Art Friday

As part of getting in touch with my artistic side, I am going to do assignments from (Sister) Corita Kent's, Learning by Heart. If you don't know about Sister Corita there is an amazing exhibit of her work at the Museum of Craft and Folk Art which ends June 5.

The first assignment is:
For one week look at the shadows in one corner of the room in which you are sitting. Sit in the same place every day for fifteen minutes and the write everything you see about the shadows. Record their changes in color, size, and shape. Then take something that doesn't change. Look at a part of the object for fifteen minutes and record what you see.

I will show you what I come up with next Friday. 

In the mean time, some examples of Corita's work.

An Organic Farm

One of my clients has many green resources and one of them is being friends with Linda Butler of Lindencroft Farm. I took a field trip today to go over what flowers and edibles could be used for the the wedding which will be in August. It was fun and educational. The farm is tucked away in the hills near Santa Cruz where Linda has built up many raised beds along the hillside allowing for easy navigation through her gardens. I definitely have garden envy but not so sure if I am ready to move out to the hills, yet.

Below are a couple sampling that will be in the arrangements for the wedding along with some Sunflowers, Zinnias, Kale and Lettuce.

Bolted Parsley

Bronze Fennel

Fantastic Finds?

As wedding season is upon us (and hopefully the good weather too!) I have many clients this year (yippi!) who I will be doing beautiful fresh flower bouquets for. However, it is always good to see what alternatives are out there to the real thing. There are so many options today which can be exciting and daunting at the same time. So, I did a quick Etsy search and found some interesting things.

Exhibit A:
A beautifully beaded flower bouquet. I think this very classy and something that can saved or even passed on. However, be prepared for a hefty price tag...though I am sure well worth it for all the time it took to make it.

Exhibit B:
Behold, the magical shimmer (& velvet curtain)...enough said.

Exhibit C:
This would have been perfect for the royal wedding!

Art Friday

As I started this business, I wasn't sure where it would go but I knew I wanted it to be something unique. The vision is starting to become clearer as time goes on and the deeper I dive into this whole entrepreneurial and art world. Lately I have met so many creative people in various stages of their careers who are so inspirational and in turn motivate me to do more.

Along those lines here are two artist that I recently discovered that are doing some unique things with their art.

Hattie Newman - I discovered her on DesignSponge. Her art is playful and colorful and is oozing creativity.  Her work is used in a variety of ways from sets, print to events. Something to aspire to for sure.

From Japan the world of Ikebana is Hiroyuki Kado a artist who uses florals to create pieces that are sculptural as well as architectural.

Green-eco chic, March 2009 (Love the BDDW mirrors to the right)

Just love this one and the interesting use of leaves. 

A Blog to Watch

My dear friend Natalie Soderbom has started her own design blog. She is one to watch so bookmark her blog for more design related stories. With her experience in the home goods industry she has a lot to share as well as her roots in California and her growing roots with Sweden, her husband's home country.

http://nataliesoderbom.blogspot.com/

It's Been So Long

It's been so long since I have blogged, and I am very sorry. I am always trying to turn over a new leaf and that will start today.

So, this is what's been happening:

My passion for art has gotten a boost with my acceptance into the Art In Storefronts program with the San Francisco Arts Commission. The winning proposal: Trashformation

The launch party is tonight from 5 to 7 pm on Market Street and my installation is at 1155 Market in the San Francisco Public Utilities building. I have also created a website to go along with more butterflies and information on me and my artistic side. 

Click {here} to see it. 

Gilliflower is growing and I am excited to say that I have many new jobs this summer and fall and will be sharing them when they happen. I have also been very involved with Locally Grown Weddings, your creative team of green services to take your wedding from start to finish while you sit back and relax. Check out the site, Locally Grown Weddings. We have done a couple photo shoots and I am excited to share those photos very soon as they are gorgeous. 

So, come back soon to check out the new happenings. I hope to have some more installation pieces and beautiful events to share. Gilliflower is the place where art and events collide to create unique events. 

Talk to you soon.

Madeline (+Gus - my one employee)