I love everything that Sarah Ashley Longshore does. You can see all the evidence right here on the blog. And when she teams up with one of my favorite retailers, well, I just can’t resist sharing the artsy goodness with you! The artist’s latest collaboration with Anthropologie features her iconic Audrey Hepburn paintings on a tres chic line of travel bags and weekenders.
These remind me so much of “the golden age of travel”, when taking a plane ride meant getting dressed to the nines and a matching set of luggage was the ultimate luxury. Inside each of the larger bags is a wonderful little “handwritten” note from the artist. A perfect gift for that artsy girly girl!
Happy Independence Day to all the US Artsies! It’s always been the artist’s job to be the visual voice of each generation. Whether that means celebrating what we love most about our country or being a creative outlet for independent critical thought, each artist sees the world with their own unique vision.
As we celebrate freedom today, let’s each have our own Artsy Independence Day by throwing off the shackles of whatever is holding us back. Have a great one, Artsies! Mr. Forager & I are headed to the Seattle Art Museum today for a little Artsy Independence of our own. More on our visit soon!
Ya’ll, I am a long time fan of The King. Not a crazy-I-have-an-Elvis-room-in-my-house-and-make-a-yearly-pilgrimage-to-Graceland fan, but I will sing along with him every time he comes up on the iPod. Yesterday marked the 35th anniversary of Elvis’s death and I’ve been seeing a lot of artists drawing inspiration from Mr. Presley lately, so thought I’d round up a few of my faves for you!
Sticker Elvis by Jim Blanchard( Elvis ) Beyond the Bend by Deborah ScottThe Dr. Martin Luther King of Rock & Roll by Troy GuaThank You, Thank You Very Much by Sarah Ashley Longshore
Be sure and check out all these artists’ websites, linked above. If you happen to be in the Seattle area, don’t miss Elvistravaganza!, a curated show featuring works inspired by The King during Bumbershoot, Sept 1st-3rd. All the cool kids will be showing, including Deborah Scott, Jim Blanchard and more!
All images are via the artists’ websites, linked above.
In the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter, housed in a 200+ year old classic Creole building lives Gallery Orange, a contemporary fine art gallery whose vibe and vision match the freshness of its signature color.
Gallery Orange, New Orleans, exterior
If you’re a regular Artsy Forager reader, you’ve heard of Gallery Orange before. I first found GO when I discovered the work of Sarah Ashley Longshore, which then led me to Gallery Orange, her exclusive representation in New Orleans. I found gallery owner Tracy Geilbert’s aesthetic and taste to be quite similar to my own and have been happily watching her list of artists grow and work by those artists flying off the walls! Tracy’s love of art and enthusiasm for original work is infectious, I’ve never seen a gallery promote their artists harder than she does!
Gallery Orange, New Orleans, interior with works by Sarah Ashley Longshore
Owner Tracy Geilbert was already selling art at a young age, making sketches of Duran Duran, photocopying them and selling the “prints” to her classmates. ( Ah, a fellow 80’s girl! ) Part Dutch and part British, Geilbert studied art and eventually graduated from the Royal Academy of the Arts at The Hague. Life would eventually take her to post-Katrina New Orleans and, after working for another high-end New Orleans gallery, heeded the call of her heart to open a space of her own.
Gallery Orange, interior, works by Guus KempGallery Orange, New Orleans, interior, works by Gigi Mills, Carlos Lopez and Jill Ricci
Starting in a tiny 600 square foot space, with only two artists on her roster, Tracy’s hard work and eye for unique talent led to the gallery’s current space on Royal Street where boutique galleries are springing up and blazing new trails on the New Orleans art scene. Tracy brings her Dutch artistic sensibilities to the gallery, offering only exceptional original work ( no giclees here! ), creative energy galore and a bit of good humor thrown in. Gallery Orange is all about serious art that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Gallery Orange, New Orleans, exterior
If you are in New Orleans or planning a visit, do not miss a trip to Gallery Orange! Delightful, deliciousness awaits you! You can see a list of upcoming shows at GO on their website— which is newly redesigned, make sure you check it out!
New Orleans is one of those places that is unlike any other. It is unique in it’s history, traditions and way of life. Artists of all kinds, writers, musicians, painters, are attracted to its vibrancy and joie de vivre. In this most European of American cities, the arts are not just a weekend hobby of the 1%. Creativity is an ingrained part of daily life. Each day is touched by artists in some way. And today, as the town celebrates the most New Orleansish day of Mardi Gras, I thought we’d explore NOLA through the eyes of its artists.
As I was thinking about what makes New Orleans such an extraordinary place, six characteristics kept coming to mind..
SUSTENANCE
No doubt New Orleans is famous for its cuisine.. a bit French, a bit Southern.. totally deliciously unique. Jambalaya, po’ boys, beignets, shrimp creole.. I would be perfectly happy to eat my way through the city! Artist Carlos Lopez celebrates the simplicity and purity of New Orleans cuisine in his still lifes of oysters found in the city’s gulf waters.
Southern Trio With Lemon, oil on canvas, 36×24 ( via Gallery Orange )
SWINGIN’
New Orleans Jazz is the soundtrack for the Delta. The horns, the banjo, the bass.. you can’t help but tap your feet. NOLA artists George Schmidt and Frank Kelley, jr., capture the energy that flows from the melodious sounds of Dixieland jazz. Though currently living in Florida, artist Yvonne Lozano’s Delta roots still show through.
NOLA by Yvonne Lozano, mixed media on canvas, 24×36Buddy Bolden's Nervous Breakdown from A History of New Orleans Jazz series by George Schmidt, oil on canvasA Jazz Extravaganza by Frank Kelley, jr., limited edition lithography, 18×15
STRUCTURE
The city’s architecture reflects the diversity of its history and inhabitants.. from grand antebellum mansions to the European-influenced ironwork of the French Quarter to humble shotgun houses, each illustrates a facet of the city’s rich culture and history. And, of course, each has been a source of inspiration for artists such as Grant Schexnider, whose Shotgun Series celebrates the spiritual wealth found in these humble abodes.
Skinny Shotgun 1 by Grant Schexnider, oil on canvas, 18×36
STYLE
New Orleanians have a style all their own. Unfailingly friendly and hospitable, but direct and unafraid to tell it like it is. But always with charm and high style. The stylishly cheeky work of NOLA artist Sarah Ashley Longshore fits the city like beads on Mardi Gras.
Audrey in Orange by Sarah Ashley Longshore, acrylic on canvas with high gloss resing, 30×30 ( via Gallery Orange )
SPIRIT
Joyful. Exuberant. Even in the face of darkness and destruction, every day in New Orleans is a celebration of life. Ally Burguieres’ work shines brightly with the fire of the people of New Orleans.
Moonrise on Bourbon by Ally Burguieres, oil and acrylic on wood, 36×18
STRENGTH
The final and most enduring characteristic of New Orleans is the strength of its community and culture. Poverty, disease, disaster, destruction. The city has seen it all, yet through each trial, comes out on the other end that much stronger. Cory Willingham’s work explores the inner strength found when a community is called upon to rebuild.
Almost Home ( diptych ) by Cory Willingham, acrylic and wallpaper on canvas, 24×30 each
New Orleans isn’t just party central at Mardi Gras. It is a community filled with artists who are serious about preserving the city’s history and not just persevering, but thriving into the city’s future. It is a city that loves its artists and they return that devotion a hundredfold. We’ll continue the NOLA love tomorrow, when Artsy Forager features a NOLA gallery bringing a fresh and contemporary, yet uniquely New Orleans style to the French Quarter!
All images are via the artist’s websites linked above, unless otherwise indicated. Images by Carlos Lopez and Sarah Ashley Longshore are via Gallery Orange.
If you’ve ever taken an art class, I’m sure you’ve copied the work of a “master”. Redrawing and painting great works of art is one of the tried and true methods used to teach basic skills. I love the way some artists are taking masterworks and recreating them in fun and interesting ways. Check ’em out!
Out of the Square by Cesar Santos ( via artrenewal.org )Frida Dog by Clair HartmannMan Ray by Jocelyn GrivaudGirl With a Pearl Earring by Sarah Ashley Longshore ( via Gallery Orange )
Have a fantastic weekend, Artsies! Any plans for museum visits this weekend?
Featured image is Picnic in Central Park by Cesar Santos ( via Art Renewal Center ). All images are via the artist’s websites, unless otherwise stated.
Happy Tuesday, Artsies! Make sure to head over to Escape Into Life to check out today’s feature on Artsy Forager fave Sarah Ashley Longshore. One of her pieces would make any place more chic and fun, no?
Octopus Audrey, acrylic on canvas with high gloss resin, 24×24
‘Tis a new year and with that comes all sorts of lists documenting the good, the bad and the ugly from the past 12 months. While there’s certainly no bad or ugly here at Artsy Forager, I thought it would be a kick to award our featured art some high schoolish superlatives. Put your mittens on your kittens and away we go!
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this Friday Faves round up is dedicated to the color pink. Pink is the color of femininity, yes, but it is also becoming a symbol of positivity and the power to overcome. This month and always, Artsy Forager encourages you to Think Pink– breast cancer is a threat to us all, but what an encouragement it is to see so many women ( and men ) winning their battle! I hope you’ll consider making a donation or linking to The Pink Fund on your blog of Facebook page, look for the link at the bottom of the post.
Rabbit Girl by Denise Nestor, acrylic on canvas, 20×30Lilly by Michelle Armas, acrylic on canvas, 18×18Monet’s Dahlia, acrylic on canvas, 36×30Torn Dress by M.A. Tateishi, mixed media and resin on board, 36×48Mariposa by Sarah Ashley Longshore
To see more of today’s featured artists’ work, please visit their websites:
Don’t forget to check out The Pink Fund, a non-profit whose mission is to provide short-term financial aid to women and men who are in active treatment for and recovery from breast cancer. Getting well shouldn’t mean financial ruin.
Artwork has the power to facilitate change. Most importantly, in our minds, spirits and hearts. But today, we’re going stay in the more shallow end of the pool. 🙂 Let’s have some art + design fun and take a look at a beautifully designed room and see how just changing up the artwork can transform the way the room feels.
For our first go ’round, we’ll start with a fairly classic, neutral room:
Look #1: In keeping with the classic, slightly beachy style of the room, we’ll add an oceanscape by Tennessee artist Christina Baker.
The shift from mirror to artwork, in this case, is subtle, but what an impact! Makes for a much more interesting room, yes? Even the pup seems more pleased!
Look #2: Though the space is gorgeous, it could use a well-placed pop of color! So let’s see what a Michelle Armas abstract does for it..
The lovely colors and lively brushstrokes really bring the space into a shinier, happier territory, don’t they?
Look #3: The best way to help elevate a traditional room into something with a bit more personality? A graphic and quirky piece by Sarah Ashley Longshore from her Audrey Hepburn series.
This look works because what’s more classic than Audrey Hepburn? That’s right, nothing. So her iconic image keeps with the traditional vibe, but the bright colors and pop-style of the painting add a punch of the unexpected.
Hope you enjoyed our little peek at how varying styles of art can change a room’s personality! What’s your home’s art-style? Do you change things up or keep your favorites up ’round the clock?
Be on the lookout for future installments of this new Artsy Forager feature, [ Insert Art Here ]!
Featured room image via House of Turquoise, architect James Cullion and interior designer Eileen Marcuvitz, photographed by Robert Benson.
