Yesterday I was in the city dropping off some collages to Distill. There are nine pieces of mine on display there for the next little while (for those of you in the Toronto area). You can see a sampling above, though these are not the exact works to be displayed. My friends Allie and Kelley have created such a wonderful collection of things in their little gallery, all are completely unique and full of surprises, you will be amazed. I got to see a beautiful show of Graham Gillmore's work at the Monteclark Gallery. It is hard to see the detail on the website but the backgrounds of his pieces are comprised of a variety of found paper collaged onto the canvas. Old ledger books with handwritten script, children's homework assignments, all with browned edges and beautiful patina. The type (various cutlural sayings and popular phrases) is overlaid creating a dymamic sense of depth to work. I was grateful to get to see it up close and feel immersed by it all. The majority of them were quite large (15 ft).
While perusing a copy of Real Simple Magazine in a bookstore I was inspired by a photo of a felt covered photo album. (Thanks to S.Kim-design for the link!) It was a slip-on like cover with lovely simple felt designs sewed onto (dress, stockings). Since I'm on a big felt kick, I'm going to experiment a little with this concept and create my own versions for gifts.
In other gift idea news... For some time now I've wanted to tell you about Two Herbal Mamas, (I've been waiting for them to get their web site up and running.) I met one of the Mama's on a studio tour and fell in love with both her energy and her products. I am rather picky about face cream (must smell good, must be all natural, and feel good on my face). The Rosemary Face Cream covers all the bases. I so love that they make all of their cosmetics out of stuff from their own gardens. When you support these two girls you are taking care of yourself and giving back to the planet at the same time! (A little anecdote: I burned my hand rather badly two days ago by grabbing a pot handle that had been in the oven for several hours, blisters and all. I used the healing salve on it and was virtually pain free. It has since healed completely.) I have no vested interest in this company other than I really like finding people who do more than just "sell stuff". It's much bigger than that and I knew immediately that this company was a really good thing.
My friend Kris was wearing a great pin the other day that said:
"Everything is Interesting", done by the artist Kelly Mark. I wanted to steal it!
Every once and a while I find a site that makes me want to jump up and start creating. I just have to share with you a recent find that does just that. Cynthia Malaran. I aspire to such greatness. (sadly she does not seem to be updating the diary.)
I made some of these as gifts. Mine are ornaments though, not cat toys. Link via craftster.
Posted by kerismith at November 29, 2003 03:28 PMKeri, just a note to let you know that I think your illustrations are just beautiful. I love Bea's diary and I hope you don’t mind I added a link to your web site, diaries and logs!
I have found many interesting links tru your site and I wanted to thank you for that as well!
Best of luck and keep up the good work, looking forward to your next log update!
Bianca
Weeeee, I can't wait to head over to the Distillery this weekend to check out your work!
My best friend will be in town for a visit and I'd love to take her there to show her around, MAJOR bonus that your art will be on display!!!!
It also won't be too hard to convince my hubby to come along since he has a slight taste fascination with SOMA chocolates...ha ha.
Posted by: amanda on December 2, 2003 11:03 AMBrandy,
When I started making these for a show I had no idea what I wanted to do. Usually this feeling comes because I am thinking too much instead of playing. I started with a couple of pieces and liked how they played off of each other. Then I was off and running. I made them all 12" x 12", masonite with a pine box frame underneath. I will post the prospectus on the blog soon so you can read more about the process and what came out of it for me. I would like to post better images, the ones I have are a bit fuzzy. The look the best when display in large groups, which was how I created them.
k.
How big are your collages? The images here are such a teaser! I wanna see more! There's a couple kind of collage that you see over and over and over, but yours isn't like that. Isn't making collage ridiculously fun and satisfying?
A collage fan,
Brandy.
Your collages look really lovely. And I love how they look in a grouping.
The linkage in this entry of yours sent me around the universe for several delightful orbits. Thank you. Cynthia Malaran's site had my heart racing -- so much pleasing art/inspiration/entertainment. I watched the sock puppet film four times and still laughed each time.
I had felt-mania last winter when I bought a bunch of wool felt in fabulous colours at a trade show. The fun never ends. I wanted to make covers for everything: all sizes of books, photoalbums, my cell phone, cheque book, the cat....
Posted by: Pioneer Melissa on November 30, 2003 11:10 AMconfession:..I have been in a major funk (whining about my job, my life, my head..my hair too!) found your site and have been most manically reading every inspiring word and absorbing every friendly, doodly drawing from your past and present...tiny sparks are brewiing and I sat and sewed a little monster from a pile of scraps....I applied to a graphic design school..(online..not sure if it is the right idea..I live far away from urbania)..and have NOT quit my job, eaten all the leftover Thanksgiving pie, or snarled at my lovely children..hooray! thank you..
Posted by: fern on November 30, 2003 06:41 AMI think wishingfish.com has some of those felt covered photo albums - they're uber cute!
Posted by: sarah on November 29, 2003 11:24 PMHi! New reader here, from Penelope Illustration and I really enjoy your blog:)
Posted by: finelyspungirl on November 29, 2003 10:35 PMThat is awsome that you have some stuff in a gallery. Thatr Is like a little dream of mine. That and to own a gallery.
I liked your ornaments also. My printer is screwd so I don't think they will be on the tree this year.
Keep bloginb man I love reading your little enterys.
Posted by: Joe on November 29, 2003 10:16 PM