Ikat

These textiles were created in Turkmenistan (bottom image) and Uzbekistan (top image) using the Ikat dying method. Ikat is a near universal weaving style common to many world cultures, however, the word originates from Indonesia. Likely, it is one of the oldest forms of textile decoration. What fascinates me is how so many of the most noted designers today are borrowing from ancient traditions. Any of these patterns look familiar? They do to me. I would like to borrow this straw yurt AND the textiles . . . if you are going to gather inspiration might as well look to the best. These historical crafts are still relevant. Now that is true skill.

Memorial Day: Red, White & Blue.

Hope your weekend is filled with BBQs, sun, beach and friends. Cavern Home Wallpaper by Julia Ziegler-Haynes. Link

Bokja furniture

Hoda Baroudi and Maria Hibri are the Beirut-based duo behind the Bokja concept. They offer sofas, chairs and benches decked out in vibrant colors. Many of the chairs are recycled and each one is hand made by artisians. You have to visit their website to get the full effect of these gorgeous creations. Link.

From Tehran to London: New Painting from Iran

(c)Eskandarfar She Was Alone (2009) oil on canvas This exhibit is at Jill George Gallery, 38 Lexington Street, Soho, London W1 until 18 June.

www.jillgeorgegallery.co.uk

I came across this and thought of my friend Heather, a fellow lover of Frida Kahlo. Her blog, La Feem, just posted beautiful Frida portraits. If I could fly to London tomorrow to see this painting in person . . . I would.

VIsit Harley Farms?

Harley Farms is a restored 1910 dairy farm on nine acres of patsure in Pescadero, CA. They offer private tours and home cooked farm dinners. The farm shop features award winning ricotta, feta, chevre, fromage blanc cheeses & a luxurious range of goat milk lotions and soaps. They are passionate advocates for slow food and even won the 2008 San Mateo County Sustainable Business of the year for the integrity of their water use, diversification and good citizenry. I will definitely be planning a family trip to the farm, won't you join me? After all, goats are my "thing". There is something magical and wild about them . . . a special breed, much like Dee Harley the fine woman behind this special slice of earth. It is people like this who restore my faith in goodness and in life. Link

LOVE

Happy Weekend, enjoy the swell.

Read the description of Michael Dweck's book, "The End, Montauk 2004". It starts out like this: "Summer 1975, I was seventeen and living with my family on Long Island when I heard the rumor that the Rolling Stones were recording an album at Andy Warhol's place in Montauk. Interested? Follow the link. His captivating photos can all be seen on his website.

Indian Summer

These are some fun ideas for the home, love the colors and the rounded shapes. All images from the blog "Indian Summer", go over and have a look. . . I am in love. Link

Obsessive Consumption, a collection of drawings

I love these type of drawings, gotta get this book and have a look. How funny is the statement I just made? I must have the NON-CONSUPTION book!!!! These are the times in which we live folks. :) Gotta have a laugh or two. Link.

Words by Kate:

"I've been drawing something that I purchase every day since February 5, 2006. Obsessive Consumption represents a selection of these daily drawings. I draw objects that are rather ordinary: Coke cans, Post-it notes, toilet bowl cleaner-sundry items that a lot of consumers have a shared experience with; items that we interact with, but don't really think about. I love documenting the mundane and, in turn, putting a personal face on something that is mass-produced. I make work about personal consumerism, market economies, guilt, joy, excess, more guilt, gifts, celebration, repetition, and the community of these shared experiences." —Kate Bingaman-Burt

Yo, BP, got something for you!!!!

Andrea Meyers sculpture

I love this. That is all I have to say about that. Link.

My take on Andy Davis Art

Today is a rare day. I have the explanation for my attachment to Andy Davis art. This quote gave me the understanding of what his work means to me.

"Art is a selective re-creation of reality according to an artist's metaphysical value-judgments. An artist recreates those aspects of reality which represent his fundamental view of man's nature. -Ayn Rand, 'Art and Cognition'

A quick glance at Andy's work tells you his soul still has faith in man. In this day and age, I find that both courageous and inspiring. I need that reminder from time to time. The reminder that somebody out there still believes in goodness. Knowing Andy personally backs up the theory of Rand. Andy can get frustrated too, but his soul is very child like and full of hope. Take another look at his work now, can you see it? Amazing how art speaks the language of the soul.

Tide

Stuart Haygarth's, "Tide" chandelier is based on the collection of "man made" debris that washed up on the Kent coastline. Haygarth has been collecting materials for many years and the work is still in progress. To visit his site, click here. If you don't have weekend plans, collect some junk that washes in, this should motivate anyone. Absolutely gorgeous in so many ways.

Paul Newman

I love his style in this photo, the glasses, just enough beard and a suit. There is a bit of a "rebel in a suit" quality that I love. Also, the second photo celebrates my love for a plain white t-shirt on a man. On second thought, a white t-shirt on a woman with jeans is equally great. Simple is the best, whether you are farming, running a business, decorating a home, or getting dressed in the morning. Simple almost always works. Right?

Aptos retreat, by CCS architecture in Santa Cruz mountains

Clad in reclaimed barn timber and corten roofs, this is my kind of sanctuary. Looks peaceful doesn't it?

Where are you?

Tom Molloy Tom Molloy, Globe, 2004 Courtesy of the artist and Rubicon Gallery, Dublin

Mother's Day

This photo by Yusuf Sevincli captures the genius of childhood. Hope the roles are reversed for the moms today, perhaps we could go lay in the grass and soak in the sun like the kiddos. That would be a great way to spend a day. Wouldn't it?

Going somewhere?

Photo by: Gilda Louise Aloisi, she lives and works in Rome Italy.

Marc Swanson

"Time is nature's way. . .Rainbow target."

"Community"

"Always and Nothing"

"Always and Nothing"

The link to more images of his art.

Sir Pablo Picasso, simple lines

Madeline Atelier Organic Block Prints

Helping to preserve a once-thriving artistic tradition in Rajasthan, Madeline’s hand block print fabrics are the product of highly-skilled local craftsmen who deftly translate her designs into printed form. An exacting technique requiring a masterful synergy of hand and eye, the crisply-delineated patterns have been meticulously rendered one motif at a time using Azo-free dyes and a single, intricately-carved teakwood block. Natural woven cotton. Made in India. Visit her website here.

You have heard of Kimo's Restaurant right?

Well check out Sandy's Retaurant in Huntington Beach. It is part of the TS Restaurants chain who owns Kimo's, Duke's and Jake's Del Mar. Andy made their logo, tshirts, menu graphics & 3 huge paintings for their new casual beach cafe' on the sand in Huntington Beach. Make sure to stop by if you are near the pier and enjoy some great food. Their grand opening is scheduled for mid May but the doors are open now. The owners are great people, I worked for them years ago in Lahaina as a t-shirt girl and was happy that Andy had the chance to ad some "Ando" love to their new restaurant. Funny that I used to sell the t-shirts my husband now makes. I would sit in my booth and check the surf, not a bad job for a young surf rat. The owners are true surfers and obviously care deeply about the quality of their restaurants and the way they treat their staff. It was a true pleasure to do business with them. Here is the link to their website.