Friday, November 26, 2010

Holiday Trunk Show

Bring an unwrapped toy for a 3-10 year old child to be donated to SLO Child Development Center and be entered to win a fabulous gift from CRAFTINISTA.
Shop amazing designers, support the local economy, drink wine
& feel good about yourself.
It's a win-win!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Feelin' Thankful?


If you are anything like me and you are blessed with the prospect of a delicious meal on thursday and a warm sweater on your back and you are feeling like paying it forward, you can help out the People's Kitchen who is hosting a huge dinner for our local community members in need of a thanksgiving meal.  The Kitchen needs a few more things:
hams
desserts
& some celery
Or, you can give them a ring at 805.544.2333
Trader Joe's is a great spot to score beautiful spiral cut hams and pies.  Kannyn and I went in on a pumpkin pie and a ham and it cost us just 17 bucks each!  All you gotta do is pick up a few extras when you are doing your holiday food shopping and drop them off at the Vet's Hall (the big brick building on Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo).  You'll find the volunteers around the back getting ready for their feast on thursday.   
Happy Thanksgiving, y'all.  Ain't life grand?
XO, St. deVille

Monday, August 23, 2010

Ch Ch Ch Changes!

Our former leader
 I was looking for some quotes about change; you know something profound that would sum up everything happening with Craftinista, and my life for that matter. But then I realized that posting some nice, neat, pre-packaged quote was a cop out! I mean for Pete’s (Christ’s, whom-ever’s) sake I’m a creative person, and the new leader of Craftinista, I should be able to write a qwippy little blog entry!

Then I had an epiphany! Maybe I’m intimidated to fill April’s shoes for a reason! Let’s face it, the woman is intimidating! It’s not like she’s mean or anything but you always knew she could kick your ass! And not just literally! She’s a wife, a mother, an artist, an activist, a philanthropist, a fierce writer and now, it turns out, a fire starter! She’s got balls! In the air that is and she just added another (grad school) so something had to give… and that was Craftinista. Now I’m here holding said ball and wondering what to do first! So I guess this would be my first Craftinista duty, writing a blog entry and introducing myself! 

Hi my name is Cindy and I’m a craft-aholic! It’s been 2 days since my last craft binge. For those of you who don’t know me I’m one of the founding members of Craftinista and the creator of sweetBella jewelry and fluffy muffin soft goods. While there have been many and probably will be more changes for Craftinista, one thing will remain the same... our philosophy and purpose! 

“We believe in art, love, harmony and creating an economy where artists share their inspiration through gorgeous creations and feed their families in the meantime.”

Regards,
Caporegime
 
PS - Good luck April, Craftinista thanks you for your loyal service and wishes you the best of luck with grad school. Watch out Cal Poly, she can kick your ass!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Goodbye, My Loves


A Sampling of Goodbyes

1) That empty goodbye that leaves you bewildered as you watch a friendship collapse upon itself like a dying star so so so far from the possible rescue of words or gestures.
2) The stinging goodbye; the one that burns your heart with a death or a lie that leaves no possible path back to hello.
3) The melancholy goodbye; like leaving a bad vacation only to return to an even worse job.  Like getting dumped by a guy that you never really liked anyway (besides, he smelled funny).
4) The sweet goodbye that is veiled in a promise of a returned hello decorated with an embrace, some food and loads of delicious stories.
5) The full goodbye; the one that leaves you smiling as you walk away with the knowledge that you have done good, that what you are leaving behind is growing without you and what you are walking toward is a whole new world chock full of shiny new outcomes.  

And so I say, adieu, CRAFTINISTA & fans. 
The Godfather is jumping ship to explore new shores (i.e. graduate school) while the ship sails on.  

I am flying away now.
Wish me luck.

*Painting Fleeting Romance by Julie Knudsen.  Julie will be showing her paintings at San Luis Art Supply throughout July.  Reception July 9th 6-9.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

CRAFTINISTA Gives Back

CRAFTINISTA got a letter today from the Prado Day Center thanking us for the wonderful box of brand new art supplies that now enliven their playroom.  At the bottom of the form letter was a bold hand written note from Dee Torres, the Director of Homeless Services that reads: Thank you SO much!  I have been smiling all day imagining the children who visit the day center each month ripping open the packages of new paper, the gorgeous boxes of prisma colors, the tubs of vibrant paints.  So, I want to extend that thank you to all of the donors of the last trunk show and San Luis Art Supply for Neale's generous donation as well as carrying art supplies for the event.
Your generosity is lovely.  

The Prado Day Center provides meals, showers, lockers, bus tokens, laundry facilities, health care, a children's room for naps, employment support and overnight protection during harsh weather to thousands of homeless individuals each year.  Of those who visit the center each year, 36% are 17 or younger.  56% have lived in SLO county for five years or more.  54% became homeless for the first time in 2009*.  Prado Day Center also works with the YMCA and City Parks and Recreation to offer activities to children, and now, they have some wonderful new art supplies to enjoy.  

And that is a beautiful thing. 

*stats courtesy of Prado Day Center 43 Prado Road in San Luis Obispo. 805.786.0617 or click on their website link above to check the list of desired items.
**photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical Society

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Pictures from the Road

Photographs by Houry Semerdian

Reception at Salon 544 
544 Higuera in SLO
Friday July 2
6-9

Houry's work is incredible.  I have two hanging in my home.
In a world full of digitally altered images, her shots ring out.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Goings On

We residents of San Luis Obispo often mutter about the lack of 'stuff to do' (well, I don't because I have a 3 year old and I suffer from the opposite affliction) BUT, in case you were starting to feel culturally starved, have I got some news for you! Okay, go get a pen, position it over your open hand, and write this down:
Thursday June 3rd
CRAFTINISTA's Summer Shop Local Event and Benefit
(see previous post for duh-tails)

Friday June 4th
A Reason To Live Lowbrow Art Exhibit
Coalition skate shop in SLO at 947 Monterey
6.30-9.30
featuring killer works by local, or formerly local, artists including CRAFTINISTA's resident graphic designer & hired muscle,
Joshua Jesse

Don't ever say I never did nothin' for ya!
xoxox




Wednesday, April 21, 2010

"Nevermind what's been selling, it's what you're buying." -Fugazi

CRAFTINISTA believes not only in promoting local designers, but also in doing good for our community. We like to mix our business with philanthropy because it feels right, and because we know that building strong supportive communities begins with us.
Please join us Thursday June 3rd at Picking Daisies in the Creamery downtown between 5-7.30 for our Spring/Summer buy local shopping event and benefit for the children's room at the Prado Day Center. Bring new art supplies to be donated to the children at the center and be entered to win a gift made with love by one of CRAFTINISTA's designers. We get really fired up about our events, and can't wait to see you all there!
And please, if you like what we're doing, spread the word!
*CRAFTINISTA endorses buying your art supplies at locally owned San Luis Art Supply. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Viva C.Bennett

when i first met c. bennett (cory anderson) he was at a cafe sporting a hoodie with an embroidered twin pop above the pocket. now, my father is an incredible embroiderer. in the 70s he had this green vest with a huge griffin sewn into it that i revered, it was groovy, to say the least, but i, on the other hand, could not sew myself out of a...what? a paper bag? a prom dress? a straight jacket? anyway, i digress, so, this mr. bennett tells me that the twin pop is in fact a pocket for an ipod. so, not only was this a mad brilliant use of DIY action, it was a hip display of a heartfelt symbol, too. that twin pop said to me that here was someone who saw the reward in sharing (after all, that was the point of those delicious chilled confections, no?), someone who saw himself as a part of something bigger, someone that loved humor and childhood all mixed up with practicality and whimsy. i liked that. so, without further ado, meet c.bennett, artist, designer, photographer, embroiderer and newest 'nista.

click on his photo to link to c.bennett's beautiful website.
( i never use the terms 'beautiful' and 'website' in the same sentence, so that actually means something)

*photo courtesy of c.bennett 'the saddest circle is a square' t-shirt by c.bennett.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Eggs, Art & Changing the World

You know that feeling, when everything happens at once, like you have been sitting on this egg for frigging ever, wondering if it is going to hatch or just hard boil? Well, a couple weeks ago, my, your loving Godfather's, egg hatched and out sprung an acceptance letter to Cal Poly's Master in Public Policy program 2010 and a gorgeously painted model named Alysia Hendry, who will now grace the cool exterior of a bottle of 1800 tequila as a part of their artist bottle series. ( I feel I can say the model was gorgeously painted without emanating too much obnoxious braggadocio, because when a collaborative work of art is so lovely, it almost feels ego free.) So, enough about me, life in general is getting exciting to say the least as the support local movement continues to grow here in SLO county. This Saturday March 20th, CRAFTINISTA is hosting an indie shopping event at Carve, the annual all women's surf contest in Cayucos starting at 11 am. I am also pleased to announce that Picking Daisies in the Creamery downtown will host CRAFTINISTA's Spring/Summer trunk show on Thursday June 3rd. Finally, for all of you localistas, I stumbled upon this cool local organization that deserves a big fat shout out for the local DIY community called Upcycle SLO, whose blog is filled with events and great tips. Also, if you haven't found Neal yet (you'll want to pet his beard, I am just warning you so you are not overtaken by the urge unawares), and his killer art store (dry those tears from the loss of Law's 'cause this little shop packs a punch!) check out San Luis Art Supply; run by a real artist, and a good one, too-plus, he can order anything you need, although his grasp of the basics from everything from brushes to silk screening materials is so scaled down functional, it will blow your mind. Plus, he also uses his shop like a gallery that features local artists. 1116 Morro, right next door to Baxter Moerman, the most incredible jewelry design studio and retail space in town featuring streamlined organic and classic pieces; a must look, and the Granada Bistro featuring a great little wine list, a decor straight out of 1960s Paris and serving up CRAFTINISTA's own, Amy Bakes Cupcakes. So, in a nutshell, as each day passes and I see more and more local good stuff coming to fruition. One of my heroines, Margaret Mead says it best; "Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Saturday, February 6, 2010

My Experience With Embodiment

When I showed up on thursday morning to paint my models for the Embodiment human canvas show that is being put on by Native Lounge in downtown SLO, I was not sure what to expect. I had formulated a few ideas after selecting my models at the casting call, but, as a painter, I knew that ideas can only really be treated as a starting point, because once you begin, anything can happen. Painting on human beings, of course, throws in another element of inspiration, and I was prepared to evolve with what came next. What I did not expect was the incredible exchange, for lack of a better term, of energy between myself and my models. Dragging paint across another human being with a soft brush, focusing intently on the desire to connect with another body by allowing myself to read the skin, the personality, the shape of muscle and bone to transcend the realm of static art into something completely and totally alive. The way the paint would dry on a hair or over a scar all became part of my adoration for my models. Each line, each color, completely chosen by my own interpretation of their being. I felt intense amounts of boundless love for my models, not jaded by words or judgements, but as two people, artist and muse, forming that instant bond that has shaped art and design from the very beginning. And being in a room full of all of this electric energy, the banter of the models, the deep focus of the artists, was totally electrifying. I felt a deep love for humanity that day; the pleasure of beauty, adornment, comraderie and complete freedom of expression. As an artist, I felt the freedom to move with color inspired by the moment, and I witnessed the models absorb all of the deeply felt creative juices of their artists and become more than human, they became beauty itself.

*click on native's link to find out about the next Embodiment Shows. Photo courtesy of Joshua Jesse. Model Josh painted by Peter Worley.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Fadanistas

I watched a documentary last night entitled Fado. It was a collection of performances done by Portuguese Fado singers or Fadanistas; Fado being Portuguese for destiny or fate. The songs were heartfelt and crooning; graceful trills emanated from deep inside the singers' bodies only to be released through mouths quivering with emotion. These Fadanistas, their eyes would be shut, their faces turned upward as though the only escape from their longing, their heartbreak, was to send this sound up into the ether to be consumed by the sky. The words used in these songs have no real direct translation into English, but convey messages of deep emotions; longing for homeland, jealousy, love, passion, revenge, and betrayal. I noticed 'fado' was used as a noun, a verb and an adjective. (Lila Downs sings of being more 'fado' than another woman competing for her man, and wins him back because she could sing fado, and that made her a real woman.) When the first singer used the term 'Fadanista', I immediately thought of Craftinista and the many definitions that surround our moniker. Craftinista is beyond what it initially implies: crafts for sale. Craftinista also translates to local economy, harmonizing with our community, support for local artists, demonstrating strength in numbers, rejection of poor working conditions, networking, taking an active role in our lives, bringing awareness to the money that we spend, creating beautiful things and sharing them with the people that surround us. We are a group of professional designers who run businesses, but together, we are not a business, we are an idea in action. We are our own sweet piece of the revolution.*


*revolution refers to a regime change; the change I refer to is the shift from over-dependence on 'box' stores back to a more balanced marketplace where locally made goods are able to compete for consumer dollars.