My Right Brain

Uncle Sam

My mom's Great Uncle Sam was a well known artist in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.  His early work in  portraiture, is filled with members of my mother's family, and my favorite piece is this image below.  I love it for so many reasons; it's of my grandmother, it has a really sweet story behind the 'sitting' (she kept falling asleep as he painted), but what I love most of all is that it hangs in my parents home.  I am an obvious sucker for sentiment, and this piece oozes everything I love times three.

Samuel Rosenberg (1896-1972)

Peta Approved

Cardboard Safari is tiny company out of Charlottesville Virginia, who make these really interesting cardboard animal figures out of recycled cardboard.  Drawing inspiration from nature and through the use of sustainable materials, all pieces are available in brown or white cardboard, come in a variety of sizes, and are really affordable.  Although it has been around for a while, I still love this trend, and really appreciate this less traditional and environmentally friendly version.   

 
Robbie - Large Rhino Head and Bucky - Large Deer Head by Cardboard Safari

Frames Take Center Stage

A well curated wall is an easy way to fancy up a room and especially appealing because it can work for any bank account, empty (sigh) or full.  The first step is to choose your space and the images you want to display.  If you are looking to save money and are in need of content, personal photos, fabric, decorative paper, record albums, magazine pictures, or your own artwork can work beautifully for next to no coast.  Once you have chosen your imagery, decide if you want uniform or mismatching frames (either can look really great).  Inexpensive frames are available everywhere - Urban Outfitters, Ikea, Aaron Brothers, and Crate and Barrel all have great options.  Happy hanging!

Donino Magazine

Domino Magazine

The Poster List

This is a great resource for inexpensive wall art (posters are $10.99 each), which these days (sadly) is less than a movie.  Everything is designed in house, and the company is always coming up with new stuff (so check back monthly if interested).  Below are my three favorites.


Primary Cameras, Rock Song, and Don't Be a Drone by The Poster List

The Empyrean

I have been a fan of the super talented John Frusciante for a while.  He is an artist who is constantly pushing his tool, continuing to learn without limits, and always exploring new techniques. For better or worse, he takes painful risks, and I admire his focus and willingness to let us in.  His music mirrors his experience (and although his past struggles have been dark) his sound carries a lightness and purity which keeps me coming back.  He is a member of the RHCP, but isn't fancy, and often records his solo work in his house.  The Empyrean, his new album, is out today, and is available for purchase on itunes or here. The cover art (below) is amazing and seems to fit this multi-layered musician.

If you are not familiar with JF here is some of his magic:

He has online tutorials of his music - which is very cool cause he is into sharing the wealth.  Has a fab fashion sense; plaid before it was trendy, can rock a suit and a mohawk , occasionally channels Jesus, and often plays in comfy loungewear.  He probably has done your favorite cover (Your Song, For Emily, How Can I Tell You, How Deep Is Your Love).  And you will never grow tired of looking at him, cause he is a cutie. 

Suggested paylist (from my fav 3-4 albums):
1. Murderers
2. Time Tonight
3. Every Person
4. Goals
5. Going Inside
6. A Name 
7. Second Walk
8. Someone's
9. Water
10. Scratches
11. Carvel
12. The Mirror
13. Omission
14. Wonder Woman (with Flea)
15. Time is Nothing
16. Scratches
17. Water
18. Ramparts
19. Invisible Movement
20. Moments Have You
21. The Will to Death
22. Time is Nothing
23. This Cold

The Empyrean