asymmetrical press

Love letter to the Yankees.

2011-12-16T18:35:00.005-06:00

love this shot. didn't think it was appropriate for my wedding clientele.

So the story goes, my friend from high school is a fantastic welder and restores old cars. He and his partner are phenomenal. He was telling me a story about how he doesn't care for "Yankees" with good reason, a Yankee sent him a severely bowed piece of glass that you literally could not see out of. Anyway, this is his love letter to that Yankee.

Find out more the Knuckleheads here.

Bonnie, oh Bonnie.

2011-12-06T23:47:00.003-06:00

Beauty envy. Faye Dunaway was gorgeous. I love the feel old movies, all the actors were so classically good looking.

oh, romance!

2011-12-04T20:42:00.003-06:00

I literally just heard the original version of this song for the first time and it transported me back to 1959 on a night like tonight. Rainy and cold, good for only one thing. Close dancing, in the living room next to the one dearest to me. Try it, I dare you.

Dear Life,

2011-06-21T02:22:00.005-05:00

I really need to figure out what I'm going to do with you.

For starters:
+own a gallery/studio/workshop space in which I can reside.
+make art and design:: this includes becoming a master at painting, ceramics, jewelry and if I have time...furniture making.
+learn to play the piano; the lessons from second grade aren't cutting it.
+learn beautiful dance moves (also, gain rhythm.)
+learn to reupholster furniture.
this will be moving to the top of the list due to a great free sofa find today.
+more adventure. ziplines, camping with bears, daytrips...etc.
(note: "with bears" is just for dramatic effect)
+always help friends. + showering them with love.
+plan more flea market/garage and estate sale shopping trips
+give back to my community
+train and run a marathon. I say I want this...but it will take some doing.

ok. I'm not going to get too out of hand with this. This will probably take the rest of my life to complete.

ps. look at the bottom right picture of Sadie. A few weeks ago, a lady asked me if she was pregnant. {no, just chunky.}

pretty pretty

2011-06-21T01:51:00.004-05:00

maybe I will revisit these when all my work is done and I can reward myself. Does anyone else do this? Give yourself incentive/ treat yourself like a child? =)
found here.

Daniel Kornrumpf

2011-06-21T01:07:00.004-05:00

Aren't these incredible? At first glance they look like paintings, which would be impressive. But learning the medium ups the wow factor. :: Embroidery
Found here. (as usual)
Daniel Kornrumpf link here.

young jerk

2011-03-02T04:09:00.002-06:00

designer.

Off my rocker...

2011-01-18T18:49:00.001-06:00

for this thing!

Great design! This Mecedora rocking chair is custom made and can be found here.

Vivian Maier

2011-01-08T16:10:00.001-06:00

My friend Vicky sent this my way. Blows my mind and fills me with inspiration. Grace, you're going to love this lady!

http://vivianmaier.blogspot.com/

mirror filter

2011-01-06T17:33:00.001-06:00

It's crazy how a simple mirror filter can transform a video into something else.
Originally uploaded by cshimala

How neat. I could feel my excitement while watching this video.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T16:21:00.003-06:00

Hope you have a lovely Christmas with your family and friends.

This picture melts my heart. Both actually. I am unsure of where I found these. Please forgive me.

Dance yourself clean.

2010-11-17T11:49:00.002-06:00

Do you ever find yourself wanting to turn up the music, raise your head to the sky, spread your arms out wide and dance?

me too.

Beauty

2010-11-17T01:40:00.003-06:00

I am obsessed with these photographs of Amanda Shires.
Not bragging, just proud of what a fabulous model she is.
You can see more here.
Oh yeah, she's also about play her fiddle on the big picture screen. Check it out!

xo

2010-11-14T23:18:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure where I found this on the internet, but everytime I see this photograph...it makes my heart melt.

This is where we lived in Boston!

2010-10-18T17:43:00.003-05:00

Brownstone!

silly little kitchen.

this was my bed.

this is the opposite view of my room. We moved another bed in there. Stephanie and I shared this room...it was fun!
I keep looking through all my Boston pictures from last year and it make me anxious to get back. Especially to see my dear friend Lee!

Isn't this beautiful?

2010-09-23T13:09:00.003-05:00

dreaming of a inspirational photographer. Much like these.

Claim to fame.

2010-09-16T00:00:00.002-05:00

This was some time ago...at least 4 years ago, but still valid.
Mike Aho.
Mel Kadel.
Travis Millard.
Tony from Real Live Tigers.
Derek.
Juli. (represent.)

Ha!

2010-08-24T19:44:00.001-05:00

At last...

2010-08-23T13:49:00.004-05:00

Yes, just as Etta James said it best...at last. At last, I took action to exploring an avenue I've been pondering for the past 5 years. Graphic design classes. Woot. Woot.

Ideally, I'd love to go back full time to achieve the knowledge/training/confidence I'm hoping to achieve quickly but baby steps come to mind. So for now, I've enrolled in just two courses. Enthusiasm did kick in when I left my first class this morning thinking, "I wonder if anyone will drop in order to enroll in more classes." Slow down, Sally. For those of you that don't know. (Which I don't assume is very many.) Time management is not my strongest suit. And this is also something I hope to gain through heading back to school. I also feel thankful to be able to really devote myself into the projects assigned. And this is optimism speaking...we'll see how it pans out.
Here is an interesting post about developing your b&w film in coffee. Wha Wha What!? My friend Logan tipped me off to this a long while back.

Inspirational image found in a book at the library today.

Rachel

2010-08-18T02:52:00.003-05:00

meet Rachel.
She. is. adorable. I would not trade her for the world.

Will Johnson

2010-08-07T17:16:00.010-05:00

I know what you're thinking. "Will Johnson? Isn't he that talented musician who's writing and sweet sweet melodies bring me to my knees everytime?" Why yes, you are correct. He is the one in reference, Will Johnson of Centro-matic, South San Gabriel, and Monsters of Folk. This man soars above the rest.
And just when you thought his talents, infinitely abound had reached their pinnacle, he throws us a curve ball...with a paint brush. These paintings are to create awareness of the African American Baseball players.

Matt Pence (photographer) and Will Johnson are having an art show at Good Records in Dallas on Sunday, August 16th 2009. 7-9pm. And it's FREE! So cool.

Also, if you're in Austin and you're reading this today, August 12th. It's your lucky day, because Will Johnson is playing at the Ghost Room tonight at 11pm. $8. Worth 10 times that much, not to mention the priceless feeling of everlasting peace you'll gain. =)

His genius can also be extended to the kitchen. A contributer to Kara Zuaro's I like food, Food tastes good: In the kitchen with your favorite bands cookbook.

Like I said...Infinitely abound.

also this.

Fstoppers IPhone shoot.

2010-07-05T22:06:00.001-05:00

The Haiti Poster Project

2010-06-30T15:03:00.006-05:00

by Drew Palmer

A project where Artist and Designers have created posters to benefit the Haiti earthquake victims. They're still accepting submissions through August 1st but will continue to be accepted after... plus, Haiti still needs help despite the faded media buzz, whether it's creating a piece or purchase a poster, please consider this project. There are a ton of fantastic designs to meet all your eye candy needs...well done participants.

Animation turned human.

2010-05-07T04:37:00.001-05:00

here.

Jennifer

2010-05-04T19:22:00.005-05:00

"Jenny is so pretty."

Beautiful Jessie.

2010-05-04T13:10:00.000-05:00

Super Natural Cooking

2010-02-15T15:34:00.007-06:00

Recently, I've become obsessed with this cookbook by Heidi Swanson. And not so recently obsessed with her blog/web cookbook! She's a genius. First recipe I tackled from the book=Spring Minestrone, featured on the cover. and I'm drunk with love...
I like: because she gives background nutritional facts to her ingredients and her recipes are truly healthy and delicious, most are vegetarian or vegan. The good ol' library lent me this and I'm distraught since our time together is coming to an end. I have a feeling this one's going in the permanent collection.

impressionable.

2010-02-11T19:14:00.008-06:00

So oddly enough, I was checking up on the good ol' Texas Tech alumni and came across a very impressionable girl, I knew from around school. Here's how Mary Beth Koeth made her impact. This very bubbly and extremely helpful girl graduated and landed a job with Hallmark in Kansas City and is now working in the UK. All this to say, my boss received a very funny Christmas Card from her come the following winter {post graduation}. There in front of us was a family portrait of this beautiful twenty something girl with 2 or 3 children along side a balding older gentleman that clearly screamed...MISMATCH! Anyway, I was tickled at the fact that she'd sent out an utterly false impression of herself that obviously couldn't be true just to satisfy self amusement. I tell you this story because I found her blog which is just as hilarious as the card she'd sent, and I want you to enjoy it too. I mean, we all like to laugh...right? And yes, it may be a bit of a *friend crush*.

here's a good Valentine's quote/post to end on from MB:
"...be sure to not except any 'hot' dates from questionable men who go by the name of Chester.
Have a lovely weekend everybody!"

source:American Crumpet blog.

Valentines.

2010-02-10T14:49:00.002-06:00

My favorite holiday!

You can purchase it here.

yes indeed.

2010-02-03T14:11:00.002-06:00

found on a friend's fabulous blog.

what he said.

2010-01-20T11:19:00.001-06:00

check out this article.

image via ffffound.com

Logan Caldbeck

2009-11-12T02:22:00.005-06:00

This Canadian, Texas taxidermy documenting, sweetheart makes it look effortless. This emerging artist/photographer has no where to go but the top.

theme song

2009-11-07T22:20:00.003-06:00

These two are adorable. By name: Pamplamoose music.

jk about the title, but i am a wedding photographer....so maybe not.

The xx

2009-10-05T11:14:00.003-05:00

Islands - The xx
New found obsession. amazingly smooth. some might say..better than a night cap.

Insert Boston here.

2009-10-02T18:50:00.007-05:00

I am cold, sick and missing friends and the homeland. This is why the video is appropriate. Also, it's a wonderful song.
.counteracting the negativity.
I love the photograph above. Found here. Today, I walked past a mother holding her daughter while staring into a local pizza shop. Just as I passed, the man behind the glass tossed his dough up high in the air and the mother gasp out loud as to prompt her daughter to share in the excitement. Magical. Was the highlight of my day. I only wish I could have seen the little girl's expression. Even in lonely days, there is beauty all around us.

For any occasion...

2009-09-24T01:35:00.001-05:00

image from Wes Havey's facebook.

Randomly found and fun.

2009-09-13T22:39:00.004-05:00

My good friend, Amanda Shires made not only the charts but this video that is adorable. She's a hard working, amazingly talented (not to mention beautiful), fiddle-playin', song writin', toe stompin', snake charmin', merch makin', charmer that will leave you begging for more of those sweet melodies. Please check her and her excellent folk writin', heart soothing voice and partner in crime, Rod Picott out. The two were rated #7 in Euro Americana charts, and for good reason. Their voices joined with the acoustic sounds of the guitar, fiddle and ukulele go together like peas and carrots. (alright, I'm sorry I said that last one.) But seriously, just phenomenal. I can assure you, these two won't stop there. They've got too much going for them.

2009-09-03T10:39:00.000-05:00

here.

It's a BOY!!!

2009-08-11T23:16:00.003-05:00

My dear friend Gracie is pregnant and just found out it's a boy....holy cow I'm excited!!! "Let the shopping begin!!" (quote from mama!!)

photo by Tonya Joy.

*emera camera. bag.

2009-07-24T11:40:00.003-05:00

grace, we need this.

this one too.

2009-07-24T11:13:00.001-05:00

Furr by Blitzen Trapper from Jade Harris on Vimeo.

I'm going to make a music video. I'll bring the art supplies, you bring the original music.

smile. your mind will follow.

2009-07-24T11:07:00.000-05:00

Sin Fang Bous - Clangour and Flutes from Toolshed Media on Vimeo.

ray and emily

2009-07-23T06:22:00.000-05:00

I will post wedding pictures of this lovely couple soon.

homemade citronella candles

2009-07-22T22:10:00.002-05:00

What an excellent and helpful project, says the girl with 19 mosquito bites on her left leg alone. (and so pretty!)
picture and recipe via design sponge.

Jeff & Mi-Sook

2009-07-16T01:23:00.003-05:00

Paige and Robert!

2009-07-14T15:27:00.008-05:00

These awesome invitations were made by Meredith Watson with Boo-Cat Designs. (She also happens to be the bride's sister! And my best friend! Double Bonus!)

Bubble wonderment.

2009-07-09T10:40:00.002-05:00

I feel like a kid just looking at them. Magic.
Photos by Richard Heeks. Found via a cup of jo.

if the hot weather...

2009-06-26T13:29:00.001-05:00

hasn't warmed your heart just yet, this video will.

a girl can dream, right?

2009-06-26T11:22:00.003-05:00

I just wish it could be in this house.
Can't keep from marveling over the distressed and beautifully colored wood work.

Found here.

Stolen Mustache

2009-06-18T10:05:00.003-05:00

I may or may not be obsessed with mustaches. It all started with the project back in college, last year I reused the photos to compile this video.
More to come on this topic, I'm sure.

Mt Inadale 7" Release is finally here!

2009-06-04T13:15:00.009-05:00

A year in the making! Mt Inadale Records will release it's first split 7" vinyl featuring Thrift Store Cowboys and One wolf!
Derek Pierce, a lifetime music enthusiast, is the master mind behind this release and Mt Inadale Records itself! Pierce worked for Texas Tech's college radio station, KTXT as not only a DJ with his very own specialty show, but the Promotion Director where he booked local shows and single handed turned the music scene in Lubbock, Texas right around and made it something to talk about. Don't get me wrong, the history was there...but I watched this young gentleman contact and develop relationships with several different artist from across the board, putting Lubbock's name on the map for future bands touring through Texas. Here's another testimony from Al James of Dolorean to further prove my point. Keyword, wunderkid under the Lubbock/Dan's backroom paragraph. Very cool.

All that to say, if you are in Austin, Denton or Lubbock, Texas over the next three days...and you enjoy toe tappin', heart-pounding, hell-of-a-good-time music, come on out and make history with us by celebrating Mt Inadale's very first record release!!!

6/4/09-Austin, TX Thrift Store Cowboys with Cory Branan, Lambert's 10pm
6/5/09-Denton, TX Thrift Store Cowboys with Rodney Parker, The Boiler Room, 9pm
6/6/09-Lubbock, TX Thrift Store Cowboys, Jake's Backroom, 9pm

PS. I designed and screen printed the album art!!
PPS. Feel free to contact me for more information on how to purchase one or several records. They're very affordable considering they're collector's items!

Cheers to Love.

2009-06-03T23:51:00.004-05:00

As we all know, I'm a sucker for love. Hence my career. Which is why I adore this video by Rocky Votolato featuring his lovely wife who I have girl-crush on. I hope you enjoy this video as much as I do.

Second on a related note,
I'm twiddling my thumbs, anxiously awaiting this Saturday. Two of my beautiful and good friend's are uniting in holy matrimony. I know this is something that happens, on a regular basis...but I'm especially excited because I may have had a hand in introducing them. In fact, I bare witness to the first time Blake sent over his first of many quarky love notes to Leilani, which read from a napkin, "You and me are mint to be." (Fully equipt with a mint on top, adorable.)
Hope you enjoy the music and congrats to Leilani and Blake!

Where the wild things are

2009-05-21T12:10:00.000-05:00

How incredibly exciting. Surely you remember Where the wild things are, one of the most famous children's books, written by Maurice Sendak and first published in 1963. For any who need a refresher, the story tells of the magical world the boy returns to after being punished and sent to bed without dinner. I'm impressed with how closely the characters look to the illustrations. But, curious to see how Spike Jonze depicts Max's make-believe forest where his "ferocious wild creatures crown him as their ruler".
I'm positive I'll walk away in wonderment.
images via ffffound.com

Mel Kadel

2009-05-20T11:14:00.005-05:00

surrounded by angels

sending a little love

just below the sun
it's personal

getting the love knocked out
dipsy gypsy

"Mel Kadel used to skip school in Pennsylvania where she grew up. She went to art school in Philly, moved around some and then ended up in a log cabin with her partner Travis Millard in the hills of Ecko Park in LA and is now represented the Richard Heller Gallery."
(an interview on fecal face about this creative mind. check it.)
I've been following this lady closely for a good 3+ years now. I accidentally met her and Travis Millard here in Austin at Okay Mountain, sometime ago. It was no big deal, so I guess I'm technically bragging right about now. But in my defense, I told one of my good friend's about her last year and she liked her so much she went and did this...

she has that kind of affect on people.

On a side note, I first learned of her through Mike Aho. Another amazing artist/musician who I will post on eventually when I can find all the compliments in the world to write about one person. oh. was that creepy? woops.

let's sketch.

2009-05-20T11:11:00.003-05:00

sketch book by seraph. neat.
found at perfectbound.

I Wheelie like you.

2009-05-17T16:41:00.003-05:00

You know I can't resist those buns, I mean...puns.
by chewingthecud on etsy.

something's hiding in here.

2009-05-15T21:03:00.000-05:00

new found heros.

+

2009-05-14T11:56:00.000-05:00

let the source be known.

Paper Heart

2009-05-13T14:02:00.004-05:00

this looks so cute. especially, when she asks that kid what the perfect date is. Comes out, August 14, 2009.
paper heart is not to be confused with the paper hearts. please check them out as well. like love, they will also make you weak in the knees.

Diane Arbus

2009-05-09T10:00:00.002-05:00

I recently watched the film "Fur: Diane Arbus" and fell in love with it. The film is based on the female photographer's life but explores her deepest most inner thoughts, it uses beautiful imagery and color and simply blew me away.

And now...more about the artist:

"Diane (pronounced Dee-Ann ) was a privileged child, raised with her two siblings in large apartments on Central Park West and Park Avenue. She later told Studs Terkel, for his Hard Times: An Oral History of the Depression , "I grew up feeling immune and exempt from circumstance. One of the things I suffered from was that I never felt adversity. I was confirmed in a sense of unreality."

The wealth was complicated, as it often is, by distant parents: her father was kept away by work and her mother by depression. She was loved more than she was known. In her New Yorker review of two new Arbus exhibits -- Family Albums , at the Mount Holyoke College Museum of Art, and Revealed , at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art -- Judith Thurman writes of Arbus, "Her heritage was, in fact, that of most artistic children of privilege, who feel that their true selves are invisible, while resenting the dutiful, false selves for which they are loved: a dilemma that inspires the quest, in whatever medium, for a reflection."

She was luminous, with large green eyes, a delicate, exotic face and a slim body. And she was, writes Thurman, "nubile" (almost every published photo of her has a sexual charge to it). All kinds of people were captivated by her, and she was captivated by all kinds of people."

Hope you enjoy, I found her to be quite interesting.

images found via diane arbus google search.

shocking.

2009-04-29T01:09:00.003-05:00

how knitted-ly neat. also, knit knit has a cable knit postcard. I love the idea of a mail man delivering alternative materials. Which reminds me of a time when a good friend sent me a sweet little clear pitcher with a lovely hand painted drawing and address upon it, no packaging. It arrived just the way it sits in my fridge. Also, mail art is fun. If you're interested in a swap let me know.
ps. i hope you enjoyed my title pun.

Jens Lekman

2009-04-19T15:05:00.005-05:00

Also, please listen to this if you have the chance, 'Postcard to Nina' is in there and I love that story version, although the above clip is pretty good too. ps. I may or may not have a school girl crush on this man. Seriously, he's adorable.

image found here.

roses are rustic?

2009-04-18T23:48:00.003-05:00

these are flipping brilliant. i want them, no. i need them.
by allen company inc.

April is...

2009-04-17T23:55:00.005-05:00

national poetry month. (also, beautiful and employs mother nature awareness {earth day}, so all in all a good month.)
i found this free verse project that engulfs both poetry and photography. beautiful//perfect.
project found here.
images via free verse pool::flickr.

yes.

2009-04-06T13:44:00.001-05:00

Thank you hope.

image via ffffound.com

The Canvas Project

2009-03-07T01:42:00.003-06:00

"The goal of the exhibition is to create a visual encyclopedia using mini canvases and artists from all over the world. At least one of your canvases will be published in an Art House book and one will be on display at the worlds busiest Airport, The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport."

The entry fee is $18 and they send you five 3"x 3" canvas'and then pick one to display in the airport. GENIOUS...on their part. They're getting people to pay them for art! It's true, but I also think it's worth it. Plus, they'll publish a book with your work in addition to the exhibition. I've always wanted to leave my mark in the world, this just might be it. ps. join me!

more info here.

Cheers.

2009-03-04T02:15:00.004-06:00

To my good good friend Cyndi!

On her 25th birthday. March 3, 2009 Happy Birthday!

image from graphic exchange by Jordan Michael Gray. please check him out as well, he's fantastic!

beauty's all around

2009-03-02T11:49:00.004-06:00

"you pull away from me, for a split second, sometime in mid-december. just to smile because that's really the only reason to break a twelve month kiss."
-Danielle Garcia

i believe i ffffound these here.

rain

2009-02-27T01:53:00.001-06:00

rain
Originally uploaded by borealnz

I remember you as rain-
that we split like droplets against the pavement
{with lips parted, teeth bared}
!THUNDER!
-in your throat, against my skin
manifesting within cloaked eyes
and gentle still, that pulsation
of words held deep and squeezing corners of eyes
{where tears might from}
MIGHT FLY.

-Liz Dean

photo by borealnz on flickr.

brianna m. burnett

2009-02-23T01:28:00.006-06:00

As chance would have it.. at the euphoric Maggie Taylor/Jerry Uelsmann lecture, I ran into a former grad student attending Tech at the same time I frantically completed my own undergraduate studies. I was delighted to see her.
I present to you... Brianna Burnett.
In the few encounters I've had with Brianna, she's been both benevolent and insightful.
Once, directly directed to her small studio space, inspiration was not all she left me with. Brianna shared with me a community project she conducted to create awareness about wind energy. Burnett engaged elementary students by having them help her make (something like) 10,000 windmills/pinwheels exhibited at the American Wind Power Center and Museum in Lubbock, Texas. I regrettably, missed this conceptually and communally rich wonderment of a spectacle.
So in our brief happenstance, she handed me her card. I quietly stuck it in my back pocket and when I anxiously retrieved it for the information, the glorious image below preceded me.
...stunning.
I couldn't wait to look through the rest of her work. and neither should you.

This reminds me of the work of Robert and Shana Parkeharrison, another favorite duo of mine. Which explains my instant affection for this tintype. Infact, I'm going to frame her card and pretend like I own this photographic masterpiece.
...perhaps I'll persuade her to sign it. {kidding}
lovely.

Photography by Brianna M. Burnett.

Stay Sharp.

2009-02-20T01:05:00.002-06:00

Poster Design by Olly Moss via flickerdesign.

Yessss!

2009-02-19T11:56:00.003-06:00

Annie Ray is a fun photographer who sets up a photo booth for any kind of event. Luckily for us, we were at the right place and right time...and each provided with a mustache.
Check her out!

ps. I love love love these girls who are both in my life thanks to (D's and) my good friend Richard!

Oh and...

2009-02-18T12:29:00.001-06:00

I hope all of you had a wonderful Valentine's Day.

ps. I love love.

image via fecal face.

Red Rose Tea and Honey

2009-02-18T12:02:00.001-06:00

Behold, an artist book of mine made to portray the progression of an obsession. (That statement would be a lot cooler if it didn't rhyme.)
It's a two part book, made from alternative or non-traditional materials thus conveying more information or insight, unique to the content and experience of the book. Each material was chosen carefully and specifically.
The words in the book, made of tea bags, displayed on the right read, "unwanted obsession". The sandpaper book, covered in a cloth tea bag contains a poem within. If you'd like to read it, please email or leave a comment and I'll send it to you.

David Goldman's quest for his son.

2009-02-12T12:54:00.005-06:00

Last month, Derek and I watched this news special on David Goldman and his tragic story of how he lost his son. This guy LOVES his son like nobodies business.
Basically, he met and married his Brazilian wife and had a fairy tale marriage and a little "prince charming." When one day, his wife Bruna left for Brazil and called to tell David she was leaving him and that he needed to come and sign over custody of his beloved son. He spoke with attorneys that advised him not to set foot over there because Brazilian courts would favor the native mother. So here we are, four years later. David Goldman still hadn't seen his son and had only spoke with him a few times over the phone. Until Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009. He finally reunited for a visit.
Please watch and read this story...so sad.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

I pray that this man's perserverance will pay off soon. That little boy deserves to be with his father.

deVotchKa

2009-02-11T22:27:00.008-06:00

yesssssssssss! It was everything I hoped and dreamed it would be, thank you for asking.
Please read this interview with the violin virtuoso, Tom Hagerman, my favorite.
Please listen to their music. It will knock your socks off. Old world classic meets new age feel=indie-tastic.
Please know that we may or may not have gotten to go on DeVotchKa's super fancy bus.
"Fan girl" is right.
And one last side note:

Their promotional photographs are excellent, by Gary Isaacs. I wrote an earlier blog about this talented photoghapher...here.

Poster by Dirk Fowler of F2 Design.

Maggie Taylor and Jerry Uelsmann

2009-02-02T07:41:00.014-06:00

If you are in dire need of inspiration, let me direct you to two artist that will spark something inside you that can only push you beyond everyday and into a surreal utopia. Just to clarify, Maggie Taylor and Jerry Uelsmann deserve their own separate posts, but since the two are conjoined in marriage and sometimes intertwine the objects/images within their beautiful masterpieces and quite frankly, I can't wait to talk about either, I'm writing them up together.

I'll start with Maggie Taylor...at first glance, her whimsical body of work took my breath away. Not only was I interested in the digital process, but I was already in love with all of the following: old tintypes, daguerreotypes, humans within nature, surrealism and creating mysteriously ambiguous images. Now this was a woman after my creative heart.
I had the privilege of seeing both lecture at a conference I attended in November of 2007. Simply phenomenal. Both artist were very modest and funny.
Taylor's digital collages are composed of old photographs, scanned objects, images from her 5 megapixel camera, and an occasional borrowed negative from her trusty husband's backlog. (Usually something small like a tree, ladder or a boat.) Her scanned objects range from doll house miniatures to real bees and even dead fish. If she envisions a specific pose, she'll go out into the natural Florida light and shoot herself to get exactly what she needs, again...with the point and shoot.

These first two pieces are my favorites. Taylor gave examples of starter images like the background of the above picture and honestly, it was just an average snapshot of a grassy plain. Goes to show, a little imagination goes a long way.

Now onto Jerry Uelsmann.

What's astonishing to me about his surreal images are not only his mastered ability to obtain perfect prints, but he composes all his work in the dark room. Nothing is digital. The closest confession of computer use, was the shadow in the image below. He said his wife, Maggie created a shadow in Photoshop, printed it out and then he photographed it. Impressive and admirable to say the least. I found Uelsmann to be quite funny. I read this interview with Jerry Uelsmann that's worth looking into if you like his work. The following is a pieced together excerpt:

"Today there is a lot of conceptually based art that begins with a particular theory and then the individual makes the images to fit. It’s like an assignment, all planned and then they just follow through and do the work.
My creative process begins when I get out with the camera and interact with the world. A camera is truly a license to explore. There are no uninteresting things. There are just uninterested people. For me to walk around the block where I live could take five minutes. But when I have a camera, it could take five hours. You just engage in the world differently. If you can get to a point where you respond emotionally, not intellectually, with your camera there’s a whole world to encounter. There’s a lot of source material once you have the freedom of not having to complete an image at the camera."

Bottom line, both of their bodies of work will whisper sweet nothings into your inner core. So listen.

Here's your chance...If you're anywhere near the San Antonio area, please do yourself a favor and go see their lecture "Just Suppose: Jerry Uelsmann and Maggie Taylor" on February 17th at 7pm. Held in the Ruth Taylor Recital Hall at Trinity University.

Images found via random web searches.
Quote via interview

Orange you glad I made you smile?

2009-01-28T12:39:00.001-06:00

Image via ffffound.com

Emmanuel Polanco

2009-01-27T23:56:00.003-06:00

2 examples from a set of tarot cards designed by the very talented, Emmanuel Polanco. Found in personal work.

Images via Emmanuel Polanco's site.

Mysteriously Awesome.

2009-01-27T22:59:00.003-06:00

Images via ffffound.com

A little laugh to share.

2009-01-25T10:26:00.006-06:00

Derek and I had a little in house date last night. It included assembling a chair, looking at old images from the Library of Congress and 6 games of Wahoo! (The homemade board game his pappy and great uncle made and gave to us.) A very pleasant evening indeed. I wanted to share some of the photos and funny captions we came across...enjoy!

"Before Marriage."

"After Marriage"

"An Unexpected Meeting of the Board"

"Jessie, has the furnace man been here yet? Yes Ma'am I think about five minutes ago."

PS. Derek was amazed that people had senses of humor back then. HA!

Images from the Library of Congress.

eva eun-sil han

2009-01-16T01:24:00.003-06:00

As read on eva eun-sil han's bio:
[ Closing your eyes isn't going to change anything. Nothing's going to disappear just because you can't see what's going on. In fact, things will be even worse the next time you open your eyes. That's the kind of world we live in, Mr Nakata. Keep your eyes wide open. Only a coward closes his eyes. Closing your eyes and plugging up your ears won't make time stand still.]

- Murakami Haruki "Kafka on the shore"

somehow I find that quote to be... absolutely perfect.

very dada and odd, but oh so inspiring.
Images via eva eun-sil han's website.

WAHOOOOOO!

2009-01-14T11:04:00.006-06:00

Last night, Paige and Robert came over for dinner and (the game) wahoo! I was very satisfied with the way dinner turned out, especially the appetizer, so I'm including the recipes. We started off with hummus and olive oil crackers all homemade. For the main course, I made a vegetable tortellini soup with salad. Very light, but filling. If you get a chance, try the olive oil crackers, they're really easy and so delicious, it's also really nice to know that you can make these at home vs. spending $5 on the alternative at the store for half the quantity.

In case anyone was wondering, Derek won the game of Wahoo! He had a slow start, but finished strong. Throughout the game he plays the innocent role but secretly thinks of himself as a sniper. Talk about your game face. It was fun!

I'm also including a few of Paige and Robert's engagement portraits taken last week, because that's what I do!

Osamu Yokonami

2009-01-10T03:42:00.008-06:00

I love how whimsical and beautifully composed all his Osamu Yokonami's images are. See all these and more here.

Images via Osamu Yokonami's Website.

Yesterday,

2009-01-10T01:35:00.011-06:00

Derek, friends and I twiddled our thumbs all day as we patiently, or not so patiently, awaited our second annual Kathleen Edwards show at the Continental Club. Let me relay, "Her clear, pristine vocals convey longing, heartbreak and the sexiness of the working class with honesty and grace" and then say, she never ceases to impress. Edwards told backing stories to selected songs at both shows. And that's something I always enjoy, gaining a polished version of insight into an artist's creative mind.
Another quality we find endearing is how F is [her} favorite letter, as [we} know. I'm not sure that anyone else in the world can make f*** sound like poetry from a sweet song bird. Derek and I actually took a bet on how many times she'd say it throughout the show.

I invite you to take a guess. I said 8. Derek-10. Richard took the "thereafter". (Which isn't really guessing, but that's just my opinion because I lost. Thought of your number, yet?) She kept it at a consistent rate up to 5 and I felt victory start to set in, then she ever so passionately spoke of her life-changing trip to visit and play for our troops and the numbers went a sailing through the roof! Wait for it...wait for it...16 times.
Enough about that.
If you ever felt passion, love, hurt, anger, or despair in a relationship, I strongly suggest Kathleen Edwards' music... perhaps as a coping mechanism. I cannot stress enough how talented this singer-songwriter is. Angelic. Glorious even.

Needless to say, I have a girl crush.

On a side note, we went to see The Lusitania tonight and they are excellent as well! Especially if you like Lucero and/or good music. Sorry, that was me being a music snob.
Image found here.
Quote from Now Magazine's, Emma McKenna.

Bottom's Up!

2009-01-03T20:27:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you all had pleasant holidays.
I got to see most all the people I love so dearly, including my sister and her family, in from Indiana. (However, I didn't not see many friends, which was sad. )

New Year's Resolutions:
-take care of myself...eat right, exercise, yada yada. boring.
-write more letters
-draw, paint, make artistic photographs
-encourage and celebrate all my friendships and loved ones.

On a completely separate note,
I also wanted to urge you to visit my new website! Not completely set in stone as of yet, but will be soon!
Thanks!

Calligraphy Love

2008-12-16T12:22:00.005-06:00

I've recently been attempting calligraphy, sometimes I'll so okay...mostly not. Today I found some inspiration. Betsy Dunlap.

Words never looked so good.

Image via Betsy's Website.

Austin 360's review!

2008-12-12T10:02:00.007-06:00

"Looking for a great resource for all things hiking and biking in Austin? Check out www.austinhikeandbike.com, a website developed by local web developer Jonathan Butterworth."

That local web developer happens to be our friend! He and his wife are two of the nicest people we've ever met! Not to mention he's extreme talents and ambition. Pretty impressive.

Quote from Austin 360. Read the full article here!
Here is a link to Jib's website. ps. Remember how I took their pictures not too long ago? One of them is featured on his website. ie. more incentive! ....right? ......right guys?

How Peculiar.

2008-12-11T17:59:00.012-06:00

Yesterday, forty seven years of Texas Tech's college radio station, ktxt 88.1 FM, was abruptly put to rest (as in, 6 feet under) due to a "finacial situation".

5 days before on Friday...I kid you not, Texas Tech made a formal offer to head football coach, Mike Leach for a five year contract worth $12.1 million. That's $2.1 million more than his current $10 million, 5 year contract.

My my, that is an interesting sequence of events. Where would they get an extra 2 million dollars from?

As to be expected, there is an uproar. Hopefully it won't stop there. Anything you can do to help. Send a letter telling Tech how they won't see a dime of your alumni money unless..., make art to create awareness, write/blog about how this absurd decision was carried out in an untackful way...do it, it'll be fun!

Poster by Dirk Fowler.

Quote by Director of Student Media, Susan Peterson.

ps. I am extremely proud of Tech football team and their coach. It's the administration, I'm targeting here.

Chema Madoz

2008-12-10T14:47:00.006-06:00

"Not everything is what it seems to be..."

Images and quote via Chema Madoz's website.

"Tear Jerker" is right.

2008-12-09T10:40:00.004-06:00

Grace sent this video to me with the above title.

I saw a commercial for a story on the local news similar to this video, I didn't even have to watch the full story before the water works started.
you big sap.

it's so much better this way.

2008-12-05T03:12:00.005-06:00

yes. yes I did with only

20 days left.

{and tons of work to catch up on}

While we're on the subject of gifts, this is such a great alternative to buying paper gift bags.

If you really wanted to double your money/gift credibility, find an old scarf from your closet or from a thrift, etsy, poppytalk shop and the recipient can also wear your beautiful gift wrapping! (scarf, belt, bag, oh my!)

ps. here is the link to my brand new etsy shop. So far only one item...so eat your heart out on this limited supply of goodness. How's my sales pitch? {just kidding}

letterpress love.

2008-12-03T12:48:00.003-06:00

I was always wondering how this was done.

did you hear that? they love puns too!

Hello Lucky podcast found here.

For the love of light.

2008-12-02T12:19:00.004-06:00

For the love of light: a Tribute to the Art of Polaroid is a book "conceived out of love and loss."A compilation of 25 polaroid photographers bidding adeiu to polaroid film. *tear

"hold my hand for a

moment in time and see the world

anew with me."

Image and quotes via For the Love of Light website.

Thanks Thanksgiving.

2008-12-02T10:43:00.004-06:00

First pie.

Homemade and delicious, if I do say so myself.

The recipe and leaf idea came from here.

ps. i love that blog, beautiful food photography by Alicia Carrier.

Derek Erdman

2008-11-20T12:20:00.000-06:00

love these. Most of his paintings are bazaar non-sense, I present the tame.

a modern twist...

2008-11-19T01:46:00.007-06:00

to a holiday wreath.

At this month's craft night, Cyndi pushed us to explore unknown territory. Wreaths. All in all, each one turned out unique and beautiful. (Forgive our forgetful minds, we did not take pictures that night.) Thanks to everyone who participated!

Sneek peek.

2008-11-19T01:29:00.005-06:00

Grace just faxed this cutie over from a session she did for a christmas card. Holy cow is it cute.

Little ones.

2008-11-18T12:12:00.010-06:00

In an attempt to show you more of my photography, above are some of the most beautiful children I have ever seen, all in one family. All 4 girls and 2 boys had stunning eyes and vibrant little spirits.

If you interested, you'll find more of Grace and my photographs here.

HoneyLux

2008-11-18T11:36:00.004-06:00

I found these simple, yet beautiful, letterpressed note cards from HoneyLux.

Neat.