sneak peek before the show

 This will be in the 1st Thursday show @ OMA along with the two other totes. 

I painted it. 

I was sitting outside the very trendy Stardust in Orlando, when I first doodled this. 

The totes are made of recycled canvas. I can make more of these. It was fun! I might make myself one at some point. 

find something to motivate you

This is a space for inspiration.

The original idea today was to talk about my efforts on Etsy and my thoughts on starting out + forming a cohesive line.

But really my designs are about botanicals. And a large part of my inspiration comes from nature. 

Art and originality are synonymous for many people.

Even without reviewing Dutch vanitas, impressionist paintings, or the works of Georgia O’Keefe it isn’t much of a surprise: Nature (in my opinion), is the original muse!


For a time I was a bit of a closet horticultural nerd. After all, who isn't inspired by nature? Where’s the originality in that? 

Still, I can't help it. I love, love, love plants! I adore the studied illustrations from the 18th + 19th centuries. I marvel at all manner textiles from the grandiose woven tapestries in the Musee du Louvre to the mod prints at Marimekko -- and objects d'arte or even the simple vintage tea cup; so many of these infused with the beauty of nature!

Anything can motivate. 
I happen to turn to botanicals.

Here’s what I’ve done with my inspiration on a small scale.

   

  

You can find something to motivate you too.

 And don’t over think it like I do, just enjoy it!

sneak peak at the next project

Photo: Art+Science BFF for upcoming project

another 'doodle,' O Pop part of art-education event

In last night's post I displayed one of my 'doodles' and stated I would be recreating it soon. 

I failed to display the other two images. The three will be re-created as original pieces each on a tote bag I will be donating --for an event  promoting art in Orlando-area elementary schools. 

The event is UCF Art Alumni Society's art supply drive: Knightro's Creative Kits

I can't seem to get away from these art-supply drives. I was involved in Seed's this past spring. It's safe to say; art education is a big deal for me.

I believe art is a positive force to be reckoned with: it changes the world and shapes minds.

But I am still curious as to people's feelings on art stylization. (See my last post.) I have my own methods but I do want to know what people walk away with when they see certain things.

doodle day - inspiration and curiosities

This sketch was inspired wandering around Fresno CA this past spring.  It is a simple study, but I've been given a chance to recreate it for an upcoming project. It has me thinking. . .

. . .what is more dynamic to viewers; the glossy/graphic design style (lots more @ deviantart.com)? 

Or the sketchy style of a study? 

Or maybe something else, equally compelling?

(Of course this is highly subjective, but I always love to hear how people feel about art!)

I see purpose & value in both, but I wonder how other people feel about these styles?  And most importantly why it has a specific resonance.

That's my doodle for the day! 

happy father's day

Here's the card I made for my dad this year. 

It was a fun, fluid piece to make.

 I love when the medium tells me what to do. In this case, it pushed me past making an 'Hallmark'-esk card which was my springboard at first (and I don't think I would have been as happy with).

I also like that my surroundings seep into what I make without my prior consent. (I was listening to synth-pop, can you tell?)

Have a good Father's Day all you online fathers! 

Don't forget to visit my dad over at http://joekorte.blogspot.com/