| What is this Technorati? |
[Jul. 10th, 2009|10:30 am] |
I'm involved in helping my workplace get involved in social media. We all have a lot to learn so today I'm going through the motions to see what Technorati is all about. I'm claiming my creative journal to see how it all works. It'll be interesting to see what happens from here. v82gebykri |
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| National Arts Program and Fun Size Earrings |
[Jun. 22nd, 2009|05:39 pm] |
 I recently received a brochure for the National Arts Program. My employer has enrolled our organization in this yearly exhibit/award program which "showcases indigenous art of America." Indigenous in this case being the art of "the people," every day folk who find room in their lives for creative outlet but who do not have a venue for their artwork (other than the random blog!). This, my friends, is exciting. So exciting, in fact, that I found time to work in my studio this weekend!
Remember the pair of confetti hoop earrings I had planned to finish last February? Ahem. Well, I JUST finished them. But hey, I DID it! H O W E V E R... they're kinda... "fun size." Yes, BIG. Too big. But I completed the pair thinking that there are people who would love earrings this big. I plan to have a "prototypes" section in my Etsy store, I'll sell 'em there. Or maybe I'll have a "fun size" section instead! Regardless, ain't they GRAND? I just love this Mardi Gras inspired design! They measure three inches from top to bottom.
But wait, there's MORE! I also designed a pick from my sketchbook, another stacked paper design, this time with bigger squares and a hammered silver jump ring. Again, EXCITED! This is my FAV design to date and the first design I plan to replicate AS-IS, just changing up colors. I can't wait to start production on these:
In the meantime I'm feeling tempted by photography again too. I've downloaded some tutorials and have decided it's just TIME to learn what I need to generate beautiful photos. I've had it with flying by the seat of my pants, ruining great shots with lack of knowledge. This will be done mostly within the context of my job. This year's annual report was beautiful because I had a great pool of photos to work from. This year I'd like to make sure that happens again, by taking some of them myself! I bring this up because it could very well be that I decide to submit photos to the National Arts Program show instead of jewelry. It will all depend on where I'm at one month from now. I just plan on having fun between now and then, we'll see what happens! Who knows, maybe I'll even end up submitting a drawing created on my iPod Touch!
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| Brushes! |
[Jun. 21st, 2009|10:19 am] |
This is the grooviest little iPod Touch program. Even my elementary school-age kids can navigate it. Bejeweled has officially been unseated as my favorite bus-time activity. I've half a mind to submit an Illustration Friday drawing made from this program, I just need to decide which one to bring up to par. The topic is "Drift:"
Lot's of room for improvement here, you should see what people are creating on their iPhones! There is a Flickr group for Brushes users, and there is some incredible artwork there! You can tell that some people simply painted over photos, but the bulk of the gallery appears to be phenomenal original works. And, yes, I do hope to submit something to the group. Some day!
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| You knew this was coming... |
[Jun. 19th, 2009|09:41 pm] |
| But of course, the predictable me had to TRY THIS! I bought the app and made a super-quick "drawring" and yes, converted it to video and posted it to my YouTube page! GRANTED, it's NOTHING near the quality of professional illustrator, Jorge Colombo's New Yorker masterpiece, but WHAT FUN!!! More to come on this, I'm sure. |  |
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| Magazine cover created on an iPhone |
[Jun. 19th, 2009|06:04 pm] |
This beautiful New Yorker cover was drawn with the iPod Touch app, Brushes. Some people have all the talent!
The magazine wrote a nice little article about it, scroll down to view the video which shows each step of the illustration process which took around an hour real-time. | |
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| REALLY??? This is meant to be funny, RIGHT??! |
[Mar. 14th, 2009|10:03 pm] |
These photos are from an actual realty website from an actual listing of an actual house that's actually for sale. The link was forwarded to me by a fellow graphic designer. Please, take a moment to soak in the details (click to enlarge):
At first I was horrified. But then, they do have sort of a kitsch appeal don't they? Graphic design folk art, ya? And yet, part of me is still shrieking, "this is why the world needs graphic designers"!!! Let me clarify... TRAINED graphic designers! Just because your Aunt's friend's nephew took a two-day Photoshop seminar over summer vacation does not mean you should unleash them upon your photos!
My favorite element? Why the asparagus adorned bongo drum (?) of course! Though the giant nautilus and Russian nesting dolls also occupy a special place in my heart. Speaking of out-of-scale, did you notice the TV? OF COURSE YOU DID!
This feast-for-the-eyes made the rounds between the four of us designers on staff and then one who shall remain nameless decided it would be a good idea to further improve the front view. I mean, those bright red gladiolas flanking the yard like so many marching soldiers just weren't quite enough. Where was the oomph? So we passed it around, each of us adding a gem or two to the masterpiece.
Oh, HERE it is! Here is the OOMPH!:
Oooooh, yeah baby. Mmmmmmm, delish. NOW we're talkin'! YEAH!
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| The Princess and the Peep |
[Mar. 8th, 2009|06:45 pm] |
| I DID IT! I carved out some time and created a simple Peeps diorama. I had so much fun with this! I wanted to do Peeps a la FLDS, but it would have taken more time than I had to dedicate. My six-year-old and I brainstormed children's stories with titles rhyming with Peeps and stumbled upon this one... an easy visual to represent and not likely to have been done before! I didn't submit this to the Washington Post contest though because by setting it up in a shoebox I was unable to light it well enough for a quality photo. Next time I'll build something "in the round." I can't wait to see what others have come up with, I'll post a link to the 2009 winners when they're released. |  |
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| Illustration Friday submission! |
[Mar. 6th, 2009|12:50 pm] |
When I saw this week's topic roll by on Twitter, this little doodle popped into my mind and I decided to submit it. It's been exactly one year since I've submitted a drawing created specifically for an Illustration Friday topic. I remember at the time feeling dissatisfied with my work. I was experimenting with mediums and techniques, and they didn't always turn out the way I had envisioned. And I started getting too caught up in whether or not I received any comments, rather than simply focusing my own creative development. I care about what other people think, I want them to like what I do. Unfortunately sometimes I let that get in the way of just doing what I like, come what may.
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| Valentines for AIDS 2009 |
[Mar. 5th, 2009|07:03 pm] |
Well, this year was another bust for Valentines for AIDS. I had fun sketching and was inspired to paint something but as I worked I became more and more tight, fretting over the "design." Therein lies my issue. Art should be free-flowing and from the gut. By attempting to work within a theme, I stymied my creativity and felt like my painting was becoming trite. I really don't mean to be harsh with myself, I simply wasn't feeling it once I tried adding the heart balloon to the composition. So I waited for inspiration out of this mess, the submission deadline came and went and now it still sits patiently, and a little alone, on the easel in my studio. I probably should have just let go of wanting it to be anything special and submitted it as-is. Regardless, next year I think I'll just plan on bidding on a piece rather than submitting one. Unless of course I happen to create something fitting between now and then. But I've had it with forcing things. Life's too short.
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| Play It Again, Peeps |
[Feb. 24th, 2009|12:05 pm] |
YEAH, BABY!!!!!!!! It's official, the Washington Post is conducting a 2009 Peeps Diorama contest! Anyone in the U.S. may enter, but only locals can receive the awards. But it's not really about that, now is it? Heh heh heh.
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| Nepal-inspired earrings |
[Feb. 22nd, 2009|07:39 pm] |
When I trekked in Nepal in the early 90's I was struck by the identical necklaces many of the local women wore. They were beautiful in their simplicity: a big chunk of turquoise flanked by two big smooth cylinders of red coral/red yak bone on a natural cord of some sort. To this day I'm convinced this combination of stones has some meaning or brings good luck, but unfortunately my limited searches on the web haven't uncovered the mystery yet.
 This jumbo pair of earrings I designed features a stacked upcycled bead of Curious Iridescent 80# cover stock in Poison Ivory with eyelet, coral beads, turquoise chips, and hand-shaped wire. Even the ear wires are hand-shaped.
This earring is playful, with plenty of movement, a real eye-catcher. I have received many positive comments about this design. However, it brushes against my neck a little more than I would like. For the next prototype I think I'll suspend the paper bead within the ring, and make the ring a tad smaller. I think I'll also need to use a thicker gauge wire, these are pulled out of shape a little too easily.
Baby steps!
I think I'm going to call the big earrings I make "fun size," the opposite of candy bars which for some reason are "fun" when they're a fraction of the size of a regular candy bar. A goofy concept to begin with not to mention counter-intuitive!
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| The Latest Prototypes and Thoughts on Originality |
[Feb. 21st, 2009|02:37 pm] |
 So I was just poking around ArtFire and saw many earrings that look very much like the prototypes I designed last December. Argh! Luckily I had decided that I wasn't quite happy with the proportions, so I've no plans to produce more like this, but STILL! And last week I sketched this (right) variation of a design which I just saw today.
 Also, I have this sketch (left) from my December creative blitz for soda tab earrings and saw a likeness on ArtFire today. Quite a different design, but a soda tab earring nonetheless!
There are so many creative people out there, it's tough to make your unique mark on the world. My latest prototypes are quite time intensive so hopefully there won't be too many people who come up with the same idea, or are willing to take the time to make it happen. I'm cutting little "confetti" pieces of paper, hole punching them, coating them, and combining them with beads and hand-shaped wire for some really fun earrings. I hope to have the following pair finished up this weekend.
I completed the following pair last weekend, but they're way too much like that pair in my last post. HOWEVER, again from December, I have a stacky square paper design in my sketchbook! It's a variation, but nevertheless, similar enough. It just goes to show, nothing's really all that original is it? But that doesn't really matter, it's all about the creative urge and whatever results from that. It's a beautiful thing.
I know that people borrow ideas from each other all the time, adding their twist. But at what point can you call it your own? Or CAN you? This would be an interesting forum topic, which has probably been discussed ad nauseum. I think I'll poke around to see if I can find this conversation. I mean, I've seen enough scrabble and domino tile pendants to think that there is ALOT of "borrowing" going on, but given my own experiences lately, I'm beginning to realize that it's not uncommon for many people to have the same ideas independent of one another. Very interesting.
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| Inspiration |
[Feb. 14th, 2009|09:31 am] |
I love these paper earrings by Carol Windsor. She's a true artist. I stumbled upon her when searching the internet for paper earrings. As I design my own, I want to make sure I'm not duplicating what's already out there. I'm also looking for paper coating techniques. I like that these are durable and yet you can still tell they're made of paper. So many designs out there, the end result does not even appear to be made of paper from overuse of paints and glazes and varnishes. For that reason I've decided against using the glassy finish I mentioned in a previous post. The challenge will be finding a way to make the paper durable (moisture-proof, tear-resistant) while still keeping the paper quality in tact. Ms. Windsor uses archival glue, which I've tried, but for my designs it's not the best solution, the paper I use is much heavier. Though I have to say, I wear said earrings at least once or twice a week and they're holding up very well (see Dec 17 post). It's just that when there is a lot of moisture in the air they feel a little sticky. I'd like to find something with a better tactile feel.
Wow, look at these intricate beauties from The Museum Shop:
Oooooh, and look at these stacky lovelies, that's what I'm talking about. Beautitul! And still for sale on Etsy.
And look at these from the LA Phil Store, cute and elegant all at once. The description speaks of a unique coating process, but I've found little info online. I think I'm just going to have to experiment on my own! I have something in mind, I think this weekend I'll give it a whirl.
Ok, I'm digging pretty deep now on Google, but LOOK! Tia Kramer = Brilliant. Wow.
DRAT! This is what I get for researching, a design very similar to one in my sketchbook! Here's what Jessica Beels says about her work, "My handmade paper pieces incorporate overbeaten flax and mulberry fiber shrunk over reed or wire armatures. As the paper dries, it becomes a taut, transparent skin." Gorgeous:
Similar I say, but not exact, my "pods" will have more of a wrap-around effect and the center beads will dangle from within. Still, a little too close for comfort. Admittedly they are also similar to these Carol Windsor beauties:
Here is the page from my sketchbook:
More paper goodness from clevercastle on Etsy:
Ok, I'm going to stop looking now so at least I can plead ignorant if I inadvertently design something similar to someone else!! I can see I have my work "cut out" for me to stand out in this crowd!
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| Peeps Show III? |
[Feb. 11th, 2009|07:03 am] |
I am hoping the Washington Post holds another peeps diorama contest this year. Last year the call to artists went out on February 10. Both the 2007 and 2008 contests resulted in some brilliant submissions. I posted a couple of my favorites last March. Wouldn't it be cool if Boise Weekly held a contest like this? It's just so dang playful! I'm going to check this Sunday's paper and hope to find Peeps Show III call to artists.
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| What's Next! |
[Feb. 10th, 2009|09:42 pm] |
| [ | Current Location |
| | Boise, ID | ] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| | artistic | ] |
The holidays and then a January filled with calorie counting, a new schedule and getting back on track at work has left little time for the creative realm. But as it always does, it's seeping back in around the edges. THANK GOD!
It started with Googling how to make rag rugs. Then I broke out the camera one recent foggy morning. I painted a Valentine for AIDS submission (but didn't finish in time to actually turn it in, more on that later). I got my art studio all set up (!!!, more on this later too), complete with a new easel, a couple canvases and a nice big sketchbook the size of which I haven't worked with since college. I painted some details on the studio walls last weekend. I've also grabbed the "Designsprite" name on a couple more sites, Squidoo and ArtFire. I've got the ArtFire store just about done, sans product of course.
And so that's where it sits now, with the future product -- paper jewelry. This evening I've been researching "Diamond Glaze." Look at my post from last year around this time (Jan), I experienced a Diamond Glaze fiasco! But as I think about my paper jewelry, the prototypes I've already made and where I'd like to take it from here... I'm thinking it might just be the thing. I love the shiny. I love the glassy look, the precious thing encapsulated in smooth glossy goodness. I think back to my grandmother's paperweights I coveted, the Lucite-encased plastic rose pendant I was SO in love with that my babysitter finally just GAVE it to me (I still have it somewhere), the 90's trend -- glorious little photos or paintings or graphic Japanese papers under little solid glass domes (there's a name for this... what the HECK is it!?) and made into earrings, bracelets and pendants. I think there is something here which will thrill me, I sense impending experimentation! |
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| Just for Fun |
[Jan. 29th, 2009|08:27 pm] |
 My son came home from first grade with an assignment to design a Valentines Day box for his cards. A few kids had already sent in some spectacular boxes and so L decided he wanted to go all-out too. The whole family got involved in creating this little robot. We dove into my recycled art box and found all kinds of robot-y loot. Too much fun!
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| Animoto.com |
[Dec. 18th, 2008|04:23 pm] |
I discovered a new site for creating short promotional videos from photos uploaded to the site. Granted, one has no creative control over the video itself, but luckily the guys who run the site have pretty good taste in imagery and music. The site is Animoto.com.
I threw this together yesterday, it highlights some preliminary jewelry designs I'm working on. Oh, and the best part? The 30-second videos are FREE!
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| Paper Earrings |
[Dec. 17th, 2008|12:31 pm] |
As a graphic designer I receive sample books from paper companies. I get new ones frequently as they change their paper lines, discontinuing and launching new colors, adding recycled content and environmental certifications. It's always a shame to just get rid of the outdated ones. Some can be recycled but many have bindings which don't allow for easy recycling, so they have to go in the trash. With my recent jewelry making revival I've had lots of ideas for paper jewelry. I am still working out the kinks, but I have some designs that I'm very excited about. Once I find the right sealer I'll be ready to create paper jewelry in earnest.
The first prototype I used archival glue as a sealant. Bad idea. When there is any humidity in the air the glue becomes sticky. Unfortunately I sealed about two dozen paper dots before I discovered this. Now they're all sticking to each other in their storage bag. So much for the "eames" line!
This first design has been through a few iterations. I didn't like the proportions in the first version, the big disc was a little too big for the smaller one.
So I ripped it off. The resulting earring was attractive enough, but had no movement. A good friend of mine taught me that a good earring has good movement, and I wholeheartedly agree. There's nothing worse than a stiff earring.
So I added chain to this design and while the movement is better, it's weaker compositionally.
I'd like to add some visual and physical weight to the dot by incorporating bead and wire work to it. I also have many sketches to try out in 3D. When I've finally designed a successful pair of earrings I'm going to give them as a gift to my WestCoast Paper rep. I think she'll dig them! |
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| Box of Beads |
[Nov. 30th, 2008|11:15 am] |
I've always been in love with beads. On visits with my Nana during sultry Indiana summers, she would take my little brother and me to the craft store and I was drawn to the beads. I purchased them recklessly, with no plan for what to do with them, and I've carried them around with me all these years.
When I lived in the redwoods I had a little business for a short while, Sunflower Beadworks. I made hand-sewn beaded barrettes and loomed bracelets.
Then I moved to Portland, met my husband, moved to Boise, back to Portland, back to Boise, had two kids. I didn't have time for beads. Though I've purged many things with each move, I've lugged this box of beads with me through it all. Now the kids are older, better able to take care of themselves. My husband and I have simplified our lives, and I find I have a little more free time than I used to. Last summer I went to Shipwreck beads in Olympia with my aunt but never had the time to do anything with the spoils from that trip. But now I do. I broke out the box of beads and I've been playing with it's contents! In a matter of days I've created several pieces, just messing around, letting the beads inspire me, seeing what comes of it. It's good to be making jewelry again. Some day I'd like to sell my wares in the Designsprite Etsy store which sits empty at the moment.
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