Organized Chaos~ A lesson in self discovery

I walked downstairs to the studio this morning to get started. Life has been getting in the way lately so the creative juices are about ready to explode.

So many times I forget where I left off. My studio, which is my sanctuary, has been neglected lately. I've been working on a painting in my mind, but time has not been my friend in recent weeks and the actual brushstrokes remain imaginary at this point. 

I looked at the table this morning and everything came flooding back to me. I knew right where I had left off. I imagine to the rest of the world that table represents complete chaos and disorganization. To me it's organized chaos. I've found that over the years some of my best work has come from discovery amidst the mess in my studio. Had I not left a bright green paint in the middle of the table maybe it would have never made its way to the canvas. Had I not cut hexagons of various colorful fabric left in a pile, perhaps they would have never been the inspiration for an incredible pillow.

We've been in the midst of selling the blue house and everything has to be maintained...stay clean. The studio looked fantastic, but it was as if a creative road block had been put up. I couldn't find anything. The process of creative self discovery was hindered because my chaos was gone. 

I'm happy to report that this morning upon seeing the mess that be the inspiration returned and the the brushstrokes are no longer imaginary. 

I'm currently working with the architect for the new (old) house in Wisconsin. We've been talking about what elements will be necessary for the studio we are "building." The one element I can be sure of is organized chaos.

The magic behind The Turquoise Paintbrush

I have an affinity for turquoise. I'm drawn to the stone, the color. I like to use it as an accent color with just about everything because it goes with anything.

I'm not surprised I was drawn to The Turquoise Paintbrush. Just adding it to the name provides an allure for me. Once I clicked on the button I wouldn't be disappointed. Mary's work is gentle and compelling. Clicking on her blog makes you feel as if you've entered an artists' fairytale world. Along with a magical portfolio, Mary's writing and photography captures you in its sweetness.

Enter Mary's world and possibly bring a piece of her fairytale to yours.

Mary sent me a little bio of herself and if this doesn't make you love her even more I'm not sure what will.

I am a girl who loves cutting + pasting + getting my hands messy with colorful paint. I can’t live without coffee. I love to dream with my eyes wide open, messy hair, dancing in the sunlight, + treasuring moments. I’m a girl a lot like you; desiring happiness, connections to other artsy souls, and love. A girl who creates colorful/whimsical/wordy art.

Most days, you can find me working away in my little studio with twinkle lights sparkling, a paintbrush in hand, and delicious music playing in the background.

http://theturquoisepaintbrush.blogspot.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaryWangerin

Park+Vine is Divine

Have you been to this outstanding establishment? Referred to as the "General Store of the future" on their website, it's a significant little luxury tucked away in Over-the-Rhine. Cate refers to it as "the farm in the middle of the city." I don't think you could get a better compliment.

Every three months calls for a check up to Cate's immunologist, Dr. B, at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. We've been making this trip every three months (sometimes more) for the past six years. The newest little monster, rheumatic fever, to assault Cate's body is under control for the most part so the news today was that we didn't have to return until June! Caveat~ as long as everything stays status-quo.

Woo-hoo! Time to celebrate. Our usual excursion includes a trip to Maggiano's for some gluten free Italian, and shopping therapy at Anthropologie and Nordstrom. What can I say, the girl loves fashion and she loves shoes.

Not this time. No, we decided to veer off course. Take a different path. We ended up in Over-the-Rhine. By choice.

The first time I had visited Park+Vine was about four years ago. I was working on my doctorate at the University of Cincinnati so I was in the vicinity. I was getting ready to paint some furniture for Cate's room and I came across some really cool paint online. Mythic Paint. If you haven't heard of it check them out. https://www.mythicpaint.com/index.aspx

The paint led me to Park+Vine. They were the only store to distribute it, so I went for it. I think the descriptor of "general store of the future" is accurate, but it's much more. Walking into Park+Vine is an experience. The exterior is adorned with raised beds that are home to herbs and plants. Hence, the farm in the city reference from Cate. The inside features pockets of interests. Food, beer, wine, toiletries, childrens items, bike essentials and more. As if that isn't enough, one half of the store is a cafe where you can imbibe a gluten free beer or munch down some vegan delicacies. It's a local shop that makes you crave the days where there was a mom and pop shop on every corner.

While Park+Vine was a delightful detour, we did invite our familiar friend "ritual" back to the celebration. A trip to Anthropologie was made where we smelled every candle in the store and touched every luxurious piece of fabric we could find. Nordstrom is Anthropologie's neighbor so like a good friend we visited them as well and imagined a different outfit to go with each pair of shoes we added to our wish list.

All in all Park+Vine just felt right. It feels good to shop local, to eat local, to be local.

Purchase your Ohio Home sticker at Park+Vine~

 Park+Vine

1202 Main Street

Cincinnati, OH 45202

http://www.parkandvine.com/ 

  

Christina Herman Art~ The Zen of Art

Today's featured artist just happens to be from...you guessed it Wisconsin. Christine Herman Art is vibrant, detailed work. Her color choices  demand attention and you can't help but feel an optimistic tranquility when you stare long enough. 

Christine not only creates brilliant mixed media acrylic paintings she also hand dyes and stamps leather while adorning it with stamped metal. Multi-talented- We say absolutely! 

There's an elegance to her jewelry as well as her paintings and you won't be disappointed when you see her work. The true zen of art, Christine Herman Art brings beauty and sophistication to each piece she creates. Trust your gut and bring a piece of that tranquility into your life. You won't be disappointed.

Note that Christine has not one, but two Etsy shops. A line for her painting and a line for her jewelry. Do yourself a huge favor and visit both! 

Christine Herman is an artist living in a tiny town just outside of Green Bay, Wisconsin.  She loves all things hand made and especially loves painting – acrylic, mixed media, watercolor doodles.

https://www.facebook.com/HermansCreate

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChristineHermanArt

http://www.christinehermanart.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/charttherapy

http://www.christinehermanart.com/blog/