Art Journal

40's Hair Returns

2012-01-30T21:01:00.002-06:00

...in the form of a retro-futuristic coif. Love. Really excited about the PinUp Hair Emporium and Unique Boutique in San Rafael. I love the owner's mission: to mix vintage, new, eco-conscious and local all in one place-- with a rockabilly spin-- v cool.

Lovely

2012-01-14T00:52:00.005-06:00

North Beach

2012-01-04T22:47:00.003-06:00

Per Diem

2011-12-26T13:43:00.004-06:00

Per Diem, Financial District, San Francisco. "The Per Diem construct is a tribute to the era that seeded California’s dramatic population and economic boom. The 1849 Gold Rush flooded San Francisco with new inhabitants seeking new fortunes and transformed what is today’s Financial District into the lively, bustling streets that are now." Per Diem’s dark wood, library ladders, marble pillars from Bali and exposed concrete walls adorned with holiday cheer make this place the perfect location to drink wine and sample Italian-inspired California cuisine with friends.

Home

2011-12-13T00:59:00.002-06:00

Goodbye Wisco...

2011-11-27T15:37:00.005-06:00

...Hello California!

Don't Settle

2011-10-26T22:45:00.000-05:00

You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, KEEP LOOKING. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle.

- Steve Jobs

Coulson Macleod, design innovators

2011-10-22T11:46:00.004-05:00

The Winter Tree wooden picture collection by Coulson Macleod; my favorite print in the series. Coulson Macleod is a UK-based art business specializing in the design and production of handmade, typography-based artwork printed onto natural and reclaimed materials including wood, metal, stone, fabric, and recycled paper. The frame and backboard are handmade using reclaimed antique Victorian roof timbers. The planks used to make the backboard vary in size for each print. Antique white paint is applied by hand and varies, so no two prints are alike. The finished product is over-printed with UV ink.

Kathleen Edwards - Away

2011-10-08T00:11:00.001-05:00

Sharon McDaid, Donegal Artist

2011-09-20T00:50:00.009-05:00

In Dublin I came across Keeling Gallery on Clarendon Street. I'm not usually drawn to landscapes, but Sharon McDaid's work caught my attention. I love her unusual palette and ambient use of light and shadow. Cattle & A Cloud Break (top) is so representative of the lush, mysterious and rugged landscape of Ireland that envelopes you as you drive the windy roads-- curving through patchwork hillsides-- like long and endless silk ribbons. Stood on the Red Hill captures the quiet beauty of the country's wooly residents-- sheep-- who dot the landscape as far as the eye can see. McDaid is a Donegal artist who works in a variety of media and is inspired by the surroundings of her native Inishowen.

Christine Bowen, Painter

2011-09-13T20:53:00.006-05:00

In Memory of a Lost Painting. Stunning. I came across the artist studio and gallery space of Christine Bowen last week in Co. Kerry, Ireland. At dusk in the tiny village of Kenmare, I explored the colorful, misty streets in light rain and found a small courtyard with a white pigeon guarding curiously from the window. Bowen's haunting images of forlorned dresses [often adorned with flowers] caught my eye of course- always looking for inspiration- as I embark on R+D for Fall 2012.

Road to Inistioge

2011-09-11T20:44:00.002-05:00

So scenic, an ideal setting along the River Nore. The road to Inistioge- a short drive from Kilkenny, Ireland- photo taken little over a week ago. I can't get over the beauty of the countryside here! Circle of Friends was filmed here. Also in close proximity, the Woodstock Estate, grounds and gardens reminiscent of some kind of period drama. Loving the palette and textures that make up Ireland's historic countryside; add with that phenomenal light and atmospheric changes- soft rain, sun, cloud patterns- truly an artist's paradise.

A little limerick...

2011-09-09T20:17:00.003-05:00

Discovered this great limerick while exploring Sneem in County Kerry on Sunday. Slán leat, Ireland. Those days in our hearts we will cherish...

Church of the Gesu, Milwaukee

2011-08-21T22:49:00.002-05:00

Photo taken on Saturday. Church of the Gesu-- a Catholic, Jesuit Parish-- built in 1893. This Gothic cathedral is striking with its magnificent rose window. The facade, interior and stained glass windows are stunning, reminding me of the ornate cathedrals I've visited in France and Italy.

Why Don't You Find Out for Yourself

2011-08-20T01:47:00.007-05:00

Another lyrical great from Moz...

The sanest days are mad
Why don't you find out for yourself?
Then you'll see the price
Very closely

Some men here
They have a special interest
In your career
They wanna help you to grow
And then syphon all your dough
Why don't you find out for yourself?
Then you'll see the glass
Hidden in the grass

You'll never believe me, so
Why don't you find out for yourself?
Sick down to my heart
That's just the way it goes

Some men here
They know the full extent of
Your distress
They kneel and pray
And they say:
"Long may it last"

Why don't you find out for yourself?
Then you'll see the glass
Hidden in the grass
Bad scenes come and go
For which you must allow
Sick down to my heart
That's just the way it goes

Don't rake up my mistakes
I know exactly what they are
And ... what do YOU do?
Well ... you just SIT THERE
I've been stabbed in the back
So many many times
I don't have any skin

But that's just the way it goes

Back To Black

2011-08-16T22:46:00.002-05:00

Awe.. Amy sings Back to Black. This could be my favorite live performance. Her voice, now haunting. What a sad reality that she is gone. Her heartfelt lyrics and brilliantly dark compositions set a passionate backdrop for recalling heartbreak and betrayal. You go back to her and I go back to black.

Moz at Glastonbury ♥

2011-08-11T21:59:00.007-05:00

An amazing performance this Summer at Glastonbury Festival in the UK. Brilliant as always. Moz performs one of my favorites, I Want the One I Can't Have from The Smiths Meat is Murder album.

Belle Curve

2011-08-05T23:22:00.005-05:00

Vogue Australia has published its first ever plus-size fashion shoot this month. The magazine's latest September issue features Sydney-model Robyn Lawley who stars in the ten-page 'Belle Curve' piece consisting of sleek monochromatic shots modeling designs from Alex Perry, Willow and Carla Zampatti. This will be the first time the 52-year fashion mainstay has featured a plus-size model.

RIP, Amy Winehouse

2011-07-23T13:54:00.005-05:00

Dior Haute Couture...

2011-07-14T21:14:00.004-05:00

Compliments Vogue Paris, les make-up les plus extrêmes. Headquartered in Paris, France, the Dior label is the namesake of designer Christian Dior, who launched this high fashion empire in 1946. This shot caught my eye for obvious reasons... pattern, styling and palette choice... my favorite palette of all time.

Intel Visual Life - The Sartorialist

2011-06-24T20:05:00.006-05:00

I'm so incredibly inspired by Scott Schumann-- photographer and blogger-- and his famed Sartorialist Blog boasting 70,000 readers. Selected as one of Time Magazine's Top 100 Design Influences, I came upon this video recently while doing a little R&D for a project coming up for the gallery. This short documentary, a beautifully crafted narrative, is visually and conceptually stunning.

Home is [where the heart is]...

2011-05-31T22:22:00.008-05:00

Muir Beach, California, on Sunday... One day I will be back, for good!

Rockabilly, UK-style

2011-05-22T21:04:00.004-05:00

Rock and Roll devotees attend the Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender in Hemsby, England. Twice a year fans of Rockabilly, Rockin' Blues, the 1950's and Americana gather at Seacroft Holiday Camp in Hemsby to dress up in period clothing and re-live the 50's.

Signs of Spring

2011-05-06T20:33:00.006-05:00

Great styling! I'm loving this shot for pattern, composition, color and mood. The tartan caught my eye.

Historic Day

2011-04-29T21:52:00.008-05:00

Prince William and Catherine Middleton kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, following their extraordinary wedding at Westminster Abbey. I wouldn't miss it for the world, I am reminded of London. The elegant dress worn by Kate was designed by Sarah Burton, creative director for the fashion house of the late Alexander McQueen. Gorgeous! Like a modern day Grace Kelly. Waking today at 3am to watch live coverage with friends-- as the sun rose over Lake Michigan-- was truly memorable!

David Beckham

2011-03-26T11:45:00.001-05:00

Rest In Peace

2011-03-23T23:23:00.004-05:00

Elizabeth Taylor 1932 - 2011
In 1948 Taylor posed on the front cover of Time magazine.

Isabelle de Borchgrave, Belgian Artist

2011-03-04T19:21:00.008-06:00

Isabelle de Borchgrave

Absolutely stunning. One example, Gilet d'homme, 1760, from her Papiers á la Mode Collection. Exhibiting currently at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, I am amazed by this level of craftsmanship-- expertly painted-- formed of paper! Researching historical costume, de Borchgrave creates "trompe l’oeil masterpieces of elaborate dresses inspired by rich depictions in early European painting or by iconic costumes in museum collections around the world."

Jasper Conran, British Fashion Designer

2011-03-01T21:01:00.012-06:00

http://www.jasperconran.com/

Conran's Autumn/Winter 2011 collection has distinct Sixties leanings, and so it’s no surprise that two of the most iconic, not to mention beautiful, women of that era-- Francoise Hardy and Jane Birkin-- were used as muses for the runway show hair and make-up artists.

Imelda May

2011-02-19T18:02:00.002-06:00

http://www.imeldamay.co.uk/
Great styling, Imelda May... my favorite Irish rockabilly singer and bodhrán player!

Caggio Opening Night Reception: Jan. 14, 2011

2011-01-22T09:30:00.003-06:00

Home Stretch...

2011-01-09T11:46:00.003-06:00

Finally, finishing work on my five skate decks. I thought this day would never come. Prepping for the big day on Friday. Naming the pieces in French seems natural-- since it is the most beautiful language-- and I am inspired by time spent in Paris. So I have decided on Blanc, Rouge, Fleur, Noir, and Nuit...

Goodnight, California

2011-01-06T23:05:00.003-06:00

Carmel, Ca.

There are so many amazing towns along the California coast. When I'm tired, over-worked, and homesick, I often think of my favorite times spent in such dreamy locals, I try to remember each detail.. the fragrant trees and ocean.. Yes, being out here in the Midwest where everything is frozen over and there is no ocean.. And there is no warmth.. It is almost heartbreaking. Memories that are so vivid in my mind, places like Carmel; Larkspur; Muir Beach.. and in this current reality it seems a distant past, and it sounds like I'm making it up if I were to tell you, once upon a time I spent Christmas Day at the beach on a sunny day; Once upon a time I rode in a vintage canoe-- in the light of a full moon-- with the smell of honeysuckle, on the calm waters of a Bay inlet.

Goodnight, California by Kathleen Edwards

Gaucho Gypsy Jazz, San Francisco

2010-12-23T11:24:00.004-06:00

How I miss Wednesday nights at Amnesia!

Skate Décor

2010-11-16T20:53:00.004-06:00

Where does the time go. One week before Thanksgiving. This time last year, I was packing up my life, moving out of my apartment, having farewell parties with friends, and watching my Mini Cooper get loaded on a transport truck and driven away. The day after Thanksgiving 2009, Dietrich (the cat) and I boarded an AirTran flight-- one way-- SFO to MKE.

One year later I have survived the weather, culture shock, working in PD at Kohl's, blizzards, tornadoes, floods... and have an exciting bit of news to report. Working on my new series-- Skate Décor-- I am anticipating showing a collection of decoratively painted skateboard decks at Caggio gallery January 14th, 2011...

One design in its initial stage...

Vogue 90th Anniversary Masquerade Ball

2010-10-01T23:00:00.003-05:00

Burberry model, Lily Donaldson. Last night in my favorite European city, as part of Ready to Wear Spring/ Summer 2011 Paris Fashion week, Vogue celebrated its 90th anniversary. The masquerade ball was held at Hotel Pozzo di Borgo in the lovely City of Lights. fabuleux!

Front Page Ad!

2010-09-26T18:52:00.004-05:00

One of my Sonoma art pieces-- out there in the limelight-- merchandised, looking fab! So cute! This vintage, distressed rose ditsy lends itself well to this style. I remember distinctly, drawing these little rose clusters, working closely with the wovens team. It's wonderful to work with such a talented creative team at Kohl's, I am really proud to be part of it!

East Town Architecture

2010-09-14T22:03:00.003-05:00

Milwaukee's East Town neighborhood is the eastern portion of the downtown central business district from the Milwaukee River on the west to Lake Michigan on the east. I took this photo at a stoplight on N. Water Street, through my Mini's sunroof, on my way back from South Milwaukee this past Sunday. Fall is in the air, but on this day, the sky was clear and blue.

Au revoir California, for now...

2010-09-07T22:36:00.008-05:00

Back to reality, as they say. That was a whirlwind visit to California! Ocean Beach to the Golden Gate; Marin to Muir Beach to Larkspur to Fairfax to Sonoma; San Jose; Simi Valley to Studio City to Santa Monica to Orange County... cross country to Chicago, then finally home. In six days!

Mke>Marin

2010-09-03T01:28:00.003-05:00

Muir Beach, California... more to come...

Françoise Hardy

2010-08-16T23:32:00.001-05:00

Bryant's, Milwaukee's Oldest Cocktail Lounge

2010-08-14T09:37:00.004-05:00

This is my kind of place; dimly lit, atmospheric, vintage decor... complete with jazz, jump blues, and lounge music as the back drop. Dapper bartenders too, it adds to the charm. Milwaukeeans know their cocktails, and master the art of mixology at this historic bar I was introduced to last night. Thanks JB! Open since 1938, this bar is located in the historic Mitchell Street neighborhood, just south of Downtown, and the history in this building is evident as you enter the bar through what looks like the front door to someones home. One thing I've learned in this city is that you don't ask for a drink menu, and Bryant's is no exception. In fact they pride themselves on not having a menu, as there are more than 450 cocktails available, and many involve the mystery and intrigue of secret ingredients. Ordering a cocktail at Bryant's is more like an experience... and I got to choose a vintage glass of my liking, flavor, and sweetness... you can order by color, texture, strength... and I even experienced my first drink that was on fire. Literally, not figuratively. That's right, there was an apricot on fire in my vodka drink, and it was fantastic!

ModCloth!

2010-08-06T22:30:00.005-05:00

ModCloth, an online clothing, accessories, and decor retailer works with over 100 indie designers. With offices in the SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco, Downtown LA, and the hip and historical Strip District of Pittsburgh, I am inspired by this quirky and fun company! How can a girl decide? Thanks for the tip, CJ.

Saint Tropez... Trends for 2011

2010-07-28T21:25:00.006-05:00

oh là là... Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel Cruise/ Resort Collection, Summer 2011... glamour, Brigitte Bardot-inspired, sassy... I'm loving this!

Solomon Juneau, Pioneer Extraordinaire

2010-07-26T21:10:00.005-05:00

Among the ever fascinating things I learn just by riding my bike around town... Wisconsin and its French Canadian roots... more to come on this; this statue in Juneau Park as seen last night. Monsieur Solomon Juneau, one of the city's founders and the first mayor of Milwaukee in 1846. Oui, this native français speaking pioneer established the Milwaukee Sentinel. Even more charming, legend has it he brought his wife to Milwaukee in a canoe, I wonder if by moonlight.

Milwaukee Art Museum

2010-06-18T19:45:00.003-05:00

Overlooking Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee Art Museum is probably best known for the dramatic, movable, wing-like brise soleil, designed by Santiago Calatrava. Remarkably, this structure opens up with a wingspan of 217 feet during the day and folds over the tall structure and closes every day at sunset! The interior of the museum is gorgeous, and will definitely require several more visits... I had ridden my bike past the museum several times now but today was the first day I visited. My product development division had invitation to the first day of Lakefront Festival of the Arts, so a group of us biked down this afternoon despite the approaching storm...

I love this piece by Roy Lichtenstein, Crying Girl, 1964... one of my favorites.

Billie Holiday's The Blues are Brewin' is my song for tonight, on this humid and stormy midwestern evening.

Bunny Kat Dress, by Lucky 13

2010-06-13T09:58:00.002-05:00

Friday night at the Symphony

2010-06-06T19:01:00.005-05:00

This past Friday, I had the most memorable night yet! I had first row seats (a perspective quite unusual but pretty cool, thank you PT) to Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 3 in D minor. (composed between 1893 and 1896 by Gustav Mahler and a great example of Romantic music) As this is the last performance of the season, I'm so lucky to have experienced it! One hour and 40 minutes, with no intermission, it was absolutely heartbreaking, contemplative, and joyful. MSO is amazing! I almost felt like it mirrored the way I've felt moving here, leaving California behind and all the things I know, family, and lifelong friends to pursue this new chapter in my life... and trying to with optimism!

Also worth noting, Uno de Juno celebration despite rain, a midnight champagne toast with new friends, and an evening bike ride down to the Lake tonight. Chris Isaak's Baja Sessions is my soundtrack this weekend.

Bravo, I'm Not A Pilot!

2010-05-29T02:31:00.006-05:00

Even though it's 3am in the morning, I am compelled to write about tonight's experience... the most evocative and meticulously crafted indie rock I have seen performed since I moved here! Beautiful. I must say I had chills hearing Peter Thomas play cello so masterfully. What an interesting dichotomy to hear this caliber of music and innovative arrangement amongst the semi-rowdy bar crowd, too funny! It was a pleasure to hear I'm Not A Pilot perform at Linneman's River West Inn tonight. I'm so excited to find such talent, such passion, based right here in Milwaukee. I can't wait to see them perform next!

Great Styling

2010-05-26T20:06:00.007-05:00

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to research seasonal trends and gather print and pattern inspiration with my design team in Chicago. So fun! Inspiration in its many forms... but I digress...

Think great styling... swanky cool... thanks to my anglophile sister, I am now a fan of Rockett St George, a UK based online store specializing in British design. Founded by Jane Rockett and Lucy St George, I am impressed by such creativity and humor! So dapper. Leave it to the Brits!

Magnificent Mile

2010-05-24T21:54:00.005-05:00

What a day! My first train trip to Chicago's Magnificent Mile, one of the ten best shopping avenues of the world- right up there with Rodeo Drive and Fifth Avenue according to National Geographic- was a great way to spend an incredibly humid day in the Midwest! Did I mention the heat and humidity?! My favorite stores today included Forever 21, Levi's, and Guess. These Reta Japanese Blossom peep-toe platform heels from Forever 21 are seriously adorable!

Caggio Art Opening

2010-05-22T09:49:00.005-05:00

Last night on Brady Street, I checked out Carl Geenen's new show at Caggio, my favorite neighborhood gallery on the East Side. This show features sculptures and paintings by this fellow CCA grad, who in fact attended art school around the same time I did back in the Bay! What a small world here in Wisconsin! I am always happy to see what fellow artists' are doing, and especially ones going the fine art route, versus the commercial. Very cool. I liked the organic and mineral-type palette consistent in both media; And you can't help but sense an intimacy and well of emotion in his figural works and self portraits. How I miss hours on end of drawing and painting classes in the historic Carriage House of CCA 's Oakland campus... didn't know how good I had it!

As for me, it's a sunny day here in Milwaukee so that means off to find a new bike trail!

Today is a New Day

2010-05-15T20:38:00.005-05:00

Today I am a proud new bike owner! I even got a basket (not shown, but super cool) with the sole purpose of holding flowers, baguette, cheese and a bottle of wine. I'm inspired by Entre Nous, A Woman's Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl, and remember quite vividly during my trips to France, girls gliding by on their bikes through the cobblestone streets of Paris, baguette in tow. So chic. This will be my new source of transportation around town, and I'm excited at the prospect of exploring Milwaukee this way! Many thanks and lots of laughs (often at my own expense) to the local bike shop. It goes to show, you just never know what adventure a new day can bring.

Friday night in the Historic Third Ward

2010-05-14T22:30:00.003-05:00

Three blocks South of downtown lies the Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee's Arts and Fashion District. (Founded in 1875.) I have to say this part of MKE is one of my favorites, and made an impression even when I was in town for just a couple of days back in the Fall when I was visiting here and interviewing. I knew nothing really about this town, but I knew I loved the gorgeous historic architecture here.

Tonight my friend and I happened upon this beautiful boutique, Lela Boutique and I am in love with this red dress. We wandered through the space, cream city brick walls and all, and I found a local designer to keep my eye on, Shanel Regier. It's so fun to find something new! Her dresses are seriously to die for!

A Rainy Day on Brady Street

2010-05-09T19:35:00.020-05:00

It's well into May here in Milwaukee and this weekend I had to break out my North Face jacket again. Seriously people? Rain, wind, and cold the last few days... I'm wondering when will Spring come. If ever.

In the meantime, the East Side's Brady Street offers some diversions for me. (And I don't mean the bars :) Aren't the best things in life spontaneous? I stumbled across this new shoe boutique- stunning- on Saturday... Angelina's Boutique and found a little inspiration... LOVE the black & white... classic... yet, sassy.

California meets Kinnickinnic Ave.

2010-05-02T15:53:00.007-05:00

I'm always surprised how close in proximity things are here. I'm used to San Francisco, when on any given day it can take 45 minutes to get from South of Market to Ocean Beach. In Wisco, however, not far from my neighborhood, across town and South down Kinnickinnic Ave. (KK Ave.) lies a part of Milwaukee I'm beginning to explore more: Bay View. The real reason for my trip today was to check out Tip Top Atomic Shop , a little vintage/ rockabilly store where I can be sure to find Lucky 13 and Wisconsin Skinny, two apparel brands I like to keep my eye on.

Also worth noting, yesterday watching the Kentucky Derby and my first mint julep. (way, way too strong for me) I'm not sure if it was the race itself, or just a reason to get together with friends on a Spring day. Milwaukee folks have a certain Joie de vivre, and it usually involves alcohol. :) Just another little unexpected insight into the culture here.

Lake Michigan today!

2010-04-11T15:51:00.007-05:00

Seeing this is my first entry, I have to admit when I first moved here I didn't realize Milwaukee is very much a city on the water, located on the coast of Lake Michigan, with Milwaukee River running straight through downtown and right past Lakefront Brewery and my condo building! No wonder this region has the nickname, "The Third Coast." I guess I didn't have a chance to get out and see things, barely surviving single digit temperatures and my first Winter here, I almost gave up on this city. Things are looking up though, as the weather is improving...

With that said, driving to work 3 days ago in the snow informs me that Spring is not quite here yet... Anyhow, today was a great day to go down to the Lake and enjoy the sun a bit. Nearby I also toured an Italian villa that is now a Decorative Art Museum overlooking the Lake, a historic 1920's mansion called Sopra Mare, which means Above The Sea.