Artwork of the Week: What's in the Bag???

I don't know where this photograph came from or who took it, but I love it. 

There, I said it. 

If anyone else knows the title or author, please tell me!

Until then, let's revel in the mystery of it all, shall we?

UPDATE: Thanks to the gifted and talented research queen Kait Handler, we now know the piece is called In Bloom and it was made in 2009 by Wim Wauman. Thank you, Kait! Remind me next time to just skip Google and call you directly. 

- Cathleen

Oliver Jeffers- Renaissance Man?

Until this week, I only knew of Oliver Jeffers as a childrens’ book author. And I’m not using “only" as a pejorative here, his books are charming and thoughtful and generally wonderful.

An extra sweet Oliver Jeffers book

But the other day, I came across this interview with him and I was totally intrigued. I had no idea he worked in any other medium but the introductory photo was so compelling that I was instantly wanted to see everything he has ever done. 

“Without a Doubt Part 2”, oil on canvas, 2012

Apparently, he works in all kinds of media and all his work is interesting. He is a talented painter with a serious sense of humor and he also works in video, found objects, typography, and more.

"Fathom Painting No. 1”, oil and letraset on canvas, 2010

“Clocks on Wood"

The Vader Project

“Still Life with Logic and a Choice of Beverage” oil

Seriously, if you want to lose and entire afternoon, check out his website and just try not to get sucked in. I still haven’t looked at everything but I’ve been loving everything that I have seen. Check it out for a quirky, inspiring end to your week.

Happy Weekend!

-Alissa

Time Travel: NYC Style

The New Museum in NYC is hosting a new exhibit titled: NYC 1993: Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star which runs until May 26, 2013. One aspect of the exhibit includes the 5000 remaining pay phones in NYC. By dialing 1-855-FOR-1993 on one of these pay phones a "notable" resident will recount what life on that specific block was like in 1993.

Photo via The Washington Post. Credit: Mary Altaffer.
A pedestrian walks past a pay phone advertising the new exhibit: NYC 1993: Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star.

A variety of artists, writers, food, and fashion stars answer the phone and in a pre-recorded monologue discuss the life of NYC 20 years earlier.

1993 was a turning point in the history of NYC. According to an article on The Washington Post which dissected the exhibit, "...New York that was dirtier, bloodier, raunchier and less gentrified than today — but also an easier place for a talented young person to gain a foothold.

(Mario) Batali says in his sound bite that opening a restaurant was easier in 1993 when he debuted his first restaurant, Po. “You didn’t have to have a rich daddy or an investor or put together a team or anything like that,” he says.

Sounds like a great show! And I especially love the use of the now almost completely defunct pay phones still dotting the US. 

- Grace

Artwork of the Week: A Lawn Being Sprinkled

A Lawn Being Sprinkled by David Hockney

1967, Acrylic on canvas, 96 x 96 in

Collection of Lyn and Norman Lear

It's been super warm and beautiful in NY these last few days, a welcome reprieve from a gray and cold winter spent cooped up in our chilly apartment. This painting is getting me excited for spring! I can't wait to take Graham on walks to the park for a roll in the bright green grass. Though knowing our park it will probably be more patchy and brown. I'll bring a blanket. 

- Cathleen

Would You Ever....

So I'm kind of at the end of my rope. I lost my first engagement ring in July 2004 and my second one, a 1920s ring with mine cut diamonds just lost a stone. Not going to lie I'm pretty devastated. So now that I've officially lost/destroyed two real rings I'm thinking it's time to just purchase a CZ (aka cubic zirconia) and call it a day.

So here's my question to you readers.... would you ever buy and wear a CZ ring and pass it off as real?

On option from Birkat Elyon. Priced at $390.00. The price is high because it's set in 14K white gold. I think if you're going with a fake diamond I wouldn't spend on having it set in real gold, sterling silver is fine. However, this website seems to have the best selection (and least tacky). 

Another nice engagement and wedding ring set via emitations. Priced at $105.00.

Nice choice from Jewelure. Priced at $45.00.

While conducting my online searches there are two points I've come across:

1. There are no CZ websites that don't have tacky names. 

2. Make sure the size of the diamond (and bling factor) match your income. For me, I wouldn't purchase a ring more than 1 caret. Even though I can afford a CZ ring with a larger diamond I couldn't afford a large real diamond. And truth be told, if I suddenly showed up with a large ring people would start to talk. 

Don't get a ring like this - everyone will think Kobe Bryant cheated on you.

Okay readers, time to weigh in, what do you think. Would you ever consider getting a CZ ring? 

-Grace

Just a Phase

La Lune Screenprint, 60 EUR from Double Merrick

Moon Phases Scarf, $185 from LeahGoren via Etsy

Moon Phase Stud Earrings, $135 from Cisthene

Men's Gold Moon Shirt, $36 from alittlelark via Etsy

Moon Phase Bag, $45 from Lotfi

1955 Set of 12 Original Moon Phases Prints, $255 from antiqueprintstore via Etsy

Today I bring you another round up: my favorite phases as of late. 

Happy Moonday!

- Cathleen 

Falling Into the Gap

So Gap has been struggling for a few years now. Apparently now they are reporting gains but the truth of these gains are not from Gap but from their other company Old Navy. I don't know if I am still in the key demographic for Gap so I don't know if it matters that I find their clothes mediocre, and overpriced. This being said I spied these beauties on their website this week and I am having very sinful covetous feelings for them:

Via Gap.... duh!

Priced at $49 the price is reasonable and with their current promotion 30-40% off these babies are even more alluring. Snags in the plan? Well they're sold out of every reasonable shoe size and the reviews from buyers are not good. People who own the shoe are calling them flimsy. 

Come on Gap! Get yourself together. I am going to keep an eye on their stock prices. 

Happy Friday!

- Grace

PS- My Etsy shop is exploding with some amazing Spring finds! Check it out and make some purchases.