El Anatsui *the Glory of Bottle Caps, Tin Lids, Twist Ties & more*

The El Anatsui exhibit at The Brooklyn Museum is stunning

and you have til August 18th to see it!

Gravity and Grace: Monumental Works by El Anatsui

I enjoyed the John Singer Sargent watercolors, which were loose and lively, 

and as terrific as I expected them to be.

but

Thank you Melissa Stampley, for telling me not to miss Anatsui's exhibit on the 5th floor!

El Anatsui was born in Ghana and has been teaching and exhibiting his work for over 40 years.

He is the dept head at The University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

It was in 1998 that Anatsui came across a bag of twist-off liquor bottle caps which altered

his work and the course of his career.

At the 2007 Venice Biennale, his Fresh and Fading Memories, caused a sensation

draped upon Palazzo Fortuny's facade 

image courtesy thehighline.org

You can view his outdoor installation, Broken Bridge 2 on the High Line through September 2013.

More from the Brooklyn Museum...

Anatsui's individual pieces take on a different shape and form depending on 

the installation and space they are occupying.

Apparently, each can be folded up to fit inside a suitcase for travel :)

View The New York Times Slide Show and learn a bit more...

As much as I love the scale and impact of his work, I'm just crazy about the details. 

You can almost feel the process, the time & work that goes into each piece 

and of course, the colors grab you! 

In an interview with October Gallery, EL Anatsui noted, “The amazing thing about working with these metallic ‘fabrics’ is that the poverty of the materials used in no way precludes the telling of rich and wonderful stories."

It's pretty spectacular to see this in person, feel the scale and be part of the space, installation.

It will be up for about 2 more weeks. If you're in NYC, go see it!

:::

Here's a video interview with El Anatsui at the museum.

(worth a look, if only to see how his socks match his artwork)

El Anatsui is currently represented by Jack Shainman Gallery.

:: art is fun :: 

thanks for stopping by!

xo, A

Etsy Friday

Happy Friday!

I'm in the process of reorganizing my little studio, which means-

some artwork is ready to flee the nest and find a new home!

Time to make way for all that amazing new work I'm about to create ;)

:::

A select group of original paintings have been added to my Etsy Shop,

Blip Blop Shop

Sailboat and bird

Here are just a few currently available to purchase

directly from my store.

Swirl

Faces

Little Chickies

Studio walls

Of course, feel free to ask about work you like on my website 

Some pieces may be available to purchase that are not yet in my shop.

In addition, I'm always interested in creating a custom piece just 

for you! just ask :)

Enjoy your Weekend! 

Because before you know it ...

Try to stay cool!

xo, A

HAPPY 4th !!

* It's Independence Day *

Animals bbq and enjoy the fireworks from a Brooklyn rooftop

- a painting I did last summer for If I Were A Toy store

:::

"During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the American colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4."

:::

Revisions - a mere 2 days to make. wow.

Enjoy your day & stay safe! 

xo, A

Summer: Art for Kids, Gifts for Me

Meet the Ramblings 

The Rambling Raccoons share a love of adventure, dance, swimming and 

a taste for salty treats, they're living ! la dolce vita ! 

I want to see them on fabrics, wallpaper, gift wrap, tableware, and more.

I think there could be some cute story lines for these characters, too.

Meet Caramel

Claude

Little Rocco

Sammy

Lizbet

Mr Rambling and Sally

Chip

This is Dogs, mostly... I think this pattern would make fun gift wrap or pet bedding :)

Both designs were just added to my Society 6 Shop as prints

* Take a look *

Plus, if you buy something by midnight tonight, the Shipping is FREE!

Caitlin Wicker

Last Sunday I went to the Renegade Craft Fair,

now held in East River State Park in Williamsburg. 

I didn't spend as much time browsing as I have in years past, but 

I wanted to mention some favorites. 

Caitlin Wicker creates these precious one-of-a-kind stuffed animals.

My photos do not do justice to the fine craftsmanship and 

charm of each animal. For that, you should visit Caitlin's site.

I bought these 2 hats from Phil & Sara of Rocks and Salt

Their etsy shop has many designs from which to choose & in different sizes.

When my friend saw me in this red one, she went back for one herself :)

I would pose in it, but it looks good on bear.

I love the Viva Zapata bags and wallets designed by

Tania Carol-Lugones! Each one is made from the same vinyl used 

on bus seat covers in Buenos Aires, the colectivos. 

Tania couldn't have been more fun & charming to chat with and

by coincidence, she is good friends with one of the

coolest women I know, Ximena Diego :)

Above, is the bag I chose. I love love love it!

I also bought some cute fabric from Jumping Birds.

Granted, my enthusiasm outweighs my ability to sew, but ya never know.

My other faves at the fair included charms & necklaces by Oceanne, 

notebooks by MyZoetrope (i bought "Spiffy" the fox)

stuffy historical figures by Late Greats

Can you guess who these greats are?

and pillows & custom pet pillows by Broderpress *a must see for pet owners!

My friend, Robin took this picture of me with my painted door at If I Were A Toy store

in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.

Stop by this awesome shop for great toys, games, puzzles, gifts & kids' cuts.

Make sure to say Arghhhhh to Pirate Bear and his buddies in search of hidden treasure!

:::

Have a great week!

xo, A