The Spectre of Architecture

I was delighted to get an e-mail from Deborah Goldsman, a talented artist I met at the Inspired Design conference in January. She recently launched a website with images from her graduation exhibition, The Spectre of Architecture. Deborah said her work is "about memory and a haunted sense of time and space. I drew a lot of inspiration from the craftsman bungalow that I've been living in this last year, and all of the flea-market artifacts that I've filled it with." Sounds wonderful!

I can see Deborah's inspiration of home, memory and artifacts within her delicate silk organza pieces. They are quite lovely and I'm sure even better in person. Check out more of Deborah's work here!

Fireflies

I'm going a little off topic today, but I have to say that National Geographic is awesome. My friend gave me a subscription for my birthday and I was eager to dive into the current issue. The magazine appeals to my geeky side, my love for travel and my curiosity for wildlife. I know National Geographic has been around for a long time, but wow...I didn't realize how amazing and inspiring it was!

One particular article stood out to me about the dramatic decline in fireflies. I started thinking about it and yeah, where are all the fireflies? As I child I remember seeing them everywhere and now I just see a glimmer here and there. The article said, "No one has yet confirmed what's causing the population drops, but experts suspect habitat loss and light pollution." First the bees and now the fireflies. I can't imagine a world without either of them.

It's nice to see these hand painted Western Fireflies available at Right Hemisphere. They are perfect for shadow boxes, framing or just pinned on a cork board as a friendly firefly reminder. Also, check out Firefly Watch to track fireflies in your neighborhood. Have you seen a decline in fireflies in your area?

Make Believe

Cara Ober describes herself as, "a visual artist with a writer’s addiction to words." Ober's eccentric and quirky paintings contain an array of motifs, text and colors that form a dialogue of questions. She references wallpaper and fabric patterns, stencils, tattoos and illustrations from childhood books.

The more I look at her work the more I love it. Every glance reveals a new layer, a twisted narrative or a refreshing perspective. Plus, I can relate to the last statement piece - that sense of starting over and getting it right this time...it will be perfect this time! As artists and designers we tend to crave perfection, but sometimes it's the mess, the process, and the journey that makes it all worth it.

View more of Cara Ober's work here along with a great mini artist documentary. I also enjoyed her artist statement found at the Matre Gallery...so fitting to her work.

Olivia's Wedding

I promise I'm not turning into a wedding blog, but I wanted to share a few photographs from Olivia's wedding. You may remember Olivia from the post-wedding photos seen here. I finally got the rest of my film developed and these are my favorites. And yes, I still love my film camera.

As I mentioned before I was a bridesmaid so I didn't have a chance to take any photographs of the ceremony or even the reception. What can I say...the wine was too good. I did manage to snap photos of Olivia getting ready and the oh-so-amazing cake. The last two images of the flower girl dress and Olivia's gorgeous hair originally came out really dark. Luckily Photoshop and a quick black and white conversion saved the day. And yes, I love Photoshop too.

I really enjoy photography...to the point of dreaming about it, composing shots in my mind and feeling the desire to take photos all day. Photography seems like such a competitive field especially since everyone and their grandma owns a digital camera. What do you think about the world of photography? Any pro-photographers out there with helpful hints on getting into the business?

OH, and the beautiful cake came from Delicious in Greensboro, N.C. They are great to work with and I highly recommend if you are in the area.

The Matter Factory

Spare change, everyday objects and pottery form together in Andy Brayman’s Matter Factory. After reading an interesting article on Brayman's work in American Craft magazine, I was instantly attracted to his pottery pieces. Based in Kansas City, Brayman set up his businesses in a former 1930s farmer’s market that sits on the Missouri River and the Kaw River. Doesn't that sound amazing?

Not only does his studio have a great location, but the pottery created there is equally stunning. Like the Change Dish, a vessel made from coins found around the studio, and cups that reveal hidden text when filled with hot water. Brayman's pieces are beautiful, functional and memorable. Find out more over at The Matter Factory.

{found via American Craft Magazine}

Comfort Interiors

Hello comfy bed...hello green bath tub...hello big, colorful door...and hellllooo porch hiding in the trees. Ah yes, the porch...tree house...whatever you are...looking so pretty up there. The structure appears to be literally built around the tree branches. How neat is that?! I bet it makes a great getaway. Add some Chai tea and Wi-Fi in there and I'm all set.

These inspiring interiors and places were brought to life by Gabi Tubbs, a talented stylist and art director. Another career to add to the "I wish I had your job" list!

P.S. I love colorful doors...a simple change with a dramatic and inviting impact. Do you feel love for colorful doors too?

Stunning Vintage Dresses

Feast your eyes on this stunning collection of vintage couture dresses available at Timeless Vixen Vintage. All I can say is...wow...wow...WOW. I want to frolic, swing and twirl around in the yellow one, white one, ohh all of them! I bet when you slip into one of these amazing dresses you instantly transform into retro-glam gal and land a role in Mad Men. I didn't realize wearing a dress could sound so fun.

Would you wear one of these beauties? If so, where to?

{found via The Storque}