Papersheep

antoinette vintage

2012-01-27T11:10:00.003-05:00

Papersheep Press is now at antoinette vintage! Stop by this Saturday for some warm apple cider and whiskey + 10% shopping for pretty things.

Happy Hearts Day

2012-01-24T16:53:00.003-05:00

New in the shop!

Take action

2012-01-23T18:40:00.003-05:00

My good friend Aurash from the totally rad DoTank Brooklyn recently snapped this series of me printing Valentine's Day cards on the Vandercook.

Dream house

2012-01-23T16:44:00.006-05:00

As Papersheep grows as a company, so do my dreams for it. Above are a few images I'd love to incorporate into real life. Wouldn't it be fun to greet clients into this home office and retire after well spent days in this lovely lofted bedroom (alvern & Beautiful Home via sfgirlbybay).

Wrapped up with a book

2011-12-30T18:59:00.001-05:00

This image makes me want to curl up in that golden knit throw and read all day long by the lovely light coming from the window...

Holiday getaway anyone?

2011-12-21T10:03:00.004-05:00

Maybe it was my few days by the water in Miami Beach this month, or the inevitable chill that has finally begun to seep into the Brooklyn air, (which causes the land lady to blast the radiator to near tropical temps!). Either way I'm thinking about bikinis today. Isn't this retro high waisted, just lovely? By Free People.

Pattern play: tiles

2011-12-13T12:56:00.007-05:00

Barcelona, London, Brooklyn.

When one door closes

2011-12-01T20:20:00.002-05:00

I'm saving this idea in my "when I have a house (and remodel project) of my own" bank.... so inventive and inviting... Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek covered the walls of this Amsterdam loft with doors from the buildings that were torn down to make way for a residential development. Found via Poppytalk; Original article via Azure Magazine. (Photos by Thomas Mayer).

Ode to La Roux

2011-11-27T12:30:00.004-05:00

An illustration I've been working on....

New for the holidays

2011-11-25T18:52:00.003-05:00

Get your holiday gift tags in the shop. Sets of 10 for $10 in knit or holiday boots!

Feeling minty

2011-11-04T14:08:00.003-04:00

Thanks for all the votes! My Field of Waves design won and is now available in notebook form at Minted.

Introducing Muhs Home

2011-11-03T11:35:00.004-04:00

With the wonderful theme of Inspiring Your Life's Style, Stephanie Shum has just opened the internet doors to her new online shop Muhs Home. Shop by use or material (how clever is that!?) to find a lovely useful product for you or your home. Papersheep is thrilled to be included in the paper and desk sections! Check it out here.

Wishin, hoping, dreaming

2011-10-30T23:22:00.000-04:00

Type love

2011-10-28T14:11:00.004-04:00

I love this typeface! design by Savvy Studio; found via designinspiration

Paper & Home

2011-10-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Find Papersheep goodies online at Paper & Home's new online shop!

A place to hang your hat

2011-09-30T08:25:00.005-04:00

Have a happy weekend! Here is a pretty room via Design*Sponge.

Copenhagen brunch

2011-09-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

Photographs by Ditte Isager, make even breakfast ingredients look gorgeous.

Style in motion

2011-09-16T00:30:00.004-04:00

A little peek at the new "other" job. Fun to look at fashion fashion fashion for a week straight. From the Elene Cassis Spring 2012 collection during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

Pattern play

2011-09-15T12:29:00.003-04:00

Lov'in these nautical patterns.

Two by two

2011-09-09T07:08:00.004-04:00

Find both these lovely sets of vessels at Mjolk. The two owners curate Scandinavian and Japanese designs for their Toronto shop, pronounced Mi-yelk.

Top: Cara cup by Rina Ono is inspired by the soft shapes of eggs.

Bottom: Twotwo cup by Japanese artist Norihiko Terayama are two cups that appear as if they were both broken and glued back together.

Sealed with love

2011-09-08T07:58:00.006-04:00

Love this white on white texture, and the nod to old preserve jars. Get yours at LEIF. Succulents sold separately....

Cozy cup

2011-09-07T15:37:00.002-04:00

Nothing like hunkering down with a design and a warm cup of tea on a rainy day.

Sleep like a Queen

2011-09-06T09:37:00.005-04:00

I love these ruffled sheets. Although, with bedding this pretty I may never get out of bed again.

Peacocks and Pendants

2011-09-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

I love this cyan and white wallpaper with that magenta light fixture.

via Coco+Kelley

Wooden web

2011-09-01T13:32:00.001-04:00

Christopher Bettig via allthemountains

Ready to wear: Celine

2011-09-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Me. I'm ready to wear it.

NY Fashion Week next week....

Let's go

2011-08-30T15:08:00.003-04:00

Autumn breezes

2011-08-29T11:26:00.005-04:00

Hurricane Irene brought loads of rain and wind to the east coast this weekend. There is much cleaning up to do. For some it's flooded basements and streets littered with tree limbs, for others it's a kitchen suffering the aftermath of several hours of intense card games with your roommates! On this Monday we have lots of sunshine, blue skies and a cooler breeze which hints at the season that is fastly approaching. Combine that with the above picture and I'm getting that autumn ache. I love this whole look, with the polka dotted scarf, navy stripes and cozy solid purple button-up. She looks ready for fall and/or hopping on that sailboat in the background! The whole look can be found at Boden.

Summer love

2011-08-26T19:39:00.004-04:00

Summer is almost finished, I have one more week of wearing the Spaceboot and crutches (ankle surgery recovery), and there is a hurricane headed towards the east coast this weekend. So I'm admiring this beautiful white flowing dress and thinking pretty thoughts. I found it here via Coco +Kelley, whom I'd like to thank for the Sailor shout-out and also say how delighted I am to be mentioned in this interview of Kristiana Parn on Indie Fixx. Happy (and safe) weekend everyone!

Pretty floral

2011-08-22T09:00:00.003-04:00

A pretty dishtowel by Lisa Rupp.

Party time

2011-08-18T22:55:00.007-04:00

New ready-made fill-it-in-yourself paaaaarty invitations. In the shop, and here for you etsy-ians. Perfect for you're next soiree, if I may say so.

Your vote, if you please.

2011-08-18T17:29:00.010-04:00

Vote for my
design on minted.™

see more from Gina Houseman

vote for me!

I've submitted a design and would appreciate your vote!

Sweet Ads

2011-08-11T16:09:00.004-04:00

I'm not a big fan of commercial breaks, so when one catches and holds my attention I think it's worth sharing. Levi's has had some pretty awesome campaign power in the last year. I've noticed a community focused approach. For example they sponsored an open to the public photo studio with free use of equipment in NYC last fall, where I got the chance to work with REM legend Michael Stipe on this photo/video project (spot me in a yellow cardigan): I'm also appreciating their latest ad by Weiden+Kennedy with it's stunningly beautiful cinematography combined with the words of one of my all time favorite authors Charles Bukowski, who sounds almost positive in this ad for jeans.

Le petit déjeuner

2011-08-11T15:55:00.006-04:00

Breakfast in London, Copenhagen, and Barcelona. Photographs by Gina Houseman

Rest and Relaxation

2011-07-21T22:11:00.007-04:00

A few images of a custom gift certificate I did for Janet's massage therapy business. She's brilliant at removing knots and putting you in a lovely state of bliss! Photographs by Gina Houseman

Back to the States

2011-06-18T23:11:00.002-04:00

An advert in Copenhagen. Love the color palette in this image.

On the Road (and in the air) Again

2011-06-03T09:00:00.001-04:00

Spring 2011 has been chock full of travel. A recent trip through West Virginia to Kentucky reinforced my love of the road trip, mix tapes, and car games. This trip featured a rain soaked campsite reinforcing the challenge of campfire building, and the feeling of pride when it finally gets burning. Waking at first light to the sound of rain dripping on your tent is the most peaceful thing in the world. Next stop for Papersheep is some time abroad. There will be a pause in the shop and here, but do not fret, I'll be back chalk full of sites, sounds, and stories.

Perfect Backpack: found

2011-06-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

The search can finally come to an end in this amazingly durable & simple backpack. Baggu, the maker of the compact nylon totes (perfect for grocery shopping) has quite a few other bag designs that are just as cool and functional. I'm in LOVE with this bag (and it's price)!

Vintage Lifesavers

2011-06-01T10:24:00.003-04:00

These little candies are aptly named, let me tell you. Although I'm a fresh veggie enthusiast most of the time, being a type 1 diabetic occasionally puts me in a position for desperately needing sugar. These guys raise blood glucose the perfect amount and quickly. Being the design enthusiast I am, it sure doesn't hurt that while the contents save my life, the package is aesthetically pleasing. I love this throwback to the old school packaging. It makes curing lows a little less un-fun.

Surf Style

2011-05-25T09:00:00.001-04:00

More from the Taschen Surfing book. I totally want one of those 40s white swim dresses.

Vintage Surf Graphics

2011-05-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

I tried surfing for the very first time last week and completely fell in love. For whatever fantastic combination of water-skiing and yoga experience I have under my belt, I stood up on my first try! I've never really had this kind of immediate success before and let me tell you it's addictive. I'm really digging these vintage graphics of surf culture throughout the years, found in the book Vintage Surfing Graphics published by Taschen.

Symmetry

2011-05-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

Symmetry from Everynone on Vimeo.

by Everynone for Radio Lab.

Scenes from the road

2011-05-16T18:01:00.012-04:00

I was recently sent on a business trip to Florida and this is some of what I saw. Found inspiration in the scenery and the talented photographers that make the day job worth while! Color images by me! B+W by Kohjoro Kinno.

Style crush

2011-05-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

Loving the construction of these two garments. reblogged from convoy.

Brick & Mortar

2011-05-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

Papersheep is in a store (an actual brick and mortar store)! Yay! We are super thrilled over here. Brooke and Michael Coxen own a wonderful boutique and design studio in Las Vegas called Paper & Home. If you are in the area be sure to make a stop and pay them a visit. The Coxens met in New York and relocated to Las Vegas to set up shop. Aren't they just the cutest husband and wife team? I think so, indeed.

Time for a visit

2011-05-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

I've been busy, not posting. Traveling and visiting friends and family, working, and making some custom work. There is a gorgeous breeze coming through my Brooklyn window as I type this, and I'm so happy it's Spring/almost Summer. I'm hitting the road again this week so, stay tuned for more travel inspiration. Enjoy this awesome sign found at Saint Louis' Union Station.

Tee time

2011-04-25T09:00:00.001-04:00

A photo I did for Sports Illustrated Golf.

Photograph by Gina Houseman

Good jeans

2011-04-22T09:00:00.001-04:00

Love the cut and cuff of her jeans (& the full wavy hairstyle too). Found via convoy.

Stanley & Sons

2011-04-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

Love this graphic, and want an apron for printing...

The search continues

2011-04-18T09:00:00.003-04:00

More bag love: top by Infusion, bottom by Quote

Sunshine & happiness

2011-04-16T12:16:00.007-04:00

Papersheep's whole aim to spread warmth b/w friends and family, so naturally we are thrilled to be a part of the very sunny blog, The Bright Side Project. These two ladies decided to turn all that recession noise into a much more positive message and remind everyone about the happier things in life. You've got 3 more days to win a set of 5 notecards from the new spring line, by answering the question here. Or just get your daily dose of sunshine from Miss K and Miss B right here. Also a special thanks to Nole at Oh So Beautiful Paper, for her wonderful post! If you love paper goods, you'll enjoy her curatorial eye.

Scarf saavy

2011-04-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but I LOVE scarves! They are flirty and great for adding a pop of color. Check out this awesome video tutorial for how to get the perfect styled scarved look, from the stylist at Free People.

Obsessed, and then some

2011-04-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

Found here.

Coast to coast

2011-04-11T09:00:00.003-04:00

I've been thinking about California a lot lately. I'm craving more sunshine and the sight of hills, and also the sea. I want a garden. Anyone ever moved from the east coast to the west? Was it hard or as magical as my imagination is making it seem at the moment? Joan Didion's essay is really speaking to me right now. Read it here. Cool map is by delovelyArts.

In search of: The perfect backpack

2011-04-08T09:00:00.001-04:00

For those that bring your laptop to and fro . . . I've found that the backpack is the most comfortable way to carry. This spring I'm seeing a lot of navy stripes and want a backpack that combines it with leather, for sturdiness and longevity. Here are three bags I'm coveting: a) Elegant Backpack, found at bag. b) Stripe Convertible Tote, by Alexandra Cassaniti. c) Leather and Canvas Backpack by Will bags found at Free People.

Spring!

2011-04-06T09:00:00.002-04:00

New Spring goodies in the shop! Hooray!

Pocket full of pixels

2011-04-04T09:00:00.001-04:00

I've read my first "digital" book. Or should I say I read a book "digitally" for the first time...

It was fun (LAMB by Christopher Moore is hysterical > I highly recommend).

It was convienent (so awesome to not have to pack my book- it lived in my phone > Long line? No problem!).

It had a drawback (oh most things do!) (It stinks when you're "book" loses battery and is no longer available for your commute home).

So I'll be sure to be keeping my ipad fully charged as I follow this exciting new digital Magazine! Matchbook Magazine is looking super fresh and interesting. Check out the latest issue, here!

Coming soon

2011-04-01T13:36:00.006-04:00

Papersheep has been printing, printing, printing, in order to get the Spring line in the shop. We're almost there! Here is a sneak peek of the process that I love oh-so-much!

Photos courtesty of the wonderful Aaron Cansler!

Book by it's cover

2011-03-31T14:37:00.003-04:00

Book cover design: gotta be one of the coolest jobs ever. Read a novel. Let the imagery wash over you. Create a cover that communicates the and intices. Read another novel. Get paid. Sweet, right? Check out this archive of great cover design, I found it via A Cup of Jo. Also, if I were a best selling author I'd hire this guy to design my cover. Gregg Kulick's cover for Harper Collins pictured above.

Weekend project

2011-03-27T14:22:00.008-04:00

I love the hairpin legs on this entry way bench. So much that I think they might be just the ticket to fixing my Nelson Bench (which has been leaning on a stack of books for far too long). I found this delightful project by Angela Ferdig on The Stir. Stay tuned for my own project pictures.

The luggage project is super cute too. It's totally approriate for that spot at the foot of the bed where you throw your clothes as you try on piece after piece in search of the day's perfect outfit. I'll have to keep it in mind next time I see a killer vintage suitcase at the flea market.

**Update the very handy and awesome roommate brought the Nelson Bench back to it's original standing upright glory. Thank-you wood glue, nails, patience, & roommate that has more of it than I!

Target: Designer Threads for less

2011-03-13T18:04:00.004-04:00

Don't you just love creative expression through personal style? Especially when you spot someone on the sidewalk that has a perfectly crafted and totally orginal look that suits them to a tee. Additionally falling in love with all those gorgeous creations that float or strut down the runways during fashion week. However, appreciating the expertise of the professionals AND being about to affordably integrate it into your own look is the ultimate experience. Which is why I say, in equal parts sheepish and proud, that my pal Frannie and I were at the Queens Target at 930am on a Sunday morning to be the first to pour over the culmination of the Go International Designer Collaboration collection. Normally I am not one for any 'Black Friday' experience nor will you ever find me lined up for days outside a retailer just to be the first to purchase something. But shopping in peace and having the full range of sizes and styles to choose from was heaven! Pictured above is what I walked away with. A very happy Sunday indeed.

The happiness formula

2011-02-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

So easy right? Art by Moritz Resl is available here.

I needed this today, thanks SwissMiss for finding and posting it.

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Travel is good for the soul

2011-02-16T18:37:00.005-05:00

photographs by Gina Houseman via Iphone Hipstamatic!

sweet tweets

2011-02-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

thanks OhJoy fans for your Valentines orders...

Photographer Spotlight: Michael Wright

2011-02-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'm taking some serious inspiration from this very talented photographer; Michael Wright.

found via OhJoy.

Snow man

2011-02-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

This song is making my heart go all aflutter lately... had to share.

Today, everyday

2011-02-06T00:25:00.005-05:00

I just recently saw a couple really amazing shows at the MOMA with a new found friend/coworker. The first was a history of images made by Women in Photography. Discovered some new favorites; Melissa Shook, Anne W. Brigman. Check these ladies out! The show expertly transformed into another; Staging Action: Performance in Photography, which blew me away: hello Adrian Piper. Wow. If you're in the NYC area before April 4th, do not hesitate. Amongst all this inspirational work, the question came up- who would you buy, if you could only purchase one print. My friend's answer: Nan Goldin. Mine? You're looking at it. Such a sucker for the peaceful intimate beauty of the everyday by the great William Eggleston.

Papersheep Press for Parchment Post

2011-01-25T17:50:00.006-05:00

I'm very excited to be a part of this new venture from Jamie at Parchment Post. She is launching a subscription service of carefully selected cards from her favorite designers. Papersheep is going to be in the first mailing, in time for Valentines Day, so sign up now to get the discount and start making trips to the mailbox that much more fun!

2011: you're alright.

2011-01-16T00:50:00.007-05:00

This week I photographed a still life for Sports Illustrated's Golf Magazine, shipped out Papersheep's first ever wholesale order, got paid for my first ever client logo, slept over at my friend's place of work during a blizzard/dance party, checked out some thought provoking work by Joel Holmberg at The New Museum, saw an amazing show on the photography that shaped Norman Rockwell's paintings at The Brooklyn Museum and sat in the orchestra at the Metropolitan Opera House to enjoy Rigoletto. Pretty damn good week.

Holiday shopp'in

2010-12-11T18:06:00.002-05:00

I'm selling holiday cheer and (regular cheer) via letterpressed cards at The Bust Mag Holiday Fair at the Metropolitain Pavilion at 125 18th Street, NYC tomorrow (this Sunday 12-12). Come see Me & Amy Sedaris from 10AM-8PM.

Very Merry

2010-12-06T08:00:00.003-05:00

Papersheep Press had a very merry weekend printing, packaging and shipping all the orders from the lovely readers of Design Sponge! Thank-you all so much. I am truly in awe of all the orders, nice comments and words of encouragement! Happy Holidays everyone! XO Gina

*Also new holiday greetings in the shop!

photograph by Gina Houseman

Photographer Spotlight: Rachel Bee Porter

2010-11-30T09:00:00.004-05:00

I love this image by photographer Rachel Bee Porter. Here is a snippet of her brilliant artist statement...

"...my work confronts the expectations that developed from buying into the carefully constructed photographic fantasies of the pristine and perfect domestic life. By appropriating the lush, brightly colored imagery of magazines and perverting it, I explore the aftermath of unfulfilled expectations that were bolstered through tips, tricks, how-to's, and eye-catching photographs."

photography by Rachel Bee Porter; found via Oh Joy

Blog Spolight: Convoy

2010-11-29T10:29:00.007-05:00

My very talented photographer friend Reynard Li turned me on to this neatly curated blog: Convoy. Reblogging a few images that struck me today... I want both these environments for my apartment! Happy Monday all.

Fashion forward

2010-11-28T15:09:00.002-05:00

New fashion inspired notecards in the shop! photographs by Gina Houseman

Photographer Spotlight: Gregory Crewdson

2010-11-22T22:09:00.005-05:00

I'm taking a photography class (and loving every second) at ICP. This artist was part of a lecture and has been sticking with me for days...

Words of Wisdom: The Quest

2010-11-22T21:36:00.002-05:00

Wise old google lead my inquisitive search field to this essay by Paul Graham recently and I enjoyed this part about discipline in finding work you love...

More often people who do great things have careers with the trajectory of a ping-pong ball. They go to school to study A, drop out and get a job doing B, and then become famous for C after taking it up on the side.
Sometimes jumping from one sort of work to another is a sign of energy, and sometimes it's a sign of laziness. Are you dropping out, or boldly carving a new path? You often can't tell yourself. Plenty of people who will later do great things seem to be disappointments early on, when they're trying to find their niche.
Is there some test you can use to keep yourself honest? One is to try to do a good job at whatever you're doing, even if you don't like it. Then at least you'll know you're not using dissatisfaction as an excuse for being lazy. Perhaps more importantly, you'll get into the habit of doing things well.
Another test you can use is: always produce. For example, if you have a day job you don't take seriously because you plan to be a novelist, are you producing? Are you writing pages of fiction, however bad? As long as you're producing, you'll know you're not merely using the hazy vision of the grand novel you plan to write one day as an opiate. The view of it will be obstructed by the all too palpably flawed one you're actually writing.
"Always produce" is also a heuristic for finding the work you love. If you subject yourself to that constraint, it will automatically push you away from things you think you're supposed to work on, toward things you actually like. "Always produce" will discover your life's work the way water, with the aid of gravity, finds the hole in your roof.

Apple picking

2010-11-22T08:41:00.004-05:00

My adventurous girlfriends and I out in Princeton, NJ loading up on apples, sunshine, farm animal petting and laughs.

Press update

2010-11-07T23:36:00.004-05:00

Papersheep press has a new home. I've moved the online shop to big cartel to sell the letterpress papergoods online. Click here and check out the new digs and the latest designs.

Spread literacy

2010-10-15T23:04:00.004-04:00

Next time you visit your local library or salvation army, bring a donation! Both will take your used books.

Words of Wisdom: On rising

2010-10-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

"Don't be afraid of opposition. Remember, a kite rises against, not with the wind." -Hamilton Wright Mabie, American writer

Whoa

2010-10-11T12:46:00.002-04:00

I'm super excited about this documentary about Feist! She's kinda my favorite.

Words of wisdom: On courage

2010-10-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."

-Winston Churchill

Designer Spotlight: schubLaden

2010-09-23T16:41:00.003-04:00

This clever shop creates new furniture from unmated vintage drawers. How cool!! via Furfin

Autumn arrival

2010-09-21T15:19:00.003-04:00

The circular scarves are back in the house. Contact me to place your orders!

Words of wisdom: On practice

2010-09-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

"We become just by the practice of just actions, self-controlled by exercising self-control, and courageous by performing acts of courage." -Aristotle

True blue

2010-09-13T16:30:00.007-04:00

Soooooo, Madonna is awesome. Kinda love her. Having a revival day here at the office; reminiscing afternoons spent dancing around the family room with my mom and baby sister. Oh the days.

Daily dose

2010-09-09T09:00:00.001-04:00

For the past six years I've kept a folder titled Inspiration on my computer's desktop. It's filled with pictures that provoke a creative spark. Additionally a physical file holds tear sheets from magazines of layouts I love. These act as reminders of that 'spark' for later use. A quick stroll through either can make me feel creative, or cheer me up on an average day. So far, this blog has been a platform to show and tell about my work alone. Now I'll be including the quotes and images which help to inspire that work and keep me creatively fed. I hope you enjoy these future Spotlights and Words of wisdom that will begin to be mixed in with a continuation of all things Papersheep!

photograph by Gina Houseman

Class reunion

2010-09-08T15:00:00.001-04:00

I started and finished this summer with reunions. The first was at wedding of friends I hadn't seen in 2 years. The last was a dinner party I hosted for college friends I hadn't seen since we graduated. Both were truly perfect bookends to a really hot but really fun summer.

Photographer Spotlight: Our Labor of Love

2010-09-08T09:00:00.001-04:00

I've seen lots of photographs by Our Labor Of Love in the blogosphere these days. They do some nice work. Love this shot (and that anchor tattoo).

Research: Tattoo

2010-09-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

Kate Moss was just being discovered for those iconic Calvin Klein ads when I was a teenager. Thus I've always loved her (even through her bad girl days). I found this image on a search for my potential anchor tattoo. Looks good on her! (Then again what doesn't?)

Film Director Spotlight: François Truffaut

2010-09-06T15:59:00.003-04:00

I've recently discovered this french film series by director François Truffaut. So far I've only seen 2 of the 5 films about the character Antoine, played by Jean-Pierre Léaud. But I've loved them both, and looking forward to the other three. The storyline starts out dramatic as this troubled youth (more like honest theif) struggles at home and in school. By Bed and Board (#4) he is still a little confused and troubled at times but ultimately funny and sweet. A charming look at French culture. The beautifully shot scenes of Paris alone make me want to pack my bags, brush up my French and travel back in time to the 60s.

Words of wisdom: On success

2010-09-03T09:00:00.001-04:00

"Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."

-Winston Churchill

Fall Footwear

2010-09-01T16:51:00.005-04:00

I love summer. I mean LOVE it. Every spring I long for the ability to leave home without a coat, dunning a short skirt and tank-top. And then every August it gets so hot here that the reverse sets in. Time for cooler breezes, smart jackets, and the latest and greatest in closed toe footwear. Although I try not to fall for every passing trend, I can't help myself when it comes to this year's focus on menswear shoes. Check out my new brogues! The red alligator heels were my Grandmother's. She bought them with her own money from her first job, at a very expensive $30. Wow. Naturally I'm thrilled they fit me in size as well as style.

photograph by Gina Houseman

Designer spotlight: Elastico

2010-08-27T11:58:00.007-04:00

I saw Elodie Blanchard's company Elastico at this years ICFF back in May. I immediately enjoyed her aesthetic, and products, but was mostly impressed with her presentation. Process was a topic that was really stressed in design school, and I think it's awesome that she posts her's right on her website. From concept to realization, check out her textiles and installations here.

Photographer spotlight: Mark Eden Schooley

2010-08-26T12:28:00.007-04:00

More white on white love, for these beautiful images from the website of Paris based photographer Mark Eden Schooley. I'm so impressed with photographers that work consistently from a certain color palette, no matter what the subject.

Feeling bookish

2010-08-23T22:41:00.002-04:00

New images for the grey felt cushions in the shop. Working with natural light, environment and prop styling. photograph by Gina Houseman

Designer Spotlight: Samantha Robinson

2010-08-19T12:44:00.005-04:00

I recently discovered the work of Samantha Robinson. Her vessels encourage my love of white on white patterns. Although she has some lovely colored patterns on porcelain too.

School days

2010-08-17T00:37:00.006-04:00

It's back to school time. I know this because my Mom is a teacher and tomorrow morning at 6am Central she will be rising, putting on her "Team Marquette" t-shirt, and driving to a brand new audience of squirming, teen-aged literature students. I wished her luck, and told her to remember her sack lunch on the way out the door.

After speaking with her I can't help but reminisce about the last days I was in school (many a year ago). Of course my mind flies right back to my favorite time; senior year in college. Back in art school where us students had lots of freedom to read, contemplate, and then make something thoughtful. I'm then reminded of my grand plan to list those hard earned skills and translate them right into a fruitful and rewarding job. Cue reality. Budgets, agendas, sales, bills, group work. All the things that get added on in the real world of (for me publishing). Thankfully a little stroll down memory lane via this old theory assignment helps to bring back some of the excitement:

The book I reference is: Interpreting Art: Reflecting, Wondering, & Responding by Terry Barrett.

Interpretation and Medium: Photography

Barrett spends a lot of time discussing how medium affects the meaning of a piece of work. He describes photography in three main categories: one how it documents time, secondly, how it is selective of what it records of the world, and lastly its credibility in recording it. Throughout Barrett’s discussion he continually compares photography with painting. Yes there are significant differences in how the two mediums are interpreted because of their difference in medium, however it troubled me that his interpretation of photography relied on his understanding of painting. Do you lose the true interpretation of a piece of work by not truly looking at it for what it really is? By not having a solid understanding of the medium are you robbing yourself as a viewer?

Yes and no. Barrett works very hard to make the point that each medium comes with specific unique characteristics that affect the how the piece is developed. When simply viewing a piece for it’s aesthetic qualities it is not necessary to understand the process. In most formal viewing situations, one is faced with the work of art alone, without background information on the process or the medium. In that situation I have made many interpretations to my own satisfaction. I’d look at the formal qualities of the piece and how well they were rendered. Then I examine the subject matter and look for any symbols or icons to indicate their meaning or importance. Lastly I draw on my experiences and emotions to find out how the piece of art is making me feel.

However, according to this chapter I am missing out by not understanding if the piece is fabricated or true to life for instance. I guess that is a given when examining paintings because everything is fabricated slowly over time, even if it’s purpose is to render reality. Photography is different because it has some elements of both fiction and reality. Several factors play into the degree of each in a piece. Barrett’s description of selectivity is very accurate and helpful here. Besides the obvious of darkroom manipulations, straight photography involves fiction of its own accord. Every time a photograph is taken, parts of the world are included, and the rest is eliminated. This quality allows photographers to manipulate your view of the world while looking at their photographs. When a photographer sets up a shot, just as a painter will set up a still life or a model, she is making choices as to how the world looks and how we see it. But when the shot is taken there is still reality of the elements in the picture. This gives viewing photography another dimension. Even if a photographer uses a slow shutter speed to blur the motion of a speeding bullet, it is still recording a reality of how the bullet looked at that period of time that the photograph was taken.

But simply making the distinction between mediums is not enough. In some instances knowing how a photograph is taken makes all the difference. Knowing if it took two hours to snap one shot, or an eighth of a second makes a difference in how we perceive it. For example a photograph of the nights sky can be taken with an open shutter and left to record for hours. As the shutter stays open it records the movement of the earth past the stars, creating a pattern of the starlight. If a person takes a picture of a pattern of lights in the distance, the image could look very similar, but each one has a different dynamic to it. It is important in viewing photography to consider the elements of reality as well as the elements of fiction to truly interpret the work.

Words of wisdom: On freedom

2010-08-16T20:16:00.005-04:00

"... I came to realize that because my purpose on this earth seems to be to write novels, I am actually freer when I'm chained to a project: freer from guilt, anxiety, boredom, anger, purposelessness."

A snipet of a quote from Jonathan Franzen in this week's TIME Magazine cover story on his latest book Freedom. I loved the whole article being that I'm a big fan of Franzen's work; and a fellow Chicago born, St. Louis raised, NYC transplant.

All dessed up

2010-07-27T09:00:00.001-04:00

Here is the finished the chair make-over.... and a sneak peak at the new white workspace! photograph by Gina Houseman