Into the Deep: Artist Profile – FRANCISCO CASTRO LOSTALO

Art

Geysers - acrylic and resin - F Castro Lostalo (1)

Geysers by FRANCISCO CASTRO LOSTALO

I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean and what lies beneath. My rational/irrational fear (depending on what news you’re reading and how realistic you want to be about your chances of being killed due to cell-phone-related negligence/vehicular manslaughter/radiation) has always been sharks. But there is something so beautiful about sea life. I am especially drawn to the many legged creatures or ones with tendrils, like jelly fish, octopi and the like.

At the One of a Kind Show (2015), artist Francisco Castro Lostalo explored the depths of this inspiration with his larger than life (I hope) paintings.

FRANCISCO CASTRO LOSTALO

The colours of this octopus make such a statement. I never get tired of looking. Big impact.

Scaled down, but no less beautiful – the whales.

I snapped a photo at his OOAK booth to make sure I didn’t forget his name!

The glossy enamel is a sleek way to finish this piece and keep it looking bold. I can’t wait to see what he has in store next year.

The Sweetest Thing: Cara Carmina – OOAK Artist Profile

Art

I was smitten with the bubbly, sweet personality and equally adorable artwork of Norma Andreu – the creator of Cara Carmina. I was first pulled in by her beautiful greeting cards, which featured illustrations that were vivid, imaginative and cute, with just the right amount of strangeness.

As the Cara Carmina website (http://www.caracarmina.com/#!portfolio) describes in the artist’s statement, the influences of Mexico’s culture and art, as well as a background in children’s illustration really bring together a playful set of circumstances in the work – and the results are just magical. Check out the website for pages and pages of portfolio proof – and you’ll fall for her work, too, I dare you not to.

I would love a set of the Frida dolls for my little one’s room (or my own, let’s be honest). They are so much cooler than the plastic, cookie cutter dolls mass-marketed to our young folks.

http://www.caracarmina.com/#!portfolio/vstc1=frida-dolls

If dolls aren’t your thing, clothing, dioramas, cards, textiles and paper dolls are also on offer and available in her online shop, as well as on Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Caracarmina).

Cell phone cases (definitely something I am planning to get for myself!)

Textiles in full effect: cushion covers with a sense of humour.

Sweet wall decals.

Dress to impress.

I heart this.

Norma was absolutely lovely in person and so humble about her talents. More and more people seem to be clued in to the fact that her work is a hot commodity. According to her Etsy page, she has back orders and a waiting list for some of her designs, so … get on it! Supporting artists by taking a piece of their imagination and heart home with you is the perfect way to breathe life into your own little nest. Definitely check out her work and look for her at future One Of A Kind Shows.

Cara Carmina’s Blog: http://caracarmina-atelier.blogspot.ca/

All images culled from the web, or taken at the show.

Hip Gift List: What to Get When You’ve Gotta Get It Good

Indulge

There are a number of gift-giving occasions ahead of me. What do you get for the artsy friend of your mother who is hosting you at her luxe cottage for a few days? What would your bestie-sisterwife cool girl living downtown like for her birthday? What kind of present do you get for your designer friend who has impressive taste and a weak spot for themed parties? The anniversary of my brother-in-law’s birth is rolling around… what do you get a guy who gets everything he needs? What is the perfect gift for a family friends’ anniversary party?

A few other questions to ask:

How much can I spend? How well do I know them? What’s their style? What do you want your gift to convey? (ie. We have one mind and I knew you’d like this immediately when I saw it. Or… You two deserve a special night with a great bottle of wine and a movie).

THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME

Some fun coasters to protect her house from your clumsiness. Perhaps some Tide-to-Go, too.

Herbs for cooking (fresh and potted), or in spice mixes (maybe better for a cottage). Also, try some yummy blends of tea in pretty tins.

Herbs for cooking (fresh and potted), or in spice mixes (maybe better for a cottage). Damn Martha Stewart for having such good ideas.

Also, try some yummy blends of tea in pretty tins.

Fresh ingredients, well-presented, to help with dinner. Be mindful of food allergies and lifestyle.

ANNIVERSARY

I am a wine lover and maybe that makes me biased. How about a bottle of sparkling wine, like an Iced Cuvee from Trius, or another bottle that is special to you, paired with a gift card for Itunes – signed with a note that suggests they curl up together for a romantic movie at home? Or get a fun new playlist to listen to as they share the bottle before going out dancing (and taking a taxi there and back)? If you know their style well, perhaps a picture frame and a suggestion to print (or offer your services on this one) a photo from the day of the party to celebrate their love. My wife and I have taken a photo each year of our relationship, standing the same way. One day we’ll need a whole wall for these. Perhaps we’ll make a flip book.

If you know the couple very well, you can play on their personalities and really get inspired to personalize the gift. This pair of prints: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/124790536/two-2-printable-files-digital-download?ref=market

GIFTS FOR COOL GIRL FRIENDS/ AND COOL OTHERS

When you search ‘hipster gifts for women’ an array of succulents and terrariums come up. If you’ve been reading this blog, you know I love the terrariums from crownflorastudio.com.

A dish of succulents could be the perfect thing for the girl who has everything, especially if she’s a plant killer. Suit the container to her style.

A pretty geometric variation.

Or hang it up – this is a living wall of succulents.

For men apparently anything with a mustache is a go, but for those friends who are girly and particular, the challenge is amplified.

Home brewing materials. If they like to drink…

If they REALLY like to drink: a personalized whisky barrel.

For the foodie: a mobile foodie survival kit.

Pick up some vinyl to add to their record collection!

Ironic taxidermy. Unless they’re into REAL taxidermy.

A funny book you know they’ll like. James, you aren’t receiving this book, but when we saw a book recently, it had YOU written all over it.

If you’re sure your friend REALLY has everything, try something totally unexpected, like a 50 Shades of Gray-inspired play kit (ironic or not), get a plaster casting done of their torso. A great suggestion from Mamamia.com,

“For the discerning art collector, here’s something you probably don’t have at home on your mantlepiece: a cast of the inside of a vagina. What? You do? How progressive. Well done you.”

http://www.mamamia.com.au/lifestyle/daily-wow-internal-vagina-casting-sfw/

If all else fails, enroll them in circus school, life drawing, wine tasting… or archery. More on that later.

There are some really great ideas, if you have time to ship, at: http://www.uncommongoods.com/, or on Etsy.com.

Locally, in Toronto, there are some great ideas at The Drake General Store, Crown Flora, Lavish and Squalor – try for local businesses 🙂

Happy Hunting! Any and all suggestions welcome in the comments.

Bright On Time

Home Sweet

This photo sums up all my hopes and dreams for a room that feels like a vacation. The windows in our house are open for the first time in months. After a wretched winter, letting the sun shine in is exactly what the doctor ordered. No doctor I know, but I’m sure someone does.

A room like this would make staying home feel a bit tropical. I cannot wait for our weekend getaway to Prince Edward County. I’ve been cooped up inside and craving some light.

The ripe citrus colours, graphic pillows, playful patterns and the splash of colourful paint on canvas is just perfect. I am inspired to recreate that splotched, saturated pooling-paint painting – every time I see that effect I want a painting just like this.

I love a good shock of unexpected colour. Is there a particular colour that puts you in a happy place?

Photo courtesy of the internet: see more home decor images on my Pinterest page.

https://www.pinterest.com/alisonjc/home-sweet/

I Heart You

Art, DIY, Love, Wedding

One of my favourite personalized details from our wedding day, almost a year ago, was the custom heart that my designer friend, Katey, created for us. She is a stylist, ceramic artist and all-round creative genius and, knowing our penchant for DIY touches, she asked if she might be able to make us something special.

Photo Credit: Sweetheartempire.com, Heart by Katherine Morley, Location: Berkeley Church, Toronto.

The results were amazing and the decorative heart, emblazoned with our names, became a key piece of our wedding day puzzle.

Berkeley Church, Toronto. Photo Credit: Sweetheart Empire, Toronto (Kate O’Connor). Heart by Katherine Morley.

Check out her beautiful designs on everything from ‘Capacity’ – a carefully curated collection of art and design by female designers in Toronto, to her ceramic sculptures for fish tanks (which address the issues surrounding human impact on our oceans and the depletion of sea coral, while providing a gorgeous, sustainable landscape for fish to explore).

Katherine Morley in her studio.

Sculptural pieces with form and function.

More of her creative pieces, featured in House & Home, including her circus-inspired ceramics, and Iceberg book ends that evoke the Group of Seven.

Supporting local artists, especially ones who are socially conscious and engaged in their community, is a great way to fill your home, event and life, in general, with good vibes, originality and beauty.

StyleSaVie

Life lived beautifully.

heart