Archive for September, 2011
One of the things that I am going to miss most about Florida (aside from family) is the heat. I am the girl who sits on the couch with a blanket in the summer, so needless to say, I like me some heat.
And now that we’re moving to a place that is not exactly known for warm temperatures, and fall is pretty much here, something is starting to bubble up…
I have lived 30 minutes (or less) away from the beach for the last seven years and probably touched my toes in the sand less than 15 times. I totally took the beach for granted.
And now we are leaving and I won’t really have the opportunity. So what’s a girl to do?
Well, I guess I just have to figure out how to bring the beach with me if it really menas that much. So I am thinking some artwork might be the best way to go.
Maybe something from Dave Conrey at Beach Cities (a print shop where Dave is able to combine his skills as an artist with graphic design)? I really like the textures and layers in his work. And aside from sand and surf themes…Hello? How could I move to Seattle without a print like this?
Hehe. My favorite pieces from Beach Cities are the ones above (Double Shift and Golden State). How about you? Do you have a favorite from Dave’s shop?
One of the greatest ways to liven up a space is with paint and a shot of color. Although I have always been partial to stained wood cabinets for the kitchen, sometimes letting floors or ceilings carry the wood finish and letting the cabinets really set themselves apart can be a great way to not let the love of wood overtake your interior space. From a glossy lacquer to a matte finish, painted cabinets can be a great way to make your kitchen look fresh and new. I am especially a fan of painting your kitchen cabinets if you are putting off refinishing them, and they’re really not so hot to start with. A dark or bright color actually focuses your attention on the color itself and not the style (or lack thereof) of your existing cabinets.
And don’t think that you have to paint them all! Or even that all the painted surfaces have to be the same color. Perhaps you have an island area that you want to showcase – paint it a shade that brings it to the forefront. Or perhaps a bank of cabinets at the back that you’d like to recede – dark colors of grey, black or brown may be just the thing. You can even paint either the doors or the frames only! If you’re unsure about the color, take a photo, and use a photo editing program (or have someone else help you) to change the colors in a few different shots to get a feel for it to see if that’s the way you want to go. Remember if you are painting cabinets yourself to prep and prime them well – you don’t want paint to chip and show through!
(above) Dark Grey Flush Face
Kelly Green and White + Shades of Muted Blue
Matte Black and Robin’s Egg Blue
Amy wrote this post. She is the designer and owner of FormFire Glassworks, where she creates modern lampwork glass beads and jewelry, and by day designs custom homes for a small firm in Southern California. You can follow her twitter @formfireglass.
It’s been a while since the last studio tour and I am insanely pumped to be bringing it back today because I have an INCREDIBLE space to share: the workspace and gallery of Erin Kate Duininck, also known as The Orchard Art House.
I have known Erin for well over a year now and although we’ve never met in person, she is one of those people that I feel like I “know”. She is beautiful inside and out- a total talent with a clear passion for the arts. And I am really excited to be sharing her jewelry line, studio, and gallery here today…
1. Let’s start with the basics…how would you describe your work in 3 sentences or less?
My main objective is to create pieces that are empathetic and sincere. My most life-giving projects are custom pieces for women working out real life issues and choosing to memorialize or mark an event, epiphany, or person. I also try to create pieces on the opposite end of the spectrum with levity and a touch of the idiosyncratic. Balance in everything, yes?
2. And same question (only this time for the gallery)…How would you describe The Orchard Art House?
The gallery is a mixture of selfishness and an attempt to be selfless, as most of my prayers and petitions are. I am surrounded by my favorite artists’ work every day and am blessed to experience that beauty free of charge. And the goal of the gallery is most definitely to connect my favorite artists with the right audience without taking a commission from their hard work. I grew up with parents who had to literally “sing for their supper” so I am acutely aware of the monetary challenges involved in artistry as vocation.
3. Where are your studio and gallery located?
The Orchard Art House used to be a ramshackle guest house on our property. My husband gave it to me for my 30th birthday and we tore it apart and then employed an artistic builder to completely give the place new life. It’s located in a sweet throwback of a small town, Excelsior, but just outside of Minneapolis. Our property is right on a small lake and it’s a couple acres, so visiting the Art House is (hopefully) like a mini retreat. Get the address and super cute map here.
4. The photographs of the gallery and your workspace are stunning, but its difficult to tell from the photos whether your workspace is actually a part of the gallery. Is that the case or are they separate? And if they are in fact in one in the same, how do you balance your workspace with the gallery and keep everything organized and presentable? It looks amazing!
The Orchard Art House is divided into three spaces; the front is the gallery, the back is my studio, and the loft is where I try to convince out of town friends to come stay. Keeping things tidy is not my strong suit, but I do make a concerted effort to keep the gallery section looking bright and clean. The struggle is always my workspace, as I’m completely artistically A.D.D. and tend to throw things around. My clients are so sweet and appreciative; we joke about the colorful clutter.
5. Back to the photos for just a second…You mentioned in one of our past conversations that the photographers behind the lens at this shoot had a super cool project to share. Can you tell me more about it?
Oh, man. I am so obsessed with Paper Antler. They are the cutest couple you’ve ever met and so sneaky talented. I’m thrilled to partner with them and to shout from the rooftops about their amazing idea: wedding photography + social justice = the fifty nifty! And the video is totally worth watching as well. Watch the video on YouTube now.
6. So cool! Thanks for sharing those links to Paper Antler. Before we start to wrap things up, lets get back to a few more questions I have about you… How long have you been pursuing work as an artist and gallery owner?
As I find a way to mention all too often, my parents are professional artists/musicians so it’s been a lifetime thing by default. They found me a silversmithing apprenticeship when I was 14 and had me onstage singing songs I’d written the same year. I got serious about my music a few years back and started playing out a lot and then as my life circumstances changed and I needed to be at home more for my daughter and new husband (and keep regular person hours), I ramped up the jewelry and sewing. The Orchard Art House opened a little less than a year ago and was a reaction to my granny (and great friend) dying and that age old realization of the brevity of life; the seemingly obvious epiphany that nobody else is going to make my dreams come true and that, truly, clocks have wings.
“…nobody else is going to make my dreams come true…clocks have wings.”
7. Now, I love asking this next question because each one of us defines success in a different way. So, here it goes… What has been your most exciting / noteworthy event or happening in your work (or the gallery) recently that you interpret as a success?
Honestly, every time a new person walks through the door I have to pinch myself. It’s exciting over and over again. But getting my work into The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis is the one thing that my mom can tell her friends and have them know what on earth she is talking about. That was a great moment!
8. What artist or artisan would you most like to work with on a project in your lifetime? And why?
Sabrina Ward Harrison’s body of work is exceptional. She is raw and honest and has such integrity. I value those traits in beautiful artwork above all else.
9. What advice do you have for other artists who may be just starting out or are struggling to be seen?
My advice is to be your truest self and to let everything else go. Think of others first and don’t try to control outcomes. Be a very, very hard worker and radiate love. I know it sounds like I grew up in a hippie commune (I kind of did), but I think it’s the most practical advice I could give. What goes around comes around.
”Be a very, very hard worker and radiate love.”
Love it! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions Erin. Before we go, as promised, I have a ton of photos of your gallery and workspace to share (photos c/o the lovely folks at Paper Antler)…
Thanks again Erin for showing off your amazing space and answering my questions! Please visit Erin at her jewelry shop on Etsy and The Orchard Art House. And if you pick up anything from Erin’s Etsy shop, be sure to use the code ”heymrpostman” at checkout to receive FREE SHIPPING on your purchase.
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So its day two of the new exhibition (in case you missed yesterday’s announcement- it was a holiday after all) and I am a kid in a candy store…the shops are looking really good- stocked with handmade (and vintage) pieces that I really want to get my (greedy) little hands on. Shops like Lovely Planet for example, an environmental friendly apparel line. Here’s a bit more info on LPC…
Lovely Planet (available on Etsy + the LPC website) is an eco friendly collection for women created by designer Bianca Figueroa..
The line resemebles that of the California lifestyle; laid back, relaxed and comfortable. The most important elements in the line are fabric selection, comfort and style.
Lovely Planet uses only the best fabrics for you and insures a much less toxic journey for our environment.
You will find seperates for everyday wear as well as resort and sophisticated lounge wear made from 100% organic cotton, bamboo, silk, hemp, soy and recycled polyester.
I am originally from Cali myself, so I can totally identify with that laid back attitude. Lovely Planet Clothing has that casual, effortless style thing going on and I like that (a lot). I could wear these pieces anywhere. Of course, when I move I’m thinking I’ll probably need a jacket.
Networking is the #1 one way you’ll grow your business. You’ve heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” and it’s true even in a creative setting.
The most important thing I did to jump start my art and creative career was going where my fellow artists were.
I dived in and rented a booth at the Riverside Arts Market. I didn’t earn much, but I learned valuable lessons and the connections I made were priceless. The people I met became by business co-conspirators, best friends and kindred spirits. We help each other network and refuel each other when creative juices run low.
Do This Now: Join clubs related to your creative interests. Sell your art at street and art markets. Go where your fellow creatives are and make real connections. Your business will flourish. So will your soul.
*image Let’s Go in Together by Betsy Walton
Vanessa wrote this post. She is a full time copywriter and webmarketer with a passion for art, creativity, and thrift. She writes about thrifting, creating, and saving money every weekday on her blog, Thrift Core.
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It may be a Monday, but there are still a handful of reasons to celebrate the start of the work week and I’ll tell you what they are…
1. It’s not really the start of the work week: If you’re here in the states, today is a holiday: Labor Day. So a lot of people here have the day off and will be spending it relaxing and sucking up the rest of that summer sun before fall hits us officially in just a few weeks (first day of fall is September 23rd).
2. Today is the first day of the new exhibition! Super excited (as always) for the fresh new shops and old favorites being showcased on the site this month. There are more than 90 shops to explore this month and I definitely have some new favorites. Side Note: We are trying to save up all our extra money at the moment for our big move, but dang it, I can feel my wallet tingling…I just might have to buy a little something, something before we head west.
3. It’s still hot, hot, hot: Now, if you’re not a fan of the heat, you may not find it a reason to celebrate BUT if you’re looking for a way to keep cool, I have a shop for you to discover. It’s called Olele. The Olele shop creates these colorful, limited edition hand fans (each piece is hand-crafted- all wooden staves have the seal of quality ‘Abanico español’ and have been lined with care and patience. and each fan comes with a case to avoid damage). You can check out available fans at Olele on Etsy and if your use this discount code at checkout, you’ll get 10% off through October 2nd: PNS11 is the code.
What will you celebrate today?
Leave your response in the comments below.
Nan Lawson’s work always makes me smile. So I thought it would be a perfect way to wrap things up this week. Her illustration shop is packed with awesome print after (even more) awesome print. And Nan also has a few greeting cards sprinkled in there for good measure.
I hope your weekend is full of summer fun (there are only a few weeks left here in the states until fall) and relaxation.
P.S. Use the code STITCH at Nan’s Etsy shop and get 15% off your entire order. Yeah!
