My Cafe Press

In an effort to bring affordable and useful products with my designs and art on them, I have been working with Cafe Press to select a few products to offer. At the moment, you will find 3 items and 2 images available. This will continue to be updated as I have time and I will let everyone as there are new items.

With these things in mind, please give me any feed back that you have on what you think about what I have, or what you might like to see on my shop.

www.cafepress.com/amidstdmod

We Think We're Clear

I once read that Colchagua Valley, Chile, was like Napa Valley 50 years ago. This, of course, was before I moved here. At that time, I just didn't really understand what that really meant.

When I arrived, I noticed that, indeed, the valley does have many attributes of farm/agricultural life from 50 years ago in the States. One thing I had never thought about, though, is that the general attitude also follows the patterns of life. This means that some things that are very defined to us as a fact or rule simply are irrelevant to people here. This was evident in just about every thought process and situation that came up.

So here we have a Norteamericano who is, for many, the only foreigner they have ever met, and as if that wasn't strange enough, this foreigner is obsessed with "OLD STUFF?" ¡QUE RARO! Are we starting to get the idea?

That's right. To most people here, even in Santiago, the only old things of value are antiques (ie. early 1900's or later). Any thing after that is just old junk, while to us, we understand the concept of vintage and retro. To the point that we actually define the terms by a quantity of years. Here retro is any thing that is used from "the States". Just walk into one of the retro clothing stores, especially one that claims to be U.S. vintage. It's good for a laugh.

The problem with this is, people don't try to maintain or hold onto any thing after the early 40's. Neither will they sell it. To them it is old and of no value. It goes straight to the trash, and if you ask someone if they want to sell it, they start on the anti-sell speech. Once done with that, an hour or two later, if they see you really want it, the price jumps to the outrageous category simply because, well... the Norteamericano wants it, and he is loaded (in their minds). No, really... it is quite funny to live here.

One example of the outrageously priced situations can be seen with the end tables pictured here for sale in Santiago. I was so amazed to see the tables in this mall, that I had to take a photo. However, while in very good condition, one would expect a set of tables from a no-name furniture maker of this time period and style to go for $400 to $500 from a

dealer, maximum. Ohhh...nooo... my friend. Not in Santiago, these are made of hard wood (a rarity here) and are selling for around $1500 for the set of tables. If you want the large dish credenza and buffet you are looking at price of around $8000. I expect for those prices, I will be able go see them as many times as I want in my life time with out much fear of them having been sold.

V Day

I just got wind that my Blogger buddy, Veronica Diago has released some prints of her wonderful work on Etsy. I personally really like her art a lot and find much inspiration thru studying the color and detail she puts into each piece.

It's with this interest in mind that I STRONGLY suggest that you get over to here Etsy shop to see all of her prints that she is offering for just $20 each. I know that you will enjoy her art as much as I have.

Cac-Tus

This is a photo of one of the sculptures that I did in the states. The thing is, I forgot to get photos of the sculpture. Rojito brought his machine with him, and he was kind enough to let have a few of the photos. So, here they are.As you may be able to see, I brushed the wood to take out the soft grain for a dimensional effect. I also used the wood grain to create a desert like feel in the base which I shaped for a dimensional definition.

Sorry that the photos aren't better. You can also see a stack of unfinished sculptures in the back. Those have yet to be posted. I will post about them soon though.

Mid Century Chile

One of the horribly wonderful things about Chile is, there is, and there isn't MCM to be found. Really, Chile as a country doesn't have a huge amount of MCM architecture or furniture. It does, however, have fair amount in some areas. I have found that the MCM furniture they do have here is more limited in design options. It seems that three or so furniture designs dominated the whole country in the MCM theme. Therefore, the first few hundred pieces of the same style are interesting, but then your interest starts to wayne a bit.

However, there are a number of MCM influenced buildings and architectural aspects that can be found in the larger cities. Of course the cities that had money and were booming in the 50's and 60's are where you find this. One instance of this would be Santiago. Another would be Viña Del Mar. Both of these cities were favorites of people with money and on the

forefront of architectural design in it's day. Therefore, you can see some nice examples of MCM fountains, sculptures, and buildings. It's precisely for that reason that most of the

photos in this post come from those areas. I hope that you enjoy them.

Earth Quake

Well, this post doesn't have anything to do with art. This is all about the earthquake that surely, each of you have heard about. My wife, Rojito, and myself are fine. We are still without electricity and internet. I'm writing this post from the house of our friends. The area where we live was hit hard, but not the hardest. Here in Placilla, the quake was about a 7.5 or so. Even though that's nothing to snicker at, the majority of the houses are fine and no one here in our población/town have been seriously injured or died. However, many of the houses are more than a 100 yrs old had did collapse in part, or completely. So as of this point, we are fine and waiting for the supermarkets and gas stations to open, and who knows when that will be. For now though, here are some photos of Placilla. Also, as time goes on, I'll be adding more photos. As the amount of time i have is limited to upload and post, please use my flickr link to see the photos.

Inspired by Flickr, Sandiv999

All images are courtesy of Sandiv999 other than "Sandiv Owl" (illustrated by Eric McGrew)

Isn't it funny how we can come to know a specific portion of one's (as in anyone, not someones name) personality by just what they put up on Flickr. Personally, I find that with the style of photos or images that one puts on their Flickr you get a since of their personality. I'm not saying that you get to know everything, or even a lot about them. Just one specific aspect.

Over the relatively short period of time I have been active (well, off and on) on Flickr, I seem to be drawn to certain people's Flickr accounts. Por supuesto this if because of the content. Sorry some of my Spanish slipped out

back there. However, even more important than the content sometimes is the overall feel of a Flickr account, or the unique way each photo explains, reveals, and speaks about each person. It's for this very reason, that I write you this post.

Here's kinda how it goes. As you know, I love art of all sorts. Drawing,

Photography, Architecture, Illustration, Furniture making, and Painting are just a few examples. Well, if you threw in Sculpting, Mosaics, Interior Design, and Graphic Design, I guess you would have just about all of them. Wait!... I think you do. Anywho, much of my inspiration for designing in any of the number of methods I employ comes from Flickr content. It may be that my creation itself is inspired by something I've seen recently, a color combination that caught my eye, or maybe, I'm just motivated to start designing at all. What ever the result, Flickr generally did it. Therefore, I feel you should come to know my Flickr contacts too.

Sandiv999 is one of the most inspirational contacts I have for MCM architecture/interiors, and retro illustrations/ads. Not only does she have cool photos on her account, but she has such a cool name, Sandi. Ohh... can't you just hear some 1960's surfer calling his girl Sandi. More than just that, she's nice too! So all in all, she's just too cool for her own good. That however, helps me out. Over the time that I have been in contact with Sandi, she has said such nice things about my art, and she always helps me stay motivated by her diligent work to find new photos, objects, or illustration.

Now, we can get to know her a little bit better. She has been kind enough to let each of us know a little about her Mid-centuriness. So, here we go.

Interview via email:

JEM: What and When, influenced your interest in Mid-Century/Mod Art, Architecture, and Design?

Sandi: Some of my very earliest memories are of watching the Monkees. The pop tv shows of the sixties-the Monkees, I Dream of Jeannie and The Avengers had a big impact on me as a kid. Gerald McBoing-Boing, the Jetsons and any of the jazzy house/car/world of the future cartoons were also faves. Also, thanks to reruns of Laugh-In, my first career aspiration was to be a go-go dancer in a cage, which led to my minor obsession with the stewardess uniforms from Braniff and PSA. We lived in Silicon Valley, which is lousy with cool post-war modernist homes featuring clerestory windows and atriums. As I got older, I never tired of that look, those sounds and the oh-so happy colors.
http://www.braniffpages.com/1965/1965.htmlhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sandiv999/4286094498/

JEM: What is your favorite outlet for the inspiration you receive from MCM/Mod Art, Architecture, and Design?

Sandi: My canvas is my home and garden. I use color to impute architectural interest to my rather plain-jane ranch home and have filled it with art of all kinds. I also geek out over midcentury graphics and have a large collection of obscure scanned pieces I've shared through Flickr and my Tumblr blog.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandiv999/ http://pinkjetpack.tumblr.com/

JEM: If you could have any MCM/Mod object or piece (even furniture or house), what would it be?

Sandi: Groan, just one? Well, an Alexander home would be my truest object of desire. But then again, there's that need for a sunken conversation pit. Can't choose, want both.
http://www.eichlernetwork.com/desert_chron1.html

JEM: What are your favorite MCM/Mod websites to visit?

Sandi: I've found the Flickr midcentury groups to be a source of true delights and here's just a few blogs that are must sees: Aqua-Velvet, the Animalarium, Cartoon Brew, Kickcan & Conkers and Delicious Industries.
http://aqua-velvet.com/ http://theanimalarium.blogspot.com/ http://www.cartoonbrew.com/http://kickcanandconkers.blogspot.com/ http://www.deliciousindustries.blogspot.com/

JEM: Who is your favorite MCM/Mod musician?

Sandi: Ooh, another one where I have to choose? Strictly era appropriate? I'd go with the Kinks, Miles Davis, pop acts such as Nancy Sinatra. There's a few current bands working in the genre I'm digging right now, the MoonSpinners and Les Etrangers. Again, I could go on, I mean there's also the whole 70's/early 80's mod revival.....
http://www.myspace.com/themoonspinners http://www.myspace.com/lesetrangers

JEM: What is your favorite MCM/Mod movie?

Sandi: Mon Oncle, for the surreal sets and whimsy. The Party for that home and the groovy attire.

It Happened Like That

Without even trying to hide it, I am completely motivated and inspired by many things. Some of these would be my contact/friends on flickr along with many of my blog buddies. Music also plays a huge part in all this. For instance, the piece you see above was completely inspired by a pack of those good 'ol rats. That's right, I sat down with no motivation at all to design. However, with a bit of Dean, Frank, and Sammy, I just started creating. Then I noticed that I had designed something with a Karl Benjamin feel. I like his art. He's got a cool style. If only I could sell my art for a living too.

Hope you like it.

Still Here and Designing

Even though I haven't posted in a while, I am still here and designing. It seems that everything just came running in on us, and for the past 2 months I have had very little time. However, I haven't forgotten about my readers, and therefore I'm writing you now.

Recently I found that I LOVE photography. Even though I'm just starting out, I really like some of the shots I've taken and therefore have been working on getting a photography blog/site together with Rojito. I can't really say when it will be up, but no fears, I'll let you know.

Also, I've found that photography helps motivate me in my other art as well. So, all kinds of good stuff has been happening, including that I am trying to find other, more affordable ways to produce quality art at reasonable prices for all who want it. As you might image, I've been busy, and hope to be able to offer all of you some nice art in more functional ways in the near future.

For now though, I hope you like the wall sculpture I did while playing around with some plywood one day.

Modern Photoshop for a Retro Look 1

Recently I have been looking for some Internet-based graphic design work. This, of course, always leads to looking up tutorials and of course plug-in's for Photoshop and Illustrator (AI). Surprisingly, I have found quite a few different tutorials, brushes and inspirational samples from a few main sources with a retro feel. Along with this, I also know that some of the folks that read my blog have shown interest in learning Photoshop. With this in mind, I will every once in a while write a "Modern Photoshop for a Retro Look" or "Modern AI for a Retro Look" post. The idea is that it will help people to find some of these tutorials and plug-ins that I think are helpful or interesting. This, in turn, will allow people to learn how to use these programs and at the same time understand how to create retro-looking graphics.

The question that always comes up from the newbs is, "Is learning how to use PS and AI hard?" This question is double-edged. For some it is incredible hard, and for others it's really easy. However, PS and AI are just tools. The reality is, if you don't have artistic talent, no Photoshop version can help you. So, you need to be realistic. That, however, doesn't mean that Photoshop can't be useful for just about everyone.

Even though I already knew much of this, I felt this tutorial showed a fairly straight-forward and easy method of accomplishing the 40's thru late 50's colored-photo look. One thing to remember with just about any tutorial is...these folks are generally proficient at PS or AI and they take some general knowledge for granted. Also, if you choose to use a different photo than the tutorial, you WILL have a slightly larger learning curve and have to experiment more.

Tutorial Link

A New State

I have finally woken up from my vegetive state. Artistically speaking that is. For the last month or so, I have not been artistically motivated for anything. Not only that, but getting back here to Chile and getting back into the swing of things has taken a lot out of us physically and mentally.

A couple of days ago, however, I tripped over my forever lasting buffet/dresser project, and... I don't know... I just said, that's enough. Then I started working on my buffet again and I made a huge amount of progress. It was all kind of crazy how it all worked out.

I'm currently testing finishing materials to see which one I want to use. While I was waiting for some of my urethanes to finish drying I just started cutting the boards that I had hanging on the wall, with no real direction, and came up with my new hanging sculpture. Since I'm poor, I just recycled my boards. I like the new sculpture though. Even though the boards were nice, my wife and I were ready for something new.

As for the buffet, I think it should be done in a couple of weeks. Then I will have more photos for you folks. For now though, I just say Choa...

Falling Water Experience

Image Source: Yahoo.com

If you have ever wanted to experience living in the famed Falling Water house, here is your chance. Check out this article.

Yeah... So We Don't Really Do Anniversaries

If you don't know that my wife is the greatest person in the world, well... she is. I can't help it. That's really is how I feel.

So, what does all this have to do with the image of the sign I made above? Well, here's the story.

Out of the almost 8 years we have together, a number of our anniversary just have not worked out. For instance, we went to a nice resturaunt, and they were completely out food. Then we went to a Pub that was completely out of Fish and Chips. How is it possible for a Pub to run out of Fish and Chips? Yeah... my thoughts exactly. Then we had the time that my car caught on fire while I was driving it. Oh yeah, there's the year the ladies kitchen caught on fire and the sprinklers flooded our apartment. We lived below her. By the way, this all really happened. In essence, the only anniversary gift that came out ok is what you see above.

For those of you who don't know, I'm a typical artist who has dabbled in a bunch of mediums. At one point, I was a sign designer and fabricator. Later I became the manager and had the opurtunity to use some old scrap for my personal art. With the materials and tools available I decided to fab a sign that reflected the interest of both my wife and myself. Since we both love vespas, it made since to make a cool retro vespa sign. Just to tie in the festive occasion I added "Anniversary Addition".

P.S. The paisley is not part of the sign. It is the back drop I used.

Retro Re-Finds

Believe it or not, I am still here and working. Now I am actually working for a company creating HD lead videos. That has been taking a lot of my time. So, I decided that I would relax by looking at some of my fave vintage sites with my wife of course. What did I find? Just look below.

This is an interesting shirt with a real Tiki theme. I know that, at least a few of my followers will enjoy this piece. The details of this piece are as follows:

"Label: Bud Berma Luau - Hawaiian Festival

Unworn c

otton shirt with fabulous print

Condition: Excellent

Size: M / Chest: 40-42 / Overall Length: 29"

Price: $85

Click here to see detailed photos or purchase it.

Another cool piece is this panel shirt that is blue with white and blue check. I really like this piece. If only I wore a 48 chest, and... oh, yeah... if only I wasn't poor.

Label: T.A. Chapman & Co.

Fine turquoise gab shirt with front panels and waistband - roomy shirt appears to be dead stock

Condition: Excellent
Size: XL / 17-1/2 / Chest: 48
Price: $78

Click here to see detailed photos or purchase it.

Here's a sport shirt of style and coolsvilleness.

Label: Towncraft
Cool green with darker shade trim and pocket crest.
Condition: Excellent
Size: Large / Chest: 44 / Overall Length: 28"
Price: $46

Click here to see detailed photos or purchase it.

Dance of the Dinosaurs

The last few weeks here in the States have been nuts. I'm looking at many different options for producing my art, and trying to get good etsy photos taken. Since I'm so finicky about such things, I have not been happy with any of the photos that have been taken. This in turn became a search for a DSLR camera. That in of itself is a full time job. Especially when you have many of your family and friends that are serious about photography. I appreciate the help, but sometimes it's hard when everyone is so convinced about their proven cameras.

One thing I can't dispute is the quality of some of the Canons. I recently found out how good the Canon 5D Mark II was recently while I was working on one of my newest sculptures. My father-in-law, Carl Olson, decided to shoot video of me working on this sculpture. I spoke a bit about the inspiration and the method. This was an impromptu shoot and was not rehearsed. So, if you have ever wondered how I really sound and look while being covered in saw dust and sweaty... Well! Here you go.

Dancing Dinosaurs from Carl Olson on Vimeo.

We plan to take more video of me finishing this sculpture and others as well. On that note, here you go, and I hope you like it.

As Time Goes On

As promised, I have been working like crazy. I think that my recent works have been turning out quite well. It's amazing what you can do with, oh I don't know, a bunch of free time, some tools, wood, and of course the loving wife looking out the door to make sure your not slacking. Not really, she does look out the door, but just to see what I'm cook'n up next.

So, I think the most amazing thing of late is, my bowl I carved. It's the

first one I've ever done. The cool thing is, I think it's the only piece of art I've every done that turned out just the way I wanted it to. Usually my art turns out similar to my original design but with some change by design or mandate of material. In other words I mess up a lot and have learned how to incorporate it into my work.

Another good thing about my work this week is, I'm not pre-designing. Upon arriving to my work station, I associate with all my tools for a moment around the coffee pot and then... that's right, I have a long conversation with my material to discuss it's future. As of late we haven't even fought. That being the case, I just cut a piece of board off and start shaping it. It's a lot of fun.

As was mentioned before, in earlier posts, I am still going to start my etsy, but I have to have better photos, so I hope this weekend my pa-in-law, Rojito (dig those 70's safety glasses), and myself will be able to figure out how to take the best photos of my pieces with a decent back drop. For now though, here are some good photos of what I've done. There are also more photos on my Flickr. Check em out.

Week 1 And Under Way.

I figure that after a few days of working, and most importantly, spending time with our family, you fine people deserve to see some of my current projects. This is only the first day and a half of actual work. It took a while to get a few things together, but there is no stopping me when I have my mind set on something. I mean, two of my main tools broke and I still managed to get a few shapes cut.

One good thing is, I have my own part time photographer (Rojito), and he has been helping me a lot. The photos in this post are ones that he took. On my Flickr you can see a set for just his photos.

As I mentioned, these are unfinished sculptures. I will have a number done in a couple of days. You can at least get an idea of what is to come. I hope you enjoy it. Also, don't forget to check out my Flickr for more photos.

I'm Here!

Back in the USSR....? Umm... no, the USA. That's right! I'm here in the States. That means that I will start working tomorrow. Well, I guess that's not completely true, just because, I bought some Oak wood and some finishing materials today. Either way I will have more sculptures and wall art done soon.

The art that will be coming up will be the beginning of, what I hope to be, a long string of it. My wife and I will be here for will be here in Georgia for about 2 months, and my focus is on sculpting, building, and finishing as many wood art pieces as possible. I also will be looking thru the art that I have done in the past, and I'll be utilizing some designs that you wonderful folks have never seen. Along with all of that, I will be posting regularly on the process and progression of the pieces I am making.

Currently, I am still trying to get some of my tool and material details taken care of, and then.... ZZOOOMMM! Off we go. As new ideas and designs come up, I will make sure you all are involved.

chao!

Believe It Or Not, I'm Still Here.

Over the past two weeks, I have been CRAZY busy. You know, the Jeep being broken down for 2 of the 3 months that we have owned it. Delivering it from Curico to San Vicente, and back again. Look at me, I'm talking like you guys know where those places are. Well, in the end, the "jeep" (Every SUV in Chile is a "jeep". I can't understand it either.) is running better than ever before, and I have papeles al dia. "Papeles al dia" is important here in the this part of the world.

When we haven't been delivering or Samurai II from one mechanic to the next, we have been preparing to visit the states for a short period of time. I had hoped to have a few more projects done before we came back to the states, but alas, that has not happened. Therefore, I am showing one of my "in process" sculptures. You can see it above.

Don't forget! I will have some work ready for sale in about 2 weeks. Keep an eye out for my Etsy GRAND OPENING!

Chao!

amidstmod@yahoo.com

So Trendy... I Know...

This is to let you all know that I am on Twitter as of today. I will have to get the hang of posting shorter and more frequently, but I can do it. You can look me up under JemTonic or just hit the link.