FarmHouseUrban

Staycations and Jean Paul Gaultier

It was Spring Break this week for the kids.  We stayed home for a variety of reasons, so in between work obligations I spent a rainy afternoon with my daughter attending the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit at the De Young Museum.  This is a must see if you're in the Bay Area and have even the most remote interest in fashion and/or you raged in the 80's.

The exhibit featured mannequins with flat faces, except for a nose.  Videos of models making facial expressions, eye movements (sometimes they even spoke) were projected onto each one. It was incredibly realistic and at first we actually thought the entire exhibit featured live models.

As you enter, you hear the unmistakable voice of Jean Paul Gaultier speaking to the crowd in his signature sailor stripes.

And my favorite dress from the entire exhibit...

Perhaps Monsieur Gaultier will consider partnering with Target again...

From Madonna's Blond Ambition tour.

For info on the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit at the De Young Museum click here.

Newest obsession...

Korean artist Lee Jung. Gallery and info here.

Art follow-up

First off, I want to thank the artists who emailed me. I was in heaven seeing your work and wish I could post examples of all! There are two, however that I would like to share today.

Maybe because the Spring Equinox is Tuesday and garden dreams have been filling my head lately...

These powder coated metal trellises, made in California by Terra Trellis really appeal to me.  The one above is perfect for small gardens or patios, but they also offer a full range of styles and sizes.  If you are in need of something to brighten or camouflage a bland garden wall, look no further. There are 7 color options to choose from!  I love the clean modern style.

Greystone Mansion

For info on Terra Trellis click here.

I also received an email from artist Bo Bartlett's people (for lack of a better word) with this video of him walking through his childhood home in Georgia, which he still occupies part-time.  I find it fascinating to see where artists create, especially one of his calibar. 

When I put the previous post together, I wanted to include American Artists from three different time periods, but with so many options listed on this blog - in no chronological order - I had to go with ones I knew and liked. After I received the email, I found out that Bo was a protege of Andrew Wyeth who happened to be one of the three I chose...  Coincidence? Maybe, but lately that sort of thing has happened quite a bit. Have to wonder if what we like, things we gravitate towards, no matter how disparate they might appear, aren't all connected?

 

 Since the video also shows Bo's wife - Betsy Eby - an accomplished artist in her own right, I thought you might enjoy seeing her work as well (there is a painting of hers in the background when she's speaking in the video too).  I'm still kicking myself for not buying one of her paintings when she was an emerging artist in Seattle many moons ago when they were (somewhat) affordable! 

For info on Bo Bartlett click here.

For info on Betsy Eby click here.

Art breaks

It's been a crazy week with several projects in the hopper all requiring creative attention at the same time. I get overloaded when I have to switch gears too much in a short period of time. Getting lost in a mini art break really helps me reboot.

I recently discovered an incredible blog of American art. It is so well curated with paintings from present day to over a century old, you could spend hours falling into it.  Grab a cup of tea and take a look - americangallery.wordpress.com.

Bo Bartlett

 Amos Sewell

Andrew Wyeth

Another favorite art escape is Etsy.  Most of you are probably familiar with this website that sells only handmade items individually listed by the artist, but if you've never visited, you're in for a real treat. My favorite way to explore Etsy is to keep the search as narrow as possible.  These came up when I searched for "original watercolors".

Juri Romanov 

Louise van Terheljden

Dear Pumpernickel

 

Recently, I met with a new client and stopped in my tracks at a painting in his living room by one of my all time favorite artists - Tony Scherman.  The painting was a black still life that looked similar to this one.

Sometimes great art (as in art you love) can be found in completely unexpected places. Today my son and his jazz trio had a 'gig'  at an art show/reception for the winners of a high school art competition.  

Redwood High School jazz trio - my son Luke on bass guitar :-)

The art on display was very impressive especially considering the artists are all in high school. 

This one won best overall.  Digital illustration with ink. I encourage you to click on it to enlarge. I adore it, and fortunately it was for sale! 

I've been on the lookout for local artists for the store lately and have a few great ones targeted. If you know of one (or are one!) please contact me.

In the meantime, I have only one painting left in the store!  It happens to be my favorite - 'Silver Lining' by Seattle artist Bryan McGuffey.  It was slightly hidden in a corner, so I'm posting it for anyone who might be interested. Price is $2,800 and measures 36" x 36".  We ship anywhere.

Happy start to a new week and hope it includes an art break or two!

Black Turtleneck and Art

Dear Steve Jobs,

As I write my blog today on my MacBook, go for a run fueled with music from my ipod, text and call friends and clients on my iphone I will think of you and how you were not just an inventor but a revolutionary. You changed the way the world listens to music. I'm wearing a black turtleneck in your honor and will really try to stop calling my ipod a walkman from now on. iSad.

Serena

Art

Every Labor Day weekend Sausalito is home to the biggest (in $ spent on art) art festivals in the country.  The artists that attend have been juried against hundreds of artists who enter each year.  Serious art collectors as well as gallery owners who are looking for up and coming artists do not miss this show.  

Buying art can be intimidating.  My rule of thumb is that there is only one thing to consider - what is my very first reaction when I see a piece?  Art is all about feeling and what makes you happy, so just go with your gut!

Last year when we went to the Art Festival we didn't buy anything (not because we didn't like anything, but other stuff in the budget), but there were some artists whose work we really liked. To read that post and see the artists we really liked, click here. One of those artists, painter Clare Malloy, was at the festival again this year and we just were just as captivated. We bought this...

Painted on hand pressed paper, the edges of the paint lines are blurry and soft.  It's a tranquil, calming piece.

We discovered some new favorites this year...

Sondra Wampler Photographer

Black and white still life photo - wasn't at the show, I saw it on her website. Outrageous.

Diane Komater Wireist

Wire sculpture or as her website says "Drawing in the air".  We're thinking a nook for sculpture would be cool to work into the design of the house...

Justin Dobbs Robinson - mixed media painter

The website doesn't seem to be up yet, so contact info for Justin is justindrarts@yahoo.com.  Took this photo at the festival.  Love the chickens and the collage - very happy piece.

Last but by all means not least, my favorite discovery from the first time we attended the festival is the work of Brian McGuffey.  Brian, a Seattle based artist, and I have stayed in touch over the years and he has graciously allowed my store/studio to be the Bay Area gallery for his work!  I am thrilled to look at his paintings everyday! 

Souvenirs...

Our favorite place to shop for souvenirs in Cabo is Mercado del Arte (or The Art Market). This rustic, open air store located just off the main square in the artist district of San Jose del Cabo is filled with Mexican art, pillows, glassware, ceramics, jewelry and more. 

Mexico has a way of gently pushing the boundaries of even the most color phobic.  I have always loved these hand embroidered tapestries that come in practically every color, but never took the leap. They're sold as tablecloths, but since they're pretty delicate, I'll probably use it on a foyer table or maybe get really crazy and upholster something.  For now, I'm enjoying the way the turquoise pitcher and glasses look on top.  

i love my job!

Yesterday I had an unusually fun excursion to a part of San Francisco that I rarely visit - the Outer Sunset - to meet with wood artisan Luke Bartels about a custom piece of furniture for a client. This funky neighborhood reflects by a diverse mix of ethnicity, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds and is bordered by Ocean Beach.The studio space/woodworking shop; called the Woodshop, is shared by four artists and a whole lotta wood!

Luke Bartels - Specializes in using reclaimed wood and already fallen trees to create one-of-a-kind furniture, shelving, art and you name it.

Work by all four artists (above). This shelving unit is made from poplar and cyprus trees and can be adapted to any specifications. 

Tree branch antlers.

Danny Hess - Builder/designer/owner of Hess Surfboards.

Josh Duthie - Transforms vintage and antique chairs.  His business is called chairtastic.

These industrial stools have a walnut seat and can be made with a back.

Jeff Canham - Painter and graphic designer.

The Woodshop is about 3 blocks from the beach.  So close that you can see the surf from their front door.  I just couldn't resist taking a minute to stop (literally and figuratively), take off my shoes and be here...

Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week!

photos: the urban farmhouse

Etsy love

 

Felted Wool Baby Booties

 

sunflower express

Holiday Gift Tags

rubyvictoria

VintageDye

Hand Knit Shawls and Caplets

tickled pink knits

 

Still Life Paintings

Michael Tupek

CarolAnneMonroe

Two weeks til Christmas... Some holiday ideas from Etsy.  Have a great week!

Inspired Eggs

My immensely talented artist friend Jackie came into the store a couple of days ago to say hi. She also gave me the sweetest gift...

A package of paper mache eggs with inspiring quotes inside - handmade by Jackie.  When she gave them to me she said, "To inspire the hatching of new ideas."  I LOVE that!

We liked that they look like they could of hatched from the red hens in the painting.  Those 'silly banded' arms belong to our daughters, just in case you were wondering ';-)

The first one I opened said, "After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music."  Aldous Huxley

I think they look beautiful 'cracked' too, especially in my avocado bowl from Heath Ceramics.  I persuaded Jackie to let me sell some in the store.  There are four sets of quotes so it's easy to have a variety at a party.

Jackie also does a simple yet stunning series of necklaces made of stone or beach glass on a short silver or gold chains to be worn just at the nape of the neck. The picture doesn't capture how pretty they are in person. 

  Jackie's artistic talent is far reaching, so it's appropriate that her 'brand' is called Truck. She doesn't have a website yet, but if you're interested in Jackie's 'Inspired Eggs' or necklaces, send me an email and I will forward her contact info.

 

 

 

 

 

The Sausalito Art Festival

Every Labor Day weekend for the past 58 years the Sausalito Art Festival has provided art lovers from the Bay area and beyond an opportunity to view (and purchase) handmade creations by a a select group of 275 extremely talented artists from all across North America.

Located on the water's edge, the outdoor Festival also features two stages for live entertainment and a wide variety of food and beverage options (more beverage options than food options actually!) providing all the elements for an all around perfect way to spend a day or two or three.

We had a great time taking in all the art, talking with artists and running into friends and neighbors.  A few of our favorites included:

Painter, Clare Malloy from Wisconsin uses pastels on a variety of material from a dense smooth paper, almost like cardboard, to a rough textured rice paper. Needless to say, my favorite were her barns, but she does have other equally beautiful subjects, so check out here website gallery.

Clare Malloy

With the invention of digital photography came a new take on the art form - one that blurs the lines of what is real and not.  What I loved about the work of photographer Cali is the poignant message in a single unretouched vintage object. With nothing but an all white background the viewer is left to create their own story, or maybe just appreciate the beauty in the everyday.

Cali Hobgoode-Lemme

Three years ago was our first Sausalito Art Festival.  We had just moved to California from Seattle and wanted some art for our new house.  The first booth as we entered belonged to Brian McGuffey.  We were absolutely gaga for his paintings, but thought we better look around at the other 274 artists.  And besides, Brian it turns out is not only from Seattle, but his first art space; Square Room was a few blocks from where we had once lived in the Seward Park neighborhood. We thought we better branch out from our comfort zone. After looking at all the others, we went back to Brian's booth and ended up purchasing one of his paintings. 

Brian McGuffey

Sorry it's crooked!  I was in a rush when I took the photo!   

That day three years ago was Brian's first showing at SAF, where he was granted a booth only a few days before the show.  He sold out that year. Fast forward to this year when he was awarded the coveted 2nd Place Award for best paintings!

 

Brian's partner Leif Holland is another of our favorites.  His 3 dimensional pieces feature tree branches within an open box.  They are so beautiful.  I especially like the birch branches. Both he and Brian show their work at Square Room on Capitol Hill in Seattle.

Leif Holland
 

   
   In between all of the art viewing, we took a short break to watch these guys. 

The Tubes

My darn camera doesn't have a wide angle, otherwise you'd be able to see the hundred or so millions of Tubes fans (like my husband) gathered for a collective time travel back to their High School glory days...lucky for us we were able to plow through the mosh pit and get up close!