The Art of Food - MadHatter's Tea Party

On February 28th, at The Carnegie Gallery in Covington, Kentucky, my creative partner in crime, Kelly Armstrong, and I participated in an extremely cool event called "The Art of Food." Pam Kravetz, who I adore, was the creative mastermind behind the creation of a "MadHatter's Tea Party" themed performance piece.


The Art of Food (2014) from Golden Hour Moving Pictures on Vimeo.
Each artist created a head to toe look for their character. Kelly and I chose "The Cheshire Cat." We created a pieced sweater coat, t-shirt and skirt from pieces collected at Goodwill. Kelly created all of the splendid fiber jewelry. Our muse for our character was Iris Apfel...an extremely cool fashionista, who is always dripping in pattern, bangles and beads.

Our model, Cate Dean, was absolutely perfect for the role!

The show began with a troubadour leading the whacky cast of characters into the gallery, strumming and singer a wonderful song. Most of the models were either actors or dancers, They were in character all throughout the evening.

It was a delicious mix of color, pattern, music, aromas and playfulness. The runway was the tea party table.

Kelly and I...and my daughter Kenzie, also created 6 of the chairs surrounding the table. We used a very old, very cool "Alice in Wonderland" book for the central imagery on the chairs.

The experience was just spectacular! Loved every minute!!

Starbucks Mural: All we need is paper, cardboard and tape...

My firm started as a traditional graphic design firm in 1987. We did everything from branding to packaging to environmental graphics. One project that was lots of fun was a mural for a local Starbucks near the College Conservatory of Music on the University of Cincinnati's campus.

We were asked to represent the different areas of study in this department including Dance, Opera, Theatrical Set Design, etc...

We split the full mural into panels and each person in the office worked on 2-3 panels.

 

 

I created a paper material chart for everyone to follow. It was coded with numbers and letters to help show which paper would go where.

This guide, below, was a thumbnail sketch of what the mural would potentially look like. It was the coordinating reference for the chart above.

We created a dimensional paper sculpture made of paper, corrugated cardboard and tape.

We then had the whole piece photographed and made into large vinyl wall paper to be installed in the store interior.

We had tons of fun working together to create this image...and the students love it because it is a reflection of what they are studying.

Illustrator's Market Interview

Illustrator's Market "celebrates the diverse markets and styles that illustrators work in." It provides "interviews and illustrative images from those working in the field of art". Patti Gay, the author of the Illustrator's Market blog, asked me to share some of my inspirations and art process as an illustrator. 

Read below for the interview or see the original post on the Illustrator's Market website here.

 

 

How did you become an artist?
I was shy growing up and I was drawn to anything creative. I have loved to draw, paint and make things since I was a little girl. I began taking private art lessons when I was 7 and learned to use pastels and oil paints. I took art all through high school and then got a degree in Graphic Design from The University of Cincinnati (which is an excellent program and allowed me to co-op at various places all through college.) I started my own design firm in 1987...just 3 years after I graduated.

 

 

Was there anyone that influenced you in becoming an artist?
I won a ribbon for a painting I did in a local art fair when I was around 6. My Mom saw that this was what I loved to do, so she enrolled me into the lessons when I was 7. There were several architects and painters in my family history, but not in my immediate family. Art was just something I was naturally drawn to.

 

Is there one or more artists whose work is an influence?
I am an extremely curious person, so I LOVE looking at beautiful things...all the time. I am influenced by many, many things. One type of art that I LOVE is folk art...especially Outsider Art. I also love art created by children. I am drawn to things that are whimsical and somewhat naive.

 

What inspires you?
I love going to antique flea markets and finding amazing ephemera or old books. I love Pinterest...it is what I turn to when I can't sleep at night. I am inspired by my artist friends. I am inspired by artists like Paul Klee, Matisse, Modigliani, and Picasso. I am inspired by fabrics from around the world...(I have a passion for pattern and texture.) I am inspired by new mediums...I love to learn new things and play around.

 

 

Would you like to share your work process?
My process changes with every collection that I create. Sometimes, I am inspired by words, sometimes, it is a new medium to try. I often start with a theme that might relate to a vintage art style. I also, sometimes start by making something 3-D. I suppose I get bored easily, so I mix up my process all the time.

 

 

Are there links where more of your art can be seen?
I recently started a blog that lists a few of my manufacturing partners...www.lorisiebertstudio.blogspot.com...My design studio also has a website....www.studiolika.com.

 

 

 

What types of markets do you create for?
I create for several markets...gift, home decor, tabletop, fabric, baby and garden.

 

 

 

Do you do other things regarding art like teaching?
I will be hosting my first workshop, along with 3 other artist friends this September 18th to the 22nd in Destin, FL. The website for the workshop is www.artbizjam.com. I am VERY excited about this. I hope to do more in the teaching area.

 

 

Do you pursue other creative interests like writing or music?

I love to write, but I mostly write for my licensing collections. I also love to cook, especially baking.

 

 

 

Where can your art be seen?

It is mostly on product. I may start selling my original pieces at some point. I wrote a couple of books early in my career as a graphic designer. I may go back to that along the way...I have a few ideas.
 

 
What do you love best about what you do?
I feel incredibly blessed that I get to create EVERY DAY!! It is what I am passionate about. I also love when I can give some of my products to friends and family. They get so excited. Several friends text me when they see my products out and about. They are very supportive. I also LOVE the community of artists. It is great to get to know like minded people and share our creative lives. Just like doing this interview...I was honored to be asked to tell a bit about my story.


 

Meet Paula Joerling, another fellow ArtBiz Jam instructor!

All month I have been sharing interviews with the ArtBiz Jam instructors and now it's Paula Joerling's turn to tell you why she wanted to be involved with this "retreat".

First, a little about the gathering.....

 

One of the 12 "Quilt" pieces that make up the ArtBiz Jam Quilt that each participant will make.

ArtBiz Jam takes place at the beach in Destin, FL . In addition to creative classes, organization tips, PR and marketing ideas. Anne Brown of Magnet Works will be discussing what a product developer wants to see in a portfolio presentation. I, for one, can't wait to hear what she has to say.

There will also be plenty of time to relax, network and share information.

Dates for ArtBiz Jam are September 18-22

Registration closes August 10 (Saturday)

Here's a link to the classes and schedule.

  Meet Paula Joerling

 

Why did you want to be involved with ArtBizJam?

Every time Phyllis and I got together we would talk about some of the workshops that Lori and I have done together and how much we got out of it. I think, as artists, we are often alone in out studios working and wondering what the heck we are doing. Workshops are where I have met most of my closest friends. It's nice to be able to call or email them and ask for advice.


What will people get out of attending this particular workshop?

A supportive community of like minded people who share the same interests. Most of what I know about licensing comes from other people in the industry. It's amazing what you can learn over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

What makes this workshop/retreat special and different from other workshops?

For starters, the size. We wanted to keep it small and intimate. While we are offering "classes" and sharing our experiences we want to address specific concerns that the participants want to discuss. We will be sending out a questionnaire so the attendees can let us know if there is something that they want us to address.

How do you reconcile your passion of creating art with the business side of art?

I like solving problems creatively and I approach the business side pretty much the same way that I approach the creative side. "Whistle While You Work" or "A Spoon Full of Sugar" describe it best.  :  )

What are you looking forward to fun-wise with ArtBizJam?

Meeting new people, laughing and sharing. Also being on the beach. I can't think of a better place to host a workshop.

To view this original interview post on Paula's website, click here.

My ArtBiz Jam Interview: Why I Wanted to Get Involved

For the past month we have been sharing interviews with the "instructors" that will be participating at the ArtBiz Jam. To find out the details on this artist retreat, visit the event's website at artbizjam.com. We are keeping this gathering small and we are almost at full capacity. Registration closes on August 10th (Saturday), so sign up soon!

This week, I was interviewed by Paula to discuss my thoughts about this event! Be sure to check out the interviews with the other instructors, Phyllis and Anne.

We created ArtBizJam for artists like you, who love their art business with the passion necessary for that business. Then we chose a beautiful location, Seascape Resort in Destin, FL,  world famous for the beautiful sugar white sand beaches and gorgeous turquoise water. - See more at: http://artbizjam.com/#sthash.q4h3JMRv.dpuf

We created ArtBizJam for artists like you, who love their art business with the passion necessary for that business. Then we chose a beautiful location, Seascape Resort in Destin, FL,  world famous for the beautiful sugar white sand beaches and gorgeous turquoise water. - See more at: http://artbizjam.com/#sthash.q4h3JMRv.d

Why did you want to be involved with ArtBizJam?

One of the wonderful things about creative people is how they love to be together and share ideas and support one another. I truly value my creative friends. This is an opportunity to do just what I love...spend time with fun, interesting people and share what I have learned along the way... while having an incredibly fun time.

What will people get out of attending this particular workshop?

A lot of camaraderie, fun, bonding and support from other creative people…thought provoking conversation about your dreams and goals, practical tips about the business side of things, good fun, wine, the beach.

What makes this workshop/retreat special and different from other workshops?

When we talked about how to make this different, we decided on two things...make it small and intimate so we can really cater to the people who attend...and make it about BOTH sides of the brain. We all love to create...that is a given...but, we also have to find ways to be efficient and make money...so we can continue to make a living creatively. This is what we want to share.

How do you reconcile your passion of creating art with the business side of art?

I am really lucky in that my husband is my business partner and we have an agent, Courtney Davis. I really do get to focus on the creative. But, it is important to have an understanding of our business as a whole and where it is going.

What are you looking forward to fun-wise with ArtBizJam?

Time with really great, creative folks…great food, sharing, learning from one another…an overall re-charge!


To view this original interview post by Paula Joerling, click here.

Meet Anne Brown, another fellow ArtBiz Jam instructor!

This weeks ArtBiz Jam interview is with Anne Brown, director of Product Development for Magnet Works & Studio M.

Meet Anne Brown

 
Why did you want to be involved with ArtBizJam?
When Lori, Paula and Phyllis called me to share their vision for the retreat, I was inspired by their passion and purpose. I was thrilled to be included as a guest teacher.

 
What will people get out of attending this particular workshop?  
I hope the participants walk away with a better sense of their creative purpose and tools to enrich their business and art. 

What makes this workshop/retreat special and different from other workshops?
ArtBizJam is a creative renewal that encourages realness, vision and kinship. I love that it was tailor-made for an intimate group of artists who are interested in growing personally and professionally while having a blast doing it!

How do you reconcile your passion of developing product with the business side of art? 

My passion and job is developing products with licensed artists and designers. As a Product Developer, it is crucial I am always looking through the lens of my retail customer and end consumer. This means there are times I have to pass on an artist I admire personally because it is not the right fit for my product.

What are you looking forward to fun-wise with ArtBizJam? 

I am looking forward to a long weekend of learning, sharing and creativity...on the beach. Our hostesses have taken great care in planning every detail and know this will be a memorable weekend!

 

Among other things, Anne will be discussing the following topics at ABJ.

Finding Your Creative Spark 
Everyone has one but some have yet to define and commit to it. Anne will discuss the importance of identifying your Spark, what ignites it and how to stay true to it.

and

Share Your Spark 
Learn from a Product Developer ! Anne will discuss her perspective of what a product developer wants to see in portfolio presentations and their expectations during development. You will learn how to determine which products best work for your artwork.

Click here for the full class schedule

 ArtBiz Jam is a kind of non retreat artist retreat taking place in Destin, FL September 18-22, 2013.

You can join Anne, Phyllis Dobbs, Paula Joerling and myself for fun on the beach, a little wine and lots of information about licensing.

We want to keep it small so that some of the discussions can be tailored to your specific needs. Currently there are 4 spots left and registration closes August 10.

For more information go to ArtBizJam.com

 

To view this original interview post by Paula Joerling, click here.