Awe-fully Ugly 12/09/2010
 
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Some things are so ugly, they're cute---like pugs and French bulldogs. The same can be said of Christmas ornaments. I'm not sure how the incongruity works, but somewhere between not-so-attractive and downright ugly, there's a loophole that allows pitiful Xmas ornaments to become a thing of beauty (well, almost).

Consider this example, the lightbulb reindeer, photographed by my friend and indie artist, Jason Tinacci. His blog, Awe-Full Ornaments, is a tribute to the "ugly, tacky, funny, kitschy or otherwise, awe-full holiday ornament". Easy on the eye? Certainly not. But they win points for inventiveness, resourcefulness, and everyone's favorite category, "Made with Love".

Check out Jason's blog for the best of the worst holiday ornaments. Love what you see? Then pick-up his book or some awe-full cards to send to your friends and family. Even learn how to submit your own ornament.

Awe-full Ornaments by Jason Tinacci Photography
Jason Tinacci Photography
studio: 707.287.5397
jason@tinacciphoto.com
7" x 7" softcover book, $15.00
5" x 7" cards, $3.50 each or $28.00 for a pack of 10 (assorted)

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Image via Awe-full Ornaments
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That's Sketchy 09/16/2010
 
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I am not an artist, at least not in the traditional sense. I can't really draw or paint and as for my photography skills, I figure if you take enough pictures, eventually you'll find one that is A-okay. And yet, I'm totally intrigued by The Sketchbook Project.

Heard of it? I'm quite sure it's one of those cool "what if" ideas turned reality. Anyone can participate (there's no level of skill required), so even "non-artists" like me can join in on the fun. What is required is $25, but in exchange, you get a Moleskine sketchbook which you must use in some way to convey your art.

Now here's the totally rockin' part! You send it back to The Sketchbook Project and they slap on a bar code. Why? Because your book is going on tour---from Portland, ME to San Francisco, CA, your book will be out and about before reaching its final destination at The Brooklyn Art Library (where it will become part of the permanent collection). And once it's cataloged with the bar code, you can track your book, see where it is on tour, even how many times someone's looked at it. Amazing, right? My art? Not so much. At least not yet, but I'm working on it...

The Sketchbook Project
Sign-up date is October 31st. Book postmark date is January 15, 2011. Tour starts March 2011.

Thumbprint: I
Image via arthousecoop.com
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Sometimes I wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Sometimes I scowl instead of smile. I tend to be a glass is half empty kind of gal, but I'm optimistic that I can change. But it's a process and since I'm not there yet, sometimes I need a reminder that things will be A-okay.

So a new item on my wish list is the Don't Worry Mug from Rock, Scissor, Paper, a sister/sister stationary company out of Los Angeles (I mention this because their So Cal upbringing influences their mod, colorful designs). Like Brynne Cogorno's notecards that grow, Rock, Scissor, Paper's lineup of mugs, coasters, and stationery are all you need to brighten your day.

Rock, Scissor, Paper
11851 Glencrest Drive
San Fernando, CA 91340
Tel 818-361-1142
info@rockscissorpaper.com
Don't Worry Mug, $14.00, 3 3/4" tall x 3" diameter, dishwasher and microwave safe

Thumbprints: B, C

P.S. - Have a school, team or non-profit fundraiser coming up? How about nixing the sugar habit that typically goes along with it. Contact Rock, Scissor, Paper for details on how you can fundraise with them instead.

Image via www.rockscissorpaper.com
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Artistic Aimee 02/19/2010
 
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Great advice from someone who has done just that.

Growing up together, I never thought Aimee would become an artist. Sure, she had the interest and talent, but she also excelled in math, science, English and music, among other things. I foresaw a career in medicine or perhaps a PhD in psychology.

But Aimee is more adventurous than most.  Not in the sense that she's going to bungee jump off the Eiffel Tower anytime soon (although I hear she's taken up trapeze), but she doesn't adhere to the tenets of mainstream society, and I find that brave. She lives closer to the fringe, valuing relationships, old and new, and experiences over cars and clothes. She travels incessantly, so I never know exactly where she is (last we spoke, she'd just returned from a year-long papermaking stint in Korea thanks to a Fulbright Scholarship, and was heading to upstate New York followed by a trip to Miami for an art installation).

Am I a little jealous?  Definitely, but Aimee's work, spirit and lifestyle are inspiring.

A self-professed "interdisciplinary artist working across performance, installation, and book arts media, interested in personal storytelling," Aimee's work is hard to describe because it encompasses so many disciplines and artistic mediums.  Part philosopher, anthropologist, musician and historian, her work is unique and interesting on a number of levels. 

Aimee Lee
www.aimeelee.net
moonaimee.blogspot.com
contact@aimelee.net
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Photo Shopping 01/14/2010
 
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Now that I'm in my early thirties, I've decided that it's time to throw away the college Miró and Rothko prints and buy some "real" art.  You know, the kind that you actually frame, instead of adhere to the wall with blue putty.

Which brings me to Jason Tinacci Photography. Yes, I am tooting the horn of another friend, but it's only because I also happen to love his work. His friendship is secondary (at least when it comes to this blog posting).

Though he hasn't quit his day job, I hope one day he can because Jason is pure genius behind the lens. He sees things that the average person, like me, doesn't when they look around the world, and is able to capture those images with his camera. Even the simple and mundane become beautiful and noteworthy. Check out his portfolio and you'll see what I mean.

Jason Tinacci Photography
1164 Pear Tree Lane
Napa, CA 94558
studio: 707.287.5397
fax: 530.685.5561
jason@tinacciphoto.com

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