Monica Canilao

I was first introduced to Monica Canilao the same way I've been exposed to many of my current favorite artists, via Faythe Levine's old gallery Paper Boat. In 2007 Monica showed her work along side Mike Brodie's photographs. I was blown away. I briefly met Monica before I saw her art. She was in town for the show and had finished hanging her work early so Faythe took her down the street to my old boutique. Monica struck me as very warm and authentic. She bought a dress which she wore later for the opening.

Image from Paper Boat's flickr. See more photos from the 2007 show here.

Monica's collages incorporate forgotten objects like worn textiles and vintage photographs. In them, the colors and textures of antiquity and decay are jolted by neon geometric details and enchanting imagery. She has since started doing huge installations which take the same aesthetic of her collages and turn it into an environment, which is truly magical.

Images of Canilao's most recent installation at Lopo Gallery from here.

This past summer Faythe had Monica back to Milwaukee for the installation"What's Lost is Safe" in Faythe's new space, Sky High Gallery. Since she was coming from out of town and had only 5 days to create her installation, Monica had called for Milwaukee people to donate materials for her to work with. I dropped off a box of old notions, a shawl, and other do-dads and got a chance to see her working, dying old lace and tablecloths in back of the gallery. At the opening I was excited to find my little objects woven in to the installation. I was enchanted with the honor of being a part of her creative miracle.

Above photos from a studio visit with Monica over at In The Make.

Also see;

A great interview with Monica and Bunnie Reiss whom she has been collaborating with for the Lopo Gallery installation. A neat process video of said installation.

a handy tip for the easily distracted

As mentioned in my last post, I'm currently working hard on time management, rearranging my schedule, and soul searching to improve my stress to fulfillment ratio. This video by Miranda July is appropriate.

via Bleubird

some print designs inspiring me right now...

1.&2. bark decor, 3. muelu and jones , 4. iheartfink, 5. thief and bandit

our favorite children's books

The lovely Marie of The Blue Balloon had me as a guest on her blog yesterday. I wrote about our current favorite children's books. Check it out here.

cassandra smith

I've been meaning to pick up one of these antlers from fellow Milwaukee artist Cassandra Smith ever since they debuted in Print Shop Forever, an awesome online art shop run by my other Milwaukee buddy Cortney Heimerl. I was just reminded today when I saw Cassandra's work mentioned on My Love for You. You can get the painted antlers on Cassandra's etsy shop, but the sequined ones are only available on PSF. And I just grabbed this one!

Mariam Sitchinava

What I wouldn't give to have this woman shoot my next look book!

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weathered farmhouse campout

Speaking of the north woods, I'd like to share this pinboard which is currently my favorite (out of my own). Are you on Pinterest? Let's follow each other.

geodes and crystals

Just organizing my inspiration for the spring/summer collection and I noticed this theme.

necklace, sculpture, collage, dress,

Vivian Maier

I stumbled across Maier's story in the New York Times and was immediately fascinated. The theories about her personal life and the story of how thousands of her very impressive photos have been unearthed and are still being developed is really very interesting to me. Also, I just love depictions of mid-century urban lifestyle.

let it snow

The first snow of the season is falling outside my window. I promise to appreciate the beauty and mystery of the glistening white as long as possible this time. But no doubt by mid-February my crabby ass will be cursing this nasty shit as I haul the 5,000th shovel-full over my broken back.

This editorial was in the New York Times Style Magazine, shot by Sofia Sanchez and Mauro Mongiello.

Hovercraft is coming

Some friends of mine are putting together a craft fair/ art show / awesomeness exhibition (as I interpret it) in Milwaukee this December. I encourage all you local creatives to participate. It's cheap and sure to be fun. Alls you gotta do is email them with a description of your work and some pics by Sept. 30th. Check out their blog and do it!

the cottage

We've been going "up north" since I was small. My grandparents had the cutest little cottage on the cutest little lake. It was completely decked in 1970's kitsch, and small as a trailer. Sadly, they had to sell it when I was 12 or so. I have so many great memories of that place. These pictures remind me of how modest and cozy it was.

My parents bought some land in Northern Wisconsin this year. They are having a summer home built. Alas, I've seen the plans for my parent's "cottage". It will be quite big, and will have all the modern suburban home features. Granite, kitchen island, mud room, 2 car garage, big screen tv.....oh, and don't forget the wall plaque from Kmart "Live well, laugh often, love much".....barf.

I'm very happy for my parents. They're going for it, and getting what they have been saving for and dreaming of for a long time. And I will definitely enjoy taking advantage of the home and the land myself with my own family. But it simply won't be what I imagine a northwoods refuge should be.

Photos from J. Morgan Puett, and The Polaroid Kidd.

sure would like a real vacation

It's been way too long since I've taken myself out of everything and taken a ride. Traveling like that brings me closer to Myself, and God and Chaos. No opportunities for that for a while....sigh. Too many adventures to tend to inside this home-life. It's a wild ride staying put!

These incredible photos are from here.

lace covered trees

Amazing installation in Toronto by Janet Morton.

via Design for Mankind

"...an unscientific point of view on the beginning and evolution of life ... and how it could probably end."

Amazing, amazing! This animation is so imaginative. By the incredible artist Blu. See a larger version here.

BIG BANG BIG BOOM - the new wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.

Alyssa Schulte at Sky High Gallery

If you live in Milwaukee, (and you aren't out of town for a wedding like me) then there is absolutely no reason why you should not be at this gallery opening tomorrow. Alyssa Schulte will be showing her awesome work and a mural she's installed at Faythe Levine's new gallery. Saturday 2-6pm at Sky High Skate Shop and Gallery 2501 S. Howell Ave.

I'm sooo very happy that Faythe has a gallery once again. She is the best curator ever. She has packed this summer with a bunch of great events and shows.

I love the decayed textures and 1980's imagery. Hollis Brown Thornton.