Two Weeks In An Instant

Images Clockwise, Left to Right:
1. Our littlest cat Etta has been really bad lately. Knocking over my treasures, trying to escape...you name it, she's been trying to do it. Luckily, Ethan caught her before she knocked over a glass cloche. I was there to capture his moment of victory, and yet another cloche is safe from the paws of our kitten.
2. How about this weather!? Aside from the down pour over the weekend, I have really been enjoying early spring in Asheville. I am really loving the light in the late afternoons, just before the sun goes down. We've been trying to take advantage of the pockets of time we have together til Ethan has finished the semester, and that includes small journeys through the mountains. This is a random country road between here and Marshall.
3. We were by the park recently, and look what came waddling by! Seriously one of the cutest things.
4. A few weeks ago we attended the gallery opening for our friend Erin Brethauer's photography show at The Artery. Erin's work is truly magical. She's super talented and we are lucky to call her a good friend. And although it was just a quick run, Erin's work received a lot of well deserved attention. You can read an article from the Mountain Xpress here and be sure to see more of her work by clicking here to navigate her website.
5. And finally, a little love for Pizza Pura in the River Arts District. We stopped by for lunch one afternoon and fell in love with their tastily crafted pizzas, as well as the gelato made in-house. Definitely check it out if you haven't yet!

Images Clockwise, Left to Right:
1. Two images I found while sifting through books at the Battery Park Book Exchange. They come from a book called "Down Home," by Bob Adelman which details rural life in Camden, Alabama. An absolutely beautiful book with tons of wonderful images. The billboard warning against moonshine is amazing, don't you think?
2. Etta's morning routine, she stretches like this every morning when I make breakfast.
3. The most amazing candlestick in the whole world. Found at Oddfellows, of course!
4. Lots of fun coral!
5. We had a delivery to Athens, Georgia this past week. We couldn't have asked for better weather, and Athens is beautiful in the springtime. This shot was taken from our table at a restaurant called Pulaski Heights BBQ, and I didn't want to leave this spot. The restaurant is tucked away in the neighborhood of Pulaski Heights, and this trackside spot is so idyllic. Not to mention the awesome barbeque.

T's Ten, Artwork Edition! 4/21

Here's a little tidbit for you. Before my days at Oddfellows, even before my days in Asheville, I lived, worked, and went to school in Atlanta. I moved to Atlanta in 2002 to attend Oglethorpe University and four years later, came away with a Bachelor's Degree in Art History. And while I have long since abandoned academia and writing about art, I still harbor an intense love for art in general. Which got me thinking, and looking around the warehouse. We've got some pretty great artwork on our walls. Perhaps not to be found in Gardner's Art Through The Ages, but relevant and beautiful all the same. Plus, having recently updated our own gallery wall in the house, I am still constantly on the hunt for interesting pieces to include in our collection. I definitely had fun compiling these 9 choices (yes...only 9, as my 10th entry has left the building!), and in the process realized how much my taste has changed over the years. Bear with me as I delve into a subject that I haven't written about in a loooong time, and enjoy!

1. Asheville is certainly an artist's town. With the River Arts District, as well as the awesome galleries downtown (Blue Spiral 1 and Black Mountain College Museum are favorites for me), there are plenty of opportunities to view and appreciate art. Even luckier, then, that Penland School of Crafts is just a day trip away. This woodblock print by Penland artist Judith Grenell is a new favorite of mine. Completed in 1965, what I love most about this work are the contrasting cubist shapes of the artist's work table. If you look closely, you can see different ceramic objects interspersed throughout. Definitely a sophisticated piece to add to your collection. Dealer #133, Woodblock Print by Judith Grenell, $395.

2. This oil painting is simple, yet idyllic all at once. I love the setting; summertime by the river certainly strikes a chord living in Asheville. Look closely, and you'll see a row boat with two passengers aboard. Everything feels still and unmoving, and has a calming effect. And as much as I love large scale work, I equally love smaller paintings that can pull me in too. Dealer #150, Oil Painting, $85

 

3. In contrast, this British seascape is full of movement and excitement. Those birds moving about, the flurry of greyish white clouds, even the movement of the water provoke memories of being on the coast, sound-side. It's almost as if you can hear the waves close by. The colors are bright and vibrant, but there's something about that darker grey cloud that keeps me wondering what's to come. Dealer #44 Seascape, $145.

 4. Never in a million years would I have thought I'd be writing about a still life with appreciation. This girl was a major lover of modern art, particularly entranced with performance art and feminist art from the 1970s. I struggled through the Renaissances-both Italian and Northern (I've since learned to adore the Dutch Golden Age...verdict is still out on Italy). But I've come a long way, and this still life is here to prove it. But it's not quite the ordinary still life, is it? I think what I love about it is that super weird, misshaped jawbone sticking out like a sore thumb on the left. It's all pretty vases with flowers, and then boom. Where did that weirdo come from? Also I love the texture of this painting, in its slight deterioration it gives a lot of contrast that I like. Dealer #140 Still Life Oil Painting, $95.

5. Now for something entirely different than the British oils, this mid-century modern print edition is a new favorite. It has an industrial quality about it that I can appreciate, but what I love most are the vibrant greens and blues that explode throughout the right side. Dealer #83, Mid-century Print, $149.

 6. Another segment of painting that went unappreciated in my early 20s, I am now enthralled with portraiture. More than any other form of art, I am intrigued with the kind of stories that can be concocted just by looking at a portrait. You immediately begin to wonder about the person, their history, and your own ideas of who they were/are begin to form. I might have featured this painting before, and am quite honestly surprised I haven't brought it home yet. I love everything about this piece, from the giant turban, to the colorful beadwork/textile on the shoulders, right down to the tiny spectacles. Even the teal background does it for me. Such a bold statement, and the scale is perfect too since it's a little on the larger side. #NYA, Signed Portrait, $399.

 7. While we're on the subject of amazing portraits, I may as well include this crazy awesome hand-painted portrait from India. It's painted on glass and framed with simple, yet elegant carved wood. This portrait is all about color, from the bright yellow background, to the tomato red turban, and even the facial hair is somehow vibrant. As a portrait it's certainly a little flat, but I think that's what I love about it. It immediately draws the eye in and begs for attention. #44 Portrait from India, $95.

 8. Descriptions like "meticulous" and "attention to detail" immediately come to mind when I look at this 19th century steel engraving. This is simply impeccable work, and I can't explain my attraction to it without mentioning said attention to detail. Featuring a general atop his horse, this engraving painstakingly details the uniform, sword, even every horsehair with a sophisticated touch. You'll have to come see this in person to truly appreciate how great this print truly is. #Dealer #133, 19th c. Steel Engraving, $95.

9. Admittedly talking about photography is not easy for me, mostly because my undergrad program breezed past it. And because of that, I've always been a little stumped when it comes to expressing what I like about it. But I can say without doubt that I adore this black and white photo print. It really evokes an old world nostalgia with me, probably in large part because of the antique bicycles. And like the portraits, I immediately want to know about these men. What were their names? How the heck did they ride those bikes without falling? Dealer #150, Bicycle Photo Print, $38.

 Because my 10th selection went missing, here's a sneak peek at our gallery wall. I still contend that it needs a little something more, but for now this will do. Please note in the bottom right corner, a cat with a cone around its head..haha. Anyway, in case you're curious, a bit about the art here, left to right: 1. This is a folk art textile I found in my hometown, featuring a farmer with a herd of cattle and titled "Francisco H" at the bottom, 2. While at an internship at the High Museum, I was given the task of cleaning out an office, and told I could keep whatever I found. I hit the jackpot with this poster, featuring Russian advertisements, 3. Our little deer, 4. Metal ampersand from Mary's Antiques in Greensboro, NC, 4. handmade "T&E" sign that hung on the tree above our heads while Ethan and I got married!, 5. a 1960s print that I bought from a dealer at my favorite antique store in the world (Oddfellows), 6. A framed Indian portrait like the one featured above, 7. Mixed media textile/print from the 1970s, and 8. A framed 1960s party mask, which happens to be the second thing I ever bought from Oddfellows over 3 years ago!

Kudu Lovin'

Happy Weekend! We're having a busy one at Oddfellows, but I had to share these great photos with you. The kudu that has graced our front room wall has finally found a new home in Burlington, VT thanks to customers and new friends Jason and Heather. Thanks for letting me share guys!

Week In An Instant

Images Clockwise, Left to Right:
1. A few weekends ago we attended {Re}Happening, an event celebrating Black Mountain College Museum with performance art and installations. Ethan was asked to DJ a portion of the event, and I volunteered at the ticket booth. It was a beautiful evening, filled with lots of talented, creative friends. The even was at Camp Rockmount, the former site of Black Mountain College...such a beautiful spot.
2. Another shot from {Re}Happening, this architectural piece was truly inspiring.
3. A cute Japanese paper box that I found this week at my favorite store in Asheville...Oddfellows, of course!
4. I'm really enjoying springtime, especially with all of the beautiful plants, trees, etc. springing back to life. I especially loved looking at this Cherry Blossom tree at dusk.
5. New brassy animals have also been popping up in our house lately. I've always been a collector, and in my adult life I've amassed quite a collection of brass animals. This is no doubt the result of my mom, whose own brass collection is pretty awesome.

T's Ten, Week of 4/7/13

Somehow I've only just discovered the Panorama option on my phone's camera. Lucky for you, then, because you can see a few fun shots of the shop. Pretty cool, huh?!? And now..here are my favorite picks for this week.

 1. This watchmaker's cabinet is by far one of the coolest things in the shop right now, and it just arrived today. Look at those tiny drawers! The enamel drawer pulls are too cute, and the hand carved quality of the cabinet is a must see as well. It would certainly make an unusual, yet elegant writing table or would even work in an entryway as a twist on the traditional console table. Dealer #076, Watchmaker's Cabinet, $428.

2. Aren't these tin tiles beautiful? These are great to use as a backsplash in a kitchen for a sophisticated, architectural touch. I think they would also be well used on the wall for a bit of texture. Dealer #150, Tin Tiles (two smaller squares are $75 ea, larger tile $175).

3. If this lamp isn't functional, then I don't know what is! Not only can it be used as a small end table, it also has a magazine rack at the bottom. A mid-century three-in-one, if you will. I love the minimal, industrial quality as well. I would use this in our bedroom, particularly since there's a growing stack of magazines on my side of the bed. Dealer #444, Mid-century End Table with Lamp, $69.

 4. I'm digging this mirror that came in earlier in the week. I love the carved, gilded gold frame. It has a classic, sophisticated look about it, which is further complimented by the oxidation of the mirror. I like mirrors well enough, but add some oxidation and I'm in love. Dealer #08, Antique Mirror, $90.

 5. I hope I'm not jinxing anything by saying this but...I think spring is officially here! With that in mind, I always have big plans for our yard (which rarely come to fruition, as I lack a green thumb). This year I'm planning on focusing on small projects, like a contained herb garden. Which is where this hand-painted pot comes in! I love what the dealer (Sally, from Once More Decor) has done to spruce up this terracotta pot. Just in time for those of you with an actual green thumb! Dealer #OMD, Hand-Painted Pot, $24.50.

 6. Check out this cute little concrete lion! I might have to snatch him up for our porch to keep our other concrete animals company. If not on the porch, wouldn't he be just as fun as a decorative object on a bookcase? Dealer #03, Concrete Lion, $48.

 7. This mid-century office chair from the late 50s/early 60s is pretty awesome. I love its functionality, but even better, its weathered naugahyde cushion provides a classic look when juxtaposed with the industrial frame. I much prefer this kind of chair paired with a cool desk more than the bulkier variety found at office supply stores nowadays. Dealer #83, Naugahyde Office Chair, $198.

8. Ah, chimney pots. I remember when I first started working at Oddfellows (3 years ago!!), one of the first things I learned to love were chimney pots. These come from England, and they have such a great sculptural quality about them. Traditionally chimney pots are used to lengthen an existing chimney and to provide better draft...but our customers have used them for all kinds of things. One customer even uses them on his lawn as decorative pieces that resemble a chessboard. Dealer #44, Selection of Chimney Pots, range in price from $175-395.

 9. This apothecary cabinet is amazing, and also arrived this week. The kitchen of my dreams would include this cabinet as an island. Wouldn't it be the perfect centerpiece to anchor a kitchen? Plus there are tons of drawers for storing your kitchen wares and accessories. If not in the kitchen, then this piece would be so awesome in a boutique of some kind, to add a general store kind of vibe. Truly a must-see, must-have item! Dealer #AE1, Apothecary Cabinet, $3,800.

 10. I love when objects in the shop have a fun bit of history to them. This industrial rolling cart was used in a hosiery mill in Knoxville, Tennessee. I love the odd shape and remember the magazine pile I mentioned earlier? Problem solved with this guy! Dealer #NYA, Rolling Cart, $249.

Week In An Instant

 Images clockwise, left to right:
1. These bistro chairs from the 30s are one of my favorite things in the shop, especially when they're arranged all in a colorful row like this. Tom and Kelly found them on a buying trip, and although I've featured them before, their story should be shared over and over again. They were abandoned long ago in the basement of a Paris amphitheater until some lucky person discovered them. Even luckier, about 20 of them reside in our warehouse ready for you to pick your favorite. I love this shot of them, and randomly took it when I was sharing a picture of them with a customer.
2. I recently went home to Virginia. My family and Ethan love to crack jokes because whenever I get home, I go "exploring" through drawers and closets, hunting for special treasures. These books, written by my Great Uncle Julian Meade, are treasures indeed. Growing up, I loved hearing stories about Uncle Julian, and even thought at one point that I may follow in his footsteps.
3. Martinsville, Virginia is an interesting little town. We grew up just 15 minutes away in Ridgeway, an even smaller town, but a majority of my extended family lives in Martinsville and I spent a lot of my pre-Oddfellows years there. It also happens to include my all-time favorite house ever, the mid-century gem seen above. I used to think this house odd, and it certainly sticks out among all the traditional colonial varieties surrounding it. But it has quickly become my "dream home."
4. There have been some beautiful sunsets lately, and I love this little scene. It was taken beside a run down gas station just outside of Virginia on our way back to Asheville.
5. This is Lake Lanier in Martinsville, where Ethan and I were married almost two years ago! I also spent a lot of time there, learning to fish with my dad. It holds a really special place in my heart, and going for a quick visit to the lake is always a must.