A peek into the action:

My brother Josh took these pictures of me--at work on the50nifty project, in my studio.

Very exciting things are developing with the50nifty--from exciting bloggers picking up the story, to potential concerts and exhibits, to shooting the video and creating a website. Secrets for now ;) But stay tuned for updates!

here to there

From Florida, to Indiana, to North Carolina, to Texas and Oregon.

That's where I've been lately.

Not actually, but in my studio among scraps of old papers and postcards and state shapes:

My brother Josh and I are collaborating on the project called The 50 Nifty. The idea is to create an art piece for each state, including facts and "artifacts" specific to the state and my style. Our goal is to launch a kickstarter campaign this fall where prints (among other things) of every state are available for purchase. 

The hope is that people get involved and more art goes up in homes across the US. We love the idea of all types people being able to afford a piece of art that they actually care about and have a connection to. And since everyone has a home state...well, we're hoping there's immediate connection to the art. Using vintage papers and post cards from each state, state birds, facts and flowers--we're aiming for a home-y vibe with a touch of kitsch. And by making the walls we live in more beautiful and expressing where we come from, this project celebrates the idea of "home."

I also like the idea of grouping the state paintings together as most of us call multiple places home. Dan and I will have CA and IL up on our walls :) Ironically, I haven't gotten to those pieces...I must be feeling the pressure to get those paintings just perfect.

Overall, I have loved this project. I hope these pieces are warm and approachable. The subject matter is light hearted and quirky--and I have embraced that! It has freed me to think outside my usual style. Did I mention I am learning a lot? Not just about color and composition---but STATES :)

CA and UT are in the works! Stay tuned as I will keep the updates coming. Soon we'll have website were you will be able to track the progress and learn more about the project. 

This time last year (part 1),

...I was getting ready for a home show at my cousins Barrett and Erica Carlson's home. They have a lovely modern space with vintage, eclectic, and mid-century touches. We had collaborated on a show there once before and it was a hit--their space is gorgeous and seems perfect for showcasing art and helps a person understand the art in the context of a home.  This time was no different--lots of interesting people and dear friends came through, I used every piece I had on hand and sold nine of them! It was a big push but so very rewarding.

Thank you Carlson's for hosting and thank you to everyone who came out!

Carlson Commission

Recently, the Carlson family commissioned a large scale (36" x 48") painting to document their recent trip to Ethiopia:

for Samuel / oil, wax, collage on board / 36" x 48"

close-up / for Samuel

The Carlson's traveled to Ethiopia this winter to adopt their son Samuel. Mary saved paper trails from the trip; a map of Ethiopia, family boarding passes, receipts and newspapers, etc. These became layers in the painting; the base layer was the map. A tree was sketched in to recall a place the family had worshipped while they were there. It was amazing to hear their story an honor to make them a "time capsule" to remember it.

Their son Samuel is enjoying life here with his family and transitioning well. The story is not complete without mentioning that Samuel's best friend in Ethiopia, Joseph, was adopted by my sister around the same time. The best friends now live just a few miles apart!

Needless to say, this was very special piece to create. Thank you Carlson's!

Levi show casing the piece.

Art Show

two more comissions

finished!

First Gallery Show!