Janine Antoni…

You rock my socks. I first learned of Janine Antoni over a year ago by watching her on an Art21 PBS video in a design class. It was love at first sight and I continue to draw inspiration from her work. She is a multi-media artist who has worked with sculpture, photography, film and installation. Some of my favorite works of hers include Lick and Lather, 2038, Moor, and Touch. Janine was born in the Bahamas (dreamy, no?) received her BA from Sarah Lawrence College and her MFA from Rhode Island School of Design. This woman is so amazing she has won a MacArthur Award! She is a complete visionary and her work covers so many broad topics. My favorite part of her work is how close she is to working with handmade materials and using her body as an artistic tool. Check this woman out, you will only be wanting more!

This is Lick and Lather. She created a self-portrait bust out of chocolate and soap. The one of chocolate she licked and ate before displaying. The soap bust she actually washed herself with! Can you imagine? She fed and bathed herself with…herself!

This is 2038. That’s the artist sitting and bathing in a cattle water trough. Her whole idea was that this animal that nourishes us is now being nourished by her! (Looks like it’s suckling, no?) Amazing. This one is close to me, because I have actually worked with cattle as part of a summer job a few years back. The relationship we humans have with cattle is sure an interesting one.

This is Moor. Janine hand crafted this whole rope by hand! She collected scrap materials from tons of people she knew. They may be part of clothing or blankets or linen. It shows how all of us are connected, separated pieces of our lives intersect, but looking at them retrospectively you can see how we all end being a part of one long rope.

Because she wasn’t awesome enough, Janine learned to tightrope for this piece! This is Touch and only one of the pieces she did while utilizing tightroping. This is a film installation in which she filmed back in her hometown in the Bahamas. Wouldn’t you like to see this view in your backyard? She was investigating the idea of balance and being uncomfortable with a more unbalanced state as she excelled at tightrope walking. In this piece she wanted to “touch the horizon.” Clearly we can see – she did it!

To see more of Janine’s work and see her talk about them watch the PBS special! You won’t be disappointed and will uncover a great deal more than I have shared. She is an amazing lady. Keep it up Janine!

All images are copyright Janine Antoni

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Hey There Sunday…

Well I believe it’s about time I showed some of my jewelry I’ve been hard at work on this semester! This is a hair pin I created using mesh from a broken french press coffee maker, thread, an antique button, and a hand made wire pin. Working with found objects is very rewarding to me, because each piece will be guaranteed unique and carry objects full of past stories. Beauty is all around you readers! Just look around and you’re sure to see it! Enjoy the shots and enjoy the rest of Sunday, what little there is.

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Good Morning!

I’m trying out a new color scheme on my blog, if you haven’t noticed… I’m letting it sink in and grow on me. So far I like it! Enjoy the fresher feel, and have a lovely Wednesday.

xoxo

Diana

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Inspiration Wall Updates!

I’m here to remind you to keep up with your inspiration wall! I’m always updating mine, always drawing form new colors and patterns and images… Whatever you need to keep the creative juices flowing, put it up there! Here’s a glance at my updated wall… (No artwork was harmed in the making of this inspiration wall…)

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Dear Spring,

So glad you’re finally here! I will be enjoying your company with shades of teal and aqua and maybe some pops of oranges and reds… Enjoy spring dear ones, it’s here for a limited time only!

xoxo – Diana

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Dear Peanut Challenged…

Fret no more! A PB’n'J is soon within your reach! Or at least as close as any of us could come to getting one… As we all know, peanut allergies and the like are rampant in America, but there is another option! I have recently discovered the power of almond butter. A great alternative to peanut butter, this nutty spread is just as tasty, ooey and gooey as the beloved peanut butter. Paired with classic grape jelly, you could barely tell the difference! While not as cheap and widespread as PB, I’ve started to notice many different brands of almond butter, all that look quite scrumptious. Personally, I have enjoyed Barney Butter and am about to try MaraNatha’s version. They even have a crunchy option! To all of you mourning over the absence of peanut butter due to dietary needs, wipe away those tears, throw out the tissue box, and get to eating!

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Imagine being pelted in the face with bright blue powder…

And you basically have HOLI. HOLI is the Indian festival of colors celebrated every spring by participants throwing brightly colored powder at each other in ecstatic celebration! I happen to attend a university that allows the celebration of this wonderful event, and let me tell you, it’s worth spitting and sneezing blue powder for a few days. At the event I attended, after watching traditional Indian dances, everyone is given a free t-shirt (Score!) and packets of powder in the most vibrant colors imaginable! As an artist, without much money and naturally attracted to bright colors, I’m already on board. Then, a quick disclaimer is signed, and the fun begins!!! The atmosphere was cloudy with powder, thick with laughter, and alive with energy. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon! Get out there people and experience the world, different cultures, and bring your friends!! Below are a few shots of the aftermath…

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Scarves of a Feather…

Why my lovely friend Alexis happened to wear the scarf shown above on the right. The pretty mauve, green and other multi colored plaid pattern. I immediately thought of my two scarves on the left… So if they had a love child, Alexis’ scarf would be the product… You see it too? Funny how friends begin to have similar wardrobes after awhile…

Love your scarves!! Until it’s nice and warm and the shorts and flip flops take precedence once again.

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Dear Judy Pfaff,

Your art is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your immense talents.

Check this woman out!

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From NOW ON: I will eat my breakfasts here…

And then relax in my gorgeous living room. Tina Hellberg, you are a visionary.

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