dana robson collage works

i am buzzy doing blog maintenance, working on my special creative project and caring for my big doggie who is having trouble walking post-seizure, so i cannot write much today but i wanted to show you the beautiful works of san francisco artist dana robson. i love the gorgeous handwork here; the stitching onto vintage papers and maps, the goccoing, the nature motifs and while we are at it let’s not ignore the frame crafting either. the pieces give off a flowing, soothing energy which my whole house could use right now.

purchase these pieces at the beholder and see dana’s website for more.

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michele maule mixed media: miniview

i think i have mentioned before that my father in law has this awesome collection of old typewriters? they’re all black, which is perfect and fine of course, but just a tad heavy to be filling my eyes and mind, what with all the summery things that are pouring into my head at warp speed right now. the old brightly colored ones are perfect in a different way, a seasonal way, a now way, which is why i am sooo attracted to the most excellent artwork of michele maule. i love her free-spirited interpretation of these utilitarian objects, with their foxy colors and soft curves. there is some big love behind these pieces, you can just tell. and her other work, which includes original encaustic paintings, illustrations and screenprints, is a nice crusty contrast to those colorful jammy typewriters. that’s right, i said jammy. the point is, there’s all different kinds of plenty for people to enjoy in her prolific collection, and with all that said, wouldn’t you like to know just a little more about the brains behind the operation? me too!

q: where do you live and where do you make your collection?
a: i live in pontiac, michigan, a forgotten suburb of detroit. i mostly work in my house. i recently converted my living room into a work space, and there is also a small space in my bedroom where i work.

q: what inspires you to create?
a: i find inspiration in everyday objects. i love seeing the personalities that things like chairs, typewriters, spools of thread, and sewing machines take on. every time i draw one of these objects, it seems to take on a life of its own. each one has their own character, and i really enjoy seeing that.

i also find a lot of inspiration in nature, and in illustrated science books. things like the anatomy of flowers and our skeletal system really interest me.

q: what did you think you would grow up to be when you were a little kid?
a: well, i remember the first thing/person i wanted to be when i grew up was wonder woman. i thought she was rad. i even wore these blue rubber bands on my wrists for weeks and weeks. later, i knew that i wanted to do something that would let me be creative. i didn’t know what exactly, and i don’t think i really figured that out until my junior year of college!

q: can we go anywhere to see your work in person?
a: yes you can!! i currently have work in the following galleries and boutiques: fact and fancy in brooklyn, 323 east gallery in royal oak, mi and the ddp gallery in fayetteville, ar.

see more of michele’s terrific artwork on her website, check out her flickr stream, purchase these pieces at her etsy shop, and be sure to stop by and say hi on her blog too!

thank you michele!

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tony forte photography & design: miniview

i am back in the saddle this week and today’s miniview brings us more insight into the projects of tony forte, a graphic designer who creates works through digital techniques and photography with strong urban themes. tony’s photography is striking and his rich mixed media pieces with glints of vintage influence intrigue me, so i thought i’d ask a few questions…

q: where do you live and where do you create your work?
a: i’m living in north new jersey, and all the creative workload gets done in my office/studio which is also in jersey.

q: do you have a formal education in art or design?
a: i have a degree: applied science in visual communication and graphic design. i’ve been drawing since I was a kid, and have always appreciated photography.

q: can you tell us a little about the backyard project you have founded?
a: backyard project was founded in late 2005. it was a venture that i had been trying to get off the ground for a very long time. it was tough with working during the day, and bar tending at night. (NO sleep.) me and dan puleo, a friend and artist who shared similar taste when it came to throwing ideas around, launched the backyard site. we had put some cash together to get the website up and running. it was a great way to finally get some more exposure, and also develop a t-shirt/apparel line, with one-color design concepts. the apparel mainly concentrates on simple designs that represent our everyday creative outlook in our neighborhood, that we can share with the world.

q: do you have a favorite piece in your collection?
a: um, i think one of my favorite pieces is “Yesterday” (below) which can be also viewed with many other pieces of mine on my website. i really do NOT get tired of looking at that piece, i feel that i get something else that pops out of it every time i look at it. it’s hanging in my apartment.

thank you tony!

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lisaur collage art

looking through the postcard section in resale shops is one of me and my husband’s favorite pastimes. we peep at the penmanship and wonder what state of mind the senders were in when they sent their correspondence, as well as the receivers. that is part of the reason why i am drawn to this small scale mixed media art from etsy seller lisaur, made from recycled postcards and collaged on the written sides.

the rich color combinations only serve as a compliment to the mysterious torn stories told on their papers.

see lisa’s full collection here.

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erin smith mixed media art

i love the rich and humorous mixed media collection from georgia artist erin smith. these printed giclee collages are crafted from a combination of acrylic, watercolor, inks, paper, found objects and digital media. the folks in the vintage photographs are her relatives, and the witty prose of course is her own.

this may come as a surprise to some of you but the feeling of being on edge comes quite naturally to me. i think these pieces are an almost perfect reflection of some of my innermost thoughts. do they reflect your thoughts too?

find erin’s collection at uncommon goods and mud and metal, and be sure to visit erin at her website too.

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iris schwarz illustrations: miniview

look at these enchanting and slightly surreal digital collage pieces, from swiss artist iris schwarz. there is something familiar about these delicate works which draws me to them, like i’ve seen them in a museum or maybe while i was daydreaming. iris uses ink, pencil and acrylic, and also draws upon a variety of vintage influences and imagery to complete her intriguing collection. even her shop name, which is called paulette edition, was inspired from her love of things old fashioned and very french! ever curious to know more about the brains behind the operation, i asked a few quick questions…

q: how did you get into creating these lovely illustrations?
a: after my graduation in graphic design and illustration i’m now self-employed for about ten years. graphic design always was more of a job, but illustration/drawing/painting is my real passion. i started with editorial illustration for several magazines and newspapers, today i work more as a freelancer, selling my art and illustrations online or direct to my audience.

q: what inspires you to make art?
a: art – contemporary, but even more the old schools (italian renaissance, the dutch school – i adore this accurate work), fairy tales, craft – i’m impressed by certain skills people have, victorian illustration. almost everything old… illustrated books, textiles, furniture (antique shops or flea markets are my obsession, especially in paris!), nature is very important to me, sometimes a conversation, beauty.

q: do you have a favorite medium to work in?
a: a pencil, a brush and paper. but, i must admit my iMac (photoshop) and me became really good friends too!

see the conplete collection, purchase these pieces and contact iris at her etsy shop.

thank you iris!

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gypsy and twink collage art: miniview

pssst. let me take you into my imagination for a moment today if you will: a dappled candy forest filled with dark chocolate trees and gumdrop leaves, a rambling dulce de leche river, cotton candy clouds and tiny meringue mushrooms that the sprites regularly whip up into a tasty risotto. if such a place existed i do believe it would be populated by the charming birds, little ladies and other creatures crafted by kirsty macintosh, aka etsy seller gypsyandtwink. equally fitting on a shelf in a child’s room or a family room, these enchanting three dimensional collage pieces, with their vivid colors and patterns, just make my imagination go cuckoo. ever curious to know more about the brains behind the operation, i asked a few quick questions…

q: where do you live and what is your inspiration for these happy creatures?
a: i am a scottish lass living in the north of england. as far as inspiration goes - its everywhere isn’t it? i just love colour and pattern and shape in and amongst all that these things seem to pop up. i want to make nice things that put a smile on your face.

q: do you have an art background?
a: yes my background is art, i have a masters of fine art, and for the last 10 years or so i have worked in art education, community art and public art. i like to help other people bring their ideas to life. now i’m having a go at making my living through the things i make…the “art” world as such scares me a bit so i guess making the things i do. i like their simplicity, they don’t need to be “understood” because they just are… does that make sense?

q: who are gypsy and twink? are they the owl and the elephant in your shop?
a: gypsy & twink were actually my two siamese cats i had when i was growing up… their names go together so well in my head.

purchase these pieces and see kirsty’s complete collection over at her etsy shop.

thank you kirsty!

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poppytalk handmade market (shopping)

jan at poppytalk is back at it with an eco-themed market this month, chock full of lovely adornments for home and body. let’s have a look at some of the highlights now:

fun hand and digital collage prints from layla renzi for her dollface design

steel linked necklace from megan auman

gocco printed notes and stationery on recycled stock from sarah parrott

vintage car bank from blue bell bazaar

recycled cotton totes from jen harris for her black sheep heap

now is the perfect to do some spring shopping, so hop on over there and choose your personal favorites!

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chris lange video game art and contest

i wouldn’t call myself a video game addict exactly (well, maybe there’s the teeny tiny exception of rock band), but i do enjoy them and associate some fond adolescent memories with them. if you do as well, you will appreciate the cool and colorful collage artwork of washington dc artist chris lange. chris is a multitalented artist who makes really cool collages of his favorite nintendo game characters. his pieces are singularly unique because he uses tiny pieces from old copies of nintendo power magazines to create them!

now you can be the proud owner of your very own original mini collage of your favorite character by entering the contest to win one over at technabob. all you need to do is leave a comment describing your favorite nintendo memory in the comments section by march 31st, 2008. the winners will be those who wrote the most enjoyable entries. the winner will receive an original piece with the character of their choosing, and five other winners will receive an 8″ x 10″ print of one of chris’ most popular pieces.

see more of chris’ portfolio on his website and see his current watercolor washy-looking works for sale at his etsy shop too.

enter the contest (which is on like donkey kong) over at technabob.

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mara snoeren illustrations: let’s chat!

i have been following the playful artwork of dutch artist mara snoeren on her blog hemelsgroen (which roughly translates into heaven’s green) for quite some time and love them all. every time i see a new colorful piece from her i am grinning from ear to ear - that is how joyful and festive her digital and mixed media creations make me, no matter what the subject. there is a freshness and simplicity in her style that just grabs me. let’s have a chat with mara and find out more!

q: where do you live, and where do you create your art?
a: i live in rotterdam, the netherlands, on a small island in the river maas. i work as a graphic designer in a small company in rotterdam. the pieces on my website i make just for fun in my spare time, though, and i make them at home using any available space.

q: what is your background, and did you study art formally?
a: yes, i studied illustration at the willem de kooning art academy in rotterdam.

q: how are your pieces made? what types of media or techniques do you use?
a: first comes the idea. i always need some sort of assignment to get me going. (this is why i studied design rather than art.) illustration friday is a wonderful initiative that gives out a new topic each week. depending on my interpretation on the subject, i choose my technique. it is usually mixed media as i find this the most natural and playful method for me. i use anything that fits the idea: modelling clay if i need something three dimensional, magazines to cut out for a collage, my camera to take photos, digital brushes or just plain pencils.

q: do you have a favorite piece that you have made? if you do, why is it your favorite?
a: i have several favourites for several different reasons, but not one in particular. some of my favourite stuff:

emergency: i like this because the idea comes out just way i had it in mind.

visitors: this one looks so cheerful!

suit: simple and strong.

q: is your work for sale?
a: ehm, no not really because i make this work just for pleasure. however, i’d be happy to take on assignments. i am always interested in nice projects!

q: what is your inspiration for these lively, positive works? do you have a message you want to send through these pieces?
a: the given topics on illustration friday ARE my inspiration! i let the word sink in and consider all the associations i have with the subject. then i filter out the idea that can be transformed to an illustration. sometimes i stick to my original concept, but it also happens that i change things along the way. i which case it’s the material or technique i work with that inspires me. i don’t have an overall message to send, but if i spread some happiness in the process, that would be perfect.

be sure to check out mara’s blog to see a terrific portfolio of her artwork. maybe one day she will open an online shop and we all will be able to enjoy her art in person everyday!

thank you mara!

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map collages by shannon rankin

wow — look at this gorgeous collage and embroidered artwork here from maine artist shannon rankin, aka etsy seller selflesh. shannon sees maps as biological networks, time lines and communication methods. she creates her original and limited edition works using this ephemera, thread, paint and more.

these pieces are stunning, precise and very reasonably priced (collection $3 - $150). i especially love the watery lower torso and legs in the body collage.

purchase these pieces and see more sampling at her etsy shop. stop by her flickr stream and blog too!

via swissmiss

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david van alphen art and gallery - let’s chat!

you may remember the collages i posted about earlier in the month from local artist david van alphen, but maybe you didn’t know that he is the owner of the dva gallery here in chicago, and founder of the new and exciting slingshot! press, two very cool and affordable places to purchase original and limited edition artwork. for me, looking at david’s artwork is like taking a non-stop flight back to my childhood. i enjoy the dynamic action in the vignettes, i like his thoughtful color combinations and the retro imagery really unlocks some goofy and sentimental memories. also, finding artists who are gallery owners too is a rare and special thing, so let’s have a chat with david and find out more!

q: where do you live, and where is your studio?
a: i live in the western suburbs of chicago, and i turned my basement into my studio.

q: what is your background, and did you study art formally?
a: i have been doodling and painting since grade school. in high school i would sell large paintings for $20, just to get some cash. i took a couple college art classes but dropped out of them both. i hated being told what and how to paint.

q: what is your inspiration, and do you have a message you want to relate through your collection? what are these pieces made of?
a: i love old 70’s ads and graphics. i’ve started creating under the name netherland just because it was such a different style and medium that people have not seen from me before. all the art is acrylic and collage on wood and i put a layer of resin on top to give it that old school worn look.

q: are there any advantages in being a gallery owner and an artist as well? are there any disadvantages?
a: there’s both. the good point is that you meet a lot of other great artists and gallery owners. you also always have a place to hang your own stuff (but i try not to). this last show was the first time in three years i’ve had a solo show for myself. any gallery owner can put his or her artwork in their own gallery but when another gallery asks you to show, it means a lot more. the bad part is that i feel like people are only complimenting my artwork BECAUSE they know i own an art gallery. that was also partially why i started creating work under the name netherland, so people would judge my art without influence on the fact that i have a gallery.

q: can you tell us a little about about slingshot! press?
a: i started slingshot! press mainly because i wanted to make art affordable for everyone. most print sites that do offer low priced prints are not signed and limited numbered editions. i think it means a lot more to have it signed by the artists. it costs me a bit more to send it to them and it takes longer but it’s worth it to the customer. also, i know a lot of talented artists that i wanted to help get their work out there.

(slingshot! print sampling: hamster wheel by paul chatem & archers by kelly vivanco)

q: do you have any advice for up and coming artists from the gallery owner’s perspective?
a: the best advice i can give is to be original. it’s great to be inspired by other artists but i like to look at stuff that is different and not a copy of someone else’s work. also when submitting to a gallery, take the time to take REALLY good photos of your work. the better the photos look, the better chance i’ll want to show them in my gallery.

you can see more of david’s work at his website here or on his flickr stream, and if you’re in chicago be sure to visit the dva gallery. purchase slingshot! press prints right here.

thank you david!

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