Plushinality

A Very Sweet Wedding Gift

2011-01-13T10:31:00.000-08:00

I have a wonderful friend, Miriam Morante. We met a few years back when her company in Spain sent her to the states. She sent me the sweetest wedding gift, dress up dolls that resemble the bride and groom and even had a few extra outfits. I found out recently that Naif magazine published her dolls on its blog. Now not many will be able to read the article, but trust me they loved her work so much, that they soon might be published in their magazine.

She more of Miriam's work Here

And the article Here

Fabric Bouquets

2010-12-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

This past October I was asked to do the flowers for my lovely cousin's wedding. I've worked with real flowers many times in other weddings. I just like to thank her for the opportunity to mix my love for sewing into this project.

I used six different fabrics along with feathers, pearls, and even a few LED's.

The Bride

The Flower girl

The Bridesmaids

Fantastic Finds Friday

2010-10-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

As this friday was coming around, I was thinking about someone, who always seems to find all things FANTASTIC. Here is her blog Blitz and Glitz... enjoy!

The Sketchbook Project

2010-08-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

A good friend sent me a fun link to, the Art House - The Sketchbook project.

I just got my book the other day. The fun thing... anyone from anywhere in the world can be a part of this project.

Sign up by: Oct. 31st, 2010
Postmark book by: January 15th, 2011
Tour starts: March, 2011

All books will be included in an exhibition that tours the following cities:
Brooklyn, NY Austin, TX San Francisco, CA Portland, ME Atlanta, GA Chicago, IL

Chicago Art Department's ACTION!

2010-07-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

The show opened on July 9th.

I unforchantly wasn't able to be there, but "hey Chicago" go check it out. If you're like me, and don't see a visit to Chicago anytime soon, keep an eye on the CAD Flicker Page

When I was presented with this show, I knew I had to go with Jaws. This may sound strange to some, but Jaws brought my family closer together ( it's true, my siblings and I are planning on naming our kids after Quint, Brody, & Hooper). Jaws was the starting point of our summer movie tradition. Every summer we picked which movie would be "that one" we needed to see at the drive-in. Maybe the family that laughs, gets excited, and screams together stays together.

ACTION! An Art exhibition inspired by Summer Movies

2010-07-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

Chicago Art Department has done it again.
IF your in the Chicago area I highly recommend seeing this show.

ACTION!
Chicago Art Department
Friday July 9th
6PM-10PM
1837 S. Halsted, Chicago, IL

Current confirmed artists include:

Ryan Roberts
Christophe Roberts
Clare Rosean
Nat Soti
Mike Nourse
Jim Jeffers
Ali Seradge
Sarah and Joseph Belknap
Kayce Bayer and Chris Lin
Kerry Flaherty

Photos to come soon.

Marwen's Fiber/Optics show

2010-06-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

The group exhibition is up now, you can see more at Marwen
Jun 25 - July 23
833 North Orleans St.
Chicago, Illinois 60610
phone: 312-944-2418

I took the idea... Nature always finds a way. Thinking of how animals have evolved to carry their own light source. What would happen if a plant had to do this very thing, maybe even for it's pray?

Bioluminescence Dragon
medium Mixed
dimensions 12” x 9” and a frame 5” x 7”

Displayed under glass

Getting Ready

2010-05-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

I'll be having a new piece of art coming up.
The Chicago Art Department has been continuously good to me, Mike Nourse recently passed my name on to Marwen in Chicago and I'm very excited to see what this show has installed.

Marwen's
Fiber/Optics
25 June - 23 July, 2010
A group exhibition in Marwen's Untitled Gallery demonstrating the concurrent evolution of fiber arts and technology. Although we look at many textile and fiber arts as a hands-on analog process, artists have brilliantly integrated progressive technology into their process and design. The very definition of technology has evolved over time to exclude processes once considered cutting edge. The exhibition hopes to examine innovations in textile and fiber arts technique across a continuum. Current technological innovations are intersecting and influencing how we use, see, wear, and create art with textiles and fibers. From the traditional to the experimental, we hope to procure artists working in the most fundamental of processes as well as those creating techno-fibers wired for the most techno savvy.

Here is a quick sketch to give you an idea of what's to come...

Fantastic Finds Friday

2010-04-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

It's another half day Friday for me, something I love about my Job.
And with this extra time, I wanted to start sharing some of the fantastic sites, art, and fun products I come across.

And since I've been helping with a few weddings this year I like to start off with a great wedding site Green Wedding Shoes

This Creative Director from Los Angeles has put together a great collections of photographers, floral designers, and other fun inspirations.

One of my favorites is her "Wedding Inspiration from the Movies", where she puts together every element of a wedding scene, if that movie were to have one.

Once you visit her site, I'm sure you'll find that it's one you'll keep returning to even if a wedding isn't around the corner.

Flowers are Fun Too!

2010-03-01T12:10:00.000-08:00

One always thinks of love ones in February, and flowers seem to follow.
I had the pleasure this past February, to help two very wonderful friends with their wedding flowers. I've done weddings before, but this was different. Texas was the destination and I had GREAT help.

I got an image board to get the ideas going...
Our lovely bride wanted lilacs, and the groom was looking for daisies.
Her dress had a hint of Swan Lake and she had a wonderful robin egg color necklace. This started all of the fun. I sent a few ideas and because of the wedding being in Texas I couldn't help but throw some Hens and Chicks ( Sempervivums ) into the mix.

Side note - a great bonus, even though the Sempervivums were taken out of the ground, they can be placed back to re-grow.

Also some wonderful finds at the salvation army, let us play with the table arrangements...

The bridesmaids wore black which just made the flowers POP

It was a spictakular wedding, and I HAVE to say if your ever in Fredericksburg tx... Treat yourself and head on down to Luckenbach Texas were "Everybody's Somebody"

One wedding done two more to go!

Christmas Gifts

2009-12-22T08:24:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas time, and I had a few fun customs this year. What I found is no matter the age, the Fame Monster likes them all.

The Frame Monsters usually have a face that is interchangeable. The face can be moved around, but for the little ones I went with a more permanent eye placement.

I hope they make everyone a little happier.

This guy got to have an active face...

Happy Holidays

2009-12-10T06:41:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season.
As for me it's a Frankie kind of Christmas this year.

Peace, Love, and all of that!

Skull vinyl decals

2009-11-30T08:52:00.000-08:00

FINALLY got the vinyl decals in.
4 sizes in gray, skull over a halligan and axe.

I had a few extra ETSY

here are a few photos we had fun with...

oops-a-yeti

2009-11-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

This poor guy got a little toooo close with his hair cut.

For more info on the "Who Framed Yeti Spaghetti" show see Genuine Artikle Gallery

Tell them my poor guy couldn't have done it.

Halloween 09 - The year Yips Yips took over

2009-11-02T06:39:00.000-08:00

This Halloween was all about fun.
I knew I had to make one of my favorite characters from sesame street.
The Yip Yips, now I've seen this done for Halloween before, but it's always a full body costume. Those are fun but it takes it to far away from what I love about those guys.

So I went with HATS, that's right Hats. I found that with just the slightest move of the head, we could get the yip Yips to talk.

If I had the time I would have added in some Microchip Technology
Laura from Make & Craft magazine recommended it. Next year I'll be sure to see what that group is up to. You can see then at Craft and Make

And if you don't know who the yip yips are, then this is for you.
Yip Yips Video

Who Framed Yeti Spaghetti?

2009-10-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about art shows is, the people you meet. And Trevor Zammit is one of those people. His upcoming show, Who Framed Yeti Spaghetti, a monstrous "who done it" art show. Could anything be more fun than that?!? So if you find yourself in Ronkonkoma NY on Nov. 14th, go see it!

CCAD friends Tony Simione & Johnny Yanok are a few other artist included.
I'll have post soon of my work.

Custom Zambi the Baby Elephant Charity Auction

2009-09-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hasbro's PROJECT ZAMBI Initiative to Help Support Children Orphaned by AIDS in Africa.

Attached are few links where you can find info about the upcoming Charity Auction. Auction runs October 5 to 15th

RTM

The fhi

ebay

Custom vinyl decals

2009-07-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a little project... Now I'm just waiting to get the Decals in. I'll be sure to post the final placement when it comes in.

CAD is Expanding

2009-07-24T06:46:00.000-07:00

For the past 5 years The Chicago Art Department has been committed to providing opportunities for Chicago’s emerging artists. To celebrate the opening of our new studio we are now offering membership opportunities at an extremely affordable rate. Space & time are limited..

I have been with the group for only a short time while I was in Chicago, but I must say it was great. Everyone is so diversely talented, that you can't help but grow around them.

Here is the link for more info.

The Mortal Plush show

2009-07-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a look at the show I wish I didn't miss.

Mortal Plush: I Am Not Your Toy

Here is a list of the artists

Art Whino

2009-06-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

YES!!! Zombie Jim got into the upcoming Art Whino show...
MORTAL PLUSH: I am Not Your Toy
An exhibit of emotional plush art.

The show will be held July 11, 2009 through August 11, 2009 at Art Whino Gallery 173 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745.

Here is a link to Art Whino

I wish I could attend the show, but sadly can not.
I just hope a lot of photos get posted.
I'm sure this show will have one creative group.

200 Lincolns

2009-02-10T09:30:00.000-08:00

I was asked to join in some CAD fun, which is great because I miss the whole group now that I've moved. So here is the show and what I was working on for the "Art Celebrating Lincoln's 200th Birthday"

Coming to CAD
February 13th
Opening Reception:
Friday, February 13th
Chicago Art Department
1837 S. Halsted
6-10PM

Here is a look at the show so far

In honor of Abraham Lincoln's 200th Birthday this February, the Chicago Art Department will feature 200 portraits of Honest Abe in a variety of mediums. In Lincoln's spirit of equality and diversity this exhibition is about participation. An open call was made to artists and non-artists alike to submit their portraits of Abraham Lincoln. Although the exhibition opens a day after Lincoln’s birthday (Friday, February 13th), the opening promises to be a Lincoln birthday party - with cake!

Here is "Winkin' Linclon"
He's a 17.5" x 17.5" Plush Penny
As of March 2008, it costs about 1.23 cents to mint a penny. Now that the price of the raw materials exceeds the face value, there is a risk that coins will be illegally melted down for raw materials. Because the Penny depicts former President Abraham Lincoln, representatives of the State of Illinois (ocial nickname is "Land of Lincoln") have been vocal in their opposition to the elimination of the penny. I just wanted to help the cause, and show how much Abe would appreciate it.

Online Gallery

2008-10-29T18:04:00.000-07:00

"Night of the Living Artist" is almost done. But if you missed it.
Here is the gallery online.

title: Master of the Macabre
artist: Chung Wu
media: Wood, Tempera Paint

Humans are fascinating animals. We have such an obsession for the afterlife that we’ll create all manner of fiction to ease our fears of death and make us complacent. I like the zombies don’t appease our desire for peace but heighten our worst fears of coming back as mindless, decayed, flesh-eating creatures. Edgar Allen Poe had a talent for capturing this kind of psychological terror in his prose. Though zombies were not his forte I think we can all appreciate the world of despair and madness he created that makes the entire genre of horror so appetizing. This is my undead interpretation of the artist whose poems, “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart,” have forever influenced my work.

title: Yayoi Kusama Self-Obliteration Part II
artist: Zahra Farrokh-Pars
media: graphite, watercolor, acrylic on paper

“Yayoi Kusama Self-Obliteration Party II” is based on Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s (born 1929) “Sel-Obliteration”performance pieces from late 1960’s in which she painted polka dots on her body and place herself indomestic interiors that were also covered with dots. By covering herself in dots, Kusama sought to “obliterate” herself i her
environment, but her work also raises questions about female identity and the female body. In Kusama’s work obseeive repetition is not just decorative, but also has a sinister element, and by Zomibifying her I hope to bring attention to the dark side of her work.

title: Salvombie
artist: Tracey Flaherty
media: Oil on Canvas

Salvatore Dali is the one man that single handed started the surrealism movement. Surrealism is one of my favorite periods in art. Dali had a view on the world around him as something surreal. Zombies are an idea of humans in a surreal life, so to me Dali is the perfect man to be a zombie. I'm surprised he did paint himself as one.

title: Charley Harper
artist: Kate O'Leary
media: Mix Media

I chose Charley Harper because I find his minimal realism, color palettes and compositions endlessly inspiring. If you are unfamiliar with his work go to www.charleyharperartstudio.com and learn more about this amazing artist.

title: Starving Artist
artist: Creepy
media: Acrylic on wood panel

This is what REALLY happened to Van Gogh's ear.

title: The Missing Page - How to Draw Preston Blair as a Zombie
artist: Daniel Goffin
media: Arcylic

The reason I chose Preston Blair is because I find cartoons from this era (and earlier) highly inspirational. What better way to pay a homage to an artist like Preston Blair than to pick up the style of his famous “1$ Animation Course”

title: Step Right Up!
artist: Robyn Fabsits
media: Mixed

I chose to zombify PT Barnum and his famous FeeJee mermaid. I have a little obsession with all things circus related. Every few years I am drawn back to this subject matter and can’t help creating the some new piece of work with that theme. This has actually been going on for about 10 years now. I can definitely say I am influenced by circus posters, old circus photos, and even side show oddities and their stories.

title: Killing KafkaI
artist: Ila Hofacker (Katie cat)
media: Acrylic paint and craft paper

I love the subtle and quiet humor of Kafka’s work. I also like how accessible his work is to the reader. Reading a story by him is a pretty easy task, but then you have to sit back and consider the meaning of his work, which is not so easy! Interestingly, most of Kafka’s work was not published until AFTER his death, which I found fitting for this show.

title: #1 The Essence of Ghoul - The great Escape
#2 The King of ghoul - Bullitt
artist: Tony Simione
media: Mixed Media

I chose Steve McQueen because he is an iconic figure who is timelessly cool, much like zombies. An antihero persona in some of the greatest classic films, he was driven to do things his way. What better way portray him then a zombie who strives on what it wants, what it needs?

title: Ricky Gervais as David Brent
artist: Billy Humphries
media: Ink, colored pencil, & watercolor

I chose Ricky Gervais because his character “David Brent” is my favorite character ever portrayed.

title: Dr. Seuss
artist: Joe and Ann Marie Oslawski
media: acrylic and ink

title: Zombie Kerry Flaherty
artist: Mike Nourse
price: $400
media: Gel Medium Transfer on Glass

Kerry's work has helped me see art in a different way, appreciating an art form that
I have never known much about. Who would have thought that plush art could be so fun

title: “Tastes Like Teen Spirits” (Kurt Cobain)
artist: Nat Soti
media: Mixed Media

Choosing an artist to turn into a zombie was much harder than I thought it would be. I wanted to choose someone that people might be able to recognize – so as to be able to enjoy a zombie version of them. That’s pretty much how I came to choose Kurt Cobain. Not very deep I know. That being said, I suppose choosing to “zombify” Kurt Cobain does elicit some interesting thoughts. Here’s one. Before I even heard his music, I saw Kurt on the cover of Rolling stone wearing a t-shirt that said “Corporate Magazines Still Suck”. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was a declaration of war against a mainstream, corporate, popular culture – which was in Kurt’s eyes full of, yes, zombies. Yet his music, his weapon, became the most popular, the most mainstream, and the in some ways the most corporate song of its time. Even Nirvana could not avoid being literally absorbed and assimilated into the corporate mainstream culture that he wanted to fight. Despite their best efforts, they just ended up creating new zombies - “grunge zombies”. I wonder if this played any role in Kurt tragically taking his own life in the end.

title: Edward Gorey
artist: Woodrow J. Hinton III
media: Mixed

No other artist encapsulates the dark humor and beauty of the Halloween season better.
His name is Gorey for the love of God. E is for Edward who ate your Mother's Brains!

title: Jim Henson is a cute Zombie
artist: Kerry Flaherty
media: Mixed Media

I have always been a fan of Jim. He brought humor to all ages. He used his skills along with a classic art form to bringing peace and happiness to the world. I would have loved to meet him, so that is why I decided to bring him back to life.

title: The Kill
artist: David Rettker
media: Acrylic on Wood

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt is an instantly recognized, truly legendary painting, and perhaps his greatest work. Its pervasive influence is undeniable, however it is subject to many interpretations. To some it is an ecstatic embrace of two consenting lovers overcome by emotion, others believe the woman is aloof and turning away from the male's unwelcome advances, while some say this is as close to a self portrait as Klimt ever painted. All I see is zombie.

title: The Dead Beats
artist: Jennifer Rosentha
media: Looping Video

title: "Oh My God! I Ate You!" (Yoshitomo Nara)
artist: Stacy Peterson
media: acrylic

title: "Ub Iwerks"
artist: Trevor Zammit
media: background is water color
there are 3 animation cells all acrylic on polycite

Ub Iwerks (1901-1971) was a two-time Academy Award winning American animator,
cartoonist and special effects technician. Iwerks is most famous for his work animating entire Mickey Mouse and Silly Symphonies cartoons by himself for Walt Disney. "The Skeleton Dance" is one of his best known works. He created characters like, Flip the Frog, Willie Whopper and Mickey Mouse.

title: Killer Queen
artist: Doug Klauba
media: Acrylic paint

Titles and lyrics of their songs say it all: Killer Queen, Keep Yourself Alive,
Death on Two Legs, Who Wants To Live Forever... always inspiring and visual.

title: One fabulous zombie, dahling (Louise Nevelson)
artist: Lauren Etling
media: clay, wire, wood, fabric, paint,

I chose to depict Louise Nevelson as a zombie because she is so extravagant and
fabulous that I'm sure she would make a fantastically dramatic zombie.
Plus, she's amazingly talented, and any tribute is still a tribute.

title: “Oasis Zombies: British Rock Lives Forever”
artist: Steve Hamaker
media: Digital, Photoshop

In my opinion, Oasis is one of the greatest rock & roll bands of all time.
To me, Noel and Liam Gallagher are amongst the ranks of Lennon & McCartney,
or Jagger & Richards. They just have that magical thing that catapults them
to iconic visual and audible status. Love them or hate them, you can’t take
your eyes off of them, and they create music that will surely outlive them…
unless they never die.

It was my pleasure to kill them and then reanimate them for this shared
appreciation of zombies.

title: The Illusion of Doug Henning
artist: B. Wilkison
media: Mixed Media

When I was a child searching madly to find my from of expression I got the opportunity to meet several artist that shaped the way I viewed the world. Clayton Moore (TV’s Lone Ranger), Paul Lynde (comedic actor), Peter Yarrow (Peter Paul & Mary) and Doug Henning (master illusionist). While any of these would have been great subjects to “zombify” the juxtaposition of Doug Henning’s brightly colored and flamboyant outfits, toothy grin and mysticism seemed to scream, “Reanimate me.” While I hope the reaction to this piece is, “How could you do that?” I present it in the spirit of Illusion and wonder, not unlike the reaction I first had to Doug, “How did you do that?”

P.S. - When I met Doug Henning I wasn’t allowed to shake his hand!

"Zomquiat" - Chris Hales

title: A Tribute: Artist Ed Ruscha as Zombie Mustard Bottle
artist: Mark Mattson
media: Mixed Media on Wood Panel

I hate zombies. The idea of familiar and beloved town-folk coming back to eat my brains is too much for me to bear. So, portraying my favorite artist, Ed Ruscha, as a realistic, undead entity simply would not do: I can wish him no harm, even at Halloween, which I also love. Ruscha is also not yet dead, but, you know, not a spring chicken; so I wish not to tempt fate too much.

In the 70’s, he worked a lot of non-traditional pigments and materials into his prints, drawings, and paintings, including, of course, mustard. Hence, Artist Ed Ruscha as Zombie Mustard Bottle, staggering into the fast-food night.

title: "Director of the Dead" (George A. Romero)
artist: Dan Henrick
media: ink

When talking about zombies, the first name that springs to my mind is George A. Romero. Romero wrote and directed the classic “Night of the Living Dead,” which is essentially responsible for the zombie myth in modern pop culture. “Dead” was released 40 years ago this month (October 1, 1968), though watching it now, it’s still remarkably modern, shocking, and relevant. Romero has the unique ability to combine social commentary, moody atmosphere and compelling storytelling in his films, while keeping everything on a shoe-string budget. I can’t help but find that incredibly inspiring.
I was lucky enough to meet George Romero at a film festival a few years back, and he struck me as warm, modest, and generous to his fans. I’ve drawn him here filming a horde of zombies, just after he’s been bitten. Below him are Romero collaborators, Tom Savini (with the mustache, wearing the motorcycle jacket) and Dario Argento (with the bite on his neck). Savini is a ground-breaking makeup and special effects artist, while Argento scored the later Romero film “Dawn of the Dead.” Argento also went on to write and direct the horror classic, “Suspiria.” In the background, I’ve drawn the farmhouse from the original “Night of the Living Dead” as well.

Get to know the artist...

2008-10-10T06:22:00.000-07:00

Artist List for
Night of the Living Artist

Chicago Artist:
Mike Nourse
Nat Soti
Tracey Flaherty
Kerry Flaherty
Stacy Peterson
Joe and Ann Marie Oslawski
Kate O’Leary
Jennifer Rosenthal
Douglas Klauba
Dan Henrick
Chung Wu
Christian Hales
David Rettker

Indianapolis:
Bill Wilkison

Ohio:
William D Humphries
Woodrow J. Hinton III
Ila Hofacker
Steve Hamaker
Tony Simione
Trevor Zammit

Germany:
Daniel Goffin

Kansas City:
Robyn Fabsits

Philadelphia:
Mark Mattson

Pennsylvania:
Lauren Etling

Brooklyn:
Zahra Farrokh-Pars

Night of the Living Artist - Friday Oct. 10th

2008-09-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

Night of the Living Artist

A group show Curated by Kerry Flaherty, resident artist of The Chicago Art Department. chicagoartdepartment.org

Friday, October 10, 2008 through October 31, 2008.
Opening reception Oct. 10, 7-10pm, closing reception will also be a Halloween party on Oct. 31, 7 -10pm. “Night of the Living Artist” will be including our resident DJ, DJ Tapedek.

The Chicago Art Department
1837 S. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60608

The artist will be using their prefered media and pick an artist, musician, or author (living or dead) that was an influence and Zobify them. Some of those picks include Preston Blair, Franz Kafka, Oasis, and even Jim Henson. The Chicago Art Department (CAD) cultivates new and emerging Chicago artists. Through education, exhibition, artist residencies, and community building, CAD is dedicated to supporting new voices and ideas. “My hope is this common theme will show how a range of different artist can come together in one show. And also give a chance to those new artists, who may have never been in an exhibit.” says Kerry Flaherty. “Night of the Living Artist will have Fine Art, Illustrations, and even Plush Sculptors presented in a fun atmosphere.”

Gallery info:
CAD is in Pilsen
1837 S. Halsted St. between 18th and 19th Sts.
Bus: 8 Halsted. Fri-Sun noon-5pm.

For more information about the exhibit or for gallery
hours, contact The Chicago Art Department at
312.226.8601. Or go to plushinality.blogspot.com

Night of the living Artist

2008-07-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

And now for a heads up....
I'll be having a group show at the Chicago Art Department (CAD)
"Night of the Living Artist" will open Oct. 10 th and will close Oct. 31st.
Our artist will be using whatever media they prefer, and will pick an artist (living or dead ) that has influenced them in some way and Zombify them. As an example, I'll be bringing Jim Henson back from the dead and that's one zombie all muppets should run from.

Keep a look out for more info soon.

Here are a few people participating:
More to be listed soon.

Johnny Yanok
David Rettker
Zahra Pars
Triad - Marvin Chan
Katie Hofacker
Jason Thompson
Creepy
Mike Nourse
Robyn Fabsits
David Wolk
Steve Hamaker
Trevor Zammit
Douglas Klauba
Dan Henrick
Kate Oleary
Billy Humphries
Tony Simione
Alan Ozark
Curtis Cubbe
Jason Moreno

The Crammed Book

2008-07-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

The Needle.org, posted a few shots of the upcoming Crammed Organisms 2008 book.

Take a look HERE there is a familiar looking plush.

Nature Calls: Art Inspired by Nature

2008-07-01T05:33:00.000-07:00

Don't miss this group show, my good friend Stacy Peterson (and fellow CAD member) has put together.

2nd Fridays: July 11 - August 1
Nature Calls: Art Inspired by Nature
featuring Kim Alpert, Sandi Chaplin, Kerry Flaherty, Mike Nourse, Julio Obelleiro, Stacy Peterson and Casey Ann Wasniewski

The Chicago Art Department presents “Nature Calls: Art Inspired by Nature”, a group show curated by resident artist Stacy Peterson. This show explores nature in urban landscapes and as depicted in popular culture. How do we interact with nature in our daily lives? What do we see on the streets? How do we bring nature into our homes and environments. Featured artists Kim Alpert, Sandi Chaplin, Kerry Flaherty, Mike Nourse, Julio Obelleiro, Stacy Peterson and Casey Ann Wasniewski explore this concept through painting, video, sculpture, fabric, photography and mixed media.

Venus-zine

2008-06-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

Ellen's article is on-line NOW
You can read it HERE

Also More shots are in from Crammed Organism.
Here is there opening at Cranky Yellow.
See them all at Organisms Flickr

What Fun... Crammed Organisms Show was

2008-06-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

St. Louis did it right! Besides flying threw a Tornado, my good friend Ellen and I made it to the show.
So many great plush folks there, I'm excited to have been one amongst them. Star Clipper was a great place to have the opening and the crew from Cranky Yellow had a fun job. We defiantly liked the "Make Your Own Plush Studio" and the loop area was filled with night life.

Here is where you can find other upcoming shows this month.

I'll have more photos soon, including more of the hotel... Ellen is the best for finding it. And I'll have to post Ellen's article once it comes out
( she's so good at adding in all the fun details)

Crammed Organisms blog has more shots of the show.

Strange Beauty Show June 5th

2008-05-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

The Strange Beauty Show features the work of different artists
with gallery events held every 2 months. And I'm very excited they
chooses me to be a featured artist.

The show opening will be at:
June 5th from 7 -10 pm
Small Bar
2049 West Division

More Info here

See more about Strange Beauty here

Here are some oldies but goodies I'll have displayed, but
more will be on the way.

The Story of the Wild Huntsman

This is the Wild Huntsman that shoots the hares
With the grass-green coat he always wears:
With game-bag, powder-horn and gun,
He's going out to have some fun.
He finds it hard, without a pair
Of spectacles, to shoot the hare:
He put his spectacles upon his nose, and said,
"Now I will shoot the hares, and kill them dead."

The hare sits snug in leaves and grass
And laughs to see the green man pass.

Now, as the sun grew very hot
And he a heavy gun had got,
He lay down underneath a tree
And went to sleep, as you may see.
And, while he slept like any top,
The little hare came, hop, hop, hop,Ñ
Took gun and spectacles, and then
Softly on tiptoe went off again.

The green man wakes, and sees her place
The spectacles upon her face.
She pointed the gun at the hunter's heart,
Who jumped up at once with a start.
He cries, and screams, and runs away,
"Help me, good people, help! I pray."

At last he stumbled at the well
Head over ears, and in he fell.
The hare stopp'd short, took aim, and hark!
Bang went the gun! - she miss'd her mark!

The poor man's wife was drinking up
Her coffee in her coffee-cup;
The gun shot Cup and saucer through;
"O dear!" cried she, "what shall I do?"
Hiding, close by the cottage there,
Was the hare's own child, the little hare;
When he heard the shot, he quickly arose,
And while he stood upon his toes,
The coffee fell and burn'd his nose;
"O dear," he cried, "what burns me so?"
And held up the spoon with his little toe.

The Story of Augustus who not have any Soup

Augustus was a chubby lad;
Fat ruddy cheeks Augustus had;
And everybody saw with joy
The plump and hearty healthy boy.
He ate and drank as he was told,
And never let his soup get cold.
But one day, one cold winter's day,
He threw away the spoon and screamed:
"O take the nasty soup away!
I won't have any soup to-day:
I will not, will not eat my soup!
I will not eat it, no!"

Next day! now look, the picture shows
How lank and lean Augustus grows!
Yet, though he feels so weak and ill,
The naughty fellow cries out stillÑ
"Not any soup for me, I say!
O take the nasty soup away!
I will not, will not eat my soup!
I will not eat it, no!"

The third day comes. O what a sin!
To make himself so pale and thin.
Yet, when the-soup is put on table,
He screams, as loud as he is ableÑ
"Not any soup for me, I say!
O take the nasty soup away!
I won't have any soup to-day!"

Look at him, now the fourth day's come!
He scarce outweighs a sugar-plum;

He's like a little bit of thread;
And on the fifth day he was-dead.

Find more Struwwelpeter stories here

Crammed Organisms Show

2008-04-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

I just got done and sent out my work today.

The Crammed Organisms has 4 venues 4 different shows in June
and a massive collaboration of artist
You can see them all on their site...

Check it out Here

I made 4 soft Russian Dolls, but I went for a kangaroo style of nesting and embroidered the detail with accented patterns. I even added a squeaker inside each little character just for fun.

I really enjoyed making these and I can see myself
making more of them soon.

Little Red

Miss Muffet

Owl and the Pussycat

Three Blind Mice

Artropolis

2008-04-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

This Friday is another group show at the Chicago Art Department.
I've been wanting to work on some tiny little pieces.
And with all of Chicago ready for some spring weather,
I did a few little critters you might have put in a jar at some time or another.
Here is a look at Keen-sakes...

Spider

Inchworm

Ladybugs