Karen Ann Myers

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I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by a diverse pool of talented people throughout my life. As a child, my parents always encouraged creativity – whether it was putting my sister and I through private art classes after school from fourth grade on, or buying me multiple instruments until I found one that clicked. My sister is an unbelievably gifted artist, my mother a brilliant writer and teacher, and my father a landscape architect, builder, building inspector, and all-around fixer of broken stuff. During my schooling, I clung to creative types like myself, and always seemed to get the closest to those I admired most – as people, as artists, as innovators, as teachers, as designers…as individuals who made the world a brighter, more vibrant place to live in.

I’m so glad to still be connected to many of these people. Karen Ann Myers is one of the many unbridled talents I got to know during my years at Michigan State University. Towards the end of earning her BFA in Studio Art, we crossed paths and I can honestly say that her artwork is some of the first that impacted me as an adult. Her genius use of colors and textures, and her ability to create painstakingly intricate patterns boggled my mind back then, and almost ten years later, here I am, still absolutely engrossed in the progression of her work. Her portraits showcase her ability to effectively create an environment, a feeling, and a distinct depth within the canvas.

Back in 2006, Karen took part in a group show I curated at an alternative art space I once directed, (SCENE) Metrospace. The exhibit’s theme was female body image and perception, titled Skin Deep. Many other friends and colleagues were a part of this show (the incredibly talented Suzanne Clements also comes to mind) and I still remember the effect these strong women and their unique perspectives had not only on me, but also on hundreds of others, both male and female, who viewed the exhibit.

She even did a large-scale portrait of me (back in the days of blond highlights…) that eventually graced the cover of Fem Magazine. The original piece was purchased by my mom, and hangs at our family home in Michigan.

Other than being a working studio artist, Karen also recently became assistant director at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston. She’s definitely one to look out for and up to. To find out more about Karen and her incredible work, check out her website.

Internet Cat Video Festival

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Whether you know me personally or you’re just a follower of my blog, you have probably gathered that I’m pretty enthusiatic about being a cat lady. I have two of my own, which I obsess over and photograph daily, and one of my favorite internet trends of the past few years is the insurgence of silly cats videos. So you can imagine my excitement when the news broke of an Internet Cat Video Festival, which was held at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis on August 30 — more than 10K showed up to take part in the feline-lovin’ festivities. Here’s more from their website:

“While normally viewed alone on a computer screen, our unofficial cat-lady-in-residence invites you to come gather together on the field and LOL in the presence of others as your favorite silly cat videos are projected larger-than-life one after the other. Experience the joy of a surprised kitten or keyboard cat together. Participate in this experiment that tests the social boundaries of the online community with a live, off-line event as we attempt to gather in physical space and real time to enjoy one of the internet’s most popular phenomena.”

This is like my dream date night – outside under the stars, with a bottle of wine and my sweetie, watching CAT VIDEOS! I’m in love with the big winner of the festival, Henri 2, Paw de Deux, which won the Golden Kitty Award.

Here’s a quick recap of the event — most notably, a quote from Minneapolis mayor, R. T. Rybak: “Cool cats are skipping Romney speech to see International Cat Film Festival @walkerartcenter #catvidfest”

Hilarious! And amazing. Lastly, Misu & Lily say hi:

Elie Saab

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My heart is racing and my mouth is dry. It’s not anxiety, it’s fashion! Say hello to the Elie Saab Winter/Fall Haute Couture Collection. This is the most gorgeous collection I’ve seen on the runway in years, and with 46 beautifully-executed looks to feast your eyes on, you’re sure to find a favorite in the bunch.

If these show-stopping gowns made your jaw drop, I highly suggest you watch the full runway show. Just unbelievable!

Tea & Owls!

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Matt and I had the most fantastic “do nothing day” yesterday, so I have to share! I wish every Sunday went like this: sleep in, play tennis until we surrender to the blistering heat (although, the whole blistering heat thing can go away), retreat back to bed where we spend the remainder of the day lazing in our pajamas – reading, catching up on correspondence, napping, snuggling cats, and drinking tea. Then we cooked an amazing dinner, and I baked brownies. HEAVEN?!

Another reason yesterday was incredibly satisfying? I finally got to put to use the most recent addition to our ridiculous teacup and mug collection. Isn’t it gorgeous?!

Also, today my slight case of the Mondays was put to rest the minute I walked in from work and Matt had this waiting on the counter for me. Whole wheat toast points with peanut butter and homemade blackberry jam + my all-time favorite tea – white ambrosia.

And there’s more! After almost a month and a half of no courtship calls from our backyard owls – they’re back! In full force. I even caught one of papa owl’s calls on video…

Deep namaste breath. And all is right in my world :)