ASCB Vendor Spotlight: Everyday Balloons

Posted on April 29, 2012 by artstar-artstar

We are excited to welcome new vendors Becki Hollen and Chris Bencivenga from Everyday Balloons!  Visit them at Booth #76!

Becki + Chris from Everyday Balloons

Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?
We both have BFAs from Edinboro University. That’s also where we met!

What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
We will have a variety of items screen printed with our original illustrations: t-shirts for people of all sizes, handmade totes and bottle bags, paper prints and more.

Yellow Bunny Wine + Whiskey Bag by Everyday Balloons

What materials do you work with?
We will try to print on just about anything we can get our hands on, but mostly we stick to paper, fabric, and ink of course. Something we’ve been experimenting with is screen printing on shrinky dinks.

a print in the works

How are your items made? Describe your process.
Initially everything starts with a drawing, sometimes we incorporate found patterns and textures. Then we make the layers for printing by cutting ruby lith and using paint markers. All our prints are hand pulled by us regardless of the material we’re printing on. Our handmade totes and bottle bags are cut out and individually pieced together. Each one is one of a kind.


Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?
Right now, Everyday Balloons is our after hours gig. We both have full-time printing jobs. Chris works at Commonwealth Press, a screen printing shop, and Becki works at Sapling Press, a letterpress printing shop.

Robots & Satellites TShirt by Everyday Balloons

Who are some of your favorite artists?
Jay Ryan. The Little Friends of Printmaking. We’re big fans of Wes Anderson and we’ve recently started a small collection of My Paper Crane pieces.

What are you reading/listening to right now?
The Zombies, First Aid Kit, and The Beach Boys. We wish we had more time to read. Right now there’s a few cooking blogs we frequent (Shutterbean and The Kitchn to name a few) to support our other hobby, cooking.

Bunny Onesie by Everyday Balloons

Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years? 
We would love to be working for ourselves, making our art full time, and raising a family (and maybe some chickens) in a cabin in the woods.

Visit their blog to learn more! http://everydayballoonsshop.tumblr.com/
+ become their fans on Facebook

Posted in artist spotlight, ascb, awesome, interviews, Printmaking | 5 Comments

ASCB Vendor Spotlight: Tugboat Printshop

Posted on April 20, 2012 by artstar-artstar

Paul & Valerie of Tugboat Printshop

Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?
We met in the University of South Dakota printmaking department.

What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
We make and sell all original woodcuts.  We like them to be different, colorful, and detailed.  We are excited every day to push the craft of our artwork to newer places.  We’ve got some really nice larger work that we’re hoping to debut at the Bazaar.

Mama Bear, color woodblock print, 2012 Tugboat Printshop

What materials do you work with?
We are traditional printmakers.  We do everything completely by hand.  At night, we use electricity, but other than that, it is exactly the same basic process as Gutenberg, but with less frills.  We use hand-tools to carve birch plywood blocks. All our ink for printing is oil based, all of our paper is archival.

Woodblock (red ink) for RV by Tugboat Printshop, 2011

How are your items made? Describe your process.
Firstly, we (Paul and Valerie) think a lot about our ideas.  Woodcut, especially color woodcut, takes a very long time, so we like to be very deliberate about what we make from start to finish. We like to think that an artist has a responsibility to their society and culture to be a kind of ‘visual bard’–to work with themes that are relevant to the times, and pertinent to others.  For example, right now, we suppose we’re talking alot about an ideal environment in our work.  After we do our thinking (there’s a lot of ideas that don’t end up getting made all the way through), we draw directly onto the woodblock, first in pencil, then in felt-tip pen, this allows us to trade the blocks back and forth and both have input on their design.  Then we carve around our drawing with hand tools, essentially turning the drawing into a “big, fancy, stamp”.  We roll ink onto the drawing, then lay paper on the ink, then run it through the press.  We generally repeat this process more or less for every color in an image–see our website for more details & process photos!

RV by Tugboat Printshop, 2011

Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?  We are full time artists!  It took a lot of work to get here, but we kind of always knew that we were willing to put in the crazy hours and work really hard, and had the opportunity to turn some of our other skills into side jobs (picture framing, graphic design, etc) to get us by while we worked to make Tugboat full time. We still work mad hours every day, but we love what we do.

Who are some of your favorite artists?
Well, we look at a lot of artists, and have a great deal of respect for many different ones.  Right now we’re looking at a lot of unknown artisan’s works ~ old, old artifacts from ancient times to around about the Middle Ages.

Tugboat Printshop

What are you reading/listening to right now?
We were reading baby books and we always read the daily newspaper. We listen to a lot of Bluegrass, Woody Guthrie, Carter Family, etc.  And Led Zeppelin. And Otis Redding. And we have the NPR classical station on all day long in our kitchen calm room.  We think our new little girl, Ayla, likes Harry Belafonte, but who doesn’t?

Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?  Well, it’s beyond time to get our operation out of the house.  We are focused on finding a separate studio for Tugboat Printshop ~ a place where we can host events with other artists, maybe have workshops, and hire helping hands. We’re also really excited about new projects in the coming months…bigger woodcuts in the works!

Visit Paul & Valerie of Tugboat Printshop at Booth #61 at our upcoming ASCB!

 

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ASCB Vendor Spotlight: Janell Wysock

Posted on April 16, 2012 by artstar-artstar

photo by Rene Micheli

Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?
I finally got around to college by age 25 and went to Moore College of Art and Design.

What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
Those attending the Bazaar will see light weight knit sweaters with blocks of color that can be worn on a cool evening at the shore or layered artistically all year round.  I will also have handwoven and netted scarves.

Sweater by Janell Wysock

What materials do you work with?
Yarns that are made out of wool, rayon, silk, metallics are my favorites.  I blend them sometimes to create unique color stories and you may find them crocheted, woven, or knitted.

by Janell Wysock

How are your items made? Describe your process.
I create my work using both a fine gauge and bulky knitting machine as well as the floor loom.  The process starts with a cone of yarn and a pattern I have developed that gets set up on either machine and a lot of hand work techniques to bring it all together both in finishing edges and decorative details.

the artist's studio

Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?
I do spend a full amount of time producing my work and handling the business side of it -Monday thru Friday, 8 hours a day.  But I also keep a constant income flow going from local neighborhood weekly cleaning accounts that I service, as well as photographing everything from other designers work to peoples head shots and my favorite, weddings.

Who are some of your favorite artists?
Some of my favorite international artists are Friendreich Hundertwasser, Kurt Schwitters, Arline Fisch, Sheila Hicks, Janet Echelman, and Haas&Hahn.  Favorites I have studied with are Lewis Knauss, Deborah Warner, and Michael Olszewski,  and my favorite local folk are Karen Henderson, Rebecca Landes, e Bond, Darla Jackson, Donna Quinn, Termain Smith, Brienne Rosner, Rene Micheli.

What are you reading/listening to right now?
I am listening to Deadmau5.

wool crocheted over a rock by Janell Wysock

Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
In the next ten years I would like to have a production line that is viable and be able to also create large scale outdoor art pieces.

You can find Janell at booth #99 at our upcoming Art Star Craft Bazaar

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CraftLAB & Art Star Thursdays at the PMA

Posted on April 14, 2012 by artstar-artstar

We were tickled pink when the Philadelphia Museum of Art asked us to partner with them on their upcoming exhibition Craft Spoken Here.  We have assembled a line-up of regional craft experts to demonstrate their techniques during Art Star Thursdays at the museum every Thursday beginning May 5th (seriously, pinch me!)  The museum also invites craft groups to book a comfy space to craft in the middle of the exhibit, among incredible pieces from their collection! Knit, crochet, embroider, bead – whatever you want!  Just contact the museum to book in advance.  Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity.  More info below!

Posted in awesome, DIY, events, philly, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

ASCB Vendor Spotlight: Angie Mason

Posted on April 9, 2012 by artstar-artstar

Hello Gorgeous! The lovely Angie Mason


Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?
I went to Parsons New School for Design in NYC where I studied illustration and fine arts.

What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
I have a nice selection of treats! I will be bringing everything from “Wearable Art” such as jewelry, t-shirts and hand bags to my hand painted plates, art prints, original paintings, drawing and sculptures. A nice selection with a price point for everybody.

a sample of goodies that you will see at our upcoming ASCB!

What materials do you work with?
I like to mix things up and will use anything and everything. I do have a large focus on painting which tends to be acrylic or oil. I also like to create sculptures of my characters in sculpey clay & then paint those. I have dabbled in photography, video and silkscreening. I feel as a creative person it only helps having a wide scope of creative materials and methods to bring my ideas to fruition in which ever way best suits a particular idea.

"Some Magic Left In Me" & "The Sun" by Angie Mason

How are your items made? Describe your process.
Just about everything I do is D.I.Y. – from hand pulling shirts with silkscreening to hand painted plates and original paintings and drawings. To describe the process a bit, all my ideas start in my sketchbooks then grow into individual projects whether they are painting, a necklace or anything. They are all created in my in home art studio. I have no assistants so my hands and eyes touch and see everything going on… my cat likes to think he is an assistant in my studio but I haven’t quite found a purpose for all the toys he brings to me as gifts.  Sometimes he gets carried away with them but I will not go into any more detail than that. 😉

hand painted plates by Angie Mason

Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?
I have balanced my life so far creatively and financially by working both as an exhibiting artist (which is the part I love but does not really pay my mortgage) to a more grounded financially, yet still highly creative path, as a fulltime illustrator/designer during the day where I have worked at dot coms and publishing houses. Currently I have been freelancing for my own L.L.C. but I am always looking for new opportunities for both sides of my creative life. Also to note currently I am focusing on preparing for a solo exhibit this July 7th in New York City at Sacred Gallery.

 

the artist's studio

Who are some of your favorite artists?
I have always adored the surrealists such as Remedios Varos, Leonora Carrington, & Dorthea Tanning. I also have always been drawn to Botticelli’s works which I was able to see 2 of my favorites at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence Italy in 2009. That really was an amazing trip – getting to see so much history, it filled my mind with inspiration.  Another I always loved is Hieronymus Bosch – I have a print on canvas of his Garden Of Earthly Delights hanging in my bedroom and to this day it’s one of my favorites.  It’s always different when I look at so many lives and characters existing in those 3 worlds! I also enjoy a lot of works from the 1400 and 1500s. One last one to mention here, I just love Grant Wood. I find his works (not so much his portraits of people but the landscape works) to be so magical! Ever since I was a young child I always imagined climbing into and living in the painting ‘The Midnight Ride Of Paul Revere‘ painted in 1931. Also, look up his drawings of haystacks and horses – they are wonderful.

the artist's studio (view 2)

What are you reading/listening to right now?
Now with having a smart phone I find I read a lot on there – mostly random life hacker type articles or NPR newsy articles on their which is probably killing my eyes. Musically I am enjoying the new Magnetic Fields as well as Grimes, We Are Augustines and Cold Cave are some bands in a recent mix I have created. I grew up loving music and still do. Recently while painting I was listening to Stars Of The Lid and Zoe Keating BOTH AMAZING to paint to.

T-Shirt by Angie Mason


Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
I would like to see it continue to grow into a more lucrative venture that is able to sustain itself. I would like to continue to exhibit my art in various places hopefully allowing me the opportunity to travel to interesting places while doing so. I also would like to expand into licensing my artwork, it is untapped ground which I would like to get more involved in. I basically am looking to find balance in this modern world that revolves around money sadly but allow me the comfort and freedom to be able to produce and create my personal visions. I have been very fortunate thus far and just hope doors keep opening or at least appearing so then I can try to open those doors to see what new adventures lies behind them.

Visit Angie at the upcoming Art Star Craft Bazaar!
www.angiemason.com 

Posted in artist spotlight, ascb, awesome, interviews, painting/drawing | Leave a comment

ASCB Vendor Spotlight: James Singewald Photography

Posted on April 6, 2012 by artstar-artstar

James Singewald

Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study? 
I went to The University of the Arts(’02) in Philly for my BFA and Maryland Institute College of Art(’10) in Baltimore for my MFA.

What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
Framed/unframed photographs of Philly and Baltimore. I’ll also have a few copies of my self-published book, Old Town, East Baltimore, for sale.

Photo by James Singewald

What materials do you work with?For the past 4 years I’ve been shooting primarily with a 4×5 view camera and using Fujichrome Velvia slide film. I scan the chromes and print with high quality Epson printers on various types of archival paper. Most of my earlier work from Philly was shot with a 35mm Pentax K-1000 or my Hasselblad, and some 4×5 as well. I also shot mostly black and white film for my early work and more recently have switched to color.

photo by James Singewald

How are your items made? Describe your process.
For the work I’ve been doing in Baltimore the past few years, photographing entire blocks and streets, light is very important. I’m documenting entire blocks by photographing each building individually or in pairs. I try to photograph buildings during the time the sun sets on them. I find that a combination of good light and the saturated color of the Velvia slide film creates a glimpse or feeling of what the mostly dilapidated buildings were and could be. It portrays a sense of history and potential. I also conduct a lot of research about the history of these places, what they looked like and used to be, why they have declined and been neglected for so long, and what the future holds for them. I plan on combining all of the photography and research in to a book or possible series. I approach this work as though I’m building an archive of city blocks as several companies and photographers did roughly 100 years ago before urban renewal and the decline most cities experienced for the past 50-60 years.

Photo by James Singewald

Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?
I work part time at the Maryland Historical Society in the Imaging Services Department where I am responsible for the photography and digitization of items in the collection as well as fulfilling reproduction requests and permissions for patrons.

Photo by James Singewald


Who are some of your favorite artists?
Camilo Jose Vergara, Harry Callahan, Bruce Davidson, Bernd & Hilla Becher, Ed Ruscha, Edward Burtynsky.

What are you reading/listening to right now?
Not in My Neighborhood, by Antero Pietila.
Spaces of Hope, by David Harvey

I’ve been listening to a lot of MF Doom, Jay Electronica, Madlib, and my usual 90s hip hop collection…

Photo by James Singewald

Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
Always a tough question, but I’m hoping the work I’m doing now will lead to similar projects and increased press or awareness of what I’m doing and why. I hope to have a steady balance of work and grants coming in to support my work. I’m increasingly interested in topics like urban history and planning and how you bring a devastated city like Baltimore, Philly, or Detroit back to life.

Photo by James Singewald

 

http://www.jsingewald.com/
You can meet James & buy his work at this upcoming Art Star Craft Bazaar!

Posted in artist spotlight, ascb, interviews, philly | Leave a comment

How to Copyright your Art

Posted on March 27, 2012 by artstar-artstar

Being in the art biz for over 10 years now, I have seen so many artists get their work ripped off by either individual artists or companies.  It especially pisses me off when a big company does this b/c it seems like there is not much us little people (with little resources) can do. Recently, our friend & artist Jude Buffum posted some really great advice on his facebook page.  I wanted to share b/c it seems so simple & affordable.

He says, “All artists can copyright their work for $35 online at copyright.gov
Click on the eCO (electronic copyright office) link in the right column
From there it’s fairly straight forward. Have JPG photos or scans (internet quality is fine) of your work ready to upload. You can include everything you’ve done to date in one $35 registration case file, just give it a title like “Jewelry 2006–2012” or “Paintings 2010–2012″ or something.  This is the single most important thing you can do as an artist. If and when someone copies your work, having your work registered gives you legal options you can’t even imagine, but not having it registered limits your options to the point no lawyer will take your case. TRUST ME it is the best $35 you will ever spend.”

Thanks Jude!
www.judebuffum.com

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Introducing DC Ice

Posted on March 22, 2012 by artstar-artstar

We just got in some great original pieces by Minnesota based artist, DC Ice.  I was curious to learn more about her.  Check out my interview below.

"27, A Following" by DC Ice

Art Star: Where did you grow up?  Did you draw as a child?
DC Ice: I grew up in Rochester, MN in an old stucco perish house on top of a hill. Surrounded by trees, exploring in my backyard and picking wild raspberries was my favorite pastime. I have always loved creating art.  One of my very first memories is of painting with my mom.

AS: Did you go to art school? If so, what did you study?
DC: I have a BFA degree from The College of Visual Arts. My major was illustration.

AS: What mediums do you work with? What is your favorite?
DC: I work with acrylic and oil paint, colored pencils, pen & I sew critters called “scary dolls.” Recently I have been enjoying drawing with razor blades on scratchboard. I constantly change up mediums which I feel keeps my art fresh.

"My Tea Tastes Like Dirt & Old Fruit" by DC Ice

AS: DC Ice is such a cool name! Is it your real name or do you just use it for your work?
DC: I was born “Dawn Candace Silvernagle.” My parents never just called me “Dawn” though, they always called me “Dawn Candace.” When I went to college and introduced myself at “Dawn Candace”… well, everyone just started calling me “DC.” I married a guy named Nick ICE. Sooo, DC ICE is actually my name.

AS:  You have illustrated 6 children’s books.  How long have you been doing that for?
DC: My first book was published in 2006 and I have been doing it ever since.  When I was little I remember trying to copy the artwork in books I liked.  Now I get to create the real deal. Really exciting. I am currently working on a book called “Can a Pig Swim?” by Thomas Rush.

books illustrated by DC Ice

AS: Do you work as an illustrator full time?
DC: I DO! And I love it. I also get to take care of my niece and nephew a couple days a week. Their little creative minds are a joy to be around.

AS: How much does children’s book illustration inspire your own art? Have any specific illustrators influenced your work?
DC:  I think Edward Gorey has been my biggest influence because he illustrated adult themes in a children’s book format. My art is a bit grim like his. I adore his work. Other artists that I love include Julia Pot, Owen Gent, Lizzy Stewart, Anne Faith Nicholls, Evan B. Harris… just to name a few.

Illustration by Edward Gorey, from the Gashlycrumb Tinies

AS: Based on the titles of your work (which are great) & the fact that you illustrate books, I feel like you must have some great stories behind each of your characters. Is this a correct assumption?
DC: Yes, my characters definitely tell stories. The titles to my art pieces are sometimes ridiculously long though. A few works just finished this month include, “I Concur Claude, It’s a Complex Mystery”and “Greetings from the Abyss Under Your Bed.”  I like illustrating animals with human attributes because I think it is a purer way to portray feelings. I don’t want sex, race and sometimes wardrobe, to taint the onlookers view of the feelings I’m trying to portray. When using animals as a way of conveying a mood, the onlookers perception is less contaminated due to associations that people often create towards people.

"Fresh, Oblivious & Missed" by DC Ice

AS: You must have an Amazing imagination to come up with your subject matter.  Where do you go for inspiration? Do you keep a sketchbook?
DC:  I am inspired by other artists and music, but mainly personal experiences and my past. I always have a sketchbook nearby and keep my old sketchbooks. It’s funny to see how my art transforms through the years.

AS: Do you plan out a piece from start to finish or is it a more intuitive process for you?
DC: With small pieces I just start drawing, it’s neat to see what comes to life. With larger pieces though I have an idea in mind and sketch out something really quick to figure out the composition.

AS: What is a typical day like for you? Do you have a studio that you go to each day?
DC: Years ago I had a studio in Minneapolis which I shared with some dear friends. These days however, I love having my studio right in my house so I can jump into my work whenever I get inspired. During art school I was told once that there are too many distractions when you have an in-home studio. I go into my art cave in the morning with a cup of coffee, turn on music, and the world fades away for me.

"Ghostly Noises" by DC Ice

AS: If money was not an issue, what would you be doing? Would you be focusing more on your art or would you still be illustrating? Or would you be doing something entirely different?
DC: Illustration is my love. I consider all my art illustration, the paintings, the books, and even the scary dolls, they are 3D illustrations. I enjoy creating my art most of all but there’s something spectacular that I feel when I get handed a book in printed form. Warm fuzzies. I wouldn’t change a thing.

AS: Any fun projects or shows in the works?
DC: I am thrilled to have my art with you in Philly right now. This is the first time my art has seen the east.I am really excited about getting my work into Gallery 360 in Minneapolis too. That show opens on March 3rd and will be up for 6 weeks. I also have a show at Frameworks in St. Paul right now. Please visit dcice.com for more show updates and new art.

Check out our entire collection of her work here.

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Paper Hearts Party w/ Sweetbox Cupcakes

Posted on February 8, 2012 by artstar-artstar

A Valentine’s Day Shopping Party!!
February 13th, 5-8pm

Save 10% off your total purchase and get free V-day inspired gift wrap during store hours on February 13th and 14th.

………and during our party only……….
get a free handmade paper flower (made by moi) with $50+ purchase
(while supplies last)
Cupcakes by Sweetbox available for purchase
Sip on a complimentary cocktail while you shop! 

 

Enjoy these yummy Sweetbox Cupcake photos!
I can’t wait to eat one (or five)

 

 

Posted in events, Holiday, NoLibs | Leave a comment

Crafter’s Dozen at Tattooed Mom’s

Posted on January 31, 2012 by artstar-artstar

Our friend Amanda from Mello Press has curated a lovely group of crafters that will be set up & selling at Tattooed Mom’s on February 12th.  We will be there along with many other talented Philly crafters (Foxglove Factory, Amy B Jewelry, chez-sucre-chez….) Pick up a gift for your Valentine & have a drink with us!

 

click the flyer for more details...

Posted in events, Holiday, philly | Leave a comment