My Kid Could Paint That!

I recently came across a documentary that I think is essential for any art lover to watch! It is entitled "My Kid Could Paint That" directed by Amir Bar-Lev. The story surrounds young artist Marla Olmstead who started painting at the age of 2 (now 9). The documentary follows her success as an international abstract painter. Her paintings become more and more coveted as the prices of her paintings soared into the tens of thousands of dollars range.

What is most interseting to me about the documentry is the fact that she literally came out of nowhere when as a "novelty" she was asked to show a couple of paintings in the local coffee shop-- and things took off from there. As her paintings become more and more in demand speculation started to surround her family (her father who dabbles in art is suspected of either assisting Marla with paintings or completely creating the paintings himself). It's facinating to watch as even the director of the documentary who was 100% confident in the autheniticty of the work, starts to wane in his faith as the documentary progresses.

I give this documentary a perfectly chic rating of 10.0 for the way it grabs you, tells a story, and really questions the authority of modern abstract art.

Black Eyed Suzie

Wow after long hiatus I must apologize for being MIA for so long! I've been busy with "life" in general-- through a new job and losing 40lbs (and recording that on my other blog) I am going to attempt to be more regular on this blog!

Black Eyed Suzie creates the most ugly- beautiful dolls I've seen in a long time. The disheveled hair, bulgy sad eyes and stick thin figures make you just want to take em home and show them some love. The artist refers to her dolls as "Tattered Victorian Gothic" which I think explains them perfectly! Her 3 dimensional work reminds me much of the work of previously featured artist, Roadside Projects. Black Eyed Suzie will even custom create dolls to your specification (especially nice for slightly gothic special events like weddings). Chic Factor : 8.9

Stepanka

Porcelain pillows? Maybe not such a great resting place for your head... but a perfectly plump piece of art for your wall to rest your eyes on! Stepanka's work evokes a sense of beauty in three dimensionality whether it stems from geometric shapes, frantic lines or devilishly clever text. It's quick, it's thoughtful and most of all fun! Chic Factor 8.9!

Fashion Prints!

Here is a sample of some work I've been doing--- the original idea was to create a nice juxtaposition of patterns vs. flat figures in interesting fashion statements... what came next was the introduction of the same concept to retro chic furniture.. let me know what you think? The fashion prints were recently in a show @ NVISION. -- Give some feedback-- good and especially bad!

Charlie Harper

One of my favorite artists is Charlie Harper. His work is fantastic but largely over-looked by the art community. He has a cult following in his home town of Cincinnati-- but has received recent acclaim by Todd Oldham who has worked to archive the work of Charlie Harper shortly before his death earlier this year. His work is largely simplistic and graphical. Chic factor or a perfect 10!

Monkey Powered

After a few days.. we're glad to be back! Today's feature is Monkey Powered. Playfully strong and quirky-- Monkey Powered prints utilize a series of textures and patterns to give these delectable prints extra pow! Witty without being overly dramatic-- retro without being cliche. Perfect for a child's room-- or for a child at heart's room :o) Chic Factor 8.8

Monster Gallery

Retro influenced prints are soooo much fun! I love everything about them-- which is why I absolutely LOVE Monster Gallery! -- I especially love old cameras or ray guns--old video games-- anything that's somewhat playful and iconic-- and definitely scratched up. Chic Factor 8.3!

Whisker Graphics

Whisker Graphics utilizes silk screening and digital art to create the beautiful graphics on her cards. Her designs incorporate vintage items, animals and elegant designs with themes for any occasion imaginable or for every day use. You can even have your cards customized with you name or initials which comes complete with a matching themed envelope. Often very intricate in detail, the images are reminiscent of letter press. These would be perfect for customized wedding invitations! Chic Factor 8.9

Belle & Boo

What I love about Belle & Boo is the story-book like characters she creates! Her renditions of children are soft and beautiful and filled with warmth and love. Each print tells a story-- and the inclusion of soft white animals make the prints sweet and charming. These prints are perfect for a child's room or library. Belle & Boo also has branched out to put her sweet prince and princesses on buttons, mirrors, bags, magnets, cards and clothes! There's enough variety to make owning one of these precious illustrations possible for any budget! Chic factor 9.2

Jenn Ski-- today's artist!

I'd like to introduce one of my favorite etsy artists, Jenn Ski. What I love about her work is the playful throw back to retro style. Her shop offers a variety of paintings, cards and prints in a miriad of sizes. Aside from her stellar patterns she offers a series of A- Z prints (A is for Alligator). While the renditions are relatively simplistic in style they abound in humor and playfulness and are utterly irresistible! The A-Z prints be a nice shower gift-- but would be perfect for any child's room (they avoid the too cutesy for older kids factor). Chic factor 9.5!