We must stop thinking of the individual and start thinking about what is best for society. —Hillary Clinton
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ARTmonday: Studio Visit with Laura Allis-Richardson
Last week I visited Boston-based artist Laura Allis-Richardson at her studio at Fenway Studios. A new friend had recommended her work to me and she insisted I come have a look myself. I’m glad I took the time for a studio visit—Laura Allis-Richardson is charming, her space is wonderful, and her work is fantastic. If you like what you see, she’s participating in Fenway Open Studios this coming weekend, November 12th & 13th, 2016 at 30 Ipswich Street in Boston.
Scouting for the Webster Art Project, I was drawn to Richardson’s large abstract paintings, specifically the ones hung along the top of the room above. I also discovered that she does some mixed media pieces.
She says mixed media is very popular right now. These have some sort of twigs or straw layered atop the oil paint.
The other side of the room is her studio space. Some of these pieces are still works in progress.
These two oil paintings are currently propped up in my living room. Later this week I’ll deliver them to Webster & Company in the Boston Design Center where they’ll hang as part of the new fall/winter art installation. (If you’re interested in purchasing, let me know, or stop by the showroom. They are $750 each or $1,400 for the pair.)
Richardson plans to do a bit more work on the piece in the back.
This is one of a series of self-portraits that Allis-Richardson is currently working on.
I see the forest and architectural elements in this lively blue and black abstract.
A view of the Mass Pike from the lofty second floor. Those windows.
Laura Allis-Richardson is one of 21 artists who will welcome visitors at Fenway Open Studios at 30 Ipswich Street this weekend, November 12th & 13th from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday Bouquet: Tiny Clusters in a Pitcher
Photo by Marni Elyse Katz/StyleCarrot
Yarrow and pink yarrow, perhaps?
Floral arrangement on the counter at Juliet in Somerville, Mass.
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Site Spotlight: Modern Clocks at Purely Wall Clocks
Australian retailer and StyleCarrot partner Purely Wall Clocks offers a huge range of clocks—they offer over 250 clock designs.
Most are modern wall clocks though there are also a number of retro clock designs too. My favorites are the Scandinavian inspired minimalist designs, as well as the highly graphic black and white clocks. The site also features a number of oversize, large scale wall clocks.
Here’s a sampling of modern clocks from Purely Wall Clocks:
Scandinavian Style White + Wood Clocks
Scandinavian style clocks feature natural materials such as pale wood as well as reclaimed wood, both paired with white. There are ball clock styles, cut lattice work designs, round clocks in solid frames, and even wall clocks shaped like houses.
Graphic Black + White Clocks
Taking cues from school or office clock designs, one might think graphic black and white clocks would be the most straightforward, but maybe not. Some of these clocks have fun with numbers, dashes, and blank space.
Modern Multicolor Rainbow Clocks
It’s never to early to teach kids to tell time, the old fashioned way. These multi-color wall clocks are super fun for playrooms or nurseries. A color for every number, or just plain mayhem.
ARTmonday: Japanese Style Fish Prints
Over the weekend we spent a blissful weekend on Nantucket—my husband’s first time visiting the island—thanks to the generosity of the White Elephant Elephant Hotel, Hy-Line Cruises, Lola 41, and a handful of shops. I will post more about the weekend later this week, but today I want to introduce you to Nantucket artist Peter Van Dingstee, proprietor of Pete’s Fish Tales on Old South Wharf.
Peter Van Dingstee studied the Japanese artform called gyotaku which entails creating prints on rice paper using actual fish. First practiced in the early 19th century, gyotaku allowed commercial fishermen to accurately measuring and record their catch. (“Gyo” means to “fish” and “taku” means “stone rubbing” in Japanese.)
Van Dingstee talked to us about the process, which is not as simple as grabbing a fish, inking it up, and slapping it down on the paper. The fish gets a full body treatment so that its oils don’t wind up on the paper, which would make for some seriously smelly artwork.
Here’s a sampling of Van Dingstee’s Japanese-style fish print artwork:
Pete’s Fresh Fish Prints, 17 Old South Wharf, Nantucket.
Photography by Marni Elyse Katz/StyleCarrot