One Rare Bird

Learning From My Mistakes (and Subsequent Fiascos)

I believe the most dramatic post I've made to date is when I shared my obsession - that lead to full-blown mania - over finding a 2011 calendar at the end of last year. Well, I'm happy to report I've learned from my mistakes and ordered my new 2012 Frankie Calendar just moments ago. Not only am I overcome with feelings of elation because I know I'll be avoiding a repeat of last year's fiasco, I have the added benefit of dismantling my 2011 calendar and framing the images (many by my favorite artists) to display around the house for virtually $4 per print. What more could a girl ask for year after year from a calendar?

{this year’s calendar features works from artists: Elisabeth Dunker, Ashley G and Drew, Pin Pals, Donna Wilson, Catherine Campbell, Amanda Blake, Anke Weckmann, Nancy Mungcal, Ana Albero, Marjorie Liucci, The Black Apple and Sarah McNeil}

Crush of the Week: Joe Rychebosch

I first came across the work of Portland based artist Joe Rychebosch last December at Crafty Wonderland, and I'm ashamed of myself for not having shared his work sooner. I mean who doesn't love images of wildlife enhanced with antiquated architectural drafting tape in a myriad of colors? I want to step into one of these psychedelic nature scenes, set up camp and never leave. So all future crushes be warned: you have BIG shoes to fill with Joe Rychebosch on the loose!

Thank you Joe for being my Crush of the Week. I offically can't live without those caribou on my living room wall!

Happy Friday!!

Edubarba

Crush of the Week: Samantha French

I can't believe our end-of-summer vacation has already come and gone. I probably won't be sitting next to a pool again until next year, but that doesn't mean I can't still enjoy a little warm-weather fantasy from time to time, and that's where artist Samantha French comes in. I'm in love with everything I've ever seen of her work, but my very favorites are her underwater paintings. I'm not sure how she does it, but Samantha somehow keeps things abstract and modern while still evoking a strong sense of reality with her paintings. I could seriously live in one of these! Therefore Samantha's work has become my official go-to "happy place" all year round, not to mention one of my biggest crushes.

Thanks Samantha for being my Crush of the Week. If you ever need someone to model for you while floating in a pool, I'm your girl! xo

The Only Thing Left to Polish Off Now is the Gun

If only I didn't relate maybe I wouldn't have so much latent anger and a drinking problem. But then again, it could be worse...

{images & sarcasm brought to you by Anne Taintor}

Crush of the Week: Christopher Bibby

I met Christopher Bibby two weekends ago at our local art fair and was immediately drawn to his colorful and wonderfully textured cityscapes. Originally from Glasgow, Christopher wandered his way into the heart of Portland - and vice versa - where he has set up shop and now employs his talents using oil paints, wax, pencils, crayons, and mark-making tools to create his numerous works. The fact that Christopher was so friendly and open when talking with us about his art as well as urban farming, his world travels, and his brilliant idea for "CraigsFace" secures a solid place for him amongst the uber crush-worthy.

Thank you Christopher for being my Crush of the Week. You, and your talent, are truly amazing! xo

Crush of the Week: My Kids' Art Show

Last week my kids each had a painting featured in our Library's art show. It was really fun to see them excited about making something for the show and I loved being able to teach them some basics about color mixing and composition. Haven drew a castle with a striped door and unicorns then painted it in with impressive precision. She then outlined everything with a black sharpie. Brannock used painters tape to create colorful stripes, then glued images of Darth Vader and Storm Troopers over the top. I was seriously impressed with their ideas, creativity, and bold confindence, and was even inspired to make a painting myself. Here's a little peek at the process from start to finish...

Crush of the Week: Zoe Pawlak

As a would-be artist myself I can't think of anyone who's artwork I'd love to replicate more than that of Zoe Pawlak. I have tried to paint in muted colors and realistic images, but I just can't seem to stay away from abstracts and color. Lots of color. And it appears, neither can Zoe. Her landscapes are to die for! I could look at her paintings for hours and never grow tired of them. This is one crush that makes me endlessly, colorfully happy...

"Zoe Pawlak is a contemporary artist known for her unique approach to form and colour. She works with a broad client base to create ambitious, site-specific commissions, while exhibiting her paintings in solo and group shows internationally. She is also a sought-after consultant and curator who draws innovative connections between today’s market and how buyers are collecting art."

 Thank you Zoe for being my Crush of the Week. I am truly inspired :) xo

{via The Jealous Curator}

Crush of the Week: Miranda July

I'm not sure where to begin when describing my enormous crush on filmmaker-writer-artist Miranda July. Along with being insanely talented, Miranda's numerous works address larger questions about life, love, and humanity - which for me, makes her  not only crush-worthy but truly inspirational. So instead of trying to share her myriad of works, I'm going to show one of her art installations, titled The Hallway, that I found quite profound.

 

Thank you Miranda for being my Crush of the Week. Even though you're no long taking submissions for Learning To Love You More, I think I'll still participate and start sharing the assignments here on my blog in the very near future. You are truly one in a million! xo

Crush of the Week: Nina Nolte

What's more appealing than soaking in a refreshingly cold pool on a hot Summer day? Why drinking and smoking with your girlfriends while wearing a colorful turban of course! And who better than Nina Nolte, with her colorfully modern and surreal paintings, to document the awesome time we're having? I'm seriously dying to jump into a pool right now.

"Nina Nolte’s paintings are figurative - and depicting reality in this manner represent both an artistic as well as conceptual challenge. Based on photography her paintings follow an inner imagery that has its own unique logic, which manifests itself as a compelling coherence of the individual elements."

Thank you Nina for being my Crush of the Week. Your paintings are truly delightful. Call me up for a dip, or a drink, or both, anytime! xo

{via The Jealous Curator}