Archive for August, 2010

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It’s Fall Fashion, Duh.

August 31, 2010
The Sole Meaning of Life is to Serve Humanity

The Sole Meaning of Life is to Serve Humanity

My favorite thing about this time of year is watching the quality of the light change, when the harsh rays of summer give way to the indirect yellow-orange light of autumn. But my second favorite thing about fall is trading the white linen pants and bejeweled flip flops for knee-high tube socks, boots, tweeds, hoodies and woolens. Yeah! I love fall fashion! And of course, at artduh.com, we wanted to bring you our favorite handmade (and some vintage) picks to wear this season. Since you pretty much have to spend money on your fall wardrobe, you might as well wear a work of art, right? Right! Here we go, our favs:

Salt Lake Citizen facebook.com | SaltLakeCitizen

This is one of our favorite local shops, owned by our friends Lindsay and Bob Frendt. They carry my FAVORITE thing for fall: skirts by Cory Bushman. Cory hand embroiders skirts with great (not cheesy) quotes and images. Wear one and watch people walk circles around you to read the quotes. This shop also has cute embellished hats by Jenn Davis and a must-have for fall, huge cocktail rings. The bigger the ring, the better. SL Citizen also carries lots of stuff by one of our favorite local designers, Jordan Halversen. And of course, every little girl (or silly grown man) needs a Grimmleigh’s headband. Put a monster flower in your hair!

Cory Skirt - photo by Eva Jorgensen

Cory Skirt - photo by Eva Jorgensen

Jenn Davis Hats

Jenn Davis Hats

Cocktail Rings

Cocktail Rings

Grimmleighs Headband
Next up we have fun fashions by the Craft Sabbath artists. Craft Sabbath is a monthly event held at the Main Downtown Library between 1 and 5 p.m. The next event will be on September 12. These artists include Sonya Evans from The Full Spectrum, Kali Mellus of bykali and Suzanne Clements of Sorry Clementine (the black and pink hoodie is mine, I call it!!!). These ladies also sell on Etsy, so check them out there.

The Full Spectrum etsy.com | thefullspectrum

Moth Hoodie

Moth Hoodie

Venus Fly Trap Tunic

Venus Fly Trap Tunic
Kali Mellus etsy.com | bykali

Square Leaves Quilt Style Buckle

Square Leaves Quilt Style Buckle

Autumn Maple on Black

Autumn Maple on Black
Suzanne Clements etsy.com | sorryclementine

Girl-style Black hoodie

Girl-style Black hoodie

Fun Fall Brown and Green Hoodie

Fun Fall Brown and Green Hoodie
We couldn’t do justice to the SLC fashion scene without including one of my favorite designers, Jordan Halversen. He sells locally at two fun shops, the Hive at Trolley Square and Salt Lake Citizen. His one of a kind designs are so gorgeous, well-made, and unique that you will be guaranteed to be sporting the most interesting duds at any occasion. Here goes, our favorite’s of Jordan’s fall pieces.

Jordan H's black western and 2 toned pants

Jordan H's black western and 2 toned pants

Purple Western Wear

Purple Western Wear
And then we have just a couple of Jordan’s creations too cute not to share. . . though these are not exclusive to the autumn season. I so want the “Oh VD” top. LOVE IT!!! And we aren’t sure what Emily and her crew are doing in the Hive that requires the constant rinsing and line-drying of enough underpants for any young men’s choir . But we sure hope they have fun doing it!

O VD! Pink

O VD! Pink

Jordan's Undies on a Clothesline

Jordan's Undies on a Clothesline

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Posted in Craft, Design, It's Fashion, Duh!, Jewelry | 1 Comment »

Van Gogh’s Self Portrait

August 29, 2010

Self Portrait - 1887

I met Vincent Van Gogh. I met him in Chicago, and he explained things to me that I never could have guessed. Stories about his life, his hopes and his deep despair, the beauty he saw in the world and the dedication he had to get that down in paint.

Sometimes the legend and life story of an artist can overshadow their artwork. I’ve seen a number of paintings by Vincent Van Gogh over the years (although only a very small number when compared to his massive output), and many of them are extraordinary. But none of them have ever struck me like the 1887 Self Portrait that hangs in the Art Institute of Chicago.

Layer upon layer of paint. Thousands and tens of thousands of tiny brush-strokes. And all of the luminous COLORS!

The whole Post-impressionist collection is amazing. Gauguin, Cezanne, Seurat, Toulouse-Lautrec, and many many other fine painters. But this one Self Portrait by Van Gogh in the corner of the room kept calling to me. I would try to look at the other paintings, but I knew my conversation with Van Gogh wasn’t finished. I would go to different levels of the museum, but would wander back to check in on Van Gogh again. There were other paintings by Van Gogh in the room, important paintings like The Bedroom or Madam Roulin Rocking The Cradle, but they just didn’t have quite as much to say to me.

The internet is a powerful tool. We can communicate, share ideas, and even create artwork using the internet. For some pieces of art though, you just need to go and see them in person. If you’re ever in Chicago, please take some time and say “hello” to Van Gogh for me. Maybe he will talk with you, maybe he won’t, but I think you’ll be glad you stopped in.

Yep, I met Vincent Van Gogh. I’m sure he doesn’t remember, but it made quite an impression on me!

Posted in Sunday Post, Visual | Leave a Comment »

(a)perture’s Annual Local Artist Showcase

August 26, 2010
(a)perture

(a)perture

We are uber excited about (a)perture gallery’s Annual Local Artist’s Showcase, curated by our friend, Heidi Gress and her partner, Anne Cummings-Anderson. The opening reception is coming up on Saturday, August 28 from 6 to 10 p.m. According to Heidi:

This year’s exhibit will emphasize process as art and will include fashion design, photography, sculpture, multi-media and oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings in addition to graphite drawings and recycled glass art.

Of course, I’m most excited that Todd has been working on a new piece that will be part of the show. I really admire the way he continually pushes himself to create new work.

Other featured artists include: Adrian Prazen, Matt Lantz, Jeffrey Hale, Silvia Patricia Solis, Mark Crenshaw, Caleb Cannon, Ryan Peterson, Amber DeBirk, Ali Clark, Paul Flinders, Dave Borba, Steve Larson, Justin Carruth, Anne Cummings-Anderson, Heidi M. Gress, Jan James, Lisa Quagliozzi, Jonathan Bean, Karina Gress, Leslie J. Randolph and Justin Parisi Smith.

The show is free, but as always you are welcome to make a donation to help groups like (a)perture continue supporting the arts in Utah. Food from local restaurants will be served and beverages will be provided by Red Rock Brewery. Live music will be performed by local singer songwriter Pablo Blaqk and indie pop performer Bicycle Voice. If you can’t make it out Saturday night, you can see the show through September 27, 2010.

aperturemktg.com | gallery
facebook.com | event | (a)perture

(a)perture gallery
1617 S 900 E
SLC, Utah

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Joe Bennion – Where My Love of Ceramics Began

August 24, 2010
My Collection

My Collection

Gray Tea Bowl - My Very First, Anna W collection

Gray Tea Bowl - My Very First, Anna W collection

Joe Bennion’s pottery is the first art I ever collected. I fell in love when I was 18 and now 17 years later every piece is just as precious to me as the first. I had nine pieces at one time, and I feel fortunate that I’ve only had one break over the years!  I’m amazed that several pieces in my collection even survived dorm life and many moves during my college years. It’s because of Joe’s work that I fell in love with functional (and dysfunctional) pottery and been inspired to follow the careers of other ceramics artists as well.

Joe lives a quiet, introspective and focused life that I envy. He and his bride, Lee Udall Bennion moved to Spring City, Utah in 1977, wanting to create an art community in this small Mormon town. I think it probably took a lot of bravery for them to turn their backs on the pressure to get a “real” job and instead do what they love.

Orange Pitcher - Anna W Collection

Orange Pitcher - Anna W Collection

Joe’s pieces are domestic, plain, quiet and understated. I believe his work has been the foundation for much of my own aesthetic, especially where pots are concerned. He avoids the hustle bustle of arts festivals and the competition of juried shows, instead spending his time at his foot-powered treadle wheel. He works to bring people to his community and studio. I love this because it gives the collector a full experience of seeing his wheel, the charm of his town and the quiet pleasure that he gets from working with clay.

My hope is that as a result of this post, and seeing my collection of Joe’s pots, some of you will make the drive to Spring City and support his work. I think everyone should have the pleasure of lifting a hand- thrown tea bowl to their lips as they sip their morning coffee. Joe keeps his studio door open, and you can go in at any time and buy a pie plate or bowl, leaving your money in his coffee can. Here’s a quote from Todd on the topic of my Joe Bennion pottery:

“There’s something special about Joe Bennion’s cups that a lot of other pottery can’t live up to. I always try to get one of Joe’s tea bowls from the cupboard every morning, because it is such a pleasure to drink from.”

Joe's Mark

Joe's Mark

Spring City, if you are not familiar, is a quiet, rural art community, located about 2 hours south of Salt Lake City, in San Pete County. It’s a little northeast of Ephriam and Manti. Fairview lies to the north and Moroni to the west. Nearby, Snow College and Wasatch Academy provides an educational environment for the surrounding community.

Joe had this to say about the way the community where he lives influences his work:

“Living in small place with space and quiet is conducive to the creative process as we see it. The home with it’s garden, the tree-lined streets and pioneer architecture the mountains and the ordinary people who live here all are part of the paintings and pottery we make.”

Gravy Bowl - Anna W Collection

Gravy Bowl - Anna W Collection

I really admire the way Joe has committed himself to a life of quiet, spiritual introspection as a potter. As much as I enjoy the crazy life of PR, marketing and events, I have always dreamed of retiring to a village and focusing on making hand crafts, maintaining a home and taking care of my animals. It takes a lot of courage to support yourself entirely on your art. Joe has done this for way more than a quarter of a century.

Coming up is Spring City’s Studio Tour. The 30 artists who call Spring City home will open their studios to the public between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are available at the Spring City Arts Gallery at 79 South Main Street for $10. More info is available at: springcityarts.com/events/AST_2009.html

And for more information about Joe Bennion, visit: www.horseshoemountainpottery.com/joe/index.php

And my favorite, to see his gallery, visit: www.horseshoemountainpottery.com/joe/gallery.php

Joe's Studio - Horseshoe Mountain Pottery

Joe's Studio - Horseshoe Mountain Pottery

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Springville Art City – 37th Annual Quilt Show

August 22, 2010

Anna and I stopped into the Springville Art Museum last week to check out their Annual Quilt Show. We try to make it down every year, and it is something I enjoy quite a bit. It might come as a surprise (or maybe it won’t), but I like looking at quilts, the simple colors, needlework, and geometry. You can find many quilts and quilt inspired patterns in my drawing, prints, and paintings.

There is still a little time to see the Quilt Show, you just can’t wait too much longer. The exhibit comes down on September 1st.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see the Don Olsen painting that is usually on display at the museum, because that has been rotated out of the permanent collection for now.

Springville Art Museum

126 E. 400 S. Springville, Utah, 84663
(801) 489-2727

Tuesday – Saturday 10am to 5pm
Wednesdays 10am to 9pm
Sundays 3pm to 6pm
Closed Mondays and Holidays

smofa.org

Posted in Craft, Events | Leave a Comment »

Crafting, Philanthropy and DIY – All for Kids

August 19, 2010

Today we’ve got Rachel Kade, of Grimmleigh’s Fiends, guest blogging about the an event she is putting together. It’s coming up on Saturday, don’t miss it. Rachel, thank you so much for bringing your awesome voice and perspective to artduh.com for today’s post!

 

Molly's Kitten with a Cupcake

Molly's Kitten with a Cupcake

“The Next Gen – Kids Craft Show and Artist’s Reception.”

by Rachel Kade

Jerek Clark's Ganesh

Everybody’s talking about the DYI movement and the Crafting “Revolution”. These aren’t your “Granny’s crafts” either. There’s a lot of talk about how crafting is becoming more popular with the “younger” generation…and by that we usually mean the hip, 20 to early-30-somethings…but what about the EVEN-YOUNGER generation? The Next Generation?!

Local crafter Rachel Kade, decided that these future-artisans might like a venue and a way to learn about crafting & selling their wares. Pair that concept with a 10-year-old daughter that needed to be kept busy this summer and voila! The Next Gen~ Kid’s Craft Show & Artist’s Reception was born!

A “call for artists” went out earlier this summer and over a dozen fantastic kids signed up for what we hope will be a great and educational event. Philanthropy is a huge part of the handmade philosophy so the kids are being asked to donate to a favorite charity as well. Here are profiles of some of the artists, the charities they’ve chosen to donate to, and pictures of what you can expect to see.

Amelia with Sock Creature

First we have Jerek, who is going into the 7th grade and likes math. He’s a very talented illustrator who’s preferred mediums are colored pencils & markers. His favorite artist is Luis Wain, and he will be donating to the Humane Society because he loves animals.

Then we have a brother/sister team: Miles and Amelia are in the 4th and 3rd grade and their favorite subjects are recess & writing. Miles enjoys working with clay and will be featuring his eyeball creations, with names like Macho Eyeball, and Frank Zappa (his favorite artist) Eyeball. Amelia will be featuring her crazy sock monsters and her favorite artist is her Dad, photographer Kevin Lee. Both of these kids will be donating to the Audobon Society’s Gulf of Mexico Recovery Fund.

Miles with Clay Creations

Lora is a 5th grade homeschooler who specializes in polymer clay figurines and has learned a lot from her Aunt Suzanne (local designer Sorry Clementine). Here’s what she has to say about her favorite artist, Van Gogh: “He was a crazy guy, but he was cool. I guess part of the reason he was crazy was because of the paints he used, because the paint back then was toxic”. She’s donating to the Salt Lake County Animal Services “Pit Crew”, where she got her “siblings” Max & Millie.

Onnie is twelve years old and making art is what she LOVES to do!  She sews and crochets clothes for her pet rat and she’s been sewing ever since she was “old enough to hold a needle”.  She also love making stuffed animals, but says it’s “hard to let them go”.  Her grandma and the staff at Youth City have taught her a lot and she is donating to Youth City where she has been going for four years.

Last but not least, Molly is a 5th grader who loves to sew with felt & crochet amigurumi. She prefers using acrylic yarns because of the bright colors and because “some people are allergic to wool”. Her list of favorite artists includes local crafters babyGgear, her mom & dad (of Grimmleighs Fiends), softie artist Love and a Sandwich, comic book artist Doug TenApel and everyone at Charm City Cakes. She makes felt accessories and specializes in animal toys which she donates to local shelters to “help the animals feel happy” She will be donating to the Paws & Claws Benefit for retired lab animals.

When & Where? Saturday, August 21st 6-8:30 p.m. @ Nobrow 315 East 300 South

This event will be free to the public and is being generously hosted by Nobrow Coffee & Tea and sponsored by Craft Sabbath. Light refreshments will be served. For more info please email grimmleighsfiends@yahoo.com

Molly's Mermaid

Molly's Mermaid

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Posted in Events, News | 1 Comment »

Needle Felted Sculptures, Dolls and Jewelry by Cathy Cartwright

August 17, 2010
Needle Felted Bobbin Doll

Needle Felted Bobbin Doll

Needle Felted Braclet

Needle Felted Braclet

Earlier this summer, Todd and I were wondering around the SLC Farmer’s Market when we stumbled on the most delightful artist. Cathy Cartwright works out of her home in Ogden and she needle felts earrings, dolls and scupltures. Her earrings are extremely affordable, and if you have seen me around town sporting little white puffballs offset with turquoise beads, you have seen Cathy’s work.

If you aren’t quite sure what needle felting is, here is how Cathy explained it to me:

“Needle felting is the process of entangling wool fibers with a barbed needle. I start with wool roving, and press the needle into the roving. The barbs on the needle catch the scales on the wool fiber. As I push the needle through the layers of wool, the fibers are tangled and matted together.“

Cathy’s dolls are full of personality. They have faces that remind me of the vintage marionettes I loved to play with as a child. The base for each doll is a vintage bobbin, usually from an industrial textile loom. We asked Cathy about how she gives her dolls such personality and this is what she said:

Jester Doll

Jester Doll

“Each one is one of a kind. I have found it impossible to replicate them, and if I could, I am not sure I would want to. Just as people are one-of-a kind, so are my dolls. Their personalities come from my observations of myself and others. Sometimes, as I look at a recently completed doll, I see reflected how I felt at the time. Other times, a doll may reflect a person I encountered. For me, it is really about the what the face communicates–I try to express that through my dolls.“

Cathy is self-taught, much of her love for fiber began with sewing during her teen years. She also works with glass, paint and metal. Her work is very affordable, earrings start at $5 and dolls range from $25 to $55, depending on size. Cathy isn’t online yet, so the only way to catch her is at the Downtown Farmer’s Market, or drop us a line and we will put you in touch.

Pigtail Doll

Pigtail Doll

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Posted in Craft | 3 Comments »

SLCitizen – Gallery Stroll

August 15, 2010

A big thank you to everyone who came out to Craft Lake City yesterday and helped make it into such a fantastic event.

We’re a little pooped out, but I wanted to post this drawing I finished recently… actually, it is two drawings that I glued together. Seemed to work best that way.

I also want to invite everyone to come on down to SLCitizen in the downtown Main Library this next Friday for Gallery Stroll. Anna uploaded the poster I made a couple days ago, but you can click right here to check it out again.

SLCitizen
210 E. 400 S., SLC – Inside the Main Library
Aug 20th, 6 to 9 p.m.

Posted in Events, Sunday Post, Todd's Artwork, Visual | Leave a Comment »

Handmade Nation – Film Screening

August 13, 2010
Handmade Nation

Handmade Nation

We are so excited for Craft Lake City. But did you know the crafty festivities will continue all weekend with a screening of Faythe Levine’s film Handmade Nation? This is a documentary based on a book that serves as the Boy Scout Manual for the handmade movement. Here’s the details:

Handmade Nation - documentary film
Tower Theater
Sunday, August 15
4:40 pm
Tickets will be $5 and can be purchased online at http://www.slcff.com, in person on the day of the show or from the Salt Lake Film Festival booth at Craft Lake City.

The screening will be followed by a question and answer session featuring some of the artists from Craft Lake City 2010. The film is a documentary with interviews of 80 different indie-craft artists from all over the country.

If you aren’t familiar with Handmade Nation, this is a great chance to learn more about the book and movie that document the way craft, do-it-yourself, and alternative lifestyles have merged to create the tightly knit art community that we love.

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Posted in Craft, Events | Leave a Comment »

Regular Price, 5 bucks, 5 bucks, 5 bucks, 5 bucks – Cheap Posters by Todd Powelson

August 12, 2010

Many artists have made their mark on the scene with their posters. Toulouse-Lautrec, one of my favorite Frenchies, made a name for himself with prints of Can-Can dancers designed to promote the bar where he spent his evenings drinking and drinking and drinking. And locally, the much esteemed Leia Bell’s distinctive music posters that advertise shows at Kilby Court have made her into a Utah icon.

Over the years Todd has been invited to design posters to promote a variety of shows. Todd has to be selective, because he spends nearly as much time on a poster as he would on an oil painting. Some he draws with markers, others he designs with his favorite tools – his mouse and Adobe Illustrator.

On Saturday, one of the biggest Utah craft shows of the year, Craft Lake City, will be upon us. Todd and I sponsored the event this year by working the PR. It’s been my great pleasure to work with both established artists and beginners to get them noticed by the news and viewers/readers at home.

At Craft Lake, Todd will be offering his gorgeous posters unframed for just $5, or with a frame for $15. Posters include Transfusion Hype’s We Are Every Day and About Love shows, two SLUG Localized posters for a couple awesome local bands, and of course, our two beautiful Batmen. A poster he just finished for August gallery stroll, that might be my favorite, will also be available.

Other artduh inventory will include shirts and bags with our classic print of the zombie attacking the temple, “Family Night” and limited edition artduh all in a variety of sizes. We also have darling zombie doggie shirts and dishtowels. We’ll have a box of gorgeous unframed drawings and a handful of framed works – but most of these won’t be $5. And I’ve crocheted up a handful of what I call “One-Fingered Mittens” that are perfect for keeping your banana, cucumber or whatever warm on the chilly fall nights ahead.

Buttons, stickers and little fun things will also be offered for free to folks who agree to “Like” us on Facebook.

Here’s the deets:
Craft Lake City
Brought to you by SLUG, sponsored by artduh among others
On Gallivan Ave, just south of the Galliivan right behind the Wells Fargo Building
2 pm to 9 pm, Saturday, August 14, 2010

Posted in Craft, Design, Events, News, Todd's Artwork, Visual | Leave a Comment »

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