Archive for the ‘inspirations’ Category
(materials: wood, wire, cotton, afghan)
Nick Cave is a Fashion Design faculty member at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. These interesting images make up his SoundSuit series, which consist of sculptural assemblage costumes designed using primarily wood, fabric and found objects. His stunning work hints at indigenous tribal garments reminiscent of various world cultures. Nick Cave explains:
“My work, clothing and fiber-based sculptures, collages, installations, and performances, explore the use of textiles and clothing as conceptual modes of expression and pose fundamental questions about the human condition in the social and political realm… African ceremonial costumes and masks are obvious points of reference. Many of my soundsuits and accessories recall the African positing of spiritual power in objects. My ability to make to make objects come alive is also a testament to my ability to have things resonate with their past history and usages alongside my personal though usually opaque meanings. I want my work to open up vistas to many cultures (including our own), explores a wide range of materials and formal approached, and looks inwardly as it examines personal and cultural identity in relation to the world.”
(materials: beaded vintage flowers, cotton, afghan)
(materials: beads, sequins, fabrics)
(materials: cotton, afghan, Easter grass)
(materials: wood, wire, cotton, afghan)
Kate MacDowell is an artist who sculpts magnificent imagery out of porcelain. Having spent time volunteering at a meditation retreat in India, and traveling though Italy, Greece, Nepal, and Thailand, she often draws inspiration from her travels. Much of her work contains elements of organic matter derived from animals and plants, dramatically entwined with the human body. Her captivating sculptures are beautifully rendered and some are even lit from inside with lights, creating a truly magical effect.
Julie Adore is a French artist who creates cute toys and fun food items out of yarn! She’s a crocheter extraordinaire, and her site is full of creative takes on knitted art. http://www.julieadore.com/
What’s not to love about plush sushi?! It’s just so cute. This genius creation is by Amy Ortiz, the founder of T&A friendly. She also makes plush steaks, fortune cookies and taxidermy creatures. Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra, CA is hosting a workshop on making plush items with her in early December.
In Amy Ortiz’s words: “Established in 2005, T&A was originally a collaborative team dedicated to blowing off some steam through the creation of outrageous installations. In 2006, “Friendly” was added to the title and the project took on a life of its own. This is a place where a bit of tack and influences from Martha Stewart, no less, all blend together to bring you the best designs in Art, plush, home decor and anything else I want to take on.”
A friend of mine who plays Brazilian percussion told me about Flavio’s work. I am stricken by the energetic, hand-drawn quality his work embodies. In ways, he reminds me a bit of Basquiat.
[ via http://www.flaviomorais.net/home.html ]
Scott Musgrove’s wild world of captivating creatures is fascinating and fun. Have a peek…
images via scottmusgrove.com
Look fantastic in plastic with unique jewelry designed by Margaux Lange. Her fun collection includes necklaces, bracelets, brooches, rings and earrings–all made with Barbie parts. Arms, legs, breasts, facial features, and interesting oddities, such as this re-construction of Ken’s parts, are all thoughtfully designed to be worn around your own bits.
“I enjoy the funny juxtaposition of wearing the body, on the body. Barbie has become the accessory instead of being accessorized. I take pleasure in the contrast and contradiction of something mass-produced being transformed into a handmade, wearable piece of art,” Lange writes of her art.
Visit Margaux Lange’s website to view more her funky collections: http://www.margauxlange.com
all images via margauxlange.com
If you love art and designer clothes then you’ll dig the work of French fashion photographer Grégoire Alexandre. Fusing photography with fashion, Grégoire showcases a world where fashion and art collide. His photos are positively dripping with glamour and beautiful creatures. There is something magical about them, they almost transport you to a different world.
Grégoire’s high fashion installations combine genius set design with stunning imagery that feels curiously deviant, and at the same time sinfully playful. Grégoire Alexandre pushes boundaries, creating a dizzying world of eye candy pop, filled with compositions that challenge the traditional two dimensional picture plane, often jumping right out to greet the viewer. Check out more of his work at: gregoirealexandre.com
all images courtesy of gregoirealexandre.com
I happened across the work of German artist, Bernd Koberling on a recent trip to Iceland. His paintings absolutely sent me swooning. Although not originally from Iceland, Koberling, who was born in Berlin, travels and lives between Iceland and Germany. His plein air watercolor landscapes done on location in northern Iceland capture the vibrancy of the country spot on.
Koberling’s work has an iconic Icelandic spirit that ties him aesthetically to much of the modern art and design being produced by contemporary Icelandic artists, while at the same time remaining true to the diverse and rugged landscapes of Iceland, reflected through his use of rich colors and daring brush strokes. From nature’s wilderness to the sleek white walls of Reykjavík museums, Koberling’s powerful impressions leave lasting impressions of unique grandeur, which resonate across farms and fjords to Iceland’s contemporary art scene.
