Artful Admirations – Dana Tanamachi

Dana Tanamachi’s phone is ringing, guaranteed.  This girl is talented and Oprah noticed. Enough said.  Well, not really…

The mail was delivered and sitting on my counter was this delightful cover.  At first glance I noticed, Oprah of course, in her fab diggs and bold colors, but quickly I knew something was different. The distinct, ever so tentative lines of texture, that for me define that “sketched” feeling came popping off the page.  I was hooked.  Now every time I see Oprah’s newest magazine cover, I stop.   In the grocery store, online, wherever, I am frozen for a moment admiring some new curve of graceful chalk line I hadn’t noticed before.

Who could resist the confidence these drawings exude?  A relaxed hand and clear mind are just the start to creating such grace.

Dana in action.

Garden & Gun from Dana Tanamachi on Vimeo.      Music by Dylan Sneed (www.dylansneed.com)

Bravo Dana, I cannot wait to see what you chalk next!

Artful Admirations – Elsa Mora’s Style, Paper Cuts and Assemblage

A few weeks ago I met Elsa.  Not in person but it certainly felt like a face to face encounter since the tone and text of Elsa’s blogs seem to reach out to me like a long lost friend.  Elsa Mora is a true artist.  You might have heard me use the phrase before so let me explain…  A true artist:  an individual whose every move, make and mood speaks of their art.  They embody their expression with each step they take, however mundane.  True artists in my book, make lots of something out of nothing and never wait for approval.  They break rules, uphold clichés and make life interesting for all those who cross their path.  Elsa Mora is a true artist.

“I learned that the most precious possession that you have is your mind.”  Words to live by from Elsa

The first project of Elsa’s that drew me in… a fine assemblage re-creation of Frida Kahlo’s studio she created to teach her daughter about this iconic artist.

Next I discoverd her personal style blog where Elsa outfits herself in as artful of details as she creates with her art.  Some of her favorites, Anthropologie, Zara, Barbara Macleod

The Heart of Papercuts is Elsa’s blog dedicated to what I believe to be her most innovative form of expression.  Elsa’s papercuts seem to speak differently that most I’ve seen.  They have a certain grittiness to them, an edge.  Pretty and delicate in one moment while gripping and intense the next.  “Visionary” is a piece she posted in June.  Perhaps a self portrait? From Elsa  “The girl had a vision, a dream about exploration and about going away. So she cut herself some paper wings. Her wings took her to the most unexpected and mysterious places. The journey was beautiful and painful at the same time. At some point the girl wanted to go back home, but she realized that her real home was her own mind, so she kept dreaming and flying until the end of her life.”

Artful Admirations – Eskayel Textiles

Shanan Campanaro of Eskayel makes the most gorgeous watercolor pieces and after years of exhibiting to much acclaim in the art world, began offering a collection of wallpapers in 2009.    Look on….

By manipulating portions of her original paintings, she creates innovative pattern work that turns walls into wonderlands.

Artful Admirations – Rebekah Maysles

It is always terribly exciting when the Anthropologie catalog arrives, although a stretch to call this publication a catalog…the word seems to impersonal and cold.  While flipping through for the first of many times, my eye stopped cold on a page.  First the washy yet vibrant color caught my eye.

I scanned the page to discover the artist.  Rebekah Maysles. I was in love.  Rebekah’s watercolor prints adorn everything from journals to bed linens on the Anthropologie site but that makes them no less fine art in my book.  Her eye for color mixes with a distinctly urban vibe for a look that is spirited and, well….hopeful.  From the whimsical and lofty city-scapes to the lush floral compositions filled with haunting portraits, I immediately sense a positive energy that emits pure joy.  I would so want to dream my nights away surrounded by her art, wouldn’t you?

Artful Admirations – David Stark’s Purely Paper Flower Shop

A few week’s back I noticed a tweet from Carissa of JL Designs.  I clicked on the link to find the work of Installation Artist David Stark.  Having seen his work previously I knew I was in for some serious eye candy.  To celebrate the launch of his new book David Stark Design a paper flower shop installation was erected at the West Elm store on Broadway and 62nd Street in New York City.  Literally everything in the shop was created out of paper from the walls and telephone to gardening tools and individual orchid blooms.  Discarded books became pretty petals and whimsical decor in this paper wonderland.

Who knew a palette of neon yellow and lime green could elicit such a clean and calm look?  Paired with stark white and touches of black the screaming colors soften and become nuetral in an unexpected way.

The paper potted sprouts are my favorite; so delicate.

Check out this orchid – wow!

Artful Admirations – Extasia Jewelry

Lindsey, our photographer in Utah suggested we have a day after shoot in the park.  Some quiet time, just Adam and I and the beautiful Zion scenery, seemed like the perfect way to wrap up our renewal celebration.   Lindsey is even bringing along some actual film!  From what I hear good, old-fashioned film is the way to photograph outdoor events…but I digress.

I spent the day Saturday wrapping up last minute details for our trip and shopping a bit for Mom’s Mother’s Day gift.  One of my absolute favorite local boutique’s is Lavish in Scranton, PA.  Their eclectic bath and home selections are right on and always in tune with the latest in edgy, smart style.  I never leave empty handed.

I’m a sucker for environment and the Lavish Store draws me in every time with luxurious fragrances, soft textures and moody music.  I spotted a massive table full of jewelry pieces nestled in faux fur.  Vibrantly colored cameo’s, intaglio carving, texture metals and chunky chains of semi-precious stone epitomize the Extasia Collection of handcrafted jewelry art pieces.

Stefanie Freydont is the artist behind Extasia Jewelry.   Stefanie respects and honors the history items can posses.  After stumbiling across a box of old glass intaglios years ago, the concept of her Exstasia line was born.  Many of the original classic pieces still exist in her line today.

I immediately fell in love with the history these pieces exude.   They were loved and cared for even before being owned or worn and I love that.  Being an artist myself I know that the maker of an item can infuse a certain spirit and meaning into a piece before it is sent off into the world.   I picked up three pieces; two for mom and one for myself and I cannot wait to wear it for our day after shoot with Lindsey.  I’m keeping the exact pieces a secret until then!

Artful Admirations – Flower Magazine Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations Rhoda!  We know you will enjoy your subscription and all the inspiration it holds for you!