That Wondrous Time

35.

2012-01-31T12:58:00.000-08:00

Self Portrait, October 2011.

In my early twenties, I got an inkling to take a self-portrait on my birthday. Since then I've tried to make it a tradition. Sometimes I make the photograph on my birthday, sometimes a couple of days after, whenever the time feels right. Turns out, "whenever the time feels right" is usually just after a shower with a moppy wet head.

Although I started this birthday project without known intentions, it's been fun to look back at myself and a decade of changing scenery-- to see myself in former bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms, is to recall in an instant what it felt like to be there then, in the places called home.

Here I am now, in the golden glow of 35.

Scenes from the road less traveled...

2012-01-24T11:08:00.000-08:00

The First Day

2012-01-23T10:18:00.001-08:00

Southern California sunset, New Years Day.

I can gather all the news I need on the weather report...

2012-01-19T11:04:00.000-08:00

I awoke with this beautiful song in my head, and an urge to work on photos I shot years ago and hadn't done anything with.

Enjoy the music, enjoy the view.

Atop the Empire State Building, September 2007.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

2012-01-17T07:59:00.000-08:00

Something told me I couldn't officially begin the new year without reflecting on 2011, so here goes...

2011 was a whopper of a year. It was a year of continued transition, highs, lows, and delicious moments between. We faced the challenges of establishing our business in Southern California, and the stresses that can occur within a self-employed household. Some days felt especially cruel, but we had faith, and persevered. We struggled, we made it through, and we're thankful to be right where we are today.

As Autumn approached, the leaves appeared achingly vivid, as if they had stored the energy of all the year's days. Although I felt compelled to photograph their radiance, there was a part of me that wanted to move past without capturing the intensity. I needed time to pass and seasons to change without attempt to hold on to what they offered, or forgot to offer. I wanted the leaves to fade in color with ease, and fall.

When the slightly-less-golden leaves filled the sidewalk, with ruffled edges crumbled and stepped upon, I pulled out my camera and things felt Ok again.

When I look back at the photographs I posted, I see that 2011 was much more than a year of struggle and perseverance. It was also a year filled with

sunlight and blue sky,
road trips, airplane trips, and traveling new streets,
rainbows and record players,
kindness and support,
unexpected discoveries and opportunity,
remembering our old home, discovering our new home
and perhaps best of all, the faces of family beautiful beyond belief.

Though it's only beginning, 2012 is looking to be a pretty great year. Already, we have some exciting travels planned, and I'm looking forward to sharing the fruits with you. This year I'll do my best to foster That Wondrous Time as a place of inspiration, curiosity, adventure, and of course, wonder. I'm so happy that you've found your way here...let's all have a wonderful 2012, shall we?

A look back at 2011...

A Wonderful Year in Review, 2010. Take a peek if you like...

Thank You

2012-01-06T07:42:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a very happy new year!

2011 was a challenging year for many of us, and although the challenges were mixed with blessings, the fresh start of 2012 sure feels like a gift.

Thank you for your support and encouragement, and for just being here.

Foggy Morning Sunrise

2011-12-29T08:29:00.001-08:00

Fresno, California

Happy Days

2011-12-26T08:49:00.001-08:00

I hope your holiday has been filled with love, laughter, and the friendliest of faces...

A Most Fantastical Morning Walk

2011-12-21T08:09:00.001-08:00

A chilly morning in Northern California wine country was warmed by the company of family, and beauty in all directions...

Happy (Almost) Winter!

2011-12-19T07:29:00.001-08:00

I know we're not quite there yet, but I think it's cold enough to qualify...don't you?

Super Styles

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Pawnbroker

2011-12-14T06:40:00.000-08:00

What a place... Detroit.

40% Off Holiday Sale + Pinterest Gift Guide

2011-11-28T09:20:00.001-08:00

Hello and Happy Monday! I hope you had a peacefully rejuvenating holiday weekend.

This week, get 40% Off all photographs (including prints already on sale) with Coupon Code "Holiday40". Shop Roadside Photographs on etsy or Able + Baker.

And...

What was I doing at 5:00 this morning? Creating a Pinterest Holiday Gift Guide! (Do you love Pinterest as much as I do?)

My Holiday Gift Guide features gifts and stocking stuffers from $2 - $160, and includes a few of my photographs and some Able + Baker originals, as well as an array of items to love from other Independent Designers, Artists, and Vintage sellers.

If you're looking to support Independent Designers and small businesses this holiday season, my Pinboard may be a fun place to start.

I'll be adding more items throughout the week, including items from fellow Unique LA participants. Have I mentioned that I'm participating in Unique LA this weekend? It's going to be one busy and exciting week!

What is my Gift Guide missing? Send me links of the products you're loving this holiday season... I'd love to see.

Thanks everyone, I hope you have a great day!

Sunlight & Season

2011-11-25T15:09:00.001-08:00

Feeling thankful for

Josh. Even when it's not easy, we smile and laugh every day.

Family.
Nieces and nephews, I love love love those faces.
Friends, old and new.
A recently discovered box of old photo albums,
and the wave of memory that came with.
sunlight and warmth
the feel of home
cameras and lenses
music and melody
health and healing
butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon
You, wherever you are, reading this

I hope your holiday is filled with love, warmth, and wonder....

Of the Metropolis

2011-11-22T14:30:00.000-08:00

"All great art is born of the metropolis."
-Ezra Pound

Sometimes it's nice to be a passenger...

2011-11-21T07:09:00.000-08:00

...because it allows me to take photos like this as we drive by.
(Friends Market, Detroit.)

A Stroll Around Town, Detroit.

2011-11-18T06:02:00.000-08:00

Color on a Colorless Day, Detroit.

2011-11-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

Train Depot, Detroit.

2011-11-09T06:55:00.000-08:00

The Michigan Central Railway was designed by Warren & Wetmore and Reed and Stern, the same firms who designed the Grand Central Terminal in New York. Just a mile from Downtown Detroit, the Depot serviced passengers from 1913 through 1988, although a major decline in traffic began after WWII .

Per our friend Wikipedia:

At the beginning of World War I, the peak of rail travel in the United States, more than two hundred trains left the station each day and lines would stretch from the boarding gates to the main entrance. In the 1940s, more than four thousand passengers a day used the station and more than three thousand people worked in its office tower. Among those who arrived at MCS were Presidents Herbert Hoover, Harry S. Truman and Franklin D. Roosevelt, actor Charlie Chaplin and inventor Thomas Edison.

To read more on Michigan Central Station's interior stylings and history, click here.

Dark and Light, Detroit.

2011-11-09T05:49:00.001-08:00

Civic Beauty, Detroit

2011-11-08T11:11:00.000-08:00

Sunday (Good) Times

2011-11-06T17:25:00.001-08:00

What a nice long Sunday we're having... listening to records, working around the house, celebrating the fact that we finally have internet by streaming plenty of movies, and baking gingerbread.
good for you too?

The Way Up...

2011-10-28T11:51:00.001-07:00

Another one from the archives. I rediscovered this photo today and it made me happy. Pretty sure I shot it in 2001 -- I guess I've been looking up for a very long time.
This weekend I'll be setting aside some time to work on photographs from our Detroit / Niagara adventure, and look forward to sharing more with you next week.

Happy weekend!

When the sun goes down...

2011-10-27T08:21:00.001-07:00

View from our motel room, Palm Springs.

Along the Golden State, A California Classic

2011-10-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

Motel, Morning Light

2011-10-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

Autumn Color, San Francisco

2011-10-21T10:09:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday...!

Love Note.

2011-10-20T09:24:00.001-07:00

It's been weeks, I've missed you.
Thanks for checking-in on me from time to time,
to let me know you've missed me too.
It's so nice to see you again.

Emmy Award Gift Bags...

2011-09-19T15:25:00.001-07:00

Josh and I had an exciting opportunity to include a little something special in the Emmy Award gift bags. (And, as an added bonus our LP Room Divider was invited to hang out in the lounge of a pre-Emmy party at the W Hotel! We put together a really fun collection of records including some classic Tv soundtracks.)

Here's what we came up with for the gift bags...

Eco- Conscious Wood Ply frames handcrafted in our woodshop,
and a photograph you just might recognize...

We had such fun putting these together.
Thanks to my lovely Mom who for lending her bow-tying talents!

Lately I've been framing many of my photographs in these frames, and am enjoying the wood's natural beauty as a nice departure from a traditional black or white frame.
They add a subtle yet sophisticated touch...

We make the frames from FSC (Forestry Stewardship) certified ply, and hand finish the edges with an organic beeswax blend. Handcrafted in California...hooray!

Wood-Ply frames are now available in our online shop, in sizes 4x6 and larger.
Enter Autumn30 at checkout to receive 30% OFF as part of our Autumn Sale!

A big thank you to Janeen of EcoFirstArt for inviting us to contribute!

Bicycle Beauties

2011-08-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

Still Here

2011-07-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

Two weeks since my last post? My goodness. We've had a crazy couple of weeks, but I'm looking forward to posting regularly again soon. I hope you're all enjoying a sweet sweet Summer...

American Royalty

2011-07-15T09:29:00.001-07:00

Sweet Tooth, sunny day detroit

2011-07-13T15:35:00.001-07:00

Keep the Faith Baby, Detroit.

2011-07-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

What I saw in Pontiac, Michigan

2011-07-11T16:07:00.000-07:00

Which Bit, do you think?

2011-07-07T13:21:00.001-07:00

Yet another curious spot, en route from Niagara to Detroit...

Time Travels

2011-07-05T19:20:00.001-07:00

Still Life with Pool

2011-07-01T14:35:00.000-07:00

Moonlite, Clouds

2011-06-28T15:35:00.001-07:00

Our First Stop, Niagara Falls

2011-06-27T16:25:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Detroit began with a two night stay in Niagara Falls. This place is amazing. We flew to Buffalo, New York, rented a car, and before we knew it there they were - the Falls! If you go (and I highly recommend that you do) make sure to journey over to the Canadian side. I don't use this word too often, but really, the Falls are kind of magical.

Me, with a head full of rainbow.

Tomorrow begins our journey from Niagara to Detroit...

There when you need it.

2011-06-24T08:11:00.001-07:00

This weekend I'm planning to sort through photographs from our trip, so I can have a whole lot to share with you next week.

Happy Friday, happy weekend...

Enjoy, I did.

2011-06-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

Adventurine

2011-06-13T22:12:00.001-07:00

like sunday morning

2011-06-11T09:22:00.001-07:00

circa 2000.

I recently discovered this photo of josh in a dust covered box full of treasure. This photo has always been one of my favorite from our first years together. I shot the photo with slide film, and made a print with my Polaroid Daylab, in the kitchen of my very own apartment.

Magic 18

2011-06-09T12:09:00.001-07:00

Still Life with Travel

2011-06-08T17:00:00.001-07:00

Seaside Blue, California shore

2011-06-03T11:20:00.001-07:00

Saturday, Southern California

2011-06-01T10:17:00.001-07:00

The Dining Car

2011-05-27T13:30:00.001-07:00

The Dining Car
(Photo shot 2002, edited 2011.)

I know it's been quiet around here lately, but I promise I'll have many new photographs to share with you soon. Lately I've traveled up and down this beautifully Golden State, which means I have a fresh abundance of photographs to sort and edit. Josh and I have some exciting excursions planned, and it looks like me & my camera will have one wonderfully busy summer!

Happy weekend to you... enjoy!!

the colors of spring travel

2011-05-25T14:45:00.001-07:00

soft, light

2011-05-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

"An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day."
-H.D. Thoreau

1-2-3 California

2011-05-11T13:08:00.001-07:00

Forgotten Barbie

2011-05-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

as good as spring itself

2011-05-09T12:54:00.000-07:00

The only thing that could spoil a day was people. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.

-Ernest Hemingway

Yesterday I spent my day with people of the "as good as spring itself" kind.
I hope you enjoyed a lovely Mother's Day too...

5 Days at 50% Off + SFMOMA Artists Gallery Warehouse Sale

2011-05-05T10:49:00.001-07:00

I'm excited to announce that, once again, I've been invited to participate in the
S FMOMA Artists Gallery 18th Annual Warehouse Sale!

May 4 - May 8, 2011

I've contributed 11 photographs, including:

20x30 Framed "Sunlight and Yellow"

20x30 "Ornament, Study, no.1"

20x20 "Pie Shop"

Other photographs I've contributed are 11x14, Matted to 16x20, and are priced at 50% Off!

Proceeds benefit the Artists, the Gallery, and SFMOMA
(San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.)

Because many (most!) of you are
not in San Francisco...

For a limited time (5 Days!),
visit our Able And Baker shop to find
the same prints that I've contributed to the
SFMOMA Warehouse Sale at 50% Off.

(Free Shipping on orders above $50.)

"The Juice" and "Thug Life in Pink"

(Snapshots of a few of the photographs, before I delivered them to the Gallery -- We are all so accustomed to seeing art digitally, I think sometimes that it's easy to lose sight of what pieces look beyond the computer screen, in a matte or frame... These matted prints are wrapped in plastic sleeves, so in these snapshots, the colors are not quite as vivid as they appear in person.)

Thanks everyone, I hope you have a lovely day!

(UPDATE: 8 of the 11 photographs I had at this event Sold!
Thanks to each of you for your support...)

Bloom

2011-05-04T14:58:00.000-07:00

Camillia, circa 2002.

Morning drive

2011-05-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about Oakland

2011-04-27T15:10:00.001-07:00

is this sign...

Ah, happy day...

2011-04-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

Three years ago, today, we had our best party ever!
I love that day (and of course, every day since.)

(Photo by Jeff Walls - if you're in Portland, and need a great Photographer, contact Jeff! He traveled all the way to Oakland for us, and he captured our day in such a beautiful way.)

(Additional Photo post-processing by Me -- you know how much I like to play with color...)

Recently while unpacking boxes, I came across our Save the Date card and thought it'd be fun to share with you. Many of our out of town guests were unfamiliar with Oakland, so we wanted to show them an image so stunning, so charming they simply couldn't resist!

Because our reception was to be held in a beautiful art deco hotel in Oakland, with a sparkling view of Lake Merritt, this vintage postcard perfectly suited the mood of our wedding.

We simply added a few "Josh and Jen" touches...

and sealed it with a kiss!

Friday's Found - California Classic

2011-04-22T11:03:00.001-07:00

I know, this isn't a photograph, but still, I found it, and I love it. Hope you do too.

Happy weekend...!

(Each Friday I'll share a found photograph with you, in hopes of further celebrating how photography can enrich our lives. Whenever I visit thrift stores or antique shops, I really enjoy looking through bins and boxes of photographs and paper ephemera. Found photographs have an air of mystery about them, and whether they incite laughter, admiration, or a gentle heartache, they spark a sense of curiosity and wonder that makes me feel in-the-moment alive and part of a common humanity. And I like that.)

Ocean, this morning...

2011-04-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

New Skycab for Spring

2011-04-19T09:53:00.000-07:00

Orange you happy I made this new version of Skycab?

"Skycab, no.7" Limited Edition prints, now available here and here.

Happy Tuesday everyone!

stillness and movement as the sun goes down and the moon goes up

2011-04-18T09:02:00.001-07:00

springtime walk as dusk approached, circa 2004.

Record Store Day

2011-04-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

I hear it's officially Record Store Day. Unofficially, it's Record Store Day in my life mos t every day. I recently came across this photo that Josh took of me while we were record shopping in Alameda, Ca a few years ago. Wearing my favorite yellow sweatshirt, shopping for records, I'm a happy girl.

While we're on the subject, I thought I'd share the Four Aces Record Frame with you, the latest record-related item to come out of our Able And Baker woodshop. The wood-ply detail is absolutely beautiful, and worthy of showcasing the finest of album covers.

So, get out there, support your local independent record store, and add some soundtrack to your Saturday...!

Friday's Found

2011-04-15T17:01:00.001-07:00

I hope you all have a fancy hat kind of a weekend...

Camera Obscura

2011-04-14T15:48:00.000-07:00

Starting to explore Southern California...

Sunday is Song, no.2

2011-04-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday....

Friday's Found, The Lovely Lady

2011-04-08T08:32:00.001-07:00

This week, you may have noticed a prevailing theme -- Faces!
I thought this found photo would be a perfect way to wrap up the week. I hope your weekend is every bit as lovely...

Beauty and the Bookshop

2011-04-07T13:44:00.001-07:00

Graduation Portrait, Walden Pond Books, Oakland.

Music at Rest

2011-04-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

another one from the archives...

There once was an ocean blue...

2011-04-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

circa 2007.

Childhood, Scene 3.

2011-04-04T08:22:00.000-07:00

Friday's Found, It's Picture Time

2011-04-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Not quite what I expected to find inside such a cheerful looking envelope...

Natural Resources, West Oakland

2011-03-31T16:27:00.001-07:00

Some old shots...

West Oakland, circa 2001.

New to the Shop

2011-03-30T16:01:00.001-07:00

I recently came across this alternate version of "Giant Burgers," and decided to add both this version, and the original, to my shop!

Also new to the shop...Limited Edition prints of "The Juice." I just received print #1 from the Metallic Edition and it's gorgeous! I can hardly wait to see prints on both the Premium Glossy and Superglossy photographic papers. Colorfully delicious!

The Astro

2011-03-29T14:19:00.001-07:00

Revisiting the Astro...

Friday's Found

2011-03-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

I intended to share these with you yesterday, but where did the day go?
Have a Spectacular weekend everyone...!

California Hong Kong

2011-03-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Friday's Found, Adventure 1954

2011-03-18T14:45:00.001-07:00

"On top Pike's Peak from elevated stand. July 54"

The Hideaway House

2011-03-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

Decided to have some more fun with the Hideaway house ...
I can see "Welcome to Palm Springs" scrawled across the top, can you?

Elvis, Marilyn, and Liberace

2011-03-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

Elvis

Marilyn

Liberace

It's no secret that Palm Springs has some beautiful houses. Among them, the former homes of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and Liberace.

Marilyn's home reminded me of a cozy Hollywood bungalow, and though charming, Liberace's home displayed a subtlety I didn't expect.

I've never seen a home quite like Elvis' "Honeymoon Hideaway" and I hope next time we can take a formal tour or get a group together to rent it out for a night (how fun would that be?!) The home was built by the Alexander family, and has a fascinating history which I encourage you to read. It is said that the Alexanders "lived life to the fullest," and I believe it -- the exterior alone is a celebration.

As the story goes, Elvis and Priscella originally planned to marry there, poolside, but as press began to gather they slipped out and flew to Las Vegas to wed. Elvis and Priscella returned to the home to begin their honeymoon, and lived there for many months.

One of the things I love most about the home is that it simply sits at the end of a "regular" neighborhood cul-de-sac. Not perched high on a hill, not hidden behind a large iron gate... as if reminding us that "regular" people are entitled to an imaginative life too.

I recently heard a quote by John Cheever, that I can't seem to shake --

"The uptown slums are being demolished but the rectangular tenements that replace them have not a trace of invention. Their bleakness is absolute. No man has ever dreamed of a city of such monotonous severity and there must be some bond between our houses and our dreams."

For me, words to live by.

Give, receive

2011-03-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

Now through next week,
I'll be donating 30% of proceeds from all sales to Red Cross relief efforts in Japan.

Limited Edition "Tokyo Garden" prints are new to the shop, at a special price of $15 for an 8x10 Metallic print.

Shop Roadside Photographs on etsy, or Able And Baker,
and know that your purchase will truly provide a gift that keeps on giving...

A number of artists and organizations are trying to raise funds for relief efforts.
To name a few:

Abby Try Again Alicia Bock TOTA Press (via Heartfish) W+K Studio (via Sfgirlbybay)
Chronicle Books Bakesale for Japan (San Francisco)

Thanks everyone!

Searching for Sunshine

2011-03-14T15:55:00.001-07:00

This week, I'm hoping to find some time to revisit my Palm Springs photos. There are still at least a few I'd like to work on and share with you. I figure a little extra sunshine can do us all some good, yes?

Friday's Found - A Home

2011-03-11T09:26:00.001-08:00

Today marks the beginning of a new feature on this little photography blog - Friday's Found (err, you know, that's the working title anyway.) Each Friday I'll share a found photograph with you, in hopes of further celebrating how photography can enrich our lives.

Whenever I visit thrift stores or antique shops, I really enjoy looking through bins and boxes of photographs and paper ephemera. Found photographs have an air of mystery about them, and whether they incite laughter, admiration, or a gentle heartache, they spark a sense of curiosity and wonder that makes me feel in-the-moment alive and part of a common humanity. And I like that.

I discovered today's Found photograph in an antiques shop in Northern California while on a daytrip with family (a daytrip that brought me this, this, and this.) At the time, Josh and I were several months into our new vagabond life -- a transitional period that would last one-and-a-half years. Who knew...

Though I enjoyed staying with family and friends (and hope to never forget the warm beds and generosity they provided us) some days I secretly wanted to press fast-forward and arrive at a day when we would share a home of our own once again. As I stood in the antiques shop looking at photos of families, and homes, and families in homes, my heart did ache just a bit.

Josh and I had just sold a home that we built together, and I quietly feared that we would never have an opportunity like that again. And then...I found this photograph. The heartache turned to feelings of excitement mixed with a romantic notion of just starting out, together -- the kind of feelings that suddenly turn a life's adventure into a life's grande adventure... Why not put the fears aside and go forth faithfully, capably and confidently? Like a friendly voice that says go ahead, go on, give it a try or a hand that gently waves you on, this photograph offered me reassurance.

I don't know anything about the people in this photograph, but it appears to document a markedly joyful moment in their lives together. The couple might have been much like me and Josh, at least that's what I like to imagine. I see the "For Sale" sign and I think of two people finding a perfect spot to build their lives. And if they really were anything like us, they would find themselves covered in sawdust and paint so many times that when they actually lived their days in this home, they couldn't help but to occasionally see past the walls and ornament, and recall the supportive structure they had formed together.

As it turns out, more than one year after that memorable moment in the antiques shop, Josh and I will be moving into a home of our own this very weekend -- and we are as thrilled as that couple standing under the For Sale sign. I look forward to sharing pictures, and telling you more about our new home soon.

I love that in this photograph, the sun was at a spot to prominately cast the photographer's shadow. Josh and I have had loved ones with us every step of the way, and our picture would not be complete without them, either.

I hope you all enjoy a wonderful weekend...

(P.s. It's somewhat bittersweet to share my excitement about our new home on this particular day, while so many people in Japan have suffered such sudden destruction and loss. I wish everyone love, warmth, and shelter, and can't help but to think that, although we often expect it to, shelter as a basic need does not always come easy. It seems that on each day we have been provided with it we are blessed, and I hope to always remember to remember this.)

The Missile

2011-03-10T15:46:00.001-08:00

3-2-1...

blast off!

(P.s. Thanks to those of you who commented on "Possible Pairings" -- #2 it is! I really enjoyed your comments.)

Possible Pairings - What do You Think?

2011-03-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while, a client will ask me for suggestions on which photographs to pair together. I really enjoy the process of finding just the right pair, trio, or quartet for a specific room or environment. Depending on how the photographs are paired, the overall color tones can go a variety of directions. Sometimes, simply the way the photographs are arranged on a wall can dramatically change how they play off of each other.

When working on photos, I discover that certain ones work together naturally -- usually they were shot around the same period of time or are part of a series. However, one of the most exciting things for me is to see what You pick out, and how you choose to pair or arrange my work. Sometimes You discover a combination that had never occurred to me, and I love it!

Yesterday I started working on a new promotional postcard, which essentially has four photographs on the front, and my contact info on the back -- basically a postcard sized business card. If you've ever purchased photographs from me, one of these postcards might be hanging on your fridge or bulletin board (or shuffled in a stack of papers) at this very moment.

So, here are a couple of versions of the new card-- Before I send one off to the printer, I'd love to know -- Which is your favorite? They're all similar, but different!

Thanks for your input, I hope you've enjoyed being a part of today's creative process...!

California Orange

2011-03-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

Exhibtion + New Work at SFMOMA Artists Gallery

2011-02-28T14:28:00.000-08:00

The week's off to a sunny start, and I have two bits of new to share... I've been invited to participate in a Bay Area exhibition curated by Carrie Lederer of Bedford Gallery, and Steve Pon of SFMOMA Artists Gallery.

"Habitat: Explorations of Home and Shelter in Contemporary Art"
California Bank of Commerce
3595 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Second Floor
Lafayette, CA

20x30 prints of "Life in Lemon Yellow" and "Valley of the Moon Apartments" are on view through May 13, 2011. I attended the Opening Reception on Thursday, and really enjoyed the work of Kerri Lee Johnson, Tyler Bewley, Mary Bayard White, Michelle Nye, Terry Hoff, Jeannie O'Connor (to name just a few!) and encourage you to check out their work.

Also... "Life in Lemon Yellow" and "Palm Springs Imperial" are now available for rental or purchase at SFMOMA Artists Gallery in Fort Mason Center (San Francisco). The Gallery is in such a beautiful space with gorgeous views of the Golden Gate -- if you're in San Francisco you really must visit! Also, you might like their new blog, here.

Thanks everyone...

A few more on Sale...

2011-02-21T11:38:00.001-08:00

I just added two new Paris prints to the Sale Section of my Etsy shop. Every once in a while I like to try out new paper types or printing methods, and such would be the case with these two prints. These are high quality Giclee prints from a professional photolab, just 1 print of each photograph available.

I add photographs to the Sale Section pretty often, and at the moment there are 23 highly discounted prints looking for a good home. Thanks to those of you who have participated so far...!

(And, whether work-day or holiday, Happy Monday to You!)

"Museum Girl" 10-1/2" x 14" Giclee Print ($20)

"le Peacock" 10-1/2" x 14" Giclee Print ($26)

Feeling Frenchy, A Sale...

2011-02-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

Josh and I have spent this holiday weekend hiding out from the rain, at work in our shop. While he's been busy in the woodshop, I've rearranged our showroom and inventoried prints. I've sorted through stacks of prints from past years, and I must tell you... I really want to see more of this world.

I can hardly believe that its been almost six years since my Mom and I had our Parisian adventure. We spent most of April 2005 exploring that magical city, and each Spring since, I feel a gentle urge to return. And when I look at these photographs, I'm transported, still...

This weekend I've added prints from my Paris series to the Sale section of my etsy shop. Print prices are highly discounted (as low as $5!) and in most cases, there is only one specially-priced print of each photo available. So if you see something you like, go for it! Proceeds will directly benefit this photographer's travel fund (and when the time comes, I promise I'll send a postcard!)

Thanks everyone, I hope you're enjoying a wonderful weekend!

"Autocar" 8x12, 10x15 prints (Sale $10-$20)

"Hand in Hand, Paris" 11x14 Premium Glossy Print, Matted to 16x20 (Sale $80)

"Aux Mouches" 8x10 metallic Print Matted to 11x14 (Sale $30)

"Finding My Way, Paris" 6x9 Metallic Print (Sale $10)

"A Spring Day, Paris" 8x10 Metallic Print Matted to 16x20 (Sale $30)

"Stop 'n Watch" 6x9 Metallic Print (Sale $5)

"The Checkered Path" 8x10 Metallic Print (Sale $15)

"Piano Street" 8x10 Premium Glossy Print (Sale $20)

"Ave. de New York" 10x15 Matte Print (Sale $15)

Side by Side

2011-02-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

You'd think I'd know my photographs pretty well by now, but they still continue to surprise me. Today, in the process of inventorying prints, I discovered a new pairing that's making me really happy. I've probably seen these two together a hundred times, but today's the day their togetherness struck me...

Motel Bel Air + Skycab, no.2 = such the happy couple

Shadow of the Moon

2011-02-18T13:46:00.000-08:00

Valley of the Moon Apartments, revisited...

Imagination is Everything

2011-02-16T10:31:00.000-08:00

"Imagination is everything..."
-Albert Einstein

(I don't know if it's "everything" exactly, but it sure comes in handy...)

you = music.

2011-02-14T12:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my handsome young husband / favorite DJ.
(photo circa 2000.)

(p.s. Happy Love day to all of you...!)

Saturday Thrifting

2011-02-12T17:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Weekend to You!

Head First

2011-02-07T16:26:00.001-08:00

"dive deep and swim far..."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Snooty Fox

2011-02-03T14:49:00.001-08:00

A Quick Hello...

2011-02-02T09:25:00.001-08:00

For the Modern Library

2011-01-24T09:34:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed that my posts have been a bit infrequent lately. What have I been up to? Well, I'll tell ya. I've been up to my ears in books. Beautifully worn books.

Those of you who follow along with my Able And Baker endeavors may know that in December, Josh and I started building "Modern Library Storage Bins" in our woodshop ("Stylish storage for cd's, dvd's, magazines, papers, and other much loved clutter.")

These Bins have really grown into a labor of love and dedication, and we're thrilled at the response we've received from enthusiastic customers across the country. We even received a mention in the Ventura County Star for our efforts to reuse materials.

This weekend, the Able + Baker woodshop was in full force production mode. Parts for the Library Bins were cut, assembled, sanded, waxed, re-sanded, and re-waxed. Book spines were organized according to size and color, and each Bin was artfully arranged.

I must tell you, I love these Bins. Each Bin is one-of-a-kind special. Though it's bittersweet to part with them, I am quite excited to ship the finished products to customers!

Modern Library Storage Bins are available for purchase in our Able + Baker shop, and my etsy shop. We'll continue our "Pre-Order" pricing for a few more days.

I'll be photographing more of the finished bins tomorrow, and look forward to sharing the pictures with you. Thanks for allowing me to share this part of my life and work with you, I'm happy you're here!

(P.s. Our Bins are available for wholesale purchase too, so if you know of any shops or boutiques who might like to carry them, please let us know...!)

Thanks everyone, Happy Monday!

Super Sale Sunday

2011-01-23T12:17:00.001-08:00

Hello out there...

I'm in the mood for Spring Cleaning, so I've listed some Super Sale Prints in my etsy shop.

These 10x15 Metallic Prints are now just $40 (Reg. $120 - $180)
These prints are mounted on a double weight matte board, and ready to simply prop on a shelf to display, or frame and hang!

Thanks everyone, Happy Sunday!