snapshot sunday

share this story

robert berguson illustrations

when i look at these scribbly color pencil graphic illustrations from louisiana artist robert berguson, i am taken away to an odd place where alien life forms are solving complex math problems. either that, or they are sending me a calligraphic invitation to some fabulous martian party. my eyes want to follow the lines to conclude something from all the loose perfection, to complete an equation or rsvp, but nothing computes. either way, it’s more than fine by me.

see more at the cole pratt gallery.

share this story

marc hatfield impasto oil paintings

strolling through the narrow streets of the french quarter this last weekend, i happened across these magnificent paintings of arkansas artist marc hatfield. marc, who describes his style as representational expressionism, uses oil and a palette knife to create these thickly layered impasto works. his carefully selected scenes and subjects, things we pass everyday, are filled with rich, exaggerated action that leaps off the canvas as you look.

the style and technique that he uses has also been adopted by more than one artist selling their collections in the quarter, but i think marc does it best.

see more on marc’s website and if you are fortunate enough to find yourself in the crescent city, view them in person at the sterling gallery. i can assure you they are even more gorgeous in person (especially that piece in the top photo, which is an impressive 48″ x 48″ and truly, truly splendid)!

share this story

the kindness of strangers documentary

i am so excited for the release of the kindness of strangers: katrina connections! it’s currently in post-production with resurgent entertainment, and is expected to be released soon. it’s a wonderful, inspiring documentary about post-hurricane volunteerism, and was made by my very best friend from college (and just in case you have not heard me squawking about it in previous posts, we are proud alumnae of tulane university in new orleans!).

please click on the link to see a brief glimpse into the world of the people of the gulf coast, and the contagious feeling of hope that evolves when one person after another after another helps to rebuild after the storm. even if you personally cannot go down there to help, to watch the human spirit rebound is so satisfying! after you’ve watched it, help by passing this link on — every little bit helps to promote a terrific film and cause.

ella i am so proud of you! xo

share this story

crescent city toile

anyone who has ever visited the charming, creaky, iconoclastic city of new orleans never leaves without a vivid memory of the place, and truly knows what it means to miss it. actor, entrepreneur (and fellow tulane alum!) bryan batt has designed a lovely toile fabric featuring iconic vieux carre and garden district images instead of the traditional french imagery. it’s a cotton linen blend and comes in 5 colorways, and is produced on items like memo boards, pillows and trays, if you don’t have a chair in need of reupholstery.

i can see the oaks and smell the beignets from here when i look at this.

find the fabric and other treasures in person or online at hazelnut, his charming shop in uptown.

share this story