Ok Couldn't Have a Week of Violet Without Wolf Kahn

 Wolf Kahn was a visiting artist at Swain School of Design when I was there in the 80's.  He got me excited about painting landscapes with pastels. The power in their immediate color, flexibilty, ability to travel. He manages to get violet in landscapes better than anyone. He honestly discusses his history, what he struggles with in his work, and how blindness has freed him in his painting here.

Tinctory

Sigh.This week's artist is Eva of Tinctory.  "Tinctory is a word that may not exist but if it did it would mean a place where things are dyed. Tinctor means 'dyer' in Latin" says Eva. Eva is a Czech living in the UK. She's self-taught and interested in fabric manipulation, dyeing, natural dyes, batik, and shibori. Her inspirations include the intricate needlework seen on historic textiles, geometric patterns in nature, variation and repetition, romance and fairytales. Her smocked jewellery is made entirely by hand, using simple tools and time to produce complex designs. She likes to repurpose vintage silk or dye materials with natural dyes which gives each piece uniqueness. To  find her blog your can go here, her flickr collection here and don't forget to become a fan on Facebook here.

4.27.10 Color Swatch

P  A  N  T  O  N  E    N  o.  1  7  6 

oh violet.

you little screamer.

we like you, ok?

but best when you are tiny.
your itty bitty voice 

says hi with a left hook

just look at you

do you really think

i could have

missed you

between the dove stones 

and acid green blades?

i make an attempt

to hush you 

and say

just please wait your turn.
but it is impossible
for me when

you crook your little

finger and pull me to your

teacup of a face

to land a violent bruise 
of a kiss

-Alyn Carlson

photo from Maine Momma on flickr here

Poem for Monday

I hope you had a real weekend. I did. Made a little art, took a trip to my favorite portuguese markets in New Bedford, made dinner for some great friends and miraculously none of it felt like it was on a list. The to-do piggie has been getting way too much attention from me lately. Sometimes the list just looms and I can't even see myself. Spending time alone is the best way I have to combat the feeling of not owing my life. Rilke gives some great advice, sort of THE advice for a couple in a committed relationship. "The point of marriage is not to create a quick commonality by tearing down all boundaries; on the contrary, a good marriage is one in which each partner appoints the other to be the guardian of his solitude, and thus they show each other the greatest possible trust." I'm lucky Paul does that for me. I love how Derek Wolcott's poem reminds me I am a feast. Becoming a stranger to myself usually explains most sadness, stress and frustration I feel. Hunger for myself. 

Love After Love

by David Walcott

The time will come
When, with elation,
You will greet yourself arriving
At your own door, in your own mirror,
And each will smile at the other's welcome,

And say, sit here, Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
To itself, to the stranger who has loved you

All your life, whom you ignored
For another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,

The photographs, the desperate notes,
Peel your image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.

Fun Friday Design Crush

I have a serious design crush on Doshi Levien. Jonathon Levien and Nipa Doshi are London based designers who seem to work in every industrial design category. Shoes!? They've even designed shoes? I think they have a lot of fun. They remind me a little of Charles and Ray Eames. To get to their site go here.

Busy Bees at Beehive Kitchenware

I am so lucky to have so many clients that are friends or friends that are clients, not sure which comes first. And among those near and dear who make something beautiful with integrity and don't dent the earth very much are Sandy and Jim from Beehive Kitchenware. We've worked together for about ten years and they've entrusted me with designing their logo, website and marketing materials. Portfolio worthy pieces and many lovely practical perks that end up in my kitchen. I do love my sexy lemon reamer. Paul and I recently finished shooting photos for the new brochure they've asked me to design. Thought I'd share a peek inside the studio/factory they have in Fall River, MA. To get to beehive's site go here.

Opening the Kimono a Bit More

A few more beauties from Jenna Goldberg.

Poem for Monday

I Take Master Card

(Charge Your Love to Me)

-Nikki Giovanni

I've heard the stories
'bout how you don't deserve me
'cause I'm so strong and beautiful and wonderful and you could
never live up to what you know I should have but I just want to let you know:

I take Master Card

You can love me as much as your heart can stand
then put the rest on
account and pay the interest
each month until we get this thing settled

You see we modern women do comprehend
that we deserve a whole lot more
than what is normally being offered but we are trying
to get aligned with the modern world

So baby you can love me all
you like 'cause you're pre-approved
and you don't have to sign on
the bottom line

Charge it up
'til we just can't take no more
it's the modern way

I take Master Card
to see your Visa
and I deal with a Discovery but I don't want any American
Express 'cause like the Pointer Sisters say:  I need a slow hand. Nikki Giovanni

Japanese Rainbow for Friday

Japanese artist Aki, an FIT grad based in NY, has two etsy shops well worth the stop. For her bags in a rainbow of colors and patterns go here. And the lucky you shopping for a baby go here.

The Grownup Side of the Rainbow

The site colourlovers is a fun resource for looking at palettes in a fresh way. Great place to go for.. I never thought of that. They ask readers to interpret and submit versions of color combos. Here are samples of the rainbows colourlovers came up with. I have to admit I'm loving the ones that titles give you as much of a smile as the hues. Mature Clown? To see them all go here.