Art is the Star

I am looking forward to not only seeing my friends Erin and Megan this weekend, but exploring the offerings of handmade at the Annual Art Star Craft Bazaar on Penn’s Landing.  

Erin and Megan have created a unique aesthetic through the work they represent at the Art Star bricks and mortar location and welcome into the Bazaar. Some work feels anime influenced, other pieces stem from the upcycle/recycle movement. Much of the work has a illustrative element to it be it through drawings or graphic symbols. I find it all interesting.

The approach by the artists to their work feels really fresh to me. Not new so much as their own individual style that comes through. Some of it feels brazen, unabashedly so, and I love that.  Each artist has set their own standard for themselves as far as the envelopes they decide to push. There is a whimsy to many pieces and sometimes I sense sarcasm through the imagery.

I can’t wait to see who is new this year. I am excited to be able to go and work at the event. It’s a great opportunity to meet other artists as well as catch up with old friends.

Playing with texture

I’ve had some fun carving this vase and am considering glazes that will bring out the texture. I also like how the ridge texture feels in my hands.  It reminds me of the work I made years ago when I was making block print books on handmade paper and the Chinese brush painting I loved. I may introduce some of those old blocks into new work. Hmmm…

Got Art?

There are so many events, craft shows, open houses and showings to check out and keep track of in the hopes of seeing something new, fresh, inviting and unique.  In recent years one  of my favorite events has become the Art Star Craft Bazaar in Philadelphia on Penn’s Landing.

BUT, know you will disappointed if you expect something usual, something predictable or even something you’ve seen before. Ain’t gonna happen. Their own unique aesthetic has found a connected community of artists and supporters who share a similar vision; quirky, sometimes cute, occasionally crass, and always handmade.

These are young, hip, and confident printmakers, upcyclers, jewelers, glass artisans, ceramicists, sculptures, seamstresses, and so much more. They mix this with that, redesign, reinvent, and discover something new from something old. I find them inspiring. I love their determination and their unflinching commitment.

Sure, I’m biased, but so what? There is something very good going on here and believe me, you don’t want to miss it.

little smiles

Can I just tell you how much I love these little guys? They smile at me from across the room in my studio. They are handmade by artist Andrea Kang and were wonderful gifts from my good friends, Erin and Megan, the owners of Art Star in Philadelphia. The Art Star has a wide variety of handmade craft and art well worth checking out. The also host the Annual Art Start Craft Bazaar on Penn’s Landing that is really incredible.  I just love ‘em!