Two weeks ago I grabbed my beau on a beautiful spring Saturday and ventured out to the Bayou City Art Festival. Last year I left with a gorgeous gold Chrysanthemum ring and Jared bought a modest sized oil painting reproduction. If this year is any indication of a trend, we won't be able to afford to go next year! Jared spoiled me with jewelry and he also bought himself a large framed limited print from an incredibly talented Texas map artist. Jared bought Battlefield Texas: Texas Ranger Badges by Christopher Alan Smith. It's really incredible to look at up close.
And for me, well, did I mention he spoiled me? He bought me the matching gold Chrysanthemum earrings to match the ring I bought last year. I love the set! They are real flowers cast in 24K gold and they are gorgeous.
(Click on any of the photos to see more of the artists' work).
He also bought me a delicate and dainty gold ring that I haven't taken off since. It's my new staple piece. I even forgot to photograph it when I took all of these pictures. It's from Limbo Jewelry Design, and you can see it here. When you wear it, it just looks like a circle sitting on your finger. So simple.
I instantly fell in LOVE with this entire concept. Vintage tins, recycled into jewelry. I chose a pair of teardrop shaped earrings made from a Calumet baking powder tin. I was drawn to the type. The artist had plenty of bold, bright, and floral patterns on other pieces, but I really love the type on these. And that the wear and tear of the tin are so evident.
This final piece is by the featured artist, Dolan Geiman. His festival featured work, "My Texas Map" was incredible to see in person. It's a collage that creates the shape of Texas, utilizing acrylic and silkscreen techniques.
I went home with a MUCH smaller piece, a block print reproduction. I love the texture and dimension of mixed media, but the technique the artist uses to print directly on the wood really maintains the depth and texture of the original. It's branded on the back, literally, with the artist's name. I currently have it hanging above my desk, but felt my sister's funky wingback chair was the perfect place to photograph it. On a completely unrelated note, I really wish I could buy this chair from her! She got it at a resale shop and plans to recover it, but I am crazy in love with the colors and pattern. Look how well it goes with my art! Oh well.
I can't wait for the 2012 Bayou City Art Festival! Must start saving for it NOW.
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