Artsy Forager Featured Artist Paintings

January Featured Artist Christina Baker

Posted on January 7, 2013

This month’s featured artist, Christina Baker, is a painter whose work I’ve followed since we were both living in Florida.  Christina now resides in Tennessee, while at the moment you can find me in California..  While we are geographically distant, I’ve enjoyed watching her artistic career flourish from afar.  It has been such an amazing journey to watch as Christina grow into her own style as her work has blossomed into sophisticated expressions of her own visual language.

Manhattan Memories by Christina Baker

Manhattan Memories, acrylic on canvas

Runaway Deer by Christina Baker

Runaway Deer, acrylic on canvas, 40×40

Christina’s work harnesses the power of color and emotion as she translates the feelings of a moment onto canvas.  Her palette goes through phases and cycles, just as our psyches do.  In many cases, you can truly see the joy she was feeling as warmth and light bounces around the canvases.

Mint Chocolate by Christina Baker

Mint Chocolate, acrylic on canvas, 20×20

White Chocolate by Christina Baker

White Chocolate, acrylic on canvas, 20×20

Often in her work, there is a sense of fluidity and movement, possibly a byproduct of so much time spent near the ocean in Florida.  Shapes float among the light like drops of ocean spray or falling leaves.  Whatever the moment, wherever the place, it is a happy one.

Love Letters by Christina Baker

Love Letters, acrylic on canvas, 40×30

To see more of Christina Baker’s work, please visit her website.  You can see her work in person at her representing galleries, Gregg Irby Fine Art in Atlanta and Imagine Gallery of Fine Art in Franklin, Tennessee.  Be sure to follow Artsy Forager all month long for more Christina Baker goodies!

All images are via the artist’s website.

PS– this post was published by mistake last Wednesday, my apologies to Christina and anyone who saw it and then went back to find it gone!  Blog operator error. 😉

Design Foraging

Friday Design Finds: Color Inside the Lines

Posted on January 4, 2013

Last weekend, Mr. Forager & I took a trip up to Big Bear, CA, our first chance to see snow since our winter in Northern Idaho last year.  As we hiked through the snow shrouded woods, I was reminded again just how lovely everything looks under a blanket of white and how beautifully even the dullest of colors pop against the snowy canvas.  Today’s design finds remind me of that frosted treatment, as each has its own pop of color amid the pale!

Kauai Baby Milk Vases by Robert Siegal Handmade

Kauai Baby Milk Vases by Robert Siegal Handmade

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Ginger Root Sculpture from Lief Shop

Ginger Root Sculpture from Leif Shop

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Whimsical Vessel... 3 Dots by Clay Swan

Whimsical Vessel… 3 Dots by Clay Swan

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Doris Bank porcelain

Doris Bank porcelain

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Here’s hoping your weekend is filled with lots of color among the pale winter lights!

All image sources are linked above.

Abstract Art Daily Artsy Figurative Mixed Media

Narrative Patterns: John Westmark

Posted on January 3, 2013

One memory I have of my grandmother is of she and I in her dining room, sewing patterns spread out over fabric, pinking shears in hand, as she cut out the pieces to yet another new dress for me.  The crunch of that brown tissue paper is now always associated with those times together.  Austin artist John Westmark  incorporates paper sewing patterns into his work, reinterpreting them as he explores feminist narratives, mythical figures, and the segregation of stereotypes.

Matrimony by John Westmark

Matrimony, paper sewing patterns and acrylic on canvas, 36×36

Not only does the artist incorporate the patterns into his work as a means of literal and visual texture, the patterns and their associations are the catalyst behind the explorations of themes in each series.  For instance, in his Folklore series ( including Corona below ), Westmark references the traditions of story telling, incorporating the instructional verbiage of the patterns themselves.  While in his Double Bind series ( including She-Crab below ), he reinterprets these instruments of traditionally feminine work into images of female mythical heroes and warriors.  Adding an additional level of interest, he adds to the patterns custom text from contemporary feminist writings– creating work not just to be seen but to be experienced.

Corona by John Westmark

Corona, paper sewing patters and acrylic on canvas, 48×48

She-Crab by John Westmark

She-Crab, paper sewing patterns and acrylic on canvas, 36×48

For his Flight series, Westmark continues the visual conversation between the feminine and masculine by creating a bridge between the typically female sewing patterns and the mechanical drawings of aircraft, usually a more masculine endeavor.  Each patterns upon which to build and construct, looking very similar upon first glance– it is only when we examine more closely and determine their origin that we assign a stereotype to each.

Mercury by John Westmark

Mercury, paper sewing patterns and acrylic on canvas, 100×72

To see more of the phenomenal work of John Westermark, please visit his website.  His work can be seen at Stark + Kent, a contemporary art gallery in Palm Springs, where I first spotted these extraordinary works, or at Gilman Contermporary in Sun Valley, ID, where his solo exhibition, Into the Fold, is showing until January 20, 2013.

Artist found via Stark + Kent.  All images are via the artist’s website.

Abstract Art Daily Artsy Paintings

Hinted Silhouettes: Caroline Zucchero Hurley

Posted on January 2, 2013

The first time I saw high-definition tv, I thought to myself, “I can’t believe people are paying more money for this imagery.”  The resolution was so ultra-high, it was too crisp, too clear, lacking the depth to be found in blur and shadow.  The work of Brooklyn based artist Caroline Zucchero Hurley uses loosely arranged shapes that, like our old analog screens, give us hints at what is there, allowing our minds and eyes the freedom to connect the dots.

Trees of Eden by Caroline Z. Hurley

Trees of Eden, oil on linen, 48×48

Much of what I love most about Hurley’s work has to do with the sense of balance and control in what may seem at first to be unfettered patterns and brushstrokes.

Dirt Stains by Caroline Z. Hurley

Dirt Stains, oil on canvas, 60×60

Thank You, Virgin America by Caroline Z. Hurley

Thank You, Virgin America

For all their seeming randomness, there is a deliberate quality to their placement, letting us know that each composition is by no means accidental.  Yet, the artist arranges these shapes and colors with a deft hand, revealing just enough to suggest at what might be there.

Brights by Caroline Z. Hurley

Brights, oil on canvas, 60×60

To see more of the work of Caroline Zucchero Hurley, please visit her website.  In addition to works on canvas, the artist also translates her love of shapes and forms to jewelry and linen throws— be sure to check those out, as well!

All images are via the artist’s website.

Abstract Art Artsy Forager Featured Artist Paintings

Happy New Year! And Happy New Featured Artist!!

Posted on January 1, 2013

Happy 2013, Artsies!  I’m excited for a new year and even more than that, I’m thrilled to spend this first month of a new year featuring the work of Tennessee artist, Christina Baker!  Look for lots more loveliness coming your way from this talented painter all throughout the month of January.  Stay tuned to the blog, Facebook, and Twitter feeds ( click the buttons to the right to follow! ) all month long!

Lemon Shake by Christina Baker

Abstract Art Daily Artsy Sculpture

Crystallized Objectives: Brett Freund

Posted on January 1, 2013
Isn’t it amazing to think of all the precious stones, metals, and other extraordinary objects growing in the hidden places of our world?  The sculptural work of artist Brett Freund seeks to explore questions of value and preciousness, what makes one thing more  prized than another?
Crystals series by Freund

Crystals series, porcelain

Do we place a higher value on something that takes a longer time to ferment and evolve into its ideal form?  Or is a thing’s rarity more important?  And what about objects that are always growing and changing?

Crystals series by Brett Freund

Crystal, porcelain

Crystals series by Brett Freund

Crystal, porcelain

Crystals Series by Brett Freund

Crystal, porcelain

Freund’s work, with its fractal shapes that seem to be metamorphosing right in front of our eyes, making us think of old things, covered in signs of age and transformation.  They are no longer what they were, but have become what they were meant to be.

Vessels series by Brett Freund

Vessel, porcelain

Which is more valuable, what is at the beginning or the end?  To see more of Brett Freund’s work, please visit his website.

All images via the artist’s website.

Artsy on Escape Into Life Photography

Artsy on Escape Into Life: Akihiko Miyoshi

Posted on December 31, 2012

New Year’s Eve is a time for self-reflection, right?  I mean, between the glasses of champagne, that is.  Which makes the work of photographer Akihiko Miyoshi perfect for today’s Artist Watch on Escape Into Life.  In his work, the photographer seems to be looking into his own lens, distorted by the forms standing between.  I find them fascinating and hope you will, too!  Check ’em out here!

112111c by Akihiko Miyoshi

112111c by Akihiko Miyoshi

Akihiko Miyoshi on Escape Into Life

Daily Artsy Figurative Mixed Media

Forest Creatures: KOLLABS

Posted on December 31, 2012

Mr. Forager and I are forest & woods people, with a bit of the ocean on the side.  Which is a big part of why we love the Pacific Northwest so much and can’t wait to get back there ( only 3 1/2 more months! ).  The quiet, the depth and darkness of the woods is a salve to our souls.  Artists Anke Schofield and Luis Garcia-Nerey aka KOLLABS, are two artists who work collaboratively, exploring the role of humans within the forest and the environment as a whole.

Conversations by KOLLABS

Conversations, mixed media on canvas/panel, 66×48

In their work, KOLLABS often shows human and animal interaction, but taken out of the literal context of the woods.  As in Conversations ( above ), it may seem that the bear, shrunken in size, perhaps to belie its power, is there to entertain the wealthy woman.  Or perhaps she has invited the bear in, to try to get to know him and his ways so that she might better serve him.

Angie's Run by KOLLABS

Angie’s Run, mixed media on panel, 36×36

Peapod by KOLLABS

Peapod, mixed media with resin on panel, 36×36

Parker by KOLLABS

Parker, mixed media with resin on panel, 36×36

As so many of us live far removed from the woods, usually only glimpsing wild animal at the zoo, photographs, or other media, it’s easy to forget that these creatures once ruled.  That they, along with their forest homes, were treated with reverence and respect.

Chloe by KOLLABS

Chloe, mixed media on panel, 48×60

After all, they were there first.  To see more of KOLLABS’ work, please visit their website.  You can see their work in person in several galleries across the US, including Diehl Gallery in Jackson Hole, WY, Gilman Contemporary in Sun Valley, ID and Lanoue Fine Art in Boston, as well as Whistler Village Art in Whistler, British Columbia.

Artist found via Diehl Gallery.  Images via Diehl Gallery and Gilman Contemporary websites.

Artsy Holiday Design Foraging

Artsy Holiday 2012: Let’s Make an Artsy Date

Posted on December 28, 2012

For some people, myself included, there is just nothing like a paper calendar.  The joy of crossing off items on a To-Do list or counting down days to a trip or birthday just isn’t the same when you try to keep track digitally.  Or sometimes they’re just nice to have close-by for a quick glance.. what day does Valentine’s Day fall on this year??.. along with being lovely to look at.  So for my final Artsy Holiday design round-up, here are a few 2013 artsy calendars featuring artists who’ve made an appearance here at Artsy Forager!

Coffee Spot Calendar by Marsha Glaziere

Coffee Spot Calendar by Marsha Glaziere

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Faithful, A Calendar of Paintings by Clair Hartmann

Faithful, A Calendar of Paintings by Clair Hartmann

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2013 Michelle Armas Calendar

2013 Michelle Armas Calendar

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Childhood Series & Dingo Loves Jax Calendars by Yvonne Lozano

Childhood Series and Dingo Loves Jax Calendars by Yvonne Lozano

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Sources and links to purchase are located below each calendar’s image.  Which is your fave?  Or do you already have another artsy calendar waiting for the New Year?  Happy weekend, Artsies!

Abstract Art Daily Artsy Paintings

Shifting Assemblies: Deborah Zlotsky

Posted on December 27, 2012

Not too long ago, Mr. Forager and I had yet another conversation about what makes one piece of artwork successful over another.. Another piece of the puzzle leading to an extraordinary composition, he has concluded, is depth.  Whether real or perceived, depth just makes work more interesting, giving our eyes places to go and hollows to explore.  Albany artist Deborah Zlotsky’s work involves shapes moving in and out and around each other, giving our eyes plenty of places to get lost.

Everything Must Go by Deborah Zlotsky

Everything Must Go, oil on canvas, 48×60

The artist paints intuitively, shifting shapes and depth with each tweak, a change in color here causing one form to fall back while another comes forward.

Unknown by Deborah Zlotsky

Unknown, oil on canvas, 36×36

Can the Devil Speak True, oil on canvas, 36x36

Can the Devil Speak True, oil on canvas, 36×36

Tragedy Tomorrow, Comedy Tonight by Deborah Zlotsky

Tragedy Tomorrow, Comedy Tonight, oil on canvas, 36×36

With her highly planar compositions, it is almost as if Zlotsky is moulding sculpture in two dimensions.  You can almost see her brush as a sculptor’s hand, carving out shapes and forms, delineating her own hollows and bumps.

Wishful Thinking by Deborah Zlotsky

Wishful Thinking, oil on canvas, 36×36

To see more of Deborah Zlotsky’s work, please visit her website.

All images are via the artist’s website.