Art + Design

Story Line

21 October, 2015

I’ve been to see Story Line: Wiley, Howard, and Moneyhun, curated by Susan Laney of Laney Comtemporary, half a dozen times since it opened during this year’s Westobou Festival and I still can’t fully comprehend the detail in each impressive piece. Beautiful narratives constructed with intricate textiles, pen drawings, and hand-cut paper (paper!) literally had me gasping in excitement and awe. I have a special appreciation for the surprising power of the line and completely immersed myself in the study of each piece. It’s fascinating to see artists communicate differently using something that’s both so simple and capable of endless transformations. I appreciated the nods to the South and they confirmed once more my love for where I’m from, its rich roots and history.

These photos don’t compare to seeing the pieces in person, but I love the new gallery space and had to take more than a few shots. I’m excited about future art exhibits and next year’s festival already. Please check out more from these wonderful artists: Pamela Wiley, Stephanie Howard, and Hiromi Moneyhun, and if you can, go see this lovely show in person at the Westobou Gallery. It’s up until November 20th!

Art + Design

Harry Clarke Poe Illustrations

2 October, 2015

Recently I did a little research to prepare for the Edgar Allan Poe themed art show at the bookstore, which opens tonight and runs through the end of the month. I stumbled upon the most incredible illustrations by Harry Clarke from Tales of Mystery and Imagination. There’s a wonderfully strange beauty in his depictions of the grotesque, mad, and fantastic. The moments of anguish and terror he captured were quite stirring (and very appropriately matched with Poe’s haunting tales), and I sought to communicate that sentiment in my own piece as well. We have the book on order and I plan to devour it as soon as it arrives.

all images from 50 Watts

My collage for the show was inspired by the poem “The Haunted Palace” found in Poe’s story “The Fall of the House of Usher.”

In the greenest of our valleys

   By good angels tenanted,

Once a fair and stately palace—

   Radiant palace—reared its head.

In the monarch Thought’s dominion,

   It stood there!

Never seraph spread a pinion

   Over fabric half so fair!

Banners yellow, glorious, golden,

   On its roof did float and flow

(This—all this—was in the olden

   Time long ago)

And every gentle air that dallied,

   In that sweet day,

Along the ramparts plumed and pallid,

   A wingèd odor went away.

Wanderers in that happy valley,

   Through two luminous windows, saw

Spirits moving musically

   To a lute’s well-tunèd law,

Round about a throne where, sitting,

   Porphyrogene!

In state his glory well befitting,

   The ruler of the realm was seen.

And all with pearl and ruby glowing

   Was the fair palace door,

Through which came flowing, flowing, flowing

   And sparkling evermore,

A troop of Echoes, whose sweet duty

   Was but to sing,

In voices of surpassing beauty,

   The wit and wisdom of their king.

But evil things, in robes of sorrow,

   Assailed the monarch’s high estate;

(Ah, let us mourn!—for never morrow

   Shall dawn upon him, desolate!)

And round about his home the glory

   That blushed and bloomed

Is but a dim-remembered story

   Of the old time entombed.

And travellers, now, within that valley,

   Through the red-litten windows see

Vast forms that move fantastically

   To a discordant melody;

While, like a ghastly rapid river,

   Through the pale door

A hideous throng rush out forever,

   And laugh—but smile no more.

Be sure to check out more Harry Clarke illustrations and work from other artists over at 50 Watts.

Art + Design

Life on Weekends

21 September, 2015

It’s been a crazy and fun few days, and honestly a welcome break from some of the feelings I’ve been having. The third weekend in September is much loved because our downtown streets are home to the Arts in the Heart festival. It was extra lively and busy at the store, which we’re thankful for. ArtZilla set up on our front patio and artists painted on site the whole weekend, plus we ate our weight in delicious cuisine and browsed the seemingly endless booths of art. It was a solid good time. We bought a painting by Lorri Kelly and a small hanging pot, which, it goes without saying, I can’t wait to see in the new house.

The weekend ended with drinks and good conversation and finally crashing in bed with guilty pleasure television shows. My legs ache from walking more than usual on top of my regular runs and our temporary room is a neglected mess, but it’s worth it. This morning was quiet and calm, and now rain and thunder have brought a darkened beauty to the day. It’s oddly just what I need to get myself back into the swing of daily life.

Last night I was struck by how different our weekend was compared to the year before. I speak of it often, though only vaguely–one of those decidedly painful and difficult times that had us feeling a heavy burden and tension surrounding these few days in particular. It’s a strange memory to have–one that almost doesn’t seem real–and we’re relieved to be passed it but also glad for the humbling opportunities for relational growth that resulted. I feel a major freedom in that, and I’m grateful not to have felt anger, grief, and confusion this weekend but simply the honor and joy it was to witness a city come alive through art and fellowship.

Art + Design

A Quick Collage

9 September, 2015

It’s been tough not having access to my collage supplies while we’re in this strange transition period. When I found a couple inspiring science fiction book covers in Virginia I knew I had to make space, gather some supplies, and get to work. I put together this quick collage and it really helped cheer me up. The scan leaves much to be desired, but it works for now. In October I’ll be in another group show at The Book Tavern (this time the theme is Edgar Allan Poe) that will be hanging the whole month. Digging my supplies out of storage is a hassle but it’ll be worth it.

Art + Design

Neutral

4 September, 2015

//Harriet Lee-Merrion

//a bridge to nowhere

//Ruth Root

//Kick Pleat

//Gemma Anton

A collection of neutral tones I’ve been inspired by lately. I’m much more drawn to minimal color palettes, whether it’s clothes, books, or art. Peacefulness is much appreciated right now.

Art + Design

Wednesday Inspiration

12 August, 2015

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Art + Design

A Few Things

16 July, 2015

// Summer heat requires lots and lots of popsicles. It’s the perfect treat and just a few minutes from our house. Chocolate sea salt might be my new favorite.

// The dining room table is a mess but it’s worth it to be creating. More on this later.

// David and I are furiously reading Go Set a Watchman. At least once a week we end up sitting outside our favorite downtown spot to drink and read, enjoying each other’s company even in silence. It’s my preferred way to end the day.

Art + Design

Being Vulnerable

1 July, 2015

I’m terrified and excited to be participating in an upcoming group art show. This is the first themed show I’ve ever done and it’ll be a good challenge to branch out from the way I normally work. There’s a sense in which growth does not come by being safe, limiting my work because of a lack of confidence. I need to be vulnerable with others, and that includes creative vulnerability. My friend and artist Kenneth Benson of bensonbensonco designed and printed this beautiful poster for the event. If you’re in the area, stop by and see our To Kill a Mockingbird inspired works.

Art + Design

Coveting

1 June, 2015

rug | caftan | arc studs | shoes

I missed the chance to snatch up this Emerson Fry caftan on super sale the other week and David and I are both bummed about it. A gal can still dream. I’m really into subtle pinks and rose shades right now and can’t get over how incredible these GUR rugs are (found via Miss Moss). Worthy of hanging on the wall, for sure.