The Sketchbook Project 2011: Opening Reception

My friends and I went into Brooklyn Saturday (braving the wind advisory across all those bridges!) to attend The Sketchbook Project opening at the Brooklyn Art Library.

They had a great turnout! So great that when we got there with 1 1/2 hours left to the reception, only a couple of us were in line early enough to check out a sketchbook! The group of us only got to look at two sketchbooks, but it was still fun to be there, be a part of the reception and see that so many people were enjoying the project. Hopefully my friends and I will all be able to get back there when its not so packed, and we can really enjoy the sketchbooks.

As a bonus, it turns out I knew Steve, the man behind The Sketchbook Project! We were friends freshman year at Hartford Art School, then he transferred and we lost touch. Congrats to Steve and everyone else that worked hard to make The Sketchbook Project such a success!

Check out the website for sketchbook tour dates near you!

The wall of over 28,000 sketchbooks!

Looking through another artist's sketchbook.

I think her name was Jessica Meath.

Detail of Jessica Meath's book.

Check in your books!

My great friends who came to the opening with me!

I think next year all of them will be participating in

The Sketchbook Project.

Inspiration: Chocolate Packaging

I love chocolate, but almost as much as the chocolate itself, I love the packaging. Packaging for organic and natural chocolate always seems so thoughtful. We just got a new health food store in the area, and to my delight there are TWO big end-caps filled with organic and natural chocolate.

I selected a few brands that I though had some really nice packaging. Some have strong typography based designs, some incorporate drawing and painting for a real 'packaging as art' feel, and others use pale background texture making the packaging match the delicate quality of its contents.

Have fun looking at these photos—there were many more varieties there, so I'm sure I'll post new ones at some point. And take notice of the flavors, some are pretty crazy. Among the favorites between my friends and I were Dark Chocolate Quinoa and Lavender Blueberry. The least favorite... Coconut Curry.

Crafter Profile: Piece of Mind Design

During this week’s crafter profile we hear from Lauren Jones of Piece of Mind Design. Lauren and I went to art school together, where we both became members of Delta Zeta sorority, and we even went on an amazing study abroad winter term trip to Italy with other University of Hartford students! I had a lot of fun putting together this interview & reading her answers. Plus after looking at her photos I just had to purchase one of her collage necklaces!

First, tell us a little about yourself… Where you’re from? Your art background? Why you started Piece of Mind Design?

I am from Long Island, New York. A town called East Patchogue. I have a BFA in ceramics with a minor in Art History from the Hartford Art School. I started PoMD because I love creating things and wanted to be able to share my pieces with friends & family, and other people who enjoy handmade items. I always wanted to own my own business.

Where can people purchase your items?

http://pieceofminddesign.etsy.com

Why the name Piece of Mind Design?

It is a name that came to me a long time ago. Along the lines of 'piece of my mind.' All the items I create are a piece of me, and the things that influence me.

So I know you studied ceramics in college, and now your shop is filled with jewelry — are you still doing ceramic work? Do you have any plans to include ceramics in Piece of Mind Design on Etsy?

When I opened the shop I intended to sell ceramics. I have a lot of pieces from college and some that are more current, but it is really difficult to be a productive potter when you don't have your own studio. I would love to get back into ceramics one day, but I just don't have the time/studio space that it takes right now. I love making jewelry because I can take my supplies anywhere to create.

When did you start making jewelry?

I have always made jewelry. I got a bead box with a rainbow array of seed beads from my mom when I was 5 or 6 and would spend hours crafting. I have always been obsessed with making handmade items for myself and other people.

Tell us about your creative process?

For my necklaces I like to start with a focal object, maybe a charm that I purchased or a color palette. I work on adding and taking away elements until I am happy with the product.

What are your influences?

I love fashion magazines and people watching. Sometimes I see someone wearing a piece of jewelry that I love and so I try to replicate it with my own touch. I am also very influenced by the way my friends dress, very hip yet alternative.

Favorite materials to work with?

I love beads. I can spend hours in the craft store searching for the right color or shape.

Do you have a favorite piece you’ve made since starting PoMD?

I really enjoy making the collage necklaces. They are fun to customize for people. I love when customers ask for a collage necklace personalized for their favorite color or an image that suits them. I love unique jewelry that is one of a kind and special for a specific person's sensibility.

How have your techniques & aesthetic changed since the beginning of PoMD?

I have gotten smarter about the materials I purchase. I have more intentions when I buy something so I think it makes the items look much better put together

What does your workspace look like?

I don't have an exact workspace. I sometimes work at my desk, my bed or a dining table. I keep my supplies in boxes so they are very portable. I hope one day to have a permanent work space but for now its too difficult.. I have a kitty who eats everything!

Outside of PoMD, how do you spend your time (jobs, hobbies, etc etc)?

I have been working for the last 2 1/2 years as a full time nanny, however I am starting graduate school come September for Higher Education/Student Activies. I am very curious to see if my new work environment will effect my creative process at all. As far as free time I am usually at the beach or with my friends or boyfriend. I am lucky because I have very creative people in my life who inspire and influence me everyday.

Is there a strong local art/craft scene in your area?

Yes, I believe so. A lot of people in my area really enjoy supporting the indie artists and crafters. I often attend local craft shows and galleries. I think it is important to get out and see what other people are making.

Favorite childhood craft project?

I really can't name just one… my mom was an elementary art teacher. I was her arts and crafts guinea pig as a child. I did a lot of beading, sewing, and painting.

Do you have a favorite experience since starting PoMD?

I think my favorite experiences have been getting the feedback after someone wears or receives one of my pieces. Just knowing that someone is excited to wear something I made puts a smile on my face.

How do you advertise/promote PoMD?

I promote locally with business cards and word of mouth as well as through etsy and facebook.

Finally, what advice would you give to others interested in starting their own small creative business?

I would say, keep trying. It can be really discouraging. I have been working at this for some time now and I still get discouraged sometimes when I feel like I have been working so hard to only make a few sales here and there. If you take pride in what you are creating and do your best to promote it will pay off eventually. Don't give up!

(interview has been edited)

Alphabet Poster Series for Sale

The first two prints in my Alphabet Poster Series are up for sale on etsy! Check out the listings for "A", a digital print of my original watercolor, and "B", a digital print of my original linoleum print.

All prints are a signed & numbered, part of a limited edition of 26. Between now and July 2011 I will have all 26 letters of the alphabet completed - releasing two letters each month.

Interested in subscribing for the entire series? You get a special deal of just $10/print, plus the excitement of receiving two prints in the mail each month! Here's the listing for the subscription.

Looking for a specific letter? Here's the timeline:

July 2010: A, B

August: C, D

September: E, F

October: G, H

November: I, J

December: K, L

January 2011: M, N

February: O, P

March: Q, R

April: S, T

May: U, V

June: W, X

July: Y, Z

$3 from each print will be donated to a charity supporting childhood growth and learning. (Charity will be stated once I receive permission to use their name). Even if you subscribe for the entire series, the full $3/print will still be donated! If all prints are sold, there will be a donation of over $2,000!

The originals will be for sale in July 2011, prices will vary and a portion of these sales will also be donated.

Enjoy! And don't forget to check back here or my etsy store each month for the new releases!

Work of Art: The Next Great Artist

Last night a few friends recommended to me Work of Art: The Next Great Artist, a new reality series on Bravo. I had heard about it, but wasn't too optimistic. Although I admittedly love the Bravo reality format, I was expecting "create a 'work of art' in two hours. k, go" situation... and as a designer/artist, that format wasn't going to sit with me very well.

Obviously I hulu-ed the show this morning, was pleasantly surprised!

As soon as contestant Miles set up a make-shift dark room for silk screening (and called it his fort), I decided he was a favorite. However, everyone thought his process was really bizarre - which I thought was a little weird since silk screening is not out of the ordinary - but I guess when everyone else in the room is painting the guy spraying down his screen with a hose does kind of stand out.

For the first task the contestants were paired up and needed to create a portrait of their partner.

Although I disliked Nao as a contestant (based on her intro), I LOVED her portrait of Miles... but the judges hated it! (And I didn't just like it because Miles is one of my favorites, I promise). Miles has an obsessive compulsive personality, making for a specifically mapped out process. Instead of painting or photographing his face for a literal portrait, Nao mapped out his process on a giant canvas, which was great! It was an interesting graphic made up of lines and circles, and begged the viewer to ponder how it represented the subject. I was extremely surprised when none of the judges appreciated her angle.

Anyway - my point is Work of Art is actually a fun show, and the 1st episode resulted in some pretty cool pieces - so we'll see what the rest of the season brings!

I'm curious to hear what other people think of the show!