LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS

Experiments in Smoke

Vanessa — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 23:42:08 +0000

A few weeks ago we were preparing for our quick camping trip to the beach and stopped in a local army surplus store for supplies. We saw a basket of these colored smoke bombs at the checkout counter and had to pick up a couple for our trip. You may have already seen the work of artist Filippo Minelli who photographs colored smoke in natural scenes. These photos are from our second attempt at recreating our own smoke photography. I’m excited to try this again in different settings.

Over the Weekend

Vanessa — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:00:06 +0000

We had the weirdest mix of weather this week, but Alex has been on break from school so we’ve been trying to soak up some outdoors time no matter what the weather gave us. Luckily Friday and Saturday were amazing and we were able to get some needed sunshine. Wednesday we went to the Rose Test Garden and saw slushy snow/rain start to fall. We woke up the next morning with a bit of snow on the ground, but of course it was gone by noon.

Thursday we went to Cathedral Park underneath of St. Johns Bridge. For some reason I find bridge construction history to be kind of interesting, and this bridge was designed by David Steinman, who designed a number of well known bridges across the world. Of all the bridges in Portland, I think the St John’s is my favorite. I have a soft spot for gothic-esque design.

Friday we made a trip to the Apple store using the max line so we could enjoy the view. Later we went to catch up with friends and threw around design ideas for their wedding(ooooh!!!). Actually, Alex and I were honored to be asked to design their wedding invitations – I’ll share those closer to their special day. Saturday was especially beautiful and warmer than it has been in so long. We went to the dog park and then had a picnic at the Columbia River. So many sail boats were out!

Now I’m super ready for Summer! We’re already dreaming up plans for camping, road trips, and all sorts of outdoorsy activities. Tomorrow morning we’re heading to the coast to do a bit of camping before our busy schedules take over again. We’re crossing our fingers for even a little bit of beautiful weather, but we have plenty of ideas to keep ourselves entertained either way. Have a great week!

Looking Up

Vanessa — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 22:02:59 +0000

Not many words, just a couple photos from a walk on a beautiful Portland day.

Unrelated. One of my favorite illustrators, Sandra Juto, is offering buy one get one on her prints today!

Public Art Projects

Vanessa — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 18:00:06 +0000

Earlier this week I helped Alex with the execution and documentation of a project for his Ideas & Form class. The project involved creating a public display of art and I have to say this was a major highlight of my week. Sometimes I don’t feel very authentic with my creativity so I stop before I can even begin, but one of the lessons I’ve learned from my art education and through my husband is the phrase “there’s nothing new under the sun.” Recalling this concept helps to alleviate some of the pressure to create something completely authentic because even if you’re doing something that’s already been done – you’re putting your own spin on it. While you can often tell where the inspiration came from, it’s a unique creation.

It was thrilling to see a project through from concept to completion. I often have the opportunity to witness Alex’s process of creating, I create work for myself and others, but this experience was unique in that I was able to witness the positive reactions of complete strangers instantly while it was happening. It was a cold (I didn’t bring a coat and we were on a bridge on an especially windy day) but I was so distracted by watching people stop, look and smile at this simple creation. They pulled out their cameras, phones, or just stood to watch for a while. It was great. It was so beautiful.

The main focus of our documentation was through video. It’s very amateur, far from perfect, but it was fun to create! As soon I walked through the door I went straight for the computer and started uploading our footage and put together the video with Alex.

Angel’s Rest

Vanessa — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:08:22 +0000

This weekend we took a break from our work to escape the city. We took a 30 minute drive east of the city to Angel’s Rest trail near Multnomah Falls. We made it about 3/4 through the trail before the rain came in and the sun was starting to set. There are a number of waterfalls, streams, and amazing views along the trail. I can’t wait to go back again and take in the view from the summit of the trail. The clean air is so sweet, it smells like Christmas!

Here’s a little composite video of our clips from the hike. Enjoy!

A Little Fresh Paint

Vanessa — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:43:30 +0000

About a year ago we bought this table at Value Village for $15. We painted it once and I repainted it again a couple weekends ago since we’re now using the table as a desk. It’s nice to have a clean white surface to work on. I picked out a black and white paint color and got a small amount of each. I used frog tape to mask off a few areas and came out with this look. It now has the cute terrarium we made last week sitting on it.

Hope you’re having a good Monday!

Tina Hellberg

Vanessa — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:40:49 +0000

Prop styling is one of my favorite things. I love a stylist who uses different textures to frame a photo. These images are styled by Swedish stylist, Tina Hellberg. Simply beautiful!

Terrarium Love

Vanessa — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:36:32 +0000

Alex was in classes all day on Tuesday so we celebrated our love on Wednesday. Our love ended up manifesting itself into this pretty little terrarium you see below. We stopped at Porch Light on Mississippi to check out their moving sale and then meandered over to Pistils Nursery. The shop has a beautiful front window full of so much green goodness! We checked out their terrarium building set up. We were instantly inspired – their setup includes these small drawers that are each filled with different sands, moss, and rocks to fill your terrarium.

Pistils had chickens in their garden! Pretty, fluffy chickens!

We left Pistils and drove over to Artemisia, a wonderful shop on 28th and East Burnside. They build wonderful terrariums in all sizes, and provide you with the supplies to build your own terrarium! We picked out all of the pieces and the shop manager helped us to put it all together and sent us home with a care sheet. I love how the shop is decorated with vintage typewriters, light bulbs, beautiful books, and jewelry made by local artisans. It’s one of those spaces where you can walk in and you’re instantly inspired to make something beautiful and unique. I already have plans for creating another terrarium!

Visit Artemisia at 110 SE 28th Ave and Pistils at 3811 N. Mississippi Ave in Portland, Oregon.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Vanessa — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:12:49 +0000

North Williams: Ink & Peat // Lark Press

Vanessa — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:08:00 +0000

One of the shops we visited, Ink & Peat, has the most amazing natural light you could ask for. I couldn’t help but snap away with pictures while we were enjoying everything they had in store. While we were shopping a couple of the employees were busy working on Valentine’s Day floral arrangements and they were ah-may-zing! I might have slipped a hint or two to the mister.

Just across the street from Ink & Peat is a letterpress and retail shop, Lark Press. They make their own line of letterpress paper goods and carry a number of items from other print shops. I spent so much time soaking up all of the amazing talent and design that goes into creating each piece. You know when you go home after window shopping and you can’t stop thinking about the things you saw and SHOULD have purchased? Yeah, these two shops have been on my mind. Lark carried a number of vendors that are after my heart including Quill & Fox, Bookhou, Shanna Murray decals, and of course Egg Press.

I’ve been seriously wanting to find a new place to live in Portland primarily just to be closer to a good neighborhood (like Mississippi, Alberta, or North Williams). We’re a quick drive away from those neighborhoods but I want to be able to walk and explore my neighborhood. I’m realizing that natural lighting is a major requirement for our next move. It makes all the difference when the days are so short. Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!