artsy forager

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  • Let’s Get Real: Kang Kang Hoon

    Let’s Get Real: Kang Kang Hoon

    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 am addicted to cheesy reality shows. Seriously can’t get enough So You Think You Can Dance, MasterChef, Hell’s Kitchen, HGTV Star and the like. I just have to know who wins! We don’t watch a ton of tv, but when we do, it goes like this– The Daily Show, Colbert Report, and [ insert cheesy reality show here ].

    Kang Kang Hoon

    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.

    Kang Kang Hoon

    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!

    Kang Kang Hoon

    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.

    Kang Kang Hoon

    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.

    Kang Kang Hoon

     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.

    All images via the artist’s website.  Artist found via The Artful Desperado.

  • Design Foraging: Throw in the Towel

    Design Foraging: Throw in the Towel

    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!

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    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!

    All images via Leif Shop.

  • Finding My Own Artsy: A Letter to Seattle

    Finding My Own Artsy: A Letter to Seattle

    Dearest Seattle,

    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.

    Mt Rainier from marina

    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.

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    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.

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    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.

    Foster/White Gallery, Seattle, WA

    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.

    Seattle skyline

    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.

    Yours always,

    Artsy & Mr. F

     

  • Live the Artsy: Camp Like an Artsy

    Live the Artsy: Camp Like an Artsy

    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!

    Camp Like an Artsy

    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_Into the Wild

     via

    2. Bring along bits of home

    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.

    Camp Like an Artsy_Anthropologie

    via

    3. Camp civilized

    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. 😉

    Camping_coffeevia

    4. Don’t forget your artsy tools

    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.

    Camping_colored pencils

    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.

    Camping_Disconnect6. 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.

    Camping_relax

    Happy Camping, Artsies!

    Images by Artsy Forager unless otherwise linked below the image.

  • Nothing But Blue: Vittorio Ciccarelli

    Nothing But Blue: Vittorio Ciccarelli

    After yesterday’s afternoon post, it seems my obsession with blues continues, but this time, I’m gushing over the blue skies of photographer Vittorio Ciccarelli’s Invisible series.

    Invisible 1 by Vittorio Ciccarelli

    Invisible 2 by Vittorio Ciccarelli

    We’ve had no shortage of cloudless, blue sky days lately and I’m always struck, as it seems Ciccarelli is, by the juxtaposition of architecture against an azure expanse.  The skies in Ciccarelli’s work almost seem unreal, unbelievably translucent.

    Invisible 6 by Vittorio Ciccarelli Invisible 8 by Vittorio Ciccarelli

    The bright aqua skies leave our eyes to feast upon the simply beauty in the ordinary urban sights we take for granted.  Suddenly, we notice the gentle curve of the street lamp, never realizing before its beauty.

    Invisible 9 by Vittorio CiccarelliIf you’d like to see more of Vittorio Ciccarelli’s work, please visit his Behance page.

    All images are via Behance.  Artist found via Trendland.

  • Color Harvest: The Deep Blue Sea

    Color Harvest: The Deep Blue Sea

    Maybe it’s finally living in a place surrounded by water after living in the desert last year, but I have been finding such inspiration in the various hues of blue to be found in the waters around Seattle!  So many gorgeous shades from the deepest, darkest blue to green aquas, I just want to plunge right in and see what mysteries await!

    IMG_1114It’s only natural that this blue obsession is trickling over into the artwork I’m foraging on my Pinterest boards.. here’s a little deep blue sea inspiration to get your own seas churning!

    Color Harvest_Deep Blue Sea

     

    [ clockwise, from top left: Elena Kalis |  John Armleder | Miranda Lake | Emily Ferretti studio | Michal Fargo | Jennifer JL Jones

    What colors are inspiring you this summer?

    All image credits linked above.

     

     

  • Unraveled Ties: Steven Vasquez Lopez

    Unraveled Ties: Steven Vasquez Lopez

    Sometimes we get so tied to a certain idea, person, or place, that we hold onto it so very tightly.  That thing we’ve longed for finally comes to us, but it isn’t what we expected.  And although things begin unravelling, we are still holding tight, even as the threads become ever more loose.  These incredible ink drawings by San Francisco artist Steven Vasquez Lopez got me thinking about how we allow ideas to weave themselves into our psyche.

    Patches 004 by Steven Vasquez Lopez
    Patches 004, ink on paper, 9.5×13.25
    Patches 005 by Steven Vasquez Lopez
    Patches 005, ink on paper, 9.5×13.25

    We tend to think of ourselves in a certain light, I this way or that, I could live here but never there.  But then a funny thing can happen.  We grow, we evolve, we experience life in different ways and we end up surprising ourselves.  The weavings unravel and we realize that idea we were so in love with was just that– an idea, not a reality.  Those strings aren’t so tightly woven after all.

    Patches 013 by Steven Vasquez Lopez
    Patches 013, ink on paper, 9.5×13.25
    Patches 008 by Steven Vasquez Lopez
    Patches 008, ink on paper, 9.5×13.25

    Or maybe they were there to connect us in a different way altogether.  Want to see more of Steven Vasquez Lopez’s work?  Please visit his website.

    All images via the artist’s website.  Artist found via Design Milk.

     

  • This Artsy Life: Weekend 28 [ Forging Ahead ]

    This Artsy Life: Weekend 28 [ Forging Ahead ]

    Our weekend started off gangbusters with a fun surprise for me from Mr. Forager.  Obviously I love painting and all things artsy and a few times post-gallery hopping, Mr. F has  mentioned that he would like to give his creative wheels a spin.  So Friday night, Mr. F signed us up for a little painting & adult beverages at Mind Unwind in West Seattle.  Now normally, the art snob in me might think these kinds of places are super cheesy, but I loved seeing folks like Mr. F, who don’t consider themselves creative or “artists” tap into a completely different part of their brains.  A little wine and beer doesn’t hurt the loosening up the art making joints, either!

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    [ blank canvas, beer ]

    Following our foray into couple’s painting, we arose super early on Saturday to go hiking in the Wenatchee National Forest.  It was a moderately cool, cloudless day, perfect for hiking. Wildflowers and waterfalls greeted us were plentiful, as well as mosquitoes once we reached our destination.

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    [ weird balloon sighting on the trail.. can you spot Mr. F? ]

    About a mile and a half of the trail was a pretty grueling uphill climb, followed by a slow, try not to break any bones trek back down.  Although this was by no means the longest hike we’ve done, it was more strenuous than anything we’ve done since leaving Idaho last year.  These kinds of hikes always teach me a big lesson in perseverance.  I take each small victory, each rise conquered as testimony that big things can be done when taken in small steps.  The rest of the weekend was decidedly lazy, though we’re making headway on some big decisions and transitions.  More on that later.

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    [ chinese takeout picnic ]

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    [ nothing but blue skies ]

    Did you enjoy gorgeous summer weather in your neck of the woods?  Want to see more from This Artsy Life?  Follow me on Instagram!

  • One to Watch: Jason Lockhart

    One to Watch: Jason Lockhart

    When you think of a breeding ground for creativity, Tulsa, OK is probably not the first place that comes to mind.. but let me tell you there are some artsy folks in OK!  Mr. F lived in Tulsa for a few years, so we definitely know some cool and creative folks there ( and a few that have moved Northwesterly! ).  Tulsa is home to an awesome contemporary gallery, Exhibit by Aberson, which is showing an impressive round up of young Oklahoman artists, including Tulsa painter ( and musician, Tulsa is a hotbed for the musically inclined ), Jason Lockhart.

    Bita-Pita by Jason Lockhart
    Bita-Pita
    Alite by Jason Lockhart
    Alite

    I fell instantly in love with this Lockhart’s work as soon as I saw it in Exhibit’s newsletter.  The architectural elements juxtaposed with typography and painterly abstractions, then add in that color palette and BAM!  This is an artist to watch, folks.

    E4 by Jason Lockhart
    E4
    ET by Jason Lockhart
    ET

    It’s not just the elements being used, but the way in which he is fitting them together.  That slightly hidden “A” in Bita-Pita, the suggestive aviation shapes in E4.. It all just works.  Sometimes I get tongue tied, ok, keyboard tied when I try to describe why I love an artist’s work.  It’s just good.  Trust me.

    Ding-On by Jason Lockhart
    Ding-On

    Want to see more of Jason Lockhart’s work?  If you’re anywhere near Tulsa, don’t miss the show at Exhibit by Aberson, opening Thursday, July 18th.  You can also check out Lockhart’s blog.

    All images via Exhibit by Aberson website.

     

     

     

  • Artsy About Town: Art & Shadow

    Artsy About Town: Art & Shadow

    Pioneer Square Art Walk

    Last night, Mr. F & I ventured out for our first ArtWalk since arriving in Seattle.  I know, right?!! What took us so long?  And this city is by no means lacking in ArtWalking opportunities.  Like Farmer’s Markets, there seems to be one going on all the time.  I knew there were a few shows in the Pioneer Square district opening last night, so off we went to fight the traffic and walk some art!

    You can see all the photos of art I snapped over on the Artsy Instagram feed, but I wanted to give you a little sneak peek here on the blog.  Something you should know about Seattle– it’s gray a lot ( well you probably already knew that ), but when the sun comes out, the light is dazzling.  It was a beautiful light-filled evening last night and as I was going through the galleries, I noticed a theme of beautiful shadows cast by some of the work on display.

    Lindsay Pichaske at Foster/White

     [ Lindsay Pichaske at Foster/White ]

    Lindsay Pichaske at Foster/White

    [ Lindsay Pichaske at Foster/White ]

    Balloons at Greg Kucera

    [ at Greg Kucera ]

    Box installation[ Anyone know this artist.. Anyone? Bueller? ]

    Sherry Markovitz at Greg Kucera[ Sherry Markovitz at Greg Kucera ]

    So much artsy goodness!  Next time I think I’ll go early & let Mr. F meet me there.  Too much to see in just a few hours.  Any artsy plans for the weekend?

    All images by Artsy Forager.  More can be found by following Artsy Forager on Instagram!