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.

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.

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!

Long Live Ideas!!!!

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.

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.

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!