please stand by

You may have noticed, I haven't posted in awhile. Forgive me, it hasn't been intentional. Does it count if I think about posts that never get written? Hmmmm, probably not. I have been distracted. Focusing on new project which we hope to launch soon...

animation made out of DICE

Fujiya & Miyagi Ankle Injuries
Totally geeking out on this animation made out of DICE! Check it out.

hugga wugga

Chiquita Banana The Original Commercial

Get Up Close & Personal @ Creavite Growth

Up Close & Personal art opening @ Creative Growth THIS THURSDAY!
Featuring the artwork of John Martin, Ron Veasey, Kerri Damianakes, and George Wilson. Join us as we take a look at new and historical drawings, paintings, woodworking and ceramics.

Creative Growth Art Center
355 24th Street, Oakland, CA 94612
510.836.2340

Opening Event: THIS Thursday, January 29th 5-8pm
Show runs: Jan 29th - March 6th, 2009, Monday through Friday
Also open:
• Saturday Jan 31st 11-4pm
• Friday, Feb 6th 11-9 pm for Oakland's Art Murmur gallery walk.

Creative Growth is an art studio and gallery that serves artists with developmental, mental and physical disabilities. An environment for artistic instruction, gallery promotion and personal expression. Works by Creative Growth artists can be found in collections and museums around the world. In June 2008, Creative Growth opened a new art gallery in Paris, exhibiting the artwork of artists with disabilities, self-taught artists and contemporary artists from around the world. Come check us out!

PIPEROID: Paper robots

All you need is a pair of scissors, and with a little assembly you can build your own paper robots . These fun little DIY robots are called Piperoid. Built out of just six paper "pipes" with pre-drilled holes and marks to cut & fold, you connect the pipes (no glue or tape required). Pretty simple. And pretty fun!

eye popping monsters

Anyone know more information about these guys? My searching on-line has turned up very little. They're called "i pop monsters" and are from Schylling. Aren't they fantastic? They make me laugh.

Gem Sweater Lady

So, sometimes you just assume that EVERYONE has been exposed to all the same stuff you have, especially when you have a lot in common. But then, in middle of a conversation, you realize the person you are talking with SOME HOW hasn't. In just that breath everything STOPS. "How could anyone miss the Gem Sweater Lady???" I was stumped.

Just in case you too SOME HOW missed that email from your friend with the link for the Gem Sweater Museum or perhaps this Leslie and the Lys' video (shown below) - you have now been exposed. Both are outrageous, hilarious and a bit confusing.

Perhaps you're in the know, but when was the last time you looked at the gem sweaters? My, how the collection has grown! With no further delay, I introduce to you Leslie Hall, the Gem Sweater Lady.

Self declared “Keeper of the Gems”, Leslie takes her collection very seriously. Each sweater is given a name and now there in a Mobile Gem Sweater Museum. Check out her band’s website, Leslie and the Lys, to see when the museum rolls into your town.

Just in time for the holidays! Get your Gem on.

Sleeveface

Perhaps you are still looking for a good idea for this year's holiday party?

Or maybe you just need a good laugh. In either case, check out: Sleeveface.

In search of Ray Fenwick

So, it seems I have been searching for a man I have never met and never even knew existed: Ray Fenwick. That may sound a little weird, so let me back up and explain...

Sometime back, I feel completely head over heals for this image. It is hysterical. Imagine it on a very feminine garment, maybe with a little lace and printed a little smaller. WHARRGH! UGH. SLICE. HURRAH! How can you not laugh?

Being a commercial textile designer, it goes without saying that I see a lot of patterns in my line of work and it can be darn hard to impress me, but this one sure did. Knocked my socks off in fact. Time passed and I became obsessed: WHERE had I found the image? And even more, WHO had created it? I was at a lost and yet it had become so much apart of my day-to day life. It made me happy and no one I asked knew the answer. (It was sad.)

Time passed and then yesterday, thumbing through the book Over & Over (a book I thought I knew, but OBVIOUSLY didn't), I found my answer: Ray Fenwick! The print covered 2 pages in a different colorway, but there it was! Nearly jumped out of my skin!

I feel more complete knowing who had created the image that brought me so many laughs.

Be sure to check out more of his artwork, he's got a great sense of humor. My favorite are the small moments that occur in the patterns, graphics and posters - all straight to the point without too many words. Ray Fenwick, it is nice to finally met you. Thanks for making me laugh so much.

the Consumption Issue

In time for the holiday season, the latest issue of Mankind Mag is available on-line. This issue centers around Consumption. The questions are not heavy handed, it makes you laugh and rethink. The first page begins with a small note from the cover artist Gemma Correll. And like me, she thinks of herself as one of those who doesn't by very much, but decided to create a log of her purchases to see what she really buys. The cover is a result of chronicling those purchases.

The e-zine describes it intentions as, "In the following pages, you'll hear from artists and designers from all over the globe, dishing about what they purchase, how much they spend and why consumerism is such an issue. Stay tuned--- and be aware. Inspiration is bound to hit at any moment..."

Be sure to check out the article on page 6 about the cardboard box's recent induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame. And page 14's "Consumption is not a Religion" piece by Okat. And page 16, Rebecca Horwood's piece on "happy packaging". Kate Zander brings up a interesting point in her piece anticipating new art coming from these "dark ages". Check out Tara Donovan's styrofoam cup installations (page 25 & 26). Wow... Over all, way too much to list and lots of great artists to check out. Like the e-zine says, "Stay tuned--- and be aware. Inspiration is bound to hit at any moment..."

Creative Growth: Holiday Studio Extravaganza 2008

Whether you're an art lover, a bargain hunter, or just looking for a great way to "give back to the community" (remember: each purchase supports Creative Growth's programs for artists with disabilities), you won't want to miss the holiday studio extravaganza! This kind of sale only happens once a year and you won't believe the prices on one-of-a-kind ceramics, wood, rugs, pillows, textiles, softies, bags, furniture, prints, drawings, paintings and much, much more.

Year End Studio Sale Opening Party: Friday, Dec 5th. 5:30 - 8pm. Artwork, holiday treats and music by Baguette Quartet.

Also open Saturdays for Holiday shopping: December 6th, 13th & 20th. 11 - 4pm. Regular Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday. 11 - 5pm.

Creative Growth Art Center
355 24th Street, Oakland, CA 94612
510.836.2340

Creative Growth is an art studio and gallery that serves artists with developmental, mental and physical disabilities. An environment for artistic instruction, gallery promotion and personal expression. Works by Creative Growth artists can be found in collections and museums around the world. In June 2008, Creative Growth opened a new art gallery in Paris, exhibiting the artwork of artists with disabilities, self-taught artists and contemporary artists from around the world.

microscopes are so cool

Images of very tiny things - microscopes are so cool!

(Be sure to click on the images above to really enjoy the details. )
I get lost looking at these. Aren't they amazing?

To see more images of very tiny things and learn what they are click here.

Creativity Explored: Holiday 2008 Sale

Creativity Explored’s Annual Holiday Art Sale is happening this weekend. With one-of-a-kind paintings, pen & ink drawings, ceramics, sculptures, and textiles by over 100 artists it will be hard to choose. It is a great opportunity to get that piece you've been hoping for or pick ups some unique holiday gifts at some bargain prices. And, since half of the proceeds from the sale of each artwork go directly to the studio artists, you can feel good about your purchases!

Creativity Explored
3245 16th Street, San Francisco (on 16th @Guerrero Street)
Opening Reception: Friday, Dec 5th, 6pm - 9pm
Opening Weekend: Saturday & Sunday, Dec 6 & 7, 2008, 1pm - 6pm
The show runs through: Dec 5th through Dec 30th - but the best pieces will sell out fast!

Creativity Explored was founded in 1983 by Florence and Elias Katz, on the principle that all people have the ability to create, and that visual artistic expression is a viable means to self-growth. Since that date, people with disabilities working at Creativity Explored have established themselves as talented artists making significant contributions to the Bay Area.

Trip to Seattle

Sorry for the lapse in posting, we were on a short vacation in Seattle. Lured by a surprise birthday party and free pace to stay, we found cheap tickets and off we went. The timing worked out so we could check out a vintage car my brother was interested in purchasing: a 1968, 2 door Volvo 122 s. Managed once again to have sunny weather in Seattle, eat too much food and over all have lots of fun. And yes, we bought the car (or I should say, we okayed the purchase for my brother). The car is a beauty - can't wait until it arrives! (More on that as it develops.)

fly on the wall: circular painting

Circular Painting from Fly on the Wall on Vimeo.

The theme was the environment and the artist's responses to it. Filmed in South Africa by Fly on the Wall for the Discovery Channel. Numerous street artists, musicians, painters and animators contributed to the cause over a non-stop 12 hour period to make the 2 minute film.

The end is nigh

Check out this auction at Christie's. Page through or search for the Clash, Ramones, LA flyers, Sex Pistols, etc. Your closet may be a better retirement plan than your 401k.

Fibrocosm @ Creativity Explored

Check out the postcard that arrived announcing the Fibrocosm show opening THIS THURSDAY @ Creativity Explored. Creativity Explored is a nonprofit art center where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, and sell art. Creativity Explored openings are always lots of fun, with a chance to meet some of the artists and live music. This exhibit goes beyond the wearable textiles to explore the possibilities of fiber-based sculpture, quilting, weaving, silk painting, and other surface design techniques. Many of the artists showing pieces in this exhibition delved into fiber arts for the first time. Don't miss this one!

Creativity Explored

3245 16th Street, San Francisco
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 9th, from 7-9 pm.
The show runs October 9th - November 19th.

spoon guitar

From the Karoo region in South Africa, Hannes Coetzee is mainly known for his unique playing technique using a spoon in his mouth to play slide guitar. A technique called optel and knyp. You can learn and hear more in David Kramer's documentary Karoo Kitaar Blues (2003). And by clicking here & here.

suspicious vans

Suspicious Vans - Some things just speak for themselves!