a cool distraction

It was nice to have a bit of a distraction last night. I made some prospective test boutonnieres; my daughter is going to homecoming, and rather than giving her date one of the many cookie cutter boutonnieres from the local market, we thought I'd try my hand at fashioning something more unusual.

Once upon a time, when I was about a year older than my daughter is now [yikes, what?], I studied floral design. It was one of the many career paths I strolled upon in hopes of figuring out what I want to be when I grow up--which by the way, I still haven't. It was a fun little stint and comes in handy now and then, although I couldn't tell you the scientific name to any flowers (I think I retained that for about a week--to get through test at the time).

Below are the samples I created for my daughter to picky and choosy from. Hard to make flowers manly, yes?

standard traditional carnation--corny/cool, can't go wrong

this one is created from vintage "silk" foliage

if you look closely, this one has guitar string embellishment

and this one is a bit girlie, but I couldn't resist a feather

(jen)

yes, we're busy, and here's why...

All photos courtesy of Nic Tucker Photo

Yes, our blog has been a bit neglected, and as everything else in life, it is evolving from how we originally intended. For the last year, I've been newly employed at an event production company, so my art has taken a back seat, and Heather has been busy with her new consulting position as party/event stylist.

Recently I was asked to throw together a surprise party for the managing director of the company I work for, and I was a bit intimidated, knowing she's pretty much the best production manager you'll ever encounter. On top of that, she--not knowing I was organizing her birthday party--had me working on a major production project. I needed help. Thankfully my partner in artistic crime, Heather, is a party stylist extraordinaire.

She basically coordinated the elements you see here, and thanks to Nic Tucker [photographer], you can see the beauty of the party--hat themed, by the way.

The birthday girl's box of mixed exotically flavored truffles, created by Suess Chocolates, and decorated by yours truly.

A box of Suess truffles as party favors for guests. One of Heather's duties as party stylist for this shindig was to go to Suess for a truffle taste test (must be rough).

Me in my hat.

The birthday girl was pleased, the party a success, and Heather saved yet another day for me.

Thank you Heather.

Love,

Jen

Earth Laughs in Flowers

'Earth Laughs in Flowers' --Ralph Waldo Emerson

Heather and I had the privilege to visit the studio of Syd--Heather's artist friend, and now mine. She holds clay sculpting classes, and we were lucky enough to have Syd and her studio all to our selves last night.

It's always magical to be trusted enough to visit the inner workings of a functioning artist studio, and Syd's in particular, is brimming with treasures at every turn. Notes, sketches, sculptures, broken bits, mis-happen sculptures, student pieces, supplies, and inspiration are just a few of the bits scattered about the space. *One of my favorite parts of her studio are her the notes to herself; many artists keep these private, but Syd displays her ink scratched thoughts all about her space.

Here are some of Syd's tools and supplies, which by the way, she has endearing terms for, like the 'pokeholio'--a sculpting device that is round on one end and pencil-like on the other. The instruments in her studio are more like friendly productive conduits, rather than tools, and my thought is, because she respects her materials and gives them unique descriptive names, they give back to her.

One of my favorite areas in her studio--lots of notes and thoughts.

An architectural functional box, and probably my favorite piece of Syd's. She's even had requests for these pieces as urns.

One of her elephants, adorned with texture created from stamps from India. Syd actually has a shelved wall dedicated to rows of textile stamps from India.

This is one of her beautiful flower sculptures; she has more of these, along with other works, currently showing at Ombu Salon in Edmonds.

This is what we were creating last night--this type of sculpture--although ours will be dipped in white glaze [and I look forward to returning in a couple of weeks to dip].

This is my flower in progress...

...and here is Heather's.

This is the beginning of the center to my flower. Notice the holes at each intersection, and the 'pokeholio' that created said holes.

Here's Heather creating the center of her flower.

And here are our pieces as we left them [they're upside down, by the way]. Eventually they'll visit Syd's kiln room; Syd has 2 kilns (lucky).
I look forward to seeing these pieces complete, and I'm so appreciative to Syd for opening her studio to us and allowing us the therapeutic time we took in creating these beauties.

(jen)

Turned the Mother Out

foxy funk disco cds created by jen for book club friends

So book club was a smashing success this past weekend. Our meetings are generally themed in food and whatever else according to the literary choice, and this time round' it was Tim's choice of Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City. Disco, costumes (good sports Mary, Jonas & Scooter [of course]), and fondue (and some fon-don't when Scooter thought the bread would turn out yummy/crispy after several minutes soaking in the broth???).

We also watched the first chapter of the mini-series, as well as danced the night away while the disco ball spun overhead.
As a special treat, I thought it fun to create cds of hand picked disco funk songs--in which I like to call foxy funk disco. It seems I was not the only book club member with the idea to bring a gift...Jason brought the chocolate bars pictured below. They feature my friend Van Gogh (and his art) and come from Amsterdam. They are a throw back to the book I chose for book club, Irving Stone's Lust for Life, which happens to be one of my top 5 books ever (so far)--and I know my friend Jason loves it too.

I'd like to give a special shout out to my friends: Keith--who does a mean sprinkler, Jodi--hoola hoopin with a bumb to it, Mary--mariposa of the disco, Jonas--a great swirly twirly leader, Tim-- the front car in our roller coaster [of love], Scooter--dj extraordinaire, Jason--with his John Travolta moves, and of course my friend Heather--dancing queen.

hand-made cd sleeves from 1970s Ice Capade program paper

the lovely chocolate bars Jason brought back for us

(jen)

3...such a nice number

So tonight we placed some art at Mode Organic Salon (on Roosevelt) in Seattle, and it went efficiently well thanks to my friends Heather and Angela. [3 is such a nice number]

Mode is a cozy organic establishment, and when I first visited to scope it out, I was inspired to create something specific for its environment.

Images that came to mind during inspiration:

delicate

muted colors

whispers

branches

paper

history

...and I think judging by these photos, my original idea came to life, which is fairly remarkable considering that doesn't happen too often [inspiration translating into something tangible without losing original integrity or evolving into something completely different]. I imagine I'm not alone in that?

Anyway, it's another one of those moments that when I step back and feel as if it came together on its own accord with me as the mere conduit.

This work will hang at Mode for about 2 months, so feel free to pop in and check it.

6317 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle

(jen)

Little house.

untitled by jen 2009

I just now finished this little commission piece. It has sentimental value to the patron (my friend) who asked me to bring it to life. It is meant to idealize, with a bit of a child's perspective. It turned out cute--now I want to live there.

(jen)

Finally here.

a bird made from brown wrapping paper, painted green with leftover paint from a mural project Heather and I did

Finally, here I am. I've wanted to blog, but life keeps me so busy, I can't do half of the things I need to do, let alone half the things I want to do. Same for Heather. In fact, I know she's done some great creative and artistic work for her daughter's school auction, but along with everything she juggles, she missed the opportunity to take photos of her projects.

*On that note, she and I are kind of notorious for that--not taking photos of our work, in fact, I think it's safe to say we both forgot to take photos of some of the work that is now featured at Naked City Brewery/Taphouse for our most recent show together, and we were told that several of our pieces have sold (which is good, but A. it means we may have no visual record of the work we failed to photograph, and B. there is less to choose from if you haven't already checked out our show).

Anyway, I did manage to capture a few photos of a project I completed for my day job. I work at a children's boutique/store called Kibbn. We are currently emphasising a "green for Spring" theme, featuring many of the green products we carry. Jonathan Lo of j3 productions created an awesome look to accompany our theme and can be seen on Kibbn's opening web page [www.kibbn.com]. All of the pieces below were created by me, with either upcycled or recycled materials from my studio. When I first heard about this project, I was so excited, because anyone who is familiar with my art will understand that incorporating old/used/vintage/recyclables is what I'm all about. Jonathan's ideas are so inspirational, and my boss Justin is cool enough to trust I'll make something nice that will keep to the integrity of Jonathan's designs--it makes for a nice environment of creativity.

a large store sign that hangs behind the cash wrap, made from recycled cardboard, the same green paint, and recycled newspaper from the hotel down the street--oh and Justin helped with the tracing, and dang, he has the hooked up projector that Heather and I can only dream of owning for our mural projects

potted flowers created from upcycled pots, brown wrapping paper, recycled floral foam, shredded paper, recycled plastic flower stems (that I knew would one day come in handy) wrapped in vintage paper, with grocery mailer leaves, and plastic bag pom pom flowers--and I keep noticing window shoppers slowing down to check these babies out

a butterfly created from the grocery store mailer

*on another design note, I have a new creation I'm excited to reveal soon. I'll give a hint...it has to do with undersmacks (which is my term for underwear). The prototype undersmacks are being tested in the lab called life currently, and as soon as I get the feedback, I'll give a shout.

(jen)

Stop me if you've seen this one.

If you are new to our blog or have happened upon us randomly, then you probably have not seen this sculpture before. If you have seen this sculpture, you're probably thinking something like, enough with the sculpture already, but I just thought I'd share this photo I took during one of our recent bouts of snowy weather to demonstrate how well this piece melts into the wintery environment. I actually intended to move it before the bad weather, but it looks so nice, I let her be.

Okay enough already with the sculpture, but really, look at the landscape--nice.

(jen)

Happy New Year!

sugar skulls by Heather 2008

Hello. Heather and I are here blogging together--just a little girl on girl action (sorry, shameless way to draw random google search visitors). Really we're here to bestow well wishes and greetings to you in the hopeful beginnings of this new year.

Heather and I were talking today about inspiration, why we create and what we have to say with our work, and have decided to briefly comment on our thoughts...

Jen's comments on art/2009:

As I pondered what art means to me, why I create and what I'm trying to say, I realized I'm not trying to say anything really. No message, just cathartic paint strokes creating aesthetically pleasing (hopefully) pictures of fluff. Sometimes there is meaning, but only meaningful to me. I guess it's really a translation of (candidly speaking) ugly thoughts and feelings into something I'm willing to look at. As for this new year: Bring it, let me see it--let's go.

Heather's comments on art/2009:

What inspires me? Usually inspiration comes from what I can produce in the 20 minutes I have while the baby is napping, or what I can create while helping with homework and eating tacos. Oh, also what paint coordinates with my sweatpants in case I get some on them (which I usually do) deep huh? I am mostly attracted to color and how it makes me feel. Like most creative endeavors, it's a release. Happy beginnings and happy endings to you in this upcoming year. Good riddance 2008!

*the above photo features some bejeweled sugar skulls that Heather recently created. I hadn't been to her house in a while, and they so fancifully caught my eye--we had to share them. Below is a preview photo of a painting I finished a couple of days ago for our upcoming show.

when life hands you lemons... by jen 2008

Petite Project & New Links

These are a latest creation, hand-painted magnets, constructed from recycled materials (metal rounds and magnetic backing). Thanks to Britanny for the rounds--see I knew they were valuable.

As for the links this week: Heather has contributed two. These are two sites she finds inspiring.

1. smart mama's blog--cool ideas and her gallery is impressive (looks Klimt inspired).

2. decor8--"fresh finds for hip places"

As for me, I'm choosing:

3. daily candy--a publication to keep you apprised of any happenings in many major cities (including Seattle). My pick is the art section.

So there you have it--this week's 3.
Look right, and click away.

(jen)

A Favorite Mural & *new links*

This is a photo of a mural Heather and I recently did for a nursery. I was the photographer that day, so I apologize for the quality of the photo (but I'm not entirely to blame, it was also a gloomy rainy Seattle day, so I was working with limited light source). This work is designed by Heather and painted by me--a circus theme--which is actually a running joke with us. Heather loves circus themes; I think the fact she keeps suggesting them to clients helps her work through her deep seeded fear of clowns (notice no clowns?). We've both painted children's furniture in the past, and Heather was fortunate enough to be able to paint her walls while growing up, so that may have something to do with most of our murals being children's themes. We do occasional "grown up" designs, but mostly gravitate toward children's projects...they are the most fun clients to gain inspiration from.

As for this week's three links that don't stink:

20/20 Vision--Burien Arts Association art show, so this one is for the Seattle locals. *please note the $40*

Pierre Riche--cool sculptor.

Mo Willems--super funny author/illustrator. I actually once went to his book signing (Knuffle Bunny Too), while my kids were in school. I think I may have been the only grown up unaccompanied by a child, but it was worth it--he's so entertaining. *check out Pigeon Presents* and play hot dog dress up & Elephant and Piggie Dance Game

(jen)

Art and Function

I created these card holders for a few reasons:

*first, I was inspired by a gas card that wouldn't play nice with the other cards in my card holder, so I had to segregate it from the others so the swipey strip would continue to work.
*second, I think it's more fun to have something unusual to hold business cards (especially as an artist).

*third, I appreciate re-purposed/handmade, and assume others do too.

*fourth, I think this is a cool way to present a gift card.

These little works of art are fashioned out of vintage paper (with clear contact overlay for protection), yarn, and velcro (basically). Anyway, here's my little latest inspired endeavor.

(jen)

Hey, I Found a Project of Heahter's to Share.

This is a project Heather created last year for the graduating class 2008 of Tops Seattle School K-8. It's inspired by Dr. Seuss's Oh The Places You Will Go (which you can vaguely see by the plaque at the base of the post). The signs point to all places deemed important by the 8th grade graduating class.

Very cool.

(jen)

Therapeutic Endeavor/ Crochet Sculpting

sliced bread friend

I recently started back to school, which means I'm unable to find as much uninterrupted time to paint. I still have the need to create, and recently have been inspired to make crochet sculpture friends (sad, that may say something about me). I have to explain: it is important to understand these are sculptures--with imperfections. If you haven't noticed, I am the type of artist who welcomes imperfections. Imperfections add to personality of art, and people for that matter. My mom showed me one simple stitch in crochet (not sure if that is the correct term used in crochet), so any creation I come up with is of my own design. I truly am not one to follow recipes.

I love food and am creating a line of food friends. I've done cupcakes in the past, so I thought I would try my hands at something less predictable--like sliced bread and a green olive.

green olive friend

I also created this little chick (chicky babe, as my driving teacher used to call us girls...you have to love the not-so-politically correct late 80's). Chicky babe comes with a peek-a-boo shell to hide in when necessary.

chicky babe

chicky babe in her shell

And I know owls are trendy, but I had to create one; I saw two owls in one week, which served me as a sign and inspired me to create a whole line of animals inspired by creatures I see around my house. I'm currently working on a bat (which I had to shoo out of my house last year), and mouse (which I had to shoo out of my house last week), and plan to do a bunny, a raccoon, and some birds. Some of the creatures I've encountered around my property and house, have somewhat bothered me (don't get me started on insects), so part of creating these sculptures is to embrace these experiences.

Art as therapy once again.

(n) menagerie (a collection of live animals for study or display)

(jen)