Posts Tagged ‘art’
Are You Pinning? Should You Be?
Posted by Geoff Nelowet / Friday, March 30th, 2012
Pinterest, the newest craze in online social media, is more than just another there-goes-twenty-minutes timewaster. Could it even – gasp – assist in the [re]decorating process? Famed color and design guru, and avid Pinterest user, Jean Kee of the Painted Room thinks so.
by Lorin Drinkard
[L] Thanks for agreeing to this interview, Jean. How long have you been using Pinterest?
[J] I’ve been using Pinterest for about one year. Of course I’m a very visual person in a very visual business, so the appeal of virtual bulletin boards with images is great.
[L] How have you been inspired in the creative process through your use of Pinterest?
[J] I ‘follow’ many boards curated by design folks who I’ve become acquainted with through blogs and other social media. Designers and artists often showcase their work on these boards.
[L] What do you like most about the site?
[J] I love the efficiency and the ease of bookmarking something I see online. I used to drag images into a photo file but would often forget to note the source. Pinterest takes care of that for you.
[L] How can DIYers and home owners/renters use Pinterest to their advantage? What tips can you give for creating moodboards, finding inspiration, etc.?
[J] Imagine you are embarking on a major house remodel. Remember the large accordion folder with files for things like ‘countertops,’ ‘faucets,’ ‘flooring,’ etc.? And those files probably included tear sheets from magazines? Pinterest has replaced that for many and facilitates the easy sharing of ideas. It you scan design blogs and websites and … you can easily organize those ideas and have a visual reference.
[L] What are some ways that our readers who are interested in home design can effectively use Pinterest? Let’s say, for example, that a family is looking to update their living room. Where do they start? What “pins” should they search for?
[J] Pinterest has made this easy. If you don’t know who to ‘follow’ and are new to the process, you can search broad categories like ‘design’ and ‘architecture.’ You can also do a specific search, such as ‘stone fireplace.’ Once you start, it just sort of morphs. It can become addicting!
[L] How often do you use Pinterest?
[J] I use it almost every single day.
[L] Let’s talk about pinning vs. repinning. Do you think it’s important to be producing new pints, not simply reposting things that stick out to you?
[J] I repin a lot. I try to carefully curate, however, I always want nice images of things I love. I’m not particularly concerned with who is following me, though this is becoming another barometer of ‘influence’ online.
[L] For someone who’s just starting to use Pinterest, they may feel a visual overload. What’s an easy way to navigate through the sea of images and find ones that are most appropriate/related to what you’re looking for?
[J] To be honest with you, I rarely sit down at my computer with the intention of pinning and hunting down images. I see things in the course of the day with links from all kinds of social media –Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumbler and blogs, and I grab the image if it interests me. By the way, pinning is a great thing to do on an Ipad while watching TV.
[L] What’s the first thing you do when you open the site? Do you look search under “Everything”? Or under a specific heading? Or by pinners you follow?
[J] I usually look under a specific heading, such as ‘painted cabinetry.’ However, there are a few prolific pinners out there who do some of the work for me. I often repin them.
[L] Tell me a little bit about “The Painted Room.” How long have you been an architectural color consultant? What type of work do you primarily do for clients?
[J] I’ve been specifying color for interiors and exteriors for over 10 years. I studied color and design while living in Sydney, Australia and just love what I do. It is most certainly a niche business. I work with designers and architects but 90 percent of my business is residential homeowners just frozen in the vortex of color choices.
[L] Do you encourage your clients to use Pinterest? If so, in what way? How can Pinterest assist in the design process?
[J] Most clients have some sort of file of images they have clipped from magazines. This is often where we used to start. I can easily pick up on the atmosphere they are trying to create. Pinterest can replace that. Instead of physically sitting down with the client, we can communicate online. This is great for remote consults.
For example one client recently was contemplating color for their trim. I have a board titled ‘Color on Trim.’ Something might catch their eye. My board ‘Gray Walls’ has many images of a range of gray rooms –a client can easily see what rooms feel good to them and what they might want to avoid. Many of these images include the exact paint used. [It’s] a great tool for me.
For more pinning ideas (notice the slight nod to a Charlie Sheen pun), check out Jean’s website at www.paintedroom.com and her Pinterest boards at www.pinterest.com/paintedroom.
Oh, The Places To Go [Tuesday Edition]
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, March 6th, 2012
Happy Tuesday. / Photo credit: Shutterstock/ Alex.Zhernosek_FFMSTUDIO.COM
Our roundup of what to do + where in NoVA on this fine wintery weekday. Check ‘em out:
Fairfax’s Art Scene Gets a Big Boost
Posted by Matt Basheda / Friday, March 2nd, 2012
Art is not often recognized as vital to a community. But it is as necessary as anything else.
Northern Virginia has an art scene. In fact, it’s thriving. But in the endless push and pull of a career-driven area like this one, local artists can be ignored, or worse, deemed useless.
Art is a unifying force—it lives off of sharing. And the artists’ community-within-a-community needs unifiers just as much as any other social organization.
The Adam Lister Gallery provides that much-needed central hub for Fairfax’s art scene—the type of centrality this strong but isolated art community needs. Located in the heart of Fairfax City, the Gallery has been open since 2009, but recently changed locations (slightly). Its owner, Lister, is an accomplished artist himself. He keeps his artists’ sanctuary open to all—he offers group work in his studio, leads a teen group of aspiring artists and teaches privately. He features new exhibitions of East Coast artists nearly monthly.
A Fairfax native, Lister spent years in New York City as both a student and an art teacher. He returned to Fairfax three years ago, and he’s been filling a previous gap in the suburban arts ever since. On Saturday, March 3, he’ll unveil the Gallery’s latest exhibition, titled “Off White,” featuring the work of local artist Diana Adams. I caught up with Lister to get his take on the state of the area’s art scene.
"Sunrise #1." Courtesy Adam Lister.
You’re from Fairfax, but you spent years in New York City as both a student and an art instructor. Now you’re based in Fairfax again. New York has such a rich and storied art scene—what made you want to come back?
I relocated to the Fairfax area in 2008 for a few different reasons. Mainly, the fact that I had a great support system of family, friends, and fellow artists that were still here, made Fairfax an attractive spot to try and make something new happen. I absolutely love New York, and I think every serious artist should live there at some point in their life. I had reached a point where I needed a break from the city and wanted a more quiet and less competitive place to try out some new things. I was also offered a space in a jointly sponsored artist residency program organized by Joanna Ormesher from the City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts and the Kimco Realty group. The residency led to the opening of my gallery in 2009.
What’s unique about Fairfax’s art scene? What does it have that New York doesn’t have?
I saw the Fairfax art scene kind of like the wild west, really wide open and with virtually no established contemporary art galleries, and a much slower pace than NYC. Don’t get me wrong, there are lots of artists here, tons actually, just very few venues for them to exhibit artwork. Also the fact that everything is quite spread out here poses a challenge for artists to build a strong sense of community. Being so close to DC, Baltimore, Richmond, Philly, and New York, makes Fairfax a nice central location, close enough to these big city art scenes, yet far enough to not feel the claustrophobia and over stimulation that sometimes comes with the big city life.
"Unstructured Complications." Courtesy Adam Lister.
What do you think is the future of art in Fairfax?
It’s tough to say, there are definitely a lot of interesting ideas floating around. I think it depends a lot on the seriousness of local artists. The people that want to make something new and independent happen need to stand up, get out there, and make it happen. I work a lot with local high school and college art students, with the idea that they are the next generation of artists. Also, I think the people that are in the position to financially support local artists need to step up and do so. Whether its buying art, commissioning artwork, taking classes or making contributions, every little bit helps, I think if more area artists had a stronger foundation to grow off of, we’d see a bright future for a vibrant and experimental art scene to develop in Fairfax.
What’s your personal goal in your own artwork? What do you most want to say with your art?
In my own artwork I’m basically searching for a point of clarity. I make paintings, sculptures, and installation pieces, that address ideas revolving around balance, gravity, abstraction, color theory, and structure. I don’t want my work to have any start or any end, for me its a circular process, constantly retracting and expanding, unavoidably changing with each new project.
Posted by Geoff Nelowet / Tuesday, February 21st, 2012
By Lorin Drinkard
Mary Mattingly, “Everything You Own Including the Shirt Off My Back” Courtesy Robert Mann Gallery
Fledgling Programs Don’t Scare Rosanna Ruscetti.
As the newly hired director of programming at the 1-going-on-2-years-open Artisphere, Rosanna Ruscetti brings with her decades of experience navigating the ins and outs of art centers. Over the past 20 years, she turned George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium into a fully functioning, thriving arts program. Now that she’s working on this side of the Key Bridge, what can we expect from Arlington’s young art center in 2012?
“I’m looking at program possibilities and getting familiar with what works well in various spaces,” says Ruscetti. “There’s a good territorial team here—I think we’re going to have a good programming mix.”
One concern from spectators and critics is that Artisphere’s lack of a robust theater would hold them back from achieving substantial success, but Ruscetti isn’t flinching. “You have to be adaptive,” states Ruscetti. Her key to Artisphere’s flourishing relies on what the art center does have to offer, such as a vast array of programs, including nights of dancing, visual arts, film festivals, etc. And visitor-to-artist interaction. With a healthy mix of both local and touring artists, the center gives the community the chance to look on and experience art as it is formed, shaped.
“We’ll try to create that component as often as possible, when feasible,” says Ruscetti. “It’s important to give people that insight for artists that are based here. I think those artists want that kind of exchange.”
Shopping Simplified: Fab.com Lives Up to Its Name
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Wednesday, February 15th, 2012
Hello, shoppers!
The app is free to download. (Photo courtesy apple.com)
Fab.com is a members-only website featuring designs and sales that satisfy shoppers scouting out a great selection of good deals. This shopper-friendly website is a one-stop shop to find anything from art to fashion, furniture, cookwear, stationery, tech gadgets and much more all at a discount of up to 70 percent off the original retail price.
Amid the many sale notifications, Fab.com also compiles an archive of inspirational photos of fashion, design, accessories and celebrities that entertain the creatively curious side of shoppers. Also available as a mobile app, Fab.com has received excellent feedback from Apple users.
Fab features well-designed products across multiple categories and price points. (Photo courtesy of Fab.com)
Sales and design inspirations are posted daily to the site, with new uploads appearing every minute on the site’s live feed. There is even a calendar, listing upcoming sales to notify users of the impending deals to look forward to in the coming week. Sales are categorized by new and old, warning customers of a soon-to-be-expired bargain. Consumers also have the option to shop sales by genre and price.
Fab products are hand-picked by a team of design experts and enthusiasts. (Photo courtesy of Fab.com)
Customers are not only welcome but encouraged to give back to Fab.com. A customer can snap a photo of a newly purchased product from the site and upload it to the inspiration wall to earn a $5 credit.
Happy shopping!
–Hilary Adleberg
Posted by Colleen Callery / Monday, February 6th, 2012
It’s no secret Valentine’s Day is not for everyone. Admittedly, the overindulgence in sugary foods and celebration of emotional availability is not everyone’s cup of tea.
However, even for those that do appreciate the holiday, traditional Valentine’s Day gifts can be a bit.. overdone. To combat the commercialism and lazy reproductions of Hallmark cards, homemade cards and gifts are a great option.
There are a million ways to make a homemade card and whether its from a significant other, a family member, or just a friend, the time, thought, and originality in a homemade card can’t be beat.
But this post will focus on those looking for something a little more creative, or are just utterly tired of heart stamps and 3D pop-ups. Take a look below:
Invisible Ink: Bring back this childhood favorite by squeezing lemon juice to use as an “ink” and using a dip pen, small paint brush, or even a q-tip to write your secret message. The writing will be revealed under a heat source like a lightbulb, iron (with no steam), or candle (be careful not to ignite paper over a stove burner!). This crafter also incorporated the “message in a bottle” idea. So fun!
Photo courtesy of minieco.co.uk / lmnop.com.au
Temporary Tattoo: And no, I don’t mean the one you accidentally got on spring break. And I’m not talking about the glittery ones from the dollar store, either. (Although, those can be fun, too.) You can actually make your own temporary tattoos through the new iPhone app MoPho. For under $15 you can get a set of 16 tattoos of your very own photos! The possibilities are endless. Just keep in mind, these are kind of kitschy so embrace the humor and try to steer clear of something too cheesy.
Photo courtesy of MoPhoapp.com
Matchbox Candy boxes: Inchmark has some adorable and easy examples. Customize the outside of the boxes, include a note, and fill it with candy. Easy as pie. These are great for those in-between friends or co-workers who don’t quite make your list of full-blown gifts. (If you, in fact, have one of those.)
Photo courtesy of Inchmark.com
Framed Art: This project is a little more involved, requiring actual pieces of memorabilia or just trinkets from a craft shop, paint, hot glue, and framing the whole piece. But if you have this kind of time, and artistic inclination, the result could be amazing. Check out full directions here.
Photo courtesy of Designsponge.com
Valentine’s Kit: Design Sponge also has a brilliant idea for a Valentine’s Kit, which looks very similar to a picnic basket complete with wine, dessert, tea lights, flowers, and glasses (for drinking that delicious wine, of course). This is a low-key idea that can be enjoyed at home in front of a fire or a movie, and is a great adventure companion, perfect to bring along to a getaway destination.
Photo courtesy of DesignSponge.com
Finally, for those brave wordsmiths, why not try writing a poem? We don’t mean a sappy sonnet, dripping with love-y goo (eh, I guess some people are in to that). Funny, silly, thoughtful poems go a long way, too. And if you need some help? This mad lib poem generator is pretty fun.
Got more great do-it-yourself Valentine’s ideas? Send them our way!
-Colleen Callery
Posted by Colleen Callery / Monday, January 30th, 2012
Over 300 artisans drew thousands of visitors to see their endeavors in both the functional and purely aesthetic arts at the 14th annual Sugarloaf Crafts Festival this weekend. Just about every kind of craft you can imagine was on display at the Chantilly Dulles Expo Center. Woodcrafters were carving next to booths offering samples of frozen wine mixes. Tables with endless pieces of jewelry, handmade pottery, sculptures, 3D hanging mobiles, paintings, clothing, and accessories of all kinds were tempting visitors from all sides. Gourmet and organic food filled the back left-hand side of the venue. Live strumming of soft guitar chords and a live jazz band provided ambiance. There was even a stage that held periodic performances to keep the kids entertained.
Weren’t able to make it out this year?
Take a look at some of the photos below!
Homemade potpouri from The Herb Lady in Shepherdstown, West Virginia
A wall of colorful, fragrant soaps from Pretty Baby Naturals of China Grove, North Carolina
Adorable, functional clay figures from ClayMonster of Baltimore, Maryland
Sparkling glass jewelry (among other fun glass pieces) from Kathie Perry Lynch of Rockville, Maryland
William Richardson works on making the hand-crafted shaker boxes, from Suffolk Shaker of Suffolk, Virginia
-Colleen Callery
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Tuesday, January 24th, 2012
Discarded glass takes on new life in sculpture form.
By Matt Basheda
Courtesy of Christene Sockoloski (sculptures)
Arlington artist Cindy Ann Coldiron takes an environmentally friendly approach to her work, using recycled glass for her sculptures, like the sparkling dragonflies in Barcroft Park. Three years ago, when she noticed the lack of any literature unifying recycled glass art as its own genre, she took it upon herself to reveal an emerging artistic world. Her book, “Sculpture and Design with Recycled Glass,” took two years to research and ended up taking her all over the world, from Swaziland to Australia.
“My main goal in writing this book is for someone to never look at a discarded bottle, or even discarded window glass, in the same manner again,” she says. “Basically, if you were a painter and you saw canvases on every street corner, you’d grab them because you knew you could use them. … There really are wonderful uses you can make from [glass].” And to that end, she includes detailed instructions for four simple projects that readers can try. However, magnificent professional sculptures feature prominently as well, including a sun-struck bus stop made almost entirely out of discarded bottles.
Not forgetting the “design” portion of her title, Coldiron dedicates a chapter to the swiftly growing role of recycled glass in current construction and interior design. Also included are step-by-step narratives of three public art sculptures from inception to installation. And most non-artists never imagine the technical issues of various art forms, but Coldiron covers that facet as well.
Info: ‘Sculpture and Design with Recycled Glass’ by Cindy Ann Coldiron; $37.49 @ Amazon
(January 2012)
New NoVA Art at University of Mary Washington
Posted by Matt Basheda / Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
Several Northern Virginia artists exhibit their work at the University of Mary Washington starting tomorrow.
The artwork will be shown in two separate exhibits. “Crowded Spaces” features Allison Long Hardy, who recently completed a residence at Alexandria’s Torpedo Art Factory.
Hardy shapes her work around communication in all its forms. She seeks to capture moments of communication, and does so with ink and graphite. She is also an adjunct professor in UMW’s art department. “Crowded Spaces” debuts Thursday, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. in the duPont Gallery.
The second display is the “Mid-Atlantic New Painting 2012” exhibition, which is actually a contest. The awards include $2,000 in prizes given out to various artists.
The artists come from as far as Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but also from right here in NoVA, including these exceptional artists:
Radio Sebastian is a duo from Alexandria–Yumiko Blackwell and Corwin Levi. They collaborate on all kinds of incredible designs, and even write children’s books to boot.
Jacqueline Levine is a painter from Arlington who shapes her fantastical artwork from out of her own fictional world.
Also take a look at David Barr from Falls Church, who uses media collages and other pop culture mash-ups.
We have some unbelievably talented artists in our own backyard. Do yourself and them a favor by checking out their latest work at these exhibits. The “Mid-Atlantic New Painting 2012″ exhibit runs until Feb. 24. However, “Crowded Spaces” lasts only until Feb. 5. Both debut tomorrow, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m.
–Matt Basheda
Support Local Art This Weekend
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, September 30th, 2011
Friday, Sept. 30, 2011
Need something to do this weekend, but can’t quite put your finger on what you want? The area is actually bursting with art festivals this weekend. Help foster Northern Virginia’s cultural identity and check them out.
ValeArts, a group of local artists, exhibits their colorful art in Oakton Friday, Sept. 30 through Sunday, Oct. 2. This show has been a fixture for 15 years now, and this year is no different. “Shared Passion, Different Strokes,” as the show is called, is at the historic Vale Schoolhouse.
Art on the Avenue in Alexandria is one of the biggest art festivals all year, and it will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1. This massive fair has it all–music, food, and hundreds of artists. The celebration draws tens of thousands to walk down Mt. Vernon Avenue every year, and this will be no different.
Oh yeah, and did I mention a pie baking contest? Sweet deliciousness.
Art on the Avenue. Courtesy Mark Blackden.
Art on the Avenue is rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
While you’re there, make sure you check out The Art League’s gallery at Alexandria City Hall. The Art League is a nonprofit organization that directly connects art to our community, offering art classes and supplies to the public. Their special gallery, “Art in City Hall: Around Town,” is on display through Dec. 16, 2011.
–Matt Basheda