artsy forager

Author: Lesley

  • Design Foraging: Objet Trouve by Codor Designs

    Design Foraging: Objet Trouve by Codor Designs

    Note: Out of respect for these artists, I’d like to set the record straight.  This post is getting a lot of traffic from Pinterest and I’m happy, as I’m sure the artists would be, that they are inspiring so many, however the mirrors pictured here are most definitely NOT a DIY project made my myself.  I have no idea how the DIY thing has been perpetuated around Pinterest, but these are incredible artisan crafted sculptural mirrors created by Seattle designers Tamara Codor and Sterling Voss AKA Codor Designs.  Not in any way a homemade DIY.  😉

    I admit, I have a thing for mirrors.  I don’t think it has anything to do with vanity ( anyone who knows me will attest that can’t be it ).  I think it’s more about how they have the power to be functional sculpture.  An interesting mirror, like an intriguing piece of artwork, instantly elevates a room.  As a painting does, a mirror can become a portal for imagination.  This week, I spied the work of Seattle design duo, Tamara Codor and Sterling Voss of Codor Designs and immediately fell hard for their Objet Trouve series of sculptural mirrors.

    Jabberwocky by Codor Designs
    Jabberwocky, 36×56
    Birds of Paradise by Codor Designs
    Birds of Paradise, 35×61
    Mimsy by Codor Designs
    Mimsy, 22×34
    Snow Bird by Codor Designs
    Snow Bird, 32×59
    Silver Birds by Codor Design
    Silver Birds ( sold )

    I have no doubt one of these beauties would be stunning on a reclaimed wood wall in my beach house on the Oregon Coast.  What?  An artsy can dream, right?!  To see more work from Codor Designs, be sure to check out the website full of gorgeously crafted furnishings.

    All images via the Codor Design website.

     

  • Relaxed Vision: Teil Duncan

    Relaxed Vision: Teil Duncan

    The weatherman is saying it is going to the H-O-T in Seattle this weekend– like high 80s, low 90s hot.  That’s like Florida hot!  With the coming onslaught of warmth and sunshine, I couldn’t resist sharing the work of Charleston artist Teil Duncan.

    Beach Talk by Teil Duncan
    Beach Talk, gouache and acrylic on panel, 30×24
    Lean In by Teil Duncan
    Lean In, gouache and acrylic on panel, 18×81

    Duncan’s work perfectly captures the bustle to be found at the beach on a summer’s day.  Scenes of bikini clad gals gabbing on the sand and striped umbrellas tilted jauntily signal a good time being had by all.

    Coastal Color by Teil Duncan
    Coastal Color, gouache and acrylic on panel, 36×63
    Memorial Day Way by Teil Duncan
    Memorial Day Way, gouache and acrylic on panel, 36×36

    Just as we squint our eyes upon waking from an oceanside nap, Duncan’s abstract style mixes well with the relaxed vision a day at the beach ( or pool as below! ) can bring.

    Pool Corner by Tiel Duncan
    Pool Corner, gouache and acrylic on panel, 28×22

    I’m sure many in Seattle ( and beyond! ) will be hitting the beach this weekend.  I think Mr. F and I will be seeking out cooler temps in higher elevations.. 😉  Want to see more work from Teil Duncan?  Check out her website and shop on BigCartel.  This beauties are not just lovely but affordable, too!

    All images are via the artist’s BigCartel shop.

  • Sweet Geometry: Esther Stewart

    Sweet Geometry: Esther Stewart

    You guys know I love crazy, messy, expressionist paintings.  I mean who doesn’t respond piles of texture and frenetic brushstrokes?  But then sometimes I surprise myself and fall head over heels for work that is full of clean,simple, straight-lined shapes.  Australian artist Esther Stewart masterfully intersects simple forms, a warm palette, and interesting compositions to create softly beautiful geometric paintings.

    Backwards Barbie by Esther Stewart
    Backwards Barbie, 60×90 cm

    Stewart’s use of intersecting lines lend a landscape-ish air to her compositions, while the palette keeps the overall feel of each work dreamy and supple.  It’s almost as if we are gazing at vistas made of ice cream..

    Made of Stone by Esther Stewart
    Made of Stone, 60×90 cm
    Just the Way I Am by Esther Stewart
    Just the Way I Am, 60×90 cm

    The way Stewart seems to break down her compositions into such elemental shapes inspires me to see the world in a much more simple manner.  Every space is made up of the same repeating shapes, we just have to figure out how those forms fit together.  There’s a bit of a life lesson in there, to be sure.  All of our lives are made up of essentially the same components– it’s how we fit those pieces together that make our existence our own.

    Nickels and Dimes by Esther Stewart
    Nickels and Dimes, 60×90 cm

    Esther Stewart has more amazing work on her website, be sure to check it out.  Thank you to The Design Files for the introduction to this artist– so many talented Aussies!

    All images are via the artist’s website.

     

     

  • All About Attitude: Patricia Derks

    All About Attitude: Patricia Derks

    First off, thank you so much for all of your words of encouragement on my “comeback” post yesterday!  I don’t know what the future will bring, but I truly appreciate the kind and encouraging words from each of you.  You guys are the wind beneath my wings.. sorry, cheesy Bette Middler moment.. we now continue with our regularly scheduled artsiness!

    Our faces have forty-three muscles, making it possible for our faces to express an amazing wide range of emotion.  Sometimes, we know another person so well that we can tell what they’re thinking just be the expression of their countenance.  Capturing such emotion as expressed in human faces is one of the strong suits of the work of Dutch artist Patricia Derks.

    Derks_Diver 100x100
    Diver, oil, 100×100 cm

    Derks does extensive research before each painting, yet her work has an amazingly fresh and unstudied air about it.  But what amazes me most is the way in which we get such a clear sense of emotion and attitude from each face in such deft and limited strokes.

    Derks_Summer Girl 120x120
    Summer Girl, oil, 120×120 cm
    Derks_Yellow Cap Girl 100x100
    Yellow Cap Girl, oil, 100×100 cm

    In the set of the jaw, the cut of the eyes, we are given a glimpse into the figure’s personality.  We all like to think we can hide our emotions, but it only takes careful observance to read each expression.

    Derks_Blue Lips 120x120
    Blue Lips, oil, 120×120 cm

    Want to see more of Patricia Derks’ work?  Check out her website.

    All images via the artist’s website.

  • Gentle Awakening: Alex Hanna

    Gentle Awakening: Alex Hanna

    Hello again, my friends!  If you noticed an increased Artsy presence on social media last week, you may have guessed what I’m about to tell you– the whole job thing didn’t work out as I’d hoped it would.  I wish I could say I was surprised, but.. no.  Have you ever been in a situation where, you know in your gut that something isn’t quite the right fit for you, despite how good it looks on paper?  But then you ignore your gut and forge ahead anyway only to be sucker punched every day for not listening to that quietly persistent inner voice?

    I was finding myself quite miserable, not just because of the extremely long hours and bus commute ( there were afternoons when I was on the bus well over an hour trying to get home following a ten hour day ), but because my personality just didn’t gel with where I was.  I don’t want to get into details.. maybe one day over a few glasses of wine. 😉 Since leaving, I’ve been in a bit of a fog.  It’s been like I’ve lost the confidence to trust myself and my decisions.  Mr. F has been loving me through it, but I’ve hardly been much fun these days.  So today is the day I WAKE UP!  Get back to the business of being Artsy!  As I’m going through this mental and emotional awakening, I thought these beautiful pillow paintings of UK artist Alex Hanna were perfectly apropos.

    Hanna_Sweet Dreams
    Sweet Dreams, oil on canvas, 75×60 cm
    Hanna_Sweet Dreams 4
    Sweet Dreams 4, oil on canvas, 30×40 cm

    One thing that has been contributing to my fog has been the loss of my sense of purpose.  For over two years, in addition to be Mrs. Forager and keeping our vagabond household together and all that means, writing this blog has been my purpose.  It has been my baby and putting it on hold messed with my psyche so much more than I ever thought possible.  It isn’t just a place where I share amazing artwork, it’s where I work things out through my experience of the work I share.  For me, that’s a huge part of living an artsy life– using whatever creative outlet we have to better our lives and the world at large.

    Hanna_Pink Pillow 1
    Pink Pillow 1, oil on canvas, 15.7×17.7
    Hanna_Sweet Dreams 4
    Sweet Dreams 4, oil on canvas, 30×40 cm

    I’m not sure what the future holds for this Artsy.. perhaps a full time job I adore working for someone else, or perhaps it’s time to parlay the past two years and all my other experience into creating my own dream job, or maybe a combination of both.  Who knows.. but I’m up, I’ve come out of my slumber and am ready to take on whatever the future has to offer.  Bring it!

    Hanna_Sweet Dreams 9
    Sweet Dreams 9, oil on canvas, 29.5×23.6

    To see more of the work of Alex Hanna, please visit his website.  You can also find his work, including originals and prints, for sale at Saatchi Online.

    Images via the artist’s website and Saatchi Online.

  • An Artsy Farewell.. For Now

    An Artsy Farewell.. For Now

    Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.

    The Closing Time lyrics kept running through my head last night, ya’ll. Today is a bittersweet milestone for me. You see, Thursday evening, I accepted a full time position and started my new job today! Our dream of living in Seattle permanently is actually happening! I’ll be taking a professional step in this new direction I’ve been pursuing these last two years. I have a chance to gain invaluable experience, add to my skills and make a difference in this company’s future.

    But with all this joy and excitement, comes some sadness. The new gig is a great opportunity but will require very long hours. As in 10 hour days plus a hour and a half spent commuting by bus each day ( yikes! ). Which will leave me precious little free time. And that will be spent on Mr. Forager! I adore you all, but our little family of two is my highest priority, forever and always.

    20130531-153907.jpg

    What does that mean for the future of Artsy Forager? In the long term, I’m not quite sure. In the short term, I’ll be taking a hiatus from Artsy blogging. Artsy Forager will be put on hold for a while. How long? I have no idea. I just know that in order to do my best at my new role and my best at being a wife and partner to Mr. F, I will need to step back. So after today, things will be quiet around these parts.

    20130531-154641.jpg

    The website will remain up, as the hosting is paid up through April 2014 and the Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram feeds will all stay put for now. But you won’t see much activity from me there. Well, maybe Pinterest.. because I’m addicted and can’t live without it! 😉

    The time I’ve spent doing Artsy Forager has meant so much to me on a personal level. I’ve “met” so many spectacularly talented artists, passionate art lovers and just plain nice folks! I’m so incredibly grateful to have had this time to create this little Artsy world. I will truly miss it and all of you. But I strongly believe our lives flow in seasons and I’m so excited to move into a new Spring! If I find that I have more free time than I thought I might, you might see me around here again. Until then, Mr. F & I thank you, from the bottom of our hearts for the past two years.

    20130531-153746.jpg

    Peace, love & artsiness,

    Lesley

  • June Featured Artist: Deann Hebert

    June Featured Artist: Deann Hebert

    Holy cow, where did May go?!  I know we still have several hours before June begins, but we’ll be out hiking tomorrow, so thought I’d give you a little artsy Saturday treat.  For Mr. Forager & I, May was a whirlwind of traveling to Seattle, frantically searching for an apartment, moving in, buying furniture, job searching for moi and just generally getting settled into our new life here.  What’s been keeping me sane this past month?  Spying new work from artists I love around the interwebs.  This month’s Featured Artist Deann Hebert has been on a roll lately, spicing things up with bolder color and looser compositions.  And I’m lovin’ it all!

    Hebert_Get Your color On I_mixed media on canvas_36x36
    Get Your Color On I, mixed media on canvas, 36×36

    You might remember Deann’s work from the City Mouse | Country Mouse show in the found gallery recently.. D was the Country Mouse.  Being a country gal, Deann paints the rusticity and warmth she is surrounded by each day.  Yet these aren’t your grandma’s chicken paintings.  This artist is giving country the modern treatment.  She’s totally Faith Hill-ing it.

    Seagrove, mixed media on canvas, 30x30
    Seagrove, mixed media on canvas, 30×30
    Hebert_Rustic Restored_mixed media on canvas_36x48
    Rustic Restored, mixed media on canvas, 36×48

    The latest work coming out of Deann’s studio is just a bit bolder, a bit more free.  She’s getting comfortable and coming into her own as an artist and it is truly a joy to watch!

    Get Your Color On 2, mixed media on canvas, 36x36
    Get Your Color On 2, mixed media on canvas, 36×36

    Want to see more of Deann Hebert’s work?  Check out her website and Facebook page!  And don’t forget to stop by the Artsy Forager page while you’re on Facebook to see some of my personal faves from Ms D.

    All images are via the artist’s website.

     

  • Design Foraging: Coast to Coast

    Design Foraging: Coast to Coast

    Confession time:  I’m one of those people who sweat it just a teensy bit ( ok maybe a lot on a really hot day ) when a glass full of cold liquid is resting on a wood or glass surface.  Oh the rings!  My little OCD heart is pounding just thinking about it!  The cure for such an ailment?  Super artsy coasters, of course!  Here are a few of my faves..

    DF_Coast_Painted reclaimed wood
    Painted Reclaimed Wood Coasters

    find them here

    DF_Coast_Lacework
    Lacework Coasters

    find them here

    DF_Coast_Constellations
    Constellations Coasters

    find them here

    DF_Coast_Symbology
    Symbology Coasters

    find them here

    DF_Coast_Felt
    Felt Coasters

    find them here

    Any of these are bound to be more pleasing to the eye than condensation rings, eh?  Happy weekend, Artsies!

    All images are linked above.

  • Touch Upon the Terra: Hannah Richman

    Touch Upon the Terra: Hannah Richman

    After spending the past two years going from small town to small town, I’m still kind of in awe of Seattle buildings.  From what I happen to think is one of the prettiest skylines in the country ( if not THE prettiest! ) to the fantastic examples of  modern architecture and traditional storefronts.  The paintings of Massachusetts artist Hannah Richman  explores the facade of the urban landscape, man’s touch upon the terra.

    Richman_Fulkerson Street II_oil on canvas_30x24
    Fulkserson Street II, oil on canvas, 30×24

    Especially here in this city surrounded by such amazing natural beauty ( Hello, Cascade Mountains!  Hello, Olympic Mountains!  Holy cow, you are huge, Mt. Rainier! ), it’s interesting to note how some buildings seem to perfectly fit into the landscape.  For instance, as I type this, I’m looking out the window at a Mid-Century apartment building that perfectly hugs and nestles into the landscape, it’s lines mimicking the hills beyond.

    Richman_Untitled
    Untitled, oil on canvas
    Richman_Felton Street VI_oil on canvas_55.5x42.75
    Felton Street VI, oil on canvas, 55.5×42.75
    Richman_Fulkerson Street I_oil on canvas_18x14
    Fulkerson Street I, oil on canvas, 18×14

    Then there are other examples, where we see the hand of man has rushed in and decimated everything in its path for the sake of commerce.  Wonderful old neighborhood storefronts are abandoned for the lure of the shiny new strip mall.  It happens in most cities in all states and more and more, many countries.

    Richman_Earle Street_oil on canvas_36x24
    Earle Street, oil on canvas, 36×24

    Richman’s work illuminates these man made structures as she catches them in mother nature’s light.  And for a moment, they seem to have been there always.

    To see more of Hannah Richman’s work, please visit her website.

    All images are via the artist’s website.

  • Karina Noel Hean

    Karina Noel Hean

    The other day, Mr. F & I were listening to Rick Steves on NPR as he interviewed a woman who, when she entered places in Scotland where her ancestors had dwelt, she felt like she knew the buildings intimately– even going so far as to identify rooms that were not open to the public.  Have you ever experienced that degree of deja vu?  I can’t say that I have, but I can certainly relate to arriving in a place and feeling as if you’ve known it all your life.  In her Field Notes series, Santa Fe artist Karina Noel Hean draws in collage what that experience might be like.

    Noel Hean_Field Notes XXI
    Field Notes XXI, collage, acrylic, graphite, etching and ink on vellum, 17×11

    In these abstracted, dream-like landscapes, what we see are glimpses of places, fragments of details that our minds may be remembering.  Whether it be from this lifetime or somewhere buried in our ancestry ( or past lifetime, if you believe in that sort of thing ), the artist is conjuring up a visual representation of what those perceived memories may be like.

    Noel Hean_Field Notes XV_mixed media on vellum_11x17
    Field Notes XV, mixed media on vellum, 17×11
    Noel Hean_Field Notes XVI_mixed media on vellum_11x17
    Field Notes XVI, mixed media on vellum, 17×11

    Shapes collide, morph, twist and turn around and upon each other.  They feel like landscapes from another world and in a sense, they are.

    Noel Hean_Field Notes XX
    Field Notes XX, collage, acrylic, graphite, etching and ink on vellum, 17×11

    To see more of Karina Noel Hean’s work, please check out her website here.  How about you?  Where have you been that felt like you’d been there before?

    All images are via the artist’s website.