Tuesday, 21 October 2008

Faux Show: better than the real thing

I checked out Faux Show this afternoon, an Artrage exhibition on at Keith+Lottie by Jessie Mitchell and Sophie Webber.

Reproducing the set of a trophy room, Faux Show replicates a fire place, taxidermy animals, grand portraits and more in lovable plush incarnations.

I really loved this plush deer head, it is about life size and would look awesome in my place. Really reasonably priced too, $130... Hmm... and I know just the position that it would work.
Faux Show is only on for a few more days, closes on the 24th of October so check it out now.

Labels: art, Artrage, brown, craft, deer, Keith+Lottie, perth, plushy

posted by topia7  # 6:36 PM 0 Comments

Wednesday, 8 October 2008

Organic ceramics: Recharge with creative therapy

My sister, Tanya, a mum with two young boys under four, has been recharging her creativity for a few hours every Thursday evening at Melanie Sharpham's ceramic course. She has been coming up with some wonderful organic pieces and feeling revived from the experience.
If you live in Perth, Western Australia (and can easily get to the suburb of Kensington) and are keen to participate, email Melanie: msharpha[at]bigpond.net.au
BTW, this is also an excuse to plug my sister's new blog, check out Old Grey House, and show off my adorable little nephew! He looks like he would like to get his hands on those organic bowls!

Labels: bowls, clay, craft, kitchen, Melanie Sharpham, My sister Tanya, Old Grey House, perth, sculpture

posted by topia7  # 12:30 PM 1 Comments

Wednesday, 1 October 2008

Etsy find: Something sweet for 2009

The new year isn't too far away now and if something needs to be ordered from overseas, maybe now is the time to start thinking about it.
This adorable little Birdie Calendar by smeurer8 would make a lovely gift or would look very sweet in the study or kitchen. The branch and bird in black are mounted on wood and encased in a slick resin with a tear away calendar attached.
Hm, a gift for someone special or an addition to my new home...? I think I better order two!
Check out Birdie Calendar or more work by smeurer8 on Etsy.

Labels: birds, black, calendar, craft, decor, Etsy, smeurer8, wood

posted by topia7  # 10:43 AM 1 Comments

Monday, 11 August 2008

Etsy find: Inquisitive soft scultptured owl

I know I said I was taking a break from blogging before the big move but this gorgeous owl is a well meaning distraction from packing boxes.
It is by Abby Glassenberg, stands 12.5" tall and incorporates vintage Hawaii fabric that Abby found at a rummage sale. The owl looks like it's going to take a walk along the bench and then fly away, I love it's inquisitive character.
Abby also makes a range of other birds and animals. They are not cheap as a lot of work goes into them but definatly worth checking out to be inspired.
Go see her Abby Glassenberg's web page or her Etsy shop. Chirp chirp!

Labels: Abby Glassenberg, birds, craft, Etsy, orange, owl, red, vintage

posted by topia7  # 10:44 AM 1 Comments

Wednesday, 23 July 2008

Hand made and local, Perth loves it!

I really love the way that the people in my city have embraced handmade and original works of art, craft and design.
Coming up in September 14th is Perth Upmarket which I found out about through the great Australian site, Indie. According to the site:

Perth Upmarket brings together Perth's talented artists, designers, stylists, craftspeople and gourmets all under one roof. The product mix is diverse and unique often with a distinguishable handwriting. It is a unique event to connect the makers of beautiful things to people who appreciate the unique, handmade and locally designed.

It seems a bit early to be telling you about this but if you're a sandgroper with a knack for the crafty, start putting stuff together and get a stall at Perth Upmarket.
Otherwise, on September 14th, be sure to support your local arty-types and check it out!

Labels: art, craft, indie, market, perth, website

posted by topia7  # 1:31 AM 1 Comments

Monday, 7 July 2008

Melanie Sharpham's annual studio open: 2nd & 3rd August 2008

Melanie Sharpham is a talented local potter who makes fine porcelain slip clay pots. Her work has a wonderful hand-done quality and the way she finishes them is quite ethereal.
Each year she holds a 'studio open' to allow members of the public to come in to her studio and check out her latest work. She is based in the suburb of Kensington in Perth, Western Australia.
I have blured out the address in the invitation below, however if you are keen to check out Melanie's studio open, please email her: msharpha[at]bigpond.net.au

Labels: clay, craft, kitchen, Melanie Sharpham, perth, sculpture

posted by topia7  # 11:07 AM 0 Comments

Sunday, 29 June 2008

Fabric thug from a black & white movie

Mimi Kirchner is a talented doll-maker who as a knack for the unique. I love this black and white tattooed man that seems to be from a black and white movie. Beautifully stitched and with a steely gaze here peers at the world with disdain. What a character!
Mimi has also created a set of men-dolls in vintage bathing suits and a sepia pirate.
Check them out!

Labels: black and white, craft, doll, Mimi Kirchner, toy, vintage

posted by topia7  # 11:34 PM 1 Comments

Thursday, 26 June 2008

Polymer musings by Merredith Dittman: Fimo has come a long way!

Like with Nina Braun's knitted art, Merredith Dittman has taken a familiar craft that anyone can attempt and with skill, vision and inspiration, turned the medium into art. She creates strange simple little characters and complex mixed-media friezes, all based around the use of polymer clay, which I always knew growing up as Fimo. So clever!
Check out her work at her site corporatepig or check out her Etsy page.

Labels: art, clay, craft, Etsy, Merredith Dittman, monster, sculpture

posted by topia7  # 11:17 AM 0 Comments

Monday, 9 June 2008

Tea towels can be art too

Form is an amazing space on Murray St in Perth (near the very swish King street) and has some amazing arts and crafts in it from Australia and around the world.
One thing I saw and loved were these tea towels! They are made by Third Drawer Down and artist have contributed their work. The only thing is, I don't think I could bring myself to wipe my dishes on them, they would look great stretched and framed.
Check out Third Drawer Down for their tea towels and other domestic art works.

Labels: art, craft, decor, form, kitchen, perth, tea towel

posted by topia7  # 1:26 PM 0 Comments

Tuesday, 3 June 2008

Jeff Canham's hand painted sign art

Yesterday I was lucky enough to have ffffound Jeff Canham's amazing hand painted signs and the artwork derived from them. I love the way he uses the traditional methods of hand painted signs and brings them into a modern context. How great would this piece look on the wall behind my couch?
Check out more of what Jeff Canham does at his website.

Labels: art, craft, ffffound, Jeff Canham, print, retro, sculpture

posted by topia7  # 11:30 PM 0 Comments

Friday, 23 May 2008

Knitted art of Nina Braun

I stumbled across the work of Nina Braun and it really captivated me. I love the scenic quality of this work, In the countryside, but it also looks like you could rub your face on it. There are not a lot of paintings you feel like you want to do that to... She really pushes illustration into a new direction using this medium. She inspires me to learn to knit!
Check out more of her work at Nina Braun's website of if you are lucky enough to live in Hamburg, go check out her exhibition, Stick and move.

Labels: art, craft, illustration, sculpture

posted by topia7  # 11:02 AM 0 Comments