new paintings

Here are a few paintings I've been working on lately.

I started this one last full moon (see previous post), but I keep layering paint on. I think this is done.

I'm pretty happy with this one. I've been trying to master rain for a long time.

Still working on rain. Not sure if I like this one. I'll probably add more paint. Each piece is 24" x 24", acrylic on canvas and as yet untitled. One thing is for sure, nothing makes me happier than putting paint on canvas.

Paintings by my nephew

A few weeks ago my 10 year old nephew came to stay with me. We had a blast! We love making art together. You know how kids are, they say the most profound things. Once he said to me, "Aunt Peggy, I think you should quit your job and become an art teacher." Looking at his paintings I think he might be right. These are his work, but they are also my work. It was very much a collaborative process. And I think they turned out great!

Dual Records, 2010, 24" x 24", acrylic on canvas.

Krazy Kenny, 2010, 24" x 24", acrylic on canvas. He took these paintings home with him, but I wish I had kept that second one! I love the graphic punch of this work. He and I fantasized about having a studio together where we could get paint everywhere and not have to worry about mess.

Pottery Jones

I love the Tang vase from Z Gallerie. A fab update on a traditional form. I think I need one of these.

Gifts

From my sister-in-law:

A lucky cat (also known as Maneki Neko) from Japan! To my sister-in-law for her 40th birthday:

Vintage Japanese salt and pepper shakers by Knobler.

Art in unexpected places

As you know, my sister-in-law recently took a trip to Japan. Of course she brought me back many fine gifts. She's generous like that. The presentation of each gift was an artform unto itself. I was as fascinated with the wrappings as I was with the gifts. Have a look.

These are prints from the dollar store in Tokyo! Fab!

And these are flyers from the hotel. I haven't decided what I'm going to do with all of these yet. I want to frame some of them, or make a collage. I know my next apartment will definitely have some Asian influence.

If I had a million dollars...

If money were no object I'd buy gifts for my sister-in-law constantly. Everywhere I go, I see things I want to show her. You already know that I am always decorating imaginary homes in my mind. But I also fantasize about decorating real homes too. For example, I am always rearranging and decorating SNL and Baby Bro's house in my mind. I've been wanting to add some Asian pieces to their formal seating area, and I'm very inspired by her photos from her trip to Japan (see post below.) The first thing I'd like to do is rasterize a couple photos of her trip and hang them.

Next, I'd love to buy her two of the totally funky Pagoda lamps from Tonic Home. She likes symmetry.

And a couple of Robert Kuo's amazing Peking vases. Technically, these are inspired by an ancient Chinese tradition, but they would look great in their room.

Here's something that won't the break the bank. Lovely pillow from Old Time Pottery. Only $6.99! Love how it incorporates the turquoise and salmon pink, two colors I think look great in their formal seating area.

A trip to Japan

Hello dear readers! I am behind in blogging and have so many exciting things to share with you, I barely know where to start. So let's just jump in, shall we? As you know my sister-in-law and I are best friends. One of the many things we have in common is a love of photography. She recently went on a trip to Japan, and I wanted to share a couple of her photos that I really love. It was difficult to narrow it down to just a few. Hope you enjoy as much as I did!

This one might be my favorite. I love rain shots.





Love how the old clashes with the new.

The signs and the writing look like art to me.

She took this one with me in mind! She knows I am fascinated by street art.

I love all the mysterious food shots. These are rice cakes. Love the color.

Another of my favorites. So serene.

I hope I can accompany her on her next trip to Japan! SNL, thanks for sharing! Now I just need to decide which of these to enlarge.

Pink can be green

My big brother is a cool dude. He's the kind who rides a Harley. So when I showed him this bike from Target I'd like to have, he was horrified. He's awesome, but he and I are totally different people. He said, "You wouldn't actually ride that thing, would you?" I most certainly would. This is my definition of cool. I had a Schwinn bike when I was a kid, but it wasn't pink.

What girl doesn't want a pink Schwinn? I would zip around town on this thing in a heart beat.
Of course I would have to have the lovely Carrie bicycle basket designed by Marie-Louis Gustafsson.

And I already have the perfect hat. I'd be lookin' good being green.

Home Tour - Joe Valenti

I have a treat for you dear readers! I've mentioned my favorite vintage store many times. Today, I'd like to reveal my secret. It's Flower Child, owned by the uber creative Joe Valenti. Joe very graciously invited me on a tour of his atomic ranch. I have to give props to interior photographers, it's not as easy as it looks. So while this is not a professional shoot, Joe's creativity shines through at every turn. This is a home which deserves a professional shoot for a magazine layout. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Upon entering the home I was greeted by one of my favorite colors! Yummy turquoise. Love the Warhol print.

The open style kitchen features a cute breakfast nook, also in turquoise. The breakfast nook sports a Nelson bubble lamp, and a whimsical painting Joe did as a student at the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Art. And check that Haeger vase on the window sill. A rare apple green. Love it.

There are cool things to catch the eye at every turn.

The kitchen is a marvel of organization. These beautiful blonde wood cabinets open to reveal tons of storage.

And pull out drawers to keep everything neat.

I love the cook top.

And appliances.

Joe's dining room is a stunning color, putty by Benjamin Moore. Love the large painting and the sputnik lamp.

Joe has a divine collection of art glass.

The living room.

His collection of ceramics comes mainly from garage sales. And dig those rare oversize Blenko pieces. Those are vintage pieces used in window display. Joe got his start in window display, and is very skilled at it.

There's beautiful art and pottery at every turn.

Here is the master bedroom. I love the painting, I believe it's by A. Scott Miller, but I will need to confirm that. The room is painted a beautiful shade of blue. Gorgeous apple green chair helps keep the decor cohesive.

Gorgeous tactile art work in the hall.

The second bedroom sports a light board made by Joe.

And beautiful gray bedding.

A blonde wood dresser with apple green glass pieces.

The basement features a lounge and bar. It's fun and whimsical. The perfect place for a party. Indeed, Joe has accommodated 100 guests comfortably in his home!

Groovy Moss lamp and photo of Eartha Kitt as Cat Woman.

Love the chair he found at a garage sale!

The TV room continues the color scheme of black and red, and blonde wood. Perfect round coffee table. The three pieces of atomic enamelware were a gift. (I tried to get him to give these to me - but I didn't push too hard because he would have! He's very generous.)

TV room also boasts amazing cabinetry which hides electronics and components.

The TV room has glass doors which spill to the outside.

The decor is continued to the outside of the home. This piece of recycled art is a fountain.

Joe was working on this upcycled piece as I was there. He glued the enamel bowls to the piece. Everything Joe touches turns to gold.

The vestibule was built by his father. Talent must run in the family. I adore the geometric patterns the sun makes on the patio.

The other side of the home also sports a vestibule. There are plenty of areas for guests to congregate.

A lovely seating area in the back yard. Joe had just gotten that sofa and chair from a thrift store. He has plans for it. I can't wait to see what he does with it. I'll make sure to show you the after shot.

I just had to peek at the projects going on in his garage. This is Joe's life. He eats and breathes this stuff. I love the little desk and stool, and can't wait to see what he does with it. If you liked this home tour, you'll want to stay tuned. I have a very exciting announcement in my next post.