Monday, May 31, 2010

Chair Chat...

Above: Hans Wegner wishbone chair, photo from Design of the 20th Century, TASCHEN

I LOVE chairs. I have way too many of them. I used to have way too many shoes (I used to love shoes---but now I only love the comfortable ones and those are the only ones I keep around. They are very few.) I've been daydreaming about owning a flock of Hans Wegner "wishbone" chairs for a couple of years. I've trimmed back my dream a bit to the idea of having only one---even a knock-off. They are quite pricey---one chair costs about $300 more than my monthly mortgage payment. If I had only one, it would keep company around my breakfast table with other (inexpensive) mid-century modern wood chairs I've collected from craigslist, etc.
A bit about the Wegner wishbone chair...The wishbone chair was Designed by Danish designer Hans J. Wegner in 1949. It is also known as the Model No. CH24 Y-chair and was licensed to the Johannes Hansen furniture making company along with numerous other chair designs by Hans Wegner. Johannes Hansen company has become the Carl Hansen & Sons Company. "By the 1950s, Wegner was one of the leading exponents of Scandinavian design and was internationally celebrated for his exquisitely balanced and beautifully crafted chairs that were, for the most part, constructed of solid wood. As a gifted designer and craftsman, Wegner simplified form and construction to create beautiful modern re-workings of traditional furniture types." (from Design of the 20th Century, Charlotte & Peter Fiell, Taschen 1999). The wishbone or Y-chair is still made today in a variety of hardwoods. Room & Board makes a version of the wishbone chair for $300--- $600 less than the licensed Carl Hansen & Sons Company version, depending on the wood variety and seat treatment selected. In 2010 Carl Hansen company began making a version in several shades of painted blue.
Photo above: Carl Hansen & Sons
Two weeks ago, I ran across a second-hand oak wishbone (knockoff) chair at a consignment shop asking what I considered a very reasonable price. I fell all over myself anxiously carrying it up to the counter. (Funny, I don't think I've ever carried a piece of furniture up to the counter. I guess I was afraid it would run away or vanish as if it were only a figment of imagination, if I didn't personally escort it to the counter.) It truly is a simple elegantly clean-lined beautifully designed chair as well as being physically well balanced and structurally sound. I have it home now in my breakfast room---the room is still under construction or I'd post photos here. I am including a few photos I've admired over the last couple of years that show this chair situated in various settings. They've provided fuel for my daydreams. ;o)

Living Etc.





Friday, May 21, 2010

Where is your treasure?

Wherever your heart is, that is where you'll find your treasure.
- Paulo Coelho

Above: Don't Fence Me Out, 2009 - acrylic paint on canvas by Toni Youngblood

I don't know why it is so difficult sometimes to know/find where our heart is. However, when I read the following from Steve Jobs (Entrepreneur Apple co-Founder), I see clues...
"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.

Don’t be trapped by dogmas - which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.

Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice.

And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.

Everything else is secondary.”

And as for Paulo Coelho (quoted at the top of this post)...after many years of having his greatest desire and love thwarted by parents and other opposition, he finally found the courage to be a writer, as he had always wanted to be.
Above: Navigating Bliss, 2009 - Acrylic paint on canvas board by Toni Youngblood

And as for me and my heart . . ."we" are painting. ;o)

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ENDER!

Above: Painting of Jay's Weekender by Toni Youngblood, acrylic on canvas 24x36".

Jay's Weekender (aka Ender), whelped May 19, 1999. His poppa, Flying Train, was quite the racer and stud dog, making a name for himself as having sold at the National Greyhound Association auction in 1991 for more than any stud dog in history at that point, $56,000. Flying Train went on to race in Colorado and Wichita and still holds Wichita Greyhound Park's 5/16 track record of 30.10. Our Ender retired from racing after nine months, due to occasional bouts with tendinitis. This wouldn't effect a pet so much, but it would put more than a dent in a professional athlete's career. I adopted Ender in January 2002 from Royal Hound's Greyhound Adoption in Washington state. He's a sweet boy.

Above: Ender, the perfect gentleman.Above: Ender napping with his Teddy in my Seattle Studio.


Above: Watercolor sketch of Ender in a favorite pose. (Painting by Toni Youngblood)

Above: Greyhound Pajama Party - Ender (in blue pajamas) always letting little "sister", Harri-Berri take the spot light.
Above: A sketch of my floppy-eared Ender. (Sketch by Toni Youngblood)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ENDER, my lovey dovey mama's boy! ~Sparky

This Friday - May 21st Gallery Stroll

Charley Hafen Jewelers Gallery exhibits two artists this month.

Robert Hall presents "Ghosts of the Elders", a collection of alternative process photographs of China's growing middle class and the ebb of their traditional way of life. Ben Fulton of the Salt Lake Tribune writes:

"China transforming
As the rest of the world wilts under the weight of economic recession, China flexes its newfound muscle in the form of an emerging middle class. But, it turns out, not without cost. Land use is perhaps the most visible marker of the economic giant's most wracking changes, Utah-based fine-arts photographer Robert Hall discovered on a recent trip. As the country's new urbanism comes alive, ancestral homes, farms and even burial grounds are either moved or left behind. Concrete replaces open fields, and tradition becomes more dormant. Hall's handmade images, rendered using 19th-century darkroom techniques, take on an almost archival feel appropriate to the themes of his subject matter. Collected and titled under "Ghosts of the Elders," this Gallery Stroll exhibition is the art lover's perfect excuse to become more familiar with a nation all of us will know more about in years to come. "
Above: Photo by Robert Hall

Rob Marquardt: "Adventures in teapots and other acts of functional clay". Marquardt, a ceramic artist working out of Poor Yorick Studios, utilizes found objects to decorate a wide range of ceramic forms including vases, bowls and teapots.

Above: Photo by Rob Marquardt

May Gallery Roll (from Gallery Stroll website) - May 21st, 6-9 pm.
For a printable (PDF) version of this list,
click here.
15th Street Gallery – 1519 S 1500 E; 801-468-1515Please join us for a look at the contemporary portraiture and still lifes of Lindsay Frei. The Stroll coincides with the artist reception for Lindsay.
A Gallery – 1321 S 2100 E; 801-583-2100A Gallery is please to introduce the work of Kathryn Stedham.
Anthony's Fine Art and Antiques – 401 E 200 S; 801-328-2231A larger-than-life bronze sculpture of Abraham Lincoln the Congressman plus many new arrivals.
Art Access – 230 S 500 W; 801-328-0703 Art Access is pleased to host our 8th Annual 300 Plates exhibition with 99 established and emerging artists. Access II will host a multi-media performance entitled Ghost Interruptions with artists Satu Hummasti, Lien Fan Shen and James de St. Germaine.
Art at the Main – Ground floor of the Main City Library, 210 E 400 S; 801-363-4088 Featuring watercolors by Terrece Beesley. Titled Summer Solstice, the paintings evoke the warm, relaxing pace of summer with iconic images of melting ice cream, popsicles, and beach umbrellas with Beesley’s signature twist of humor.
Artistic Framing and Sugarhouse Gallery – 2160 Highland; 801-486-4893The Art of Obsession brings together the work of two artists, paintings by Jeannie Hatch and sculptures by Julie Lucus. Their works converge through abstract and avant-garde interpretations of psychological myth and drama in contemporary life.
Caffe Niche – 779 E 300 S; 801-433-3380 Caffe Niche presents Duality, photography by Phil Istomin and photographic pieces by Cody Buell.
Charley Hafen Jewelers – 1409 S 900 E; 801-521-7711Featuring two artists for the May Gallery Stroll. Rob Marquardt explores the play between pure art form and the rugged, simple, utilitarian functionality of ceramics. Robert Hall uses a view camera to capture grand and intimate views of the landscape.
a href="http://www.evergreengallery.com/" target="_blank">Evergreen Framing Co. & Gallery, Inc.– 3295 S 2000 E; 801-467-8770Diving into nature with artist Carel Brest van Kempen who combines art and biology with stunning detail.
Ephemera Arts – 336 W 300 S # 109, 801-824-7276Community event featuring multi-media art.
Every Blooming Thing – 444 S 700 E; 801-521-4773Featuring new work from artists Aaron Stills, Christina Pellegrina, Steve Lawrence Peterson, Carol Evans and more.
Finch Lane and Park Galleries / Art Barn – 1340 E 100 S (in Reservoir Park); 801-596-5000Sandy Brunvand's prints, paintings and drawings and Colour Maisch's mixed media.
galleryuaf – 230 S 500 W #120; 801-322-2428Featuring Natural Environment, a collection of images and mixed media by Shanna Brady, Ryan Buffington, Krystal Rogers and Jennifer Marie Suflita.
Hope Gallery and Museum of Fine Art – 151 S Main; 801-532-1336Featuring a distinct collection of European masters from the 16th to 21st centuries, including the largest collection of original Danish works (outside the national museums in Denmark) by notable artists such as Bloch, Kroyer, Henningsen, Wegmann and Molsted.
HORNE Fine Art – 142 E 800 S; 801-533-4200Stroll through colorful gardens by Phyllis Horne, dive into aqua pools by Jamie Wayman, and relax in sunny cafes by Karen Horne. Enjoy an opportunity for both seasoned and new collectors to enjoy savings on all paintings in inventory.
the Hotel – 155 W 200 S (upstairs); 801-638-0827Presenting Gallery Stroll after party Evenings Live upstairs in the ballroom + mercury lounge, a gallery and progressive art space. After party begins at 9pm.
Kayo Gallery – 177 E Broadway (300 S); 801-532-0080New works and installation by Cara Despain and Mary Toscano.
Local Colors of Utah – 535 S 700 E; 801-363-3922Featuring Sarina Villareal’s paintings and Chris Adams’ sculptural pottery.
Mestizo Gallery – 631 W North Temple #700; 801-596-0500Si Se Puede! Together we can make positive change in the world. Salt Lake City School District's second annual Cesar Chavez contest will display the visual and language arts winners. The evening will also feature youth driven poetry, essay and rap through an open mic format.
Michael Berry Gallery and Custom Framing – 163 E 300 S; 801-521-0243 Featuring the Intermountain Society of Artists’ Spring Show.
Phillips Gallery – 444 E 200 S; 801-364-8284 Mixed media paintings by Joe Ostraff and steel sculpture by Dan Toone.Showing concurrently in our Dibble Gallery, black and white studio nudes by Bill Patterson.
Rio Gallery – 300 S Rio Grande; 801-533-3582Featuring the biannual exhibit Untitled, curated by Brad Slaugh. Thirty Utah artists will exhibit 30 works to be titled by the public.
Salt Lake Art Center – 20 S West Temple; 801-328-4201 Jamie Wyeth: Seven Deadly Sins and Launch 11: Recipients of the International Sculpture Center 2009 Student Awards.
Salt Lake City Bicycle Company – 177 E 200 S; 801-746-8366Come see some great work about cycling or by cyclists themselves at our bike shop which will be converted into a gallery for this one night in commemoration of national bike month.
SLC Ink – 1150 S Main; 801-596-2061Painting the Figure with Raw Emotion. Juliette Caron is a Utah County-based figurative painter. Her work is unique for fluidity, bold colors and honest emotion.
Tin Angel Cafe – 365 W 400 S; 801-328-4155Presenting a dual art show with James Shuman’s Outer Worlds, acrylic/mixed media on canvas. Outside on our patio is Scott Whitaker with Urban Artifacts, metal/wood and mixed media. Live music provided by the legendary Jon Shuman. Call for reservations.
UTah Artist Hands – 61 W 100 S; 801-355-0206Women, showing the diverse styles of women artists from Utah. Participating are Roberta Glidden, Randee Levine, Judy Maryon, Dottie Miles and M'lisa Paulsen.
Williams Fine Art – 200 E South Temple Ste 100; 534-0331Opening reception for David Meikle and Erin Berrett. From Utah landscapes to paintings of diet Coke cans, these two dynamic talents will have over 30 new paintings. Also featuring new works by Frank Huff, Elva Malin and a new Minerva Teichert.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Table Rescue...

While driving through my alley, I saw four dark cabriole legs sticking out of the top of the dumpster. On the way back from my errands, I stopped at the dumpster to take a closer look. I pulled out a Queen Anne-style side table that was a bit scratched up and missing the drawer. I decided to take it home.


Above: Original drawer casing and frame that were connected to the table apron and legs. The drawer casing in this photo shows the original dark stained finish of the whole table.

I didn't have the where-with-all to construct a replacement drawer. Upon close examination of the table construction, I saw that I could disassemble the table and remove the drawer casing and frame, and reattach the table top to the apron to which the legs were connected.

Above: Newly painted table with original top that once connected to the top of the drawer casing. Application of a coat of primer, a couple of coats of creamy antique white milk paint and a top coat of protective water-based polyurethane have helped give this little castaway a sweet new life!

Above: The reconditioned table beginning its second life as a "cottage" side table. I think she's a keeper!

You can see lots and LOTS of before and after projects by others by going to Metamorphisis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch. Or click on the butterfly picture below...

Friday, May 14, 2010

Her laugh...

I hope I will always remember her laugh. And her ever twinkling eyes and beautiful bright smile and dimpled cheeks. Her long wavy dark hair, which in recent years was turning grey. My strong, wonderful lively vivacious sister-in-law, Linda passed away a week ago. Her memorial service was this evening and I've been in a foggy state of shock all week. I feel so for my brother's loss. This evening at the service, I finally let myself cry. And tears pour down my cheeks as I write this, considering the world without her in it. I want this sad part to stop. I want to look forward to just being able to remember her and the happy person she was. At least she didn't suffer her illness long.

Appreciate your loved ones; let them know that you do.

Take care,

Toni

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Wish I were there...

Photo: Toni Youngblood - The grand staircase at Villa Farnese in Caprarola, Italy

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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Cortile dreaming...
















Cortile = courtyard in Italian.
Whether grande or piccolo, a square meter of respite, a cortile proposes and entreats our delight!
~Toni Youngblood
































































































































































































































































































































Thanks to Google Images for helping fuel my day dream!

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