accepting scholarship submissions: gocco studio

It's time, folks, I need to get back to creating new pages on the Art Wall website, starting with the studio. I'll be accepting submissions on scholarship, which is a fancy way of saying it's free! Did you know that the studio was the jumping-off point for the entire Art Wall site? I wanted a nice way to showcase my favorite finds for Save Gocco-- a way to promote other artist's work using Gocco with no kick-backs or anything more than maybe simply a thank-you. For that reason, it feels only right to keep that room as simply promotional and gratis. So there you go, submit away. There's one condition, your work has to be Gocco'd and it has to be good, get it?

New work from Depuis

There's nothing that can cheer me up more on a cold gloomy day than looking at photographs of places I'd rather be.

Coney Island, 12x18" $59.00

Greetings from Nowhere Large Giclee Print, 23x17" $85.00

Ride the sky, 12x18" $59.00

Mina Georgescu of Depuis has posted some new pieces to her shop which are taking the place of my "happy lights" today. Each of these new pieces has its own unique vintage look and feel, and would make a perfect "home" gift, if even to yourself, your honey or your little one this year. Which is your favorite?

meet art wall artist: silvana ferreira of leefee studio

Silvana Ferreira of Leefee Studio is the creative behind the lens of these worldly photos. Armed with multiple cameras and a passion for simple beauties, she's managed to emit a tone of love for the quiet adventure - until now, I didn't realize such a thing existed.

(AW) Have you always been a photographer?

(SF) I've always been very observant, curious about the world and fascinated with light - traits I think all photographers (and most creative folk) share but I didn't start getting into photography in earnest until a couple of years ago. I have been all over the map when it comes to choosing a profession and always felt that it was unfair to be asked to pick one thing to do. As a teen, I wanted to be everything from a game ranger to an illustrator, and even actress! I then developed a fascination for film and was determined to produce features for children like The Neverending Story or land a job with Jim Henson. I went to film school and it was there that I discovered how much I loved the still image. I took a few photography courses and really enjoyed the darkroom process. I would be giddy waiting for my image to develop. Film has a special quality that I still love today. Then came a big dose of reality and practical thinking and although I continued to shoot casually, it would be years before I really returned to photography and started using some of my graphic design training (yes, I did that, too - told you I was all over the map) for processing my images. I still struggle with the title "photographer" and I'm not sure I deserve it yet. I learn something new every day and above all else, it is a part of my life that brings me joy.

(AW) Could you talk a bit about your process?

(SF) I typically have my camera handy wherever I go and am always scanning my environment for a great subject or vantage point. Lately I can be found carrying several cameras in a homemade camera bag of sorts. I like to have my digital SLR, Polaroid SX-70 and my Yashica Mat 124G with me. It's a shoulder killer! I don't usually plan what I'll be shooting and rarely shoot indoors. I never use a flash and typically shoot in the early morning, late afternoon, on cloudy days or in the shade. I rarely leave an image the way it is straight out of the camera. I always make minor tweaks and often more extensive post-processing to my photographs on my trusty Mac. I have been known to play with an image for hours. My husband occasionally hears me squealing in my office when I achieve an effect I love.

(AW) Where do you like to create?

(SF) I'm very fortunate to live in the San Francisco Bay Area. I can easily access a plethora of interesting subjects from my home base in a sleepy coastal town. I'm also incredibly "shutter happy" when I travel. There's so much to discover. I still maintain that it is nearly impossible to take a bad photograph in Paris. I like to think that 60% of the creativity involved in my photography happens in the editing process. My true creative space is my little office. It's bright and airy with a peekaboo ocean view. I have my computer desk on one side of the room and a craft table with art supplies on the other. There's an inspiration board filled with eye candy on one wall and loads of books around me. My little fox (rescue mutt and great friend), Mina, is usually napping in her bed in the corner. I drink lots of tea all day. The room is really a pleasure. I'm so grateful for this little oasis.

(AW) It sounds like the perfect room for art-making - especially with Mina there, who sounds open to collaboration. What fascinates you about nature?

(SF) I once had a boss who used to say to know-it-all or completely disoriented people, "Now - I'm gonna bring you back" (waving his finger in front of him) and proceed to explain the reality of the situation to them. ;) Nature does this for me. It "brings me back" - it's the great equalizer and it reminds methat I am a tiny part of a much larger thing and I need to respect it. I think I show a reverence for the earth in my work. Nature also has a soothing effect on me. People are complicated, interesting creatures (I love documentary photography) but I frequently choose to omit human subjects in my work. This choice creates a sense of quiet serenity that I strive for.

(AW) Who inspires you to make your work?

(SF) I'm easily fascinated and I think a natural curiosity about lie and appreciation for simple pleasures makes a very inspired (and grateful!) person. It took me too long to figure this out. My work is certainly inspired by other photographers. Flickr is such an amazing place; I've found so many wonderful talents there; they influence my work and motivate me to improve. There are several classic photographers I love: Tina Modotti, Dorothea Lange, and Imogen Cunningham, to name a few. Etsy faves like Alicia Bock and Irene Suchocki are so inspirational in their runaway success as self-taught artists. More than anything, though, nature with its abundance of color, pattern, texture and light is my exquisite muse.

(AW) That is quite the list of remarkable ladies. Dorothea Lange was one of my first heroines, and all the others are certainly worth a deep look of their own. Thanks for stopping in today, Silvana.

Silvana's photos, "Bright Stars" and "Rosettes in Green," are hanging in the Porch on Art Wall. For a peep at her portfolio, stop by her website. Should you happen to fall in love (as we have), her Etsy shop is full of prints. And for "onlookers seeking calming distraction" - all of us, yes? - her blog is a lovely place to visit.

art wall's nursery, boy-ified

Just a quick note to introduce the re-vamped Art Wall Nursery with added snips, snails and puppy-dogs' tails. I don't have any little boys running around my house but it does seem like I am having an unusual number of baby boys to find cute gifts for lately. This should make that task easy. Which one is your favorite?

art wall's porch is live

Just in time for summer, the porch is complete. Please click around and, oh, I hope you'll be forgiving if you see any mistakes in the posts, I finished up at 1:30am after merry-making a little too much on Sunday.

Enjoy!

art wall porch coming monday!

Happy Friday! It's been a very busy week here at chez Stephenson. In Lieu of a "fan favorites" post, I'm giving you a sneak peak into the new room addition of Art Wall: the porch. It should be up and running next Monday.

Also, I wanted to re-introduce my before/after set on Flickr which shows the inspiration images for each room along with Jess Swift's original illustrations and the completed rooms.

The entire Art Wall site will be complete come Monday with nine total rooms and it's been a long, hard, interesting, challenging, and delightful journey. New updates will be a "redesign" of current rooms, starting with the Studio. I may add a new room or two down the road, you never know. If you haven't noticed, I've been making the frame images larger to better showcase the artwork in recent pages. I like the direction that's going and I plan to with that for all the current room re-do's.

Have a happy, happy weekend, everyone!

Hooray! The nursery Art Wall is up and ready to go, just in time for Mother's Day. Appropriately, preparing and coding this room for publish gave me a lot of worry and late nights. Thankfully, no dirty diapers were involved.

As you can tell, the artwork is pushing a bit toward the feminine. In a few weeks, it will get a mini-makeover and have a few more "snips and snails." Enjoy!

the dining room, refreshed

It's spring cleaning time! I'm busy at home re-arranging, hanging, cleaning up, clearing out, freshening-up and organizing. I love this time of year.

My favorite of all the spring chores is removing all the storm windows in lieu of screens (yes, our windows are old) and dare I say I actually enjoy the window-washing process. I do it little-by-little, one room per day or so.

Art Wall got a little freshening-up this week too in the form of a newly decorated dining room with pretty spring blues and greens. Same artists, different pieces. Check it out.

Any re-decorating on your list this spring? What's tops on your list of things to do for the season?

scholarship submisions...gocco only

So, I've got some empty spots to fill up in the studio and I'll be accepting submissions on scholarship, which is a fancy way of saying it's free! Did you know that the studio was the jumping-off point for the entire Art Wall site? I wanted a nice way to showcase my favorite finds for Save Gocco-- a way to promote other artist's work using Gocco with no kick-backs or anything more than maybe simply a thank-you. For that reason, it feels only right to keep that room as simply promotional and gratis. So there you go, submit away. There's one condition, your work has to be Gocco'd and it has to be good, get it?

now taking submissions for the nursery art wall!

Oh yes, perhaps I overuse this word but it's going to be so cute! It's no secret that the nursery is my favorite room in our house, perhaps it will be my favorite room on the Art Wall site too.

If you think your work could fit in a modern-day nursery, check out the submission guidelines and send it my way.

art wall's kitchen is live

The long-awaited kitchen for Art Wall is live. I love it and I love it. You'll see pieces displayed by Bridget Farmer of Bridbird, Jessica Nichols of Sweet Eventide, Jen Hewett, Heather Moore of Skinny Laminx, Samantha Wedelich of Dwell Deep, Jessica Marquez of Miniature Rhino and Lucy Snowe. Stay tuned for some special artist interviews over the next month or so.

inspired by: mood board

Can you tell I'm up to something? This collage is an assignment for an e-class I'm taking called Blogging Your Way, taught by Holly of Decor8 and Leslie of A Creative Mint. This week's assignment was to put together a "mood board" that represents the look and feel of your blog.

I incorporated the pool blue as my main background color, then stitched it to my folder using red thread (a little accent color, just like online). I used the stitching to also represent my love of sewing all things handmade in general. I grabbed a few of Jess Gonacha Swift's drawings for the site which I keep in a folder. There's a few images of art walls pinned to the board, one is from Domino Magazine and the other is from Dujour. I sewed bits of doilies in 2 corners to represent my love for pretty, girly things and tucked a few mini pieces of art inside. The photograph is by Alicia Bock and the parakeet is one of my favorite Gocco prints by AnnaKlara from Art Wall's Studio. It usually lives in my office and helps to keep things prettied-up in that tiny space. The glassine envelope has some beautiful stamps from the Phillipines from the Gocco swap I hosted last year. The stamps from one of the participants were too lovely to toss so I pegged them to the wall in my studio. I included a polaroid because I love the look of them and I use a pseudo "polaroid" frame now and then to highlight images in the blog. Last but not least is the logo card. I printed the image with my Gocco last year and (as anyone who uses this magical little contraption knows) printed this image on anything and everything I could get my hands on. I ended up with a nice little stack of stationery for thank-you notes and general business correspondence.

I really loved working on this little project, I've been so busy online lately that I haven't had much time for doing much with my hands besides typing. I've always enjoyed taking creative classes, learning new things and meeting people. I might pop in with a few more little hints at what we're working on throughout the next few weeks, stay tuned.

february's master bedroom art wall is live!

Hooray! February's Master Bedroom Art Wall is up and live on the website for your viewing pleasure. This release is my proudest one yet because it was the first "room" that I coded myself. Can you believe it? Here's a secret: 5 years ago, when I moved to Madison and was applying for jobs, I didn't know what the following things were: a URL, a browser, a server, or an I.P. address. Well, I guess I still don't technically know what a "server" is but I can talk about them like I do. If someone would have told me I would be the owner/operator/coder of 2 websites and 2 blogs 5 years later I would have spit diet A&W in their face. Anyway, I digress. This room is very subtly Valentine/romance themed for the month of February and I can't wait to introduce each artist a little better. They all have super-unique stories to share with you, I promise.

meet art wall artist: marcy davy of all things grow

Marcy Davy's shop All Things Grow had me at first glance. I was immediately drawn to her clean and simple screen prints with their organic subject matter, and thick bold lines. There is a definitely a unique identity to Marcy's shop. I also love that most of her prints come stretched and ready-to-hang. Marcy agreed to give us a peek into her creative mind for an artist's interview. Ready? Set. Go.

(AW) How would you describe your aesthetic?

(MD) I like to take rustic, scientific, and natural themes and push them with color and design until they are graphic, modern images.

(AW) You primarily use screen and block printing techniques, both of which are rather "large" processes as far as how much space they take up. Do you have a dedicates studio or workspace?

(MD) Right now, the entire operation is based right in my apartment. I've gleamed a lot from printmaking instructors over the years, and eventually realized that I had accumulated enough tips to make printmaking in small spaces work. It helps that I make both block and screen prints in extremely low-fi ways--I pull woodcut prints without the aid of a press and do not use an emulsion process for screen prints. Both of these methods are extremely cost and space efficient. I do have a large storage area for materials, supplies, and tools, and an office to store finished work in, so that helps a lot. It also works for me because I tend to pull prints in whole work-day type affairs, rather than a few here and there, so I basically flip my apartment into a studio for a day or two, and then flip it back into living space. The situation occasionally forces me to get very creative--especially when I am pulling large editions before a show and am trying to dry hundreds of prints simultaneously, but overall, it really works for me!

(AW) Take us through the process from inspiration to creation.

(MD) I generally plan images in clumps. I spend a few weeks kind of cataloging potential images in my mind. I also keep a digital "inspiration folder" where I dump images, photos or color combinations that strike me whenever I come across them online. I kind of let all of that stew and at some point say to myself: "I have to get it out--now!" --and then I draw. I start with lots of thumbnails, consult all of the images I've been saving and then surface with a handful of polished sketches that I color in with marker.

Turning those polished sketches into prints is where it gets tricky. There are so many ways you can turn an image into a print. The image can come from the positive space or the negative space. The moment you layer colors, something entirely new can show up. That part of the planning takes a lot of logical and analytical skill and can sometimes be a bit of a stretch for me. I make really quick full size drawings to determine how layers and space will work together.

The next step is actually getting the image onto the piece of plywood or screen. If I'm making a woodcut, I draw in sharpie directly on plywood and then use hand and power tools to cut away the image. With screenprints, I draw on layers of contact paper and then cut out the sections ink will flow through. The contact paper is applied to the back of the screen and works like a stencil, keeping ink out of covered areas and flowing through open areas onto the canvas.

Once I clear those hurdles and get the image onto the wood or screen, it all becomes a matter of practicing the craft--knowing when the ink is too thick or thin, how many passes to make with the squeegee, and so on. Printing is a process of constant troubleshooting and problem solving--not relaxing but definitely very engaging.

When all prints are finished they're trimmed, stretched, labeled, packaged--everything necessary to turn them into a finished product.

(AW) You sell online and at craft shows. How has doing/offering both helped your business and what does each one offer?

(MD) Most of my prints are sold at shows, and I prefer them--there's a sense of community and suport at indie art shows in particular that is extremely difficult to replicate online. I'm a somewhat hesitant online social participant in general--I recognize that it has become a very convenient and instant way to communicate, swell, market, and dispense information, and I'm grateful for that. I have made wonderful connections with other makers and buyers online, and I use blogs and social networking daily for these ends. I'm not so convinced that the online "community" is a perfect substitute for the real thing though--it keeps us tethered to our homes and out of touch in a lot of the ways that are important. That said, there's nothing like an art show, like being there. I love meeting people who connect with my work, love hearing their stories and putting pieces in their hands. I don't make images with explicitly personal subject matter, but in having created them from start to finish they end up becoming very personal to me. My sense of meaning and purpose as a person who creates is enriched in ways I never could have imagined by that part of the process. I try to replicate it online by joining communities of makers and in communicating with buyers as much as possible, but I still prefer the real deal.

(AW) What would you say is the most challenging aspect of running your business or perhaps growing your business?

(MD) The hardest part for me has been in knowing when to say yes and when to say no. There are so many opportunities out there, and figuring out which are the best use of my time and energy has been a constant process of trial and error. For me, it has meant paring down on mulitple sizes, processes, and custom projects in order to stick with what i know works. It has also meant taking leaps of faith on projects or opportunities that may be out of my realm or not promise any significant monetary payoff, but offer the promise of a rich, new experience.

(AW) What's a teeny-tiny thing that makes you happy?

(MD)The drippity drip sound an oar makes when I pull it out of the water.

Of course, something nature-oriented. You obviously live what you love, Marcy. Thank you ever so much for taking the time to share these pieces of yourself and your work. It truly makes me want to look over each print again with my newly-schooled eyes.

Marcy has an Etsy shop, a general website, and a blog: There is Only Make.

meet art wall artist: laura mae dooris

I'm really excited to share my interview with one of Art Wall's newest artists: Laura Mae Dooris. Laura currently lives in Florida but grew up in Michigan and attended Columbus College of Art and Design where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Before moving to Florida, she lived in New Orleans and worked as an artist and art conservator there.

(AW) When did you know you wanted to become an artist?

(LMD) I always wanted to be an artist from a very young age. I always found myself drawing and making crafty projects using anything I could find around my home when I was growing up.

(AW) You have a degree in fine art (congratulations)--what advice can you give to prospective students thinking about an education and a career in art?

(LMD) My best advice for someone wishing to pursue a career in the arts is to experiment with as many different mediums as possible. By doing so, one can settle on a career path (i.e. fine arts, graphic design, illustrations, etc.) and focus on building a consistent body of work. Compiling and presenting a uniform portfolio is crucial as this is a key component sought by art galleries, art agencies, and those who award art grants. Finally, hard work, dedication, and persistence are necessary because success in the fine arts does not come overnight, making a career in the arts is one of the most difficult in today's struggling economy.

(AW) Well put. That is fabulous advice, and so true. Speaking of focus, do you keep an inspiration journal or notebook? How does inspiration go from up-in-the-air to "on canvas?"

(LMD) I keep a large filing cabinet in my studio filled with notebooks, sketches on scrap paper, color swatches, old newspapers, magazines, fabric and various imagery taken from my own photographs and vintage photographs. You could say I'm a bit of a pack rat! Many of my findings come from my grandparents' attic and I also find inspiration day-to-day from my surrounding environment. My process typically begins on my brainstorming board. I migrate these ideas to the canvas in many layers of paint, screen printing, and collage from disparate sources. As far as the finished outcome of the piece, I like to let it evolve naturally, even if it ends up a little different from my original idea. My latest series focuses on vintage photographs of women from Florida set in whimsical settings in a very playful manner. Everyday we are inundated and bombarded with the news of the economic crisis, the war, crimes, etc. To counter this negativity, I wanted to create something fun and lighthearted which allows us to escape for a moment or two.

(AW) Your bio states that a theme in your work is "women's perceived lives both past and present." Can you tell us what you mean by that and why you are so inspired by women?

(LMD) My grandmothers, mother, and sister have always been a source of strength and inspiration in my work. I am fascinated by each generation of women in my life and the many hats we women have to wear daily. Being a military wife, a mother, and pursuing a professional career have afforded me the opportunity to push my own limits and better understand and appreciate the sacrifices and challenges faced by the modern woman, as well as previous generations of women.

(AW) What's a teeny tiny thing that makes you happy?

(LMD) My 9-month old belly-laughing. It gets me every time!

How could it not! Thank you so much, Laura. I so enjoyed getting to know you a little better and hearing all of your thoughtful and insightful answers.

Laura has a general website, an Etsy Store, and is showing at the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts in Tampa, Florida on March 6&7, 2010.

thank you readymade and elle decoration

I am thrilled to the bone that Art Wall has received so much praise. I knew I loved the site and concept, but hearing positive feedback from the "higher-ups" sure makes my heart flutter. Both ReadyMade and Elle Decoration South Africa featured write-up's about Art Wall on their blogs this week. As a huge fan of both publications, I am truly honored. The best part of it all is the quality of wonderful submissions I receive post-press. It's doubly sweet because I get to share them all with you, soon. I can't wait!

january's dining room art wall is live!

I'm so excited to announce that January's Art Wall is live!  I'm super proud of the artists this month, you'll be hearing about them and seeing more of their work in the weeks to come for sure.  Have a look and poke around.

updated entryway

I decided to take some time this weekend and refresh the Entryway, both in real life and on the Art Wall website. I did something very unusual and removed all my Christmas decor right away, in part because my tree looked so sad after dying a thirst-induced death, and also because I was just ready to move on early this year. Art Wall's Entryway got a little spiff-up this weekend too and I'm really happy with how it turned out. All of the artists are the same save one Jessica from Miniature Rhino whose lovely heart sampler sold out and in turn had to be removed. Jessica has been stitching her little fingers to the bone so we know she deserves a break. Some of the other artwork was simply switched out: same artists, different pieces. I plan on updating the pages every month or so to keep them fresh. Change feels good this time of year, no?

taking submissions: february's bedroom art wall

Just a quick note to announce that January's Art Wall is closed for submission. Good news: there's always another month in the works, February is now open for business. It's a master bedroom, and it's February, so...romance and love will be a (subtle) theme. If you have something you think would be splendid, please check out the details then submit here.

the family room is live

Art Wall's family room is live today and it's too cute for words. How fitting that this room is being featured in December. I didn't plan for it when I did the schedule months ago, but this is the room we hang out in most during the cold months. Our normal "hang out" room is faareeezing in the winter so the family-room beckons with its cozy fireplace and sparkly Christmas tree. I've decided I need a "buy the entire wall" button for the website-- i'd be the first one to use it. Thanks to each of the 9 new artists. Be sure to click on each piece, read their bios and take a closer looksie. I think they're all pretty special. Welcome!