Search results for: “Berger”

Cisco’s ASCB 2013 Vendor Spotlight

Hey there! I’d introduce myself as the better-half of the better half of Art Star, but then Megan AND Erin would be fighting each other over who gets to kill me. Let’s just say that I’m the Official Art Star Helper Monkey, ASCB Artist Concierge, and their 24 Hour Personal Geek Squad all wrapped up into a tidy, Castro-cap wearing bundle of joy. Nice to meet ya.

The lovely ladies of Art Star asked me to pick some of my favorite vendors that are going to be at the Art Star Craft Bazaar this year and present them to you. I have to say, it was very tough to choose. There are so many amazing and talented artists this year. However, the assignment was five vendors and that’s what I’ve got for you. So, without any more of my yammering, here are my picks for Top 5 ASCB 2013 Vendors:

5. B. Goods

Here’s the thing: Amy, who owns B. Goods, is too clever. In fact, when I first saw what she was selling, it made me angry… that I hadn’t thought of it first. Not to gloss over the paper planes, rock/paper/scissors, or mini Polaroid designs she has but, you can get any text that you want put inside a speech bubble (assuming it fits)! Nicknames, inside jokes, memes, whatever you can imagine, she will do. The crazier, the better. It’s my go-to gift when I need something personalized and fun.

4. Meerwiibli by Sarah-Maria
You are a lady that likes clothes that are flipping adorable? Surely, you must know about Meerwiibli! Swiss Miss, Sarah-Maria, designs and hand crafts fantastically cute coats, shirts, dresses, skirts and more. The patterns and fabrics and colors make me SQUEE! I have to say, I do feel a bit left out. More men’s attire, please!

3. Laura Berger
The paintings and illustrations of Laura Berger make me think of a happy time. They also make me think of Adventure Time, by Pendleton Ward, which is never a bad thing. Her style, color palette and the overall perky tone of her work never fails to bring a smile to my face. I’m sad to say that I do not yet own a piece of her original artwork, but that is something that I hope to rectify at the ASCB this year.

2. Spaghetti Kiss
I never leave an ASCB without a shirt, hoodie or tie from Spaghetti Kiss. There are always new and interesting designs and I love the slightly dark, mecha-animal style of his illustrations. Mike, the artist behind it all, couldn’t be a nicer guy. I’m excited to see what he’ll have this year.

1. Twofour
New to the ASCB is Twofour and I was very intrigued when I saw the teaser image on the Vendor page. I can’t wait to get my hands on some of these pieces. The highly graphic designs, bright colors and weathered treatment are very appealing. I could always do with more wolves, rats and skulls. WANT!

April 9, 2013

An Interview with Laura George

Laura Berger (aka Laura George)

Are you professionally trained? If so, were did you study?
I’m self-taught, mostly, although I did do some painting in college for my theatre degree — I used to paint costume design renderings, giant backdrops & set pieces and that sort of thing.

I love the humorous quality in your illustrations. When/how did you develop your current style? Or did you always work in this way?
Thank you! :o) I guess my current style has been developing ever since I was a little kid and doodling all along… but I really started working more on my own work, experimenting with mediums, and finding my voice over the past four years or so, I’d say. It’s always going to be a work in progress. I think an artist’s style comes from all of the different influences that sort of seep into our subconscious minds from our environment, thoughts, and experiences, but also just from painting from a very honest place inside.

“Magic Flash” gouache on wood

Who are some artists that you admire?
So many. Here are a few off the top of my head– Shinzi Katoh, Marc Boutevant, Nathaniel Russell, Mark Whalen, Jeremiah Ketner, Mark Rothko, Naoshi, Jay Howell, Helena Garcia, Mel Kadel, Souther Salazar, Lisa Kowalski…. I also really love looking at the work of letterpress artists and street artists… oh, there are so many talented people to admire, it’s seriously overwhelming, eh?

“Totem #3” digital print

How do you come up with your incredible imagery? What inspires you?
You are nice. My images usually just pop into my head as whole pictures that I see. Then I quickly grab something and write them down so I don’t lose them. I get a lot of ideas when I’m traveling, particularly driving long distances by myself, which I do quite a bit of the past few years. I’m most inspired by traveling abroad or out in nature, as well as by Eastern philosophy. I love mountains and oceans and street art and Japanese pop art and animals and watching people.

Is exhibiting/selling your paintings and line of cards/prints your full time gig? Do you take on any freelance design/illustration work?
Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to be doing this full time for the last 2 years now. I do commissioned design or illustration work when time allows, and I would love to do more projects like that in the future.

Happy Home Notecard

What is a typical day like for you? Do you keep a regular studio practice?
I don’t know if I have a typical day… I should probably work on that! I’m not super structured, and every day is marginally different, but I do work every single day, usually for many many hours…. most days include some combination of the following things:: coffee, computering, drawing or painting, typing invoices, packaging cards, visiting the Uptown post office, supply purchasing, hopefully having a little chat with someone out in the world, taking a walk or run, eating a nice dinner with my lovely fella, or seeing a friend, and maybe a glass of wine, trying to read a little.

“Lost A Slice” gouache on wood

What are you listening to / reading right now?
I like this album The Roots of Chicha that I just got, and the album Zammuto — they are in heavy play right now. I always listen to a lot of Juana Molina, Gillian Welch, Bonnie Prince Billy, Bill Callahan, Breathe Owl Breathe and The Books. I will stop there but there are so many…..

I am reading a book by Chogyam Trungpa called “Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior“.

Laura working on a mural

How long have you lived in Chicago? What are your favorite places to visit there?
I’ve lived here for ten years now — it feels like home. I spend as much time as possible at the lake, which I am lucky to have quite close to my apartment, so I can just trot over there. There are great vintage shops in my neighborhood that I like to poke around in. I also like visiting restaurants. Probably too many restaurants. And the Hopleaf, which is a Belgian pub a few blocks away from home.

“Mixed Tape” digital print

What is you favorite summer beverage?
Alcoholic:: a glass of rose or a good IPA
Non-alcoholic:: iced americano

Where else do you show your work? Any upcoming exhibitions or fun projects in the works?
I have shown my work in little independent shops and galleries in the US and abroad. Right now, I’m painting for a few exhibitions — first up is a two-person show with Sandra Fettingis at Groundswell Gallery in Denver that opens on August 12, The Enormous Tiny Art show at Nahcotta in New Hampshire opening Sept 7, then a charity group show benefiting children with cancer at Leanna Lin’s Wonderland in LA opening Sept 8. Then I need to get going on designing my new holiday cards and 2013 calendars.

View our entire collection of work by Laura George Here
Also Find her here: her Blog, Etsy & Flickr

July 28, 2012
Meet Diane Koss of Cutesy but Not Cutesy

We will be posting Art Star Craft Bazaar Vendor profiles pretty regularly now through the big weekend – May 11th & 12th! First up is Cutesy but Not Cutesy. Meet the maker behind the brand – Diane Koss.

Art Star: Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?
Diane Koss: I started out as a psychology and biology major at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ. That only lasted about one semester until I switched over to be a Fine Arts Major with concentrations in metalsmithing, photography, and performance art. Unfortunately, there were no classes in monster-making, that came later!

Cutesy but not Cutesy also offers silkscreened monster T’s for All Ages!

AS: What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
DK: This year I will be selling my hand-stitched furry monster plush along with fur-lined monster hoodies with horns for infants through adults. I also have screen-printed t-shirts for kid’s and adults, hand-painted dishware, and a brand new line of monster plush called The Grumpsters!

A couple of Diane’s “Grumpsters”

AS: How are your items made? Describe your process.
DK: All of my traditional monsters are hand-stitched without machines. I usually work in an assembly line-like system where I cut them out all at once, then stitch all of the bodies, then stuff them all, and then add the face, horns, and bird to each one to give them their own personality. I use black thread in order to highlight each stitch that I make, I think it gives them more character and adds to the handmade feel of them. The hoodies and The Grumpsters are all individually sewn on my workhorse of a sewing machine. The Grumpsters have added a whole new level of excitement for my process since I get to piece together their little outfits before stitching them all together!

Cutesy but not Cutesy HQs – where the magic happens!

AS: Are you able to make your work full-time? If not, what do you do for your day job?
DK: I have been a full time monster-maker for almost 5 years now. It’s been a very long journey as I learn more and more about what works for my business and for me, as an artist. But in the end, the pay off at the end of each year of knowing that I’m able to support myself with my own two hands and a needle and thread is worth every bit of struggle I face.

Diane makes adorable monster hoodies for all ages!!

AS: Who are some of your favorite artists?
DK: I am completely obsessed with and inspired by Louise Evans of Felt Mistress. Her work never ceases to amaze me. I also love the art of Washington based Illustrator Justin Hillgrove. His monster illustrations are just so incredible. I also had the opportunity of running into Austin based illustrator Graham Franciose while at a show in Austin a few years ago and I have been completely smitten with his work ever since.

“Soaring” by Justin Hillgrove, acrylic on canvas

AS: What are you reading/listening to right now?
DK: I just started reading “At Home: A Short History of Private Life” by Bill Bryson, one of my favorite authors. And I just started re-watching the entire series of “Felicity” on netflix while I work.

This guy may just make an appearance at the bazaar!!

AS: Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
DK: Ideally, there would be a few employees in a well-organized, sun-drenched warehouse space shipping out monsters to all corners of the world. And possibly a store front.

AS: Are there any bazaar participants that you are excited to check out this year?
DK: Gosh, do I have to choose?! I can’t wait to see them all! I must admit, though, I always love seeing the art of Laura Berger and I might have to finally snag a piece from Horrible Adorables for my new home!

Thanks Diane for sharing this with us! Visit her at the Art Star Craft Bazaar (booth # coming soon!) on May 11th & 12th or her Etsy page. Check out the rest of the amazing vendors selling at this year’s bazaar here.

April 6, 2013
Meet Stephanie Harvey of exit343designs

Local silkscreen printer, Stephanie Harvey is an Art Star Craft Bazaar veteran. We always love checking out her cute & colorful printed t-shirts, plushies, stationary, prints & more! Learn more about her technique, the artists who inspire her & what she is listening to these days. And be sure to see it all in person at Booth #18!

The lovely Stephanie Harvey in her booth!

Art Star: Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?
Stephanie Harvey: Technically I didn’t go to “art” school, but I do have two fine arts degrees. I received my B.F.A. with concentrations in Printmaking and Photography from Rowan University in South Jersey. I also have my M.F.A. in Printmaking from Penn State University.

AS: What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
SH: My booth features all silkscreen printed work, hand printed by me (with alittle bit of help from my studio cat, Buddy) in a workspace just outside of Philadelphia. I primarily make art prints and stationery, but also dabble with small plush creature pillows and tee shirts. Recently, I’ve begun crafting small watercolor illustrations that I sell as giclee prints, badges, and magnet sets. If you like bright colors, hand drawn type, and patterns, be sure to come check out my booth!

Eat Local Food & Drink Local Brew Silkscreened Print

AS: How are your items made? Describe your process?
SH: Everything starts with a drawing, on good old-fashioned paper. I sometimes use digital help to clean up or enlarge my drawings and make the layers to burn screens from. However, often times I consume many Sharpie opaque paint markers from hand drawing the layers. In silkscreen printing, every color is a different layer so the preparation can be really time consuming! After I make the screens, mix the inks, and trim the paper, I crank out each print- layer by layer. It’s a rewarding process, watching your work come to life in color one piece at a time.

exit343design HQ

AS: Are you able to make your work full-time? If not, what do you do for your day job?
SH: I’m an artist/designer/freelance event photographer by night and weekend and a production assistant at a local screenprinting company by day. I’m continually striving to make the former my all-of-the-time by doing shows like Art Star Craft Bazaar, taking on freelance design projects, selling my work at brick & mortars, running an active blog, and more.

Lily of the Valley & Pansies Flower Cards by exit343designs

AS: Who are some of your favorite artists?
SH: I look to contemporary graphic and poster designers, many who do the same craft shows I vend at. I love the bold stylized illustrations of Charley Harper and the sweeping lines and muted colors of Alphonse Mucha. Textile patterns, unique illustrations, and hand drawn type are all artistic components I’m drawn to.

AS: What are you reading/listening to right now?
SH: I’ve been in kind of a musical funk as of late, so I’ve turned in to a huge podcast fan. My favorites right now include: Adventures in Design by Mark from Hero and Billy from Delicious Design League (great for any artist + entrepreneur), WTF with Marc Maron, and Planet Money.

Fruit Prints

AS: Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
SH: In ten years, I simply hope to be my own full-time boss. I have many other short-term goals, which will hopefully get me to that point!

AS: Are there any bazaar participants that you are excited to check out this year?
SH: Of course! Checking out other vendors’ work is half the fun. I also try to feature all of the great work I see after each show on my blog, thehappysqueegee.com

In no particular order, my 2013 must-sees include:

Atelier Grafico – Gioconda was my neighbor last year and her booth was packed with children having a blast with her creative stamp sets! I’m hoping to beat the rush of youngsters this year and see what new sets she has.

Everyday Balloons – This talented screen printing duo from Pittsburgh also makes the majority of their prints the old school way – by starting with a drawing, not digital. Even their business cards are tiny works of silkscreend art! I always make it a point to stop in and see what new images they created.

Laura Berger – I can’t even tell you how many cards of hers I’ve purchased at this point -too many! Her quirky sense of humor shines in every piece she creates, making her one of my favorite illustrators and stationery creators.

The Wind and The Sail – Laura is so incredibly talented! You have to get to her booth early on to see her full stock of cuddly creatures. Why? Everyone else knows she’s so talented and buys up all her finely crafted (and adorable) plush!

Yardsale Press – Bryan has print and badge dispensing vending machines. Enough said.

April 24, 2013
Our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide!

Looking for a unique gift for your special someone on Valentine’s Day? Look no further. We’ve put together a list of handcrafted goodies that will make your girl or guy’s day!

First, start with the card! We’ve got a huge selection of hilariously adorable ones by Laura Berger. $4.50 each

Does your lady have a devilish side? How about this Angel/ Devil Ring by Kasie Strohm. Handcrafted from sterling silver with a gold fill halo. $32, various sizes.

This piece by Amy Rice is a hand painted Gocco print of a lillium on correspondance from 1911, how romantic! $60

Looking for something a little less serious? How about this wood heart handpainted with acrylic by The Maple Ridge. Features a saw tooth hook on the back for easy hanging. This art piece is also extremely affordable, at just $40!

Speaking of hearts, we love these anatomically correct ones by Julie Moon. Made from sculpted porcelain, painted gold luster and decals, these brooches can be pinned to your sweetheart’s coat and kept close to his/her own heart! $50 each

Your lady is a total fox and so are you! So pick up this Fox Love Pendant by Audrey Laine Collection. Hand cut from sheet brass and hung from an 18″ sterling silver chain. $65

Your boyfriend (like us sadly) spends far too much time watching cat videos on the internet. I think he needs this belt buckle featuring cats barfing rainbows. Though, who doesn’t need one of these. $24.

Cock Tee. That’s all you need to know. Get it for your man. $28

You just moved in together! Pick up this screen print by Yardsale Press and hang it in your new bathroom, cuz its official! (Also available are Hers + Hers and His + His. I don’t have them online yet but they are available in store. If you’d like to purchase one of those online, just email us) $15

Our regulars know that we will gift wrap your purchases for free, happily! However, if you are weird like me and LOVE to gift wrap, pick up this gorgeous screen printed paper by Bonnie Kaye Studios and Do It Yourself! Or let us do it for you! $6 per roll.

Those are just a few great Valentine’s Day gifts ideas, we’ve got tons more. Come on by and we’ll help you pick something special out. xo – Megan

February 11, 2015