Category: awesome

  • ASCB Vendor Spotlight: Tugboat Printshop

    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!

     

  • CraftLAB & Art Star Thursdays at the PMA

    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!

  • ASCB Vendor Spotlight: Angie Mason

    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 

  • How to Copyright your Art

    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

  • Thirsty Thursdays at Art Star!

    Art Star will be hosting “Thirsy Thursdays” through the summer. Each week we will feature a new complimentary summer beverage. This week we will be mixing up some ice cold mojitos. So come in for a frosty drink to cool off while you shop! Take 15% off regular priced items & an additional 10% off of sale items during the event. Receive an additional punch on your Frequent Buyer Card for each valid purchase.

    6/9/2011, 5-8pm, @ Art Star
    visit our facebook invite & let us know you are coming or forward along to friends.  See you there!

  • Spotlight on Specks & Keepings

    Specks & Keepings is a brand new online shop where you can browse & purchase beautifully hand-crafted items to wear & display in the home.  It is owned & operated by Art Star Craft Bazaar vendor, Hillery Sproatt.  You can find her work here, as well as work by Rebe (her booth mate at the bazaar), Anschtecka, Adam Wolpa, Eric Stiner, Karen Thurman, & Kotoa.

    The artist states, [Specks & Keepings] is a showcase of thoughtfully made goods that aim to inspire a simple lifestyle that is carefully shaped and chosen.  When browsing the shop, I hope people will be overwhelmed with a sense of wonder at the beauty of a handmade life. I aimed to create a shopping environment that encourages people to think about what it is they are bringing into their homes and into their lives. I believe on some level, our possessions are an extension of ourselves and they should speak to who we are as individuals. Things are always more beautiful when they mean something to us.

    www.specksandkeepings.com
    Visit Hillery Sproatt & Rebe at Booth #51 at the Art Star Craft Bazaar!
    You can also find Rebe’s clothing at one of our favorite shops – Arcadia Boutique

  • An Interview w/ Jordan Perme from Horrible Adorables


    Meet Jordan Perme, a Ohio based artist who creates fabulous felt taxidermy!  Each piece is hand sculpted & then covered w/ colorful felt pieces.  We met Jordan at last year’s Art Star Craft Bazaar where she introduced Philadelphia to her vast array of creatures.  Some were free standing, but most were mounted to painted wood plaques.  My husband & I snagged 2 for our home & I can’t wait to see what she brings this year.  I was curious to learn more about her.  Check out my interview w/ her below, as well as some photos of her working in her studio on a new piece.  You can purchase her work at art star or at booth #95 at the bazaar.
    -Megan

    Megan: How did your idea to create your felt taxidermy come about?  Did
    you begin making these while you were at art school?

    Jordan: I am fascinated by the famous hoaxes of showman P.T. Barnum,
    sideshow trickery, curiosities, Crytozoological wonders (such as
    Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster) and by the enthusiasts of this
    study who passionately collect evidence in an effort to prove these
    creature’s existence.  My cumulation of interests inspired a thesis
    show at the Cleveland Institute of Art where I created a Room of
    Wonder for a delusional collector.  Within the space there was framed
    tintype documentation of the collector ‘hunting,’ a hand drawn field
    guide and plenty of curious faux taxidermy creatures!

    M: What is your creative process like?  Do you begin w/ a sketch or
    just start sculpting?

    J: I do a lot of quick sketches for ideation, but I don’t think too
    much about what the final product is going to look like.  Once I start to
    sculpt the foam, the shape changes and evolves.  I will start to see a
    new creature emerge and the majority of the time, it ends up looking
    quite different from my original drawing.

    M: How do you come up w/ ideas for your different characters?

    J: Each sculpture is unique and one of a kind.  I visualize existing
    animals and wonder what they would look like if they had strange
    features such as horns, a long snout or gangly teeth.  These new
    additions further distance the creatures from being a specific,
    recognizable animal and also give them an other worldly appearance.  I
    am often asked, while showing my art at various fairs, what type of
    animal a given sculpture is supposed to be. My response is usually
    something like “Oh, it’s an antelope-kitty-giraffe hybrid of course!”

    M: What is a typical day like for you?  Do you have a day job or do
    you make your art full time?

    J: I am in my studio all day, every day!  In addition to creating
    fantastical creatures, I am also a freelance soft toy and repeat
    pattern designer.  I work for major toy companies to ideate new plush
    concepts and produce prototypes of soft toys.  I also work a lot on
    the computer making graphic repeat patterns that are used to decorate
    everything from plastic to fabric toy components.  Working in this
    industry has definitely influenced my art work, as it has become more
    playful in appearance.  Many people have even bought my faux taxidermy
    to decorate their nurseries!

    M: When did you launch your business & how has it grown over the years?

    J: Upon graduating from college in 2009 I began to look for a ‘real
    job.’  I found that with no industry experience, it was extremely
    difficult to find any position in my field that was looking for recent
    college graduates.  I had dabbled in freelancing before and decided to
    take a few projects here and there until I could find something more
    permanent.  I found that the projects that I was taking on were
    incredibly rewarding and since I was able to make up my own schedule
    (wake up in the afternoon, work till 4 in the morning) there was a lot
    more time for me to do my own art work and keep a good studio
    practice.  With a normal 9-5 job, I don’t think I would be able to
    travel to as many art fairs and have much time to build up stock.  I
    have had an Etsy site for years, but decided to relaunch the ‘Horrible
    Adorables’ line again in 2010.  I haven’t been doing the indie craft
    thing for that long, but it has led to many great networking
    opportunities and I have been getting nice feedback that has made me
    feel even more secure in my pursuit of a non-traditional line of
    work.

    M: Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

    J: In 10 years I would love to be able to support myself solely from
    my art work and continue making the things that I love.

    M: Are there any specific artists that have inspired you and your work?

    J: My favorite artists are Yinka Shonibare, Kiki Smith and Yoshitomo
    Nara
    .  I am inspired by indie crafters and am on Etsy at least once a
    day checking out whats new!

    M: Out of all the felt sculptures that you have made, which is your favorite?

    J: I get pretty attached to each sculpture after I complete it and
    often times, my favorite is whatever my newest creation is!  I am glad
    that other people enjoy my art too, enough to purchase a piece for
    themselves, otherwise I would probably hoard all of my creatures and
    have an entire space as a faux-trophy room!

    M: I would love to see a giant felt sculpture.  Any plans on doing any
    large installation pieces?

    J: I would also love to make a giant felt sculpture!  I’ve had it in
    my head for a while to make something quite large (as big as a full
    sized deer??) but I can’t seem to find the time that it would take, to
    create something at that scale yet.  I almost need to have a gallery
    show in the works to get me moving on it!

    M: Aside from having your work at art star, where else do you sell
    your work?  Do you have any exhibitions booked in the future?

    J: I will be at the Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn this summer (June
    11-12) and will be applying to a handful of other shows this year.  I
    have also been talking to a local Cleveland gallery and boutique about
    having a little Horrible Adorables storefront within their space.. but
    we are still discussing all the details.  More on that later!

    M: Any special projects on the horizon?

    J: I am passionate about puppets and I would love to do some
    exploration into making my creatures as marionettes and animating them
    in short films.  I also love vinyl artist toys.  It would be so great
    if some of my creatures could be produced into limited edition toys
    that an even wider audience could enjoy!

    M: Anything else we should know?

    J: I have a lot of new horribly adorable creatures in the works.
    Please stop by my booth at the Art Star Craft Bazaar to check them all
    out and say hello!

    Find more about Jordan & her Horrible Adorables on the following sites:
    her website http://www.jordan-elise.com/
    her etsy page http://www.horribleadorables.etsy.com
    her blog http://horribleadorables.blogspot.com/

  • Awesome new video by Cutesy but Not Cutesy

    Check out this new video by Philadelphia artist & one-of-a-kind stuffed monster maker, Diane Koss of Cutesy but not Cutesy.  I had to share it with you all b/c I think it is AWESOME!  This is the 2nd in what I hope will be a series of videos.  I love this direction that she is going in.  I may have to commission Diane to make my Halloween costume next year.

    see the world without going anywhere. from Cutesy but not Cutesy on Vimeo.

    also check out her stop motion animation that she made with David R. Popolow of  Right Brain Animation http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/monster-compilation-by-diane-koss-of-cutesy-but-not-cutesy-3556/

    Cutesy but not Cutesy will be at our bazaar this year in booth #107, so you can take home a furry friend of your own!

    or visit http://www.cutesybutnotcutesy.com/ to shop now

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