arts.

Working as an arts editor, you might think I'd have a fun collection of artwork, but sadly that's not the case. What I do have is a collection of cheap, pretty generic prints I've been gathering since college — and I'm getting sick of most of them. I still don't have the budget to invest in "real" art, but I definitely want to do some serious updating.

If I had money, I'd buy a piece from one of Charleston's awesome lady abstract artists like Sarah Boyts Yoder (pictured), Sally King Benedict, or Kate Long Stevenson.

I've thought about making my own art, too. I'm no artist, but I'm pretty sure I could replicate this piece for less than $95.

I'm drawn to quirky vintage posters like this one. I love browsing Julia Santen Gallery here in Charleston for weird prints advertising God-knows-what.

I dig this. So simple but striking.

Ooh — and this, too.

I know these are pretty trendy right now, but they'd look great above the antique buffet/bar I have yet to buy. Plus the price is pretty awesome. What do you think — overdone?

What are your thoughts on art? Is it worth the investment? Or does your taste change all the time like mine does?

See some more of my favorite art on Pinterest.

ringling.

Yesterday we went to the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. The Ringling Bros. have close ties to the city — they moved their winter quarters there in 1927, drawing famous circus families and artists from around the world until it became known as Circus City. John Ringling was one of the wealthiest men in the country back in the day, and it shows with his incredible collection of art that includes plenty of old masters and contemporary stuff, too. My favorite exhibit was probably the collection of old circus posters, but the museum's grounds, including the Ringling's Ca' d'Zan mansion, was the best part of the whole experience.

botanicals.

This picture set me off on a quest for botanical prints:

Except I didn't know they were called botanical prints. I Googled "plant pictures old black background," or something ridiculous like that, and found nothing. Surprising, right?

So I was excited today to see that Design*Sponge shares my obsession. They wrote about a book, Art of Instruction, that includes illustrations not just of botanical prints, but all sorts of fun educational charts. (I want this book, but didn't enter the contest because I never win anything.)

Now I'm hot on the trail of some great vintage charts, and I can't wait to find the right one to live on my wall.

And look, these are free printables!

home gallery.

As we're drawing ever closer to closing on our house (I'll let you know if it ever actually happens), I've become a big fan of Young House Love. The Richmond-based bloggers are always working on their old house, doing everything from building a patio to refurbishing secondhand furniture. Lately I'm obsessed with their hallway, which they turned into a little gallery. We have a long, blank wall in the new house, and I love the idea of filling it with a ton of different photos and prints that will invite guests to just stand there and take it all in.

20x200 has a fun selection of affordable prints. Here are a few faves.

Martha Rich

Lisa Congdon

Alexander Beeching

sally king benedict.

 

 

One of my favorite local artists, Sally King Benedict, is showing some of her new works at Stems (another local favorite). If you're in Charleston, you should stop by tonight (May 19) for the opening reception. I hear there will be music and cocktails.

sideways.

I've blogged about my love of silhouettes before. Well, I haven't made one yet, and the obsession continues.

via.

via.

via.

via.

what about bill?

 stanley chow illustration.

I've been pretty swamped the last few weeks preparing for one of my paper's biggest issues of the year, Best of Charleston. The issue highlights winners from our big reader's poll — everything from best restaurant to best designer to best councilman — and also includes lots of critics picks from yours truly and my colleagues. I can't tell you the theme of the issue, which comes out Wednesday, but I will say that I've had Bill Murray on the brain for some odd reason. (Check out Stanley Chow's print shop for many more fun portraits.)

framed.

I really love everything about this picture. The gray, vintage couch. The mercury glass lamp. The minty typewriter. The funky art. I really need to go thrifting — I'm starting to have too much new stuff.

This is from an Apartment Therapy article on framing and hanging art.

purple and pink and blue rain.

Discovered Pinterest today. And this lovely painting.

industrial scars.

 

These images are beautiful, aren't they? Even more so when you realize they're barely-edited aerial photographs of the earth. Less so when you realize they depict severe environmental degradation. I interviewed photographer J. Henry Fair in this week's paper. Check it out.

stop drop kaboom.

I bought something from Little Rock-based Roll & Tumble Press for the wedding. I'm not gonna tell you what. But look how cool their stuff is.

david stern.

I'm going to go hear David Stern talk about his work this afternoon. I love how he captures character traits and expressions with huge, sloppy globs of paint. His exhibit is on view at the Halsey.