Art

Go Ahead, Play with Your Food: Photographer Fulvio Bonavia's Fruit Fashion

Art | 04 April 2011

Who says you can’t play with your food?

It’s a good thing Italian artist Fulvio Bonavia didn’t listen to his mom, because he’s made a name for himself creating some truly incredible photographs combining fruit, vegetation, and modern fashion.

Bonavia began his work as a graphic illustrator and film poster animator, and has since designed for such companies as Adidas, Amnesty International, Delta Airlines, Disney, Heineken, Jaguar, MTV, Rolex, and many other top brands.

One of the really unique things about Bonavia’s work is that he does all the postproduction work himself, so everything you see is truly a product of his own work. Instead of handing it off to another designer after the pictures are taken, we see these photographs exactly as he envisioned them in his head.

This shoe below is one of my personal favorite — perfect with a cute summer dress, don’t you think?

Bonavia’s book, A Matter of Taste (from which all the food-themed pictures are taken), has been featured in magazines all over the world. Perfect for your coffee table or a present for your art-loving friend! You can get it here.

So ladies, feeling creative yet? Raid your fridge and garden and get gluing!

The Sweetest Treat: Designer Cupcakes

Art | 30 March 2011

by Allie Paxton

Are you ready for an adorable treat? Then take a look at the unique creations of Therese Aldgård, a photographer from New York whose passion for fashion and photography began at a young age. In answer to the question, “Why not blend the two together?,” Aldgård creates shots with amazing color combinations that simply make her photography delicious works of art. Even Kanye West is a big fan! When I looked more into this awesome photographer’s portfolio, I was impressed by her work as a whole. I simply cannot wait to see what else Therese has in store for us.

Oh and I almost forgot Vera…

*photos courtesy of http://www.thres.com/

Ladies, what do you think of these delectable treats?

xoxo

One Sweet Artist: Kari Radasch

Art | 09 March 2011

by Sienna

Let me introduce you to another wonderful artist and craftswoman that I have had my eye on for a while; the delightful Kari Radasch!

A few years back, when I was enjoying a short residency at the Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, I was introduced to the lovely functional wares included in the center’s dish collection. It turns out that Radasch (who lives in Maine where the center is located) is closely affiliated with Watershed.

Intrigued by the playful pottery that has a girly sense of “sugar and spice and everything nice”, it is my pleasure to show off some of her gorgeous Redware.

About her work, Radasch says, ” In life I am most drawn to that which is decorative, celebratory and outrageous. I am touched by such joyful trimmings as architectural embellishments, yard art,
ornamental cuisine and confections. . . “

Three colorful platters. How much fun would it be to serve on these?!

These lidded jars are to die for!!!

Like all makers, Radasch reflects on the importance creating has to her life. “I believe that I am a potter by chance, but a maker at my core. Through a series of circumstances I ended up in the ceramics studio, though I could have easily ended up a jeweler or furniture maker had a few minor things been different.”

Check out these glorious stacks of pots, and take a look at Kari Radasch’s shop!

Tell us, are you a maker? Do you find you are driven to create?

Heart & Beat: The Fusion Art of Wendy Starling

Art | 02 March 2011

by Laurie Hartt

Welcome to the magical mixed media world of Wendy Starling.

As a collage and poetry fusion artist, Wendy mixes bits of paper, photographs, paint, newpaper, and small trinkets, as well as her own poetry, to create art that does more than just look pretty. “My hope in adding my poetry and prose,” she says, “is to touch someone on a level that is not just visual.”

Take a look at some of these incredible pieces.

The best part of her work? “Laying down paint and paper and getting my hands dirty!”

With all the mediums she uses, these works are a real ode to texture. “I love the feel of a piece coming together layer after layer,” she says.

In addtion to her larger paintings, Wendy also specializes in smaller postcards, labels, notecards, and tags.

My love of old postcards and tags takes me back to a time when we thought differently about writing. Whenever I see a message on the back of an old postcard written in longhand cursive, I instantly remember the anticipation of waiting for the mail delivery. And once it finally arrived, that feeling of knowing that the sender thought about me, no matter how far away they were…There is no substitute for seeing their unique handwriting, being able to run your hands over it, to put in your pocket and take it out time and time again to read it.

Below are my two favorite postcards and a tag.

And finally, my absolute favorite of all:

(I have this one on my wall at home!)

Want to see more of Wendy’s art? Check out her website to view more pics or order some cool art for your house. Or, if you’re in the San Diego area, sign up for one of her classes and learn how to make your own fusion art!

Personally, I can’t wait to get my hands on some paint and paper to try this myself. What about you? Is this your style? Which one is your fav?

Feeling Crafty? Paper Dresses Aren't Just for Dolls Anymore

Art | 17 February 2011

by Laurie Hartt

Besides the fact that she has ridiculously shiny hair, flawless skin, and rad glasses, above model Nadya Trofimova is also rockin’ one of the coolest fashion innovations I’ve seen in quite a while: paper dresses.

Originally beginning her artistic career as a graphic designer, Moscow-based Alexandra Zaharova now specializes in paper artwork and unique photography campaigns. Along with partner Ilya Plotnikov, she founded Doberman Studio, a Russian photography and advertising agency. Her heart, however, lies in the creation of custom couture dresses made entirely out of paper. According to her website‘s bio, she finds “ inspiration in classical, futuristic and gothic styles with their clean and acute formes. Simplicity and monumental in shapes of dresses is her signature.”

From the different dresses and photoshoots below, I’d say she’s hit her goal spot-on.

(Audrey Hepburn, anyone?)

Some of these photos were taken from here.

It’s too bad these dresses aren’t wearable, because I’d definitely be trying to get my hands on a couple of them. It’s pretty interesting to see how she’s captured feeling of movement and feminine grace with a textile that is so crisp and straight.

Inspired yet? Next time you’ve got a rainy day, you can bet your bottom dollar I’ll be hunting through the recycling to make my own couture creations.

Which dress is your favorite?