the wonderful things I saw, I wouldn't even know where to begin. Instead, I'm going to mention a couple designers that stood out and are more familiar to me and my work...wallpaper.

Flavor Paper was one of my favorites simply because of their eccentric and sassy imagery. Fusing contemporary icons with traditional patterns, each wallpaper roll is hand printed.
(third photo: Design Sponge)

Miss Print had a wonderful display of their modern wallpapers. Loved how they framed them to look like art. (photo: Design Sponge)

Check out Design Sponge for more coverage on NSS & ICFF. There are still lots of great designers and artists to be seen...

Hope everyone had a happy Memorial Day weekend!

Poppytalk Handmade

2008-05-13T19:35:00.007-04:00

I'm excited to be part of Poppytalk Handmade's showcase (May 12th - June 6th), which features paper goods and affordable art this month to coincide with the National Stationary Show. This is a wonderfully curated site that allows independent artists and designers to present their work, as well as, discover new talent. Check it out...I've purchased a thing or two from my fellow participants. Also, see their blog for more!

Beginnings of a Print

2008-05-05T19:07:00.011-04:00

As an artist, it's really important for me to have a balance between making art and designing cards and stationary. Whether it's for art or design, I always refer to a few of my favorite books for inspiration:

* Matisse: His Art and Textiles
* Alexander Girard Designs for Herman Miller
* Marimekko
* Louise Bourgeouis
* Juan Usle
* Hokusai
* Papier Fantaisie
* The World of Ornament
* Plants and Their Application to Ornament
* French Style and Decoration
* The Papered Wall

With lots of ideas in mind, I've been experimenting and trying to focus on what my next art print will be. I've been working on a series of gouache paintings, which are essential to my process. It's therapeutic in its spontaneity, which is hard to come by with a medium as technical as printmaking. With these paintings, I hope to capture the looseness of strokes, the boldness of color and composition, and the fluidity of movement in a silk screen print...bridging the best of both applications.

Progress to follow...

Back in the Studio

2008-04-29T19:21:00.003-04:00

Made some new colorful gouache pieces this weekend...trying to get back on track. Roo keeping me company as always.

The Raleigh Miami

2008-04-17T21:59:00.014-04:00

Being from Miami, it was the first time I actually stayed in a hotel on the beach...rightfully so after being married! Our choice, The Raleigh, since it represents a glamorous old school Miami to me. The Raleigh is a beautiful art deco hotel revitalized by Andre Balazs, discretely tucked on 18th and Collins. Besides the gorgeously ornate pool, staying there was like being on an island far away. It's close enough to all the hype on South Beach, yet secluded enough to enjoy a quiet evening. It's ideal for a lovely getaway. Check out their fabulous lounge chairs on the beach...plus the $25 spa treatment at their sister hotel, The Standard.

Great website too, so take a look here....

Anyone planning a trip to Miami? Feel free to contact me with questions or comments.

©HIMERAware

2008-03-31T20:21:00.009-04:00

Looking for a new graphic tee this Spring? Artist and entrepreneur, Josh Levine, has expanded his work to the realm of clothing with cool animal hybrids on tanks and t-shirts in his new shop called ©HIMERAware.

302: As an artist, what do you think the main difference is between art in LA, NY or Miami?
JL: Truth be told, I do miss New York, but not the city, more the artist community that I was involved with there. I miss the fact that on any given evening you can go to Chelsea and hit 10-20 openings in one place. Maybe it’s because I am still really new to LA. Being out here for just over a year, I forgot how much work I put into creating my art community in NYC. In LA, everything is so spread out. I’ll probably look back at this in a few years and say I was so naive and just didn’t know how to avoid traffic yet. As for Miami, I have been involved with Miami’s art scene over the years, especially during Art Basel Miami Beach, however, I am really not involved in it during the other 355 days of the year. I moved away from Miami almost 10 years ago to head up to NY. I was very active with trying to foster what little art scene existed back then, but am merely a spectator to what is going on down there now. I do still appreciate the fact that I am still acknowledged as part of the Miami art world and am glad to see that it has matured into a growing force in the art world at-large, but I remember how it was pre-ABMB. It could easily go back to that state if ABMB leaves, since the newer crop of artists don’t have a reference point without it’s HUGE influence.

302: What inspires your work?
JL: The main influences in my artwork are science and technology and the principles behind them. I am a junkie for science television shows and gain most of my information through visuals. I am a huge believer in the phrase, “Better living through Science" and would say that I believe in that principle more than I do a religious one. I think that we, as humans, will evolve to our next state through science. I feel that science is inherently neutral, that is to say that it is neither good or bad. It's how we use this knowledge/principles that determines how it is perceived. I think the possibilities of what we will be able to do and achieve through genetic modification and manipulation are amazing, unfortunately not everyone's ethics are as noble as others.

302: I know that ©HIMERAware is an extension of your art. What made you decide to open shop?
JL: Over the years I have been making these animal hybrids and chimeras as computer collages that I would then redraw as either large or small works on paper. I have always struggled with the fact that as much as I love them, they are not always understood or loved by the art public as much as I’d like them to be. When I've had people over to the studio, they’ve given me comments on how they’d make great designs for t-shirts, so I had been digesting that idea for awhile. I finally decided that maybe these images would get better exposure from a more consumer based product than an art world based product. I’ve had a few merchandise shops on CafePress since 2003 selling merchandise with my ©1972 logo and A$$ (Art $uper $tar) logo, and it seemed to be the easiest way for me to approach an online merchandise venture. In February of this year, I finally bit the bullet and opened ©HIMERAware at CHIMERAwareOnline.com. Really, it’s all about trying to get the ideas behind my artwork out there through a more popular cultured medium, fashion.

302: Any collection highlights?
JL: The prankster in me really likes the thong underwear. Don’t want to give too much away about it, but I am waiting for the first person to post a picture of themselves wearing them on my ©HIMERAware Facebook page.

302: What's next for your art and ©HIMERAware?
JL: As for what’s next for ©HIMERAware, I add new images and merchandise on a sporadic bases. As I make new designs, they will slowly show up on the site. As for what’s happening with my artwork, I have a few shows coming up. I will be in a group show, RIPE, at d.e.n. contemporary art in Culver City at the end of April, DREAM(land) at Jail Gallery in Chinatown in May, FESTA BARROCA at the Pavilion for Contemporary Arts in Milan in July (museum show), and another group show curated by Martha Otero at Jail Gallery in September

302: Do you still have a leopard head?
JL: Since I still have hair, it’s still leopard. I’m just stalking prey out here in LA.

To contact Josh and view his artwork, visit copyright1972.com. To view his new ©HIMERAware shop, click here. He urges everyone to "now go buy some shit!"

Night Out

2008-03-31T11:15:00.004-04:00

Cold feet in cute shoes on the dirty streets of New York!

Photo courtesy of Yvonne Lynch, creator of Flawless Beauty & Creative Archive.

Finally!

2008-03-16T23:15:00.008-04:00

For those of you who know us, you are aware of our back and forth wedding plans. Well, we're very happy and relieved to say that it's finally in place! Post courthouse dinner celebration with family at Blue Door...plus a weekend stay at The Raleigh to get over my obsession with their pool. A New York celebration to come...

Custom designed and hand screen printed by Vince and Jill for Beau Ideal Editions.

Milano

2008-02-24T18:52:00.007-05:00

Via Spiga. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Duomo Cathedral.

Stripes, More Stripes!

2008-02-09T19:52:00.000-05:00

I've been working on some new note cards recently inspired by stripes. From Louise Bourgeois' dynamic stripe fabric pieces to these great tears of blankets I found in an issue of Martha Stewart Living, I decided that I have to experiment and interpret them for Beau Ideal. Available in my Etsy shop, these flat note cards come in a set of 4, each a different layout, each hand screen printed with florescent painted stripes on top.

Coincidentally, I went to an opening at Cheim & Read last week and saw the gorgeous works of Juan Usle. I'm familiar with his earlier works and have always been a fan, but was fascinated when I saw his smaller stripe paintings with hints of florescent lines. His use of seductive colors and strokes make his Brezales show a must see. Ends March 15.

Can't get enough of stripes? Read this review by Joe Fyfe on the book The Devil's Cloth: A History of Stripes and Striped Fabric. There are some interesting facts about the perception of stripes in the past, how it evolved, and how artists are incorporating them in their work today.

Reform

2008-02-08T19:09:00.000-05:00

Looking for a new poster for your office or a gift for your boss? This one sold at Reform School (great website) is very appropriate for when we need to relax and just breathe. Pre Tim Gunn, this is a reproduction of a WWII propaganda poster imported from England. Nice bright color on matte paper, mine will be hanging dutifully in my home office...

Art Opening

2008-02-01T16:09:00.000-05:00

This past Wednesday, January 30, was the grand opening of Sloan Fine Art, a new gallery on the Lower East Side. Included in Part 1 of this inaugural exhibition is Vince Contarino, an artist living and working in Brooklyn. His new abstract painting stands out amongst the mostly representational works in this exciting group show. If you're in New York and didn't come to the fabulously packed opening, definitely stop by before it ends on February 16.

Luna Totes

2008-01-26T23:08:00.000-05:00

If you have a Boston Terrier, this is the perfect thing for you! Designer Jerry Hsiao of One Ten Sullivan has silkscreened his pup, Luna's, cute little mug on Muji tote bags to sell in his Etsy shop.

302: What's life like with Luna and how did she become an icon?
JH: Life with Luna is a slow walk across town. Not many people and dogs are shy when they want to say hello to Luna. She has quite the fan-base in our neighborhood. I think we realized she became an icon when she was recognized from her blog by a stranger on Broome Street on a Saturday afternoon.

302: What is your process in creating your work?
JH: We do it all in a cluttered 500 sq. ft. apartment in the city and no studio space. Our apartment needs to do double duty. Silkscreening gets done on our floor, and our coffee table and dining chairs double as drying racks. Luna's quite well behaved during the printing, probably because she staring and thinking, "why are these people putting me on all these bags?"

302: What inspires you to make the work that you do?
JH: Everyday we (Jerry & Amanda) wake up to a sweet snuggly mess on our heads...that snuggly mess being Luna. She's too cute to keep to ourselves, so we create to share with others. Sort of like a profitable brag book so to speak.

To purchase these cute totes (or stickers!), click here. You can also find them on All-Mighty, a place to buy all things Boston.

Got Love?

2008-01-21T21:20:00.000-05:00

Give love anytime of the year. Available in my Etsy shop this week...

New Year Favorites

2008-01-03T22:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome back! I'd like to start 2008 with a few of my new favorite things...as well as, a resolution or two...

1) Beautiful packaging for this lovely scented all natural soap by Pop Ink.
2) Beautiful label for this sweet lemon & ginger w/ aloe hand wash by Daub & Bauble.
3) Jonathan Adler's Palm Beach sunshine candle~reminds me of home.
4) My favorite, Diptyque Baies black candle & room spray. Love the black so you don't see the candle burns.
5) Terry wash towel w/ pretty green pattern from Anthropologie.
6) European apothecary porcelain bath jar. They started selling the collection at Pottery Barn!

7) Obsessed with the pool at The Raleigh in Miami Beach. It's simply gorgeous!

8) Thin gold chain with tiny "J" charm. Love how delicate it is.
9) Tobacco leather gloves with big gold buttons by Coach.
10) Chanel's 51 Mahogany eyeshadow for a smoky look.
11) Cute desk calender by Snow & Graham. They make some of the best letterpress stationary.
12) Martin Puryear's amazing show at the MoMA of his beautiful minimal sculptures. Ends January 14. Worth seeing is also the 'Multiplex: Directions in Art, 1970 to Now' exhibit. Look for the intriguing Andreas Gursky photo. 'Georges Seurat: The Drawings' ends January 7, so see it if you haven't...especially if you're feeling dark and romantic.

Resolutions? Drink lots of water, work hard, and care about the earth.

Favorites, recommendations, resolutions you would like to share? Leave a comment...

HAVE A HAPPY & HEALTHY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Joy before the Holidays!

2007-12-16T12:35:00.000-05:00

The 'Feeling Snowy White' Oh Joy post was great and it definitely helped to get my name out there. So much so, friends have discovered my cards on other blogs and sites! I've already mentioned the Design Sponge 'Things I'm Loving Part Deux' post which shows the same doily card as on Oh Joy...which was a nice surprise. Then comes a little write up on a blog called decor8, which I've never heard of before until now. The critique of my work on this 'Take Five Tuesdays' post is interesting and an arrangement of my cards are shown. The other recently discovered blog is called the Scoop by Orange Beautiful. My link cards are shown on this Dec. 11 post with some nice commentary. I love the part that says that my stuff "would make lovely art".

Though it's surprising to find my work floating around on other people's blogs, I've come to realize that they're all affiliated or influenced by each other in some way. Needless to say, it's flattering. Thanks Joy for starting it up!

This will probably be my last post before the holidays, so have a fabulous one! See you all in 2008!!!

Jump for Joy!

2007-12-11T19:31:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited that my doily giftcards are featured on today's Oh Joy post! For those of you that are not familiar with Oh Joy, it's an inspirational design blog (similar to Design Sponge) in which Joy shares trends, gifts, and things that she loves on her daily posts. Joy also has her own fabulous stationary line called Nantaka Joy, as well as, a design studio where she creates custom work.

So, if you are looking for things new, fun, and creative, then bookmark her! Did I mention that I have something featured :)?

Etsy!

2007-12-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

My work is finally out there for all to view and purchase! For those of you that are not familiar with Etsy, it's an online site where you can buy and sell all things handmade or vintage. It's a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts.

Here are some highlights of my shop...

Dog Breed Collection: This is very near and dear to me. For every dog card purchased, proceeds will be donated to a NYC shelter. Thought this was a good way to help without actually going to a facility, since we all know, yours truly will get attached to every dog there and cry every night because they can't all be saved (ummm...Kenny). So, this is for the dog lovers out there...and don't worry...more breeds to come if you don't see yours yet!

The Paper Guild: Subscribe to be a member or send a subscription as a gift to someone special. This includes a membership card, a gift note to the recipient, and a new handmade design each month ranging from a variety of paper goods to art prints. Send or receive a fun surprise monthly!

For much more, take a look at my Beau Ideal Etsy Shop (also conveniently located on my side bar)...the place to find me before my website is up and running...

Stay warm & happy shopping!!!

Brooklynbee

2007-11-30T17:56:00.001-05:00

While on Etsy, also take a look at fellow Etsy seller and friend, Janine of Brooklynbee. She makes lovely jewelry and little knitted items...perfect for the holidays! Here's a little more about Janine...

302: Where are you from?
BB: I always say "I was born in New York, and I'm going to die in New York." My husband tells me that this makes me sound like I lived on the tough streets of New York City all my life, but I grew up in the Hudson Valley region and spent my college and several post-college years in Manhattan. I spent all my life in NY state with the exception of the time I tried to move away for a couple of years. I moved back to NY in 2001 and have been in Brooklyn ever since.

302: Tell me about your work?
BB: I craft compulsively. Knitting and jewelry making. I've been selling jewelry on Etsy for the past few months under the name Brooklynbee. Lately I've been getting into fusing / soldering with silver. Fun!! I love jewelry that is minimalist, organic, geometric.

302: What inspires you?
BB: I'm inspired by other people's happiness. When someone is wearing something I made and enjoying it, nothing makes me feel better. I participate in the Cancer Care Knit-Out every year and I like to think that having a nice handmade hat can cheer someone up just a tiny bit during a terrible ordeal.

302: What are your aspirations?
BB: My aspirations are to make the world into Janine-land where there is no global warming and everyone recycles, bees are revered, and I can spend all my time making beautiful objects out of yarn and / or metal.

For more about Janine and Brooklynbee, contact her here.