June 24, 2009
The Internet Has So Many Beautiful Treats
Posted by Bree at 04:22 PM | Comments (0)
Post It Post
This is my senior project at Savannah College of Art and Design. Where my idea comes from is that every time when I am busy, I feel that I am not fighting with my works, I am fighting with those post-it notes and deadline. I manipulating the post-it notes to do pixel-like stop motion and there are some interactions between real actor and post-its.
Directed by Bang-yao Liu
Music by Röyksopp
Sound design by Shaun Burdick
Actor: Chun-yao Huang
Thanks to the precious Mz. Porcelain for the link!
Posted by Bree at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)
June 04, 2009
Out on the Tiles
Xenia Taler's tiles are so pretty they make me feel all squirmy and compromised AKA just. the. way. I. like. it. Awww yeah. Better yet, there are two types: wall-hanging/trivet tiles backed with cork and thinner installation tiles are thinner with unglazed sides for grouting. Yums.
Posted by Bree at 10:55 AM | Comments (0)
June 02, 2009
Boxer ♡
I bought this print today for $12.99 from Etsy seller Brian Rubenacker. He's got some excellent (and affordable) boston terrier original oil pieces available as well, but of course - my heart lies forever with MA BEASTS.
Posted by Bree at 12:49 PM | Comments (1)
May 21, 2009
Chairs for my Lair(s)
I saw this amazing designboom poster at Angela's new crib last night, and promptly decided it had to be mine. Alas, even after a bit of non-torturous Pelosian waterboarding and some time in the iron maiden, Angela was still reluctant to hand over the goods. Luckily for both of us (my executioner's hood was a trifle stifling), I found it online for the recession-friendly price of $17 (including shipping). Naturally, I have nowhere to put the thing. And equally naturally, I'm sure I'll find some way to spend several hundred dollars on a frame, but still. Pleasure abounds this Thursday! Pleasure! Abounds! Now if it only included the Brommo...
Posted by Bree at 09:17 AM | Comments (4)
May 07, 2009
Murky Murks
Printed without comment, just admiration.
Murc screen print, $150CDN, whatever that means.
Posted by Bree at 10:12 PM | Comments (2)
April 07, 2009
Denver: Time to Rustpresent
I just read over on Design Boner that Jessica Rust Designs has put the call out for the next city to be featured in the Skyline Collection.
There needs only be one chant in your mind as you click here and fill out the extremely simple form. That chant is, "Go Denver, Go Denver, GO!" And, yes, Denver isn't even a CHOICE so you have to write it in and yes, Jessica Rust Designs aren't even carried by stores in Colorado but still. We've got moxie, people! Let's DO THIS.
In other news, Jessica Rust is the designer behind the incredible customized birch tree mugs (below) that I keep meaning to buy as a wedding gift for someone. Not you, naturally. You're getting the electric knife. But someone.
Posted by Bree at 11:46 PM | Comments (3)
April 04, 2009
Something's Hiding In Greenpoint
Above, definitely my favorite of the Something's Hiding in Here "Your Message Here" project at the Fred Flare store in Greenpoint, B to the K to the L to the etc.
Read more about the supes-cute designy couple behind SHiH on their blog, which is here. Read an extremely dry treatise on kerning here and a much shorter and clearer one here.
Posted by Bree at 11:56 PM | Comments (0)
April 01, 2009
And We Can Dress Real Neat From Our Hats to Our Feet
Dallas Shaw painting available here.
Etsy shop here.
Safety Dance video here.
Posted by Bree at 10:22 PM | Comments (1)
March 30, 2009
Prince Charles Chair at Modernica
The surprisingly affordable (relatively speaking, of course) Prince Charles side chair at Modernica comes in loads of colors. It also likely won't take FIVE MONTHS to arrive like my dining room chairs did. No, I'm still not over it.
Full line here. And can I just note that even though fiberglass is so...fiberglassy (read: cold, uncomfortable, arguably toxic), I'd still be all over this rocker if I had room in my lair for a spare chair. My standards are lax like that. In addition, I like to buy things. Win win.
Posted by Bree at 10:16 PM | Comments (2)
March 26, 2009
Lustmord
I ran across something today on Jenny Holzer's Lustmord installation and...wow. Holzer's long been one of my favorites because of how she so powerfully mixes text and art and technology, but this is something else indeed. From the NY Times:
"Lustmord" is written from three different perspectives (the Observer, the Perpetrator and the Victim) regarding the rape of women in wartime. The "Lustmord" photographs, images of the text written on human skin, originally were presented in the magazine of the Suddeutsche Zeitung, reaching five hundred thousand readers. The ink used on the cover of this magazine contained women's blood.
You can read her copy for the piece (which has been unfortunately transcribed by someone who doesn't know how to type) here by clicking on any of the above listed narrators (on the bottom right). It's hard to take, as the best art frequently is.
Posted by Bree at 10:43 PM | Comments (0)
March 24, 2009
The State We're In
Designer, illustrator, writer, bon vivant and man-named-Frank, Frank Chimero has some pretty stunning stuff for sale in his online shop right now. I particularly like his state series. All prints are 8x8 and $20. Thank me for my contribution to your artistic intelligence by buying me one. Or, you know, by silently mocking my taste. Your choice. Free country.
Colorado
Illinois
Oklahoma
Posted by Bree at 01:35 PM | Comments (0)
March 23, 2009
Update: Steampunked
From my adopted beloved brother:
This is the reason I knocked out his teeth with a roundhouse kick at the age of three. Oh and this is what he's talking about.
Posted by Bree at 05:01 PM | Comments (2)
Steampunk
I would write more but am mentally muted by the fact there's a design style I completely admire and associate with and was going to build a store around that is so widely known it has a NY Times article and A TRADE MAGAZINE, yet today is the first I've heard of it.
I have shed my coolness like a skin, and now will naively and nerdily shudder in the lonely knowledge that I am nothing; I have nothing.
In other news, Rick's in town. Which means I'm going to have to spend Tuesday night drinking scotch and talking seriously about the wheres and whofors of me getting an MBA. Which means I'm going to have to drink so much scotch he stops grilling me and instead just accepts that I make all decisions based on nothing except the need to bring the decision-making process to an end. He'll also need to accept that scotch makes me puke. And that he needs to move back to Denver because I can't face learning how to mow my own lawn. This is the Tuesday night plan. Acceptance.
Posted by Bree at 01:24 PM | Comments (0)
March 16, 2009
SociaLIGHTS
Apparently Angela and I were featured on PAGE SIX of the October/November Modern in Denver Magazine. Ang just found out, like, yesterday. And purely by happenstance. I guess that's how fame works though. One day, you're just trotting around doing your thing and BAM!! All of a sudden everyone wants to be your friend and sex up your body and you're just busy trying to figure out where to BUY 24-karat bathroom fixtures, let alone who will install them.
By the way, we're both way better looking in real life. This is a totally accurate representation of my abysmal scanning capabilities, however.
Posted by Bree at 05:26 PM | Comments (0)
March 14, 2009
More Design Goodness From Good Designers
The lovely Kimi Weart just launched a new web site, Printable Press.
Because I'm busy listening to Phish in a coffee shop (gag.) with the slowest WiFi EVER (double shot of gag.) - and vaguely trying to write content - I'll leave the sales copy to Capt. Jenny Spicer:
"You have to check it out. Awesome invites (geared toward weddings at this point, but she's going to be expanding to baby announcements, etc.). The idea is that she has created templates people can use and print off themselves. Way affordable and very awesome designs. I think the response has already been crazy and this was just sort of a soft-launch."
Suffice it, Kimi's one of the top designers in NYC these days, and extreeeemeely responsive and creative and cool, so order up some invites or throw some other work her way you philistines. Me and all the rest of the Phishheads demand it.
Posted by Bree at 10:42 AM | Comments (0)
March 11, 2009
Where I Done Come From
The next time someone asks me what it was like growing up in Boston, I may direct them to these images from photographer John Dolan's "The Berkshire Project" (just closed at the Robin Rice Gallery in one of my other favorite places). That one up there could've been taken on my typical run along Oblong, for crissake.
Oh they make my heart ache for the lonely roads and misty fields of home.
Posted by Bree at 08:20 PM | Comments (3)
Wednesday Treatsy
Because I am, I just scored this lovely for a cool 20 clams over at Jen Bekman's 20x200 gallery. There are only 200 printed for that price and they're selling like bunk acid at a Dead show so go on! Scram!
(P.S. Second choice was "I told my therapist about you." Because I did. But he just laughed and turned the conversation back to me. See above.)
Posted by Bree at 01:29 PM | Comments (0)
March 07, 2009
If You Play It on a FIFE (How's about a British jig and reel?)
I finished making my tiny tiles. And I already know my favorite will be the above shot of Melissa and Marie dancing to my brother's Irish tin whistle hits in Uruguay. That whistle played us through the hills and dales of South America, making its shrill, tuneless presence known no matter what the circumstance. Perhaps because Melissa and Marie didn't travel with us the entire time, they remained enchanted by Matt's tinwinds skill - so much so, indeed, that Marie made him pipe her ENTRANCE into her own wedding reception a few months later. Which I don't have a record of so can't make into a tiny tile. I will make amends, however, by showing you this picture of my dad again, which will certainly be included in the next...erm...how do you say...Tee-Tee order:
** Don't worry, Urshughwashan homeslices. I ordered you all your own version as well!**
Posted by Bree at 08:24 AM | Comments (0)
February 26, 2009
My Word
I would like this very, very much.
Posted by Bree at 11:17 PM | Comments (0)
February 23, 2009
New Photo From Darren (My Favorite One Yet)
Posted by Bree at 12:05 PM | Comments (5)
February 22, 2009
Angu's Famous!
Angela's slick chair upholstery upgrade made it to Apartment Therapy SF! Nice work, lady milady.
Posted by Bree at 05:23 PM | Comments (3)
February 19, 2009
They're Heeeeeerrrre
And, just because I couldn't possibly be satisfied by three incredible pictures of myself, I'm also getting him to apply his unbelievable Photoshop wizardry to this one:
I really can't say enough about how awesome it's been to work with this cat. If you have ANY call whatsoever (wedding, professional portrait, unabashed vanity) to have yourself immortalized in a jpeg, you simply must go and meet him and pose for his camera and pay him your dollars. Seriously. I insist.
Posted by Bree at 05:06 PM | Comments (10)
February 16, 2009
Eggggsellent
I had such a great day today that it's hard to even write about. (Oh Alannis...you were so DEAD ON.)
As you might be able to extract from the context, Angela and I drove up to Ft. Collins this morning for my **photoshoot** with Darren Mahuron of Summit Studios (that's him and his wife on the landing page) and, ah man, it was everything I wanted it to be. I'm talking the bee's knees, the cat's pajamas, the bull's balls and all other sorts of goodness capped off with a PHAT BLT. Did you hear me?? A BLT. Served with a side of PHAT. What more, really, could a girl want? (Besides, of course, do be referred to as "the talent." A request, may I just say, that was repeatedly ignored by Ms. Schwab. She did, however, allow me to smear lipstick all over her water bottle and buy me a coffee on some crazy highway to Greeley we found ourselves on on the way back. So I guess we can still be friends.)
Ahhh. Yes. I'm busy trying to sort and mash all of Angela's snaps into a Flickr set, so give me some time, but suffice it. Darren (and his lovely assistant, Kate) were completely amazing and wonderful and Angela, of course, kept me grinning the entire time. I can't wait to throw that cat crazy work. He deserves it.
Posted by Bree at 05:23 PM | Comments (1)
February 01, 2009
Morning Meat and Greet
Although I don't like breakfast meats on my plate, I do like breakfast meats floating around on the Internet. Create your own by adding YOURURL (or really any URL you so choose to fry up) to the place in this link that says YOURURL: http://bacolicio.us/http://YOURURL.com.
Via The Denver Egotist.
Posted by Bree at 08:43 AM | Comments (2)
January 26, 2009
Build-a-Squid
Now this is just too good to be true.
Posted by Bree at 10:13 PM | Comments (0)
An Astounding Problem
Angela and I will be clasping our hands in joy at The Astounding Problem of Andrew Novick this Wednesday night. According to my "Weekly eCalendar," (which doesn't seem to want to load but can normally be found at www.thisweekindenver.com):
This art exhibition at The Lab (Belmar) features the overwhelming and unusual collections of an eccentric individual who does not consider himself an artist. In total, Andrew Novick estimates he has over a hundred collections with 5 or maybe 10,000 items: Barbie dolls of every variety, Chihuahua figurines, clown paintings, anything related to teeth or braces...and many more. The truth is he has far more things than will or can ever be organized into a “collection.”
The opening party is free and will feature refreshments and DJ Magic Cyclops, along with a photo booth! You will be overwhelmed with all of the collections!
I like being overwhelmed. And taking pictures of myself. And spending all my midweek evenings in Lakewood. So this is a win.
More info here.
Posted by Bree at 11:37 AM | Comments (0)
Monday Morning Diversion
Founded in early 2007 by Peter Skwiot Smith, Five to Nine is a PDF magazine that explores what people create in their free time. In its two-year run, the magazine has published works from nearly one hundred different designers and artists, and have welcomed Karl Frankowski [and] Damien Correll as guest curators.
You can download all 12 issues for free on the site. Print 'em out, slap your fave pieces in some frames and flavor your crib with some of the best, most innovative and cheapest artwork going. Get to it, design nerds!
Posted by Bree at 08:39 AM | Comments (0)
January 21, 2009
Feed Me SMOSCH
New photo site on the KBN Google feed: Smosch.
Smosch is the name of this blog (and not the name of me as a person). The word is made up and means sticky, creamy things like thick sauces for pasta, body lotion and such.
As an added bonus, she's from Gothenberg, Sweden...JUST. LIKE. MY. HANDSOME. FRIEND. JACOB. BELOW. I wonder if they've ever hung out at IKEA together.
Hi Jacob!
Posted by Bree at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)
January 19, 2009
Pecha Kucha Publicita Kuchita aka I Clearly Blew my Load on That Last Title.
The fourth installment of Pecha Kucha will be at Buntport Theater tomorrow (717 Lipan). Doors at 8; show at 8:20. Yes you can come, kick back and show your support for Denver's burgeoning slide show scene. Yes...you most definitely can.
Posted by Bree at 09:47 PM | Comments (0)
December 11, 2008
Do Not Paint Here
Via One Floor Up
Posted by Bree at 10:42 PM | Comments (0)
December 10, 2008
Full Service Blogging
I have to run to a meeting, but in the interest of fully and satisfyingly servicing you, my lovelies, may I present Angela's recent post about making her OWN bubble wrap advent calendar? Can I pop one on Sunday, lady?
Side note to my brother: I can't believe the Dee Snyder "We went out to Red Lobster and then my wife, she serviced me, and then we went to IHOP and she serviced me again" story has never made it onto this blog. Consider that rectified.
Posted by Bree at 08:46 AM | Comments (1)
December 04, 2008
Bloody Birds
These are inspiring a short sonnet in my head. It goes something like this: "Bloody birds/want/need/no want/no money/need/gimme/thanks for the heads up/my love for you/is a/stampede/of horses/can you believe/ER is still/on/that shit/is so beat." I haven't worked out all the pentameter kinks yet, but I think we've got the rough material for a real classic here.
More of Sarah Ressler's work here.
Posted by Bree at 09:07 PM | Comments (0)
October 09, 2008
via sunlit skies
Posted by Bree at 12:23 PM | Comments (0)
October 01, 2008
Pandemic
Zahmahgah. Looks like a seller on Etsy is hawking - for (relative) top dollar - the same giant and rather hideeeooz pots and pans I inherited from my Nana. Apartment Therapy's site, The Kitchn, even got in on the fun! You mean I've been carrying these things with me hither and yon for five? seven? ten years now, and waiting - just waiting - for the day when I could finally REGISTER and get rid of them (I am completely self-empowered like that) and they're now in style? This either goes to show that a. the zeitgeist has passed me by or b. I am so far beyond the zeitgeist, I can't even see it in my rearview mirror. 'cause them shit's useful and all but God are they ugly. I will, however, sell the entire set to you.
Posted by Bree at 09:57 PM | Comments (0)
September 26, 2008
Friday's Statement
So let me direct you to this designer's Flickr set.
Posted by Bree at 11:40 AM | Comments (0)
September 23, 2008
Attn Chicago: You Are Trapped On This Earth So You Will Explode
My favorite artist, Jenny Holzer, is having a big fat exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art from October 25 to February 1, you lucky DOGS, you. I've seen her work in person before (at the Williams College Museum of Art) and it is astounding.
Posted by Bree at 12:59 PM | Comments (2)
September 11, 2008
Cheap and Good
I bought the above poster at Good Shape Design the other day for a mere $30. It's perfect (parfait!) - all black, graphic-y goodness - to hang over the crazy wallpaper in my library. So far, the only things I have on the walls in there are the Jason Miller mirror and a small little piece made out of book pages that no one will ever notice.
The only problem with me buying all these posters and so on is that it necessitates trips to Michaels for cheap, junky frames, which I put off and put off because I find the process so tedious and frustrating. Especially when you've got something, (like my Royal Tennenbaums prints), that measures 8 1/2 x 11 but has a white border around it that makes it look SUPREMELYSILLY in an 8 x 10 frame (which shows the white border only on two sides). In my experience, almost all of the prints I covet on Etsy are like that. It's annnnoying because I must smother the smugness of getting a cool piece at a bargain basement price with some exorbitant frame bullshit I can't afford or go the cheap route and be pissed and disappointed every time I see it.
If I had a genie, I would wish there was some middle ground between $300 custom framing and the $6 plexiglass and wood veneer craptunculars. And then I would wish for dental insurance. My third wish would be for french toast.
Posted by Bree at 08:45 AM | Comments (3)
August 18, 2008
Manga? Faced!
Like everyone else apparently, I faced my manga over at Face Your Manga.com and here's what I came up with for an avatar:
Not bad, and it basically gets my XXL "husky section" head size just right, but it's still not nearly as good as my Wii one, where I'm wearing a black shirt and red pants and have my face basically covered by giant black sunglasses. Kind of like I do every day. (To clarify, that's every day I get dressed in something other than a muumuu.) My mom's Wii icon, though? Has to be seen to be believed. DEAD RINGER (and I don't just say that because she had an appointment with one of those freaky gyno twins that she didn't go to because he UP AND KILLED HIMSELF. True story.).
Posted by Bree at 04:39 PM | Comments (0)
August 14, 2008
Defense
I've been instructed to buy the above for my rock-ribbed-Repub brother (size L) when they come out next week at The Fabric Lab. Although I'm more of a Rock-and-Republic-ribbed-henley, I would sport one two too if it meant we were to be defended against numbers one and two. But I guess the City Council's already got that under control.
Via Westword
Posted by Bree at 12:18 PM | Comments (0)
August 04, 2008
Summed
I've had this on my desktop for a while, waiting until the time was right to post it. Ta Da! The time is right! The day I'm not feeling it is today!
Art by Elbow-Toe via my love for you is a stampede of horses
Posted by Bree at 04:10 PM | Comments (0)
July 18, 2008
Oh Man, Absolutely Stunning
I saw a post today on Gesine Hackenberg and her repurposed ceramics and had to share the beauty:
Posted by Bree at 09:30 PM | Comments (0)
July 17, 2008
Where I Wish I Was
Posted by Bree at 12:38 PM | Comments (0)
July 16, 2008
Winters in Colorado
Kind of sums it up. Misanthrope I am, I did, in fact, talk with one of Bode Miller's coaches on the chairlift last year. I think he was, perhaps, taking the lift to a different trail than I. Regardless, he told me false information about moguls. Fucker.
Via the always wondrous Some E-cards
Posted by Bree at 10:21 AM | Comments (0)
July 15, 2008
Now That's What I Call Good Viral
Posted by Bree at 01:49 PM | Comments (0)
July 02, 2008
Sad Truth
c/o Natalie Dee, the same artist who brought you (and me) the beloved hot dog eating hot dog painting seen in locales from Manhattan to Denver:
Yeah. That's all I got.
TGIASHORTWEEK.
Posted by Bree at 12:43 PM | Comments (0)
July 01, 2008
Phew...Dodged it Again
The second installation of Pecha Kucha is scheduled for Monday, July 14th at the Buntport. I'll be flying back from Massachusetts that night, so am sad to say I'll miss it. Less sad to say I won't be presenting again, but...alas...this fear of public speaking thing I've had since delivering a speech at my high school graduation seems to be here to stay. I can handle about a five-person crowd but anything over that and I stop breathing, which I've read can be harmful.
Posted by Bree at 11:56 AM | Comments (0)
June 30, 2008
SEW AMAZING
(If only this said Mariah Carey...)
Via my love for you is a stampede of horses.
Posted by Bree at 10:13 PM | Comments (0)
Bathing Beauties
I told you I'd keep you up to date about the "CABIN BATHROOM RENOVATION" of 2008, and a girl of my word I am. (Also, a girl of my girdle but that's another post entirely.) Ahhhhhh...well, lessee. Looking back to...um...last Wednesday, I remember that I started the process as every good process should start - with an online shopping escapade. First step, hardest step: shower curtain. And while it may have been a bit tough to find a cost-effective one that didn't have flounces or see-through crossword puzzles or cartoon characters, it's still a lot easier to start with this piece and work from there than, say, starting with paint colors and having to play Harriet the Spy to get coordinating bath linens. Let the curtain be your guide!
So, after a few moments of looking through the dreadful/boring options, I decided I wanted a kid-friendly, cabin-appropriate, nature-appreciative theme. Yeah, it was between that and a rococo, Louis XIV, bejeweled bidet handle kind of vibe. Potato, potahto.
Behold what alighted:
Marimekko Kaiku Shower Curtain from Finn Style. (A look previously drooled over here.)
The next step was way easy, finding a small bath mat that matched the curtain:
Pottery Barn Classic Bath Rug in Clover Green. (That's the one on the far bottom right. I've got quite the eye for color, no?)
And then, it was on to the walls. I think we'll probably go for white or cream and let the curtain be the star, but I still wanted to add something on them to bring some pattern to that side of the room. And wallpapering is not - nor ever will be - my renovation forte. Even after my mom recommended I just drink Mai Tais during the application, which apparently is how she and my Nana redid vast portions of our house. Mai Tais? Check. Wallpaper paste and pattern aligning frustration? Pass.
So, I settled on some sweet little bird wall graphics:
Fly Away Wall Graphic in Ash from Etsy seller ellynelly (Note: the "Ash" is a dark gray. Again, color + me = fistpound.)
These also work to alleviate my bird-guilt over housing, feeding and caring for a multi-fanged killer. Win-win.
Posted by Bree at 10:25 AM | Comments (0)
June 16, 2008
She Was FRAMED
I found two great, low-budge framing options online today.
Bulldog clips, thumbtacks, eye hooks and salvaged wood via Apartment Therapy Chicago
Old wooden hangers (my Mom has about 150 of these if you're interested) via Poppytalk and O at Home. I think these would look frametastic with a selection of August Sander prints.
Posted by Bree at 04:57 PM | Comments (0)
June 14, 2008
The Royal Couple
I forget where I first saw this, but it's mine now. $20 from Etsy seller almost famous. I also like the Harold and Maude one, but admittedly a little less so ever since finding out a guy I know uses that movie to get the ladeez laid. The whole octogenarian sexual romance thing seems somehow...a bit sullied now. Call me crazy.
Paypal, you're gonna bring me to financial ruin.
Etsy, you're not helping things.
Posted by Bree at 11:04 AM | Comments (0)
June 09, 2008
Les Papillons
Allposters.com is having a 25-percent off sale (coupon code 25OFFJU), which makes me want to e-mail the person who complimented my Andy Warhol (but not Andy Warhol-ish) butterfly poster recently, but I can't remember who that person was. Molly? Angela? Marie? This is where I got it. The fine frame it's in was conceived of and executed by, of course, Target. I'm immersed in class over here, people. Immersed in class.
Posted by Bree at 07:27 PM | Comments (1)
May 29, 2008
Monopolize
Abby from Style Me Pretty is guest blogging at Design*Sponge this week. I think some of the stuff she's featuring is absolutely fabs, but my favorite is that Monopoly card painting above. It reminds me of my three rules of Monopoly mastery:
1. Buy, buy, buy (except when it comes to Park Place and Boardwalk).
2. Whoever has the railroads will most likely win the game.
3. I forget this one.
If I had any kind of artistic skills or spatial understanding, I would very much like to create my own Ventnor Avenue.
"In the first few blocks, still within Atlantic City, Ventnor Avenue now is home to tattoo parlors, divorce centers and bodegas."
Divorce centers? What sort of place IS this "New Jersey"?
Posted by Bree at 10:02 AM | Comments (0)
May 27, 2008
Magneto
I strapped on my crafty sandals this weekend and spent many hours cutting and gluing to make - ta da! - the 3/4-inch magnets seen above. Following the instructions and advice on Not Martha, I armed myself with magnetic buttons from Dick Blick, acrylic cabochons from Tap Plastics, silicon glue from Home Depot, an oversized (1-inch) hole-punch from Target, and a marathon of Jon and Kate Plus 8 on TLC.
I used old wallpaper samples and various patterns I punched out of magazines and print production catalogs. The glue didn't seep through any of 'em. Good glue. (Whinny.)
Matt has concluded that for my next go-round, I should buy one-inch magnets and use a mold and double-pour epoxy to make the top. I'm down, but was distressed to discover that one-inch magnets were surprisingly difficult to find online. I finally got lucky - and undistressed - at CMS Magnetics. Keep in mind, however, that if you want the one-inchers (to match the hole-punch you got at Target, DERR) you can affix the smaller, cheaper magnets to the bottom of bigger cabochons - they don't have to match up...unless, of course, you're getting all double-pour about it. In which case they clearly do, and which I clearly am.
Posted by Bree at 11:55 AM | Comments (0)
May 09, 2008
Megalegga Hi, Mega Hi Dee Ho
I don't know what that title means, but it popped into my head the moment I saw this UNBELIEVABLY GORGE wallpaper on Design*Sponge.
What a fresh, cool take on damask (which even I am tired of seeing). It's going to be shown at ICFF but assume will be available here at some point. Perhaps the point at which I decide to wallpaper my bedroom. Such coincidences have been known to happen.
Posted by Bree at 12:25 PM | Comments (0)
April 15, 2008
You Rang?
Guapa ring by Jimena Rios, $20 at Poppytalk
Posted by Bree at 11:03 AM | Comments (0)
April 11, 2008
Equine Design
An unexpected and delightful surprise arrived yesterday. A lovely, Swedish-designed horse head straight from Chicago care of the lovely, Swedish-designed Ms. Jessica B. As you can tell from the portraiture above, it has found new purchase in my study, from which it will only be moved for the biweekly horse-head-in-the-bed game I have started playing with Matt (see below):
Thank you for adding spark and joy to our intimate shenanigans, Jessica! Don't you like Matt's new haircolor? He's aging very well.
Posted by Bree at 12:09 PM | Comments (1)
April 09, 2008
Yikes
It would be tough, professionally, to share a name with this woman.
Posted by Bree at 01:06 PM | Comments (0)
April 07, 2008
Doing It, Doing It, Doing It Well
Crafty McUnskilled over here spent the weekend getting shit done. Of course, not the stuff I super-need to do (er...finalize colors for my web site, finish writing it, sign and mail my taxes, buy food not of the carbohydrate family and etc.), but stuff all the same. Minus the slight mishap of trying to turn an ornate, circular frame of mine into a bulletin board (after about 1/2 hour of hacking at the board with a box cutter to make it fit, I BROKE the frame during the gorilla glue finale. All went into the trash. Le sigh.), I count the two days as being both economical and productive.
Evidence A: I managed to cut padding and fabric for all four of my outdoor chairs - and successfully cover two of them - before jamming Matt's staple gun.
Before
After
Evidence B: After giving up the hope of being able to use "green" chemical stripper on a dresser I'm refinishing, I went to Ace and requested "the most toxic goo you've got." Came home with Extra Strength stripper - stuff that ATE through my gloves repeatedly (I would know to stop and run inside to wash my hands as soon as the unbearable BURNING began) - and stripped the shit out of two sides of this dresser. It's got about 8 layers of paint on it, no joke, so each side took THREE applications. After my lungs started whistling, I packed it in for the day...but big progress out in the garage!
Drawers
Half-nude
Now if I could just truly internalize the need to wear "scrap" clothing when working in the muck, my life would be nearing completion. Till then, I'm just going to have to be the only lady at Cherry Creek Athletic Club with lime green paint and chemical burns on my yoga pants. It's a good thing.
Posted by Bree at 10:29 AM | Comments (2)
March 24, 2008
Getting My Goat
If I can't have a real goat, I guess I'll have to settle for this 8x10 lovely from Etsy seller Berkley Illustration. $15 plus $2.50 shipping and handling. Good stuff.
Posted by Bree at 09:31 PM | Comments (4)
March 19, 2008
Pecha Kucha Denver
And no, thank God, I'm not presenting. More info at Jaime's site here and Angela's site here. Picture of Luke Perry here and Billy Squier here.
Posted by Bree at 08:47 AM | Comments (2)
March 13, 2008
Eye Level Plightful (Say it Aloud)
The delightful Miss Angela Schwab's spectacular Benta plates have finally made their debut on Umbra's web site! For a mere $42 American, you too can own a piece of the Schwab design legacy. Read her take on them over at her web site, and order yourself up a set here. Do it.
Yay Yay Yay Ang! You're, like, the only one of my friends who has ever accomplished anything of import.
No offense!
Posted by Bree at 07:47 PM | Comments (1)
February 22, 2008
A Pictogram of Angela's Week
Posted by Bree at 10:03 AM | Comments (0)
February 12, 2008
WE Go Bridal
Though not girly at heart, I have this unearthly obsession with all things wedding-based-reality. Thus, the programming line-up on WE (Bridezillas, Rich Bride, Poor Bride, et al) has entranced me on many a slow Sunday. Last night, howevs, I caught their latest entry - Master Cake Makers (or something - too rushed to look it up) and holy moly, check out this guy 's creations over at Mike's Amazing Cakes. Seriously, click on that link, turn down your volume, and prepare to be Amazed by Mike's Cakes.
Posted by Bree at 08:30 AM | Comments (1)
February 10, 2008
Now This is What I Call Birthday Cake
Cheryl Tiegs cum carrot cake.
1983 texted.
It wants its color scheme back.
SNAP!
Posted by Bree at 07:40 PM | Comments (0)
February 06, 2008
Sugary Goodness
The inestimable Angela just posted gorge-o pictures of her sugar packet/cubes collection on Flickr and her web site. I want to frame prints and hang them in my soon-to-be-painted kitchen as a reminder that life is sweet, even when you wake up with the "mangries" - morning angries - as I did today. Erk.
Posted by Bree at 09:11 AM | Comments (1)
February 05, 2008
Photographic Evidence
Jack Radcliffe took an intimate series of portraits of his daughter, Alison, as she grew up. Very moving, and a cool idea for any parents in the crowd. Also check out Diego Goldberg's family documentation, The Arrow of Time.
(via Photojojo)
Posted by Bree at 08:07 AM | Comments (0)
January 31, 2008
She's (Not At All) Crafty: Valentine's Edition
I think this would be easy to make, even for an uncoordinated clod like myself. Idea and picture ganked from Delight.com, where they're charging something like 20 bones for this cute little piece of nothing.
See you at the Depot.
Posted by Bree at 10:46 AM | Comments (0)
You Are Beautiful...and I am Too!
Have you guys seen this "You Are Beautiful" art project? Seems they're trying to spread the message that yes, we are all beautiful. Even without tattooed eyeliner and ass implants. Awww! (Tend to disagree but) Awww!
Best part is, you can order or download free stickers HERE to plaster your neighbor's car, wallpaper a small room or glue to your face. Which would be beautiful indeed.
Posted by Bree at 10:23 AM | Comments (0)
January 24, 2008
Donald Judd or Cheap Furniture?
Little quiz to test your knowledge on particle board crap versus great art crap. (I got a 92! A- all the way!) Similarities are striking. No offense there, Judd. Or the Ghost of Don Judd, as the case apparently is.
In other, related, news: Marfa, Marfa, Marfa!
(Link via How About Orange). Must say I'm surprised that neither the author of that blog nor some of her commenteers have heard of the Judd. Then again, I've never heard of Tumbir Tumblr. So judge not, lest ye be Lesty Molesty.
Posted by Bree at 10:43 AM | Comments (4)
January 18, 2008
spaceball.gif
I am riveted by this riveter.
The Library of Congress has added sumthin'-like 3,000 copyright-free, public domain images to its Flickr account. No word yet if the Library of Congress is trying to use Flickr as a dating site (verboten!) or if they too, like the guy who favorited my SUPER SHITTY Rush camera phone shots this morning, will soon favorite my SUPER SHITTY Rush camera phone shots.
Posted by Bree at 01:03 PM | Comments (0)
January 14, 2008
Not So Welcome in This Dollhouse (aka: What Would Ibsen Do?)
I'm totally ganking this content from BB Blog (which is in the top five on my daily read list...right behind Hot or Not), but as a devoted fan of The Wire, dollhouses and crack (not necessarily in that order), I absolutely had to share. Apparently, dollhouse maker extraordinare Grace Shaw has made a series of dioramas depicting a Baltimore Row House.
It's hard to narrow down a favorite, so here's three:
Stoned naked guy in tub
"If you look closely, there are the tiny crack bottles they sell on the street, a line of coke ready to snort, money and syringes on the table." (Just like my house! - ed.)
Crackhouse Exterior (note gigunds cheeba cheeba!)
Posted by Bree at 05:43 PM | Comments (0)
December 20, 2007
Tho Exthited!
The marvelous Angela gave me a **RED** Loyal Loot log bowl last night, and I just can't stop staring at it and touching it and envying the beauty of its existence. Oooowweeee, this just may be the best thing I've ever seen! THANK YOU DURLIN'!
Posted by Bree at 10:10 PM | Comments (0)
December 16, 2007
Almost Famous
A quick cellphone shot I like to call "Bloody Mary with Beer Back at the Cherry Cricket" (above) was chosen for inclusion in some sort of city guide called Schmap. Click here to become erotically stimulated by my art/alcoholism.
Posted by Bree at 06:32 PM | Comments (0)
December 07, 2007
She's Crafty; She Gets Around
Martha done bats it out of the park again. Resigned sigh. Learn how to make your own over here and start scouting your house for random goodies that'll thparkle and thine under the glistening glamour of gliding glitter. I can't wait to give my Dad an old pencap snowglobe for Christmas. Mom? You're getting the dryer lint. Matt? Dog turd. OMG I love you!!!!!
Posted by Bree at 08:14 AM | Comments (0)
December 06, 2007
Wants for Sale
Czech out this fun site: Wants for Sale, a collection of paintings of items and experiences that cost the price of the items and experiences themselves. Par ejemps:
Dinner at Nobu ($152)
A Night We Won't Remember ($100)
Charles Saatchi to Buy This Painting (£1)
Unfortch, they're all sold out for the time being. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take a look and spitefully think to yourself, "Blast! I coulda thoughta thata..." After all, spite's always in stock. And, generally speaking, very gentle on the old pocketbook.
Posted by Bree at 11:10 PM | Comments (0)
November 28, 2007
Drooltasm
Designer Emulation Kits are tributes to some of the all-time great industrial designers. Use this kit to make your own instant design classic. Assemble and attach to 9-volt battery and enjoy!
Battery not included, duh.
Available in a few different designs at Cooper Hewitt for only $25! This is so smart it makes my brain itch.
Posted by Bree at 06:31 PM | Comments (0)
A Star is [Purchased Via Paypal]
The fact I just bought the above shot of the charmingly misspelled and adoringly half-clad Barbra and Kris (along with a festive 1 1/4" silver frame) to adorn my bathroom has added a bit of sparkle and gleam to the turd that is this week.
Make it yours over at Allposters.com.
Posted by Bree at 03:04 PM | Comments (0)
November 12, 2007
Pop Goes the Breesal
Porcelain soda cans from Chinese artist Lei Xue (via NOTCOT.org)
Posted by Bree at 09:03 PM | Comments (0)
November 05, 2007
Bringing Deeeesign Back
Straight outta Tokyo, crazy mofyo named Angela wants to start up a Denver chapter of Pecha Kechu. What is Pecha Kucha? Funny you should ax. According to the Angenator, and I'm quoting directly: "[Pecha Kucha is an event wherein] they let people present [on design topics], and the person shows 20 slides for 20 seconds each, and [the presenter] talks over the photos, and then the next presenter goes, rapid fire, and everyone hangs out and drinks beer. [It's awesome, just like you, Bree. God, you're so pretty and cool. I think that the entire world should spend each day in gratitude that you walk among us. Also, your ass is fantastic.]"
Anyways. That's all the news from Tokyo this morning. I have to stop all this blogging madness, put on a bra and go to a second round of interviews for a job I already turned down. Once you're done riddling me how I got myself into this odd little situation, I would appreciate a short synopsis. Powerpoint is fine. THXXXXX!!!!!
Posted by Bree at 10:29 AM | Comments (0)
October 23, 2007
Sony Bravia Pyramid Advert
Better 'en bunnies, not as good as balls.
Posted by Bree at 08:04 AM | Comments (0)
October 22, 2007
Guest Columnist: Mike L. Previews Hong Kong's Bathing Ape Store
$350 shoes, $100 t-shirts... this shit is urban pimp for the limo set. The store is also mad cool. As you walk up the neon enhanced staircase into the showroom floor, there is a see-through plexi-glass floor, revealing a revolving track display of their latest kicks. Their newest gear is packaged in toy store packaging... think GI Joe figurine packs but larger. Awesome!
Posted by Bree at 09:18 PM | Comments (0)
D-Sign D-Rinks
From Jaime over at designklub:
Whether you are in the field of industrial, product, graphic or any other type of design come on down for an informal gathering of Denver design enthusiasts. We'll share exploits from the recent AIGA conference, steal each other's Halloween costume ideas and generally have a good time.
Join us on Monday, October 29th from 6-8 PM at the Skylark Lounge, located at 140 S. Broadway. Happy Hour goes until 7 and it's a big enough place that we'll be able to hear each other talk.
Posted by Bree at 01:11 PM | Comments (0)
October 08, 2007
F-f-f-foolin' With my Photograph (All I Got is a)
Fun! Take any image you've got lying around your desktop (like this one of Britney's delightful quad boob, par ejemps) and "Hockneyize" it into several different Polaroids over at the delightful Hockneyizer.
(via How About Orange...)
Monday morning bonus:
Posted by Bree at 09:50 AM | Comments (0)
October 07, 2007
Verbatim: Best. CSR. Letter. Ever.
Text of letter received (along with wallpaper swatches) from Tapenten der 70er:
Dear Ms Nee*y,in principle the view of our sample wallpapers does not mean a risk to health. For reasons of caution you should neveretheless use the wallpapers masured. After all, to switch from simple ingrain wallpapers to the patterns from the 70s is comparable with changing from VW Golf to Ford Mustang. Maybe you will lose ground by watching our overwhelming wallpapers.
Now all jokes aside!
Enclosed you will receive your order of wallpaper samples. As a result of the oversized patterns regrettably only a small cutout can be shown. The out of ordinary surfaces and the partly infatuation beautiful colors will make you crazy about our wallpapers. That's for sure!We look forward to hearing from you soon and remain with best regards,
[Signature block]
Doesn't this just make your heart go pitter-pat-THADUMP? It's GENIUS on many, many levels. Including, but not limited to, the German/American car analogy. And the use of the phrase "partly infatuating." My GOD, I need a bratwurst. And a dirndl.
So support copywriting of the flagrantly bizarre ilk and send any 1970's wallpaper business that's-a percolatin' in your cozy little nest their way. Who knows? A letter that seems to have been authored by a monkey on too many - or perhaps not enough - Psilocybin mushrooms might too end up in your mailbin. One can always dream.
Posted by Bree at 12:53 PM | Comments (0)
October 06, 2007
Choose Your Own Arcade Fire Video
Click around in here.
Posted by Bree at 02:37 PM | Comments (0)
October 05, 2007
Lovely New Sony Bravia Ad
(Stones?! Oh no you DINT.)
More here.
Posted by Bree at 02:32 PM | Comments (0)
October 03, 2007
Denver Art Update c/o Mr. Fox
ARTISANS AND KINGS: SELECTED TREASURES FROM THE LOUVRE
Denver Art Museum
Oct. 6, 2007-Jan. 6, 2008
125 objects from the Louvre, including Gobelin’s 1775 tapestry The Loves of the Gods, Vertume and Pomone, a selection of Sèvres porcelain, and paintings and drawings by Rubens, Titian, Velazquez and Dürer
VIC MUNIZ IN DENVER (from artnet.com)
Artist and Zingmagazine publisher Devon Dikeou doesn’t only hang out at sports events when she visits her hometown of Denver, Colo. - she also organizes exhibitions. Her latest effort in that regard, "Muniz: Remastered," Oct. 4, 2007-Jan. 20, 2008, opens at the Museo de las Américas, Denver’s museum of contemporary Latin American art headed by Patty Ortiz. The show feature’s Muniz’s interpretations of famous works by Corot, Dürer, Rembrandt and other masters in a range of unlikely materials - chocolate, sequins, junk, peanut butter and jelly.
(Acc. to Mr. F., Vik Muniz is "awesome." And according to everyone around here, Ms. Dikeou is our city's most prominent pioneer of art-n-kulture. In a word? Sold.)
Posted by Bree at 10:08 PM | Comments (0)
Open Studio at INV/ALT
open studio at INV/ALT design this Saturday afternoon, October 6, noon-4 pm.
3100 blake street, denver colorado (enter on 31st)
MAGNETIC ceramics, upholstery, furniture
+ wii tournament
+ flipbook workshop
+ food and drink
more information at blog.invaltdesign.com
* feeling ambitious? download this picture, print it out, cut on dotted lines, and make your own flipbook!
Posted by Bree at 08:32 PM | Comments (0)
September 18, 2007
The Underminer Covers the Mass MOCA ¡SHITSHOW OF THE CENTURY!
Classic stuff c/o Mike Albo:
Hm? Oh I'm here with my close close close friends Matthew Marks and Perry Rubenstein and Leo Castelli. We are just having a strategy sesh about my work and also celebrating our close close close friend Roberta's masterful piece in the Times about the whole Mass MOCA scandal, which I am not sure you read because I know you don't really follow-- You did? Oh, no sure sure sure. Sorry I didn't mean to make it sound like you were clueless or anything! Ha!
I mean, can you BELIEVE Mass MOCA!? How DARE they cut the funding of my most brilliant colleague, Christophe Buchel, when he went over his 160,000 dollar budget, two times over, and delayed the opening of his work by months with his strange requirements? So what if he demanded near impossible things like a fuselage of a 737, a two-story Cape Cod cottage, a leaflet-bomb carousel, an old bar from a tavern, and a vintage movie theater? He is an artist, and has no choice but to follow his vision. How do they expect an artist to CREATE in that kind of environment!? We really live in an oppressive time. It's like Entartete Kunst all over again. Deplorable.
People like Buchel and I are ARTISTS! And we ARTISTS are allowed to do whatever we want because we make ART! Watch.
Hello? Sir? Yes, you there. What do you do? Oh, you're a high school teacher. Commendable. Well, I'm an ARTIST. Now get on your knees and drink my saliva.
See? I make ART.
Who can deny the power of Buchel's dirty, trash-laden historical dioramas? I look at the way he dumps crumbled cinderblock and dry wall into a pile and I just WEEP at the authenticity. And that authenticity takes money and time and creative freedom!
If they wanted something cheap, they should have just gone down to New Orleans and scrounged some poor folk artist's oil paintings out of the trash. Or simply exhibited pictures of The Ninth Ward or Baghdad or the Minneapolis Bridge disaster, which, I have to say, are sort of GOOD as art pieces, but don't quite capture the pain and anguish of the human soul as well as a Buchel diorama.
More here. Buy his book (illustrated by the one and only Carl J. F. - man behind the splash page and logo of THIS VERY WEB SITE) here. Brushed once again by the loosest possible connection to notoriety, I am.
Posted by Bree at 03:10 PM | Comments (0)
September 17, 2007
Getting Twiggy Wit' It
"If you’re going to be in Denver in mid October, you’ll want to take a stroll down California Street — it’s the site of this year’s Urban Forest Project, in which 24 local professional designers and 24 local design students will create banners that will hang up and down the street for two weeks. Each banner references trees (or tree-ness) in some way, and the results are sure to be eclectic."
Whole article, including unnecessary and untrue slag on D-town c/o those ass-munchin' Boulderites, can be found here.
Posted by Bree at 08:42 AM | Comments (0)
August 29, 2007
Must. Be. Stopped.
I have so much stuff hanging on my walls, it's absurdity. But alas, that's how I roll. So when I saw this tonight on Happy Mundane, I jammed over to the artist's web site, logged into Paypal and made her me own. Easy peasy; wordy birdy.
Posted by Bree at 11:14 PM | Comments (0)
August 24, 2007
New Schtuff at INV/ALT
Angela just added a bunch of kickass plates to her Etsy shop. Go and support. Boys -> NBenz: Can't speak for the Commies, but pretty much any girl without dreams of a socialized society would love one of these.
Posted by Bree at 02:05 PM | Comments (0)
Mile High Mod
Attn: Stalkers! Looking for me tonight? I'll be hitting the Denver Modernism show to fondle some bakelite and show me some mad love and support for the P's, who are offering floor models at 30 -50% off. Details is (and I post this verbatim even with its brazenly improper capitalization - I'm daring like that) as follows:
Preview Gala & Sale
FRIDAY 7 - 10pm
Admission $10
- Live 60s Instrumental Surf Guitar Music
- Super Special Guests (Oh, yes - the rumors are flying!)
- Tiki Bar, wine station and Hors D'oeuvres
- Retro Slide Show with L.A.'s Charles Phoenix
- Complimentary valet parking
- and more surprises!
More details about the weekend's events here. If you're looking for me, I'll be the asurcial one saddled up to the tiki bar drunkenly mumbling about an Eames brother sandwich.
Posted by Bree at 10:41 AM | Comments (0)
August 22, 2007
Posted by Bree at 07:38 PM | Comments (0)
August 17, 2007
HRH Fotografia
Grandma’s Shoes by Anna M. White
Bored this Friday? Bust out the biscuits and tea and have a sitdown with some some stellar amateur photography out of Enguland --> How We Are: Photographing Britain.
Posted by Bree at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)
August 14, 2007
I Love This, I Want This, I Absolutely Must Have This
Especially if it means returning to the halcyon days of 2006.
Curtsy: Some sort of mysterious foreign web site
Posted by Bree at 08:20 PM | Comments (0)
August 12, 2007
Picture of the Day
This is from NYPD Officer Russel Timoshenko's funeral in Brooklyn earlier this summer.
Posted by Bree at 12:24 PM | Comments (0)
August 06, 2007
Now That's What I Call Viral Marketing, Vol. 14
Grow, groom and wax your own man magnet at Burger King's lil pet moustache site. I think it's kind of fun, but as we all know - my standards could be higher.
Cuidado, kiddados: be sure to turn down the volume if you're at work.
Or church.
Posted by Bree at 05:48 PM | Comments (0)
August 01, 2007
This Picture of Carrots is Totally Tuber-lur
(From Happy Mundane.)
Posted by Bree at 10:36 PM | Comments (0)
July 31, 2007
Bad Day for Directors
Wait...Ingmar Bergman AND Michelangelo Antonioni both died on the same day? They were both still alive? I thought those guys went under around the time Halston sewed his last dress. <-- Obligatory Tuesday morning shout-out to Halston.
Clearly.
Posted by Bree at 08:07 AM | Comments (0)
July 30, 2007
Spidey!
Speaking of spider pig, look what I just found over on Cool Hunting: a primer, if you shall, of how the apparent master of spiderweb capturing goes about his business. I have one of these plates, (bought from the lovely Leigh of Jezebel Stationary at Catbird when I was in town for the gift show last year), and both my guests and I have often tried to figure out how in the hizzell it was made. Behold!
(Ang, now that we've mastered Fimo brick - what say you and I go down to my basement and get this business POPPING?)
Posted by Bree at 08:01 AM | Comments (0)
July 27, 2007
The Projects
If I had unlimited druthers, I would be more crafty. And not just in the Beastie Boys sense. I would love to be able to take all the design stuff I envision in my head and have it somehow materialize before me after a peaceful few hours working in my studio, Belle & Sebastian on the transistor radio, the waves gently lapping on the dock, a furry cat that never sheds purring on the table (NOT this one), my husband David Beckham practicing his soccer "kicks" on the front lawn, our money triplicating in the market as I studiously and artfully create masterpiece after masterpiece. Oh yes and I'd be wearing jeans of the perfectly worn and totally exact right length variety. And really cute jewelry. And my hair would be AWESOME.
OK. Wait. Anys. This is not how it goes in the life of Bree.
Except for the clothes and jewelry and hair parts. That I can do. The rest - not so much. But, as I've said before, I forever endeavor. So this weekend? This is the proyecto:
Turn THIS -
Into THIS - 
The groundwork has been laid. The materials have been collected. The motivation has been mustered. So. In addition to CLIMBING A 14,000-foot peak tomorrow MORNING, I am going to make a clay brick candle holder. Because I am all with it like that. And apparently, I like a challenge. Especially if it involves fimo.
Posted by Bree at 11:05 AM | Comments (0)
July 26, 2007
Memo to Nordstroms.com Booking Agent Re: Model Choice
I know these outfits aren't doing anyone any favors but, come on now. This is like dressing the Chupacabra up in velveteen remnants from the Gunne Sax factory and trying to pass it off as a new look for prom. <-- She shoots! She scores! Crowd riots. Chaos ensues. Economy collapses.
Posted by Bree at 01:15 PM | Comments (0)
July 23, 2007
Holy Moles!
I was just cruising around on the fabs - and aptly named - design site More Ways to Waste Time, and stumbled across her write-up on this piece:
An apparently "circa-1978 Finnish fabric wall hanging by Vallila" that totally hung in our yellow and orange playroom throughout my childhood! What a crazy blast from the past! I haven't seen - or thought of - this thing since about 1985. And frankly, seeing it now just brings back some horrific olfactory memories of the stankass dog that used to sleep under it. RIP Boo.
On a more positive note - Mom and Dad - youse so hip it's skeery!
Posted by Bree at 09:49 PM | Comments (0)
July 15, 2007
True Dat
Posted by Bree at 07:52 PM | Comments (0)
July 10, 2007
CO-nsider This Your Invitation
CO-DESIGN: An Exhibition of Colorado’s Top Designers
P Design Gallery l July 14 through August 25
A new show featuring contemporary home accessories and furniture from emerging and established Colorado designers.
Opening Reception – Saturday July 14 from 3 to 7 p.m.
P Design Gallery
2590 Walnut St., Denver, Colorado
Posted by Bree at 08:28 PM | Comments (0)
July 03, 2007
Tuesday Advertising Meeting
Click on through to check out the brillig new Sony Bravia ad (directed by Jonathan Glazer) or just watch it here:
Course, I don't dig it quite as much as the beauteous one below but that's to be expected. After all, whereas I like clowns and paint and brick buildings, I like like ping pong and that song and San Francisco and the jumpy frog.
Posted by Bree at 03:12 PM | Comments (0)
June 29, 2007
Be Still My Beating Clyfford Still (Lecture)
ABSOLUTE MUST DO: Attend lecture on Clyfford Still, the Astract Expressionist painter, whose estate bid Denver WON in a major major triumph:
In August 2004, the City of Denver announced it had been chosen to receive the artworks contained within the Clyfford Still Estate, created in 1980 upon the death of one of the most important painters of the twentieth century. Still (1904-1980) was among the first generation of Abstract Expressionist artists who developed a new, powerful approach to painting in the years immediately following World War II. This highly sought-after body of work contains over 2,150 artworks representing all periods of the American artist's distinguished career and nearly 90% of the artist's total output.
Removed from public view for over twenty-five years, these works will finally be revealed at the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver, Colorado, planned to open to the public in 2009.
WHEN: 6p.m.; Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Denver Art Museum Sharp Auditorium (Frederic C. Hamilton Building)
MANDATE: Do! It! Support! This! Crazy! Awesomeness!
STILL MORE STUFF: Clyfford Still Unveiled: Selections from the Estate, July 14 - September 30, 2007
Hamilton Building, Denver Art Museum
The first and only preview of the artwork prior to the Clyfford Still Museum opening in 2010.
Opening: Saturday, July 14, 2007, 10 a.m. - Midnight
(Admission is free all weekend as part of DAM’s What in the World?)
Posted by Bree at 01:27 PM | Comments (0)
BEAUTEOUS
Check this loverly Moroso display from ICFF. If all goes according to plan, we might actually get to use these models at the Denver Modernism Show (August 24 - 26). I'll be the one suspended near the top. You be the one shooting bb's at my butt. Thanks!
Posted by Bree at 12:54 PM | Comments (0)
June 15, 2007
Squotation Marks
So satisfying when your obsessive design web site/magazine/book reading actually translates into knowing about a product that would be perfect for a project. And by "your," I mean "my." And by "product," I mean "window stickers." And by "project," I mean "a sweet new house over on 7th" that we get to design window treatments and lighting fixtures for!
Calling! I found ye! Word up, Calling!
Uh...Calling?
Why you running away so fast?
*Oh and by "shittily written blog entry," I mean "this." 'tevs. Got my mind on other things. Like the ridonx weekend I've got in store. Ahhh.
Posted by Bree at 03:21 PM | Comments (0)
Burnt By the Amazing
Holy moles. Paul just got in three of these Moooi (Maarten Baas-designed) burned (burnt?) dining chairs and I am in LUST...
Whaa? Only, like, $1,400 a pop? Sounds perfunct. Wood's all ebonized and shaz...held together by epoxy...oh I just gotta say, "Dizzamn."
Posted by Bree at 12:04 PM | Comments (0)
June 12, 2007
McJobby Job !!
My awesome and excellent new friend, Angela over at Inv/Alt Design, just hired me to crank out her press packets and PR info. For money! This is super kickass.
Every cloudy day? Big fat platinum lining.
Posted by Bree at 02:13 PM | Comments (0)
June 06, 2007
Purchase Pants
My last bit of freedom (relative) before returning to the grind (relative) was less rad than one might have hoped for. Truth be typed: things are in a bit of a muddle. Not for me, not really, but yeah. Bit of a muddle. So, to celebrate the close of an important day - and the beginning of an important life - I bought myself this pitcher over at Coudal Partners Swap Meat:
(*link curtsy hoping for happy accidents)
Posted by Bree at 09:26 PM | Comments (0)
May 09, 2007
Realizing Recently That Something is Missing
Realizing recently that something is snaps.
Posted by Bree at 11:49 PM | Comments (0)
April 30, 2007
Three-Hour Tour of Duty
I am embarking on a new mission this week: to spend at least three hours a day working on my business. I know, I know...way to aim for the stars, Briggs. 'tevs. I've got stuff to DO...'cluding Americanos to guzzle and pooches to nuzzle. As such, posting will be lightish. In my absentia, etertain your brain with the photography of Denis Darzacq - a French artiste who takes snaps of falling teenagers. Pretty spectacular stuff, mon amis!
Posted by Bree at 11:12 AM | Comments (0)
April 17, 2007
Driving Me Knuts!
Q. How awesome is this lil Knut print?
A. 100 percent awesome...that's how awesome.
Buy it for your favorite blogger o'er at Creative Thursday on Etsy.
Posted by Bree at 11:48 AM | Comments (0)
April 11, 2007
Dropping Knowledge Like Galileo Dropped the Orange
Yesssss, my quest to hang in an industry that I don't work in reached new heights last night. Picture the scene: Briggles in the hizzle, surrounded by a bunch of art directors listening to Joe Duffy, one of the best designers and brand architects in the whole wide, speak about his company and their work (including the Fresca relaunch and that gorgeous Bahamas campaign of last year). Oh, got my heart to beating.
Most of what he said hit on some pretty familiar themes to anyone interested in the creative class (a la Richard Florida) or consumption in general. Always good to be reminded, however, so I present forthwith a brief little summation of what I believed to be the most compelling points:
* First off, he called Denver a "creative community on the cusp of greatness." Well, hellllooooo awesome!
* Said, that the world of marketing communications has been turned on its head. All bets are off. This is a great time for creatives.
* Consumers can now control messaging (via Tivo, Pop-up blockers, etc.) Now that we can control, funnel and focus our choice, we all have the ability to customize our lives and our experiences as a consumer. This is so powerful, Ad Age named the Agency of the Year, "The Consumer." At the same time, the choices in front of us are so huge they can be debilitating.
* Consumer = programmer of life.
* Today's most successful companies are recognizing people's desire for choice, control and customization.
* A marketer's role has shifted from that of storyteller to creator of a better life experience.
* In this design age, people will look to companies that provide an authentic experience:
- one you can't get anywhere else
- transparent and true
- delivers on promises
- aligned with consumer values
- considers all aspects of interaction
* A company that is talked about and recommended is a successful company. Talk value has never been a bigger deal.
* The strongest brands are brands that think about themselves as a total experience. Dan Weiden (of Weiden and Kennedy) said, "Don't tell. Converse."
* Everything communicates a brand message; therefore a company must do everything well.
* Companies must reinvent themselves early and often. (And, in a world changing so fast e-mail is already old-fashioned, one would apparently need to...yikers...)
Oh and just a quick P.S.: This is totels the style I manifest when I contemplate the future ->
No wonder no one wanted to sit next to me last night.
Posted by Bree at 08:42 AM | Comments (0)
Fire Sale: So Hot It'll Burn Ya!
The web site Modern Dose is having a crrrrazy sale, plus free shipping, on tons of cool artwork and furniture.
After a cursory examination, and a quick and sucky cut and paste job, I hereby present the things that are tickling my buy button this fine morn:
Marked down from $5,450 to $850
Marked down from $125 to $94
Marked down from $379 to $250
Seems to me that the whole durned site's to be had for cheap, so don't just be limited to the "Sale" section.
Posted by Bree at 08:11 AM | Comments (0)
April 09, 2007
Tomorrow Eve
How quickly my plans change. Tomorrow night is my last Photoshop class, but looks like I'm going to have to retract my RSVP to that party as I just found out that the branding and design hotshot Joe Duffy is speaking at the Oriental Theater in the Highlands. Perfect timing as my punk-rock illustrator and I are busting hump on my logo this week, and I need some inspo and advice. Not to mention that my total lack of Photoshop skillz has moved from slightly unnerving to wholly embarrassing...hence no bigs on missing the last hurrah of that experience. Luckily for me, the super-nice teach took about an hour last week to speak with me privately about all the technical requirements I'll need for online and print TSC designs, so that alone made the class well worth it. Well, that and the fact I can now erase errant zits from all pictures of myself.
Vanity? Thy name is Bree.
Posted by Bree at 12:57 PM | Comments (0)
February 20, 2007
Pojalsta
Awesome pics of the Moscow subway system to be found here. Don't forget your helmet.
Posted by Bree at 10:51 PM | Comments (0)
Happy (Early) St. Patrick's Day!
Love,
Me and my hand
Posted by Bree at 12:12 PM | Comments (0)
February 19, 2007
Mr. Green...in the Dining Room with...PANACHE
Awww! I love it when my instinct is proven palatable to the masses. 'member how I said I was going to spray paint my new chandelier kelly green? Well...chandelier arrived today, kelly green paint was purchased directly following, garage paint time scheduling at the casa de Rick was put on the books for tomorrow and all was well. All got even better, however, when I ran across this post at design*sponge just now.
Oh and to blow my own toot a little more, please aim your browser at yet another example of the prescient eye for color I like to call my own (er, for reference, I mean the bits directly beneath Fergie's dampened crotch).
I'm so hip, it's no wonder the kids call me sciatica.
Posted by Bree at 06:32 PM | Comments (0)
January 16, 2007
Commerce + Art = Cart
Applied Geometry
Robert Wechsler
A circle made by following the natural curve in a line of shopping carts.
Costco parking lot Goleta, CA. 6:00 am May 5, 2004.
More info here.
Posted by Bree at 01:54 PM | Comments (0)
January 15, 2007
Ads, Ads, Ads (*to the tune of "Girls, Girls, Girls")
Got a minute? Watch this trailer for The Alchemists - a not-yet-released documentary about some of the big-time advertising geniui.
As the marketing mats say: "THE ALCHEMISTS is a surprisingly personal exploration of some of the most influential advertising giants of the last century, and the communication they created which rocked our culture."
We'll see about all that, but at very least - it'll be killer to spend a few hours with some of the men (and lady) who stood advertising on end, shook it, took what came out, tossed it and started anew. It'll be interesting to watch an exaltation of reinvention of the industry seeing as we are teetering on the cusp of a total collapse of the industry. (I have written that past sentence at least seven times and CANNOT get it to read write. I just wrote "read write." Time to step away.) In summation: Advertising's dead. Pass the PR.
Also recommended: $ellebrity by George Lois and Inside Chiat/Day by Karen Stabiner. I would let you borrow my copy of the latter, but I left it in a beach house on the Adriatic in the summer of 1993. Bwwaaahhhaa! So cool I am! Too bad I can't write worth a crap!
PS Everyone reading this muck, do yourself a favor and go listen to "Go or Go Ahead" by Rufus Wainwright. Seriously. I think it's my new old favorite song. Do it. I'll be here when you come back.
Posted by Bree at 06:08 PM | Comments (0)
January 11, 2007
Skizzore
Anyone who has spent any time with me knows my great affinity for notebooks. I generally have them nearby to write down my incessent to-do lists, quotes, things to buy, things to look at online, places to go, reminders, etc. Unfortunately, I rarely have a pen.
'tevs.
I like to borrow.
But just as much as I am a fan of (obsessively) recording and documenting ideas and things during my day to day (see Flickr, Del.ious.us., this web site, etc. ad infinitum), recording and documenting allows me to forget it - clearing the old mind for more important thoughts such as, "Which will taste better: pumpkin seeds or sunflower?"
So, skimming through old notebooks always brings up a great many memories, a great many things to do, and a great many things to think about - all of which I like. To the point, I came across this entry - which I vaguely remember writing...maybe at Jenny's house over the holidays? -
"Illustrated junior library editions; Fritz Kredel - illus; Grosset & Dunlap, publishers"
One Google search later and behold! A beautifully illustrated 1947 version of Aesop's Fables, bought from a used book seller on Barnes & Noble.com for $1.99. Hence the "Skizzore" title of 'fore. Good stuff to rip apart and frame and use as my very own moral leadline (eh RJM?).
In closing, thank you Notebook. You're no Ryan Gosling, but you fill me with gladness anyway.
Posted by Bree at 11:00 AM | Comments (0)
January 09, 2007
Amerzing
This is a drawing:
Untitled (Big Sea #1)
1969
As is this:
Web #5
2000
Both from a dude lady named Vija Celmins; both on display at a retrospective of her drawings at the UCLA Hammer Museum in LA (through April 22).
Posted by Bree at 12:09 PM | Comments (1)
December 22, 2006
Snow Snap
Snowboarder on the steps of the Denver Capital Building
c/o Rocky Mountain News, December 22
Posted by Bree at 09:50 PM | Comments (0)
December 07, 2006
Soviet-Era Design: An Open Smile on a Friendly Shore
Feeling a little twisted and torn over the reemergence of the Russians on the bioterrorism scene? Oh pish posh! What's a little plumonium between friends? Take it from me, Mrs. Diplomacy nee Depravity, the key here is to just stop your frettin' (I'm talking to YOU, Heathrow!), pour a nice canteen of kvass and vodka and realize that the Russians are just like you and me. They too are inspired, no - enlivened, by the genius of Aaron Spelling and the whole crew of the Pacific Princess:
Come aboard...we're expecting you!
While you're all getting jiggy on the eastern steppes and stuff, be sure to czech out some more snaps over here at English Russia. Oh and disclaimer: I can totally make fun of the Russians because Heather's FAVORITE show is The Love Boat. No worries over here, mate!
Posted by Bree at 09:43 AM | Comments (0)
November 11, 2006
Cardinal Sin
Something about this comic is just giving me the wicked hoiggles (home office giggles). Better than cubigiggles (cubicle giggles), shoiggles (shared office giggles) or offigiggles (office giggles), sure, but still. It's a little embarrassing to laugh out loud while you're alone. And now I'm over it. The embarrassment, I mean. I still totally wanna fuck that cardinal.
Posted by Bree at 05:10 PM | Comments (0)
November 06, 2006
Home is Where the Darth Is
Let's round out our afternoon of art appreciation with a nod to Daniel Bozhov, and his impressive vision:
Darth Vader tries to clean the Black Sea with Brita Filter
Posted by Bree at 04:49 PM | Comments (0)
Soy Jaloux (Trans: I am Jealous)
Attn: Brooklyn --> Ron Mueck - master of the gigundo sculpture - just opened a show at the Brooklyn Museum . His stuff kind of reminds me of John Currin, in that it presents a real twisted view of humanity and the human form that is, nonetheless, completely magnetic and at least somewhat appealling. (I gots me lotsa nouns, and I gots me even more modifiers.) In fact, I do believe that Mueck was also part of the Sensation exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum that got Giuliani all up in a lather in the late '90s. You know - 'cause marrying your cousin is A-OK but displaying anti-Christian art is cause for the withdrawal of public funding. Like a good girl, I love what the man did for my city when it needed it, but I think I love the First Ammendment more.
Anys, let's just face it: I am chewing on a loaf of loathe that I won't be able to see this exhibit, so do go hop to. <-- Ahem, TOTALLY the name of my next band.
Posted by Bree at 03:33 PM | Comments (0)
November 05, 2006
ColorColorColorColor
Why yes, room, I do love you and your perfectly perfect colors.
Let's snuggle.
Posted by Bree at 09:49 PM | Comments (0)
Sunday Morning Poetry
Oh, ain't it the troof!
And in an early morning homage to the most easily pornographicated poetry form, here are some faves from the vaults of my Gmail account (authors redacted out of propriety; suffice it - there are but two of us represented).
Though I am not gay
I LOVE bed bath and beyond
Where are the squeegies?
Silky astroglide
You, me, best friends forever
Let's get a sandwich
Steak in the morning
Don't barf on my hangover
Upside-down OK
Though I do love you
Sometimes I just want to sleep
Go rub on the cat
Trojans not welcome
'specially when wicked drunk
Coochie coochie coo
Jerry Hall's advice:
give BJs lots, wherever
words to live by
Haiku sometimes makes
such accomplished poets
from lowly poon hounds
SPECIAL EXTRA G-MAIL BONUS
Lookee what I just found on the haiku search - the best e-mail I've ever written:
From: Bree
To: Matthew, Daniel
Date: Mar 10, 2005 2:14 PM
Subject: Re: incredible.
fucking reuters man. they wouldn't know a proofreader if it gnawed off lemmy's nipple and spit it in their face
Ah.
Genius.
Anys, I'm off as it's high time to get to church. Lord knows I needs me a massage!
Posted by Bree at 09:11 AM | Comments (0)
October 31, 2006
House of Stain
Welcome to the stuff that's totally flooding my mind with wanton thoughts of art and commerce. AHHHHHHH! My heart beats 1,000 pumps per minute (PPM) for the work being churned by these two totally kick-glass ladies! (Reports on the effects on other parts of my body to come as soon as I password protect.)
So point your cursor here for more Nancy Nicholson (above) and here for Susanna Conaway (way above). (Links thanks to the absolutely favulous Paul at P Design Gallery - go buy some stuff from him, wouldja now?)
Posted by Bree at 04:18 PM | Comments (0)
October 20, 2006
Sweet Design Comes to D-Town c/o Brooklynites, Natchy
I was tickled a toasty hue of burnt umber to discover the existence of the P Design Gallery, right here in the Mile High. Founded by Brooklyn coolios and stocking some of my favorite favoritos, it's inventory seems on par with (read: ripped directly from) the sometimes flawless Future Perfect in Williamsburg.
Check some of the lovelies I'll be fondling later this afternoon:
Straw cube by Sasha Sykes (sister-in-law to the loathsome Plum, but we'll struggle - valiantly and with great grit - not to hold that against her).
Jason Miller's glossy lil antler chandies, which are used to beautiful effect at Lodge, a semi-decent (though gorgeously designed) Burg restaurant I like to frequent with my proto-awesome bestos.
Enjoy this terrible picture of what I type:
(Eventually I'll get around to putting the rest of my Brooklyn bar and shop design stuff o'er on the Flickr. You have much to look forward to.)
And - piece de resisto! - wallpaper from the delightful Nama Rococo straight out of NORTH ADAMS, MA. Holla if you hear me N.A.!
Oh and speaking of Jason Miller (as I was, prior to the WeMa nostalgia interlude) - they've got a whole durned exhibit dedicated to the boy. I'm totally clapping my hands and jumping up and down in my Aeron right now. Totes. More to come after I actually put together something stylish to wear (Vhat? My whole yoga pants and lacrosse sweatshirt thing is a HIT with the menfolk...and the ladeez...swears...) and go to the joint. Again, much to look forward to. A shower being first on the list.
Posted by Bree at 09:05 AM | Comments (0)
October 17, 2006
Snap of the Day
Eh. Can't really decide if I like it or not, but just found a disk of old Brooklyn photos and was momentarily seduced. Momentarily. Lucky for you, this blog is, like, totally in real time.
Posted by Bree at 12:02 PM | Comments (0)
October 01, 2006
Audi Sarabia
It's no Seabiscuit, but I can't help think that my new chrome studded plate holder is going to earn some serious respeck come Colfax cruisin' time...
Next up? Spinning rimz.
Oh I kid not at all. Anyone who knows me knows how I feel about hubcaps: 1000-percent in favor. And, since I never got the purple neon undercarriage I wanted on the Saab, I feel more than justified dropping the dubloons. It's almost as if I've earned them!
Posted by Bree at 12:23 PM | Comments (0)
September 21, 2006
Today in Purchasing
I snaked this cold-lampin', cross-processed 8" x 8" photo from a British artist on etsy.com this afternoon. Damage? A modest $35. In celebration of what some might call my coup d'etsy, I finally verified my Paypal account and steeled myself to get this online "buy buy buy" thing rolling. Ebay - you're never gonna know what hitcha. It's gonna be all A+++++++++, BEST TRANSACTION EVER!!!!!!!!! all the time.
Posted by Bree at 11:23 PM | Comments (0)
September 14, 2006
"Buy Some Stuff" Page Launched
Your girl in HTML cracked some secretive nerd code and - high on the power that brought - posted a few photos and purchasing info in the "Buy Some Stuff" link to your right.
Enjoy - and please do be in touch if you need any further details or want to see bigger versions. For many of the black and white ones, I already have prints made of various quality and sizes, so I can be flexible with prices. For the others, I'm rigid like stale cheese.
Posted by Bree at 10:49 PM | Comments (0)
Damask Unmasked
I see the Times picked up on the damask trend - or, as I like to call it, "Mmmm, need more of that stat." Loyal loyalists know I've been cooling my heels on the "Ottoman?! Uttaman!" I picked up in Keenesburg, CO this past winter - and loving every minute of it. If I had my way, I would get a full-body damask tat so that I might revel in its beauty forevermore. Apparently, I don't have my way. Something about societal norms? Eff.
Anys. Here's a $130 chair from IKEA I would think about buying if there was an IKEA in Colorado.
Not crazed about the pedestal base/lack of arms in a living room setting, but I think they would rule as dining room chairs around a big fat white laquered table. Mod + traditional + cheap = just like I likey like. In fact, I will call it Motrache (pr: "Mo trashy!") and launch a style revolution. You heard it here first.
As for the black and white thing, I'm feeling it more and more as of late. I'm taking an incredible interior design class here - at one of the top schools in the country, apparently, for sustainable/green design - and my project will involve redoing my bedroom. All my big wooden furniture is just much for the space I'm in now, and I'm deathly sick of the brown/white/baby blue/red thing I've been living with since 2004:
Let's put it this way. When I painted that room, it was to the sweet sounds of the Black Eyed Peas. Back before Fergie wet herself:
So I'm thinking of getting into black and white but am also really, really feeling kelly green and white these days. Kind of 80's Benetton shirt style. Maybe toss in some really rich purple. Which, come to think of it, were totally my riding colors back in the Jr. High horse-showing days - plus some hot pink accents. Natch.
Sprinkle on a fine layer of manure and haydust, and I think I've found the answer to my design connundrum. Still not sure what to do with Fergie, though.
Posted by Bree at 08:54 AM | Comments (0)
September 08, 2006
Walls!
AHHHHHH! Coolest apartment walls ever!
Not that I'm one for hyperbole, or anything.
Posted by Bree at 04:52 PM | Comments (0)
September 07, 2006
The Tarnish Vanquish: Vol. 1, Verse 4
On my way up to Nebraska on Saturday, I stopped in my favorite town in alllllll of Northern Colorado: Keenesburg...home of 500 happy people and a few soreheads, or so the official town motto would like to have us believe.
I was able to circumvent the soreheads and nab what I've been looking for for a few weeks now: a silver tray to put my parfum on. I also went to the bathroom and got a coffee. It was a very positive experience made all the more so when the cashier told me a secret silver tarnish remover recipe. (I say "secret" because Tom Cruise was hovering off the ground behind me, trying desperately not to sweat on the floor. True, he might've just been stretching but who's really to know?)
According to this non-sorehead's classified housekeeping dossier, if you line your sink with aluminum foil, sprinkle a tablespoon of salt and a tablespoon of baking soda over the foil, place the silver on the foil and then pour boiling hot water over it - POOF. All your grime will disappear.
Naturally - and because this will theoretically assist me in my chosen career - I tested the concoction out:
Thar she is, blowing
Boiling hot action
Results? Eh.
It definitely took off a lot of the gunk, but I still had to bust out the old elbow grease - and that weird pink stuff - to get her all shoned up. Verdict, dear readers: my results would've been a lot more impressive if I had more boiled water to use. It's a big piece and I have a big sink and I was just being downright modest in my estimations. Also, as far as that goes, don't be limited by the friendly advice of a Keenesburgian: you should totally add more baking soda and more salt than recommended. Whaa? It's a supersized world out there - deal with it and pass that barrel of fries OVER. HERE. MOMMA'S. PECKISH.
Ah right, where was I? OK - after a bit more scrubbing with, cough, REAL silver polish, I got what I wanted - something real pretty-like on which to display all me special eau de's:
Ahhhhh.
The end.
Posted by Bree at 10:13 PM | Comments (2)
Oh Ma Gah
I am positively yearning for this wallpaper. Seriously.
I must have it. I must, I must, I must.
Whoa...wait a minute.
Keith? What are you doing in there?
Come back to bed, sweetie.
And bring the Coors.
Posted by Bree at 03:27 PM | Comments (0)
September 01, 2006
Art-icle (Or: Never Judge a Russian by His Dye Job)
Here's a great piece in New York Magazine on the mystery buyer who spent $95 mil on a Picasso at Sothebys recently.
Excerpt: “His nose looked broken, like a boxer’s. He had dyed hair and cheap shoes, like a bodyguard. If he walked into my gallery, I wouldn’t have sold him a painting.”
I wonder if he kisses on the mouth...
"You work on commission? Big mistake...huge..! You dumb slut - how you like me now in my fetching bow-accented chapeau and taffeta frock that combines practicality and panache with its daring display of short dolman sleeves? I'll tell you someone who likes it - Jason Alexander, that's who! Hector Elizondo too! And Laura San Giacomo would if she could just get her mind off the pipe for two minutes...but that's neither here nor there. Whore code. Anyway, do you even know what the word panache MEANS?! I thought not. I am sooooo outta here. And I'm taking that sheer mustard scarf with me."
Posted by Bree at 10:43 AM | Comments (0)
Real Profeesssssioanallll-like
As Kool once noted, it's more than acceptable to celebrate good times come on. He might be right. Brace yourself for some exciting news, folks: this past week I have sold FOUR of my photographs! To TWO different people. NEITHER of whom I'm related to. Though, come to think of it, BOTH of whom I've smooched.
Er.
Hi.
Regardless, they respect me for my profesional output.
And they're willing to pay me to prove it!
Lots! Lots and lots!
Thus you might notice the new link to the right of the site that says "BUY SOME STUFF." For now, it's just an absolutely absurd snapshot of me and Mike role-playing Mohammed and the disgruntled customer. I'm in the part of Mohammed. You can tell by my musky odor.
Once I get my HTML code pants back on, I'll post some prices for photos and details and some of the best ones and you too can join in the fun of owning an OB (original Bree). Smooches most certainly NOT included though I'll throw in handling at cost.
Posted by Bree at 09:34 AM | Comments (0)
August 29, 2006
I Think I Love You
Need I remind you that Emma M. Nutt Day is this Friday?! What could be a more perfect present for the telephone operator in your life than a fruitbowl cum art? Or, come to think of it, what could be a more perfect present for the unemployed mile-high book-bum in your life? Just a friendly suggestion!
Posted by Bree at 09:44 AM | Comments (0)
August 18, 2006
Nothing Makes Me Happier...
...than Fight Club-era Pitt. But my new couch is coming pretty durned close...and man it is one long flight to Nambia.
Yes, you can come over and sit upon her. But please leave your dog, your child and your oily dipstick at home. On second thought, and euphimistically speaking - naturally, I have an open-door policy re: oily dipsticks. But I would hardly call that breaking news.
(Somewhere, someone's pouring out a glass of red wine for the enormous, slipcovered, sofabed beast that has been following me since the late '90s...And when I say "somewhere," I mean Seattle. And when I say "someone," I mean Jake. Bon voyage le couch. Thanks for all the times. Thanks for fitting through my apartment door frame on 69th Street when the real couch I wanted wouldn't. Thanks for not being that piece of shit futon couch El and I had on 92nd Street. Thanks for providing a comfy bed for me and Matt to lie on drunkenly and try to sleep the night of 9/11. Thanks for being the best napping couch in the world. Thanks for being wide enough to fit two. Thanks for coming from Manhattan to Brooklyn and then all the way to Colorado with me. And thanks for leaving when I asked.)
Posted by Bree at 12:07 PM | Comments (0)
August 14, 2006
Argentina Revisited (Ad Nauseum; Ad Mausoleum)
After full minutes of consideration, I've settled on a favorite picture from all the South American travels. This was taken in Recoleta Cemetary, the resting place of Eva Peron - or at least will be until her body is stolen for the 18th time. And this will be the one I hang on my wall to remind me of all the good times we had down South-like. As well as the illicit pleasure of necrophilia.
Posted by Bree at 05:37 PM | Comments (0)
August 07, 2006
Argentina (Int. and Ext.)
(The rest of my shots - arty and no - will go up on Flickr as soon as I get the fire lit under, atop of and next to this G5 business. You can count on that. Oh yes...something's getting absolutely toasted. And, for once, it's not me.)
Posted by Bree at 08:57 PM | Comments (0)
July 05, 2006
Been Out Riding Fences
Found that one on my hard drive.
Forgot where I stole it from.
Figured you'd like it.
Posted by Bree at 11:29 PM | Comments (0)
June 30, 2006
Snakes on a Plane Early Auditions
"I've got snakes all over my vomiting bag and shit..."
Posted by Bree at 12:00 AM | Comments (0)
June 20, 2006
All I Got is a Polaroid...
I wanna touch you!
I do.
No, really.
Especially if you're a one-armed drummer.
Haaaaht.
Anyway.
Enamored, as always, of the polaroid look - but concerned, as always, of the expense and impracticality of the polaroid look (let's pretend this is a concern of mine...it's early, I still have hope), I thought myself at a crossroads of despair until late last night. Unable to sleep, I instead used the time to cunningly discover a way out of this quandary while, at the same time, publicizing my favorite picture of last week.
Voila:
Et voila:
Pour some sugar on that one, kids.
If you dare.
Posted by Bree at 07:35 AM | Comments (0)
June 04, 2006
Borges, You So Gorgeous!
I haven't read Borges since high school - something which must be remedied post-haste and pre-Aires.
Though, frankly, I'm getting so ridiculously excited for this trip I can't even find muster the focus to dress myself - much less devote the kind of attention his work so clearly deserves.
Oh life. It's bigger.
So let's do Borges in a way even my splintered, Adam Curry/JJ Jackson/Martha Quinn-riddled mind can handle - short quotes!
Whosoever would undertake some atrocious enterprise should act as if it were already accomplished, should impose upon himself a future as irrevocable as the past.
- "The Garden of Forking Paths"
Truly fine poetry must be read aloud. A good poem does not allow itself to be read in a low voice or silently. If we can read it silently, it is not a valid poem: a poem demands pronunciation. Poetry always remembers that it was an oral art before it was a written art. It remembers that it was first song.
- Lecture entitled "The Divine Comedy," 1977
I found America the friendliest, most forgiving, and most generous nation I had ever visited. We South Americans tend to think of things in terms of convenience, whereas people in the United States approach things ethically. This -- amateur Protestant that I am -- I admired above all. It even helped me overlook skyscrapers, paper bags, television, plastics, and the unholy jungle of gadgets.
- Autobiographical essay 1970
A man sets out to draw the world. As the years go by, he peoples a space with images of provinces, kingdoms, mountains, bays, ships, islands, fishes, rooms, instruments, stars, horses, and individuals. A short time before he dies, he discovers that the patient labyrinth of lines traces the lineaments of his own face.
- Afterword to El hacedor, 1960
Being with you and not being with you is the only way I have to measure time.
- "The Threatened One," from The Unending Rose
Posted by Bree at 09:49 AM | Comments (0)
May 30, 2006
Get Ready to Stop What You're Doing
...and spend some serious time at Unembedded, a site featuring the (not terribly recent) work of photojournalists in Iraq. Truly breathtaking - both in quality and subject matter, and well worth a look.
The book is available via ICP here.
Posted by Bree at 09:16 AM | Comments (0)
May 29, 2006
Breaking William Blake News
I've been having a kind of William Blake quotefest fiesta over here for the last several weeks. And you know how it goes at a quotefest! Toast points, mulled wine, depilatory cream, etc. The excitement is contagious.
As is the Herpes.
Trust me on that one.
Simplex put, Bill's speaking my language these days. And in a coincidence that bears no further explanation, I was reminded just how much so when a character in the aformentioned film quoted one of my favorite Blakeisms: "The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom."
¡Eso es la verdad!
Here are some more that totally justify both the dastardly hedonism - and questionable moral code - that informs my daily life:
- Those who restrain desire, do so because theirs is weak enough to be restrained.
- I must create a system or be enslaved by another mans; I will not reason and compare: my business is to create.
- Always be ready to speak your mind and a base man will avoid you.
- Better murder an infant in its cradle than nurse an unacted desire.
- Energy is an eternal delight, and he who desires, but acts not, breeds pestilence.
- Prudence is a rich, ugly, old maid courted by incapacity.
- The fool who persists in his folly will become wise.
- The man who never in his mind and thoughts travel'd to heaven is no artist.
- The weak in courage is strong in cunning.
- Think in the morning. Act in the noon. Eat in the evening. Sleep in the night.
- What is grand is necessarily obscure to weak men. That which can be made explicit to the idiot is not worth my care.
- What is now proved was once only imagined.
- When I tell the truth, it is not for the sake of convincing those who do not know it, but for the sake of defending those that do.
- You never know what is enough unless you know what is more than enough.
- Every harlot was a virgin once.
- Exuberance is beauty.
Posted by Bree at 10:42 AM | Comments (0)
Super Talkie
I've had people recommending I see Michael Winterbottom's "24 Hour Party People" for years. Yet I stubbornly refused, with my unfounded reluctance clocking in at equal parts "Winterbottom" and Macauley Culkin in a porny medic ensemble a la "Party Monster." Which is a completely different film. (Yes. This is how the mind works. When it comes to presupposed judgment based on nothing, it's not pretty. But you should see my renal function. Top notch.)
So. The point being? I watched it last night and my God! It was great.
Indeed! I'm about to watch the DVD extras! Which hasn't happened...ever. So, I know I'm 9 years behind on this one but if you haven't seen it - it has nothing to do with this:
And everything to do with this:
Posted by Bree at 09:49 AM | Comments (0)
May 25, 2006
Color Scheming
As I'm getting all sorts of inspired by the great new color combinations that keep popping up on my doorstep...er, on my browser...I'm thinking I may have to update the site/the logo/the entire concept of Sweet and Bitter sooner than later. Then again, I also have to repaint my dresser. Priorities, priorities.
Check out these beauties though, MMMMM!, all from a wrapping-paper design studio called EIEI-O.
Posted by Bree at 09:43 AM | Comments (0)
May 24, 2006
She's Crafty; She Gets Around
Ahem.
Apparently no. Last night, I found myself staring down the barrel of a gun, son of a gun, son of a bitch, getting paid getting rich when I had to excuse myself from a dinner date due to illness. That's sooooo un-Jimmy Page of me. Rats.
But my suffering was not for naught, nor naught for not. After a coffee, some Sopranos and some moaning, I dragged myself to the computer and lo! stumbled upon Photojojo, a fun new photo site full of *arrrsome* display and design ideas.
The one project I'm totally going to get neck-deep in as soon as I get a printer that doesn't require typesetting is this bad boy. Click through and it gives you a link to "The Rasterbator" , a free program that will divide any photo you upload into several different images, which you can then print on cardstock - or whatever other sort of stock you fancy - and hang a la:
Note, it is going to take a lot of willpower I'm not sure I have to avoid rasterbating this guy:
Just sayin'!
Posted by Bree at 08:31 AM | Comments (1)
May 23, 2006
Raining? Pouring.
Here are some fairly new digital scans of a fairly old roll of film. As is the norm, I'll post a few here and the rest will be available via Flickr.
Moo.
Posted by Bree at 09:52 AM | Comments (1)
May 20, 2006
Poetry Break
There's a poet you should know about. His name is Joshua Beckman. The following short verses are from his 2004 collection, Your Time Has Come. They work as an amuse bouche for the brain. My brain, at least. Anyway. Reading this just brought nearly all of the emotions and feelings of last summer back to me. It's hard not to want to return.
You should click through this link to read a bunch, but here are some favorites:
On boat
with umbrella
feeling practical.
These poems won't work
with memory,
so why won't you call?
Sweat all day-
the sun doesn't
like you either.
Sure
you're waking up somewhere strange
but I do that every day.
I'm no better than anyone else,
but I could be less afraid.
Don't be concerned,
live another week
and then be concerned.
You didn't know me
so why did I think
acting like someone else
would be more interesting.
I keep thinking
of that one time over and over again.
Is that shallow or deep?
I was early
and watched the people rushing.
Be early more often.
It felt so good
to get my sunburn,
but now I've got it.
In my new apartment
this morning
someone different.
Are you enjoying
getting in trouble
for what we did last night?
Long night
and I'm crying for home,
wherever that is.
If a tree falls
in the woods etc.
and so too with friends.
Today they waved at us for fun.
I wouldn't have any of it.
That's me, all self-important and lonely.
I love how people keep dying
and I can spend all day
thinking about her petty comment.
Everyone's got a lover
waiting to come back
mystically changed.
So my day is set,
I'll smoke something
and walk around.
Today I'll spend the day
stopping myself
from doing what I want.
Posted by Bree at 02:18 PM | Comments (0)
May 18, 2006
Artist Interview: P. Haakon Thompson
The Morning News has an interesting little piece about photographer Peter Haakon Thompson, wherein he utters the sentence, "Using tangibles to get at the intangible."
Ah.
He also references Minnesota's Art Shanty project which, some of you may recall, Sam Brown and his affianced participated in last year. They're not on the 2006 artist list, which leads me to believe there is some serious weddin' plannin' gummin' up the works.
"Oh nuptials. How you stand in the way of using tangibles to get at the intangible," Bree wept, pounding the desk with her fist.
Posted by Bree at 10:01 AM | Comments (0)
May 13, 2006
Book Larnin', Music Listnin'
Recent media purchases - for all of you keeping track and seeking some inspiration:
Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living, The Streets
We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions, Bruce Springsteen
Complete Recordings, Robert Johnson
Cru, Seu Jorge (Special propers to 12 Gauge Phear for snagging Mr. Jorge as a client - and for rockin' his recent show all VIP stylez with the likes of Bill Murray. I envy.)
Vertically Challenged, Lady Sovereign (Opening for The Streets on his U.S. tour.)
Entertainment!, Gang of Four
Frommers Argentina & Chile 3RD Edition, Michael Luongo
Argentina (Insight Guide Argentina), Hum Henndessy
Wine for Dummies, Piero Antinori
Sea Creatures CD-ROM and Book, Albertus Seba (On order. Wah.)
Enoteca: Simple, Delicious Recipes in the Italian Wine Bar Tradition, Joyce Eserky Goldstein
Look! Even Sir Scientology is excited by all these finds!
Posted by Bree at 04:18 PM | Comments (0)
May 11, 2006
Time Lapse Love Affair
I am totally having a love affair with time lapse recently. Comme il faut. In fact - aside from my longstanding adoration for montage (especially of the Revenge of the Nerds "Let's fix up this house in a jiff!" variety) - time lapse has become my new favored suitor.
I know.
This has nothing to do with anything.
But check this out regardless.
Posted by Bree at 10:06 AM | Comments (0)
May 09, 2006
Local Artist Avoids Scandal With Conveniently Timed Overseas Trip
As the controversy over the Parks Department shut-down of the Brooklyn College MFA Thesis project roars like a blender full of rocks, foam and nudie man parts, our artist on the scene is...erm...most certainly off the scene. Indeed, CJ Ferrero has fled from ole minty back to the homeland, and is currently sunning himself on the piazzas of Roma...molto miles from the rage and turmoil of his fellow students. And though no one could doubt our man's support for this valiant fight, surely a fistful of gnocchi and a couple kegs of chianti might go far towards ameliorating the situation.
Just a thought.
The real point of all this brou-ha: Contact High, Carl's series of 30 watercolors (and part of the "The Mind/Body Problem" project), was chosen for exhibition at Fuori Uso 2006 in Pescara, Italy.
(Bust out your spectacles and take an extremely close look at number three. There's a mini-Bree in there just aching to tell you of her trip aboard the V ship. Pass the canaries.)
Posted by Bree at 08:49 AM | Comments (1)
May 04, 2006
M. Night Denveralan
Something's up in D-town today. There's a creepy vibe in the air, an occasional thunder rumble and the kind of sky that makes you want to doublecheck the door's locked, cozy up under a quilt and watch scary movies. Quoth the Bree, nevermore.
Don't believe me? Here are some snaps I took this afternoon.
Can you smell the spooky?
Posted by Bree at 03:56 PM | Comments (2)
April 26, 2006
I'm All About Good Magazines
In a devastating juxtaposition to the romantic grace and witty wordsmithery brought to us yesterday by Paul, 22, future owner of a Lamborghini Countach (see below), Monday(um, I mean) Tuesday also introduced the premiere issue of Blueprint Magazine, Martha Stewart's latest entre into the bog of profitable publishing enterprises.
Oh Martha. Martha, Martha, Martha. I know that sad sack Erica Jong banged your husband and is blabbing all over that it's your fault. I know Trump engaged you in the most unwitty volley of insults and wordplay ("I'm fired!? You, sir, are the one who's fired!") ever to stain the pages of the Post. I even know your daughter went on Stern, swore up a storm, talked trash about the empire and offered not a word of explanation for her apparent earephantitis. But, there's a girl in Denver who still loves you. Seriously. You and the Aracunas and the canapés and the stencils: I've got your back, sweet sister love.
So what's THIS?!
Eh!!! MARTHA!
The art design is immaculate. I'll give it that. But the copy. Good God. This stuff has been written and rewritten and parsed and dissected and sauteed with ghee so many times, it is simply the most unreadable, uninteresting, and totally tight-assed claptrap I've ever invited into my bed. And that includes technical manuals. Pictures are pretty, but it's horrendous. I can't imagine what the editorial staff has been going through to perfect this voice.
Coupla examples, gleaned from THOUSANDS:
"An awkward pause can open like a sinkhole in the middle of any party patter, sending you and your conversation partner scrambling for safety."And the Queen Killer:"There is something about freshly refinished hardwood floors that inspires running and sliding in stocking feet. Here's how to hire a professional who will have you so inclined."
"An anthropologist might liken present-day collector Mark Indursky to an old-fashioned hunter-gatherer."
"Necessity may be the mother of invention, but for the Ring Thing bottle opener, a wife had a hand in it, too: St. John Wiles, a marketer of the Ring Thing ($10, stuffjunction.com), recounts the story of the useful piece of the jewelry's origins: Two German engineers, Georg Von Koenemann and Alfred Grund, were at a barbeque three years ago, and no one had brought a bottle opener (twist-off caps are an American phenomenon).I can excuse the double colon (not really), but twist-off caps as phenomenon? Dumbphounded.
Ah but Blueprint, ever on the cutting-edge, has sharpened the sword against such attacks as these:
"Blogs are rife with such reductive but rah-rah self-definitions: 'I'm all about Starbucks' Iced Caramel Macchiatos,' 'I'm all about diamonds,' 'I'm all about vegging.'"
Touché
I'm all about vegging, you're all about understanding and illuminating the semantics of this new media marketplace. Oh and sponsor placement too.
Enough of this reductive rah-rage, I need a coffee. Actually, I need a Starbucks Mocha Frappucino© blended coffee, with prices ranging from $3.40-$4.15 US/$4.10 CAN (for 16-fluid ounce beverage).
Posted by Bree at 10:20 AM | Comments (0)
April 25, 2006
Just Wondering
Posted by Bree at 12:36 PM | Comments (0)
April 24, 2006
Final YouTube Post of the Day
Promise.
But this one is important. This one works towards erasing the utter agony and degradation of that Zissou sharkcrap. This one might save us all.
Tan: I look to you for guidance as to the supposed Truffaut imagery spread over this brilliance like a layer of Jif Extra Creamy on a loaf of bread-machine whole wheat. I also look to you for some Roastarama Tea - stuff. do. not. exist. west. of. Manhattan. Ave. send. now. peace. brother.
Posted by Bree at 09:50 PM | Comments (1)
March 13, 2006
Empty-A
Photo courtesy of Marcus Fox.
And when I say "courtesy of," I mean "stolen from."
Just so we're clear.
Posted by Bree at 02:27 PM | Comments (0)
March 04, 2006
Me + Wallpaper = TLA TLF 4-eva
I know...how the mighty have fallen. A Saturday night spent checking out the latest innovations in Danish wallpaper design?
Really, Bree?
Really?
Oh please.
At least it's not SNL.
Posted by Bree at 11:23 PM | Comments (0)
February 22, 2006
Posted by Bree at 10:28 AM | Comments (0)
February 19, 2006
I Ain't Saying She's a Time Waster...
You know, it's funny, but ever since I quit my job, abandoned my career and moved cross-country to escape all sense of reality and responsibility, time has been...how shall I put this...underwhelming. And my last, tenuous connection to this world of "deadlines" and "appointments," this world of "salary" and "health insurance," was irrevocably destroyed when I left my watch at the gym the other day. Who knows which day it was - they all blend together, after all.
That said, here's something even I can't be compelled to fully explore. Someone posted the top 50 videos of 2005. Now there's a happy President's Day for you!
Aside from the fact that that super-creepy and utterly disturbing Aphex Twin (bleh.) video is #1, I'm sure the collected assortment has some value. At least to those of you in production. As well as those of you in prison.
Posted by Bree at 10:32 PM | Comments (0)
February 17, 2006
Stars and Bar(tist)s
Check out what some interesting film shorts from our brothers and sisters below the Mason Dixon (aka North Carolina State University students) at the Six Degrees Web site. (Click on the Multimedia section.)
I'm into the very first one by Matt Balla (mmm, how I miss McNamara's hot diggetty dogger), as well as the pieces by Jessica Gladstone (very Jenny Holzer-lite, but I dig), Carolin Harris and Colleen Simon.
Ladies! Way to represent!
Consider this your President's Day present. Pa rum pum pum pum. I would give you some of the special President's Day cookies Marie and I are making to bring up to the Winter Park lifties on Sunday (one thing's for sure: it's going to be a double black diamond challenge to capture the exact hue of Washington's wooden teeth in store-bought frosting), but - you're all pretty far away. And my arms aren't that long. Pa rum pum pum pum.
Posted by Bree at 02:55 PM | Comments (0)
February 02, 2006
Photograph...All I Got is a Photogrrraaaph
Well...a photograph and these smart Union Jack shorts.
You know what else I've got? You'll never guess!! A call for submission to Hey Hotshot, a cool photography contest in New York. Nice one.
Alas, in today's episode of "Living 2,000 Miles Away From Everything One Owns: The Denver Months," I've realized that most of my recent photographs (including all the cross-processed ones and all the ones I printed myself) are unscanned and sitting in archival boxes in...Brooklyn! So, I'm culling through the old ones, trying to figure out which one to send. And that, dear reader, is where you come in.
Click through, sit in judgement like Wapner and shoot me an e-mail of the one you like the best, if you would be so kind. Also, keep in mind that the black and white ones are a bit contrasty (especially that San Francisco one), as these are just professional prints of them, but they're the only versions I have here. And I like 'em, regardless.
Let me know what you think.
Much obliged.
Hee, I just like this one:
Posted by Bree at 10:51 AM | Comments (4)
January 30, 2006
Two in One Day!
All right, now this is just getting absurd. YET AGAIN, an awesome friend has kicked it (awesomely). Today marks the launch of a new Web site from my favorite etiquette guru cum photographer, Stacy Renee Morrison. Keep an eye on this one, kids: she's gonna hit the big time in no time. So says I, Larry Gagosian. But you can call me "Go-Go."
Here are some of my favorites, but many more can be found on her site. [Special aside to Heather, Tan and Mike: check out the reference to the upcoming project about a woman from BRISTOL, RI. It's totally Angie! Just not sure which one.]
Posted by Bree at 03:12 PM | Comments (0)
December 19, 2005
Logos
Colors are not the same as will be on printed materials...the "Sweet" is actually much more purple/wine colored. Alas. I may go for a more muted, weathered scheme regardless.
uno
Download file
dos
Download file
tres
Download file
Damn, I wish I had a catorce.
Posted by Bree at 09:06 PM | Comments (0)
December 17, 2005
Design Schmesign; Clever Schmever
Posted by Bree at 02:42 PM | Comments (0)
Fontsicles
This is going to be an exercise in HTML humility.
sample one
sample two
sample three
script:
script sample
Why the first sample doesn't work? God's own mystery.
Posted by Bree at 11:33 AM | Comments (0)
December 04, 2005
Putting the arch in park
Goth: not just a hot look.
Posted by Bree at 08:16 PM | Comments (0)
November 22, 2005
the resevooisiisiiA
Posted by Bree at 10:51 PM | Comments (0)