The Artist Toolbox

Just found out that Isabel and Reuben Toledo will be on PBS's The Artist Toolbox on February 3. Shows begin tonight - a 13 part series on artists!

Exhibits that are calling my name...

EXHIBITS:
Doug + Mike Starn on the Roof (of the Metropolitan Museum of Art)
I keep running in Central Park and seeing the bamboo structure a top the roof. I have until October 31st!

Sukkot starts next Wednesday night (my favorite holiday) and I can't wait to check out Sukkah City in Union Square. Sept 19-20 will be the finalists and the winner will stand proud during the holiday.

The MOMA has Matissee: Radical Invention until October 11th.

SPEAKERS:
Frank Gehry at the 92nd St Y
Tim Gunn at the 92nd St Y

Designer Spotlight: Jamie Elaine Quilts

I recently attended the wedding of my friend Jamie & Matt. I was blown away by their chuppah. They were married under a beautiful quilt that Jamie made. I'm sure the ceremony was much more meaningful to both of them, because of this added element. I knew Jamie had been working on it, but I was amazed at the end result. I always said I didn't want to be married under an arts & craft project, but this 'my friends' is some impressive work! She does custom orders, check out her facebook and etsy page for some more beautiful images, and one day I hope to be commissioning her for a Jamie original!

Leonardo da Vinci’s Workshop

This week I went to see “Leonardo da Vinci’s Workshop” exhibit at the Discovery Times Square Exposition. Here's a NYTimes Review of it. Was neat to see a lot of da Vinci's inventions and some computer-screen simulations that explained his inventions and a lot of the process. I only really knew about his artistic paintings, so this was a nice addition to my art history knowledge.

A lasting quote on your way out is this one. It is touching, as his work did become famous & his thinking was ahead of his time.

"I have offended God and mankind because my work didn't reach the quality it should have." - Leonardo da Vinci

Desideri Design

I've been meaning to blog about my favorite jewelry designer, Claudia Desideri, for awhile now. Whenever I wear one of her creations the compliments are endless. You can find her personal website here. I especially like chatting with her when she is in the store at Edge NYC where you can try on and purchase pieces. And yes, these creations below are only a sampling of the jewelry I own of hers!

Artist: Florence Deygas

Introduced to artist florence deygas over at notcot.

Objectified the Film

If you liked Helvetica (as I definitely did-see here) you are sure to like this new film Objectified by Gary Hustwit. Looking forward to seeing it when it comes to New York City.

Feel Good Friday

I recently found out about the site Wall Blank. They have new limited edition art everyday, which is available for one week or until it is sold out. On Friday all proceeds go to a non-profit. Talk about affordable art! I know some of your readers out there are talented artists. Wall Art is willing to take a look at pretty much any kind of art that can be hung on a wall.Empty Park by Joel Childs

Handmade Nation: Screening at MAD

Last night I went to the screening of Handmade Nation over at (MAD) Museum of Art & Design. It was great. The film really made me think about the products I buy, if they are handmade, and how can I support more artists. I myself sell wares & love making gifts for friends, but I don't support local artists enough. I hope to buy more this year. My favorite places to shop from designers in NYC is TheMarketNYC and EdgeNY.

Afterwards the panel discussed the film, and some obstacles/challenges that artists/designers/crafters face in their work. I related to a bunch of their thoughts- one being from Mandy Greer, who spoke about how a project weaves its way into your life. How she carries her project bag with her to the park, and stitches while her children play. Subsequently introducing knitting to many small children, whom she teaches next to her on the park bench, if they are so inclined. Projects start to represent time periods in your life.

I have been carrying around a project bag of sorts around with me since last summer. I'm currently working on a a stitched piece for a friend's wedding and I try to get in a few rows ever opportunity I can. (long train rides, jersey shore vacation, watching the olympics, watching the 2008 Presidential Campaign, SEE this project already has memories for me!)

Another discussion came about how art education in schools is dwindling and being cut from budgets. ::GASP:: as I can't even imagine my childhood without art class. A coworker brought her daughter into work yesterday and she's in 7th grade. I started to muse about the best part of 7th & 8th grade being Home Economics and learning how to sew. (All I wanted for 8th grade graduation was a sewing machine) My SINGER is still going strong! These kids don't have art class anymore!

Definitely see this film when it stops by your city! More screenings being shown in NYC this weekend on Saturday & Sunday. Also MAD is pay what you wish on Thursday nights 6-9pm! Hello' I'm going back to explore the museum soon.

Waltz with Bashir: Behind the scenes

Yesterday I went to see Waltz with Bashir and by nightfall it had won a Golden Globe! I'm captivated reading this article which gives more insight how the animated feature was made. It took four years to make! As a designer this quote resignates with me and I'm sure last night the few animators who worked on this were celebrating their win.

"Working with such a small crew had its creative advantages, says Folman. Unlike a big production, where dozens of people are involved in creating every frame, this film’s animators can claim ownership of entire sequences. “I love this very hands-on style,” he says. “Animators could go to the premiere of the film and tell their spouses, 'I did that alone.' That’s incredible. Animators are strong in one area and weak in another, so we tried to use their preferred talents in the right scenes to take advantage of everything they could give us.”

Sample Sale: Textile & Designers Galore

Not only is Hable Construction having a sample sale but this event has so many amazing designers selling their wares. Thought I'd share the arrival in my inbox with all of you.{click on image to enlarge & read}

Museum Musings...I wish I was

in Chicago:
Alexander Calder in Focus
July 28, 2007 - March 1, 2009

in San Francisco:
Yves Saint Laurent
November 1, 2008 — April 5, 2009

in Boston:
Rachel Whiteread
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - Sunday, January 25, 2009

in Cleveland:
Artistic Luxury: Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique.
October 19, 2008 - January 18, 2009

in London:
Fashion V Sport
August 5, 2008 - Jan 4, 2009

Any inspiring exhibits coming to your city?

Tony Bennett the Artist

Tony Bennett drew these!
The Tony Bennett Limited Edition Gift Card features his original artwork of our iconic 59th Street store plus an audio track of Jingle Bells (that he recorded exclusively for Bloomingdales)
I just learned he is also an artist.

Lubin House: Michelangelo Original Drawings

Everytime I see a Syracuse Advertisement in New York City I have to smile. I love the advertising campaign of my alma mater atop cabs and in subway stops.

Syracuse University has a brownstone called Lubin House in New York City that has events and exhibits. Right now Michelangelo: The Man and the Myth: Original drawings by Michelangelo will be on display in the Louise and Bernard Palitz Gallery from November 4 through January 4. The exhibition will include 14 original drawings and writings by the Renaissance master. Timed tickets are on sale through TicketWeb.

Summer Stamps

Looking forward to purchasing the Flags of our Nation Stamps in a few days!

The USPS will salute the flags of every state, all five territories, and the District of Columbia with the first 10 of the 60 Flags of Our Nation stamps. Starting in July, the USPS will debut the flags of Alabama through Delaware, including the Stars and Stripes. Ten more flag designs will follow, showcasing the District of Columbia through Kansas. The flag issues continue into 2009 and 2010 for a total of sixty stamp designs. Four out of the six coils of 10 will also include a Stars and Stripes definitive stamp. Each group will be arranged alphabetically in strips of 10 and sold as coils of 100 stamps.

The flag art was created by Tom Engeman of Bethany Beach, DE, under the guidance of art director Howard Paine of Delaplane, VA. Each stamp design also includes artwork that provides a snapshot view of the area represented by its flag. In most cases, an everyday scene or activity is shown, but occasionally the view is of something less commonplace — rare wildlife, perhaps, or a stunning vista.
{image from usps.com}

Don't forget about Charles and Ray in July! I'll be stocking up like nobody's business.

Nordstrom's May 2008 Catalog

Nothing better than to get a catalog in the mail with Ruben Toledo illustrations on the cover! Nordstrom's blog also has some nice Toledo touches. I like the February Nordstrom ads better. When I heard Ruden & Isabel (his wife) speak last year he noted Nordstrom's is one of his favorite clients to work for.

Check out Ruben's sketchbook for MOLESKINE, which was part of a special exhibition of illustrators & designers showing how they use the fabulous books. (I use one also--I mean who doesn't?)

Seymour Chwast for Passover

Graphic Artist/Illustrator Seymour Chwast (husband to Paula Scher) has not one, but two illustrated Passover books. Pick up The Miracles of Passover and Had Gadya: A Passover Song. Both of these books add a graphic touch to my Passover holiday. If you didn't catch this article back in 2006 about their beautiful home, read it here.{images taken from amazon.com}{images taken from bn.com}

Jessica Hische: Designer/Illustrator

Inspiration for my day.
In the March/April Communication Arts Magazine I came across Jessica Hische. I enjoy the way she approaches editorial design challenges. Her ideas are very well thought out.{images from Jessica's website}

Illustration/Art Direction: Chris Rubino

I came across Chris Rubino's Illustrations in the Bloomingdale's, Insider magazine this month. Once I googled him I was wowed by his breath of work. He's an Illustrator, Designer and Art Director. I enjoyed seeing how he 'showcases' his talented portfolio on his website. He was also recently voted an ADC Young Gun, some more projects shown here. {images from art-dept.com, Chris Rubino, NY Times Thursday Styles Ad Campaign}

Jonathan Adler at Barnes & Noble

I noticed Jonathan Adler has some nice Home & Office items exclusively for Barnes & Noble this weekend. What a cheap & chic way to spice up your desk or cubicle. Here's hoping this relationship lasts longer than the Hold Everything partnership! I'd scoop them up as fast as you can - I read the umbrellas were already sold out!