Insomnia Art

I've found an app, Finger Sketch for the ipad that has been fun to draw with. All of these were done during a few hot sleepless nights lately. Moonlit gardens.

Rosemarie Fiore Draws with Fireworks

Lit firework residue on fabriano paper. Crazy beautiful.

Crocheted Fences and Yarn Bombing

Did it begin with Sagmeister and his statement fences? The Dutch Design House Demakersvan? Or have some chics in Oakland and Vancouver been at it all along? Whoever got this wonderful ball of yarn rolling, don't stop. Check out the book and site Yarn Bombing for a lovely collection and up to date bombings.

Karen Ruane's Lovely White Work

With the heat wave we've been having on the east coast, my eyes keep craving and landing on white. And Karen Ruane's work is one of the loveliest collections of white I've seen lately. Using traditional embroidery and stitching methods, she combines paper, cloth and thread into some wonderful compositions and constructions. Her etsy site is called ContemporaryStitches and is here You can find lots of up close up beauty on her flickr site here. I can image so many fabulous garments inspired by her buttons alone.
Here are her responses to the questions I like to ask artists-
What inspires you lately?
I am constantly inspired by patterns and techniques associated with vintage domestic linen. Lace like my grandmother would have owned, blankets, table linens and other domestic cloth. These for me provide a link to my female predecessors and inform who I am and what I create.
What was your first memory?
My first memory is from when I was around 2 1/2 years old, being woken in the night by a baby crying. I later learnt that my little brother had been born in the night.
Can you describe the best thing you saw on your last walk?
I am not much of a walker as such when it comes to the countryside anyway. I do however walk what seems like miles around exhibitions and the last time I did this, about 10 days ago, I saw amazing, creative and refreshing work from New Graduates at New Designers in London. There is so much talent out there and the promise of more to come.
What are the five things that would make a perfect day of work?
In my dreams....I would wake to an inbox full of orders. I would have the house completely to myself for a full 24 hours. The house would be spotless meaning I didn't have to satisfy my compulsion to clean. I would not have to cook for anyone at all and those four things would allow me to complete the fifth which would be a whole day of sewing without interruption.
Can you describe the best pair of shoes you have ever owned?
Would it surprise you to know that I do not own a single pair of shoes? I am sure I have in the past but can I please substitute that for boots? I have a pair of black Ecco boots that are so soft my feet hurt without them. They lace up the front, just like a corset. They have been to San Francisco, New York, Sweden...everywhere I go, they go.....
What are you doing this weekend?
This weekend I may have my dream of having the house completely to myself...I shall embroider, I shall stitch, I will be in heaven.

Pics of Trafford's Restaurant on Warren's Waterfront

Here are some views of the new restaurant I designed in Warren RI. The art on the walls is by both Paul and I.  There's a complete set to cruise on my flickr page here. And I've pasted a few highlights below. Try and get over there this summer if you can. Reserve a table upstairs for the best view and make sure you try Trafford's oysters or his lobster bolo sandwich.

Tuesday's Color Swatch

Puce
you are the cracked-face doll of the rainbow.
the dissonant hum your kimono wraps us in
has established you dear P, as an outlier


never the guest at the birthday parties, mexican fiestas or boat launches,
your porch view through dirty rose colored glasses,
attracts the other orphaned hues.


baby poo yellow, dirty tangerine, bondi blue and swamp green.
they are the awkward lambs of junior high school.
their beauty is whispered about in the corners of vintage dance halls. 


they will get their turn, content to tap their toes 
to the subtle beat that emanates from your
tea length gown


-Alyn Carlson


painting by Florine Stettheimer

Looking for Submissions

I recently came across a wonderful project called Dear Photograph. Take a picture from the past in the present. I'm getting together with my coast of Maine cousins this weekend in Nobleboro and may try to create one. I know just the pic if I can find it.

Pssssst... Trafford's is having a soft opening tonight

Yes, the much awaited (quiet) opening of Traffords happens tonight. Paul and I have been there the last few nights installing over thirty pieces of art and sampling some of the amazing food Trafford has dreamed up for the menu. It really is a spectacular place with three views of the water (upstairs and down), two bars, one on the waterside deck, lots of friendly zippy staff and of course the genius of the Kane family. Bill, Maggie, Trafford, Heather will take the lead with lots of help from part owner, Russ Gaudet and bar manager, Jeanne-Marie Manning. I'm always amazed at how talented the whole family is and all members pitch in. As his dad stained a bench, his uncle installed a bar tv, four year old William handed me a level just when I needed it last night. I promise lots of picks from Paul but if you want the real thing with a great sunset and an incredible bite or two, head over to 285 Water Street in Warren tonight.

Google Doodle Pride

You may have already had fun with this on Thursday and Friday but I'm a pretty proud mother in-law and need to post anyway. My daughter, Brin's husband, Alex Chen is the very bright man behind the interactive Les Paul Google Doodle everyone's been having fun with. If you haven't tried your rendition of Stairway to Heaven or Zippity Doo Dah you can go to the permanent spot it has here. Strum away, record it, share it with the world.

A great example of Alex and Brin's musical collaboration can be found on his Boy in Static album, Candy Cigarette. Young San Francisco is a song you'll find yourself humming after one listen. The little stars? Alex's niece Maya and my grandson Levi. I think it's only a matter of time before we're all singing Alex's songs as well as playing them.

Big Disappointment at MOMA

From  I Went To MOMA and...