Friday, October 29, 2010

Double Rainbow Magic!!!!!

God gave us a gift...it's called "nature." Nature in itself is a miracle...so two rainbows-( a double rainbow if you will) is a double-whammie-miracle. When a double rainbow appears, God is high-fiving the angels. Or, at least, that's what I like to believe. So, for Halloween, me and my good ol' pal Kimmy performed an ode to the YouTube and Auto-Tune renditions of Double Rainbow. Yes, our Halloween performance was choreographed-and, the rainbows had a thing or two to share about the magic that is Double Rainbow.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

2010 Art For Kyrie


It's that time again...2010 Kyrie Foundation Art For Kyrie! Super awesome cause! Super awesome auctioned gifts! Super awesome music (Sara Swenson) and, of course, super awesome art! Some of the incredible art that will be up for auction this year includes work by Shepard Fairey, Nate Williams, Ron Berg, Maura Cluthe, Mirna Stubbs and Two Headed Beast, and many, many mas! So, what am I gettin' at? Super awesome time for super awesome cause...I mean, come on, it's a no-brainer buddies! Buuuut, because I know how busy life is...if you can't make it but want to help visit the Kyrie Foundation site or better yet, help Kyrie Foundation receive a 250K grant from Pepsi by voting! Thank you friends, it means a lot!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

...and stick it in the mail. Wait, no, don't...


Several months ago I designed a line for K&Company called Handmade. In the line, among many little doodles from me, was a swatchbook for fun and artsy stamps. I pulled several different styles of artwork for the book to give it a broad appeal. Many of my large format paintings were scaled down to little miniature stamps. Someone came across my artwork on a blog this morning and shot it over to me. I see my illustrated papers on etsy often, but I love this one... love the use of the stamp.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Annnnnnd, that's a wrap






So, we just wrapped on yet another show. And, I claim (though doubtful) that I am on a hiatus from painting at least until the beginning of next year. I have began working on my sketches and research for my next big show. I'm super excited about it, but I have to keep it hush-hush so those close to me ( whom I've promised I would slow down and stop working so much) don't catch on. Still, I am moving at a slower pace than usual, so I think I'll call that improvement. For the last show, I showed with 9 other artists (I think?!). Awesome, fun, fabulous artists. I did 14 small pieces, which was nice after large scale stuff from Xx in July. I only sold a few at the show, but they're now flyin' off the shelf like hot cakes. I do have a few left and will be adding them to my etsy site very soonski. For all of ya that came out to the show, thanks buddies. Mucho amor.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

You had me at M


Two hateful, hateful words: sold out. Recently came across this t-shirt (on Threadless) while wasting way too much time reading about my fave writer/director Wes Anderson. How I adore that man's brain. For two seconds I spaced off into a daydream where I time-travel back a handful of years to when he was merely a student at UT, run into him at the student union where we become immediate best friends and I replace Owen Wilson as his future writing partner. (pause 3 minutes while I continue to elaborate on said daydream). Okay, then (fast-forward, reality) I find this uh-mazing t-shirt only to get ready to order it and see they are sold out. Boo. Hiss (as the closest thing to my writing partner, Kim, would say). Devastation. Disappointment. But it still makes me happy. May order a print, though, not as fun as a t-shirt. Margot Tenenbaum for the letter M. And Steve Zissou for Z (How cute are his little nipples?! ). And (not Wes A related) the Dude for D. Awe. Some. I was Margot for halloween several years ago ya know? Had the wooden finger and everything. Mmm, makes me excited for fall, Anderson movie marathons, Royal T and Rushmore soundtracks. Coffee and scarves. Happiness.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Listen, these are good times.


One day I'm gonna write a blog entry that talks about how I have nothing going on and I'm so bored. As opposed to, "I have projects up to my eyeballs." A girl can dream...but for now, projects up to my eyeballs. One is a project that has not yet come out, which I believe I've talked bout previously. I have done hundreds of designs for it, but really can't talk about what it is and when it's released. Still, some of these little parts have minds of their own and need some spotlight. So, here is a tiny, tiny tid bit. There is nothing I love more than creating characters and writing stories/personalities to embellish them with. More soon!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Saturday, August 14, 2010






I wonder if one day my right brain will be shot from all the exercise it gets. If my body worked as hard as it did I'd have all kinds of torn ligaments, runner's knee, probably some ACL issues up in that action. Whew. Anyway, I love working incessantly. And strangely-the harder I work, the more ideas and concepts I execute, the more inspired I become. I could complain about how exhausting it is, sure--but I love it. It's what fulfills me more so than anything. So, that being said, I am once again in between many a project. A new show opening in September and an illustration project in production/publication right now (can't share images until it gets closer to launch). BUT I realized I had not shown my work from this year's Xx show. I love that show! This year my dream gallery, Blue Gallery, hosted us. And I was so lucky to show in the company of the first artist in KC who inspired me (almost 10 years ago). We met for the first time during this show. Plus another artist who has been the rock of encouragement and support in my career, debuted her work with us. She confided to me the afternoon of the opening that she was nervous because she didn't think she was a "real" artist. However, a curator from a distinguished art museum in Kansas City purchased her work. Ahhh, to have faith in each other.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Xx Chromosome, for real this time....



Heck yes! Less than one week until Xx Chromosome opens! I've seen the work and it's glorious. Kelley Seda paintings on vintage flashlights, Shannon Gaines Bowman beading like crazy all over cool stuff, Jane Almirall's dainty birds and fabulous cut paper detail. And I made a mess alllll over my house. Epoxy resin still on the kitchen counters and dining room floor, my husband, still not forgiving me. Come down Friday night to see all of the beautiful work by my favorite chica artists! Blue Gallery, July 2, 2010.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

9 to 5






Wowski hiatus! For the last several months I've been consumed planning the heck out of my wedding. It was a glorious production, with lots of fun details( to be posted soon!) and lots of fun people! And, at the end of it all I got a husband that I like a whole, whole lot! Next I have our Xx Chromosome show opening July 2. Needless to say with 1.5 months in between the two, I have been a creative machine...cranking, cranking. In between this and that there were a few fun things that I may have let slip between the cracks due to mad crazy hectic-ness. One thing for instance, our Experience Room at work. Being a studio full of fun creatives, we try to do exercises here and there that keep us on point, gears turning right and all. One of our little projects was to create a single piece of art that described/expressed your personality. Then, all 30 some artist's works were hung gallery style outside of our think room. I've posted mine. It's a little all over the place, like me. Blurbing random thoughts, like me. And a little messy...eh, yep, like me. But hopefully playful and endearing. Hopefully. Then for our "Experience Room," an old conference room we revamped to use as a creative space while brainstorming product ideas, resting our creative crank machines (also known as brains), or just a room to one's self to doodle or think. For the room I illustrated a big clock for the wall ( about 22" diameter) and also (in the photo, behind the couch) I took several of the papers designed by us, cut them into 1.5" squares and displayed them in a large frame. A big K&Co swatch book on the wall! Unfortunately my photo skills are quite pathetic, but the room is super fun in person. And projects like these are much appreciated and needed, making us stop and shake off some of the seriousness of deadlines and our OCD artist ways. Oh, and to remind us of what a sweet deal we have being full time designers/artists. Maybe tough business but crazy super fun! Back to work for me!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

This Rustic Romance...


A great thing about being friends with lotsa artists? When wedding time rolls around you get mad back-up to ensure that the whole affair is nothing short of authentic awesomeness. For our engagement photos one of my good pals, Robert Baker shot a series of photos of Justin and I in one of our favorite vintage stores, Good Juju. We then ventured outside to soak up some more rustic prettiness. With Robert's skills and my art direction (in Good Juju I heard someone say, "she's a bossy one), I think we came up with some nice little keepsakes. And, even though I had a vision, we kept it loose and fun. 17 days away from the big day...I'm excited to get my life back to do all my personal art stuff, but I have lots of great stuff to share coming up. Including a shower thrown by friends with a moustache theme...the details were remarkable. Artsy friends, I love ya!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Kinda like Flock of Seagulls, more like Flock of Tuesday and Justin. Love.


Well, this time I have a legitimate damn excuse for why I have been so m.i.a as of late. Holy wedding planning sucking my will to...well, do anything but plan wedding stuff. Even as I type this I am listening to a massive archive of music to finish off my wedding playlist. Let a dj pick the music? Good one. I have not really had any bridezilla moments, but that's most likely because I'm internalizing them all. haha. We're getting into the home stretch though. Thank goodness. I've taken a nice 4 day weekend to have a little quite time to work on more of the many little details, personal touches I plan to incorporate into this bad boy. But, here's a little preview. Our invitations went out not too long ago. And might I add, the total cost for invites/envelopes: $40. Amazing right? I kept it simple, I mean, besides the sewing and grommeting, and included the invitation, an rsvp card and 2 feathers tucked warmly in the envelope. As I'm marrying another designer, he took on the rehearsal dinner invites, so that he could include some of his design voice in the whole shebang. I love all of our details, but like most brides at this point, I'm ready to rock this wedding out and have my brain back. Will post more as it comes along. Fun, fun engagement photos coming up!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

The Fabulous Mr. Gant




Last week I sat for a portrait painted by a local artist, Davey Gant. Gant is currently painting like a mad man for a show opening at Leedy Voulkos in Crossroads in June. The show will feature an estimated 200 portraits of the artists and art affiliates of the Kansas City Crossroads Art District. While I waited for Davey to stretch the canvas, I nosed around his studio, taking pics of his current work. I love artist's studios...I've always loved my own...inspired to set up my new one. And, a big thanks to Mr. Gant for making me feel a little less guilty about my messy work process and paint-stained everything. On the other hand, as he began to paint my hair on the portrait, I noticed him painting a dark brown halo around my head..."are you painting my roots?!" I exclaimed. Sure 'nough.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Illustration Friday: Clumsy

"Grace? She died years ago!" Or, in my case, was never born. I am clumsy and messy....and longing for grace. 50% of my time is spent stumbling and tumbling, the other 50%, cleaning up my messes. So, needless to say, I related well to this week's Illustration Friday topic, Clumsy. Clunk. Boom. Bang. Blurg!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Handmade by K&Company...

...and me, and Kimberslice, and Kristen. Our new line is just now hitting stores. It was super fun to concept and design...and I even got a lot of illustration time on this bad boy. It's a fun eclectic line including illustrated postage-like stamps, flashcards, adhesive papers, tags, wooden embellishments, ephemera, old fashioned and photobooth picture frames...and on, and on. I even did some fun, funky satin and feather flowers but we need to get a decent studio shot before I post them. I'm having a grand ol' time with rhinestones, satin flowers, and feathers...so I'm sure that romantic inspiration will influence my work next month in the Late Show Gallery's Valentine's show. Ahhh, mixed media, I love ya.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Illustration Friday...Into The Wild.

Mmmm, the opportunity to use green in my illustration. Ironically, my favorite color, but I rarely get to use it. This week's topic on Illustration Friday, Wilderness. Just another opportunity for me to toss a wild animal head onto a chick's body. Oooh, and draw mushrooms, which I haven't done in aaaaaages. Crazy, wild fun.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Where love is kept

Having been one of many effected by breast cancer (my grandmother died of it years ago), I began doing paintings last year depicting nudes of woman who have had mastectomies. I received several responses to the work. A friend of mine shared with me that she has had a mastectomy and the scar, which looks like an "L" is referred to by her kids as a scar of love. I loved that story. And because this friend has been so gracious to me I wanted to do a painting inspired by her story. This was the result. I hope she loves it as much as I loved her sharing with me, among all the other great things she's done.

Friday, January 15, 2010

....Easy as 1-2-3, Baby you and me girl!

Several months back I illustrated lotsa pieces for a new line our company has coming out, Handmade. Super cute, super fun stuff...equally fun to make. We did lots of quarkly little things in the line, including flashcards. I've always wanted to design/illustrate a deck of playing cards and flashcards, so it was a joy to doodle these. Anyway, it was designed a bit ago but has been in production, and until it hit stores I had to keep my doodles to myself. But the line is out now... so I no longer have to keep mum. Later this afternoon I will be heading to stores to see how the line looks, set in store. More pics of the line to come.....

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Illustration Friday

I drag my feet, over and over. Draw all the time but never get my stuff up on Illustration Friday. Oh, I did it this time. You bet your ass I did. Topic was "confined." These ladies are tangled together for life.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

gig poster obsession numero dos

So, yup, over Christmas vacay I was a damn drawing machine. Like I've mentioned I've been a little obsessed with band poster designs. Why? Because they're fun as heck to do, that's why. Here's me newest addition, for Whitest Boy Alive. I have like 5 mas in the works...so, more to come my lovelies.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Baby Avery


An old friend of mine is about to be a daddy...to his first little girl. He's already been crowned papa with his son, Will...but uh-oh...girls are tough, man. I remember a little over a year ago, I got in a car accident and called my pops to come help me. At 6 am, a very tired dad arrives to the scene and gets everything in order, taking his daughter safely from the accident. As we drove my car to the autoshop, airbag deployed, mobile mangled, I looked at my very sleepy father navigating the vehicle and thought, "poor guy, this dad deal is for life." So, I warned Rob, this little girl is gonna own you. And, around the age of about 13, you will believe that you are harboring Satan's spawn in your home. But let's focus on the now, the sweet...the soft, the happy baby girl that he and his beautiful wife Leslie, and excited son Will will be welcoming into this world any minute now. For Avery, some gifts from me to decorate your new haven. Welcome to this world.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Rock this

So, over break my future husbo's brother gave us the Gig Posters book. Mmmm, I loveski that libro. And really, really wish I could make a sick living from doodling posters all day. But, I doubt it. While relaxin' and watching way too much True Blood, I did tons of band poster doodles and am slowly puttin' 'em together. Here's me first for my current obsession, Passion Pit. Fun Cat Power, Ingrid Michaelson, Broken Social Scene, and Sissy Wish comin' up.

Monday, January 4, 2010

All Together

Been doing lots and lots of doodles with crazy, cooky hair. I loooooove line work. Lots. This is a piece I did for a December show at the Late Show Gallery.

Pencil Me In



Ah, my head is still spinning with holiday hooplah. Back to work, and kinda, sorta back to my routine. Let's get together soon...just pencil me in. Along with 11 other Kansas City artists, I illustrated a month fom this sweet ass new calendar. You can even own one while supplies last. I need to get mine up...as tons of stuff is coming. Wedding planning 2010 needs to kick-off, and I've been doing lots of fun stuff for Xx Chromosome. Annnnnd, over break, in my bed with my puppies I illustrated the heck out of some cool junk. As soon as I get caught up with my life, up on the blog it goes. Happy 2010.