Art & Design Archives

ABC Eye Candy

April 8, 2016 by Heather Filed Under: Art & Design, Home, Inspiration & Education, Textiles & Pattern Leave a Comment

I wanted to share just a bit more inspiration from my March trip to NYC…I spent at least two hours in one of my favorite places, ABC Carpet & Home. This store almost feels like a museum to me, with two buildings (near Union Square) and 5 floors of home furnishings, accessories and more to explore. When I went they had a whole theme of “In Pursuit of Magic“, from their displays to product selection, to the message on their bags…it did feel pretty magical.

What I loved most…the color combinations! I have been really anti neon (having lived it the first go round in the 80’s!) but no more! I saw such amazing unexpected color combinations using neon’s, pastels and earth tones. I couldn’t help but fall a little in love with Neon all over again!I always went to ABC when I was a textile designer because I knew they would be leading trends and showcasing textiles and carpets of exquisite design and quality. I still love to go for that very reason, to be inspired in what I might design or create. Just take a look through this slide show of some of the beautiful textiles include handmade lace, net-like structures, traditional woven overshot, totally modern digital prints and woven structures that enhance color through the use of texture.

ABC Carpet-Textiles

Finally I want to share some of the products I found for organizing and keeping your home beautiful. There was such a wonderful collection of kitchen and household items including wire baskets (both vintage and new), hand crochet baskets, hand thrown/built pottery, glassware in a rainbow of colors and the combinations of textures, colors and patterns invites us to play with combining our old and new together in a fresh way. Throw out the rule book and use what you love, in any combination!

ABC

Spun from my roots

March 29, 2016 by Heather Filed Under: Art, Art & Design, Inspiration & Education, Museums & Galleries 1 Comment

What do textiles have to do with Organizing? Well nothing really on the surface but textiles are a part of the tapestry of who I am both creatively and professionally. I’m also fascinated by how many recycled textiles, other “found objects” and collections of “stuff” are making their way into the fine art world. I’m not sure if this is merely a trend or a theme that is communicating something about our relationship with “our stuff” as a culture. On my recent trip to NYC I found a tremendous amount of inspiration and specifically sought out exhibits that included textiles in one way or another.

My first stop was at Museum of Art and Design aka MAD where in the main stairwell a site specific installation of woven fabric had been threaded through the architectural elements of the building. It kind of reminded me of yarn bombing but on a more sophisticated interior scale…like huge dramatic drapes.

In addition to Museum, MAD is an educational resource for children and adults. They have an artist residency program including open studio times for artists and workshops all overlooking their location on Columbus Circle. Boy would I love to sit at that loom and weave while overlooking the hustle and bustle of the city!

Closing this Saturday is the exhibit Ebony G. Patterson: Dead Treez which was rich in layers of textures, found objects, recycled textiles and meaning. I’m a little obsessed with how textiles and recycled materials are making their way into fine art these days and this is one of the reason’s I really wanted to see this exhibit.

My next stop was the National Academy Museum, nestled between the Guggenheim and Cooper Hewitt. This was my first visit to this museum and school. I found myself drawn to exhibits at locations that favored the promotion of art through education, a coincidence perhaps but my mind is nothing if not curious to continue learning! I sought out this specific exhibit of Miriam Shapiro after her recent passing last year. She’s an epic, visionary artist who happened to work with textiles-once thread of her multi faceted life’s work. Below is one of my favorite pieces in the show, one of her “femmage” works that includes scraps of fabric.

And finally, the exhibit Beauty-Cooper Hewitt Triennial. I almost skipped this museum (although it’s one of my favorites) because I didn’t think I would have time. I’m so glad I didn’t since they recently re-opened after a major remodel. This expansive exhibit explores various themes of Beauty in multi- disciplinary works of art and design. One of my favorite aspects of the renovation is their use of technology. Along with each ticket sold, visitors are given a large stylist pen to “collect” images and text from throughout the exhibit. When they return home they can log into their specific user account (save your ticket!) and learn more about each piece of interest. I love that you feel like you are bringing home a little piece of the exhibit and there’s less pressure try to read all the exhibit info while visiting.

Over the weekend I hung out in Brooklyn and took a trip to see the Textile Arts Center. I’ve been wanting to visit this “maker-space” for several years now and am envious of such a wonderful resource for learning about all things textiles! This is the place to go if you live in NY and want to learn about textiles in your spare time…a great way to find out if you really like something before investing too fully into a lot of expensive equipment (space is a premium and having a floor loom in NY would be a luxury for some!).

In the Studio with Joanne Davis-Woods-Part I

February 18, 2016 by Heather Filed Under: Art, Art & Design, In the Studio, Inspiration & Education, Organize, Photography

Today’s feature interview is the first half of Art Studio Organizing with Joanne Davis-Woods who I met through mutual artist friends in Asheville. I visited her studio (which she recently moved into in the midst of a metal fabrication studio) and interviewed her while in Asheville last month. I’m thrilled to share this sneak peek into Joanne’s studio and her process and creative space in this interview. These photo’s are not styled in any way, in fact she was not totally settled into her new studio so this is typical of what her working studio looks like on an average day.

Art Studio Organizing with Joanne Davis-Woods Part I

HKPS::When did you suspect or know you were an artist?

JWD:: I realized in my early 30’s that I had been one my whole life.

HKPS:: What materials do you work with? Do you find it challenging to locate certain things when you’re ready use them and do you store things frequently used in highly visible locations?

JWD::Mainly I work with silver, copper, in both wire and sheet, and semi-precious stones–since my work space is contained within a larger business space; materials need to be locked up at end of day. For the last several years my challenge was the need to store in 2 different location–I never had all that I needed in one place! Now, in this new spot I have higher hopes for efficiency. While I like the materials I use to be handy, they do not need to be visible. What I do want to see conveniently arrayed are my tools.

HKPS:: Where do you make your art, how big is your studio and how long have you been in this space?

JWD::I have recently moved into a new space within a fabrication business. They have all the permits needed for using fuels. I have about 300 sq ft on a platform above the main floor—rather quirky but it works.

Looking into the foundry from Joanne’s studio platform

Joanne’s Studio ‘platform’

HKPS::How many projects are you usually working on at once? Is this due to space constraints, creative process, organizing systems or other influences?

Projects in process and stones

JWD:: 2-3 at a time…I read more than one book at a time also! If I am worked on a new prototype I find more satisfactory results if I give myself time to ponder between steps. So I like to punctuate with another project. Also there is cooling and other procedures which go on without my active participation.

It can be a dance.

Joanne in her Studio

HKPS::Is making art your primary “job” or source of income? How much time do you spend in your studio weekly/daily?

JWD::I would be in studio most days if I could…since I still have a part time job; I am limited to 2 – 3 days per week. Fortunately my day job lets me work with metal.

HKPS::When you began working in this space did you plan any systems for the overall set up or did you let things evolve organically? How did past studio spaces or systems influence this space?

JWD::I had an opportunity to buy equipment and work benches from the previous communal space where I rented. The choice of those pieces dictate the style of working here. The previous space was set up by others and provided for separate stations for separate processes. While I know that some like everything at arms’ reach-i prefer to move around more. It keeps me more organized also—metal smiths use an awful lot of tools!

Watchmakers Bench

Thank you Joanne for for sharing how you use your studio space and store your materials! In Part II you’ll find more from her about creative process and any tips and advice she has to share. In the meantime if you want to see more of Joanne’s work go see her Facebook Page.

*The idea for the Inside the Artist Studio series began while attending an art retreat where I curiously observed the differences in the creative cycle of order and chaos and what that looks like for different individuals. I’m very interested in sharing how organizing affects the artist’s creative process. Some systems and order are vital to our creative PLAY and learning to find a balance that works to enhance your creativity is what I hope to share with you through these interviews.

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Is there a particular artist whose ‘Tool kit’ you would like to see featured? Leave a comment below and let me know!

Makeover Monday::Playful Organizing

December 28, 2015 by Heather Filed Under: Art & Design, Home, Organize, Organizing Projects, Systems & Techniques 1 Comment

This year I had the pleasure of working with a family household (parents, 2 kids under 5 and a dog:) who wanted more general order all around. They were not in a horrible situation, just looking to improve upon organizing systems and create some where none existed. With busy families I often find that things fall apart because there are only partial systems in place or none.

This house has a great family room, open to the kitchen which allowed for family time and meal prep to all be in one space. With two little boys though, the play area got messy quickly and mom and dad’s kitchen space was often overtaken by toys and their own daily “landing pad” stuff (mail, purse, laptop, kids art etc). We decided upon our first session the kids play area would be priority number one with the kitchen to follow. Following the SPACE system (created by Organizer and Author Julie Morgenstern) we Sorted, Purged, Assigned, Containerized and Equalized the kids play area.

Kids Play Area-Before

The kids play area off the kitchen had ample storage for a reasonable amount of toys in this space but it was awkward, narrow, hard to reach, overflowing and partially unusable. Our first step was to modify the cabinets (done by a professional) by changing the configuration and height of shelves, installing additional shelves and removing the door from the area under the stairs to create a “garage” for the boys cars and trucks. With the toys purged and sorted and the cabinet modifications in place we measured and ordered specific containers based on the types of toys needing to be stored in the space. These included clear “shoe boxes” for smaller toys, an alligator bin for larger toys under the stairs, translucent totes for inside cabinet shelves and oval ‘chalkboard’ labels for everything. Books and musical instruments were moved to additional cabinets nearby but separate from the rest of the toys.

Kids Play Area-After

This whole project could have been done with existing storage containers but because this area is so widely used by both the family and for entertaining, it made sense to invest in specific storage containers and create a system that was easy to use, clean up and maintain. The finished space is beautiful, functional and FUN! In the new year, during GO-Month (Get Organized-January!) I’ll be sharing the kitchen makeover from this home.

In the Studio with Craig Colorusso-Part II

November 25, 2015 by Heather Filed Under: Art, Art & Design, In the Studio, Inspiration & Education, Organize, Photography

How did artist Craig Colorusso fit an 80,000 Square Foot Installation into a mini-van? We met while I was a docent during the recent installation in Charleston of Sound + Light and Craig not only agreed to do this interview (see Part I last week with photo’s of his studio in Arkansas) but suggested it might be interesting to watch him dismantle and meticulously deconstruct and pack out the entire massive 4 part installation into his van. This week I’m excited to share his installation pack out and some specific questions related to his process!

Inside the Studio with Craig Colorusso- Sneak Peek Part II

From this…

HKPS:: How much thought do you give to your artistic body of work in terms of historic value and the overall legacy you will leave behind? How do you store/archive your work or records?
CC::I now save everything. When I was younger I had a great memory. I could remember whole tour itineraries not anymore. I save everything I can now mostly so I can show my daughter someday. But I’m also leaving myself a breadcrumb trail. I meet so many amazing people in my travels I hope to document them all.

The next few questions are specific to Craig’s installation, planning and transportation of art.

HKPS::How long have you been creating art for installations and do you always deliver and install your own works?

CC::In 1996 I did a show called Maschine. Joel Westerdale, drummer of China Pig and I worked at a print shop in Danbury CT. Somehow we convinced our boss to let us do a show in the shop. So, we woke up at 4am a few times to practice before anyone arrived at work. It was great to start that early. Looking back I always enjoyed being awake doing things when it seemed like everyone else was asleep. And I like warehouses. Anyway, we composed a piece of music for instruments and two offset presses. 2 AB Dick 360’s. We brought in Guitar, Bass Clarinet, Timpani, Drums and Saxophone to pay with the roar of the presses. The shop was such an integral part of the piece it got me thinking about space. And other elements beside just music. Since we worked there we were able to do a lot with light as well. The wheels are still turning…
Since I’m coming at this from a touring musician’s start I deliver and install everything myself. I have created a life that allows me to pack the van and hit the road. I always so this life as making something and sharing it. Part of the sharing is me. I got the tour bug early on and still like it. When I was 19 my good friend Todd Ransick called me up and told me the guitar player in his band Far Cry didn’t wanna go on tour because he was afraid his girlfriend would cheat on him. So I made way to Bethesda Maryland and practiced for a few weeks and left on my first tour. It was even better than I thought it would be. So here we are all these years later.

HKPS::How did you plan for the packing and transportation of your installation work?

CC::I suppose I always have the van in mind. And sometimes I rely on my packing skills a little too much but it works.

Craig Colorusso-Pack Out

HKPS::Was Sound + Light the first show you have done with all 3 installation components?

CC::This was the first time I was able to present all 4 pieces and the film.

HKPS::Did you plan any of your artwork around the logistics of transportation or keep the transport in mind when designing your works and their modular components?

CC::I have a few platforms that I’ve built for CUBEMUSIC and Sun Boxes to fit nicely in the van. MB 89 has toured by itself so I thought it would all fit. But honestly there were a few moments that I thought I would have to get another vehicle.

HKPS:: Did you have an idea of how to pack your van or did you have to try things out till you were able to make it all fit?

CC::The pack that went to Charleston was revised 3 times before it all worked. I am very proud of the pack. I like the idea of space and how we can manipulate it.

To this…(in approx 4 hrs)

Thank you Craig for sharing how you work, your planning and process! I loved being a part of the Sound+ Light experience and watching the show come down and be packed into that small space, Bravo! You win the “Puzzle” award for fitting 80,000 square feet of art installation into one little van!