Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

This just might be my favorite picture ever...


Picasso once said, "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." Could schooling be the cause?


P.S. Check out this Picasso Head Morph Notepad among other quirky things.

(Photo of Picasso and his son Claude via A Cup of Jo, by Robert Capa)

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Can a five-year-old paint this?


T-shirt design courtesy of www.moma.org

I've always been a fan of abstract art (to view or paint), because to me, it has the capacity to reflect imagination in a way that is unique to each individual. I love it especially because it lets me visualize a person's sense of design, style, and perspective unlike any other form of art. But the question always pops up: How do "they" determine which abstract paintings are worth what?

And couldn't a five-year-old paint this?

Courtesy of aelitaandre.com
Or this?
Courtesy of aelitaandre.com

If you haven't heard about Aelita Andre, she's an avid eater, sleeper, and pooper. But she's also a five-year-old abstract expressionist prodigy. Are you artsier than a 5-year-old? (Or did school kill your creativity?)


If you're curious at all, watch her in action. I'm still fascinated.
What I think the greatest thing about her art is that she's entirely fearless with the whole process. When you're a kid, you don't care about whether or not your painting is going to be appreciated by others or if you'll gain anything out of it. You do something because it's fun, and you do it with a sense of freedom too.




I remember doing a whole bunch of that Jackson Pollock style painting at Fun Craft parties when I was five, but all that's left of my "R-O-B-I-N" collection are these:


When I try painting sometimes, this is what goes through my head:
- I hope I make something good
- I better not ruin this $15 canvas
- I can't waste so much paint!
- I shouldn't be wasting so much time with this
- I'm making a mess!


Greatness comes when we stop worrying, and start doing what we love.


Saturday, June 15, 2013

Treat Dad.

Just a reminder that Father's Day is tomorrow, June 16th. How are you giving back?


Last year, I found my dad eyeing this Yoshimoto Cube at the MoMA's gift shop. To treat his inner quirkiness, I found a (fairly quick) video tutorial to help me make it, and saved him (and myself) $65. Plus, the paint added a personalized touch! Here's how it turned out:



I'm still toying with some ideas for tomorrow, and meanwhile made reservations to this amazing Mediterranean restaurant I recently tried called Ilili (found near Madison Square Park on 5th Ave). If you do ever go, be sure to try their Semolina Gnocchi, Brussel Sprouts, and Cucumber Lemonade. Definitely surprised my taste buds there!


Photos courtesy of www.ililinyc.com


















Some other ideas to treat your old man!


If you have time and no money:

A Hovercraft

Artsy Maps

Patterned Necktie Pillows

Music-Themed Coasters

Vintage Magazine Art


If you have money and no time: 

For Dads Who Love to Relax

Cheese & Wine Tasting

A Day Out Sailing

Beer-Making Classes

Make him Fly

Gelato-Making Classes

Race with Him

A Morning in a Hot Air Balloon



If you have no money and no time but still love your dad very much:

Hand-wash his car

Fix something in the house

Watch his favorite movie together

Watch/play his favorite sport

Spend the day at a park

Hug him.

Thank him.

Show him that you're a better person because of him. xo