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  • This Artsy Life: Weekend 42 [ Time Keeps on Slippin’ ]

    This Artsy Life: Weekend 42 [ Time Keeps on Slippin’ ]

    The end is fast approaching, ya’ll.  In less than 4 weeks, we will be setting off again to parts as yet unknown.  While there isn’t much to do in this little town during the week, there is an overwhelming amount of awesome places to see within a day’s drive!  Which means that we’ve been trying to explore and check stuff off our list before our time here is up.  This weekend we decided to hit up our second favorite Northwest city, Portland.  And after seeing it in the Fall, I must admit.. it might just take over the #1 spot.  Sorry, Seattle!

    I don’t know what it is about this time of year that makes me long for big cities.  Maybe its the mix of falling leaves, steel and concrete.  Maybe it’s how very alive cities feel in the Autumn, when there is so much going on.  We ran a few errands then headed to the Pearl District to do a little gallery-hopping.  I’ll be sharing more about some awesome shows and galleries in a separate post.  Gallery-hopping is thirsty business so we went over to Powell’s Books, a must-do whenever we’re in Portland, for a cold beverage and some book browsing, followed by vintage clothing browsing and record store browsing while waiting for Tugboat Brewing to open. ( Beer is always Mr. F’s reward following an afternoon spent in galleries ).  We jammed a lot into those ten hours in Portland.  But anytime we’re in a place we love, it’s never quite enough, is it?  Time just goes by too fast and we’re always a bit nervous that the next destination might not be as lovely.

    This Artsy Life: Weekend 42- Portland

    This Artsy Life: Weekend 42- Portland

    This Artsy Life: Weekend 42- Portland

    This Artsy Life: Weekend 42- Portland

    There is still so much we want to see and do before we leave this area!  I’m not sure we’re going to be able to get to everything on our list.  How did our time here slip away so quickly?  We’re determined to savor what’s left.  A lesson we can take into every day we have, yes?

    All images by Artsy Forager.  To see more of this artsy life, follow Artsy on Instagram.

  • Stark Gentility: Bruno Walpoth

    Stark Gentility: Bruno Walpoth

    I seem to have a thing for pale, sad faces right now ( Exhibit A ).  But just take a look at these wood sculptures by Italian artist Bruno Walpoth and tell me how I could not share them with you?  Modern, young faces full of poignant longing, these pieces are the anti-selfie.  Representations of true emotions felt by real people, rather than a facade put up to show the world how cool and hip we think we are.

    Bruno Walpoth Bruno Walpoth Bruno Walpoth Bruno Walpoth Bruno Walpoth

    There is such a vulnerability about these gentle wood portraits.  That seems to be an emotion we could all stand to use a bit more of in our interactions.  To be honest enough, with ourselves and others– to truly be real in the way we communicate with our fellow humans, might go a long way in creating the connectedness that so many of us long for.

    To see more of Bruno Walpoth‘s stunning work, please visit his website.

    All images are via the artist’s website.

  • Little Corners of the World: Joseph Noderer

    Little Corners of the World: Joseph Noderer

    Our current little bungalow backs up to a beautifully landscaped yard, verdant and green, even in the midst of Fall.  As I sit working here every day, it’s easy to forget that the leaves are changing all around, I get so caught up in my own little world here.  Austin artist Joseph Norderer chooses to celebrate those little corners of the world in which we dwell.

    Jamboree by Joseph Noderer Host by Joseph Noderer Imperial Fork by Joseph Noderer Isle by Noderer Shed by Noderer

    Lush and lively, his compositions crop in tightly on a small crop of land, beckoning us beyond the bushes to find who might be living inside.  We get so caught up in our view from within that I think we sometimes forget that just a few feet or yards away, another life is being lived, perhaps very different or quite similar.  But more and more we chose to hide behind our own walls.  Choosing to dwell only in that same familiar corner.

    If you’d like to see more of Joseph Noderer‘s work, please visit his website.  You can also see his show at Tiny Park art space in Austin until October 19th.

    Artist found via The Jealous Curator.  All images via the artist’s website.

  • Artsy Spot: Stellers Gallery

    Artsy Spot: Stellers Gallery

    Some galleries, the most successful and long lived, find their sweet spot and flourish.  Stellers Gallery in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, quietly and consistently shows and sells the work of emerging and established artists in their space just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean.

    But this isn’t your typical “beachside” gallery.  Since 1999, owner Hillary Tuttle, has cultivated a selection of sophisticated work that compliments, not caricatures, the local landscape and culture from local, regional, and national artists, including this month’s Featured Artist here on Artsy Forager, Jennifer JL Jones.  The wide range of styles and consistence of excellence among the work in the gallery lends it appeal across the generations, creating a diverse range of collectors.

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    [ the work of Jennifer JL Jones at Stellers Gallery at Ponte Vedra Beach ]

    Tonight, Stellers celebrates its original four artists with an artists’ reception to open Synergy, an exhibition dedicated to the work of these very different artists, abstract painter Jennifer JL Jones, realist landscape painter Henry Von Genk, figurative and still life artist Laura Lacambra Shubert, and whimsical figurative painter Enrique Mora.  Beginning with these four seemingly incongruous artists might have seemed like a gamble, but it shows just how well Tuttle knew who her collectors would be, appealing to a wide and varied assortment of artistic tastes.

    Jones _ Shubert collage

    [ work by Laura Lacambra Shubert & Jennifer JL Jones ]

    Stellers Von Genk _ Mora collage

    [ work by Henry Von Genk, Laura Lacambra Shubert & Enrique Mora ]

    Each artist’s work, though very different in style and approach, represents the magic of beach life– the wonder of the light, the calming peace of the landscape, the quiet lifestyle, and of course, the wind in your hair fun of it!

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    If you are in the North Florida area, can you think of a better evening out than taking a drive out to the beach to see some beautiful work and meet these amazing artists?  And while you’re there, congratulate Hillary & the Stellers team for an incredible journey.  You can see more from these artists and all the artists Stellers represents on their website.

    All images via Stellers Gallery.

  • His Father’s Colors: Morgan Fisher

    His Father’s Colors: Morgan Fisher

    We all get sentimental about some of our possessions.  Especially things that remind us of the ones we love.  I have paintings by my grandmother that I’ll never part with.  Santa Monica artist Morgan Fisher honors one of his own prized pieces of family history by recreating a part of his father’s work in paint in his series Interior Color Beauty.  In the 1930s, Fisher’s father owned a pre-fabricated housing company and a booklet of paint color schemes his company produced inspired this series of minimalist paintings.

    C5 by Morgan Fisher B5 by Morgan Fisher C4 by Morgan Fisher B3 by Morgan Fisher L2 by Morgan Fisher

    His father’s legacy becomes larger than life as Fisher enlarges the paint chips on wooden panels.  Staying true to the original inspiration, the works are painted with acrylic house paint.

    We feel the influence of so many people throughout our lives, but our family’s impact usually leaves the strongest impression.  I love seeing this artist honor his father’s work in such a way!

    Interior Color Beauty is on display at Bortolami Gallery in New York until October 19th, if you’d like to check it out.  You can see more of Morgan Fisher‘s work on their website.

    Artist found via Design Milk.  Images via Design Milk and Bortolami Gallery.

  • Design Foraging: Sara Paloma

    Design Foraging: Sara Paloma

    They’re creamy and they’re dreamy.  And I want to make them mine, each and every one!  I’m talking about the ceramic work of California artist Sara Paloma.  Whether it’s the color of the glaze, the texture or the shapes that are just so, there is something about these pieces that grabs my heart.

    Blue Green Stoneware Bottles by Sara Paloma Modern Stoneware Cups by Sara Paloma Nest Bowls by Sara Paloma White Ceramic Votive Vessel by Sara Paloma Paint Sample Glaze Test Cup by Sara Paloma

    Just so subtle and supple.. like a wisp of cloud.  Her work is definitely going on my “coveting” list!  Read more about Sara Paloma on her website and see more work available for purchase in her Etsy shop.  And she’s having a sale!!

    PS– You may have noticed that I’ve stopped doing Design Foraging on Fridays.  There were just too many artists I wanted to share, so I decided to do five artist features each week instead of four!  Design Foraging will now be an occasional posting, at least once a month, probably more. 😉

    All images via Sara Paloma’s Etsy shop.

  • Cut Like Glass: Ramon Todo

    Cut Like Glass: Ramon Todo

    The rocks out here in the Northwest fascinate me.  Growing up in Florida, there wasn’t much in the way of rocks that I remember.. just tiny pebbles and sand.  But out here, there are big, beautiful rocks!  I always marvel at the variety when we find ourselves in a dry, rocky river bed.  Dusseldorf-based artist Ramon Todo is juxtaposing rocks with their distant cousin, glass, for some stunning studies in contrast.

    Todo1 Todo2 Todo4 Todo3

    The blue green hue and reflective surface of the glass give these stones a landscape-ish quality, almost as if the sky or sea were caught between the two pieces of earth.  Such an interesting contrast of textures, don’t you think?  And the glass is perfectly cut to fit between the stones, as if it evolved there naturally.  I want to turn one over in my hand and see how the light changes the reflections in the glass.

    If you’d like to see more from Ramon Todo, please visit his page at Art Front Gallery.

    All images via This is Colossal.

  • Artsy on the Road: 5 Artsy Things to Love About Astoria

    Artsy on the Road: 5 Artsy Things to Love About Astoria

    There is a certain type of place that I love to come across in our travels– the little artsy town.  Different from just any ol’ small town, these are spots that despite their diminutive size, are a thriving community for creative people of all kinds.  Last weekend, we made a trip to one of my favorite such towns, Astoria, Oregon.  I thought you might enjoy hearing a little more about my take on what makes this spot so especially artsy!

    So here we go, in no particular order..

    1 | The scenery

    Astoria scenery collage

    Situated right at the northern border with Washington, Astoria is your introduction to Oregon when driving down the coast from WA.  Surrounded by the Columbia River on the south and Young’s Bay on the north and just a few miles from the Pacific give Astoria an especially coastal feel.  It smells like the sea!  Homes and businesses cascade up the hills, giving way to stunning views, especially on a rare clear day.  Coastal mountains peek out from behind the clouds, adding to the drama of the landscape.

    2 | The architecture

    Astoria textures collage

    You won’t find much slick and new in Astoria, which I must admit, is a big part of its charm. Original architecture remains entact and even celebrated by most local businesses.  Even the small downtown JC Penney department store is still there in all its original glory!  Sure there are newer buildings around, but the downtown area for the most part retains its old school charm.

    3 | The art scene

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    Of course, an artsy little town needs a gallery or two.  Astoria boasts a nice selection of galleries, contemporary, traditional, and even a wonderful photographic gallery.  I was sad to see Lunar Boy gallery didn’t make it, I loved its quirkiness, which seemed so right for Astoria.  Imogen Gallery ( bottom photo above ) is now in their spot and seem to have retained some of their artists, so all is not lost.  And Imogen seems a welcome bit of sophistication and curatorial restraint.  A monthly art walk, as well as other community arts organizations seem to ensure a thriving artistic community.

    4 | The quirkiness

    Astoria quirk collage

    What’s a small town without some quirk?  Astoria has plenty to go around!  From funky little  boutiques and bookstores to a crazy rusted out old delivery truck roaming the streets to a massive king malamute named Komo who will give you a friendly lick, Astoria folks don’t take themselves too seriously.

    5 | The libations, both with and without alcohol

    IMG_3440 IMG_3379

    Astoria doesn’t seem to be just a draw for visual creatives, but makers and creators of all kinds, including those of a beverage-nature.  I’m talking the two main Northwest beverage groups, coffee and beer.  There’s a Rogue presence, the NW brew staple whose fare includes quirky offerings such as Voodoo Maple Bacon Ale and Beard Beer— the yeast for which was actually harvested from.. wait for it.. the brewmaster’s beard.  Gross!  Yet, Mr. F just had to try it. ( Verdict: it was good but more in a Belgian style which isn’t Mr. F’s fave ).  Then there’s Ft. George Brewery which we hadn’t tried before and now greatly regret!  Got a big thumbs up from Mr. F.  No Northwest town is complete without a coffee house or twenty and Astoria is no different.  There’s java aplenty, not surprising for a spot that averages 67″ of rain each year.  Those gloomy days give Astoria brewers and baristas plenty of time to perfect their crafts.

    You’ll want to add Astoria to your must visit list, for sure.

    All images by Artsy Forager.

  • Scratching the Surface: Jeane Meyers

    Scratching the Surface: Jeane Meyers

    It’s so easy to get caught up in the superficiality of life, isn’t it?  But what happens when we look beyond the surface glitter and get real?  Are we afraid of letting people see beyond the facade to the layers of disfunction and mistakes? There are artists who do just that.  Like self taught Port Townsend, WA painter Jeane Meyers, who builds up and covers up in order to go back and reveal what’s underneath.

    Meyers_Right Turning Meyers_Her Minor Idea Meyers_Her Basic Instinct Meyers_Sinking Into the White Sky

     

    Yes, maybe revealing the ugly might not be so fun or flattering, but it adds texture and depth and a certain sense of vulnerability, not only in Meyers’ work, but in our lives, as well. By submitting to the process and taking what is found underneath, we letting go of our compulsion for perfection.  And in return, the work ( and we ), become more interesting and more complex.

    To see more of Jeane Meyers’ work, please visit her website.  Her work is currently showing alongside Portland sculptor Lisa Kaser in Wax On, Wax Off at Simon Mace Gallery in Port Townsend.

    All images are via the artist’s website.

  • This Artsy Life: Weekend 41 [ An Artsy Never Says Never ]

    This Artsy Life: Weekend 41 [ An Artsy Never Says Never ]

    If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my several decades of life, it is never say never.  Now I might say I highly doubt that will ever happen.. but I’ve learned that just when you think never is the only answer, you change, circumstances change and you find yourself thinking.. ok, maybe.

    Mr. F and I are learning to always be open to where the next turn in the path may lead.  What we might think is a step back, may end up being two steps forward in a different direction.  We spent some time this weekend, as we seem to do every weekend, exploring around us and playing a familiar game.. “Could we live here?”.  We were in this area when we first came out to the Northwest together and I was still adjusting to traveling, to married life, to being away from my family and in a completely new setting.  We have some very fond memories of that time, but it definitely wasn’t the easiest for us.  When we left I was close to “nevering” this place, well, that other little town in particular.  But now, after experiencing more places, this rainy, beautiful peninsula does have its draw.

    We explored one of our favorite little towns, Astoria, OR and I remembered thinking how we’d kind of crossed it off our list as just a bit too rainy.. never say never.  Then on Sunday, we drove up Hood Canal and Mr. F took me for a little tour of neighborhoods higher up in the mountains where the air is a bit drier, a bit crisper, the towns much smaller, but the homes way more affordable.. never say never.

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    [ fall day in Astoria ]

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    [ beer..a “never” I broke after Mr. F & got together ]

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    [ taking these paths together ]

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    [ views like this might never get old ]

    We are incredibly blessed to be living a life that is so wide open.  There are friends who say they could never live this way, but to them I say never say never!  Freedom has its advantages.

    Want to see more from this artsy life?  Follow me on Instagram! PS– found a fantastic Frida Kahlo shrine in Astoria!  Head over to Instagram to see. 😉

    All images are by Artsy Forager.