Search results for: “Laura George”

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
Art Star Gift Guide: $25 and Under

Hi there! This is Megan, Co-Owner of Art Star. We’ve got so many great gifts to give this holiday season.You can shop for everyone on your list without breaking the bank. All of these items are quality, made in the USA goods that you won’t find in a big box store. You will feel good giving these thoughtful, unique gifts that support US independent artists, as well as our small business! So without further ado, here are my favorite gifts this season that are all $25 and under! (pssst, there is still time to buy online, as long as you live within the US! All our items ship out Priority 2-3 day and we ship out the day after you order!)

“Keep Going” digital print by Mai Autumn, 8×10″, $20, BUY NOW
I am impressed with anyone who can work in watercolors, b/c I am terrible at it. Mai Autum is a master and her delicate floral prints are some of my favorites in the shop. I love this simple thought – “Keep Going”. It is important daily rememinder and a lovely gift for any friend of family member.

Leather Star Key Rings by Mason Made, $15 each BUY NOW
Both guys and gals will love these simple leather key rings. Features a little snap on the end so you can hook it on your belt buckle or on a bag. I really love the contrasting thread detailing and I’m a sucker for anything with a star on it.

Bitch Please Bowl by Stanley Chester and Albert, $20 BUY NOW
I’m sorry to say, but this phrase runs through my head often. Get it for one of your snarkier friends. They can use it as a jewelry dish or for dips or a scoop of ice cream. Or they can just use it as a catch all. A daily reminder not to take things too seriously.

Made by Unicorns Woven Labels by Sublime Stitching, $4.50 BUY NOW
These are great for for all the makers in your life. Not to mention it is by one of my favorite lady crafters of all times – Miss Jenny Hart! Each pack includes 4 sew in labels.

Love Ornament by Mason Made, $10 BUY NOW
These babies have been wildly popular in our shop this season. You can really get one for any Philadelphian and we’ll dig it. Makes a great stocking stuffer, gift for a co-worker, or tie it to the top of a wrapped gift as a nice little extra something!

Felt Crowns by Opposite of Far, $24 BUY NOW
For the litte king or queen in your life! I love all products by Opposite of Far b/c they encourage imaginative play and are so very well made. These fit kiddos aged 3-5.

Sapele Turner by E&D Goods, $25 BUY NOW
Lovingly handmade from Sapele wood. These turners would be great for any aspiring chefs or home cooks in your life.

2016 Wall Calendar by Laura George, $25 BUY NOW
Laura George is one of my most favorite illustrators. I love the humor that she imbues into her work. She is my kind of lady! This calendar basically gets you 12 awesome pieces of art b/c it is designed so you can cut them out and frame each one when the year is through.

Enamel Pins by Yardsale Press, $8 each BUY NOW
I am so happy enamel pins are making a come back and equally as excited to see Yardsale Press come out with a line. Choose from a bunch of designs!

Package of 8 Recipe Cards by Wild Hart Paper Co., $12 BUY NOW
I love all of Wild Hart’s designs and these recipe cards are no exception. I think it would be really cute to fill each one out with 8 of your own signature recipes and give to a friend that just got married or bought a new house. Those personal touches are the best this time of year.

Bottle Openers by Woodshop Dropout $25 BUY NOW
These bottle openers work amazingly well. There is a magnet on each side – one to catch your bottle cap and another to attach to your fridge. I have gotten these for every dude in my life and they all love them. Great gift for dad or the bros. Of course, ladies would like this too. But guys are so hard to shop for!!

And that ends my first Gift Guide of the Season. I’ll try to post a few more before the holidays. Go here to shop the full range of products that we offer. Happy Holidays!

xo,
Megan

December 15, 2015
#artstarcraftbazaar Thank YOU!

We just wanted to thank everyone that played a part in making the Art Star Craft Bazaar such a huge success! Our small weekend staff, Philebrity, volunteers, the bands, our community partners and sponsors, all the vendors, DRWC – there are too many people to list! Most of all, we want to thank YOU, our customers, for coming out in droves to shop handmade and support so many talented makers. We REALLY loved how many of you Instagramed your purchases – that was so awesome to see. Please keep sharing. We especially love seeing your purchases in action – hanging on the wall, being worn, used, etc. Be sure to #artstarcraftbazaar so we can see them all!

Here are some of our favorite customer pics from the weekend – enjoy! And please continue to support our vendors by going to this link to be directed to all their websites. We’ll keep our vendor page up throughout the year. And don’t forget – we carry work by many ascb artists, so come by the store to shop in person, year round!

@alison_lucile shared a pic of a whole bunch of goodies that she picked up at the bazaar. I see a Xenotees Pizza Tank, Red Prairie Press top, Anthropolis Design Print, Andrew Zangerle Drawing, T-Rex by Lenny Mud, print from the 50/50 Company and a few more gems.

@babyjives and her kiddos picking up some felt masks from Opposite of Far

@caitlinthetoute picked up a new tank from Wear Liberty!

@chrissylicious shared her entire bazaar haul! Lots of good stuff there – Olive + Bo, The Maple Ridge, Laura George (from us), Leroy’s Place, Trinity Framing, etc.

Another good haul from @elle_melinda – I spy Seeing In Fabric, Cut + Paste Photobooth, Nice Things Handmade, Mai Autumn, Paper Sparrow (from us), Kayte Terry and more!

@kittfraser looks great in her new Jay McCarroll Top!

@leeannfenderson in her new necklace by Old Blood Designs

@nilorthenile scored these awesome Bowie cufflinks by Leroy’s Place

@soydark shared her new woodcut by Red Light Press

@staceydoespics posed in a felt unicorn mask by Opposite of Far and one of our Unicorn masks made by CherryBox

and last, but not least, @youmisheardme lookin’ cute in a Better Than Jam handprinted dress

Thank you again to all of our customers for supporting us + our vendors and for generally just being awesome and having great taste!

May 25, 2014

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

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
Night Market comes to NoLibs

Photo by Mikey Ilagan, Courtesy of Night Market Philly

This local favorite street festival features the best of the city’s ethnic restaurants & gourmet food trucks in different neighborhoods throughout Philly. This Thursday it will be in our hood – NoLibs & we couldn’t be more excited! We will be set up at the festival, along with 9 other local crafters.

Guapos Tacos (one of my personal favorites) Photo by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market Philly

There will be more than 40 vendors offering Philly’s yummiest food for under $5. Yards Brewing Company will also be selling beer. Get FREE beer by signing up for LEVEL UP (this year’s sponsor) online with promo code FOODTRUST or at the event. LEVEL UP will also make a $5 donation to the food trust in your name when you sign up. I think I’ll do just that!

Photo by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market Philly

EVEN BETTER – become a “Friend of Night Market” for $50 & get FREE beer PLUS FREE food, cocktails & more!

My favorite dessert food truck: Sweetbox Cupcakes will be there! Photo by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market Philly

Thursday, May 24nd, 7-11pm RAIN or SHINE.
on 2nd Street between Fairmount & George
http://nightmarketphilly.org/northernliberties.php

Some more photos…..

Photo by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market Philly

Photo by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market Philly

Photo by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market Philly

Photo by Mikey Ilagan / Courtesy of Night Market Philly

Ahhh, Philly is awesome. NomNomNomNom

May 22, 2012
Meet Ashley Landon of The Knotty Owl

Next up in our series of Art Star Craft Bazaar Vendor Profiles is Ashley Landon of The Knotty Owl. Hailing from Rochester NY, Ashley creates hand-cut jewelry (no laser cutting here!) made from local, reclaimed lumber. Find her at the ASCB at Booth #93.

Walnut and Cherry Chevron Necklace by The Knotty Owl

Art Star: Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?
Ashley Landon: Technically yes, I graduated from Brooklyn’s Pratt Institute for Industrial Design in 2011. I worked for the Fine Arts Department in the wood shop however, so I like to think I got the best of both worlds since most of my time was spent surrounded by fine artists.

AS: What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
AL: I will be selling my hand-carved and painted wooden jewelry and adornments.

AS: What materials do you work with?
AL: I use found, salvaged, locally harvested, and otherwise locally purchased lumber. My favorite woods to work with are cherry, walnut, maple, redwood, and the fallen branches from a silver maple tree in my backyard. I assemble my pieces with sterling silver and brass chain.

The Knotty Owl Studio

AS: How are your items made? Describe your process.
AL: All of my pieces are made from start to finish in my small wood shop and studio, conveniently located in my basement. Every wooden component starts as part of a rough piece of lumber, which I re-saw myself. I absolutely love the “analog” methods of creating my jewelry, and prefer to have hands-on control of every aspect of my process rather than using laser cutters. Once the wood is milled flat, I draw my rough shapes, and cut them out very carefully on a bandsaw. I use a belt sander and hand files to shape each piece, and finish the rest of the sanding by hand. I paint all of the designs on my pieces, apply the wood finish, and assemble the pieces into their final jewelry designs once they’re dry.

AS: Are you able to make your work full-time? If not, what do you do for your day job?
AL: I’m lucky enough to call The Knotty Owl my full-time gig, doing the occasional wood-based commission job or furniture repair project on the side. I’m also part of a business partnership, Dichotomy Rochester, and we are preparing to open our first retail store this summer in Rochester, New York.

Carved Raven Skull Pendants by The Knotty Owl

AS: Who are some of your favorite artists?
AL: My favorite artists/designers are the husband and wife duo Charles and Ray Eames. Their design principles have significantly informed my creative style, and they’re both incredibly inspiring on a personal level. I’m also and avid fan of Frank Lloyd Wright, and the fact that he so fully considered his designs from the architecture of each house, to the tableware that would adorn it’s interior. Other favorites are Hans Wegner and George Nakashima.

AS: What are you reading/listening to right now?
AL: I’m about halfway through Vonnegut’s Cat Cradle (for the second time), and have been switching back and forth between listening to The XX and every Modest Mouse album made before 2001.

AS: Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
AL: I plan to eventually expand my wood shop into a space that could properly house a larger collection of tools, and possibly an assistant, to help me keep up with orders while I continually work on new designs. Being in sole control of every aspect of my little business (as many of us sole proprietors are) is so overwhelming at times, leaving very little mental stamina to keep producing new work, and I’d love so much to change that within the next year or two. My main goal is to help my father retire within the next year, as he is my part-time expert sander on the weekends, and we really enjoy working together. The process of starting this business has been such an incredible learning experience and blessing, and I’m content to continue planting the seeds of my business and helping it grow naturally. I’d also like to get back into furniture design and larger scale woodworking projects in the near future.

Spirit Animal Brooches by The Knotty Owl

AS: Are there any bazaar participants that you are excited to check out this year?
AL: I’m extremely excited to finally see Horrible Adorables in person (I’ve loved their work on Etsy forever), and Twig Terrariums (I’m an obsessive collector of terrariums), but realistically I’ve been to every vendor’s website over the past week and am thrilled to be in the presence of all of them next month!

April 13, 2013
What to expect at Waterfront Winterfest

Photo by Mitchell Leff

This past weekend was the opening of Waterfront Winterfest – a season long holiday celebration that marks the 20th Anniversary of the Blue Cross River Rink. It is truly a winter wonderland that will get you and your family in the holiday spirit. Plan to come for the entire Winterfest experience, which includes our Art Star Holiday Market (12 craft vendors selling within mini pop up shops, including Art Star!), The Lodge Bar + Restaurant, cozy Fire Pits where you can make s’mores, an incredible light show that begins at 5 every night and runs every hour, and of course – ice skating!! Take a little tour of Winterfest through these photos + be sure to come check it out in person! And come back often b/c we will have a new mix of craft vendors each day (see website for complete schedule.

Photo by Matt Stanley

Photo by Matt Stanley

Our vendors are set up within the recycled shipping containers that line the front perimeter of The Lodge Pop Up Restaurant + Bar. It is not your typical craft show set up. It is a smaller line-up of artists, but each have created their own mini shop within the containers. We invited only the best vendors who all create quality and unique handmade goods. We also tried to make sure we had a good mix of items each day, so there is something for everyone.

Photo by Matt Stanley

photo by Mitchell Leff

The recycled shipping containers create the walls of The Lodge Pop Up Restaurant, which is in the center and covered with a giant warming tent. It is nice + cozy inside. The food is by Award Winning chef, George Sabatino who is also known for creating the menu at Morgan’s Pier. My favorite has been the Sweet Potato and Kale Pocket Pies with a spiked hot cider. The restaurant opens at 5pm weekdays and 11am on weekends.

photo by Matt Stanley

There are also grab + go concession stands open the entire time where you can get sandwiches by Sardine Bar, hot chocolate, spiced chai, coffee, chocolate covered popcorn, and more.

photo by Matt Stanley

Winterfest is very family friendly. There are roaming performers, hoopers, stilt walkers, etc that will be sure to entertain the kiddos. If your kids are old enough, send them off ice skating or to the indoor arcade while you shop and grab an adult beverage!

photo by Matt Stanley

Get cozy around the fire pits and make some s’mores! If you are coming after 5, the light show is a definite must see!!

photo by Mitchell Leff

Don’t forget about the ice skating! The music they have playing is all really good too.

One thing I do recommend is to find street parking, walk, or take public transportation. The parking fee is $15, which is okay if you plan on staying for the whole day but if you just plan on coming for a few hours, there are plenty of other options. There is no fee to come to Winterfest, unless you are parking in the lot or ice skating. We hope to see you there!!

More Details Visit:
www.holidaymarket.artstarphilly.com
www.waterfrontwinterfest.com

December 4, 2013
An Interview with New Academy Press

New Academy Press, founded by Justin George and Michael Burch, is a collaborative screen printing shop in Pittsburgh, PA. New Academy Press will be vending at our Art Star Craft Bazaar for the first time this year, so we were interested in learning more about them. Check out our interview and come visit them at the bazaar at booth # 110!

Art Star: What will you be selling at the bazaar?
New Academy Press: We will be selling screen printed paper goods, such as illustrated prints, postcards, bookmarks, and paper sculptures.

AS: Describe your process.
NAP: We take original illustrations and designs and screen print them by hand. Some of our prints are then cut, torn, folded, and glued to create 3-dimensional paper sculptures.

AS: Are you professionally trained?
NAP: Justin holds a BFA in printmaking and Michael has one in photography.

AS: Are you able to make your work full time? If not, what do you do for your day job?
NAP: We work full time hours for New Academy Press, but to stay afloat we also spend additional time as a bartender and restaurant manager.

AS: Where would you like to see your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
NAP: We would like to move our operation out of our living room and into a larger, dedicated workspace allowing us to increase our creative output, and eventually spread our love for art making through teaching classes and workshops.

AS: Any exciting projects in the works?
NAP: We are currently working on a suite of new prints for a gallery show in August at the Irma Freeman Center for Imagination here in Pittsburgh.

AS: What are your favorite things about Philadelphia?
NAP: So many things! Michael spent a brief time living in Philly, and the things he misses most are the Museum of Art, bicycle lanes and beautiful old buildings. Justin enjoys the Mutter Museum and Ben Franklin.

AS: What are some of the inspirations for your work?
NAP: We are heavily influenced by past eras of scientific exploration, design and manufacturing. We love learning about the people who have spent their lives searching for answers and discovering new things about the natural world.

AS: What are you reading / listening to?
NAP: That is a very big question. We love talk radio, podcasts and audiobooks that teach us about this crazy universe, but when it comes to getting thing done we like really loud rock music.

May 1, 2014
Art Star at The Bourse

Exciting news! We have opened up a 2nd space at The Bourse! If you work or live near center city, this will be a convenient place to stop for all your handmade Art Star goodies.

Our shop is a 17ft x 12ft space just to the right of Menagerie Coffee when you enter at 5th and Market. Much like our Northern Liberties shop, we’ll be selling a diverse collection of handmade goods by local and national artists.

Shop Hours: Thursday – Saturday 11-8pm and Sunday 11-6pm

If you haven’t been to the newly renovated Bourse – it is beautiful and filled with new, yummy food vendors like Chaat and Chai, FreeByrd Chicken, Grubhouse, LaLo, Mighty Melt, Rebel Taco, and more! Plus, Bluebird Distillery which makes amazing cocktails. There is also Penzy Spices right on the corner and a bunch more.

Founded in 1891 by George Bartol, The Bourse was the first in the world to house a stock exchange, maritime exchange, and grain-trading exchange simultaneously. Today, the historic space has been repurposed into an internationally inspired food hall with deep local roots.

April 7, 2019