Some things are simply to be enjoyed and need no explaining. Sasquatch Loves Modern Chairs via Shop Amy Sullivan.

My favorite shade of orange, a fun time of year in my favorite city…and a beautifully composed piece by RaceyTay. Happy Chinese New Year.!

Really random, odd and something I would totally want to hang on the wall. William Hatch Crosby via Honestly WTF.

My new blog crush – French by Design. “Paris Is Always a Good Idea” ~ A.  Hepburn

Lighting that makes my heart stop by Rune Guneriussen via Everything Disappears When You Come Around.

People laugh when I always want to take the stairs instead of the elevator. Do you see why? Dada Dreams does.

Have a great weekend and put the fun back in art right here via California Home and Design.

 The work of Melody Postma draws in campy elements of movies from the 50 & 60′s with surprising twists, enterprising drama and compelling textures.

About 30 seconds ago I discovered The Artful Desperado. The writer uses dude and fart with complete comfort when describing art or the range of expressions about art. I appreciate that level of comfort.  Here’s a few selections from the Artful Desperado: Serious OCD in these playful assemblages from Carl Kleiner.

A Bomb Shelter from The Atomic House. True confessions. We had a bomb shelter in our backyard too. Yes really.

WHEN TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE:

Via: Sascha Kurmaz

Question of the day:

Does money effect the ability to be creative? Does money suppress creativity? More or less? Read this to start the conversation.

Yes – I admit…I have a slight obsession with this tall lovely tree that makes me think of summer which is probably why I love this tree so much. I mean – do you ever think of winter when you see a palm tree? No – and if you do…I find it disturbing. Ok  – so I took a bucketload of palm images in Palm Springs and I decided to post a few on Etsy and then of course it evolved into a pinboard on Pinterest of more palms but that’s for another day. At any rate…here is one set of palms that are offered as small prints.

Then I took some photos of mid-century modern homes and a truly awesome visitors center that had its humble beginnings as a gas station. Gawd but those desert people are good!

…and this one was taken with a regular camera on the iPhone 4s and then I dropped into the Tilt feature that blurred out all but a small piece of my choosing.

 For the rest of this set just click here to my Flickr page.

 It would only be right to complete today’s post with photographs– so lucky me I somehow landed on the compelling, totally original and somewhat humorous page called, Dear Photograph. Photographers and amateurs have submitted old photos shot in front of the current and same location as the photo and matched it up so that it feels like the photo is on the same plane– if that makes sense. OK–you will just have to see for yourself.  

Curious about Charles and Ray Eames? Check out Eames: The Architect and the Painter. Narrated by James Franco, the film explores the fabulous creativity of Charles and Ray Eames.

 Need an interesting book to read? Heather Donahue – star of The Blair Witch Project – which BTW still freaks me out,  has written a book about How Her Life Went To Pot. The book is available at the Book Passage in Corte Madera. Visit this link for more info from 7×7.

 ***Have a great weekend…keep warm and dry and if you have pets please remember that they too deserve to be kept warm and dry.

Two favorite colors. Two kick-ass pieces by Stefan Fransson. Via Saatchi Online.

Beam - for the simple reason that it’s lovely.

I don’t think this is Debris at all. It’s more like…awesome stuff that happens to be piled in one  place. From the Etsy shop of Allison Long Hardy on  Nosilla 1551. Find more of Allison’s work on her site right here!

 Society 6 and Matthew Kavan Brooks brings us The Time of Your Life.

 We spent a long weekend in Palm Springs – mid-century modern heaven….where – if the stars are aligned right - we will be wintering someday. And then this little jewel popped up this morning on Etsy and it just made me sigh. From Lucy Snowe Photography.

And the next time you are there – go to Lulu’s. We went three times in one weekend. Do we have a problem? (no!). We had to leave early on Friday night because there was a film festival party for 300 coming in. No – we did not get to see George Clooney – and yes he was there – the week before.

 ART HAPPENINGS

Lastly – are you creative?? Got talent? Submit your work for a chance to be published in 7×7. Just follow this handy dandy little link and please share.

Have a great week!

Who is Reed Danziger and how did I not know???

Tomorrow we are headed for the heaven of all things Modern and Mid-Century. Palm Springs – where there are palms of course but great design , fabulous food and everything atomic. Any recommendations for restaurants? I know there are tons of galleries –we don’t even know where to start; if there is a “don’t miss” gallery please share.

Rothko cookies. Eat or display? Via Pinterest.

This is what happens when the stars align. 108 – non e giusto from 108 is NIHIL.

And 108: KAMI

From Joel Suganth we have people. Simply people moving steadily thru life. The carefree energy of this piece is positively contagious.

 And finally -  this weekend feel free to expose yourself at Photobooth. “an artistically retro snapshot” opens this Saturday on Valencia Street in San Francisco.

Have a great weekend..be well…do a raindance.

So low tech I have to have it. I don’t have to download anything or reboot or recharge. The ultimate toy. Except I probably can’t take it on a plane. Via The General Store.

These Hanging Beads are somewhere between OMG and Must Have! From Paper Moth – a really bitchin insanely talented artist btw.

Jelly Beans is pretty amazing too.

Because I love words I was just tickled to Stumble Upon the 100 Most Beautiful Words in The English Language. 

Oh my favorites? Glad you asked:

Elixir – just sounds exotic or illegal

Felicity – no not just a womans name

Plethora – oh yes this has been a favorite for years.

Which ones are your favorites?

From Everyday Workshop we have some surfboards and an original way to say thanks for dinner and….

Well – today is indeed a lucky day. I discovered a Tumblr site called Bookshelf Porn. I LOVE books! I’m a voracious reader and joined my first book club when I was five and begged my mom to order books for me from the class book club in kindergarten. So this site makes me feel really …well bookish. Let’s start with this crazy book sculpture.

 ***Have a great week. Enjoy some California sunshine and if you don’t live in California you can always visit.

Drowning in awesomeness from Julie Verhoeven via Little Contructs.

I want to live at this House on The Beach from Siiso.

Or these blossoms that I could put in a vase at my house on the beach.

Zander Olsen does magical things with trees. Via Laughing Squid.

And just in case you had a hankering for Modern Architectural Sunglasses you are in luck! Check out this cheeky find from 7×7.

SHITS AND GIGGLES

Holy shit this is funny!!!

Link:Pinterest.

Be awesome this weekend. I mean extra awesome.

The shadows on this photo by r.u.p.s. are as equally interesting as the source of the shadows.

 I’m troubled that they needed a sign for this. Via r.u.p.s. on Flickr.

 ”Fragments of the past evoke objects that are at once located in the present but also the space where our memories reside.” Via Sarah West on Etsy.

“letters n stuff” from Dustin Wallace. Clean muted colors with a touch of atomic.

I never ever get tired of looking at sketchbooks. Aren’t these thoughful pieces by Dadu Shin simply lovely? I am grateful.

***Have a great day. Think of a non-resolution you could do for 2012. I’m thinking…don’t eat shellfish. Or olives.  And for that matter, mushrooms.

Wow – my last post for 2011! It’s been a great year and I’m not just saying this. I think the art world in general has done well and most artists I know personally have had a good year too. Perhaps there has been a rebirth in the art world – a new appreciation for culture if you will.

I have met so many new artists, posted about emerging and experienced and opened my world to new mediums and new looks. My goal in never basking in mediocrity continues. Mediocrity kills the soul – we must never aspire for that. And on that note I give you anything but mediocrity. Enjoy.

I love California – living here with all its beautiful spaces like sun and sand, snow and valleys, vineyards and forests. So this piece, A Day in California,  from Ryan and Sheri Killackey (via Honestly WTF) is visually stunning.  It includes 10,000 photographs of our lovely state composed into a time lapse photography exhibit.

And now Joe Baren brings us a truck and a dinosaur. What? You don’t believe it?

James Roper portrays figures woven into a confusing metaphor. The Convulsionaires.

 Yes I want to be in Hawaii. Are we all good with that? I know Retro Love Photography understands.

Introducing The Kooples. Just watch because I’m not going to explain.

Circles on squares or within squares – when rendered correctly  -  add balance and symmetry to my day. Fragmented did not disappoint with Moments and Memories 2011.

***It was cold this morning. I shot this photo from my iPhone retro camera app.

Lastly – the lyrics to Auld Land Syne. I don’t really get them but I don’t care – it’s what you sing on New Years and that ‘s just the way it is.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne ?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
and surely I’ll buy mine !
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

Welcome to the last week of December and welcome also to the new year just around the corner. What are your plans? Changes? New directions? I’m thinking good thoughts for 2012 and even though I prefer odd numbered years I won’t let that get in the way.

Even though math was never my favorite subject – when it is living in harmony with art it pulls at my heart strings. Crystal Math from Lydia Shirreff is freaking amazing. (and the title…damn!)

Polka Dots from Duck and Cover. My art crush today.

Here’s a link to teaching your child to draw from an Etsy blog post. I was fortunate to have parents who always encouraged me to draw and supplied with the necessary tools to feed my love of art. While it would be wishful thinking to expect all parents to encourage an artistic direction when it becomes evident I would hope most would because we simply need more artists in this world. It’s that simple.  

 Those geniuses in designs in the Netherlands are at it again. At Delta Inc we have lines. Lines on walls; lines on floors; lines going up; lines going down; happy lines;sad lines and lines that that are simply there. From the Eindhoven exhibit.

And finally – a recipe for sweet potato latkes because…well serving them only at Hanukkah would be sinful. Via Dramatic Pancake.

Happy Winter Solstice. My daffs and tulips are feeling…well…feeling anxious yet are patient.

A few fun things today and links I think you should read like this one from Apartment Therapy: 15 DIY projects that cost less than $20.00. I like that! A little bit of awesomeness in an affordable package.

J is for Jan. Ok…I’m sure the artist Wallace Design House did not have me in mind when they created this piece…but…I’m just saying.

Nothing makes me happier than simple graphic shapes in perfect harmony with natural elements like this Yellow Bird on Gray Chevron from Priss Design or Raindrops on White.  

 London and Abbey Road is most definitely calling. Via Pinterest and Flickr.

Todays Baby It’s Cold Outside is from Willie Nelson and Norah Jones. I think this is my favourite so far.

Wire from Hey Studio. Looks a little like a luggage rack gone modern.

 Time to wrap presents…and I don’t want them to look boring, drab and uninspired. Here’s 9 Crafty Ways to Wrap a Present. Thanks Daily Candy!

 ****Have a great holiday weekend celebrating whatever it is you enjoy celebrating. May your time be spent warm, well fed, with loved ones and much happiness and peace.

I’m always a little ambivalent about the two Solstice days of the year. One is the longest day of the year and welcomes summer but the days are also getting shorter while the other welcomes three long months of winter but the days are also getting longer. It’s a conundrum I know.

Rising of The Setting Sun by Wayne Pate just seems right for this week doesn’t it? Via UK publisher St. Judes Prints.

I’m also just a  little excited about this one because the artists name is Chloe Cheese and I like cheese so I feel a certain kinship towards this artist. M is For Mustard.

I Need Nice Things. No I’m not just saying that – it’s the name of a print publisher in Australia. Hmm…I’m noticing an “across the pond” (both ponds) ..theme here today.  I’m all over this piece, Urban Fringe, like…uh…a cheap suit?

ART HAPPENINGS

Four art openings this week in my part of the state. Well not mine…a lot of people claim SF as theirs too. Check out the schedule right here on 7×7.

 My art crush today. A clear winner with Cristiana Couceiro. Solitude is other-worldly and compelling.

 I know things are all right with the world when I can get 100 Pantone cards with 100 different colors. No I am not shitting you…100 different colors.  Via Blick art supplies.

 Today’s version of Baby It’s Cold Out There is from the cast of Glee.

Have a great week!  Make pumpkin bread.

 Random. It’s the word of the day. No theme here just a mish mash of things I like. I hope you do too.

If you were thinking of getting me a Kindle or a Nook just don’t…cuz I like paper books. They don’t require batteries, I don’t have to turn them on and off and they go anywhere and I don’t worry too much about damage.  And nothing goes with a book better then a big ole cup of coffee…or tea. This mug from Mr. Teacups Etsy shop says it eloquently.

Mixed media makes magic from John Humphries via Visual Overture Magazine.  Speaking of this magazine I really encourage you to take a look see. They aim to “promote and empower the emerging artist, and connects that artist with potential exhibitors and investors. ”

 Speaking of artists…you will love this little take on parents having a talk with their children about wanting to become an artist. “One in five teenagers will experiment with art”. Via EcoNesting.

 A quiet corner in an empty space from Giuseppe.

Today’s version of Baby it’s Cold Outside is from Michael Buble and Anne Murray.

How about a little Traipsing Round by Lydia Caps on Flickr.

This weekend is the Chronicle Books warehouse sale. I love this place! Full of artful books and things that make me think.

Socks never looked this interesting.

Link: Everyday Workshop

 I’m going to leave you with one last thought…from today’s Public Eavesdropping on the SFgate: “You know you’re getting old when your drug dealer ha s a hip replacement”   Thanks Leah Garchik for always making me laugh.

 Have a great weekend…be well.

Drum roll please…….Color of the Year for 2012 – from Pantone is…….Tangerine Tango! Not only is a fruit – but it dances. It is supposed to recharge us. I feel it. Do you? Via Apartment Therapy.

These two pieces go together like….well…like peas and carrots. Survive from Ju-Ulvoas.

 From Honestly WTF – a Gift Guide for the Free-Spirited. I’m all over the totem pole.

I love maps. I look at them and imagine all the places I haven’t been to that I must go in my lifetime. When I see someone take maps to the next level I’m drawn in like the Kardashian’s are to a camera.  So…just about 90 seconds ago I found map art by Shannon Rankin.  She does things to maps that are illegal in 14 states. Actually I’m kidding about that. Here are a few images to get you started.

Germinate.

Matrix

I feel smarter just looking at this Polaroid photo of a chess board. Via Ralder on Flickr.

Still undecided on a  few gifts? Consider fair trade and eco-friendly.

This is from Katie Shapiro…and pretty soon it’s going to be mine.  A quiet southern California view.

Tis the season for Irish Coffee.

Have a fabulous day! Wear a scarf – baby it’s cold outside.

I have an appreciation for mail. You know – the kind that arrives in your mailbox – the real one outside. I love the tactile feel, the personal energy, the time it took to send the piece. Not only is the inside compelling but often the outside is too–which is why these envelopes I discovered on Pinterest are my Art Crush today. This image appeared originally on the Oh Joy blog in 2008. See…some pieces are truly timeless.

ART HAPPENINGS

The Ambush Gallery in Sydney presents Alterations, Disturbances and Rips. Here’s the description from the site: Sampling and tapping into the ubiquitous scraps of modern life the exhibition suggests an investigation around the Collage medium and the various techniques employed by the 5 participating artists.” One suhc particpiating artist is Kareem Rizk – one of my most favorite of all collage artists.

Opening night Thursday 15 December, 6-9pm
Exhibition continues to Sunday 18 December, daily from 12-4pm

A Yellow Graffiti Heart from Little Brown Pen. It warms mine. (Did I mention that it’s in Paris?)

I’m a sucker for collage. From Johanna Goodman Via Dripbook.

You know – if you are having a shitty bad day…this illustration by Zach Johnsen from Colossal Art & Design puts everything into perspective.

The other night we watched a documentary on origami. The engineering and design involved is so much more than I expected. This photo from Marc Fichou highlights origami and is photographed in a cool monotone color that brings out the intricate folds.

Have a great weekend. Oh..I’m a foodie. I’m sure you knew already…so here’s your Foodie Agenda today. Thanks 7×7!