Look Close!

I spotted this telephone pole by the Ann Arbors Farmers Market this morning. It is a rare day indeed when one encounters a pole without any flyers posted to it. I thought this was quite beautiful and remarkable at the same time.

Blue Dolls!

These dolls are found in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They are two to three feet tall and the benches are facing one another. Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to view them in person. My Mom took the photos and forwarded them. I liked them enough to post (finally) again. I hope you'll like them, too!

Now these are some paws!

How's that for a pair of shoes?! 

These are custom made by an artist from Kharkov, Ukraine named Bob Basset. He makes all kinds of leather items, but these are my favorite. I have a passion for shoes and these would be a wonderful addition to my collection. Especially since I am such a fan of bears, too! 

Grrrreat Shoes! (Couldn't resist....)

Obama Handbag

I found this at a local merchant. I wish the quality of the photo was better, as I couldn't find anything on the internet about this piece. Odd. You would think this would be easily searchable. 

Anyway, I like handbags by Debbie Brooks. There was a store in town that sold her pieces, but my budget never allowed me to own one. If I had the money today, this is NOT one I would buy, but I still thought it was noteworthy.

Gobama!

Things I can't see...

I'm a sucker for animals and bugs, too. Art that encompasses either of these has an advantage over other pieces. I also have an affinity for pigs. I'm not quite sure where that came from, perhaps the movie babe? 

These are pieces from a textile show at the Arts and Crafts Cooperative in Berkeley California. Lately I've been wishing for money to be able to buy art, visit art and just plain old be a part of art. Rarely am I unhappy with my position in life. But lately my love of art (and beautiful cloths) makes me wish I had more money.

The 2009 collection...

No, this piece is not part of a collection from a runway. It's not that kind of collection. It is part of Chris Roberts-Antieaus work and she refers to it as part of her "2009 collection". 

Anyway, I've been a fan of her work for some time. She is in the Original Ann Arbor Art Fair every year and is often the featured artist on their promotional materials. She has a following all over the county.

I prefer her animal themes, which she seems to be getting away from. I have two pieces. 'Long Dog' given to me by a friend and 'Growling Puppy' that I bought several years ago. 

However, if someone where to offer this to me, I'd take it in a heart beat. I love it's size and of course, it is a water theme. Water is what relaxes me. Plus, it is the quintessential hallway piece. It is hard to find something that can command small spaces. This would do it.  

Knitting for pets!

I've always thought that knitting would be fun, but have never been inspired until now. 

These are photos of some of the items you can learn how to knit in a book called, "Pet Projects: The Animal Knits Bible" by Sally Muir and Joanna Osbourne. I might just have to pick up a copy for myself. Maybe just the book, but I'm considering needles too!

When Bear and Cooper where alive, I saved Bears hair (he had so much of it)! I always had this idea of weaving his hair into yarn and then knitting a sweater. Well, they are both gone now, but I still have Bears hair. Maybe I could knit a sweater for Mr. Knuckles?

BIG...FAST...SLIPPERS!

This may be even more unusual than the cupcake cars. Only because they are a matching pair.

I don't know much about them. But under my definition, they do qualify as public art. And MOVING public art at that!

Awesome!

These pieces are done by an artist named Geoffrey Gorman who is represented by the Jane Sauer Gallery in Sante Fe, New Mexico. I know they aren't public art, but I loved them enough to pass them along anyway. I am exceedingly fond of three dimensional textile art especially when animals are included. I'm a sucker for this kind of stuff. Add the cartoon element and I'm sold! I just wish I could call and say 'sold!' to the gallery....

A new acquisition

This piece was purchased by my Mom at the Ann Arbor Art Fair this year. My Mom doesn't make investments of this kind often, so I was excited to see it.

It is light in weight, as the kayak is made from canvas over a light wood frame. I really like this piece. It was not at all what I had envisioned. 

I've been interested in kayaking for a while now, this only peaks my curiosity! 

Fish Bicycle

When I found this, there was no information about it. Hence, I am unable to credit the artist or cyclist or both. But I liked it enough that I wanted to share it anyway. 

When I googled it, I found lots of Fisher Bikes and variations of the saying "A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle." The saying is generally attributed to Gloria Steinem, but in reality is unsubstantiated. In any case, the search was almost as fun as the photos.

I also found a giant fish bike in motion with a few other smaller fish in tow. This is an excellent way to spend 52 seconds of your life. Click here!

A fun find!

Nature as art once again. I found this bird nest after a rain storm. It fell out of a tree and was adjacent to the path in the courtyard behind my home. I placed it atop this stone and it was left in place for weeks. It eventually fell off and is next to the rock. I've left it as is. It is beautiful to look at in detail as it it constructed of twigs, mud and other small found items. Finally, I'm happy to report that when it fell, the family had long since grown up and moved on.

milliner genius!

My love affair with hats is cemented every time I spot a Philip Treacy hat. He is one of the most unconventional hat makers I have ever seen. I was lucky enough to attend a show that Cranbrook Museum hosted in 2006. Once you get to know his work, it is readily identifiable. Some would call it crazy, but as with every brilliant artist, one should view a large portion of the work before you make hasty decisions about the work.

One of his more famous recent commissions was a hat for Camilla Parker Bowels for the recent royal wedding of Queen Elizabeth's grandson to a Canadian woman. Pictures of the wedding include photos of Camilla's hat as well as two young ladies with Philip Tracey hats. The butterflies version is shown here.

Hats are one of my favorite accessories! And Philip Treacy is a milliner genius!

New Fibers 2008 opens at EMU

Fiber Arts Network of Michigan presents a national survey of contemporary fiber art. 

New Fibers 2008 opens at the Student Center in Eastern Michigan University's campus in Ypsilanti, Michigan. 

The show opens on May 6 and closes June 12. Opening night when you can meet the artists' is Friday May 9, 2008 from 5 PM to 7 PM. 

Click here for directions. 

Come and see a sampling of some of the best national fiber artists!