Tag: LA Art Show

This Artsy Life: So Long, 2013!

I don’t know about you, dear Artsies, but I am ready to say goodbye to 2013 and get to the good stuff that I just know is waiting in the New Year! All in all, 2013 was a pretty good year for me and Mr. Forager. For today’s This Artsy Life post, I put together a little look back at some of our favorite moments from 2013 [ in case you’re wondering about the song choice, it is “our song” and still fits Mr. F & I so perfectly ]–

No life is ever perfect and ours, though exciting and full of adventure compared to most, is no different. We learned a lot this year, about ourselves and each other. We each went down new roads, sometimes things worked out and sometimes they didn’t. But in the process, we grew and we feel like we know better now what we want and where we’d like to be.

You can catch up on the specifics of our year in the This Artsy Life archives. Starting in 2014, I’ll take a break from doing these features each week but will be posting scenes from our life on Instagram and will pop in here on the blog with an occasional This Artsy Life post when I have something special to share. Meanwhile, I’m excited to begin a daily creative exercise that I’ll be posting on Instagram each day! More on that later this week!

Mr. Forager and I wish you all the very best in the New Year! Thank you for coming along on this journey with us.

All images by Artsy Forager. Video created using the Flipagram app.

December 31, 2013
Cardboard Beauty: Cristobal Valecillos

It is a special gift bestowed upon artists to take what is ugly and make it beautiful. In his Recycle series, photographer Cristobal Valecillos uses every day materials to craft the fashions and sets he then photographs, so that what is often never looked twice upon becomes elevated to extraordinary.

Tea Time, archival digital print on metallic paper on plexiglass, 26×36

Every single thing but the models in each set is carefully crafted from pizza boxes, Starbucks sleeves, newspapers, etc., giving each design incredible texture and depth. The fashions seem to fit the models as well as any couture, and the drama of what seems to be unfolding in the expanded scenes lends those pieces in particular a wonderfully theatrical quality.

Doubt, archival digital print on metallic paper on plexiglass, 53×35

Olga, archival digital print on metallic paper on plexiglass, 60×36

Untitled, archival digital print on metallic paper on plexiglass, 60×36

I spotted Valecillos’ work several times at the LA Art Show and the photographs, mounted on plexiglass are sleek and beautiful in person. However, it was the artist’s cardboard sculptures and set installation that really stayed with me. A reminder that every thing around us is temporary and fleeting, every chair we covet and save for, every piece of art hanging on our walls, every item of clothing carefully chosen.

Organic A, archival digital print on metallic paper on plexiglass, 24×36

In his artist statement, Valecillos alludes to the creation of beauty from waste, using recycling to inspire art. For me, I see in his work more of a statement upon the artificiality and ephemeral nature of the world we find ourselves in. What do you see?

To see more of Cristobal Valecillos’ work, please visit his website.

All images are via the website of the artist’s representing gallery, The McLoughlin Gallery.

February 20, 2013
This Artsy Life: Weekend 4 [ Artsy & Mr. Forager Go to LA ]

Following a rough, partially sleepless Friday night ( hey landlord, just because your rental is in the desert, doesn’t mean it never rains.. puddles in the bed are no fun ), Mr. Forager & I arose early Saturday morning, fueled up on coffee and pancakes in Joshua Tree and hit the road to escape to LA for the day. On the agenda: The LA Art Show, The Pie Hole, and the Arts District.

[ away we go! ]

[ unsophisticated ]

[ found: Damien Hirst ]

[ these were fun, magnifying glasses required ]

[ desire, obtain, cherish ]

[ speaking of desire ]

[ The Sweater contemplates.. is it art? ]

[ so long, Sheperd Fairey ]

Want to see more photos from our LA adventure? Oh, I’ve got ’em! Check out my Instagram feed for lots more artsiness form the City of Angels!

January 28, 2013