Women Are Heroes: Modern Art at its Best

I recently bought this beautiful book documenting a project by one of my favorite contemporary artists, JR. This book is A-MAZING. It features the photos and stories of hundreds of everyday women living in areas of human conflict. JR took photos of the women and blew them up into large-scale format which he then posted across buildings, trains and buses in cities around the world.

To me, this kind of project sets the standard for modern art. JR's work brings a call to social justice into the public realm in a way that is compelling and unexpected. He infuses the city streets with the presence of women who are marginalized and often unheard, and he does it in a way that is subtle, artful and profound.

"What JR's work shows is in fact people telling a story, their story.  They are anonymous people in whom the media takes only a fleeting interest-when their village is on fire or their children are fighting a war.  JR allows us to share their pain and their joy, their hopes and their regrets."  --from the introduction

Here are some photos I took from the pages of the book, aren't they gorgeous?!

My Spring Picks!

Ok so it's almost June, but summer doesn't officially start until June 20th so I can still slide this little collection under the title "Spring Picks!"  Here are a few sundry items I've had my eyes on the past few months as I've made my rounds through Etsy, Pinterest, and actual, real stores (what are non on-line stores called?  Brick and mortar?).  I hope you enjoy these finds, and you can see more at my boards on Pinterest!

Art:
I bought this print for my son's bedroom.  The artist is Souther Salazar and his work is whimsical and bright, just the thing to put a smile on your face!

I also just discovered this artist, Miranda Skoczek, who paints lots of nature inspired pieces with geometric patterns weaving in and out. I think she and I have a similar aesthetic and I really love the way she makes simple shapes and patterns look beautiful and interesting.

Jewelry:
I'm crazy for the work by Diane Petkoff a local Austin jewelry artist who makes super modern and elegant designs under the name Tasty Jewelry.  I bought this pair of earrings for myself:

I have also bought a few pairs of earrings by LISH and simply put--you just can't go wrong with her work! These are the latest pair I have been peeping....simple and delicate:

 Housewares:
"Holla!" wall decal by Oh Dier!
 

I'm always in the mood for a good pattern.  Little Attic Shop makes this pillow using Hmong tribal cotton fabric, which is one of a kind fabric that can be found in Southeast Asia:

Kids:

I love this adorable Victorian swimmer guy by Punky Shop:

 

Sweet baby and kids clothes with attitude by Baby Bolt:

Meet Some Amazing Artists (Part 1)

I've decided to start a new series of posts introducing some of the amazing artists I have discovered! I love surrounding myself in great art.  Thanks to on-line markets such as Etsy, it is possible to discover new work at affordable prices that can instantly uplift any home or workspace.    

Here are some of my recent finds that I'm really excited about.  If you like what you see, support these artists! Buying a beautiful, archival print is totally affrodable and you will not regret it! 

Callen Thompson

I discovered Callen through West Elm and was psyched to see she is a fellow Austinite.  She is super up-and-coming; her art was selected to be featured in an Etsy/West Elm partnership and her studio-home was recently shown on Apartment Therapy.  She's alsothe featured artist at Buy Some Damn Art right now.

Here is the print I recently bought from her on Etsy:

Weather 1 by Callen Thompson

And here are a few more of her exciting pieces:

Arrows and Seeds by Callen Thomspson

Red Sun by Callen Thompson

 

Julia Pott

Julia makes adorable illustrations that each seem to tell a piece of a story.  Her clever, emotionally rich cartoons have been featured on MTV and in SXSW.  

I bought this print for my son's room:

Breathe by Julia Pott

Here are some more...

Why Won't You Love Me by Julia Pott

Woolly Bear by Julia Pott

Triangle by Julia Pott

Please leave a comment below and share some artists that you admire. I love discovering new work!