katsola

Life Drawing on Staycation

2010-08-09T21:56:00.001-07:00

I am making a commitment to draw the figure and go back to life drawing class. I am posting this to remind myself.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Whale & Ukulele Painting Progress

2009-07-09T07:39:00.001-07:00

The camera on the iphone is not so great, but I decided to post these photos anyway, since this is a work in progress. I am working on some pieces for the first show hosted by the Sketchy Neighbors, the $29.95 Polyphonic Art Score. Because the show takes place at Cactus Music and The Record Ranch Gallery the theme of the show is music. Besides the Record Ranch and Cactus Music, we have a couple of other great sponsors, 29-95.com and St. Arnold's brewery. So, now I am painting, painting, painting to get ready for the show. And I am having so much fun. I am just about done with my painting of a whale playing a ukulele. A little silly, but fun.

Esther Pearl Watson & Tammy Pierce

2009-06-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Last might I attended the Domy Houston opening for Mark Todd's solo show "Oh, Man New Painting and Works on Paper" with my friend Anilyn. The show will by up through the month of June and be up through July 23. So, you have no excuse not to see this show. Here is a link to the invite to get a little super hero taste. My favorite drawings/paintings were a small metal framed set of drawing with elements of collage, with varied drawings on waxy translucent vellum.

On Friday night at Domy Austin, was an opening for Esther Pearl Watson, who happens to be Mark Todd's wife, so she was at Mark's opening here in Houston. Yes, So as you can see I bought her book "Unlovable" and she was so gracious to sign it and do an amazing illustration of Tammy Pierce, title character of Esther's monthly comic in bust magazine entitled "Unlovable". Esther was super sweet to draw this amazing illustration of Tammy as seen in the photos above. I sure hope someday I can be as proficient and comfortable drawing so ninja style. I am still pretty slow. But at any rate, drop by Domy to see Mark Todd's work and pick up a set of prints and also, you might want to pick up a copy of "Unlovable", it's a riot for all you 80's kids and 80's fans. Pure fun.

The Raven- Sketchy Neighbors

2009-06-10T20:02:00.001-07:00

I am working on my next sketchy neighbors project. The concept is 'death' and the material is 'flesh'. In Pacific-Northwest traditions the Raven is the bringer of Light. So, as many religions believe, Death is only a transition to either immortal life or reincarnation. So I decided to focus on dreams and faith in my interpretation if death and flesh. The illustration of the Raven, who is also a symbol of death will become a small creature stuffed to life with small pieces of paper carrying dreams, wishes and good luck. This is much like a private interpretation of the "wish tree" by Yoko Ono, which was on display many year ago at the Houston, CAM.

Mamie, Rx Diet

2009-06-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

"Mamie" is the official Kirby Court Apartments, on Steel, cat. She makes friends with several soft hearts in the complex and happily visits them all. She is an excellent huntress despite her age, rumored to be in the teens. I have seen her laying in wait surrounded by an group of unsuspecting pigeons feeding on some free seed. She blends perfectly with the concrete. Others who have witnessed this site have told me she's snatched a couple of those pigeons. At any rate, Mamie is on a special Rx diet for her tummy and kidneys.

She loosely belongs to a neighbor of mine, actually, I think he is her full time owner now. He has placed a couple of notations on her knowing about her gypsy lifestyle amongst the apartments. One long laminated note, not unlike a fortune in a fortune cookie that states "Rx diet please do not feed". The second note covers her i.d. tag and simply says "Rx Diet". So of course I could not resist painting her and I had the perfect excuse, a small piece show tomorrow, June 4th, at a bar here in town at a bar name "next door".

Anne Faith Nicholls Miniature Shadow Box

2009-04-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

Today I received a beautiful hand painted "Miniature Shadow Box" created by artist Anne Faith Nicholls. I first learned about the artist from a feature in the March 2008 issue of Juxtapoz magazine. I immediately fell in love with her color palette, composition and subject manner. My favorite paintings seem to involve hearts, birds, women, whales, trees, rain and dogs. In her bio she mentions heavy influences from surrealism, early America, American folk art, animals, and the rare and unusual. I also find it interesting the influence a couple of places where she has lived have, on the narrative aspects of her work. She has lived in a couple of places distinctly known for their weather; Seattle and San Francisco and I think that is apparent in her color palette and importance of water as a theme.

Please visit her site and enjoy the photos I have taken of the box I purchased from her shop.

White Bean Chicken Chili

2009-04-26T22:21:00.001-07:00

Today I decided to adapt from a recipe I found on foodgawker.com. The recipe was for a white bean chicken chili. I forgot my shopping list and didn't get the lemon. I think that would have been yummy. I did however decide to add some collard greens to the chili and less chicken. I am trying to eat less meat. Being that it is 'greener' and also I still struggle with eating animals and not being well suited to being a vegetarian. And I also want to eat better and save some money too. So many times when I cook at home I eat cheaper and I eat better unless I am stressed and grab some queso. Well, I have to say for such simple ingredients it turned out very yummy. I really like using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, so much more protein and so little/no fat with the added benefits of good bacteria.

I decided to add the collards because they are a great pungent tasting dark leafy green that holds up well in soups. And they taste great with onions. I had some vegan prepared collard greens a few years ago at a new year's party. And they were delicious. Plus, I just like the flavor. As you can see the soup turned out great and it tasted wonderful and I have an easy lunch tomorrow when I come home to walk the mighty Maya.

I have been cooking since I was very small, evidently since I was a toddler after my mom enrolled my twin and me in a cooking class at the West U Montessori Preschool, Beehive. So, I am going to post what you need to make this recipe, but not so much the amounts. If you want more specifics go to foodgawker.com and search, I can't seem to find it again.

Here goes:
1 small yellow onion
1-2 15oz cans of cannellini beans (I used one)
fresh garlic
1-2 chicken breast (I used one)
Chicken Broth
2 Tablespoons of olive oil
Collard Greens 3-4 large leaves
paprika
kosher salt
pepper

Garnish:
green onion
greek 0% fat yogurt
Lemon (I forgot about this, but it sounds good)
Tabasco (I forgot about this, but it sounds good)

Heat pan and then olive oil and saute onion until soft, add garlic last. Chop the chicken into small bite sized pieces and add to the hot pan, sear and then drain the beans and add to the mix. After a couple of minutes, add the spices and the chopped collard greens. Last I added enough chicken broth to cover everything and a tiny bit more. I cooked on the stove top for another 30-45 minutes. If you want to thicken the chili, I believe you can add cornmeal, or at least I assume that is why it was mentioned on foodgawker.com I guess this is a little different.

Then when you decide to serve garnish with chopped green onion, a dab of the thick Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of paprika and Tabasco to taste. Again, collards are optional.

Okay, I decided to seek out the links. I have just recently stumbled upon foodgawker.com. It looks like the recipe came from a user, so I am going to post both links. The link on foodgawker.com when I search white chili and the actual recipe link.

Foodgawker.com - White Chili

User joejhorn's recipe:
White Bean and Chicken Chili

maya is snapping her tail at me

2009-04-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

Miss Maya is being a crab apple and snapping her little tail at me. Tap, Tap, Tap. I guess it is a little like tapping her fingers. She is also whining too. I think she has a little language all her own. She is being naughty but she is very cute. My mom said today I should take photos of her to sketch or try and do it live. Si I think I shall start to do that, I have a feeling photos will work better as she is quite demanding. She is a goofball who swears she is the sun. At any rate drawing her will help get my sketching skill back up.

My Desk

2009-04-18T15:22:00.001-07:00

Here is my desk at work. I was listening to the Coraline and Twilight movie soundtracks. You can see also a Fafi for Mac checking things out on my desk and of course my glasses. I guess I was waiting and decided to take a photo.

Also, notice the lucky money I received. Most important to hold onto this year.

Plastic Bag 'Fabric'

2009-04-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

My office like many households has tons of plastic grocery sacks. I am a member of an art collective/ sketch club here in Houston named the "Sketchy Neighbors" and we have through in part by fate chosen out third assignment. And I think I might be applying this into my 3rd project. This looks like fun.

This is another interesting video about recycling plastic bags and includes some facts. Like only '1% of plastic bags worldwide are recycled'. Yikes. I don't believe Houston does.

On the way to Brasil & Domy

2009-04-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

I should have taken a photo of the breakfast I made for my mom's bird Leonard. He had a great breakfast. My mom takes great care and creativity in making his breakfast, so I had a lot of little tidbits to choose from; apples, potatoes, berries, carrots, peanuts, almonds and balls of seed, not to mention a few indulgent choices. After feeding Ms. Leonard I went to seek out Buc-ee's, I love that little logo, not sure what Buc-ee is exactly,a beaver I think, but when I saw the billboard on my way up to Sugarland, I knew I had to visit. I have to say it did not disappoint, it was so much fun. Really it is a large scale gas station and convenience store with unique country style treats like jerky, pastries, kettle corn, pralines, fudge and their famous Buc-ee's Beaver Nuggets. I guess that answers my question... Beaver. They have a little coffee shop too. But, alas I had other plans for breakfast or I would not have stopped at the $10 T-shirt special and got a frappe and a pastry. I was off to Brasil in town, to have some coffee and quiche and visit Domy.

A long story short, here is a photo of the last few bites of my sausage and broccoli quiche. It was delicious and just the right amount of food. I enjoyed it and ended up getting a little fun toy from Domy designed by Nathan Jurevicius for Toy Tokyo. The blind box series is named Peleda,I got the silver one.

Sabishii (lonely) by Sharleen Morco

2009-04-03T18:56:00.000-07:00

This is evidently a school project, Sharleen Morco created. I found this video when I searched Amigurumi, after I took a class at Sew Crafty here in Houston. I just love it, if you find it on You Tube, it is named Sabishii (lonely).

She has a website and shop named mmm-fruit.com. You have to check out her design and photography work. But you will probably be distracted by her wonderful shop first. So many cute bunnies, I think they would make a sweet Easter present. If you love Amigurumi, you can buy the pattern of the sweet lonely bunny friend on her site here.

My new TOMS

2009-04-03T13:56:00.001-07:00

I just bought my second pair of TOMS today at Whole Earth Provision, near the Galleria, here in Houston. I was inspired to pick up at pair because of their April 16th event, "One Day without Shoes". For those of you who don't already know about TOMS, I suggest you check it out, they are an amazing company that puts giving at the base of their equation.

Jenni's Noodle House Post Oak opens today!

2009-04-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

Jenni's second Noodle House opened today, on Post Oak at Westhiemer. I started with the Teaser Eggrolls and Vietnamese Ice Coffee. It was yummy delicious. I hear from another blogger- street artist, give up, that real blogers shoot their food. So, I brought my camera to record the tastiness. Followed by the eggrolls I had some yummy ramen. Yes, ramen, not the Oodles of Noodles Top Ramen, ramen, but real ramen. I loved it too.

The new restaurant retains the playful intimate spirit of Jenni's on Shepherd; but with higher design aesthetic. As you first walk in there is a narrow space similar to a hallway that leads you to the register to order, illuminated by a wonderful lamp made of hundreds of little lights. It reminds me of a luminescent sea creature. Along the wall there are three large scale black and white photographs of Vietnam printed on canvas. As you look to the left there is the drink and condiment area, to the right of the drinks there is a wall painted in the Jenni's bright yellow orange, adorned with, what I can only assume is a photo of Jenni's beautiful Mama, with fun cherry blossoms covering the exposed duct work on the celling leading to the restrooms. So much fun and so sweet. Then as you sit down you are welcomed by banquette seating, dark wood tables and chairs with accents of lighter wood. Jenni's Noodle House is a nice addition to the area, a respite from all the overpriced chain restaurants. I wish them the best of success, both Scott and Jenni and their staff work so hard to create a wonderful place to eat and it shows.

I love the new Jenni's!

I Love Marcel Dzama!

2009-04-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

Marcel Dzama is one of my all time favorite artists. I think I have mentioned this before, but I always find it fascinating how an artist is reflective of their work. He just collaborated with the band Department of Eagles for their song "No One Does it Like You". I had never heard of the band, but I love this song. I am going to have to check out the rest of their work. I love being able to see Dzama's work come to life in such a wonderful way. His work is both innocent and grotesque. But at the same time if you think about the times when war and killing was a choreographed event, and much more intimate, then this little story makes some sense. I think it is easy to forget the history we ourselves didn't live. In so many ways we live a removed, aesthetic and anesthetized life.

Here is an interview with Marcel.

In some ways Marcel's work reminds me of a quote by Thich Nhat Hahn- "Hatred and fear blind us. We no longer see each other. We only see the faces of monsters, and that gives us the courage to destroy each other."

Coraline the Movie

2009-02-23T10:11:00.001-08:00

I saw the Real 3-D movie Coraline this weekend, truth be told, I saw it twice. I have never seen a 3-D movie before and I think animation is the perfect match for this type of technology. I think it blends well with an imaginary world, although I have never seen a live action 3-D movie. I loved this little movie, the story of Coraline is based on a short novel by Neil Gaiman.

The movie is directed by Henry Selick, director of two of my other favorite movies of mine, Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach.

There is a blurring of the sweet and sinister in all three of these films, which I tend to enjoy. In Coraline's world it involves; a lesson in the 'grass is greener on the other site', bravery and gained confidence in testing oneself and putting other before oneself.

Neil Gaiman's site Mouse Circus has more clips from this wonderful film. I am reading the book right now, so I will let you know more about Coraline later.

Green House Houston: Cordell House

2009-02-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

There is a great development company here in Houston, Texas doing some exciting green design utilizing recycled shipping containers. Katie Nichols from Numen Development posted a link on facebook about one of their most recently completed projects, the "Cordell House". So, I thought I might share some details of this project for those of you, whom this facebook link might not be available.

As I mentioned before the development team for this project is Houston's own Numen Development and Houston architect Christopher Robertson of Robertson Design designed the house. Houston photographerJill Hunter was asked to photograph the completed project.

Jill Hunter took some really beautiful photographs of the Cordell House. Here are a couple really nice exterior shots of the house.

Are you enticed yet??? Dwell are you making note of your next feature and cover?? Here is a link if you just can't get enough and want to see more of this beautiful house. Cordell House. If you want to read more about the Cordell House project, I have a link for that too... just click here. Never fear all links should open in a new window or tab, so you can get it all.

If you love Jill's photos and happen to view her site from my links, you might want to also note that she will be having a show at Galleria Lazzara. There will be an artist reception Thursday, February 12th, at Galleria Lazzara. 7-10pm 5400 Mitchedale, suite b7. Please go an enjoy the show

RDA Spring Lecture Series Transparency in Graphic Design No.4: Michael Rock of 2x4

2009-02-11T06:33:00.000-08:00

Michael Rock is tonight's speaker. His studio is named 2x4. He talks about a designers work speaking for itself and in itself should be the communication. So, today before the lecture, I am going to share some of his studio's works. I am keeping the words to a minimum today, but I do have to note that he worked on a project for Prada with one of my favorite artists, James Jean. The project name was Trembled Blossoms.

RDA Spring Lecture Series- Transparency Exposing Graphic Design Ellen Lupton

2009-02-04T20:47:00.000-08:00

Tonight I attended the 3rd in the series of four lectures given by the Rice Design Alliance. Tonight's speaker was Ellen Lupton. Ellen is the director of the Graphic Design MFA program at MICA as well as a writer, twin, mom, D.I.Y evangelist, bra fitting aficionado and curator of contemporary design at Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum.

I grabbed one of her books at the lecture, "D.I.Y. Design it Yourself". I had looked up her site before attending and was crossing my fingers that the books would be available since there was a book signing. I was happy to find out, this was the case. And of course, I had to get it signed as a gift to my alter ego, nom de plume Katsola. Yeah, thank you Ellen!

Her lecture focused on supporting the statement "think more. design less" and the concept of 'Design it Yourself' as it relates to both designers and non designers. I found this juxtaposition very interesting. While some might balk at the thought of everyone being a designer, it's important to note that sometimes the best design comes from keeping things streamlined and focused. As an example, Ellen spoke about a topic in a forthcoming book, 'Is a Toaster Necessary?'. To sum it up Yes... if you want or love toast, you do need a toaster to make fabulous toast. She and her twin did the leg work and found the standard basic issue toaster will out as the pontiff of crispy toastyness. She also made the point to all the women in the audience that the cup of a bra is all about the fad and fashion and the band of the bra was, you guessed it the 'foundation' of nice breast display. And to further illustrate this point she shared with us some of her lovely illustrations. Which I must say were quite fun. I have charge myself with creating an illustration, inspired by Ellen.

I really enjoyed this lecture so this is part 1 of 2 since I am tired and needing to get to bed.

Andy Altmann lecture on the 28th

2009-01-29T18:49:00.000-08:00

I had fun creating something fun inspired by Andy Altmann

I attended the second lecture in the RDA Spring Lecture Series: Transparency Exposing Graphic Design last night with guest speaker, Andy Altmann, founder of Why Not Associates, London. Lately, I have been wondering if I still want to be a graphic designer, and this series is just what I needed to refresh my perspective.

I loved 'Andy's Shite' box, a menagerie of matchbooks, prostitute calling cards, slides of random ebay sellers, found objects and anything that would fit into a small photo album. He pointed out that as designers we commonly love all kinds of design, most especially bad design.

There is nothing like getting an inside peak inside the mind and process of an accomplished an innovative designer. His work is incredible and illuminating. Plus he had a 'right randy sense of humor', which is the mark of any great communicator.

Maya is a hungry little shark

2009-01-24T14:56:00.000-08:00

Maya is a hungry little puppy... Okay so she's not little nor a puppy, more like a shark. I went over to this placed name Tiny Boxwoods, where they serve lattes in giant cups and have sandwiches and such. I decided on a grilled cheese with pesto, but tiny's was busy and crowded, so I got my food to go. Anyway, the moment I got home and opened up the package to sit and eat, Maya zipped over, licked her chops and cried like she hadn't eaten in days. Eyes fixed in my sandwich with stellar concentration and not just her tail wagging, but her whole doggy toushie ready for a morsel. Next, she employed her famous work the table, launch the big tongue technique to get a bite, when that didn't provide any sustenance, she went back to the whimpering. 'Oh, forlorn we have no sandwich from our mean mommy...' But then, a stoke of luck, her mom, me, took a pause with the last bite still in hand! And with that momentary pause Maya snapped up that bite with the speed of a rocket and chewed as fast as a shark in a feeding frenzy.

Steven Heller in Houston

2009-01-22T07:29:00.000-08:00

My Dad is an architect and because of the continuing education hours required of architects, I was lucky enough to find out about the Rice Design Alliance Spring Lecture Series, "Transparency Exposing Graphic Design". Last night I met my Dad at the first lecture featuring the speaker, Steven Heller. I have to admit as embarrassing as it is, I don't know much about the History of Graphic Design, nor, Steven himself. And admitting as he mentioned in his speech, it was pretty easy for me to pop on the net and find out who he was really quickly before the lecture. Woah! I can't believe my own ignorance.

A majority of his lecture focused on his students' work in the MFA Designer as Author program" and working Design Entrepreneurs. All of the work shared was exciting and inspiring and in some cases familiar to me, but knowing the origin created a richer depth for my own understanding of these projects.

For me personally, I found it refreshing to listen to a legendary and prolific professional; who has obvious humility, openness for sharing and time for educating the future and believes in the power of mentoring.

When I first moved back to Houston after completing my BFA many years back, I attended a few Professional Design Organization meetings and felt a little out of place. Most of my feelings of disconnect came from not having not been educated in the ultra competitive environment of most designers. I had not developed a thick skin, a bounding confidence in my own aesthetic and a protective shell of ownership over my work, ideas and opportunities. Truth be told, I still haven't. I distinctly remember hearing many a professional at these meetings utter the words... 'Those who can't do, teach', always getting a knot in my stomach. In fact, always makes me a bit angry.

Steven Heller is the perfect antithesis to this statement. He has found a rich and limitless career because he remains open and willing to share his ideas, sees value in contributing to and recording our design history, gets tickled by his students odd ideas and is willing to admit, he can't do math and isn't always right. Yes!

I will be attending the remaining three lectures with my Dad over the next couple of weeks. Next week is Andy Altman, founder of Why Not Associates, London.

Bunnyfish & Treeson

2008-12-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

Bunnyfish is here! As you can see two of my favorite artists characters have met, Treeson and Bunnyfish. Treeson is the delightful creation of Hong Kong artist and illustrator Bubi Au Yeung. Bunnyfish is the wonderfully imaginative character of Kozyndan.

For those of you not familiar with the work of Kozyndan, you might want to check out their website; Kozy and Dan are a co conspirators working together as Kozyndan. I own a couple of prints, one forthcoming along with the green version of the bunnyfish toy.

Treeson is also a favorite character of mine. Treeson's best friend is Ren a human boy with a little red wagon and backpack. I would recommend reading the story of Treeson on Bubi Au Yeung's website. I was fortunate to get one of the limited edition books. The story is a sweet story of loyalty and friendship with the underlying message of environmental stewardship, which I love.

Yes, I finally bought a "real phone". I bought an iPhone

2008-12-15T14:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true, gone are the days of the old "80's" phone as many in my office refer to the 'Nokia whatever' I had for so long. And my biggest fear was set aside, when I could keep my phone number. I know, I know... Not to sound like a dumdum, but I didn't realize that phone company didn't have that stronghold over their customers anymore. Thank God. I knew not to sign a contract so many years ago for a reason... the 3G iPhone. Yes!

Okay, I am not a complete computer illiterate like this post may suggest. I knew that the iPhone and the like were fabulous little machines of happiness. But when you don't have cake, never had cake and don't know what cake really is-- you don't really miss it, or fret too much about it; it's all imaginary at that point. I love my iPhone. Yes, I said it, not to original I'm afraid, but I love my iPhone. I don't really even care if no one ever calls me on it, there is plenty to do here. I get the impression, that even if you are a loser have no friends and receive no calls in a single day you can still be happy with this phone. Ah, yes.

See, I am that person who doesn't always feel compelled to answer my phone even, if it is ringing... 'oh, I'll let that one go to voicemail thank you.' If I leave my phone at home, I don't turn back to get it, 'how important could any call really be???'. Yep, I am that person. Well, now I would drive back, but I probably would still not answer if I chose. I would just have other things to do with this phone is all.

Although, I will say this being able to text my friend Anilyn is going to be fun.

Amigurumi Octopus & Gocco Holiday Cards

2008-11-15T13:57:00.001-08:00

Today I am working on an Amigurumi octopus and dropped by Texas Art Supply to get some paper for my gocco holiday cards. Really, I need to design the card first, so I bought a sketchbook too.

About Gocco:
Well, I guess it is true enough the gocco and gocco supplies are in short supply these days. The rumor must be true, riso must haves stopped production on gocco supplies. I need to snatch up some more supplies, I bought a ton of inks. So, in a way I feel like Elaine from Seinfeld when she found out her fav birth control 'Today's Sponge' was being discontinued. She began to decide if an person was 'sponge worthy'. I kind of feel the same way with my designs... 'Is it Gocco worthy?'. Anyway, I will post when I finish my octopus and have something 'gocco' worthy.

On another note... I went and grabbed a couple of the best almond croissants in town. La Guadalupana Bakery and Cafe has the yummiest almond croissants ever and I am not kidding. The slivered almonds on top are roasted perfectly and the outside of the pastry is crispy and light, the filling is not overwhelming and is just enough to give the right amount of sweetness. I fell in love with this place when I had some tasty breakfast tacos. I also love to visit Guadalupana at the beginning of November, because they have Pan de Muerto. Also, the people who own the place could not be nicer or more friendly. I am so glad they are back and running, they had some roof damage from Hurricane Ike. And just in time for Dia de los Muertos.

Back to work on my little octopus.