Artist Crush: Julia Galloway

Have you seen the work of Julia Galloway?  Her ceramics are really beautiful.  I love the whimsical simplified floral motif on these plates and the way the glaze has bled.

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I Love Brooklyn Stationery

 

{photos by Kari of sugarB studio}

I'm very excited to be sharing my new 'I LOVE BROOKLYN' stationery with you today! I participated in a 'pinning project' organized by Anne of Signature Style and Taylor of Curly in the City.  Unknowingly, I had entered in a giveaway and received this customized stationery from Kari of sugarB studio.  I love stationery- and this collection is so cute.  I love the pop of yellow!  Kari will be launching her new website at the end of March, and I'm excited to see her new line!

Be sure to check out Anne's blog as she'll be posting boards from the 'pinning project' today.

Color Study: Yellow

As I was visiting my parent's this weekend, my Mom pulled out all of her yellow objects for me to photograph.  She has an amazing collection of objects that have inspired me since childhood.

Yellow reminds me happiness and sunshine - of bananas, lemons, and golden delicious apples.  Yellow reminds me of spring – of daffodils, dandelions, and bright umbrellas.  Yellow reminds me of sunflowers and Van Gogh.  Yellow reminds me of butterscotch candies and their crinkly wrappers.  Yellow reminds me of optimism.

What does yellow remind you of?

Be sure to check out Brynn's blog for more yellow inspiration.

Vanity Fair Postcard

I received this postcard in the mail and had to share it.  I love this illustration!

Weekend Bits

My weekend was filled with long car rides, but the short time I was home was so nice.  Amazingly, spring seems to be arriving early this year, which makes me very happy.  The contrast between the surroundings and the little pops of spring seems startling and exciting.  Are you ready?

Table Numbers

I'm headed to the Cape today for my friend's bridal shower.  I painted these numbers for her to use at the wedding.  I love navy and white!

Friday Photo

I took these photos walking along 5th ave in Park Slope.  How great is that green color?

Dumbo

I've been enjoying the change of scenery working in Dumbo.  Here are some of the photos I've taken over the past few weeks.

Check out more photos after the jump.

Camera Search: Part 1

{Brooklyn Bridge}

So the search for a camera is on!  We are getting some money back from our taxes, and I've earmarked some of it for a new camera.  I'm not an expert on cameras - so I've been doing some research.  I wanted to share it with all of you in case you're in the same position as me.


First, I asked my brother-in-law.  He's really knowledgeable about all sort of technological gadgets.  He started out by asking me a few questions about what I was looking for in terms of size, lenses, and controls.  I want something that will take very good quality photos and that I'll have more control over than a point and shoot.  I also want to be comfortable holding it, and so it can't be too huge.


He explained to me that there are a few types of cameras (with generalizations about their features):
Compact Camera -  Pocketable, minimal control, not great for low light.
Advanced Compact Camera -  Similar to a compact but probably too big for a pocket.  More manual controls.
Mirrorless Interchangeable Lense Camera - Bigger and with a bigger sensor, better in low light, manual control, multiple lenses, better autofocus and dynamic range, may have an optional viewfinder.
DSLR - Big, best lowlight, dynamic range, and autofocus, multiple lenses, has an optical viewfinder.

He has a Nikon D90 (DSLR) but mentioned that if he could justify buying a new camera right now, he would get an Olympus E-P3, which is a mirrorless interchangeable lense camera.  It is smaller than the D90 and has a number of physically small but fast (large aperture) lenses.  The large aperture compensates for the slightly smaller sensor in low light performance and also allows you to have the subject in focus while the background is blurry.  

His other big recommendation is to go to a camera store and try a bunch of cameras to see what is comfortable for you to use.  I will definitely be doing this! I want my new camera to feel perfect in my hands.


Do you have any other advice or recommendations?  I'd love to hear from you!  I'll be posting more about my search next week.

Sketchbook: Ink Wash Storm

Artist Crush: George Bowes

These ceramics by George Bowes are so incredible.  I love how he overlays patterns and textures.  For this black and blue collection he limited the color palette and slowly built up color and texture through washes of glazes- pretty amazing.

{Close up Vase Detail}

{My favorite cup via the Rosenfield Collection}

{Mug via the Rosenfield Collection}

{Plate via the Rosenfield Collection}

{Cup via the Rosenfield Collection} {Cup via the Rosenfield Collection}

Color Study: Orange

Orange reminds me of citrus fruit, tiger lilies, and the bike painted neon orange near my office in Dumbo.  Orange reminds me happiness - of childhood summers and eating creamsicles from the ice cream truck.  Orange reminds me of India, and the women's bright flowing saris.  Orange reminds me of exuberance and energy.

What does orange remind you of?

Be sure to check out Brynn's blog for more orange inspiration.

Weekend Bits

This long weekend was just what I needed.  We had dinner Friday night at Salinas with my cousin.  Like Steve and myself she also enjoys good food and we shared a bunch of tapas.  My favorite was one of the specials - a croquette filled with cheese, foie gras, and oysters.  A few other highlights included my Sunday yoga class, getting my nails done, and dinner at one of my favorite restaurants al di là with my mother-in-law and Steve.  If you haven't been you must - but get there early or go during the week, as they don't take reservations unless you are a large party.  


A few other exciting things happened this past week that I wanted to share with you:

We booked tickets to North Carolina to see our friends Stacie and Tom in March - so excited!

I participated in a 'pinning project' led by Anne of Signature Style and Taylor of Curly in the City and ended up winning stationery from sugarB studio!

I joined twitter!  I'll admit I didn't see the point of it- but my cousin was telling me about it at dinner and
I decided to sign up.  I'm still learning how to use it, and am being spammed a lot (how do I stop that?!) BUT have realized why it is so fun.  If I hadn't joined I never would have found out about a dinner grubwithus is hosting where you get to meet the Design*Sponge ladies!  I can not wait!


I hope that you all had a great weekend as well!

Marni for H&M

Lucky Magazine has posted the lookbook for the H&M Marni collection.  Living in NYC it may be sold out before I can get to the store- and to be honest I'm not sure I want to brave the craziness!  Will you be heading to H&M when it opens on March 8th to snag some of the collection?

Long Weekend

I'm thoroughly enjoying the three day weekend.  It really feels a bit luxurious when you have no real plans and aren't traveling.  Lately I've been feeling like I just need one more weekend day - and now I have it!

Friday Photo

The Buddha in the Attic

I recently read 'The Buddha in the Attic' by Julie Otsuka.  It's her follow up novel to 'When the Emperor was Devine' which I haven't read- but now want to!  It tells the story of group of Japanese women who are 'picture brides.'  It is so poetically written that you can't help but read it quickly- yet their lives and stories are so impactful they stick with you.  It is definitely worth picking up.  What have you been reading lately?