A couple of years ago I helped design a kitchen for a couple in Sanford, Maine. My work included space planning, elevations, 3D perspectives and a rendering. This summer their dream kitchen was completed and they are thrilled with the final outcome.
AFTER:
RENDERING:
BEFORE:
This past week Derek had to go to Austin, TX for work and I was lucky enough to join him. The city’s incredible energy reignited my creative fire and I absolutely loved every minute of it! To top it off his company was kind enough to put us up at the chic Hotel San Jose. I immediately felt at home amidst the harmonious blend of rustic gardens, natural materials, and urban modern decor.
I love the story behind the space as well. Liz Lambert, originally a New York trial lawyer turned hospitality designer, transformed this 1930s motor lodge into an urban bungalow-style hotel with a communal outdoor courtyard, lounge, and pool area. Located in downtown Austin it is the perfect oasis to retreat to at any time of day. I loved walking out our bedroom door into an open garden, filled with native Texas plants, rustic pathways, and tucked away seating areas. I am more than ready to go back and stay there again!
(Unfortunately I forgot my camera and wasn’t able to document the space so I had to go to the trusty internet to find images. In doing so I learned the Hotel San Jose has Polaroid cameras for guests to use!!)
We ate breakfast every morning at the adjoining coffee shop, designed by Liz Lambert.
{images via Seeds and Fruit, Free People Blog, Remodelista, More Ways to Waste Time, and Claudia Bravo!}
I forgot how much I loved The Killers video Mr. Brightside.
Everything from the song to the fabulous Moulin Rouge-esk theatrical cinematography. The next piece I create, be it a sketch, a piece of clothing, or a painting I am going to incorporate this wonderful mix of color and theatrics.
{image via here}
Thursday Aug. 9th was my opening at the Eisenhauer Gallery on Martha’s Vineyard. I was honored to show with two amazing artists, Carol Bennett and Michel Brosseau.
Musicians played in the courtyard in front of the Eisenhauer Gallery the night of the show.
Elizabeth Eisenhauer, gallery owner, and I opening night after the show.
“The Swing” looked amazing hanging next to Michel Brosseau’s piece.
It was wonderful to see these pieces hanging together!
The Barnacle Cuff bracelets.
This has been an exciting few months of concentrated creating in preparation for my art opening at the Eisenhauer Gallery in Edgartown, MA. These are my newest pieces.
CONNECTIONS
10 1/2 x 17 1/8 “
[eggshells, found wood, steel frame]
If you take the time to notice you may begin to see connections between various disparate forms in nature and how they can abstractly relate to our lives. A dried piece of seaweed and spalted wood share this web-like pattern which could be thought of as an explorer’s map of the convoluted path of our life. Life is not a straight line between two points and we often find ourselves at a crossroads or even a dead end but it is important to remember that it is this tangle of decisions that makes life and this natural pattern interesting and enjoyable.
WALLPAPER #2
12 3/4 x 17 1/8 “
[eggshells, found wood, steel frame]
“Wallpaper” is a dialogue between the artist and interior designer within me. My passion to use natural and re-purposed materials speaks to the renewed interest in returning to the land and how it has influenced the current design trends. The texture of the placed eggshells evoke a similar soulfulness to that of peeling paint and it’s link to the history of a place. Playing off the idea of “weather” chipping away paint, the eggshell pattern reveals a natural motif reminiscent of vintage wallpaper. The combination of these elements conjure up feelings of nostalgia from childhood memories and are the material language of contemporary lifestyle choices.
THE SWING
7 3/4 x 17 3/4 “
eggshells, found wood, cotton rope
With so many opportunities and choices in life, it is very difficult to pick a path and stick to it. After enjoying years of capricious travel and re-locations, my perspective has been shifted and I’m now ready to leave my nomadic ways behind. I’m approaching this epiphany cautiously, though, and am finding a connection to barnacles who root down solidly, but at times to movable objects that are at the whim of the sea. I find life to be similar in that try as you may to actively control your path, you too can find yourself guided by the ebb and flow of the tides.
THE UNION
4 1/2 x 12 3/4 “
[eggshells, wood, steel frame]
This abstract representation of a union shows two individuals coming together to form a bond that is stronger than the sum of their individual pieces. It is executed in natural eggshells to underscore the rawness of human emotion.
ONCIDIUM ORCHIDS
29 1/8 x 18 3/8 “
[eggshells, wood, steel frame]
My flower series of eggshell mosaics are based on the intricate beauty of nature. They are small, intimate pieces that require close observation to understand its detail and exquisiteness just like looking at the elaborate design of a flower. Using eggshells as my medium I have created another link between my work and nature.
To see more of my work you can visit my website www.karenblackerby.com
The series I am currently working on is an observation of my life’s direction and lifestyle choices. My artwork challenges me to slow down in both a physical and conceptual manner which counters my otherwise whimsical and unrestricted personality. I gravitate to the use of nature as my primary medium and relish in the process of finding my “canvas” and allowing it to inform the final concept. My process of creating these eggshell mosaics is very meditative. Interacting with the chickens and noting the subtle differences in the shape, color, and size of their individual eggs further connects me to my medium. With only a loose sketch to define the pattern, I become hyper-focused on fractions of an inch, and create this free form puzzle.“Wallpaper” and “Away we go” are micro and macroscopic self-reflections which directly correlate to the near and far field read of each piece.
Away we go [eggshells / found wood / steel frame 28 1/2 x 28]
With so many opportunities and choices in life, it is very difficult to pick a path and stick to it. After enjoying years of capricious travel and re-locations, my perspective has been shifted and I’m now ready to leave my nomadic ways behind. I’m approaching this epiphany cautiously, though, and am finding a connection to barnacles who root down solidly, but at times to movable objects that are at the whim of the sea. I find life to be similar in that try as you may to actively control your path, you too can find yourself guided by the ebb and flow of the tides.
[My husband, Derek Logan, builds and welds the steel frames for my pieces!]
[detail of Away we go]
WALLPAPER [eggshells / found wood / steel frame 10 x 37]
“Wallpaper” is a dialogue between the artist and interior designer within me. My passion to use natural and re-purposed materials speaks to the renewed interest in returning to the land and how it has influenced the current design trends. The texture of the placed eggshells evoke a similar soulfulness to that of peeling paint and it’s link to the history of a place. Playing off the idea of “weather” chipping away paint, the eggshell pattern reveals a natural motif reminiscent of vintage wallpaper. The combination of these elements conjure up feelings of nostalgia from childhood memories and are the material language of contemporary lifestyle choices.
[Steel frame built by Derek Logan]
[detail of Wallpaper]
Please visit my website Karen Blackerby to see more of my work. Thanks for stopping by!
A truly inspirational staircase! Form, function, and beauty all joined together into perfect harmony!
{via Designspiration}
{via Cool Hunting}
Last week I did some perspective renderings for WKArchitects, an architecture firm based in Boston. Below are two different views for the Lobby and Reception Area of the space they are designing.
To see more of my work please visit my website at karenblackerby.com
Tree Trunk Stool or Side Table
This past spring, a maple tree had to be cut down in my parents backyard. We were able to salvage 4 pieces from the trunk and Derek turned them into stools/side tables for the patio. I love them!
“Where ever we roam you are my home” Globe
Both Derek and I love to travel. For our wedding I made him a globe that is representative of where we have traveled together. The piece will constantly evolve based on our new destinations that we visit or live. The countries/states that we have experienced together are painted in green. Hopefully one day our entire world will be painted in green!
Driftwood Sculpture
This summer we explored on our kayaks to some really cool and remote beaches around the island. We found amazing pieces of driftwood along the way. I was planning on making a few of these sculptures for the buffet table for our wedding but time caught up with me and I never got around to it until just a few weeks ago.
An awe-inspiring 3,000 square-meter “home” design by YTL Design Group and Jouin Manku.
This is a great photo showing the beautiful elements incorporated into this residence. The scale of the wooded fixture and rock slab island is breathtaking! Gorgeous!
This is the most gorgeous stairway I have ever seen! Amazing craftsmanship!
I like to be reminded that ceilings can be just as interesting as walls and floors.
{via Chicquero}
karen blackerby 