While obsessing over wedding websites and blogs today, i stumbled upon this wonderful ATL based photography duo. I am a huge fan of wedding photography and I feel like it is one of the most important things to choose right. I absolutely fell in love with their work. Can you see why?

They are standing amongst Kudzu! I love it! check out the our labor of love website and blog.

Well, the life on my north facing porch is starting to fade…so I’m planning a new look for it starting next spring. I am also gathering information on starting my own Urban garden shop some day…untill then, here’s the inspiration for my prch come next spring. Cute and cozy and seen on Design*Sponge a few months ago.

Sorry this is so long overdue, but last month I was lucky to be able to attend the American Craft Council Conference: Creating a New Craft Culture in Minneapolis, MN. It was a great opportunity and I will do my best to summarize…

Day 1

Opening Keynote: The Craftsman in Socity, Richard Sennett

Sennett’s opening remarks truly set the stage for rest the of the conference. He talks about the craftsman in an inclusive way and summarizes the term to include all the technicians in our society, remarking that we are all craftspersons in one way or another. Craftwork=problem solving + problem finding, I definitely know this to be true. He also posed the question, “Why does Mediocracy dominate over craftsmanship”? He also believes that modern capitalism works against the craftsperson (unfortunately yes).

Lifestyle and Livelyhood in Craft Culture, Elissa Auther

Auther spoke about the colapse of boundaries bewteen craft, work, and politics.

Lifestyle – social identity, reflex of practice, reflexive model of identity

Livelihood – how one earns money often interwines with lifestyle

Craftsman Ideal – intertwining of art + life (work + live)

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Round Table Discussion: Craft in the 21st Century: Identity, Choice, Meaning, Sandra Alfoldy, moderator, with panelists Claudia Crisan, Thomas Patti and Michael Sherrill

This discussion set about to conquer questions about the preconceived notions of the crafts: and then there was MARTHA

1. You don’t need to use traditional craft materials to be a craftsperson. (I believe this to be truem I mean, just look at my work!)

2. Crafts is an environmental, sustainable set of practices. (Not necessarily)

3. Functional Craft is less important than one-of-a-kind work. (What about functional one-of-a-kind work?)

4. Making it by hand makes it craft.

There was a huge debate about this one. My obvious reaction is no, I use hand and digital techniques in my work and yet I still believe that there is a place in the world of craft for what I am doing.

5. The Craft field is dyeing and DIY will save it.

And then there was Martha. This question brought up a huge debate about Martha Stewart and how she is either helping or hurting the craft community. As you probably know I think that most of what Martha does is great, and it’s not just about the crafts. If anything, she sparks an interest in people about craft. It operates on an entirely seperate realm than that of “fine craft” and that’s obvious. I don’t think she’s hurting the craft field, she’s getting people to notice it who maybe wouldn’t normally do so. And let me also just say that she was brought up atleast another 10 times after this….huge debate….still thinking about it today…

On another note, Sandra Alfoldy was a professor of mine at NSCADU and it was great to see her again. I really enjoyed everthing that Claudia Crisan had to say. Here is an example of her work:

She and her husband own an Edible Art Bakery…so fun!

okay, I think that’s all I can handle for now…I will post more about the conference a little later!

Catherine Malandrino came to visit SCAD last weeek and was very nice to share her experience here on her blog. THe above photo is Catherine in front of the new-ish Fibers building, it is so beautiful and makes me so proud everytime I walk up to it. She posted some great photos of the fashion and fibers departments and even included a great photo of my messy work desk in the fibers grad studio. I guess I have learned my lesson, I will try to be neater Catherine! But either way, it gives you a glimpse into my work process….samples, samples, samples!

Jon and I had a GREAT trip! It’s such a nice city to visit and explore. I really miss the walking now that I’m back in Savannah, and the variety of awesome food! Here are some highlights…the 6×6 Gallery opening was great! My piece is now available online. This is it! I made this canvas using acrylic and gouache paint, digitally printed silk organza, and watercolor paper.

I met up with a old friend, Dan of Stand Alone Gallery. We hashed out some details of a show we’re working on for next Spring. Jon and I got to stay with some lovely ladies I know from high school. It was so great to see everyone! In this photo we are actually on a boat (that Dan lives and works on) and in front of the statue of liberty. So fun!

Tomorrow Jon and I are flying up to NYC for a much needed escape and also for the opening of 6×6 Gallery where a piece of my work will be featured.

We will roam around the city for a few days then head to Toronto, and then eventually make it over to Hamilton for Jenna’s wedding!

Jon and I are engaged! It happened over labor day weekend and it’s been really hard not to shout it from the rooftops! Jon did a very sweet proposal! Right now we are planning on having the wedding in October of 2010. For news and updates, check out our wedding blog.

This time, in the U.S. at the Tacoma Goodwill-Millgard Work Opportunity Center. How inspiring! and one more reason to love the Goodwill (Jon will be so proud of me!)

More on this here.

Here are some shots of my show, Transitional Pattern, the opening was last friday and it was a blast! Thanks to everyone who came out! If you missed the opening, no need to worry, the show is still up through wednesday from 2-5pm at TruSpace Gallery (They keep the door locked unless someone asks them to open it so don’t be alarmed, just go next door and find the gallery attendant).

Exterior of the gallery.

gouache on laser cut paper

All I want is for the weather to be wrong…PLEASE DONT RAIN FOR MY SHOW TONIGHT!

9 am 26°C Feels Like 28°C

12 pm 28°C Feels Like 32°C

3 pm 27°C Feels Like 30°C

6 pm 26°C Feels Like 28°C

9 pm 24°C Feels Like 27°C

12 am 23°C Feels Like 23°C

But if it does….the work will certainly liven your spirits. Don’t let the rain get you down, come check it out anyways!