niche creative.

Raw Artists Cleveland

This past weekend I attended an event/art show at the 620 Club in the Warehouse District. It was fun, upbeat, and full of energy. If you visit www.rawartists.org, you can read the bios of the participating artists. I was there to support Moriah Bruening, who I’ve posted about before here. 

Here’s a bit of background on Raw from their website:

RAW:natural born artists is an independent arts organization, for artists, by artists.
 
We’re a community made up of creative individuals across the nation.
 
Our mission is to provide independent artists within the first 10 years of their career with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity.
 
We welcome all genres of art including independent film, fashion, music, visual art, performing art, hairstylists, makeup artists and more.
 
We encourage the creative success of the many visionaries and storytellers of our generation.

RAW currently operates in 32 cities across the United States and counting…

My favorite work was by Mason J. Milani, a Cleveland-based printmaker. Check out his website, or order a print from his Etsy store. 

Well I’m exhausted and it’s way past my bedtime. xo.

Rag Trader Vintage

I am 99.9% sure that I came across Rag Trader Vintage at this year’s Bazaar Bizarre in Cleveland, OH. 

Rag Trader was created by a gal from Pittsburgh named Beth. It’s a bunch of handmade vintage-y looking jewelry that I find wonderful. Check out my favorites below:

Silver Monocle Necklace, $27. Tell me something: who doesn’t want a unique necklace that not only looks adorable but can be used to magnify hard to read print…or more than likely make your friends laugh as you hold it up to your eye and use a fake British accent?

Compass Cufflinks, $20. I love these as much as I love the idea of a fellow who has somewhere to go and knows how he’s gonna get there. 

Irish Shamrock Necklace, $18. I love shamrocks. My gramma is a fiery little red-head who always finds four-leaf clovers for her grandchildren. The trouble is finding jewelry representing a shamrock without it being bright green and sparkly. This is a lovely and non-tacky alternative. 

Be sure to check out Rag Trader Vintage’s website at www.ragtradervintage.com or shop directly from Etsy. There are lots more treasures to find, including pretty cameo rings & teaspoon earrings! 

A Good Case of the Mondays

As I sit here with a little night cap, soft light and good music; I can’t help but smile to myself. Today was a really great day. 

I’m sure you’ve experienced those days that are busy, fast-paced, and incredibly productive. The kind where at their close you don’t feel tired, but absolutely energized - like…um, what can I accomplish next, please?

Today was like that. Work was great, things fell into place & teamwork was abundant. When I came home I caught up on emails and brainstormed about future plans (you’ll hear all about these soon). My photography was complimented by an artist I admire, to boot. 

It’s been a good day. 

I don’t have much else to say on this topic. I simply wanted to share my fantastic Monday, since its the day of the week that catches the most flack. 

One of my favorite bloggers, Tara Gentile at www.scoutiegirl.com posted something really great about action and how it snowballs into more action a few months back. I can’t seem to find it, but it’s worth hunting around in her blog for if you have the time. 

“The Battle We Didn’t Choose” by Angelo Merendino

I had the opportunity to see the photography exhibit “The Battle We Didn’t Choose, My Wife’s Battle With Breast Cancer” by Angelo Merendino at 78th Street Studios in Cleveland’s Detroit Shoreway Neighborhood. 

I can’t put into words how beautiful, crisp, and intense each image is. Merendino does such a wonderful job of documenting this battle, and he and his wife were so brave to share their journey with others. 

I believe, and correct me if I’m wrong, that the exhibit at 78th Street is over. But you can view many of the photos on Merendino’s Facebook page, as well as his website. 

Below is one of my favorite photographs from the collection. 

I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains. Anne Frank

Bazaar Bizaar ‘11

I know this is late, but I have to post about this year’s Bazaar Bizarre held at 78th St. Studios in Cleveland. If you haven’t been to Baz Biz before…here’s a little description from the website. 

Bazaar Bizarre began in 2001 in the Boston-area as a hodge-podge of friends and acquaintances cobbling together their handcrafted DIY wares to sell and staging an offbeat entertainment extravaganza. In 2004 the Bazaar Bizarre spread to Los Angeles and Cleveland and in 2006 Make took us under their wing to include the Bazaar Bizarre as part of the Maker Faire in the San Francisco-area every spring. The Bazaars in Boston, Cleveland, Los Angeles and San Francisco happen every year during peak holiday shopping season in December.

Pretty neat, huh? It’s a barrage of talented artists & crafters who make jewelry, stationary, soaps, purses, clothing…anything you can think of, really. It’s like Etsy, but live & in front of you. 

This year I had to make an extra special point to attend because my pal Mary scored her very own booth. Remember, I told you about her in a previous post. This was Highly Flying’s first year at the Bazaar, but from the looks of her display and the way she carried herself with such creative confidence, I’ve got a notion that she’ll be back next year.

I was also happy to meet the lovely jewelry designer Barbara Baughman. I bought a pair of the most unique indian chief earrings. When I wear them I feel so trendy! The earrings look a lot like the necklace shown below, except she hand painted mine. Check out her Etsy store, Toony Jewelry, and be sure to keep tabs of her blog, Number 1990! Thanks, Barbara!

good vibes.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the people in my life, how we’re all connected, how they affect my outlook and creativity. Over the past year and a half or so, I’ve had a huge influx of new & wonderful friendships. 

Their lives and personalities are ever shaping and molding my own. What do you think? How do others effect you? Do you see us all as connected? 

lately.

Lately, I’ve been spending time at the Morgan Conservatory in Cleveland. Soaking up an atmosphere that is messy and creative. Getting paint on my hands and under my fingernails. Getting all wet in tubs of water and pulp. Learning what it means to “couch” (pronounced kooch) and how to use a mold & dackle. And then there’s those sexy letterpresses. Cleaning and organizing type and the drawers they that live in. Drinking coffee on ice and eating delicious food. Smiling. Feeling peace and contentment like I feel it no where else. 

I’ve also been getting to know incredibly lovable seniors at the retirement community where I’ve worked nearly three months now. I’ve experienced a 100th birthday celebration as well as a 101st. So full of life, so rich with history. 

I’ve been riding my bike, and chasing my dogs, and getting reacquainted with myself. I’ve been laughing with friends, having good conversations, and figuring some things out. I’ve been thinking about what I believe in and I’ve been wondering what freedom means. 

And now, I am very much enjoying a cup of hot tea and a rainstorm. 

last night’s shoot with suzuran photography.

Being into photography myself, I’m not often in front of a camera for any extended period of time. Unless of course you count the Photobooth application on my computer, because to that my friends, I am addicted. 

Last night I pushed my insecurities aside and decided to do a boudoir session as a gift to my husband. The lovely and talented Suzanne Cofer was the photographer. You can find her at her loft at 78th Street Studios in near westside Cleveland. Everything was set up gorgeously. A large industrial window illuminated the room perfectly with ambient twilight. 

Suzanne was awesome. She has a sweet, comforting, and genuine nature that would put even the shyest gal at ease. At the same time she takes control of the shoot and comes up with great ideas that are comfortable to execute. 

I can’t wait to see the finished product! If there are any ladies out there considering doing something like this, I would encourage you. It was a great experience. I felt confident and connected. Honest to goodness, it was therapeutic.  

Suzuran Photography