Rabu, 08 Februari 2012

Super Bowl Snack Stadium Inspiration

By Jennifer T. of MaJenta Designs

Regardless of whether you are a big football fan or not, the Super Bowl is probably still one of the biggest sports festivities to partake in...even after it's over, you leave inspired by some of the exciting plays, the funny commercials, and...the FOOD! I'm inspired by these awesome food snack stadiums...something to plan for next year's Super Bowl! ;)

Selasa, 07 Februari 2012

A Boston Handmade Mug

by Karen Mahoney of City by the Sea Ceramics

I'm working on a project right now that requires a few examples of logos so I asked permission from Jessica Burko, our director, to use Boston Handmade's. I screened the design onto a mug with underglaze using our signature blue color. The pic shows the piece unfired, right after the screening, but you can still see the great detail, I love it. These babies aren't up for sale, but if you're digging our image, sport a t-shirt with our logo on it, printed by our very own Evan Webster of Evan Webster Ink.

Senin, 06 Februari 2012

Monday Mosaic: Amethyst

Curated by Lynne of Cozy Cottage Creations

1. Sterling Silver Tassle Hoops in Light Amethyst, by Cristina Hurley Design
2. Monster Onesie, by Elizabeth Brennick Designs
3. 5:8 inch Wide Dog Collar in Grape Crush, by Cody's Creations
4. Adelaide Tiara, by Parrish Relics
5. Hair Comb Purple Origami Peace Crane, by Elephunk's Trunk
6. Beezes Raw Silk 400 yards, by Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design
7. Voodoo Doll pincushion, by Hibou Designs
8. Floral Pocket Mirror or Keychain Bottle Opener, by MaJenta Designs
9. Hummingbird Flower Shirt, by An Li Studios

Minggu, 05 Februari 2012

Tulipiere

By Arthur of Arthur Halvorsen Ceramics

A few weeks ago I went to the MFA with a few friends of mine and I got really inspired by the piece pictured above. What you see there is called a tulipiere, they were very popular in the 17th century in Europe as pieces that people had in their homes to display their (you guessed it) tulips! I have wanted to make one of these since I saw my first historical one at the Victoria & Albert Museum two years ago in London.

This is the beauty I saw, it literally brought me to tears! I'm such a clay dork I know!! It's such a feat of engineering because the tall piece is make in porcelain, and if you have ever tried to make anything in porcelain you know first hand how finicky porcelain can be. The tulipiere stands about 6ft tall, and each one of those levels comes off in a section. Quite the undertaking for someone like me that has not a huge studio to make this in, I'm not planning on making a 6ft one but you get the idea.

I am starting to think of applying to grad school in the near future and I know that if I made a piece like this, that would with out a question in my mind get me into grad school! This piece has been in my dreams since I first saw it, and when I went back to London this past fall and saw the piece again it was like a religious experience. I wanted to share a few contemporary examples of tulipieres:



Sabtu, 04 Februari 2012

Revisiting The Malden Arts Community and Malden Public Library

by Jen Parrish of Parrish Relics

As a returning resident of Malden after about 18 years, I had been wanting to reconnect with the vibrant local art community.

There was an Exhibition at the Malden Public Library, a place where I spent many hours as a child and discovered many of my favorite books on the shelves. Designed by Trinity Church Architect Henry Hobson Richardson, I always felt like I was entering a magical castle with its towers, dragons and griffin carvings.

He has since become one of my favorite American Architects, we are lucky to have so many of his works in Massachusetts to visit. The William Morris/Edward Burne-Jones windows at Trinity are so inspirational to me and I seek them out as often as possible (as are the Medieval Inspired designs by local artist Sarah W. Whitman.)

The old building that I was familiar with is now a gallery, the books have all moved into the new wing. A grand space for an Art Show, getting to know the work of local artists, and meeting new people. Glad to be back in Malden!

Window Arts Malden 2011

Jumat, 03 Februari 2012

Arthur Halvorsen and Mudflat Studios

by Jessica Burko of Reclaimed To You

This past Sunday the members of Boston Handmade held our annual meeting. Each year we meet in a new location and discuss events of the year past and plans for the year ahead. This meeting is an all day retreat with pot-luck delicacies, vibrant discussion, and time spent with friends.

One of the most anticipated moments during this day is the annual gift exchange. Members of Boston Handmade tend to be extremely busy during the holiday season, so we hold our annual meeting in January and bring a small, handmade, wrapped gift that will be blindly chosen by another group member. Oh the anticipation! This year I was thrilled to receive a ceramic bowl, pictured above, made by Arthur Halvorsen.
This gift, on this day, was especially exciting because our meeting was hosted by Arthur and held at Mudflat Studios in Somerville, MA. Mudflat is Arthur's "home away from home" as he is a Resident Artist there. The studios are housed in a stunning, newly renovated building. The view in the photo above is taken looking down from the "grand staircase" in the center of the space. In this photo you can see a class being taught, and long shelves holding many, many beautiful pots waiting to be fired.
Part of the thrill of seeing the facilities at Mudflat was getting a glimpse into Arthur's private studio space. The photo above shows a collection of his finished pieces on shelves in his studio.

Curious what other gifts were given and received on Sunday and want to see a few more photos of Mudflat? Check out these blog posts from other Boston Handmade members:
Kerry Hawkins put together a photo essay about the visit to Mudflat.
Lucie Wicker wrote a blog post about the silk screened t-shirt she received in the gift exchange from Evan Webster.
Allison Fraske posted a photo from Mudflat on her new blog DailyLovely.

Kamis, 02 Februari 2012

Fashionable Wanderings, Newbury Street, Boston

By Kerry of Khawkinsphotography





The other day, I was headed into Boston for a haircut and lunch date. I decided to go in early and take some time to photograph the Back Bay. I am always looking for funky windows on Newbury street. For a photographer, Newbury streets offer a wide variety of windows, buildings, and displays to shoot. I always find something interesting.

For more photos check out my blog!