tele-birds

tele-birds by moi

I always see birds on telephone wires on my way home from work. I want to create some illustrations for print... so I started doodling. I don't know if my final illustrations will be so full of color. I would like to practice leaving white space... I think it is calming.

Today marks the day I dive into my art. After much planning, this is it. 

Love, KK

Rowena Dring: Machine Applique Genius

Nha Trang lilly pond
No.2 2006 stitched fabric over canvas 100x135cm

A Place Apart - LA 2006
island 2005 stitched fabric over canvas 130 x 350 cm

Came across another amazing artist in my book, By Hand. Her name is Rowena Dring. Commenting on the contradictions of crafts, she has turned machine applique into a fine art. All the pieces are machine embroidered onto canvas. A large piece takes up to 1,200 hours. Honestly, these might be the most labor intensive pieces I have ever seen. Her colors and shapes are really quite amazing. Not only is her process impressive, but I really enjoy the forms and colors. I might hold a higher appreciation for her "A Place Apart" series because I am from California, but enlarge that landscape and take a really good look. Another artist to put on my list for when I am rich. jk (All you need is love!)

Btw, I saw one of Ashton Kutchers twitters today and saw a message I liked: Don't put your longterm goals on hold because of a short term economic problem. Just gather some cardboard boxes and make a sketchbook. I am so tired of talking about the damn economy. I guess it's preeety important, but, seriously. This is the time to dance around naked and paint and experiment. No, don't do that..... :)

Crowded Trains and Claire Oswalt

I'm on the train right now. Apparently, the train company is trying to cut operating costs which means less running trains which means me standing on the train instead of sleeping with my neck pillow! There's so much momentum with all the weight on the train on these mornings that I fall every time it brakes. It's a blast. Yesterday I drew the people on my train. It was pretty entertaining... If I feel snazzy later, I will scan and post. Ok... now for some serious art talk. blown away : 29"x24" : wood, twine, paper, graphite, and acrylic

pack of tightly-knit women : wood, graphite, paper, and acrylic

emma : 24"x20" : graphite, paper, acrylic on wood

I just remembered this artist I saw in LA. Claire Oswalt. She really touches me as a geuine person and artist (You know, I read about her so now I know her personally. Just like I know Britney spears and Brangelina so well.) Visually, her work is pure and clean and skilled, but she manages to give off this perfect eerie vibe. Many of her works comment on the mob mentality or cliquey(or copycat) nature of humans. Her drawn puppets with twine offer this conradictory idea of frozen time and extreme release. I love her. I looked at her work a lot last year. I would like to keep better track of her. Her observations in nature, older and newer work, are just breathtaking. When I'm rich I will buy something of hers. For now, I will blog about it :)

An Illustrated Me

This weekend I got really into my illustration. I don't sketch enough and though it is something that takes a lot of energy - I need to do it. Ideas are not as fun when they are all in your head. At the same time, it can be weird when they do come out of your head. For example, this weekend I couldn't stop drawing these weird little villages.

I got this book, An Illustrated Life: Drawing Inspiration from the Private Sketchbooks of Artists, Illustrators and Designers by Danny Gregory. I will posting about him very soon.

Irina Triotskaya

Bear & Bird by Irina Triotskaya (I just ADORE.)

Illustrations of Russian Celebrities for Popular Finances Magazine by Irina Triotskaya

(full-height illustrations)

I was fortunate enough to come across an amazing artist: Russian illustrator/professor Irina Triotskaya. Check out her site. Her illustrations are one of a kind. She is completely original and in no way attempts to fit in with mainstream illustration. She works in Moscow. Her art ranges from lithography to pen and ink to sculptural pieces. Her life size illustrations for the finance magazine are just priceless. I found her on the Underground Art School blog - another awesome blog. 

The more I dive in to the online/blogger art scene, I feel more overwhelmed and extremely excited. Competition is getting intense with the bad economy, but that is a good thing now and again. Competition keeps it fresh and alive. There's also this great positive support and networking amongst all the artists online. It's really a great feeling and I am looking forward to strengthening connections and relationships with fellow artists and friends. 

Late Morning

I had one of those mornings when you turn off your alarm clock and decide to use your “internal” alarm to wake up instead. Somehow I woke up at 7:10 (praise the Lord) and rocketed out of bed. Then I ran around like a chicken with its head cut off doing absolutely nothing productive. Bras and makeup were flying through the air. Anyway, I made it to work on time. I think Karma was on my side because yesterday I gave a homeless person $10. That’s really the only way I can imagine that I still made it to work. Maybe ALF helped me out, too. We’re buds.

The Origin of KrissyKristina

So...   So...   So... 

Drawin' on my tablet tonight. It's fun. I worked on my logo a little. Just starting out. The name "KrissyKristina" sort of came from my Gemini side. I have a twin inside me: Krissy. Not really, of course. It's a fun idea, though. I am a Cancer and I do have a very careful, caring, and intuitive side. That part allows me to create the art. My Gemini side allows me to be loud and meet people and say things without thinking about them. This beautiful combo makes me: KrissyKristina. I would love for my logo to represent some sort of dual or twin image. Either opposite or identical... because either says the same thing to me. 

I drew a quail because I like quails. They are like one of the only birds that can't really fly and it bothers me. They are my favorite bird. Don't kill them! Hunters: I don't care about population control! Anyway, started pasting and dragging and clicking and painting and came up with a fun wallpaper idea. Birds. Who woulda thunk it? That was for the spelling and grammar snobs.  

Mini Soft Sculpture & Fluorescent Lights

I try not to hate things, but I hate the rain. I know we need it… but living in California has me spoiled. Tried to work on my collection this weekend and it's s-l-o-w-l-y progressing. I decided I needed ergonomic crochet hooks... ya. I have a horrible habit of web surfing and finding new patterns while I am working. I then drop everything to learn it. The cycle continues. It’s pretty bad – I think it’s classified as ADD, but I can read a book in a day so I tell myself that I don’t have attention problems and that I am overly eager to learn new things. Optimism, ya baby!!

While flipping through my latest edition of CRAFT Magazine, I came across a miniature knit (or “knitted,” your preference really) bicycle. Christina Oh, an artist located in Los Angeles, knit a bicycle and swing set with miniature knitting needles. "Oh," the dedication. I would last five minutes in her shoes during this project... maybe ten. I tend to use bigger needles than recommended because I love an instant reward. Some people are blessed with patience. This I admire.

by Christina Oh (knit/crochet, string, polyester filling)

stamp doodle by Christina Oh (digital illustration)

Back to me. Here is another reason I don’t like the rain: horrible lighting! I need lots of UV rays for my mood and for photography. One of the reasons I have not posted my latest work is because the lighting has been so drab, I just can’t bare it. Plus, my work place is lit with buzzing fluorescent lights.

I had a bad thought about someone last night and I hit my head really hard while getting out of my car. I’ve never hit my head there. KARMA.

Pink and Purple Spaces

If you haven't seen the United States of Tara on Showtime, it's a must. Here you go.

Well, that was definitely my "first" arigurumi. My second was much better. I would like to finish two more this weekend - different colors: cream white and aqua. Pinky didn't have any contrast and it's really bothering me.

Design by Kirsten Brant

This space was created by interior designer Kirsten Brant. She designs Showtime series sets. Pretty amazing space - monochromatic color schemes can be to ooverwhelming if done without skill and experience. I think it works because the eye can rest in the white focus points.

The past couple days I have been browsing design and fashion sites to stay in touch with the trends. I've never been an avid researcher. I never liked the way that other people's work came to mind when I was trying to think of my own ideas. That sounds ignorant, but I am a visual person and the images and ideas of other artists tend to get in the way of my own. Sort of stifling sometimes. Not that I don't love seeing other art!

I think that my style is more established at this point. Lately, I have become very interested in others' ideas. It is important for me to know what is in demand. I went to the site of ELLE Magazine. Elle's featured fashions always has tons of color. I have been reading every issue for the past five years. I also read ELLE Decor, which is equally stunning. I referred to a lot of designs in ELLE Decor when creating the space for my senior project.

Design by Anne Coyle

I came across this Chicago-based interior designer, Anne Coyle. The pieces are very traditional in space and form, but her doses of color are very "pop." I don't have my own place yet, but I do dream of bright colors and vintage pieces and natural light and tons of books and flowers. I dream of a huge garden one day, but I don't know how realistic that is since I hate spiders. My mom is an interior designer. She creates these absolutely ridiculous, amazing, and glamorous spaces for high end homes. I grew up with an apprecitation and I am very particular about my surroundings. It might annoy people at times, but it's worth it.

Pinky: My First Amigurumi (& ELECTRICWIG)

Pinky by KrissyKristina

10 in x 5 in, yarn/buttons/stuffing, crochet, 2.10.09

This is Pinky. She is in progress... hence the absence of legs and a mouth. I don't know if I will give her a mouth, though. I enjoy missing features. Too much given expression in a creature often does not leave enough room for the imagination. It's just not always needed.

This project was a test run. If I work hard, I can make one amigurumi figure in two days - which means I can make about three in one work week. The weekend will need to be open for buying supplies and working on my other products.

Do you like Pinky? (...even though she's not yet finished?)

So, I also found another artist couple that is pretty cool: ELECTRICWIG. They are French but they now reside in Ireland - they've been all over the place. Their work is very organic, handmade, and sustainable. A lot of pieces comment on energy conservation. Most of all, I enjoy the feeling of this work. It is not pretentious and I feel they are not trying to win over their audience - but they do anyway. Here is some of their stuff.

DesignersBlock by ELECTRICWIG

"One hundered of ELECTRICWIG's first product, 'Key Pot', were exhibited at the Jam Factory for Designers Block in 2001."

Keeping Warm by ELECTRICWIG

"The Environment Agency was noted for encouraging its staff to wear thermal underwear in order to lower energy usage. A range of products and suggestions around this logical approach to help you stay sustainably warm this winter. Exhibited at 100% Design 2005."

Dynamo-ville, where are you? I like you.

I came across this artist couple in my book, By Hand. At first glance, it seems like these artists spend all day making up imaginary characters for fun... well, they... do.
It's actually pretty funny. In an article by the Baltimore city paper, they said they were inspired/intrigued/disturbed by the freaky, yet magical, characters on television during childhood. Fraggle Rock? Yeah. Their characters are dark and playful. A vision I can understand.
Unfortunately, they do not have a site or I just can't find one.

Almost done with my first Amigurumi figure. I will post it tomorrow. It's all I can think about. When I'm bored or stressed, I imagine each stitch building upon one another - a lot of structural planning. Very complicated. Very cool.

Me Love Amigurumi

I am officially obsessed with the art of crochet and I am seriously glad that I took the beginners crochet class because I needed to learn how to read patterns and navigate my way through mistakes.

One absolutely amazing thing about crochet is that you can mold figures one stitch at a time. This is harder with knitting because you are always working in whole rows and one mistake can ruin the uniformity of the design if you don’t properly “un-do.”

Plus, crochet is quickly rewarding - especially if using big needles. I need to feel rewarded when working. I am not patient. I know this. Impatience can be a crippling or productive trait – depending on the situation and emotions I decide to project that day. I believe emotional roller coasters can be a blessing in disguise because all emotion can be turned into intense positive energy with effort(I understand exceptions… like the day I need an exorcist.)

Anyway! This is what I wanted to show you. Amigurumi. The Japanese art of crocheting or knitting stuffed figures. These figures are typically animals but can also be inanimate objects as well – as long as they are cute. They are similar to forms in Japanese animation – which explains the typically distorted proportions. Distorted proportions are “cute” because they signify that the object is disabled, therefore we feel sympathy for it because it has a slimmer chance of survival in its own. Babies have big heads and big eyes with little arms and legs. They are helpless. They are cute. Take a look at your stuffed animal or doll. It’s so true.
Anyway – I’m lovin’ amigurumi. Tonight I am working on this puppy. but he/she will be made of bubble gum pop electric colors. Is that weird if I give it a sideways cap? I think it could be cute… for reasons other than cute disproportion.

Check it out:

Awesome Amigurumi Patterns!

Coraline: My Future

I have been counting the days left until the “Coraline”(in 3D) release since October. I discovered Coraline while researching my obession(or, one of them) - stop motion animation. Every figure in this movie has, for the most part, been created and minipulated by hand. Every millisecond of movement in the film is created with still images. 52 frames per second. Think about it.

The craftsmanship is so intensely loaded with talent and precision. The cherry blossoms on the trees are made out of popcorn. The movement is realistic yet unbelievable. In 3D… I’ll be like a blind person seeing for the first time.

Coraline is written by Neil Gaiman who worked with director Henry Selick (Nightmare Before Christmas, James and the Giant Peach, etc.) who has worked with Tim Burton who has worked with Drew Lightfoot who has worked with Guster who's CD is in my car.Coraline was filmed/created by LAIKA in Portland, Oregon.

Portland, Oregon – an idea of the future I hold close to my heart.

Just to press the point, this is another rebellion against technology(in some ways.) Everything is handmade. Yes, the software and cameras to compile and sync all of the images - technologically advanced. BUT, the objects on the set are all born out of the crafts or “DIY” (Do It Yourself) movement. Disney is currently working on a stop-motion animation film called “The Princess and the Frog.” I’m sure it will be mindblowing, but I am looking forward to the twisted darkness from the creators of Coraline.

Go see it. NOW. I am seeing it tonight. I will definitely let you know my thoughts.

Chihuly is Cooly

I saw the Chihuly exhibition in SF/Golden Gate Park this summer. I was thinking about art and nature and I remembered this piece that particularly inspired me. Apparently, (excuse me if my memory is wrong) he was in Sweden when he learned about this fungi that grows vertically along the riverbanks. These glass pieces made a surreal and gorgeous representation. 

Just had a glass of wine and thought, I would like to post this on my blog... because... 

Need to Quit Birdwatching

Good morning. Did you hear about the trains colliding in Oakland the other day? That’s the route I take. As if I am not scared enough riding in a train through a tube in the ocean. Usually I try to sleep through it. Yesterday, I was crocheting on the train. People are so bored on the train - they will stare at anything remotely interesting. I felt like I had my own craft show. It was cool.

Oh, yeah, that image up above. I really need to solidify my ideas and prioritize. Like I've said, I have many ideas. Too many. I have made a lot of progress in the past month. I have taken some classes and gathered materials. My mock-ups are evolving at the appropriate pace. I have made sure to finish a product even if I don't like it in case my subconscience has a good idea.

But, I think I need to put things like birdwatching aside for right now. Ya... There was a book on sale at Borders and I love birds. Then I spent some time in my yard looking for birds…. Too much time. With a full time job, I don’t think I have the capacity to do activities that should be reserved for retirement.

There’s that Canon Rebel I want so badly. If Santa still brought me presents, I would ask him for one. Apparently, he found out that I graduated college and got a job.

The bag, I did make. I crocheted an awesome beach tote for my friend. Will post pics if she likes it because then I will be proud. Emily, if you are reading this, I think I just gave it away.

I have no life... Or do I?

For some reason I have become obsessed with apple apps. Right now I am sitting on my bed... I could be writing this on my iMac, but it's just more fun on my mini computer which is my iPod touch. There's an app called blogwriter lite. That's what I'm on right now. Don't get it. It makes you post things on your blog you would never publish.

I spilled a full coke on someone's lap tonight. That was embarassing, but typical at the same time. I have two left hands that can somehow create art. Lord only knows how.

Boggles My Freakin' Mind

I am really fascinated by nebulae. This is the Orion Nebula. You can actually see the Orion Nebula when looking at Orion's Belt. It's the tip of the sword that is in the belt.

"This dramatic shot of the Orion Nebula offers a peek inside a cavern of roiling dust and gas where more than 3,000 stars are forming. " -AOL News (Full Article)

Sandra Backlund: Genius, Me: Inspired

So, last night I had my crochet class. I am already brainstorming about some sculptural ideas – with knitting and crocheting – there are a lot of possibilites. The class was in the middle of a gigantic craft store and people were watching the whole time. I was hangin’ out with the moms. It’s was great, but those aren’t the possibilities I am referring to…

Before I left my class last night, I picked up a magazine called “VOGUEKnitting.” I expected to see some Christmas sweaters, granny squares, etc. Quite the opposite. I randomly opened the page to one of the most genius fashion designers I have ever seen.

Her name is Sandra Backlund - from Sweden. Here’s some of her work.

Perfect Hurts Collection

“My work is very personal to me. I improvise and allow myself to lose control and see what happens if I do not think so much about the practical things. I am interested in almost every traditional handicraft method. I do experiment a lot with different materials and techniques, but it is through my heavy wool collage knitting that I have found the ultimate way to express myself.”

-Sandra Backlund

Last Breath Bruises Collection

Blank Page Collection

Crocheting: Hangin' with the Ladies

My first crochet class... Dude. It's hard. My teacher is french and I feel cool because of it. Don't know why... Well, ya I do. I like French stuff.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Sleek Approach

So, I am tring to come up with a logo design for KrissyKristina. My goal is to have a collection debut on Etsy by March 21st – the first day of Spring. I would really like to establish some sort of identity for the shop by then.

It has been a very therapeutic process to start a small creative business. It has been really nice to have something to go home that is all mine. From the products I create with my hands to the business cards to the packaging to the logo will all be mine. It’s my baby. It might turn into nothing - but it will be my something. I got this book, the Logo Design Workbook... Get's me thinking. My ideas are simple, but it is s true challenge to assign a single symbol or image to yourself.

Anyway, I came across Anthon Beeke. He’s pretty cool. I especially like his work for DESIGNHUIS. It has all the clean elements of German/Dutch design, but also has a quirky hand drawn French feel at the same time - the sleek design and cardboard cutouts.

Came across some rad work from the Design Academy. Scientific observation through soft sculpture.

My logo ideas are in he making. I have chosen three hues: purple, red (pink), and orange. I think I might use purple as the main color and pink and orange as the secondary. I am a Gemini and a Cancer – I am thinking about creating some sort of twin image for a logo… not sure. Just a thought.

Did you watch The Office last night? Here.