Artists Gone Wild

For all of you art lovers out there, the 4th annual spring West Austin Studio Tour is happening this weekend and next weekend. So grab a friend and enjoy the day exploring the studios of local artists on the westside. Take a peek inside their creative spaces and learn a bit about what drives their art. 

You will be inspired by the variety of art forms that include everything from furniture making to fine art, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, photography, and the list goes on and on. My friend Jeanne Philquist will be showing her work at her home studio at 1709 Palma Plaza. Be sure to stop by and see her wonderful paintings-especially you cat people! You will leave smiling.

This is one of my favorite paintings by Jeanne

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KRAZY FOR KUBA

This weekend we were on the hunt for Kuba cloth. Having exhausted our inventory, it was time to restock. We found a new source and walked away with arms full of beautiful African textiles, including two panels of mud cloth.

 Honestly, I hate to part with any of them, but we need to make more pillows for our Etsy shop-eye4dsign.

I wanted to take these carved wooded doors home with me, but just didn't have a place for them.

Love the colors of these African glass beads

Almost couldn't resist the indigo striped  fabric. I don't think I will ever get over my love for blue and white. It was a very good day! 

Rock, Scissors, Paper

For the past few months, things have been very busy in the studio. I never intended for this to be an art blog, but for now anyway, that's what is going on around here. We've been making handmade paper, experimenting with pastels, and making collages. It seems that one idea leads to another. Before I even finish one piece, I'm ready to try something else. I could easily spend the entire day working away, ignoring everything else that needs my attention.

The pieces in the photos are not finished. I repeat, not finished. They are all works in progress, rough drafts if you will- some not even glued yet. So I think I am being very brave sharing these with you. 

            Abstract pastel with collage. Still waiting to work on his shoes and pants

Collage with handmade paper

I think I will call this "Channeling Matisse"

          I can't wait to get back to work-this is so much fun!

  

New Year-New Endeavors

Ok, I'll be the first to admit it. I am not the most savvy when it comes to social media. I can barely remember my passwords. So it's been a challenge for me to set up a shop on Etsy and connect that with my new Facebook account and my blog. That being said, with a little help, things are up and running. There is still some fine tuning, like designing a banner for the Etsy shop, but that is in the works. Regardless of the outcome, it has been a learning experience.

Now I just need to focus on creating some new designs other than pillows. As time allows, we will be adding more items to the shop. There are two of us on this "fishing expedition." My work is more craft than art- Brent is the artist. It requires so much time going from idea to finished product. I think the key here is to accept our limitations and enjoy the journey.

Here is something I am working on now. Not sure where I'm going with it, but I'm enjoying using new techniques. If you have time, check out our shop at: www.eye4dsign.etsy.com   Don't forget to leave out the "e" in design!