Hi there, friends. I’m back from quite the long radio silence here on the blog, and if you ever came across our Patterns, Preggos & Painted Places series from last spring you won’t have to wonder why. The birth of our first baby came in late July, a little girl we named Persephone Snow West. Work slowed down a good deal but never came to a full halt, although activity here on the blog certainly did.
Well, we’re back, baby! I decided to start things off with a little inspiration pulled straight from my own domicile: the nursery. Behold all of it’s imperfect splendor. Note the missing crib sheet and changing pad cover from the above photo (in the wash). Drawer pulls are also absent in that photo, I had a few of these cuties on back order from Anthropologie at the time.
That being said, this little room is a rainbow resort is filled with assorted adorables, most of which were given to us by dear friends. It’s great that when your friends recognize your love of bright colors and patterns, they buy your baby things in bright colors and patterns.
While I didn’t exactly plan out a theme for the room, you might notice rainbows are kind of everywhere. From the super cool set of Pantone baby books, to the bedding, to the set of Alexander Lang’s fairy tales on the small book shelf.
The ceramic toadstool nightlight is one of the most unique gifts Persephone received, and one which we use on a daily (or rather nightly) basis. Other highlights from the room include a limited edition print from the amazing Esther Kim, and an early original drawing of beautiful ballerinas by fine artist Shirley Ruff. Both are priceless treasures that I hope my daughter will grow up to love as much as I do.
Thanks for checking out some of the colorful details in my babe’s new room. It’s an evolving work-in-progress that will no doubt grow alongside her.
A few weeks back I had the pleasure of attending opening night of a group exhibition called Banana Split Ladies, presented by Campy Crush. Appropriately held at the cutest boutique in all of Eagle Rock, Leanna Lin’s Wonderland, the artwork is a celebration of women with attitude. I snapped a few shots of some of my favorite pieces, and also some of the uber-adorable wares that you can normally find at this gem of a shop.
Since I obviously didn’t take enough pictures when I was there, go here for a detailed view of all the art from the exhibit. Participating artists include (in alphabetical order) Ambird, Elisa Sassi, Esther Kim, Fawn Fruits, Melissa Contreras, Rudy Fig, Super Secret Pow Wow and Wishcandy. For those in LA, be sure to visit the show in person before it closes on April 28th!
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With tomorrow being election day, some would say a lot hangs in the balance. So we’re turning today’s color post into a bit of a public service message; there’s nothing more feminine than sugar and spice, shades of pink, kitty cats, rhinestones, and voting.
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In the spirit of the season, here’s a little roundup of designs featuring one nature’s cutest and most notoriously amorous animals, the bunny. A best-of-bunnies, if you will.
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Nearly two years ago I had the pleasure of crossing paths with the next artist in our interview series, the talented Esther Kim. Although she would never tell you this, she’s a bit of an international superstar… Born in Los Angeles, she spent her teenage years in Tokyo, which begins to explain some of the influence behind her uber-cute, nostalgic style. She’s best known for her fashionable illustrations of super pretty girls, and also the whimsical, huggable characters that often accompany them. It kind of makes me think: part Lisa Frank, part Sanrio, with a touch of vintage Barbie (please forgive my incessant need to classify everything). Her client list is enviable, including the likes of Anna Sui, Nylon (Japan, Korea and US), Elle Girl Korea, Kid Robot, and Urban Outfitters, to name a few. She is currently working on a digital art project for Sony Plastation, and you can even find her art on the cover of Nylon Japan’s December ’11 issue!! Be sure to visit her website after reading the full interview below!
AW: Where do you like to find inspiration?
Esther Kim: Daily life, fashionable girls and laughter… My inspiration comes from a deep desire to express what I see around me. When I catch something that I want to record/keep by drawing I am excited. It can be anything but I’m inspired by change, by shifts in myself through the things around me, which can easily be seen in fashion and of course, of course things that are super girly: french actresses, from the 60‘s, Tokyo street fashion, palm trees, Los Angeles sunsets, eye-shopping at Parco, k-pop stars….
AW: Describe your style in three words.
Esther Kim: Girly. Lovely. Sweet. (A little bit cool?)
AW: Do you have a favorite theme you like to follow within your personal work?
EK: I guess I am obsessed with drawing girls. I love fashion, especially street fashion. I like how you can see visual changes in culture through the personal choices people make in what they wear.
AW: If you could choose any designer or artist to collaborate with, who would it be and why?
Esther Kim: It was my dream, dream, dream to work with Nagi Noda. I am sad that she passed away. I’ve always loved all the work she did for Laforet…oh yeah, I would love to work with Laforet Harajuku! and other artists. I want to collaborate with photographers and other illustrators, too.
AW: What do you like to do to unwind when you need a break from work?
Esther Kim: I love to read!!! I love Russian writers. Tolstoy is one of my favorites~! Working my way through War and Peace. I also started reading The Hunger Games series which is really addictive.
AW: If you won the lottery today, would your job, your art, or the process you use change in any way?
Esther Kim: Hmmm, I would rent a studio, for sure, and buy lots of canvases and learn to paint properly.
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