The minute I saw this artist’s work, it resonated deeply with me. As Mr. F and I continue to travel, we are brought closer to the day when we settle down to make a permanent home. The idea of home– where that will be and what it looks like for us is a frequent topic of conversation. Through her collage work, Seattle artist Kelda Martensen is also seeking the meaning of home.
Of course house like structures and elements figure prominently in Martensen’s work but they are often turned on their head, or inside out, causing us to remember that the buildings we inhabit are merely that– home, in its true definition cannot be held captive in architecture. Our real home lives and breathes within us and changes with our shifts in relationships and seasons. We may perhaps be bound to one particular place, but our heart is free to soar and live wherever it finds root.
*This post contains affiliate links. As curator of the Artsy Forager for Mantle Art Collection, I receive a small commission on each piece sold from the collection.
I love it when you guys write to me to tell me about an artist’s work! Even more than that, I love gallery owners who are passionate about promoting their artists’ work. So when Art & Light Gallery owner Teresa Roche emailed me about this artist, I was intrigued. Then I went to his website and fell in love! These woodcut pieces of Greenville, SC artist Kent Ambler are full of texture and pattern and I can’t get enough of them.
Kent draws inspiration from the life and simple objects around him– his dogs, the woods surrounding his home, birds, etc. His woodcuts feel like quick little sketches of every day life and familiar adventures.
While I love his single woodcuts, for me, it’s when they are put together in these Block Contstructs, that they really shine. The colors and patterns harmonize so well together, there is a wonderful energy about them. They remind me in the most glorious way of those old plastic sliding puzzles I used to get as a prize at school carnivals. You know the ones in which you slide the little blocks around until the picture is completed?
I hope you are as delighted by Kent Ambler’s work as I am! You can catch a few glimpses into his process in this video.
If you’d like to see more, please visit his website. If you happen to be near Greenville, he just opened a show at the Caine Gallery— go by and check it out! And Greenville folks, be sure to mark your calendar for the 2nd Annual Block Party October 1st-15th at Art & Light, featuring 100 hand selected retired woodblock prints by Kent Ambler available for a limited time.
PS–I know Fridays are usually for Design Foraging, but since I took the day off to unpack on Monday, I wanted to squeeze in another artist post!
Hi Artsies! I’m taking a tiny break for a few days, while we visit with some dear friends from Florida. Please welcome fellow art lover and blogger, Kaitlyn Patience, who blogs and creates gorgeous stationery over at isavirtue!
Hello, my name is Kaitlyn! I am the author of art and snail mail blog “isavirtue.” I will be guest posting today on Artsy Forager.Last summer, Lesley wrote an excellent two-part blog post entitled “Yes, Virginia, You CAN Afford To Buy Artwork!” Aside from being the best title in the history of all blog posts, these two guides are an excellent resource to both online and offline art purchases. If you are looking for even more resources, I provide a similar post on my blog, listing a variety of art sale websites. Lesley’s belief that art collecting is not just for the wealthy and the learned connoisseurs is one that we both share. I believe art is, and should be, available to everyone.That being said, there is certainly an intimidation factor involved. This fear of art may stem from its perceived value, or a lack of knowledge. The first concern is an easy one to strike down. Art is affordable. You can take my word for it, or you can peruse the aforementioned guides. No matter what your budget is, you will be able to find art that you love.The second issue, a lack of knowledge about art is one shared by many. To be honest, I don’t believe you have to have any knowledge at all. If you like it, and can afford it, then buy it! That being said, if you want to know more, I’m happy to share with you a mini tutorial on the types of art available for home décor (Sorry, you generally can’t buy installation art, performance art or public art!).The following information is a simplified version of what is offered in my online e-course, “make art a part (of your life).” I encourage you to read more about the course here (LINK: http://blog.isavirtue.net/p/e-course-registration.html) – it’s great fun and you can enjoy it at your own pace!
“There’s a ninety-nine percent chance you already have some version of art in your home, whether it be a cool print you found, a little DIY, your children’s artwork, or one of those hip new canvas transfers. I’m hoping you feel so inspired by reading this that you are anxious to rush out get some more art to decorate your home! But what type of art will you buy? Is it important to you that it be “original”? What’s the cheapest way to go about this? What is the difference between a regular print and a limited edition? How do you know you aren’t over-paying?”
Goodness me, you have so many questions! First, let’s look at the different types of art available.
Original, Jessica Bell ( via Buy Some Damn Art )
Limited Editions | A limited edition work of art is the next notch down on the value scale. This is because while there are multiples of the art, the number is restricted. A limited run of art prints for example, may include anywhere from two hundred to one thousand pieces. However, any more than two hundred and the term “limited edition” is being stretched.
Limited Edition print, Jennifer Sanchez ( via 20×200 )
Canvas Transfers | A photograph, poster or print that is taken and laid on canvas through chemical or heat transfer. The canvas is then tightly wrapped around a wooden frame to look like a gallery style painting. It’s brilliant because it lets people purchase art for their home at really reasonable prices.
Canvas Transfer, Flapper Doodle ( via Society 6 )
Regular Prints | Any paper print made from a drawing, original painting, photograph etc. There is no inherent value, except to you because you love it!
Regular print, Emma Leonard ( via Etsy )
Posters | Printed on papers of varying thickness, posters can be memorabilia, advertisements or simple decorative images. People love to collect posters because they are the least expensive form of art and can be hung framed or unframed.
Poster, Stephane de Bourgies ( via AllPosters.com )
Import | While not always imported, the term is used to reference three dimensional art which includes foreign objects, replicas or mass produced goods. They often include wall art and freestanding sculptures.
Import, Stag Head ( via Indaba )
I hope you have enjoyed this little lesson and that it will help you in your search for beautiful art!
