Will We Soon Be Able to Design & Print Our Own Clothes From Home?

Color Field Painting & The Work of Sam Gilliam

In the Contemporary Art Seminar course I am taking now, I recently learned about an art movement that I hadn't heard of before: The Color Field Movement. It started in the 1950s after Jackson Pollack died. Willem de Kooning became the biggest name in Abstract Expressionism and an emerging artist at the time named Mark Rothko pioneered Color Field painting to resist influence from Kooning.

The blocks of pure color without any representation of anything "real" is what I like. Here are some of my faves:

Morris Louis, "Alphia Pi" 1960

William T. Williams, "Trane" 1969

Sam Gilliam, "Ionesque" 1965

Within the Color Field Movement emerged a Black man from Mississippi named Sam Gilliam. Gilliam received his B.A. in fine art and his M.A. in painting from the University of Louisville in Kentucky.  He was the first to remove paintings from the boundaries of the canvas frame. He was inspired to do this by observing laundry hanging outside his Washington studio. His drape paintings were suspended from ceilings, arranged on walls or floors, and they represent a sculptural, third dimension in painting. Gilliam states that his paintings are based on the fact that the framework of the painting is in real space. Gilliam's draped canvases change in each environment they are arranged in and frequently he embellishes the works with metal, rocks, and wooden beams.

Sam Gilliam in W Magazine last month

Sam Gilliam

Sam Gilliam

Sam Gilliam

Because the art I study seeps into my subconscious, I notice how it shows up in my own artwork. I have designed bags inspired by Egyptian hieroglyphics, Abstract Expressionism, and most recently, over the weekend, I painted canvas seats and added leather patches; inspired by the Color Field Movement.

My Color Field inspired benches

My Egyptian Hieroglyphics-inspired clutch

My Abstract Expressionist-inspired hobo bag

Does art history seep into your work or style? 

January 2015 Art/Design Opportunities Round-up

One of my objectives  with this blog is to help make emerging artists and designers aware of other awesome artists and designers plus share resources that I come across in my day-to-day life.
So to share the valuable resources that I am aware of, approx. once a month I will drop a "Round-Up" of art/design-related opportunities.
Here ya go:

• Furniture Designer Open Call: Heal's Discovers
• New online marketplace seeking emerging designers: Bezar
• NYC boutique is seeking emerging designers: Bene Rialto
• If you live in Jersey City: Jersey City Independent magazine is accepting art submissions for its cover. 
• Workshop-Learn to host successful Pop-Up Shops from the pros on Wed, Jan 28th at 6:30pm in NYC: http://www.meetup.com/The-Emerging-Designer/events/219638973/
• Essence Music Festival is accepting artist/designers/crafters for vending in their Art Market in New Orleans this July: Apply here.
• Art competition: Japan Day @ Central Park. Win a trip to Japan, & more.
• 2 Week Artist Residency in Transylvania, Romania for fine artists.
• Showcase your crafts at AMERICAN FINE CRAFT SHOW.
• 2015 NewCourtland Artist Fellowship. Get $2500 plus supplies for engaging art-making to seniors in sites throughout Philadelphia in either Summer or Fall 2015. In order to apply, artists are asked to develop an intergenerational project that brings seniors from New Courtland programs together with school age children/teens to create a meaningful experience and a high quality artistic project.
• LaunchPad Call for Submissions For independent designers and small companies, who seek a manufacturer for their new products. 

Best of luck! Need an extra boost of motivation? View this vid!

Design Star: Malene B. of Malene B. Carpets

I met Malene Barnett approximately 2 yrs ago at a Tory Burch Foundation Networking event that mutual friend, handbag designer Nneka Saran, had invited me to. Nneka and Malene were both participants in the intensive entrepreneurship program that took place earlier in that year. As I was meeting women throughout the room and exchanging business cards, not one but ALL said to me, "You must meet Malene!" once I told them I was starting a line of home goods. So I marched over to woman with the tapered haircut, silky smooth brown skin and smile as bright as the sun; and introduced myself. Now, just so you know, that's not really my style. I prefer introductions because people can be cold and standoffish and downright rude when approached by a stranger but not Malene. She greeted me warmly. We quickly discovered that we were FIT alums and the conversation flowed smoothly. I asked her questions about approaching new stores with my line and she so graciously dispensed advice that still stays in the back on my mind to this day.

In the next few days I received my FIT magazine, HUE and guess who was featured? Malene B, of course! Her work has been featured in countless magazines and online publications and rightfully so. Malene B. Carpets are not just beautiful, they are soulful and come from a place of authenticity inspired by her travels. It has been an honor to have the opportunity to interview one of my favorite designers for The Lifestyles of the Authentic & Creative.

1. Please introduce yourself. 

My name is Malene Barnett and I’m the Design Director and Principal of Malene B Carpets. 

2. What do you create? 

We make handmade custom carpets and home furnishings for luxury residential and commercial environments.  Each product we create is inspired from my travels and passion for all things art and culture. 

3. How did you get started on your creative path?

My creative story starts in third grade when I was placed in an artistically talented program. The kids were encouraged to express themselves through drawing and painting.

4. What inspires you to create?
I love culture, rituals, celebrations and the stories behind these traditions. Combined with our planets landscape, these elements set the stage for creating the quintessential Malene B design.

5. How have you been able to make a living by being you authentic & creative self? 

I worked in the rug industry with major players for 10 years. And, before launching my business, I studied the design industry and the paths of its most renown entrepreneurs.  My personal savings were the foundation for opening Malene B Carpets. To date, I have not taken out a bank loans to support this venture. 

Prior to opening, I purchased a house.  Since my home was priority,  a grassroots approach to business building was its format.  I relied on word of mouth, heavily networked and developed great relationships with media. 

The first 4.5 years were really rocky. I had no credit cards -- maxed out on home renovations. I operated on a cash basis and only bought what was affordable.  If I couldn’t afford something, I created it or waited until I could afford it.  I trimmed spending to the basics: no cable, no landline phone and no vacations. My life had to be simplified to accommodate my entrepreneurial lifestyle.

6. What new projects are your working on? 

In the Spring of 2015,  I’m  launching a new collection of carpets, tile, wallpaper and decorative accessories all inspired by my mother’s homeland, the Caribbean island of St. Vincent.  Also, I recently forged

a partnership with Kravet, with whom I will launch a carpet collection in 2016.

7. How can people find and support your work?

You can visit my website:

www.maleneb.com

instagram @malenebcarpets

Pinterest maleneb

twitter @malenebcarpets

Facebook Malene B

Retail Store:

Peace & Riot, Brooklyn, NY

Receive more frank business advice from Malene B. on this amazing panel of entrepreneurial women designers on February 15th in Montclair, NJ.I'll be there.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heres-her-story-tickets-14902168788

It's so inspiring to see how bootstrapping, dedication, building relationships, and creating a beautiful product line will pan out and bring our entrepreneurial dreams to fruition.
Many, many thanks to Malene B. for sharing her passion with us.

Karim Rashid, Kenny Scharf & Pharrell: Art Meets Design | ARTST TLK™ Ep. 10 Full | Reserve Channel

Make Something 2015 Challenge: Week 1

Yesterday, I was in the hospital for a same-day surgery. Being "put under" provided me with a ton of much needed rest! Luckily for me, sleep doesn't feel like time wasted because many of my designs come while I'm dreaming. I keep a sketch book on the platform ledge of my platform bed to sketch my concepts while they are fresh. I woke up and made these this morning.

The Leather Feather Anklet is my latest dreamy design. :)

I couldn't decide if I wanted them with or without studs so they're available both ways at TerinaNicole.com.

What about you? What have you made this week? Post it on the fan page for a chance to WIN! 

Make Something 2015 Challenge and Giveaway!

Bronze Sphere Earrings and its sketch, made Nov 2014.

I believe in the power of creativity. I believe our ability to make something new from our imagination is proof that we are direct descendants of God, The Creator, the Ultimate Most High. As upbeat and bubbly as I am naturally, I slump into a depression if I haven't created anything new in a while. I MUST MAKE SOMETHING! :)
So of course, I believe making stuff directly impacts our level of happiness, boosts self-esteem, and increases our abilities to solve problems creativity. Plus, it's just mad fun!
Whether you make stuff for a living, as a hobbyist, or as a student learning to make stuff, let's make stuff together in January. Every Thursday, I will post a project that I am working on, be it an order I am fulfilling for a client or just my design experiments, and I will tag it #WhatIsTerinaNicoleMakingToday and #MakeSomething2015 on IG on the LOTA-N-C fan page.
Post what you've made on the fan page, too. At the end of the month, I will pick 5 makers from the postings to send an autographed copy of ENVISION: The Young Accessory Designer's Guide to Collection Development, leather fringe key fobs, a Mink brooch or whatever fly thing I have on the Jypsea shelves. :)

Let's have a creative 2015!

Street Art Becomes Furniture in Isreal

I friggin' LOVE this!

Hiatus

Hello world,
I am a bit of a blogging hiatus and I'd like you to know why. I'm in my last year of grad school at New Jersey City University and because I'm attending full-time while juggling mommy duties and business, blogging just falls to the bottom of the to-do list.
Plus, I am getting my thesis research underway. I will be blogging that process though at my other blog: http://dreambiggeracademy.blogspot.com/.
I don't want to discuss the thesis much publicly at the moment but I will say that I will be focused partially on providing leather crafting to survivors of domestic violence as a community service and ultimately creating the foundation for a non-profit organization/community center I plan to open after graduation that will be built on the foundation of artists/designers/creative entrepreneurs teaching skills to the community through free workshops in an effort to provide skill-training and uplift those who desire the available resources. All of the details will be documented in the new blog. Follow it to see how The Dream BIGGER! Academy takes shape and how the thesis and the products developed from it will fit into the equation.
I am very excited about the next several months. I may pop in here once in the while but for the most part, keep up with new products at my website, terinanicole.com. And stay in touch via the social networks to the right.

Until later.....


Stay blessed,
Terina Nicole

The Lifestyles of The Authentic & Creative: HUSTLE GUIDE

HUSTLE GUIDE is now available! This 50-page eBook is jammed packed with inspiration, sage advice and resources to make your dreams of creative entrepreneurship a reality from successful, creative dreamcatchers who are paving the way!
A compilation of interviews that I've conducted over 4 years here on LOTA-N-C with interior & fashion designers, fashion stylists, musicians, filmmakers and more. How do they make make a living following their passions? And how can you do the same? 50 pages jam-packed with sage advice and resources from successful creative entrepreneurs. 
Available now for $5.99. Grow, share and prosper! 
http://store.blurb.com/ebooks/486188-lifestyles-of-the-authentic-creative-hustle-guide

Peters Valley School of Craft

2 weeks ago, I spent approx. a week at Peters Valley School of Craft, located in Layton, NJ to learn to make wood furniture from scratch. Making furniture has been a natural progression from upcycling furniture and making home goods such as leather throw pillows and the such for me. The experience was comparable to going to an overnight summer camp in a far-away forest. My roommate came from 5 hrs away. I met people in the "dorm" they housed us in from California, Philly, Pittsburgh and allover NJ.
I was the only student of color there the week I attended but I hardly noticed. The vibe was very warm and welcoming. The class I took, Furniture With Momentum, only had 4 students but there were about. a half dozen classes happening on campus in disciplines such as metalsmithing, blacksmithing, textile design, glass bead making, photography, etc. 

The house I stayed in.

The class size was perfect for me. I expected there to be a gang of guys but instead there were 3 chicks (including myself) and just one guy. The instructors couldn't have been more thorough, supportive, helpful, professional, talented, or experienced. It was a real treat to learn from such veterans in the field!
The main instructor, John Sheridan, left his business in Cali for 2 weeks to teach 2 classes at Peters Valley. John is the owner of San Francisco Woodshop. He entertained us with stories of the furniture and interior design commissions he's done for the rich and famous in LA including the late Robin Williams who took his own life during my stay at Peters Valley.

The second instructor, who I worked primarily with, is Master Woodworker Jim Whitman. Check out Whitman Workshop to view his amazing work. Jim is the author of a book every furniture designer should own, The Woodworker's Studio Handbook. The instructors were both kind enough to autograph and gift a copy to me! #joy!
I wanted to make something for my man that he'd find useful so I made him a shelving unit/stand for his sneaker collection. It can display his top 3 pair at once and house his accessories on the upper shelve with compartments. It's made of Maple and Walnut woods. The other students made 3 tables and 2 stools. All of the pieces were SOOO original and cool. Considering that we started with a sketch, made a small cardboard mockup of the design and then drew the dimensions to scale on grid paper before cutting the wood, you can understand that it was an arduous process. Sawing, planing, sanding, gluing, nailing and the use of serious heavy-duty machinery lead to 10 hour days for the 4.5 days we were there.
Besides the workshop, the food was pretty decent and the activities were enjoyable, as well. Weekly, there is an art auction held plus a show & tell where the instructors of that week from each of the genres on site give a video presentation of their career's work. They really get the creme de la creme at Peter's Valley. I highly recommend it.

My classmates and instructors with our finished pieces

My stand for footwear

My man has put it to good use

Want to learn more about Peters Valley School of Craft? Visit their website at http://www.petersvalley.org.

Peters Valley School of Craft is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation, founded in 1970 in partnership with the National Park Service to promote and encourage education and excellence in craft. From our humble beginnings as an artist colony to our recognition today as an internationally renowned center of fine craft, our presence in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area defines Peters Valley and the experience for our visitors, resident artists and students. 

Our facilities, nestled amid the fields, forests and streams of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, were once the charming and leafy farm village of Bevans. Through adaptive reuse, these historic buildings now serve as a gathering place for a thriving community of artists and environmentalists, thinkers and changers of the world. The link between the natural and man-made splendor of our environment exemplifies of our commitment to being stewards of the Park.

The Style Social in Philadephia

Annually in Philadelphia, the Style Social brings international fashion to buyers, press and consumers in a local market to present collections that might not otherwise be seen.   

Each Style Social also draws fashion, art and design talent from the community to offer local artist and designers an opportunity to present their work alongside international fashion designers.  This year's Style Social and Launch Party, happened on Wed, Faeb 12, 2014 and featured Macy's Fashion Incubator as wwell as fashion designers from Italy, Hungary, Colombia and Franc. It occurred to celebrate the success of the Incubator designers as they launch their collections in the international fashion market.

In a unique setting combining art, fashion, design, with an emphasis on sustainability, the event was hosted by The Transfer Station, an ambitious entrepreneurial project imagined to revitalize the Manayunk neighborhood, with local businesses and restaurants supporting the event with their signature offerings.

The Style Social and Launch Party was a collaboration between Macy’s Fashion Incubator, which is a one-year intensive designers-in-residence business training and ongoing mentorship for selected Philadelphian fashion designers to provide all of the resources they need to launch or grow their companies in the city of Philadelphia; and international showrooms Bel Espirit and Showroom International.  These two Philadelphia-based showrooms carry international ethical fashion designers and well as highlight and support each brand’s ethical principles and global ethical initiatives such as Andes Made, a line of premium alpaca scarves, socks and accessories for me and women .

Andes Made

The event was a combination of a runway fashion show with a complementary display of fine art, accessories, home décor and furniture; much of which was available for sale through the Transfer Station. As an innovation resource center for entrepreneurs located on Main Street in Manayunk, the Transfer Station provides a retail market space, co-working spaces, artist studios, creative labs and tailor-fit solutions to work, create, sell and collaborate with like-minded individuals.

Some of the works of the fashion designers were proudly displayed on the handcrafted furniture from one of the area's finest emerging makers: Don Yacovell. 

"...(my) designs are simple. They are meant to highlight the natural look of the wood, not fancy moldings. I mostly work with local domestic hardwoods such as cherry ,black walnut or maple.I look for wood with "character" cracks ,knots ,holes, and color variation. I like to highlight any marks left behind by the original craftsman when I work with salvaged lumber. Seeing the history in an old piece of lumber just enhances this style of furniture."

Don Yacovella has work for sale at The Transfer Station in Manayunk.

Learn more about Don Yacavella here.

Stay in the loop of what's happening on Philly's style scene by following Bel Esprit showroom in Twitter @bel_esprit.

DIY: Studded Bucket Bag

You already know I design handbags but whenever I see a way to update a bag I already own, especially one of the many I have from thrift shops, I get so excited.
Here's a perfectly easy and fabulous update. Enjoy!

Art In Honor of Nelson Mandela

A man as great as Nelson Mandela inspires so many of us and all in different ways. Here are some of my favorite Nelson Mandela-inspired art and designs:

Table by Dokter & Misses

Portrait by Patrice Murdiano

Mandela-inspired clothing line 46664

Monument by Marco Cianfanelli

The Verster Table: Named after the prison where Mandela was detained.

Lithograph available at NelsonMadelaArt.com

.

Mural by Mirky Stapleton

Find more furniture, paintings, and other pieces are art inspired by the late, great world leader at www.welovemandela.com

Citi Medina, Creative Director & Visionary

 
"I truly believe that by being YOURSELF you become your BEST asset!" ~Citi Medina

Following the exciting launch of Citi Medina's website for his brand (www.citimedina.com), I had the opportunity to discuss his vision for his company, his inspiration and what keeps him constantly evolving. Citi Medina is so full of inspiration and motivation that any creative entrepreneur can learn from.

LOTA-N-C: The new website looks phenomenal. I feel like I understand the brand and your mission so much more now. What led to the evolution?

Citi Medina: I am so over the moon that you love it! The new site citimedina.com was definitely an ever-evolving entity. When I began this separate brand, it was to separate my speaking engagements and provide resources to other entrepreneurs and also convey my expertise in creative strategies from MEDINA = CITI which was my design haus. I wanted to share the realities of owning a business and what inspires me with others and the response has been phenomenal. I believe individual style and personality are your best assets in being successful. Citimedina.com is my offering of everything that I can to everyone. It’s all about sharing my passions.

MEDINA = CITI Design Haus (www.medinaciti.com), is my NJ-based design haus which has and always will be my first love. Crafting custom visuals and forming creative strategies with my team is everything to me. We have such a diverse client base and every day is new and exciting. In 2014, we have so many new projects and growing the company out even more.

LOTA-N-C: What drives you? We see the luxe living, fun times with your loved ones, and ambition...what would you like your legacy to be once it’s all said and done?

Citi Medina: This is a great question that I have to answer in two parts.
What drives me has always been a deep-rooted need to be successful on my own terms, for my talent and my work. I began my journey with humble means and I have a determination that has always carried me through life. I’ve always felt the need to be creative in all facets of my life; that I have to express my point of view. It is as essential to me as air.


What I want my legacy to be in the end is that I set out to create something that would stand the test of time. My new platform www.citimedina is an outlet to show others they can do it. It provides resources for success and gives a behind the scenes look past the glamour, parties and luxe appointments. I want it to grow into a brand that people can go to for inspiration and support. MEDINA = CITI, I hope, will connect a city of creativity, tech and forward thinkers. My design haus will be an institution that continues to grow and be helmed by a MEDINA to continue the legacy.

LOTA-N-C: After reading your blog post, "You Can't Do It," it appears to come from such an honest place. But because you are full of self-acceptance, achievements and inspiration, I wonder have you ever experienced anyone trying to convince you that you wouldn't/couldn't be as successful as you are? And if so, how did you overcome it?

Citi Medina: I think in the early onset of starting my design haus MEDINA = CITI, there were many negative comments about a young, minority Creative Director. I didn’t listen to them. I wanted to merge tech and style together to create a Design agency that would really bond with clients and create a high-end experience through the whole process. Many people whom I’ve worked with or for me were completely not supportive of the initiative.

In the end you have to sit with yourself. I constantly say this to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals. No matter the supporters that this dream and this road will be walked on by you alone, by your passion and commitment. The blood sweat and tears start and end with you, so your support system will be inspired by how hard you are working and your positive results will be directly reflected by your efforts.

LOTA-N-C: You have worked with fashion brands I know and love. Is the fashion world your primary focus? What qualities embody the ideal CitiMedina client?

Citi Medina: I’d love to clarify the two brands. CITI MEDINA is a lifestyle brand based entirely on me. People can go to citimedina.com for resources, inspiration and behind the scenes access to my world. I show you my passions and life for the first time.
Citi Medina was crafted to show the world who I am. So many times I am asked about my clothing style, my musical loves and what my everyday looks like. I am often booked by SBA, Rutgers or corporations to give workshops and speak on entrepreneurship, social media, technology and design. With the growth of interest, I wanted to relaunch citimedina.com to be the “go to” platform for my audience.

MEDINA = CITI Design Haus was formed in 2008 to craft custom visual solutions for discerning brands. We offer everything in Creative and Web development, to Digital Marketing and Social Media strategies. My team crafts Video Productions and Photography shoots as well. I am charged with leading creative strategies whether campaigns, crisis moments or creative production.

These two brands are based on my ideologies and workflow; on my vision and 14 years of professional experience. They are separate worlds that are all related to me and I love them both so much.

I work in fashion and entertainment, which was essentially my background when I started as a designer some time ago. However, our primary focus is clients and companies who want to push the envelope and are willing to commit to the process. We have worked with so many different industry clients (corporate communications, fashion, technology firms, not for profit, etc.) we only require that they trust in us and allow the process to build a great relationship and ultimately a beautiful end result.


LOTA-N-C: What words of encouragement can you give an aspiring creative wanting to make it in this field,
but has no personal role model(s) to emulate?

Citi Medina: "Keep your passion alive." I cannot stress this enough. I believe that this can carry you through it all. In this age of internet access, ignorance is a choice, so stay passionate, read on it, plan, day dream it and act on it! Passion can fuel you when you are sacrificing. Passion can give you focus. I know it is the driving force in my life, so I can definitely relate to the sentiment.

Learn more from this brilliant, creative mind at CitiMedina.com.

Happening Now: London Design Festival

The London Design Festival is an annual event, held to celebrate and promote London as the design capital of the world, and as the gateway to the international creative community.

This year's Festival has started and will run for nine days until 22 September 2013. 

The London Design Festival was conceived by Sir John Sorrell and Ben Evans. Building on London's existing design activity, their concept was to create an annual event that would promote the city's creativity, drawing in the country's greatest thinkers, practitioners, retailers and educators to a deliver an unmissable celebration of design.

Over the last ten years, a number of key design exhibitions have become an integral and vital part of the London Design Festival, each offering an exciting mix of designers, products, talks, installations and innovations housed under one roof. These Destinations are hubs for conducting business during the Festival, providing a focal point for international buyers, specifiers and the media.

2013 Landmark Project: Endless Stair

The London Design Festival's Landmark Projects are about showing the brilliance of design at the highest level.



Check out the schedule of events here and get involved.