Sunday, January 30, 2011

Remember the ones you LOVE...

Above:  Heart-felt Message, Toni Youngblood ©

Valentine's Day is in two weeks.  Remember to express your love for friends, family and those special and dear people in your life.  Click on Art Note Cards to see more of my available note cards for expressing your affection on this Valentine's Day and every day.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Book Recommendation: The Artist's Guide

The Artist's Guide:  Making a Living Doing What You Love was written by Jackie Battenfield and published in 2009.  I'm so happy I discovered this book while shopping for encaustic paints on Evans Encaustics website when the book had just been released.

I researched more about the book and author and decided to purchase a copy.  This book is no disappointment.  It is an excellent resource for visual artists in developing their careers.  It's not the only book of a similar type that I've read, but I have to say it is the best.  It is professional, practical and uses step-by-step exercises and real life examples to guide the artist.

As it says on the back cover "FINALLY, a comprehensive guide for visual artists that imparts the practical knowledge you need to build a flourishing life and career."  I have a link to Jackie Battenfield's website, artistcareerguide, on the right side bar here on my blog under "Art Related Links".  I click on it every day to see  "Jackie's Tip of the Day" on a sticky note.   Click here to learn more about Jackie Battenfield and The Artist's Guide.

Monday, January 24, 2011

from The Business of Being Creative

Sean Low from The Business of Being Creative has written a guest post on Vincent Wolf's blog.  Sean Low describes himself/his work as follows, I am a consultant to all creative businesses – designers (interior, event, graphic) to photographers to florists to bakers.  If you create something for a living, you are my client.   In his post on the Vincent Wolf Blog, Sean talks about the "4 P's:  Passion, Philosophy, Platform and Process". See the full post here.
Liberty National Golf Course - Interior Design by Vincent Wolf

Thursday, January 20, 2011

ART: Friday Gallery Stroll January 21, 2011

Painting by Rebecca Cooper

Tomorrow evening Charley Hafen Jewelers - Gallery will be hosting the Artist Reception for Rebecca Cooper's exhibit:  Non-Verbal Communication:  Body Language, held in conjunction with the Salt Lake City Gallery Stroll, on Friday, January 21st, from 6–9 PM.  


Rebecca uses the human figure in her oil paintings to represent complex emotion. Filtering out unnecessary details, she focuses on expression, poses, gestures and color to acutely illustrate human sensibilities.


The art can be seen at Charley Hafen Jewelers • Gallery from 1/21/11 through 2/14/11.  Charley Hafen Jewelers - Gallery is located at 1409 S 900 E, Salt Lake City (Sugar House); 801-521-7711.


Painting by Rebecca Cooper

For a complete listing of tomorrow evening's participants listed on Gallery Stroll website, click here:  Salt Lake Gallery Stroll.


Have an artful weekend!

Monday, January 17, 2011

ART WORK: Announcement...Art Note Cards available


Above photo:  Toni Youngblood


See the new ART NOTE CARDS  tab at top of my blog.   I've created and printed note cards from images of some of my paintings for several years and sold them in shops here, in Seattle, and to friends all over.  Now I have all my card images in one location on my blog where it's easy to find and order them.      


Click on the tab at the top of the blog:  "ART NOTE CARDS"


You will see more cards in the following categories:

-Crows (a favorite in Seattle)...


-Watercolors of the Mediterranean...


-Natural Wonders...


-Love and Valentines...


-Birthdays...

Special thanks is due to my long-time Seattle friend, Suzanne (aka Spunky-Sue), for helping me to realize this  easier  way to find and order my cards!
Spunky-Sue on a big adventure!

Celebration of Dr. King's Birthday

Today is as good a day as all others to remember those less fortunate and to serve them in ways, even seemingly small.  Be aware of needs, ask how you can help and fill in and be a bridge to help others along their journey.  This morning, my friend, Karen and I volunteered to help serve coffee and breakfast to the homeless through the SLC Mission.  It may have helped these people who have no real place to call home.  But it also helped us be more aware of their situation, and opened our minds and hearts to more questions of  ways in which we can all help. It's been too long since I did this kind of volunteer work---not since investigating public toilet facilities available for use by the homeless when I was an architecture student in Seattle.  I'm kind of embarrassed now to realize that it's been so many years since I've involved myself in this kind of endeavor.  So I'm "preaching" to myself here.  :o~



 



Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Artwork: Crow Painting: Found a Peanut, Struttin'

Found a Peanut, Struttin' , 2010 - Toni Youngblood

This fellow was strutting proudly to show off his peanut find when I saw him at Green Lake in Seattle.  I always wondered whether he ate that glorious trophy of his!  The painting above sold last month in Salt Lake City.

There are not nearly as many real crows making Salt Lake their home as there are in Seattle.  However, there are more crows in Salt Lake City than there were twenty years ago.  Does that mean SLC is getting "wilder"?  No, more likely it means that Salt Lake is becoming more urban.  Sound counter-intuitive?  Not when you consider humans continue to encroach on the wilderness.  Corvids, (crows and ravens) thrive in the human-made environment.

Here are some of the reasons why:  We create roadkill and garbage that they love to devour.  They will even snatch our fast food hamburger from the picnic table.  Human suppression of many of the raptors that would devour crows  make cities and agricultural areas relatively safe havens, especially since they are more than smart enough to outwit people with shotguns!  From In the Company of Crows and Ravens.

Love them or hate them, corvids are very intelligent birds and entertaining to observe.

More links - videos demonstrating real-life crow intelligence:
Joshua Klein on the Intelligence of Crows
Tool-making crow
Really clever crows in Japan

More crow paintings:  here

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Creativity: Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity










Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, talks on TED
on "the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses -- and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person 'being' a genius, all of us 'have' a genius. It's a funny, personal and surprisingly moving talk.  When you have about 19 minutes free, listen to Gilbert's talk" here on TED (Ideas Worth Spreading).

Friday, January 7, 2011

On a Happy Note...

1


2


3 . . .




I just completed this portrait of a lovely, loved greyhound with a very lovely name...Sunset Dream













I just sold this painting of Madonna and Fledgling Crows...



















What Santa delivered to me for Christmas...



















Have a wonderful weekend . . .

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Camile: I make myself at home in the cleverest of places...

 
Name:  Camile - Influenced by Louis XVI, and the Swedes claim me as Gustavian

I've been told that I have nice gams.

Here are some of the places I've been...
Attending parties with like-minded people

 Engaged in casual conversation with friends who are completely different than myself
 Holding my own with the younger modern crowd
 Sitting next to a bright window, having a cup of tea
Replacing Mr. Frump (who has always really wanted to move into the man cave)
A gracious hostess, greeting guests

In the boudoir . . .
In the boudoir...adding that romantic touch and sparkle you've been missing . . . wink, wink!
The time-out corner for the kids
In the bath---I really do love those arias I hear you bellowing from the shower!
Or sitting next to you while you relax in a delicious hot tub.  Tell me about your troubles and let Calgon and me take you away!

I'm available and you can find me here.  ~ Camile

Monday, January 3, 2011

INTERVIEW: Karen Cahoon - Interior Designer

I am very happy today to post a recent interview I had with Karen Cahoon, an interior designer here in SLC.  I met Karen when I moved to SLC for the first time back in 1993 for my job.  As I worked in the field of architecture, my path often crossed with the paths of those in interior design, and related areas such as furniture reps, interior materials reps, art consultants and such.  I must say,  that I believe interior designers seem to enjoy a more colorful, friendly and provocative social scene than that of the typical architect!  The picnics up in the canyon, gallery stroll outings together, July 4th and July 24th (Pioneer Day here in Utah) BB Q's, birthday celebrations and the inventive reasons for getting together... I feel fortunate to have made friends in this circle of talented, dynamic and fun people.  I want to thank Karen for being open to an interview kind of conversation today and I appreciate her sharing photos of her home with us on WALLMARKS.

WALLMARKS:  How long have you been practicing interior design?

KAREN:  Officially, for 30 years. Unofficial activities would include remodeling my own home in So. California.

WALLMARKS:  How did you get started in the field?

KAREN:  I was always interested in interior design. My mother was a pathological furniture shopper and I was a willing accomplice. Somewhat related was the work I did as a stylist for professional photography. I did holiday displays for example and styling work for catalogs.
Karen with our friend, Hal checking on the progress of the Thanksgiving turkey on the Barbecue.

WALLMARKS:   What did you do in preparation for your interior design career?

KAREN:  I pursued the Interior Design program in the Family and Consumer Studies Department at the University of Utah. This included two years of basic design, graphics, fourth year design in architecture and I received a B.S. in Interior Design from U. of U.

WALLMARKS:  What did you do before?

KAREN:  Besides the work as a stylist, I earned a B.A. in Art, as well as a Masters degree in Library Science. I worked in libraries in Salt Lake CitySunnyvale, California, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. I also want to mention that during this time in California in the early 1970’s, the Pacific Design Center was built and it was design Mecca. This was the period in which Herman Miller came out with the first office panels, the
fabric accent panels for those was designed by Alexander Girard. Charles Eames spoke at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles and Bruce Burdick was a professor there. I really enjoyed the lively environment, but as I was ending my marriage and had a small son, I decided to move back to Salt Lake City to be closer to my son’s grandparents. And, as mentioned, I began the interior design program at the University of Utah.
Alter-like window garden in Karen's kitchen

WALLMARKS:  What types of work do you do? Commercial, retail, residential?

KAREN:  Currently I am freelancing with a designer who has a specialty niche in residential design. I am working on a special project with him which is a cookbook that is filled with his projects, the clients and their sharing of favorite recipes. I have done space planning for commercial real estate companies, and healthcare, library and office design. Currently I am also working on residential projects.

WALLMARKS:  What are some of your favorite parts of working on a project?

KAREN:  Well, the field is always changing---never static. I like big projects because of the teamwork, meeting the needs of the client, not just fluff, but using state of the art materials and utilizing technology.  I enjoy space planning and the “making-the-puzzle-work” part of it. I like to bring out the client’s aesthetic and to facilitate their desired functions for the space. I don’t like to impose a particular “style” on the client.

I’ve enjoyed some “unusual” (as far as typical interior design) projects such as being a Fire Inspector Technician. This involved wearing a badge, carrying a flashlight, camera and ladder. We looked above
ceilings (pop-out suspended panels) that are required to be fire-rated and photograph the areas that have non-compliant penetrations of such things as mechanical system ductwork. It was a new and different experience.

WALLMARKS:  What about the least favorite?

KAREN:  The down turns in the economy---as interior design and all construction related fields are so directly related to the health of the economy.

WALLMARKS:  How do you like to approach each project in the beginning stages of design?

KAREN:  I begin each project spatially---meaning that I start with plans, elevations and spatial organization---not from a preconceived notion of aesthetics.

WALLMARKS:  Where do you get your inspiration for colors for a project?

KAREN:  Inspiration comes from the environment of the building materials, as in brick and window types and what is available in terms of trends in the marketplace. Also, inspiration comes from the surrounding environment of the building site. If there is a fabulous view from the building, I would allow the view to be the main feature and subdue the interiors as not to compete with the view. I am working on an existing Tuscan-style home at the moment. The client is an avid knitter and I am suggesting the use of textures and handcrafted elements, and color that play off the old-world architecture of the home.

WALLMARKS:  When working with architects, at what point do you become
involved? Schematic, Design Development, or just prior/after construction?

KAREN:  It doesn’t always happen this way, but I prefer beginning a project in the schematic design phase. This allows the valuable opportunity to build a rapport and essential bond and confidence with the client. When the interior designer comes on board at a later point, this is not possible. It also makes it difficult to contribute to the interior architectural design if not included on the team in the beginning.


WALLMARKS:   How would you describe elements of your own home that you enjoy most?

KAREN:  The art---I enjoy collecting art the most. I have furniture that is a mix of my grandmothers’ things that I can’t part with, plus classic modern pieces. I aspire to be a minimalist and I’d rather have experiences than possessions at this point.
WALLMARKS:  Do you approach the interior design of your own home the same way that you do any of your other projects?

KAREN:  I would say, “no”, because it’s hard to make decisions for yourself. This is due to the fact that you know how much is available and so much is available. Whereas with a client, they are not overwhelmed with this awareness and you are able to focus a bit easier on what is needed to meet their stated demands and needs.

WALLMARKS:  When shopping for items for your own home, what questions do you ask yourself?

KAREN:  I have to know that I will like it, so that I can be sure it will stay around.  I don’t like discarding or storing things. I attempt to select items for their quality, longevity, and simplicity---not due to a particular, maybe fleeting trend.  I recently did a small-scale remodel of my kitchen in which I selected elements for longevity: New stone countertops to replace laminate, large single sink to accommodate platters, etc., new dishwasher and a new gas range, that I prefer.  I also made a refresh in another area of the house that was no cost---beyond moving furniture. I exchanged my living room and dining room furniture locations with one another. So now I have a great sitting room off the kitchen and a larger dining area near the fireplace. It’s really refreshing and I love it!
Above:  Karen's newly refreshed kitchen
Above:  New sitting area next to the kitchen
WALLMARKS:  Here we are at the beginning of 2011---What are some of the trends you see in design (could be a special designer item) in terms of furnishings, lighting, wallcovering, flooring/floor coverings, collectables and accessories, materials, finishes? And point out something in this list that you are excited to use in a current/future project.

KAREN:  
•Re-use, green design.
•Functional building systems such as air-cleaning in the furnace system.
•Things that improve the interior environment with less impact on the total environment.
•Fewer possessions.
I would like to include the use of custom patterned art glass for partitions, for example. Joel Berman is one of my favorite custom glass makers.  He frequently uses recycled glass in his designs.




Above Images:  Joel Berman Glass Company
I saw a great house designed by one of our local SLC architects, a former colleague, recently. Besides being a beautiful modern home with high-quality materials and elegant simple details---on the coldest day of
winter, the home was 70 degrees F inside without the heat being turned on!

Thank you again, Karen!


Dear Readers, 
Please either "Contact Me" or leave a comment letting me know if you would enjoy more interview posts with creative people similar to this post.  ~Toni, WALLMARKS

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