For all those who love organizing…and what’s not to love…I just discovered Things Organized Neatly…ahhh someone else who likes things – just so. 
This weekend is the annual Sausalito Art Festival – truly one of the biggest in the country and I’m am NOT exaggerating. Do you support the ARTS??? The answer better be yes. And if so check out San Francisco Arts Market. It’s an art market (duh) held at the UN Plaza – booth space is now available. It’s a brand new project so please check this out.
Designing a Better Subway Map….I have nothing else to say. 
I want to live here. and…printed on bamboo…it’s a win-win. From Paperwork by Cristina Guerreiro.
Rachel Guest…..Don’t Cry. No I won’t – I promise. 
A cube that says it’s a cube - I love the obviousness. 
Oh…Fashion Week in NYC….tempting. And finish off with A Little Black Book.
Have a great weekend!
Every once in a while – well a lot actually - I get this itch to remodel or REDECORATE so I find really swanky things that are a little strange and I imagine how I would use them in my house and where I would put them.
Here’s what I found recently:
Shiny metal deer heads to hang in my living room…or hell – anyplace really. From Graham and Green in the UK. Talk about bling. Holy crap!
And while I am in the UK – might as well pick up this ceramic branch vase. Why not? It oozes awesomeness. 
And if you have too many apps on your phone – just add these App Magnets to your magnetic board. I like the one with the big bright sun! 
I would suspend this submarine lamp from Gessato above my stairs and pretend I was hanging with the Beatles in a Yellow Submarine. Oh YES…I would. 
I would position this book on my orange coffee table and pick it up at read at my leisure. 1000 New Eco-Designs. Only 1000??? 
And lastly I would attend the Anti-Design Festival in London launching today! Oh my!!! I’m late. Or maybe I would enter the Selby Contest through CB2. Oh wait…I would also buy some little black pins and I would pin them on this map of Places Of The Earth and mark places I have been. I haven’t been to a lot just yet -but it’s all in the plan.
Happy Anniversary to….me…..this is the 100th post on The Art Planet. Thanks for following.
Monday. Yes it is. Nice to step away from the computer yesterday…take a fabulous bike ride along Alhambra Valley Road and work on a new project inspired by hardware. Yes…hardware. Just wait..it’s going to be very fun.
The other day I went on a photography BINGE of sorts. I couldn’t help myself. Everywhere I turned more amazing photography kept jumping in my path. What can you do? There is only one thing and it’s to share it with others–so today I share you with you my weekend binge.
This image of very colorful chips is from UK photographer Katie Rand. These simply look way too good to eat.
And this piece from Hanna goes right along with last Friday’s post about books. And why shouldn’t that post continue? 
I hope the world answers back with “pretty good…how are you?” Thanks Nicki Varkivisser for posing the QUESTION. 
I would seriously give up comfort to have this chair in my house. Thanks Ruby Mag!
I found these simple and unpretentious Winter Flags at 20×200..they get the best art. Don’t they? 
*****Have a great day and remember - support your local ARTISTS by clinking “like“…this sends this art worldwide- sharing the love on Facebook.*****
Books, text, letters, numbers, bookmarks and just about anything representing the written word feels me with AWE and humbles me so. It enlightens and inspires and pushes us to learn and grow and reach for things we cannot see. Today’s post is my homage to books and anything that reminds me of them.
Really – for me? Thanks Scott Albrecht. 
Posters are good. Books are good. How perfect is it to combine books and posters? Posters For The People by Ennis Carter. Yes.
I am delirious and completely taken by the magic of this enchanting sketchbook by Amy Kligman. Is it LEGAL to be this talented? 
I am going to read my book and put on some Van Morrison and use this Celtic bookmark I just found by Amor. And never …ever…dog ear a book. PLEASE listen. 
I know my books are safe between these lions from CB2. 
This is a lot of responsibility! I don’t know that I’m up for it…because it says “The Rest is Up To You“. (I’m willing to try – for the sake of mankind and world peace). 
At last – ALL the answers. 
And finally – what’s a shelf without books and flying dirigibles? I made this last week as my very own ode to books….find the prints here. A Literal Collection. 
And todays Fab Find is……Hygge and West. Wow…you might as well STOP what you are doing and spend the rest of the day on this site. No…really.
The imaginative and giddy, sometimes fantastical and downright DELICIOUS work of Irana Douer has my turned my somewhat ordinary day into something altogether joyous and sparkling.
***From Argentina, Douer illustrates and writes in news magazines that she publishes and blogs regularly. Her illustrations possess depth and amusement and great swaths of hidden meaning with cryptic interpretations.
Lost explores mood and complex emotions.
Leopards, skulls and exotic animals. 
Archetypes and MIXED media installations. 
And to start the day…these fabulous illustrations so poetically re-interpreted onto ceramic. 
Pink juxtaposed with “BLU“…..
***And FINALLY….for a complete selection of Irana’s very fun, somewhat dizzy, quaintly animated and perpetually plucky creations, visit Flickr, Ruby Mag, Etsy and Blood Is The New Black. (I have to say – I’m somewhat mystified over the name of that shop)
Yesterday I picked up a small olive tree to plant in the space between my neighbor’s driveway and ours. I don’t even like olives but the beautiful blue/green leaves are so calming and the natural design quality of an olive tree is divine. I may try making olive oil however…now that I can enjoy.
***Along with small trees we also rode (on a bike no less) to the junction on Mt. Diablo – my hubby enjoys these rides too and the views from the junction. Oh my…that’s all I have to say.****
And back to art and there is so much. In September we are going to the Art For Aids Silent Auction in San Francisco. This is a juried show with some of Northern California’s most talented atists. 
A Rex Ray/Mad Men combo…seriously.
The other day I came across the pen and ink graphics of Julia Salameh. Her work seems absolutely weightless. This one is called Fly. Aptly named don’t you think?
This one called Resonate - resonates with “I want this!”…. It would look great right above our black leather sofa. Clean and modern but balanced with soft circular shapes.
This art inspires me. Shouldn’t all art inspire?
And speaking of inspiration. Here is a blog called “A Thing For…”. Don’t you just love its cryptic nature? I mean – it could mean anything…whatever you have a thing for. Here’s an image from June. The monochromatic sensibility and intrinsic design quality is something I aspire to have in my life. 
And finally – it’s back to school week and what’s better for ***Back to School*** then this gorgeous colorful abacus charm? 
And one more thing. Todays’ Hello’s and Goodbyes…and today it’s just goodbye as we wish ID Art and Design a fond farewell. Located in Healdsburg with a very original and thought provoking website. The site is not current but this little bit of info was aquired through their Facebook page.
Come to think of it – I work for myself so what is Friday really? Well – it’s my yoga day…and a day to blog and a day to catch up. And lastly a day to be inspired.
What always inspires me is books…and look at this scrumptious literary notion I just discovered. Artists Studios...always fascinating and curious – full of surprises around every corner. 
And my love of dots is deepened with this quilt from Fun Quilts and it’s a limited edition. I almost wouldn’t mind the cold if I could snuggle with this. 
Nothing says Friday quite like outdoor dining...with a glass of wine in a beautiful setting. 
Photographer Ajit Pal Singh captures a moment.
And don’t we all need this? Graphically rendered and full of hope. Peace from the Field Trip Shop. Thanks. 
And finally – I think the weekend should end with a BBQ and what’s better then a BBQ – but a retro BBQ! Yay..and thank you to Max Dalton for helping me and the hubby complete our weekend. 
My hubby and I are big DIY people. So – after many months of looking for the perfect mid-century modernist style coffee table we realized that what we wanted was way out of our budget. So off to IKEA we went and bought this really great coffee table that had two shelves – one to be neat and the other to hold all our Dwell Magazines. Then – we painted it pumpkin orange, added a glass top that is set off with metal standpoffs and now have a piece of furniture that is timeless and stylish. Sigh…I just love this piece. 
And speaking of mid-century modern, doesn’t this Charley Harper print from Poster Caberet just take your breath away? Gregarious Grosbeaks. I’ll say!
I need a set of these blocks at my desk. Can I get them all in orange?
Priceless…..from Moricea & Mrzyk at Air de Paris. Gawd the French are cool. 
Even though we don’t have firefly’s on the west coast – if we did – I would know just where to put them. Whisper and Hush makes the perfect home. 
Lastly – check out My Love For You. This site is all about SF artists and the local energized art scene. Well done!
As you all know I’m a huge fan of anyone out there who supports the arts so I was excited to read in the San Francisco Chronicle yesterday about Little Paper Planes – an on-line resource for original art, reproductions and a cast of art supporters. Oh…if you enjoyed this article please “like” it. Pass on good art.
Here are a few of my favorites:
From Kelly Lasserre – wouldn’t it be fun to paint your house orange? For a day?
Two of my favorite things – art and books. Thanks William Edmonds. 
How to get rid of a stumbling block - in one really cool lesson. This zine is tastefully designed and artfully rendered. 
And…while browsing around Etsy looking for new stuff to buy I came across this photo. Where did they ever find this phone?
Sometimes the simplest messages are the most logical. 
Yay – Saturday. The sun is out…my garden vegetables are having a great week! Bucket loads of fresh mint, peppers and tomatoes. We are having friends over tonight and I’m looking up recipes. I found a great one for cucumber salsa and another for taboulleh with quinoa - my new favorite grain. Hmm…which one?
But before I do that I have to share my new finds. Such harmonious blends of good design and fabulous interpretation. Oh – BTW – anyone watch the final of Work of Art? Go Abdi!
First – I think I found the best light fixture yet. Karim Ghelloussi – this is magical! 
And I think this is a cross between a hot air balloon and a gigantic charm. 
Somedays I wish I could go back to being five. 
Hold still and allow me a vintage moment. I see above ground pools, red tricycles, banana bike seats and sugery packs of powdered lemonade. 
This is the only way to have coffee. Whoa….. 
Well – I would love to stay and chat but I’m meeting some friends at the shore. (thanks Seaside Sally!) Have a great weekend!
A few quick tid-bits of cool news. (what does tid-bit really mean?)
First – Check out Paper Girls for a VERY FUN project…Yes! Paper Girl is a yearly art event where you send in art – it gets displayed and then it’s thrown at random to passersby in San Francisco so they get to have your art – completely by accident. Serious – does that just blow your mind. It does mine. Visit their Facebook fan page here. And their web site here.
Item 2. This weekend come out to support the local schools art programs at the Martinez Art in The Park show on Susana Street. Sunday 10 to 5. This programs raises funds for the Martinez school arts programs. It’s for the kids. 
And…I’m kinda like – justa bit – speechless of the sheer coolness of this very fun table. I would put my apples – maybe even my pears on this. Tomas Alonso – where have you been hiding???
And you know when you have a bunch of electrical wire left over and you say to yourself…”what should I do with all this electrical wire?”. Ta da. 
I have to admit – I’m a little jealous of this lady sleeping on a train. Is this photo sublime or what? 
Can you have too many market bags? Nope. Especially if they are made out of orange t-shirts. Oh my…starting a love fest right now. Thanks Recycle My Bag for being you. 
Asnd lastly – please help out our global neighbors in Pakistan who are suffering from the worst flooding in centuries. Click on the Red Cross to make an on-line donation.
Ok – I’m back from Tahoe and ready to write about emerging artists and incredible and harmonious design. OH BTW - it’s not a typo above but a new category, One of A Finds, from CB2. Don’t you love the name? I do. Wish I thought of it.
I’m so digging this wabelerbeler wall art described on the CB2 site as ” His sculptural wabelerbeler (“twisting”) wall art intertwines colorful ramie fibers “to weave my dreams, little by little…and to connect past and future generations.” 
****Oh – the One of a Finds sell out really quick – don’t waste a minute. Go. Shop. Now.
Does the party come before the jewelry or does one plan a party for the jewelry? Because if it’s that way then this bracelet from Janet Davies is definitely the host! 
And speaking of dress-up…is this gorgeous illustration by Julia Denos just insanely crazy beautiful? Romantic and sophisticated but hinting at innocence. 
There is always something so appealing about urban energy. This painting from By The Bay Artist captures the spirit of the Bay Area commute. 
***If you get a chance, read this article on the Huffington Post about how artists make money using Facebook by Jonathan Melber. Having income from many sources is the only way to go now…and I’m sure there are great tips in this. I’m reading right now!
Oh – one last thing and I promise that’s all for today. Tomorrow night is the season finale for Bravo’s Work of Art. Who wins? Is it Miles and his manipulations? The charisma of Abdi or the disturbing and lyrical work of Peregrine?
Friday already. I’m going out of town for a few days. To my favorite place in the world. Lake Tahoe!! Yay for me.
While I’m there I plan on having a cocktail at the Lone Eagle Grill in Incline Village. Then we listen to Tahoe Luke – the best lounge singer ever. No one sings “Sweet Caroline” quite like Luke does. Then maybe take a hike on the Pacific Coast Trail...have lunch at the Squeeze In (best omelets on the planet–I’m not kidding) in old Town Truckee and then relax with wine on the terrace or a late night hot tub at Old Greenwood.
I always count myself so blessed to live in the Bay Area where access to great places like Tahoe is just three hours away. 
And not only that but I can see the Golden Gate Bridge 
whenever I want….take a drive in Sonoma County, 
head on up to Murphys or do some fun shopping in Hayes Valley.
As we make our way into the weekend we have to say goodbye to Little Otsu in San Francisco that closes it’s doors after eight years. But no worry – they aren’t gone for good. 
But we welcome the San Francisco Theatre Festival this weekend as well as Fashion Week
And finally we say “hello” to the Commonwealth – a new mecca for food on Mission Street described as “a harmonious interplay of food n’ form”
And on that note – have a great weekend….please sure to click on the “like” button if you like this article and I will be back Tuesday with more art news. Be well…and cheers.
I am a huge fan of illustration. Watching someone take pen to paper and create images that both inspire and take my breath away are such gifts to the creative world. So – the other day I was reviewing artwork and came across an incredible cast of illustrators whose originality, sense of composition, wittiness and talent feels me with wonder.
Oh – if you like this post – please click the “like” button. Always good to make sure lots of readers out there get exposed to great art.
The lighter then air aquarelle illustrations by Dane artists Toril Baekmark, are right in the middle of sublime and simply lovely. 
Italian illustrator Anna Rodighiero creates sad yet somehow delightfully cheerful drops. 
And not to be outdone – we have the cucumber family. Stylish – yet somehow rugged and adventurous. 
San Francisco artist Mati Rose McDonough offers whimsy and talent with a sprinkling of humor and a colorful finish. Go Peep….. 
And finally the touching and oh so human aspects of the art by Alisha Amirkhanian. 
Oh – and if you are as much a foodie as I am – enjoy a plethora of upcoming food and wine events in the Bay Area. Wine…wait did someone say wine???
August already! Holy crap – where did July go? I’m pretty sure I spent it checking out the fun modern finds on this crazy funny site – Pop Deluxe. So – if I was like ten – and played house (actually I still kinda do) I would definitely want this Modern Play House. Check out the kidney shaped table. I looked all over for one of these – who would have known I would find it here? 
And – we need a Modern Family to move into the modern house right? 
The Darwin action figure along with the Jesus action figure are priceless. And the Tofu and Bacon? This is a battle that’s been brewing for centuries!
Modern style is about minimal design with maximum impact. This piece from raw color makes the sun shine on a really gray day in San Francisco. 
I’m not much of a sports fan – but this could change my mind. Like right now. 
And finally – this is the really great trellis my hubby built for our yard. It was a tough angle to shoot and my cat was meowing in the background and distracting my photographic genius so bear with me for my amateurish attempts. 
Oh! Yes – one more thing. Check out the new Art Planet Cafe Press shop. Isn’t it time you had an Art Planet water bottle, mouse pad, t-shirt or stickers?
