Illustrating The Past And Present 2

If you thought that those few artist on the "Illustrating The Past And Present" post that I put up on Monday was all I had, then you we're mistaken. Today, as you see from the image above, we have us a new retro/vintage styled artist*. Her name is Dawn Frasier.

Dawn has really been focused on Mid-century tiki art* for some time now. Unlike many tiki artist* today, she doesn't just focus on the tiki side of things, but instead, shows the mid-century/tiki union that has been so popular. Ms. Frasier is amazing with her paintings in so many ways. One of them, as you can see in these paintings is that she has a wonderful ability to give subtle but very import emotion to the ambiance of the painting. Her paints of the moonlight lit mcm architecture, ocean, and tiki sculptures have a emotion transporter device built in. You just look at the picture and you're instantly on vacation. 

Only problem I find with Dawn's art, is that I can decide which one I like most. Not only do you get to choose from the paintings, but you can also choose from some of her home decor items that are well worth looking into also. She offers art from anywhere around $30 and up. With prices like that, there is something available for everybody.

If you haven't yet, I seriously suggest that you check out her various sites that she has up and running. Here's a short but important list.

www.etsy.com/shop/sophistatiki
www.sophista-tiki.com
Flickr

Also, if you really want to see what's going on, and don't want to miss one painting, why not befriend this lovely lady on Facebook.com. There you'll see all the new works and even a few personal interest items she puts up. Plus, she's super friendly!

If you want to know a bit more about the tiki art side of things, then one of these books* may help you.

Note: Not all links are affiliate links. However, any link with an (*) at the end is an affiliate link. These links help provide AmidstMod with a small income that keeps this site going. 

Images: All images and rights are property of Dawn Frasier.

Practical Sculptures

Changing it up a bit, April 2013, a photo by sandiv999 on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
New art bumps the ball clock and other pieces to a different room. Painting isbby Jan Danziger, 1970. Kinetic sculpture still a mid-century mystery and bronze piece is by Elizabeth Kohler.

If you recall, yesterday we were talking about practicle objects to have in that mid-century/retro house of yours and it double as a piece of art. Yesterday, I showed you a few cool items for the kitchen, but there are ton more of those out there. Today though, let's look at the living room.

Here you see Sandiv999's flickr stream photo.  I put her photo up because her selection of object sculture selection is amazing. She has a wonderful selection of pitchers, vases, lamps, bowls, and candle holders that really could (if she chose to) be used, but at the same time, they look wonderful on this mid-century shelving system.

With this single photo, it's very easy to see the practicle application of using vintage/retro/Mid-century objects as necesary house hold items and art. Now, once we've bought them, we have to make the decision as to weither or not we really will use them as such. That's a whole different story.

However, you need to find the items* first. So, let me help you a bit. Here are some vases* that can serve as art, and be functional.

Vintage Retro Atomic Heavy Amber Vase*

German pottery small RED ceramic vase BAY 536-11 midcentury fatlava retro kitsch*

 Jopeko Red West German Pottery Modernistic Mid 20 th Century Vintage Retro Vase*

Don't forget to check out her flickr account here. Also, you can see her interview with me here. Plus, if your looking for more Vases, Check out the links and ebay app below.

Google search- Retro Vases
Etsy.com search - Retro Vases

Please note that each link that has an (*) at the end is an affiliate link. These links help provide income to Amidst Mod so that we can keep this blog going. 

Our Next Topic...

Mid Century Vase, Atomic, White with Black Band

So here's a hint as to what the next post will be about. Do you think you know? Better yet, do you have anything like this around your house? Let us know about it in the comments. Leave a link if you have photos. 

Later we'll get on this subject a bit more. For now though, just drool....

Oh yeah, don't forget to check out more such items here*. 

Please note that each link that has an (*) at the end is an affiliate link. These links help provide income to Amidst Mod so that we can keep this blog going.  

Better Homes and Gardens

Better Homes and Gardens, a photo by Mod Dog on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Better Homes and Gardens

Decorating Ideas 1960

Once again, better homes and gardens proves that living is, in and of itself the art of a mid-century home.

Using just one well sized, and well placed paint, this living room is decorated to an appropriate degree. Using well placed common use items such as books and decor coffee table, along with furniture of varied colors and textures, an abundance of art isn't necessary. In addition to the daily/common use items, a small selection of glass and ceramic ware is placed spaciously on the book shelf to add dimension, color and texture to an otherwise bairn space. Adding to the overall comfort and style of the room without overbalancing the aesthetic of the room. More books would work well also. However, without leaving spacing between groupings of books could easily create a top heavy fill to this room. Some links may be affiliate links that provide amidst mod with a small, but necessary income when you buy these products or products from these vendors.

Why Not Digital?

Art of Edwin Wade

Digital art is becoming, by in large, a huge part of our lives. We see it on TV. Many times we save some card or ad that was originally created by someone via graphics programs. In fact, in many schools, digital art is the primary focus for graphics design programs. I know that in Art Institute it was back in '99. So how much more so today! My question then is, why is it so hard for people to except digital art as fine art?

No art field is easy. It's always hard to make a living selling art. In the MCM genre, many enthusiast are very design oriented and are willing to buy art and decor for their homes. True, some only want authentic Mid-Century, or vintage art. Others though, have really seen the importance of helping the community by buying, what I call "Mid-Century revivalists" art. However, would you buy digital?

As an artist, I have to say that digital art is no less difficult than other forms of art that I create. I sculpt and build furniture. Having done many of these things, I have found that all have there difficult points. For instance, the time it takes to make a digital graphic is something to consider. Why? Well, the artist must draw/sketch their design, then they must process the design to modify it in the graphics program. After that, all textures to be used in the image must be created. Something of interest is, that many times the textures used have been hand painted or manufactured. These textures then have to be uploaded and modified to a usable format for the graphic. After all of this, the artist must select the correct settings and materials to produce their art on. Once all this is done the artist get to try and sell their works in a widely apathetic industry.

All said and done. Digital art is, in fact, art. It is a very challenging and difficult art. So, the next time you want to buy a piece of art, at least consider a Digital created piece.


Some of my favorite digital artists

Michael Robertson

Edwin Wade

 

Why Piet Mondrian...? Why not?

Photo Source:www.anthroposophie.net

We all know the art of Piet Mondrian, and most of us appreciate it. His art has always captured my attention. Not only that, but also, while watching Green Acres I find myself thinking of his art and how it became so famous while being so simplistic. By the reference to Green Acres I am not berating the art of Piet Mondrian, it's just that Lisa Douglas has a Piet Mondrian. I guess there really is a lot to be said with little, right? So I am going to follow his example and leave this post short, but hopefully, full of inspiration. Check out the art below, and...I hope you enjoy and are inspired by it.

Photo Source:www.guggenheim.org

Photo Source: www.deartsinfo.com

Photo Source: www.centralptonews.org

Mr. MR... That is MICHAEL ROBERTSON

Image is the property and copyright of Michael Robertson

Anyone who has been reading my blog for any amount of time knows that, I find the most amount of joy in finding new artists with an old style. Also, I have had the privilege of meeting and receiving comments of many such artist. In my book, some of these would clearly include Veronica Diago and as of a couple of days ago Michael Robertson.

One of the few things that I like more than finding artists such as these, is to share them with you. The reality of all things art is that, well... art speaks louder and better than words. With that being said, check out Micheals Robertson's blog  and his Etsy as soon as possible and see what's going on over there. It's worth the time. Just... don't forget to keep checking out what's going on here too. 

Photo Source: Samba for rats Etsy.com site

amidstmod@yahoo.com

To Which Do We Owe The Honor?

(Image on left is entitled "Dan-eesh")

For maybe the first time in my blogging history, I will have this post out, not only on time, but early. Wow...! Will wonders never cease. In case you haven't noticed the large image to the left of your screen... STOP NOW! Look at it closely now. No! Not like that... I mean CLOSELY! Yeah... More like that. Ok, this is my newest piece. I like it.

However, art really isn't always about what I like. I forget that sometimes, but in the end, I find my readers opinions very important, as well. So, here is your chance to let me know. I will be returning to the States for a visit in about 2 months with the hopes of producing a number of pieces of original art, sculptures, and maybe a few small pieces of furniture. The furniture depends on the time I have available. Also during this time I will be reviewing a few prints to consider selling on the Etsy store I will be setting up. To help me select which prints I will offer, I am consulting the mass population. After all, you'll be the ones buying 'em.

Of course my newest one (Dan-eesh Fisk) is a possibility. There are others as well though. They are as follows.

"My Scoot"

"Dig Those Noisy Neighbors"

"This Then Is Mod"

"The Mod-est"

"Crater-Cool"

"Daydreams"

"A More Tonic Future"

"Balanced?"

"Solid Bass'd Twilight"

"Signs of Inspiration"

The thing is, I am only looking for two right now, maybe three. This is because I am going to order samples so I can see how they turn out. I don't want to offer bad quality art to any of you fine people.

So in the end... PLEASE HELP!

To see some of my other art, check out my FLICKR.