An Artful Weekend: Galaxy Eyes

Happy Sunday! I'm off to Los Angeles today to help open our brand new Santa Monica Free People and I can't wait to be beach-side. There is just something about salt water, sand and clear blue skies that is just good for the soul. These gorgeous prints from Galaxy Eyes are like a little dose of that for your wall...

 

 

I hope your weekend was full of blue skies, or whatever your version of that may be...Enjoy!

 

 



INSPIRED BY// Not Your Grandmother's Lace

Happy Monday!!! It was a gorgeous sunny weekend here in Seattle, and as I've been deep into making tapestries for our upcoming Fall display, I've been inspired by cut out lace in the sunlight...



sources found here

That second to last photo is a little snapshot of a killer little display moment at Free People Rock Center. It was so inspiring to me, I've been fusing some of the same materials into my pieces for the Northwest's fall display. We'll be installing in the next couple weeks so I'll be sure to share the outcome soon!

So this is what I'm thinking...

Happy Monday my friends! I know I've been away for a bit but I promise I've been doing what makes me happy. For me that is making art, but I hope you'll insert your own version of that below, and then do it as much as humanly possible...

graphic inspiration found here

Next year why don't you...

sources found here

Just a few things I'm meditating on for 2012...Enjoy!

Beautiful Process [David Derksen Design]

Often as artists we tend to focus on the outcome of a composition, and not so much on the process. But when I saw what the fellows of David Derksen Design created while focusing completely on the art of a process, it made me think about the production of art in a completely different way. These gorgeous pieces combining natural and chemical processes in finely cut geometric shapes make way for a brand new art form; the oxidizing process of mirrors...

I love when artists give insight into their work and the planning that actually goes into it. It brings a more layered perspective on the art itself and inspires me to look at my own art with a more scientific and explorational eye. Here is a little peak into their process, check out the details here.

It's absolutely fascinating what beautiful natural processes occur without our even realizing it. Hope you all had an inspiring and rejuvenating weekend and are starting the week off with a bit of new found energy and optimism. I installed over 15 paintings at Seattle's downtown Anthropologie and it was absolutely amazing to see my work is such a stunning setting. I promise to share photos very soon! Until then..Enjoy!!

all images via David Derksen Design

Art + Interiors: Dripping Nostalgia [Stina Persson]

I've long since been a fan of artist Stina Persson. She has quite a range of work but I'm most inspired by her dripping watercolors that reference the 70's while feeling incredibly fresh. She uses the negative space in each composition with just as much intent as her sultry and ethereal hues...

I love the idea of getting this same effect in a sitting room. Subtle tonal changes with an overall wash of blue-green color with a few pieces whose silhouette creates as intriguing a shape in the negative space than in the piece itself.. 

pillow via furbish studio, pendants via velocity art and design, rug via abc carpet, end table via clayton gray home, chair via 1st dibs

As you can see, I'm still coveting Abc Carpet's Color Reform rugs like mad. I just love anything that is unusually saturated and bold in colors you might never expect. Hope you're week is humming along beautifully, I think I'll sneak some breaks from the work I'm currently buried in to take in some serious Vitamin D...enjoy!

Love it / Live [in] it: Blushing Ridge [TCHMO]

Ever since moving back to Seattle, the snow capped mountains that surround us on every side here never cease to amaze me. There are so many days where the grey mist is just too thick and the mountains never even 'come out' as we say. But on a clear summer night, when the sun is going down and the sky has only delicate streaks of clouds drifting across it, the mountains are absolutely magnificent against the pink sunset sky. Ok I know that may sound a bit cheesy but I just can't help but be in awe of them...

art via TCHMO, interior via Living Etc.

I love this print so much I had to post it again, and I love the use of tonal pinks and purples in this mid-century modern space. Pink chair and purple rug, a bit off the wall but somehow it works! Happy Wednesday everyone...Enjoy!

Love it / Live [In] it: Color me Happy [Wolf Kahn]

Good morning readers! Just popping in with a little post to say, thou shalt not be afraid of color...

art via wolf kahn, interior via molly luetkemeyer

As far as I'm concerned, the only rules when it comes to color are to go with colors that speak to you, that lift you up when you come into a room, and that make you happy...Enjoy!

Love it / Live it: Being Ballsy [Abstract Expressionists]

Good morning! Today I'm excited to share some BIG news with all of you. As Kelley (Moore) announced on her 'Ramblings' interview with me yesterday, I will be taking an ENORMOUS leap into the world of a freelancer. As Kelley follows her dreams to the Big Apple next month, I will be pursuing my passion for art and design here in Seattle as an independent contractor. This is of course incredibly scary but Kelley has taught me to be bold, take risks and follow my heart and I could not be more excited to see what lies ahead.  While I'll be doing graphic design work for Kelley and some other clients, I'll be officially hanging out my shingle as an interior designer, silk-screening everything I can get my hands on, and painting on a daily basis. And I cannot think of anything better to inspire such a ballsy and frightening risk than the work of the Abstract Expressionists...  

Jackson Pollock poured his heart and soul into each painting, virtually living in each painting for days on end and producing work that no one had ever laid eyes on before. "When I am in my painting, I'm not aware of what I'm doing....Painting is self discovery. Every good artist paints what he is" - Jackson Pollock

De Kooning painted with such a fiery passion that emotion seems to jump off the canvas in each of his paintings. "I don't paint to live, I live to paint" -Willem De Kooning

"The modern artist is working with space and time, and expressing his feelings rather than illustrating" -Jackson Pollock

Robert Motherwell's lifelong dedication to abstraction redefined artistic philosophy in the 21st century. "Art is an experience, not and object" -Robert Motherwell

"What you do when you paint, you take a brush full of paint, get paint on the picture, and you have faith." -Willem De Koooning

pillows via Wary Meyers

Abstract Expressionist work continues to remind me to take risks, be authentic and paint from the heart rather than the business-savvy mind. When there are bills to be paid and a world of people judging that heart you're wearing on your sleeve this can be a hard one, but I pledge to stay true to myself and the work that comes from the soul even when the road gets tough. And I want to thank each and every one of you that stops by my little corner of the internet, your support means the absolute world to me.

Colored Daylight 5.20.11

Happy Friday friends! We've had the most amazing week here in Seattle and the sunshine has injected a healthy dose of Vitamin D in me. I'm so inspired I can't wait to jump into some incredibly exciting little projects. I recently stocked up on canvases and paint and will be spending any time I'm not out enjoying the sun this weekend inside painting for a show at The Ridgeback Cafe in July. I can't wait to dive in and start mixing my palette, I'm thinking some rich emeralds and shocking yellows are in order...

 art via ralph white, photo via vogue, ring via etsy shop andescruz, beads via etsy shop waytobead

I am also in the initial works of a fun jewelry project with fellow artist of Tuesday shop and cannot wait to share it with all of you! So stay tuned and enjoy your weekend, here's hoping it's brilliantly colored and filled with sunshine..Enjoy!

Art + Interiors: Multi-faceted [Gemma Smith]

Good morning readers! Now, some people may call it spreading yourself too thin, I like to call it multi-tasking, but I sincerely believe that having a multi-faceted life is having a balanced one and I wouldn't want to live any other way. I think just like anything else, the more you practice your creativity the more it flows so in the coming weeks I'll be taking on a variety of creative side projects and I can't wait to jump in....

The geometric works of artist Gemma Smith seemed like the perfect embodiment of these new little ventures and if things in my life turn out as beautifully I'll be a happy girl. I love the way the flat geometric shapes and unexpected palettes combine to create depth and movement in each piece. It's a joyous chaos really...

mobile and pendant via the future perfect, pillow via south of market, table via architonic, cabinet via boca do lobo, chair via conran shop, dining table via architonic, basket via furbish studio

The triangle is both the most and least stable of shapes depending on which side it's resting on and in every piece here it is definitely positioned to keep you on your toes. With a bold cheery palette and energizing diagonals this space would be ideal for brainstorming and creating. So bring on the chaos and let's see what kind of beauty transpires..Enjoy!

Art + Interiors: Earthy Chic

Happy Earth Day everyone! I try to live green daily but I love having a day where we all take a minute to consider how we can be a bit better to Mother Earth. I rounded up some of my favorite eco-friendly products this holiday season for a gift guide over on coco+kelley and am thrilled to be on the verge of re-launching 'Kelley Green' again to share the most chic eco-friendly finds on the market. 

Being a lover of nature and design, African textiles have always fascinated me with their graphic patterns and steady rhythms. In contrast to the perfect pattern repeats seen in contemporary textiles, the organic, handmade quality of the ceremonial bark cloth gives them an intrinsic beauty.

photos via textilearts.com

 

pendant via 1st dibs, chair via roomandboard, pillow via zara home, end table via jayson home and garden, pillows via wisteria, bowls, bench, vase and lantern via jayson home and garden,  end table via abchome

To be honest this space would feel like home to me instantly. There is such warmth in natural materials and the geometric patterns and modern silhouettes give it a fresh and contemporary edge. Have a fabulous weekend and make sure to show Mother Earth some serious love..Enjoy!

Love it / Live it: Neon Nostalgia

Good Morning! Like I said, things have been unbearably grey around here so this photo from oracle fox was just the jolt of color I needed. I love the over the top neon palette and the layering of patterns. And believe it or not I went through a serious orange phase in 6th grade, right about the same time I painted my nails every night so between that and the friendship bracelets I'm feeling a lovely abundance of nostalgia right about now...

 rug via loom rugs

How amazing would this rug be under a sleek grey sofa and a reclaimed wood slab table? It would be a burst of energy every time you enter the room...Enjoy!

I want to Live in...A Joel Fitzpatrick Project

If you haven't heard of Joel Fitzpatrick yet, you simply must check him out because he seriously does it all. Beginning with sculpture and lighting design and moving gracefully through fashion, art, interiors and product design, his body of work is truly inspiring along with his innovative and eco-conscious approach to design....

Though not in my usual color palette, I fell in love at first sight with this room. I love the sleek modern pieces placed within the neo-classical architecture, and a wall full of Fitzpatrick's light boxes would be an instant jolt of energy everytime you entered the room...Enjoy!

Ladybird: Ducktails-Hamilton Road

Ducktails, not the show we watched when we were kids but a new band out of Jersey. This is a solo project by Matt Mondanile who is also in Real Estate (just saw them w/ the deerhunter show). Who would have thought that a wonderful garage pop band would come out of jersey?!Well this song just calms my soul and makes me think of sitting on a tree branch in the summer in the park. The song is Hamilton Road, sorry there wasn't a good video but the music is visual enough. Enjoy

Signing off Ladybird

photos via design love fest, last fm, sittinginatree.com, late afternoon, fashion toast

Ladybird: Lord Huron-The Stranger

For those of you in the midwest, this is a tribute to you and your winter wonderland. As a northwesterner we do not get blizzards or snow storms but once a year and our world shuts down, but i do feel a bit jealous that you get to make snow angels more than two days a year. stay safe, keep warm and enjoy this tribute to you!

Lord Huron is a new band out of Los Angles CA and their EP is wonderful. This beautiful video was shot in Michigan and has more of the feel of a movie than a music video. Lord Huron sounds like the music in my dreams, take a peek!

signing off ladybird

from top, abby blaine photography, lord huron video, qqueenofhearts.blogspot, daydream lilly, lord huron video, oh joy, coco+kelley

And as always a little inspiration to get you through those winter days...And coming this week, our exclusive interveiw with The Head and the Heart's own Charity Rose Thielen! Enjoy

Ladybird: Lily Allen - Not Fair

i had a short relationship four years ago when i first heard lilly allen's sweet accented voice, i have to say i am jealous a little. i came across this western style video today and just fell in love w/ her white unisuite. i think we need to bring this back soon, very very soon, but not after labour day please!! not fair will bring you back to the lost beauty of western style!

signing off ladybird
 

Ladybird: Jeremy Jay "Airwalker"

Last night i was chosen to attend Teatro Zinzanni which is a dinner and theatrics show; it was nothing less than amazing. i was inspired by the trapeze swingers and thought how afraid i would be to hang 25 feet off the ground and dance on air. jeremy jay sings airwalker from his 2007 ep "the airwalker". i hope you enjoy his light and airy voice as much as i do.



signing off ladybird