Laura Su of Prismera Designs is honored to present to you, the extended MISS crew, the fashion-inspired watercolor paintings from the second series of her fashion illustration prints.
As a wee kiddo in Kindergarten, there was nothing I loved more than making a mess. It seems this addiction to chaos is imprinted into the adolescent brain of every sandbox playing, booger eating 5-year-old. My weapon of choice was watercolors. Somehow, my colorful presentations always seemed to run together and end up looking like the mud pie I’d just made at recess. Not for Laura Su of Prismera Design. She’s managed to take watercolors and turn them into pieces that are way better than my old school refrigerator scribbles.
Laura has perfected the art of watercolor use. The colors are vivid and eye-catching. Nothing like the washed out images you'd expect from watercolors.
“Watercolor is a medium that I’ve loved since art school and painting these lovely girls has allowed me to continue embracing color in a different way while designing my line of jewelry.” –Laura Su
Classic designs paired with the gradual darkening and fading of a single color. Simply gorgeous.
Laura’s latest creation is a collection of fashion illustration prints. There are five prints in the second installment of this collection: Scarlet, Cadmium Yellow, Emerald, Cobalt, and Coral. Each of the dainty dolls illustrated is wearing a gorgeous gown in one of the vivid colors and comes printed on slightly textured 100% cotton rag paper. The inks, canvas, and illustrations, and artist are all top notch. I swear primary and secondary watercolors have never looked this good!
It baffles me how she got the colors to blend without making a puddle of a mess. Now THAT'S talent!
The prints are available as follows:
5” x 7” print – $20 (with frame, add $30)
11” x 14” print – $46 (with frame, add $45)
Set of 3 (5” x 7”) – $55
Set of 3 (11” x 14”) – $45
Lady Cobalt is my favorite. The blue is so bright, and the dark hair of the girl makes it stand out even more.
The illustrations from Series I are also available as postcards. Each 4” x 6” card has rounded corners and blank backs which are perfect for writing a personalized message. A set of 12 (a variety of four prints, three each) is only $18. You can even have custom illustrations done for $275.
All of Laura’s creations are available for view and purchase at Prismera Design.
It baffles me how she got the colors to blend without making a puddle of a mess. Now THATS talent!
Lady Cobalt is my favorite. The blue is so bright, and the dark hair of the girl makes it stand out even more.
Classic designs paired with the gradual darkening and fading of a single color. Simply gorgeous.
Each model has her own personality. Poise and grace on a piece of paper.
I respect how Laura let the illustrations speak for themselves. No background to distract from her vision. Kudos.
Laura Su of Prismera Designs is honored to present to you, the exended MISS crew, the fashion-inspired watercolor paintings from the second series of her fashion illustration prints.
Laura has perfected the art of watercolor use. The colors are vivid and eye-catching. Nothing like the washed out images you’d expect from watercolors.
A-trak, Armand Van Helden, and Dust La Rock collaborate on the Duck Sauce toy
I think I’m in love! DJ heroes A-trak and Armand Van Helden have turned their musical collaboration “Duck Sauce” into an ultra-cool, limited edition rubber duck toy now available at Colette France. “Duck Sauce” is the 2009 EP that found A-trak and Armand Van Helden crafting brand new mixes inspired by their favorite vintage disco house tunes. The record sleeve to “Duck Sauce” and video to their widely popular single, “aNYway” both feautre a cocky, baseball-jacketed, vinyl-toting, duck mascot designed by Fool’s Gold art director Dust La Rock. The beautifully sculpted, hand painted rubber duck is not only fun to look at, but it actually floats in water as well! This is the second time that Dust La Rock and A-trak have collaborated on a toy. Their “Grateful Bear” toy for Kid Robot was a hit and I’m predicting the same for this one. There’s a limited edition of only 1,000 pieces so be sure to act fast if you’d like to own one. For more information on the Duck Sauce toy and to purchase, be sure to visit Colette’s website. Also, don’t forget to download “Duck Sauce” on Itunes!
Treat yourself to Duck Sauce’s “aNYway” UK video if you haven’t seen it already! It’s Dope x1,000!!!
With the opening of Alice in Wonderland around the corner, it seems like everyone is gravitating towards this “twisted tea party” theme: Stella McCartney will be designing a special collection of Alice-themed jewelry, Tom Binns is creating selection of oversized furniture and pieces adorned with teacups, and even beauty brands like O.P.I will be offering four new colors, in honor of this movie debut!
With that said, art.com has over 227 different images from various artists, these include portraits/posters from the original movie to the newest featured film that is about to release.
Gallerie Emmanuel Perrotin presets Pharrell Williams’ new design creation, The Tank char, at Colette from March 22nd to 28th and then at the gallery from March 30th to April 24th by appointment. After making the “Perspective” chair in 2008, designed as a reflection on love, and the work “The Simple Things” in 2009, the fruit of a collaboration with Takashi Murakami, Pharrell Williams tackles the theme of war. Made of Plexiglas and foal or calf, the four models of the Tank Chair are released in a limited edition of eight pieces in each style.
Merry Karnowsky Gallery is proud to host the book release party for “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll, illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia. Original artwork from the book will be on display.
Canteen Art Shop + Gallery presents… Two Days Slow an Alice in Wonderland Showcase 4 – 28 March 2010 Opening Party: Thursday, March 4th, 7pm. A gallery of pure nonsense, Canteen hosts *Two Days Slow*, an Alice in Wonderland themed show. Featuring a multitude of talented international and local artists indulging in the whimsical world of Wonderland, the show promises the irrepressible silliness of white rabbits, tea parties, wise caterpillars, Cheshire cats and wide-eyed wonder. For one night enjoy the mad and the impossible at the only Ottawa gallery that is truly a world of its own. Don’t want to be among the mad? Find yourself entirely sane… tea cups, top hats and pocket-watches welcome. Artists will include: Aeron Alfrey (Crawfordsville, Indiana) – Ali Aschman (Brooklyn) – Laura Berger (Chicago) – Matthew Billington (Vancouver) – Julianne Bright (Portland) – Lindsay Campbell (Ottawa) – Ross Christie (Edinburgh, Scotland) – David DeGrand (Weatherford, Texas) – Julia Dickens (Toronto) – Guen Douglas (Rotterdam) – Shawn Eisenach (Santa Rosa, California) – Bob Flynn (Boston) – Ken Garduno (Los Angeles) – Stefan Grambart (Toronto) – Matt Hawkins (Kansas City) – Bryce Huffman (Hamilton) – Meg Hunt (Phoenix) – Jacob Livengood (San Diego) – Renata Liwska (Calgary) – Julie MacKinnon (Ottawa) – Nimit Malavia (Toronto) – Jen Mann (Mississauga) – Sebastian Millar (Ottawa) – Ruth Ishbel Munro (United Kingdom) – Bennett Slater (Toronto) – Jessie Rose Vala (Portland) – Casey Weldon (New York) – Jeni Yang (Los Angeles)
If you cannot attend the opening and would like a chance to preview any of the above artists work, please send us an email highlighting the artist you’re interested in. We accept credit card payments over the phone for any advanced purchases. Canteen Art Shop + Gallery 238 Dalhousie Street www.canteenlife.com
“Two Four looks at four decades of Latina culture through collected photographs and ephemera from the archive of life long 24th Street/Mission resident Sandy Cuadra as well as through preserved archival footage of the neighborhood from the 70s and 80s collected by Veronica Majano and the Mission Film Archive”. – Clare Haggarty(curator).
“Two-Four Home Girls, Circa 1980” The Tiny Locas, “You and I” dances, and the Low-rider cars represented rites of passage and the social scene for teenage girls in the early 1980’s in the 24th Street Mission neighborhood. The exhibition features photographs by Sandy Cuadra- a former Tiny Loca who has lived in the Mission for over 30 years- memories of dancing, cars, parties in the park, and tight friendships. In addition, footage from the Mission Film Archive (thanks to filmmaker Vero Majano) further activates the world of Low-riders and the “You and I” dances. Vintage posters to promote those dances, made by Mitchell Salazar, also hang in the gallery, and complete this nostalgic look into a particular period in the Mission that speaks to the former teenager in all of us.
Anaya Hindmarch has collaborated on a collection of totes with Ben Eine, one of London’s most prolific street artists. Eine specializes in producing huge letter on shop fronts, as a reminder that writing IS art. It has recently ben said that “Eine is doing for letters of the alphabet what Banksy did for rats and smiley policemen.” Sold exclusively at Colette.
The PRIMER Microstudio is pleased to present a complete alphabet created by illustrator Dave Perillo for this March’s First Friday opening.
Dave draws inspiration for his work from many of the following sources: 1950’s sci-fi movies, Charles Schultz, Jim Flora, Ray Harryhausen, Roy Lichtenstein, Jim Henson, Hanna Barbera, The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock and character advertising icons. Dave currently resides in the ‘burbs of Philly, works as an illustrator, believes that bowling is the sport of kings and a bag of Swedish Fish is a seafood dinner.
With the closing of our M.I.S.S. Paper Dolls show at Upper Playground’s Fifty24LA gallery, we are excited to bring you a closer look at San Francisco based artist Kelly Tunstall, who we were lucky enough to have be a part of the show.
We’ve been following Kelly’s work for a many years now…and when we say following, we mean it literally!
Yep, we followed Kelly and fellow artist—and now husband—Ferris Plock to Scion’s 5th installment of the “Exprescion” art show at Alcatraz in 2007, where they painted along side a group of other SF-based heavyweights.
The first time I saw Kelly’s work, I was captivated by the eyes of her doll-like figures. Even when she’s not using gold-leaf or soft colors, there’s a a glow to her work and viewing it, you feel a natural pull.
Today we honor a woman, not because she was a part of an elite few that can say they painted on “The Rock,” we honor her because she’s just as magical as her art.
A detailed look at Kelly Tunstall's Hat Party, 2009
More on Kelly Tunstall from her official bio below:
The strength and assurance of femininity, in both a sarcastic and reverent sense, are the driving force behind Kelly Tunstall’s body of work.
Working in acrylic, collage, spraypaint, pencil, pen and ink, gold leaf and some secret sauce, the experimental, yet classically grounded works live somewhat comfortably in a space between graphic expression, stylized representation, surrealism, and sketch. The simplicity of the messages are enhanced by the underlying vitality and complex layering within the work.
In her studied portraits, Tunstall renders stylized, leggy female figures and their pets, prey, powers, dreams and. Their physical forms and accompanying exteriors represent and mirror internal thought processes and turmoil. For instance, frequent themes such as mermaids, twins, or extra limbs concede a desire, a reliance, an adaptation, or more simply, an aspiration to something greater than being a painting.
My Walrus, 2009
In the ever more frequent collaborations between Tunstall and her husband, Ferris Plock, two worlds collide as Plock’s intensely insinctual monsters threaten, challenge, consume and adore the girls, as they inhabit the constructed enviroments and nests built of painted boards and drawn nails.
Also working in illustration, installation, and multimedia projects, Tunstall plays with the contrast between the formality of defined forms and the revelation of method. The patina of age and calligraphic drawing methods lend further depth to her story-filled worlds.
Common themes reflect the contrasting dualities of Tunstall’s imagined ladies: interior and exterior realms; innocence and mischief; concrete reality and the dreamscapes of the supernatural. The resulting body of work is a comprehensive study of the modern and sometimes not so modern woman.
Kelly & her adorable baby...
Before we get into the Q&A, let’s jump into some fun with Kelly vs. our M.I.S.S. survey:
Kelly's writing is as magical as her art...
M.I.S.S.: What woman, besides your mom or grandmother, do you find inspirational?
Martha Stewart.
M.I.S.S.: How did you get your start?
I had a great high school art education, but I started selling work off streetcorners during Portland’s First Thursday art openings, Chris at Nemo Design bought some work and I went in for an interview the next morning. I’ve been given many opportunities to explore. I’m very lucky to have parents that were supportive of whatever I wanted to do-and still are.
M.I.S.S.: What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve created?
There was a recent collaboration piece that I did with Ferris that I just adore called Sea of Love – Cross Town Traffic [below].
I made it while 8 months pregnant. It’s our biggest piece to date-120 inches wide- it just envelops you.
Cross Town Traffic by Ferris & Kelly for their 2009 exhibit Sea of Love at 111 Minna, SF.
M.I.S.S.: Who do you want to work with in the future?
I hope to do something with Gwen Stefani someday.
Above: A Tall Ship, 2009 & Below: Sirena, 2009
M.I.S.S.: What part of your work process is the most challenging and do you dislike the most?
I hate revisions. Going back and reworking sucks. Of course it’s a necessary evil.
M.I.S.S.: Any advice for ladies who are just starting out in a career path similar to yours?
I heard a good cheesy saying the other day… Success is spelled persistence… or something like that. It’s true. I’ve been at this for 12 years now, I’ve been able to do things I never dreamed possible.
Learn contract law. Have a contract made. Be careful. Check references for galleries or people that want to represent you- it takes five minutes to send someone a message on facebook to get some background. Invest your time. Yes, this means doing things for free or very little. Just make sure these are things that help you in some way, or fulfill you artistically. Make sure you love your work. Support your community. Be humble. Develop your own style. It’s ok to rip someone off to study how they did something, just move on afterward.
M.I.S.S.: Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Ferris and I are collaborating with EightyFour Films—exciting new project in the works!
Last week, art & culture website Fecalface.com did a studio visit with Kelly and although it wasn’t up by the time this feature was published, we’ll update you when it posts via our Art Radar column (Thursdays).
An instillation view of Circus, a 2008 exhibit with Ferris Plock at 111 Minna, SF.
Upcoming shows:
FTC Tokyo June 15, 2010
Giant Robot September 4, 2010
March is officially Women’s History Month and we’re excited to announce that for the third year in a row, throughout the month, we will be featuring yet another group of outstanding ladies who are “making history” in their respective fields including fashion, design, music, art, media and much more.
We will also be remembering the notable forces that came before us with our “Women Who Made History” series. Last year’s features included, Judy Blume and Peggy Guggenheim, just to name a few.
At M.I.S.S., we try to focus on women’s history all year long. We encourage you all to explore our site but more importantly our interviews section, where you’ll find the Women Making History series archived. Each unique feature is filled with insight and inspiration just waiting to be taken in! Consider this a place to gather strength, courage and wisdom to help you move forward gracefully into whatever the future may hold.
Last Friday, Los Angeles was graced by the presence and talents of graffiti heavy-hitter Eric Haze for the opening reception of his collaboration with Stussy. Both being iconic figures in street culture, the much anticipated team up came into fruition showcasing over 20 original Stussy peices done up with Haze’s signature style, a video installation, mural, and not to mention the glass case filled with Stussy x Haze merchandise dropping this Spring/Summer. Merchandise included keychains, bags, and their shoe collaboration with Pro-Keds. Also available was a limited edition t-shirt printed in celebration of the event.
Stussy x Haze Gallery Event
Stussy x Haze Gallery Event
The show as a whole was a success with a full house of music, media and both local and international visitors. I never realized how much of an impact Stussy has on Japanese culture until I noticed the number of Japanese fans in attendance at the opening. A plus to the art displays were the substantial amounts of the much enjoyed complimentary mixed drinks provided by Belvedere along with music supplied by DJ Cut Chemist, all of which did just the trick to making the opening reception a party not worth missing.
Stussy x Haze Gallery Event
If you are in or around Los Angeles, today will be the last day the show will be open to the public at the Known Gallery. Be sure to check it out.
This is a song for the genius child.
Sing it softly, for the song is wild.
Sing it softly as ever you can -
Lest the song get out of hand.
Nobody loves a genius child.
Can you love an eagle,
Tame or wild?
Can you love an eagle,
Wild or tame?
Can you love a monster
Of frightening name?
Nobody loves a genius child.
Kill him – and let his soul run wild.
A poem by Langston Hughes in the opening credits in the clip below.
Jean-Michel Basquiat or SAMO was many things. First known for graffiti in the late ’70s, this “genius child” and artist of inspiration, produced Neo-Expressionist paintings in the 80’s. He quickly became an international art star but just as quickly lost his life.
Jean-Michael Basquiat: The Radiant Child
With never-before-seen footage of the artist being interviewed by friends, graphics by Studio No.1 (where Shepard Fairey is Creative Director) and Adam Horovitz aka Ad-Rock & Mike Diamond aka Mike D—or 2/3 of the Beastie Boys—on original soundtrack, we can look forward to seeing a solid full-length documentary on The Radiant Child.
I really wish I could be in attendance for this show, I think that it is really cool/interesting. Probably because I collect skate decks as art pieces.
My first ever solo show will be up at 303 GRAND in Williamsburg, NY from March 5th-March 19th, 2010. Come on out to the opening reception on March 5th from 8-12pm. 50% of all proceeds will be donated to Stoked Mentoring, PBR is providing free beer, my boy Asian Dan will be DJing and Emulsion Apparel will be heading up the goods department.
Boston.com is one of my most visited sites hands down. Probably because the photos are remarkably clear and with all of the reading I do on a daily basis, I just don’t feel like thinking. I just want to look at photograph and feel.
It’s the season of Fashion Week, from Bryant Park in New York last week to London this week, and Milan, Los Angeles and Tokyo next month. As designers and their models gather to present their newest collections to the world, photographers are on hand to take thousands of pictures, most during the actual show – with a few photos from the backstage of each show sent across the wires as well.
Good Wives and Warriors is the creative partnership between Becky Bolton and Louise Chappell, who met while studying at the Glasgow School of Art. Rebecca means ‘good wife’ and Louise means ‘warrior’. They have been working together on collaborative projects for the last 5 years and have recently been featured in Taschen’s Illustration Now Volume 3, IdN ‘The Illustration Special’ and have produced work for Adidas, Swatch and MTV. They have also exhibited wall paintings in Europe, South America, the USA and Australia. They are currently based in London.
The Letterheads exhibition is a re-visioning of the English alphabet by 26 of the most influential emerging and established contemporary artists in the world today. Each artist has created a work exclusively for this exhibition depicting a single letter to create a display of the entire alphabet from illustration, cartoon, fine art, graffiti, street art and graphic design fields. Featuring internationally renowned street artists such as:
“Two Four looks at four decades of Latina culture through collected photographs and ephemera from the archive of life long 24th Street/Mission resident Sandy Cuadra as well as through preserved archival footage of the neighborhood from the 70s and 80s collected by Veronica Majano and the Mission Film Archive”. – Clare Haggarty(curator).
“Two-Four Home Girls, Circa 1980” The Tiny Locas, “You and I” dances, and the Low-rider cars represented rites of passage and the social scene for teenage girls in the early 1980’s in the 24th Street Mission neighborhood. The exhibition features photographs by Sandy Cuadra- a former Tiny Loca who has lived in the
Mission for over 30 years- memories of dancing, cars, parties in the park, and tight friendships. In addition, footage from the Mission Film Archive (thanks to filmmaker Vero Majano) further activates the world of Low-riders and the “You and I” dances. Vintage posters to promote those dances, made by Mitchell Salazar, also hang in the gallery, and complete this nostalgic look into a particular period in the Mission that speaks to the former teenager in all of us.
C. Emerson Fine Arts continues it’s 2010 season with a group exhibition titled Deft February 26 through April 17, 2010. The exhibition will include works by nine internationally diverse artists: Clayton Chandler, Chiézo, Patrick Francisco, Freak Friends, Rocky Grimes, Patrick Maxcy, PLASEEBO, and John Revisky. This diverse group of visual artist cohesively will be exhibiting drawings, custom vinyl toys, mixed media, paintings, photography and printmaking.
The opening reception for Deft will be Friday February 26, 2010 from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M.