I'm buying stock in gouache

  Nautical Florescence, Gouache, 12 ½x15 1/2

  Nautical Florescence II, Gouache, 13 1/4x14

  Greetings, Gouache, 10x13

  Geometric, Gouache, 10x21

Constantly rifling through flea market junk piles and antique store boxes, I am on the lookout for unique treasures to add to my growing collection of vintage ephemera. Looking at vintage travel postcards from the 1930’s and 40’s, I specifically was drawn to those illustrating sailing. The nostalgic, playful feelings evoked through a culture at ease, indulging in leisurely activities drew me in. Saturated colors and the graphic style used during the time period coincide with my personal design aesthetic and utilize colors that I typically gravitate towards. This concept was explored during a course on Surface Design, resulting in examples of floral, geometric, and conversational patterns in this series of gouache paintings.

Nautical Florescence II is featured in the new exhibit up at Silver Circle next month!

The Silver Circle Gallery in Putnam, Conn., announces, "Flora and Fauna,” a themed display featuring glimpses of plant and animal life as seen through the artist’s eye. The show represents 19 local artists that work in a wide variety of mediums. This exhibit will be held in the downtown gallery 2/2– 2/27, 2011

Pinterest!

I am seriously loving and addicted to this new site: Pinterest I have yet to explore the expansive creative and inspiring power behind this simple site whose premise is linking and "pinning" images from websites. The coolness behind it lies in that, I can see what you "pin" and you can see what I "pin". Think Design Sponge-like imagery 24/7 from a million different sources! I've been using it as a way to organize my visual inspiration in efforts to develop a seriously awesome series for my class project. Oh yes, my theme officially is 1930's sailing, inspired by vintage travel postcards. Its a mouthful in comparison to my other classmates straight forward themes of bees, italian walls, the beach, etc. As always, I must be complicated. Check out some inspiration below for my surface designs.....

New photoshoot!

It's amazing how much faster and more productive a photo shoot can be when you are not trying to be the model, stylist, and photographer! Here are some lovely shots taken by the wonderfully talented Tim Bestor. Show season is coming to an end; it has been an exhausting and enlightening ride, one that brought lots of great people watching, new friends, and encouragement and admiration from shoppers! Catch me at a few more dates in both Providence (Sept 18, Oct 9) and Boston (Oct 3, 24).

the small, small world that we live in!

Saturday, my brother got married! It was a beautiful, beautiful day and everything looked gorgeous. It was wonderful spending time with so many friends and family members throughout the days leading up to the big event; making favors, centerpieces, etc. A week before the wedding, we were looking at the engagement photo shoot taken by their photographer, Kim Bova. As my brother was scrolling through her site I had to stop him because one of the brides looked familiar to me. I realized then who she was and that she was wearing one of my hair pieces! I was completely surprised and excited to see how beautiful it looked on her! This I suppose was a sign that living in a small town has its perks and yes, everyone seems to be connected in some way.

Summer summa time...!

Well it's been a long time folks....BUT school is officially done come tomorrow evening! I spent a great, long day editing and photographing lots of lovely new pieces. Here are a few of my favorites to tide you over. Cheers to relaxing, art making, and the summer heat! Happy weekend all!

The insanity of a craftster...

Well, the first big opener of the craft season is upon me. Saturday I will be showing at the Putnam Artisan Marketplace in my lovely, little hometown! I'm psyched and also wishing that I had photos of my display/booth from my very first show because I have come a long way and folks, this one is going to be stellar! I have been working like a madwoman for the past few days trying to get ready. This is only teaser too because I will be showing at SOWA's Opening weekend in Boston on May 15th & 16th where 140 artisans will be selling their handmade goodies! Here are a few studio shots, aka, my living room that I have taken over, I'm sure much to my roommates joy! Hurrah! Some Fine Folks!

traveling through Espana...

Here are some shots from my recent trip to Spain. Not surprisingly they are all about pattern. My mother always yells at me because when I travel I tend to take lots of photos of things, pretty things, but things none the less. This trip I tried really hard to get me in a couple of shots, but as usual those things crept in. I just love pattern in a gotta have it everywhere kind of way!! Enjoy.