Design foraging isn’t always just about finding artfully designed wares. It’s also about finding those folk out there doing their thing with an artsy bent. In my art consulting days, I loved working with interior designers who had an appreciation and eye for artwork, incorporating well chosen work into their designs not just for aesthetic appreciation, but also to begin to create a personal collection for their client. Boston area’s Kristina Crestin Design knows how to work magic in a room through icing the cake with artwork. Check out some examples of Kristina’s art-centric designs!
[ I am completely in love with the bones of this house. Seriously my dream house. ]
Finally, Kristina has been working with a favorite Artsy Forager artist, Christina Baker, on a special artwork commission for a client. Here’s a sneak peak!
I can not wait to see Christina’s piece ( in love with that palette! ) installed in the finished space! I have no doubt it will add just the right touch of artsy pixie dust to Kristina Crestin’s design. Want to see more work from this artsy designer? Check out Kristina Crestin’s website. You can also follow her blog!
Our minds are funny things. Especially when we are young and the world is filled with magic and everything seems so much bigger, both physically and metaphorically. We see things in ways as children that we gradually lose as we grow into adulthood. UK photographer Lottie Davies artistically arranges photographic scenes that mimic the strangeness of being a child in a grown-up world.
Most of our childhoods weren’t always idyllic and the eerie atmosphere of Davies’ work reflects that. There seems to be a lurking sinisterness in each scene, as if there is something more going on than meets the eye.
How many times have we thought back to a childhood memory, only to realize we’d been recalling it through rosé colored glasses? Or maybe we sugar coated our world as children, only to realize as adults what life was really like when we were kids.
What do you think of Lottie Davies’ work? I love that we seem to find ourselves in the midst of a story with each one. Want to see more from this artist? Please visit her Lottie Davies.
You’ve more than likely seen this artist’s work. His painted church in DC was all over the interwebs last year. But artist Alex Brewer aka Hense, does more than just create amazing ecclesiastical transformations. Brewer takes elements of the style he honed as a graffiti artist and applies it to canvas and paper, resulting in abstractions that are sophisticated with a bit of swag.
Mural, acrylic, ink, aerosol, graphite and oil bar on canvas, 58×58
Brewer takes those quick gestures and gritty scribbles from his street art background and translates them into layered, slightly rowdy compositions. Full of riotous color and the spontaneity of street painting, these pieces seem like screen captures of fleeting moments in paint.
Day Two, acrylic, house paint, ink and spray paint on wood, 42×48
Rearrange, acrylic, aerosol and latex house paint on wood, 72×72
Red Painting, acrylic, spray paint, ink and house paint on wood, 42×48
The layers of paint interlace with each other, so that we aren’t sure where one layer begins and the next one ends, like one artist’s graffiti slightly covered by the next to come along.
Untitled Blue
Want to see more work by Alex Brewer? Check out his website.
In my not so distant past, I worked as a Project Manager/Art Consultant for a gallery & art consulting firm. What does that mean exactly? It means I looked for artwork for clients. A LOT. Matching up the right art to fit the client’s space, budget, design, and taste was what I did and something I plan to start doing again ( keep your eye on this page! ). When I see a blank wall, instinct takes over and I immediately start thinking of what artist’s work would be perfect in that space!
When I saw the empty wall above this bed, the wheels immediately started turning.. Clean, modern bedframe, fabulous funky black Bertoia chair, graphic striped rug and bright green coverlet. So we want something with some texture and color but not too much.. enter this pair of abstract paintings by Casey Matthews!
Casey’s work feels fresh and young, but still sophisticated enough to add a grown up vibe to what could otherwise feel like a “starter” room. And I love putting a pair or series of work where a single large piece is the more expected choice. What do you think? What artwork might you place in this space?
I find myself continually fascinated by the work of artists who very literally paint outside the lines. Artists like Margie Livingston and Laura Moriarty use paint as a medium for sculpture, who see beyond paint applied to canvas to what else these aqueous pigments can be. German artist Katharina Grosse paints across spatial planes, creating psychedelic landscapes which push and ignore our perceptions of boundaries.
Untitled ( 2013 ) by Katharina Grosse, Nasher Sculpture Center
Pigmentos Para Plantos y Globos, acrylic on balloons, soil, wall, floor
Our realities are really all about perceptions– each person’s reality is different depending on their perceptions. When we were in Friday Harbor last weekend, we received wildly different answers to the question “What is it like to live on the island?” Because of their own unique experiences, each person we asked had a completely different answer. Their perceptions had shaped their reality.
Untitled, 2008, New Orleans, acrylic on wall and floor
Grosse’s work takes the process of “painting” off the canvas and onto any surface, often ignoring spatial boundaries. Her installations cause us to change how we perceive reality through her eyes and perhaps changes our perceptions permanently.
One Floor Up More Highly, 2010, styrofoam, acrylic on wall, floor, soil and reinforced plastic
Picture Park, 2007, acrylic on wall, ceiling, soil, latex balloons and canvases
If you’d like to see more of Katharina Grosse’s work, please visit her website. Have you seen any interesting installations lately? Perhaps ones that pushed boundaries?
If you’ve been following the This Artsy Life posts, you know Mr. Forager & I have been doing a bit of island hopping recently. Once we decided for certain we were leaving Seattle, we knew we wanted to make sure we hit one last island. One thing about living a traveler’s lifestyle– you make sure you get out and see as much as you can, as you never know when you may pass by that way again. As many times as Mr. F & I had been to Seattle in the past, we’d yet to make it over to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. And since it’s possible that we could soon be on the other side of the country, we decided to make a weekend of exploring the island.
[ friday harbor ferry dock ]
[ gothic view ]
[ orca! ]
[ lavender ]
[ romantic boat ride ]
[ sunday morning fog ]
The island did not disappoint! We explored from one end to the other, the range of activities as diverse as the weather. Next weekend: we finally hike in the North Cascades! Want to see more from This Artsy Life? Follow me over on Instagram.
Sometimes I have a love /hate relationship with certain blogs. While I love the pretty pictures and aspirational lifestyle, I hate how unrealistic it can seem. None of our lives are perfect and I don’t think that anyone is trying to say they are, but who wants to show the boring stuff? The embarrassing stuff? Admit your vices? These hyperrealistic, somewhat goofy paintings by Korean artist Kang Kang Hoon reinforce that when we are in our truth, not denying how silly or mundane we really are, there is magic to be found.
So in that spirit, I’ll let you in on a few of my own little secrets I might prefer to keep under that rug over there..
I bastardize my coffee. I embarrass Mr. Forager every time I order coffee at any Seattle coffeehouse and ask for “lots of room for cream”. He’s just lucky I don’t order what I really want, a Salted Caramel Mocha Frappacino.
I always wear at least a little makeup when we’re hiking. I know, totally against the outdoorsy girl code. But I look half dead without at least a little flavored Chapstick ( Cherry ) and a bit of mascara. A girl needs to look her best, even in the woods!
I frequently fall asleep during movies. These days, when we snuggle in to watch a movie, it has to be either really good and interesting or I guarantee I will doze off about mid-way. If there are a lot of dark scenes and mumbled dialogue, I don’t stand a chance.
I don’t paint much, but not for the reasons you might think. It’s not because I’m too busy ( see reality tv addiction above ), don’t have the time, space or resources. It’s that I get terrified of disappointing myself. Since no one else really sees what I work on, I’m the only one judging and I am my own harshest critic. It’s something I need to work on. After I finish this season of MasterChef.
I’ve told you my secrets. Now you tell me yours! Let’s really revel in our collective goofiness. Want to see more of these fabulous paintings by Kang Kang Hoon? Check out his website.
No, I mean throw ME the towel. Preferably one of these awesome little beauties from Leif Shop. Maybe one of these might make washing dishes seem like less of a chore!
OK, maybe not. But they would sure add a little artsy to your kitchen! Go to the Leif Shop website to purchase and see more!
It’s not you it’s me. Ok, it’s not you, it’s us. You know how much we love you. How much we dreamed of Mr. Forager finally getting a contract here, of me finally living in a city where there was art overload. There is so much about you that’s perfect. You don’t believe me? OK, here’s a list–
Stunning views in every direction. We never cease to be amazed when the mountains “come out” ( ie, the clouds break enough to see the distant Olympic Mountains, Cascade Range & Mt. Rainier ). Few cities can boast such natural beauty.
Overabundance of delicious food choices. Coming from tiny Joshua Tree, CA, it felt like we went from famine to feast. Whatever our stomachs were desiring, you could deliver– sushi, Thai, Vietnamese, German, Mexican ( Senor Moose! ), and some of the freshest produce and seafood ever.
Diversity of humanity. We love seeing different colors of skin every where. Mr. Forager loves it when he meets a patient who has immigrated here from a far off place. It makes us feel like a part of a much bigger world.
The art. Oh, the art! It’s almost overwhelming, the amount of art happenings, museums, and galleries in the city. Tonight, there are at least half a dozen different events going on and I want to go to all of them. And the diversity of the work to be found is as varied as the people who live here.
You’re just a beautiful city. Last night, we walked down to a little park near our apartment with a view looking back toward downtown. The sun was shining brightly from the west but the city was backed by clouds. And we were reminded of the elegance of your skyline and your architectural beauty.
If we were going to live forever in a city, you would be it. When we came to you, we were overwhelmed with joy to be here, to be back in the Northwest after a long six months in the desert. Before we knew it we had signed a twelve month lease and I started looking for a full time job.
But then something happened along the way. As much as we adored you, something was off. We felt uneasy among the noise and the crowds. Our hearts longed for quiet and wilderness and a slowed pace. We’re just not sure we’re cut out for urban life. And we longed for adventure. We really hadn’t planned to stop traveling so soon, circumstances came about that kind of pushed us in that direction, but then the tide seemed to turn in the other direction almost as quickly. If we settled down, we knew we would miss the excitement, we would miss out on exploring all sorts of places we might never see otherwise. So, dear Seattle, as much as we love you, we just can’t stay. Please can we still be friends? We so want to be.
If you’ve read the blog for a while, you know that Mr. F and I are the outdoorsy types. We’re those people who are happier sleeping in the woods than in the midst of a busy city. There is something about sleeping under the stars that rejuvenates the creative spirit! Good gear is important, but you don’t need to buy out REI to enjoy being an artsy in the outdoors!
Here are a few ways to camp like an artsy!
1. Create a playlist
The journey starts before you ever leave home! Get your mind in the mood by creating a playlist for the road. The perfect music can set your spirit off in the right direction as you begin your adventure. Mr. Forager created a playlist that we usually listen to when we’re headed into the wilderness. Heavy on Eddie Vedder, Nick Drake, and Ben Harper, it’s our own way of getting Into the Wild.
Camping doesn’t have to equal uncomfortable! Bring that favorite blanket, bed pillows, and tablecloth. A tent feels more like home when you’re surrounded by your favorite things.
Artsy camping doesn’t mean franks & beans and gross coffee! It’s super easy to make coffee via French Press when camping ( just boil water! ) and we love to make fresh foods like pasta and fajitas rather than the old standby burgers. A little red wine may even help you sleep. 😉
You are bound to be inspired by the quiet and the beauty of your surroundings. So make sure you pack what you need to take advantage of the situation! Whether it’s a sketchbook, some watercolors or a guitar, gettin’ your artsy on is the perfect way to relax at camp.
5. DO forget your iPhone
Yes, your iPhone can come in handy for taking photos and you might even use it for its outdoorsy apps like StarWalk. But having it along is usually more of a distraction than a convenience. Besides, if you’re really out in the wild, chances are you won’t have service anyway! So take the time to completely unplug.
6. Just relax and enjoy
The more you let yourself settle into the ease and quiet of the outdoors, the more relaxed your mind and spirit will become– and the more awakened your creativity will feel! Let your mind wander as your feet do the same.
Happy Camping, Artsies!
Images by Artsy Forager unless otherwise linked below the image.
[ I am completely in love with the bones of this house. Seriously my dream house. ]
![This Artsy Life: Weekend 29 [ One Last Island Before We Go ]](https://artsyforager.com/images/Pier+Regular/This+Artsy+Life%3A+Weekend+29+%5B+One+Last+Island+Before+We+Go+%5D.png "This Artsy Life: Weekend 29 [ One Last Island Before We Go ]")
