Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Farewell John Hughes

(image courtesy NY Times)

Molly Ringwald, John Hughes, Anthony Michael Hall. These are names I grew up with. Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink. These are movies I loved.

It is strange how you can feel such sadness for a person you have never met. Although since the passing of my father, I feel a strange quiet sadness whenever I hear of anyone passing.

Speaking with a friend yesterday, the talented Mr. Maxwell Loren Holyoke-Hirsch, I discovered that there would be an article published in the NY Times written by Molly Ringwald about John Hughes' death. Max had been approached to illustrate said article. Poor fella had a raging fever, but managed to turn it out.

I awoke this morning very excited to see that he had indeed turned it out. The underlying theme for Ringwald's article was that John was like Peter Pan, in that he created a Neverland for the actors in his films. Her writing was just what I had expected it to be. Thoughtful, intimate, sentimental.

The picture that accompanied it was a charming example of MLHH's oeuvre. His signature characters are created with such a childlike passion: I can't imagine a more suitable artist to illustrate the words chosen to mourn the passing of a true cinematic great.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Sonja Ahlers.



An artist that used to show at the gallery I managed in Vancouver has just crept back into my consciousness. As I was unpacking yet another box of books, I came across a catalogue from a show Sonja Ahlers had in Japan.

Sonja's art is near and dear to my heart. She creates these amazing Fierce Bunnies, one of which (Grandpa) is resting comfortably in Oliver's room. Sonja is one of those artists that you couldn't imagine being anything else. Her studio locations range from the Yukon, to the inside of a mushroom in Toronto. Everything she writes is brilliant and thoughtful, and her photographs are clean and crisp and bright. Oh and did I mention she shares my obsession with Heart?



I highly recommend reading her blog, scoping her art, and adoring her bunnies.




*Nestled inside the belly of each bunny is a lucky penny. About 5 months after I had received my bunny, I found out I was pregnant. I sent her an email and jokingly asked if they had fertility powers. She confirmed my suspicions.*

Monday, July 20, 2009

Flora II

I heard from my lil' cousin today! Yay! He lives in Korea and I never see him anymore which is very difficult for me. We were pretty good friends growing up and over the years my respect and admiration for him has grown exponentially. He's one of those guys that seems to k now a little about everything cool: photography, politics, philosophy, music. Yup, proud I am related.

Anyhow, what does this have to do with flora? Well, he said he'd like to see some more of my photos, so here are a few more. Miss you Matthew!*








*Yes, Matthew is the name of my cousin as well as my fiancee. That's how much I look up to my cousin. Kidding, that would be super weird.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Flora

Over the past year I have been putting together a series of photos of different plants and flowers. I suppose it's with the intention of developing them and mounting a mini-exhibition in my home.

Here are a few that I have so far...let me know what you think?





Ethiopian Jazz...

A few years back I watched Jim Jarmusch's film, "Broken Flowers'. I loved it- Bill Murray at his finest! However, I loved the music even more. I did a bit of research and discovered Mulatu Astatke. He is an Ethiopia born musician and arranger. He is an incredibly interesting man: he acted as advisor to the MIT Media Lab on creating a modern version of the kraal, a traditional Ethiopian instrument. Creating new instruments in this day and age is no small feat.

Anyhow, have a listen, and if you have a chance, watch the movie. Reminded me of Elizabethtown (only good).

IF you aren't into the whole Ethio-Jazz thing, then you could certainly check out Holly Golightly. (Specifically the Green Hornes with Holly Golightly-There is an end).

Friday, June 19, 2009

dance dance dance.

just found out that oli has an incredibly diverse interest in music. new love? beyonce's 'single ladies'....i think he just likes the actions that i supply. lol! mat leave is awesome!

another song he likes? 'after hours' by we are scientists....like i said eclectic.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Lost Boys

Don't know what it is but I can't get enough of this movie. When I was younger I wanted to be Star. My sister also says that when I was younger and people asked me what I wanted to be, I said a stripper.....hmmmmmm. Weird.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

You must hear this.






Matthew's hip little sister sent Oliver a welcome to the world gift. You know what it was? Lullaby renditions of Radiohead. Yes. That is correct. I find myself listening to it more than Ollie. Since then, I bought myself renditions of Led Zeppelin (as we all remember the fan he is of Zep). The library of lullabies has enough trip-down-memory-lane rock and reggae than you can shake a stick at.

For anyone with children that will not settle for Barney, I say send in the band.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

LOOK


I suppose now that Sir Oliver the Small has arrived, I can start to focus my attention on my wedding! Yay!!!! Perusing through Etsy, I came across this retro lace dress at nstylevintage. Wedding-worthy? Not sure. But inspiring nonetheless.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Henrique Oliveira and Julian Wolkenstein

Just checking out For Me, For You, and came across Brazilian artist Henrique Oliveira. His paintings are one thing, but his 3 dimensional salvaged wood installations are OUT OF THIS WORLD.
(images via miel at cannelle)




And to completely change directions, I have fallen for artist Julian Wolkenstein's photographs of horses with their hair done. Specifically 'Florence'. What a lovely horse. ;)

Monday, March 23, 2009

New Music

After reading one of my favourite blogs, For Me, For You, I came across the website Justwatchthesky. Each day they add one song accompanied by brilliantly designed text from the lyrics. I happened upon a band (Radical Face) that now has me hooked. This of course led to me searching for new music all over and here is a list of what I am listening to (as well as my fave song).

1.Radical Face: 'Welcome Home, Son'
2.Dr. Dog: 'The Rabbit the Bat and the Reindeer'
3.Jose Gonzalez: 'Heartbeats'


Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Julie Morstad is the Bees Knees





After a little over a year, I am thrilled to see that Julie Morstad's Alphabet cards (whom I am sure everyone I know has heard me rave about), are HERE!!!! Julie is an artist that is represented by the gallery I managed (Atelier Gallery), and is definitely one of my favourites-before I even started working there to be honest.... Last year we had an exhibition of the series (original drawings) and the entire set sold. Wowsa. I wanted to buy 'H', but ahhh, what can you do. Each card features a unique illustration to accompany the letter: 'L' is a rabbit writing a letter, 'I' is for ice fishing...clever girl.

Snap a set up here.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Etsy Find

I rather vaguely typed in 'art' to the search section in Etsy, and at around page 35 came across JacqleenBleu's shop. Her gorgeous dreamy images make me want to wallpaper my house with them.


Thursday, February 5, 2009

Can't take my mind off of you.

15 days til due date. All I can think of is baby. I am pretty sure we have everything ready. Well, the play list for the delivery room is ready and that was a big thing. Some real gems. I am hoping that baby is born to something by Sigur Ros. Maybe 'Staralfur' or 'Hoppipolla'. Yeah, 'Hoppipolla' would be such a great intro to our weird little planet. I wonder if I'll have enough control that when i am about to push baby out to say, "Would you mind skipping forward a few tracks?' Ha! Or what about 'Feeling Good' by Nina Simone? Hmmmm.....Or what about Lykke Li's 'Dance dance dance'?






The nursery is officially done now too. We found a wonderful little dresser at an antique store. Matt sanded it down a bit and we really liked the finished effect. Not sure if it'll stay like this for long, but it looks super swell right now. Haven't put the knobs back on yet. We bought 3 succulents for the room too. Our bird mobile is almost finished too. Yeah, Matt and I decided we aren't the greatest of sewers, but it's the thought that counts right? (It should look like this...)




And last but not least, here is the outfit we picked out for baby to come home in. Ummmm, how adorable is that little hat????? (If you look closely you can see the shadow from my belly at the bottom...Ha!)

Monday, January 26, 2009

13 Most Beautiful...



A friend of mine, Miss Gabby De Luca, is doing some freelance PR work for the Vancouver PuSh Festival. This is how I was alerted to a phenomenal show going on this Friday! I have been a long time fan of Luna and Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips, and lo and behold, they have been commissioned by the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh to compose music to accompany some of Warhol’s rarely seen 1960s silent-film screen tests.

They will be at the Vogue this Friday to accompany this screening LIVE! Last February, I had purchased two tix to see Dean and Britta as a Valentine's Day gift for Matty, but got sick and we couldn't go. So the fact that they are coming back again, especially to accompany Warhol's images-well, I just hope the baby doesn't come before Friday!

If you're interested, click here.

Oh yeah, for my friends in Winnipeg, they are also performing in Minneapolis (Walker Cinema Space)on February 28.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Robert Graham

Good lord: My boss introduced me to the artist Robert Graham. Brillllliant.




Score!


I just found out that I got 2 tix for the sold out Sigur Ros show tonight!!!! This is a dream come true and I absolutely cannot wait!I have wanted to see them for years. People are being really big meanies and trying to sell their tix on craigslist for 150$ each. Bad karma...

Monday, October 6, 2008

MondayMorningArtsCool

Two artists that I have been watching recently are Jason Polan and Maxwell Loren Holyoke Hirsch. I was recently in contact with MLHH and much to my delight he has just updated his website. It is stocked full of goodies like this:




and this:







He has loads of work that will blow your mind. I recommend checking out his illustrations section. Wowsa.














Second up: Jason Polan! Now I swear that this is the nicest person I have ever not met. A few months back I bought the ridiculously entertaining "The Every Piece of Art In The Museum of Modern Art Book". Now, you can buy this book for a mere $20 US,



OR you could take full advantage of Polan's insane creativity and grab this:

Deluxe Edition $100

Included in the Deluxe Edition:

* The Every Piece Of Art In The Museum Of Modern Art Book
* Complimentary admission and guided tour, by Jason Polan, of The Museum Of Modern Art
* A hotdog or pretzel right after your tour
* Your favorite piece of art at the Museum Of Modern Art hand drawn for you

I am certain that I will be posting more about Jason as I am completely infatuated with his attempt at combining artistic practice with humanity skills. Jason Polan-I applaud you.

P.S. Check out the sweet little note that he sent along with the book.


Thursday, October 2, 2008

I feel so grown up...

On Saturday morning, Matthew and I woke up bright and early to walk to the beach to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic's crashing waves. We were all huddled up under our Tidewatch blanket. We were talking about how much fun our vacation had been, when he pointed to a rock to my right. 'What does that say?, he asked me. I leaned forward to get a better look...and this is what I read:



For anyone who knows Matthew, you know that this is the most perfect way he could have possibly asked me. He is such a kid at heart, and that is why I love him.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

The most beautiful songs in the world.

Have you ever heard a song and been so moved or so inspired that you cry? If you haven't I recommend the following:

Sigur Ros: Glosoli
Flaming Lips: Do you Realize
KD Lang OR Jeff Buckley: Hallelujah
Ludwig van Beethoven: Moonlight Sonata

And just to get you started, here is Glosoli. I once gave a presentation on this video and how it reflectd modern art ideals. It was for my 20th Century Art History class.