curate 1k blog

The theme of this week’s “1k” collection is something I can only call...

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:01:12 -0400

The theme of this week’s “1k” collection is something I can only call grotesque beauty… pieces that are a little disturbing, a little repulsive, but also completely intriguing and unforgettable. Jennifer Yorke, a Chicago artist I recently discovered on the impeccable Cureeo, is a master of grotesque beauty in my book. Her mixed media pieces above are delicate, elegant, and revolting all at once… and I can’t stop looking.

I’m almost as obsessed with these original cat collages by Brooklyn artist Grace Yang...

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:00:45 -0400

I’m almost as obsessed with these original cat collages by Brooklyn artist Grace Yang as I am with my own cat. They inspired me to put together a 1k collection dedicated to my favorite feline. This one’s for you, Miss Scratchy Pants Tiny-chan! xo

Several years ago, on a whim, I bought a box lot of old 1950s menus on eBay. I was originally...

Mon, 06 May 2013 10:00:56 -0400

Several years ago, on a whim, I bought a box lot of old 1950s menus on eBay. I was originally curious about the contents of the menus, but soon realized the true treasure was on the covers. They were beautifully printed with so much artistry. My new collection, as it turned out, consisted mostly of tiki lounge menus. One was a huge die cut palm leaf and many had beautiful illustrations next to the various tropical food and beverage offerings. I was in love.

Ever since buying those menus, I have been insisting that tiki is going to be the next big bar trend. Just wait and see! I know it’s going to happen. When it does, I’ll be ready with a collection of appropriate, affordable artwork. Head over to curate1k to see an entire week of “contemporary tiki.” Enjoy!

| All vintage menu images from the amazing Arkiva Tropika |

When I first started curate 1k, I used to worry about running out of artwork to post. Crazy,...

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:01:08 -0400

When I first started curate 1k, I used to worry about running out of artwork to post. Crazy, right? But I was seriously nervous I’d share all of my favorite artists and have nothing left feature. I was so wrong. One of the best things about doing this blog is having the opportunity to learn about all of the amazing artists, galleries, and art professionals that continue to join the online art world everyday. It’s truly inspiring. That’s why I’m so excited to introduce April’s guest curator, Megan Peter. While I love exposing readers to new art, Megan actually helps you incorporate it into your home and/or office through her art consulting services. Her style is whimsical and bright, and I’m so glad to have her on the site! Here’s Megan:

I established Megan Peter Fine Art as a full-service, art consulting firm with the goal of hand-selecting art based on my clients’ tastes, needs and space. I am passionate about helping people find art that really moves them, while accounting for budget as well as lifestyle needs.

Everyone should enjoy the beauty of art in their home, as it enhances a space and creates a personal environment. Whether someone is purchasing a single work of art or building a collection, I am intent on bringing people together with art they love.

For my 1K collection, I decided to focus on works that reflect a playful and whimsical theme. The selection features original paintings, mixed media collage, prints, and photographs that boast bright colors and would feel unified together on a gallery wall, or, just as easily could work individually as it’s own gem in a home.

View Megan’s “1k collection” here. Enjoy!

Psst! Have you heard of Darger HQ? They’re a new online gallery own and run by artists,...

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 23:00:00 -0400

Psst! Have you heard of Darger HQ? They’re a new online gallery own and run by artists, and I was lucky enough to be invited to guest curate a small collection of my favorites for them. The work above is just a sneak peek - check out the rest here through May 15th!

| from the top: ODES:: Classroom Heros (detail) by Mira Alibek, Just Watching by Chris Kienke, and THOU SHALT DIE by Angela Simione |

Shannon C. Rankin’s delicate vellum collages inspired this week’s 1k collection...

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:01:11 -0400

Shannon C. Rankin’s delicate vellum collages inspired this week’s 1k collection focusing on soft spring colors. Enjoy!

| All of the pieces above are for sale on Cureeo. |

Wow. Aaron Smith’s paintings stopped me in my tracks. The artist took his fascination...

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:00:50 -0400

Wow. Aaron Smith’s paintings stopped me in my tracks. The artist took his fascination with the rigid yet vulnerable gentlemen featured in Victorian and Edwardian portraits and coupled it with jarring expressionist brushstrokes in vibrant, flamboyant colors. The results make you consider the buttoned-up, reserved Victorians we thought we knew!

PS - see an entire cast of characters, including another piece by Smith, on curate 1k this week. Enjoy!

For this week’s 1k collection, I’ve decided to revisit the idea of altered...

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:00:47 -0400

For this week’s 1k collection, I’ve decided to revisit the idea of altered landscapes. The pieces above are by Thursday’s featured artist, Letha Wilson. She cuts, bends, folds, and distorts her photographs in the most unsettling and surprising ways. I’m pretty much in love with everything she does. Enjoy!

I am thrilled to present Jennifer Ruocco of Artspace as March’s guest curator! There are...

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:00:39 -0400

I am thrilled to present Jennifer Ruocco of Artspace as March’s guest curator! There are some magic moments in the life of a blogger when you get to collaborate with your idols… this is absolutely how I feel about Artspace. I’ve admired them since starting curate 1k back in 2011, and it’s beyond exciting to have Jennifer on the site this week. As a super flattering bonus, she invited me to do an art-filled interview on Daily Artspace. Be sure to check it out! But first, here’s Jennifer:

There comes a point in adult life when you realize you need to graduate from posters and framed greeting cards and upgrade your art collection. Since I live in a small space and tend to move a lot, I seek out artworks that will complement each other if displayed side-by-side or salon style, but also will function as stand alone pieces.

These five selections exemplify what I think would make a solid foundation to a personal collection. Though they are all limited-editions, they showcase a variety of techniques, from abstract photography and line drawings to a film still. I can see this group of artworks living harmoniously in my sitting room as they offer a balance between black and white works and those that burst with saturated color. They also reflect the mission of Artspace.com; though the artists represented are at different stages of their careers, the works are offered at similar price points, speaking to the philosophy that living with art should be easy and affordable, no matter where you live, or whom you know.

View Jennifer’s “1k collection” here. Enjoy!

Attention all artists! The deadline for UncommonGoods’ annual art contest is March...

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 22:56:00 -0400

Attention all artists! The deadline for UncommonGoods’ annual art contest is March 31st! It’s an opportunity to have your work judged by the Jealous Curator with an amazing prize of $500 plus a limited edition print sales opportunity through UncommonGoods! Pretty awesome all around. I can’t wait to see the winners! Find the submission guidelines here.

| The pieces above are a sampling of last year’s finalists. Artists from top to bottom: Valerie Galloway, Kat Shoa, and Kelly Puissegur. |

After a busy week at a new job and a last minute weekend trip to NYC, I really wasn’t sure...

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:08:38 -0400

After a busy week at a new job and a last minute weekend trip to NYC, I really wasn’t sure if I was going to get a “1k collection” up this week! It would have been the first week I’ve missed since starting curate 1k back in August 2011! As I frantically searched the internet for unique and affordable pieces to share with you, I found myself drawn to what is clearly becoming one of my favorite palettes: pink, orange, and yellow. The colors made me happy, and the stressful task of putting this week’s collection together SO last minute became enjoyable. I hope you like it, too!

| I think this is the third or fourth time I’ve featured these colors over the last two years. I posted the piece above during my second month of blogging. It’s by artist Kristina McLean, who has amazingly affordable originals in her Etsy shop. Check it out! |

The theme of this week’s 1k collection is “A Fine Line.” All of the works...

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:00:00 -0400

The theme of this week’s 1k collection is “A Fine Line.” All of the works feature countless thin lines all coming together to create dramatic shapes. Each one exhibits a perfect combination of fragility and strength. Enjoy!

| The pieces above are by Friday’s featured artist Jennifer McGregor. |

As you know, I’m always on the hunt for the latest online source of affordable art, so...

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:00:48 -0500

As you know, I’m always on the hunt for the latest online source of affordable art, so I was thrilled to hear that Lesley of Artsy Forager has started a new gallery project! Found is an online exhibition space dedicated to small works with accessible price tags. Some of my favorite pieces from the inaugural show, “City Mouse | Country Mouse” are featured above.

You know what makes this show even more amazing? A portion of artists Christina Baker and Deann Hebert’s sales will go to The Nashville Zoo. Love.

Learn more about Christina and Deann here and here.

I’m so pleased to announce Amelia Eichholz of the lovely Colour Bloc as February’s...

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:00:00 -0500

I’m so pleased to announce Amelia Eichholz of the lovely Colour Bloc as February’s guest curator. I’ve been watching Amelia’s blog and art consulting business grow with a mix of admiration and envy. Her taste is exquisite and her day job - placing beautiful art in people’s homes - is to die for. Amelia and I both called Boston home, but sadly never crossed paths before my recent move to Pittsburgh. I’m thankful to have found her colorful piece of the online art world through Twitter!

Here’s Amelia:

I started my art consulting company + blog, Colour Bloc, last summer and have been passionately matching great artwork with beautiful homes and office spaces ever since. I enjoy helping clients locate artwork that is a representation of their personal taste. The blog component of Colour Bloc has become a space for me to share art, design, and style inspiration. It’s home to information on gallery/museum exhibits, interior design trends, and insider images from artist’s studios.

For my 1k collection, I decided to focus on a springy pastel color palette with bold geometric lines and shapes that have a graphic nature. This trend frequented the Spring 2013 fashion runways and I’m looking forward to giving it a whirl in the upcoming season!

View Amelia’s 1k collection here. Enjoy!

This week’s “1k” collection is all about maps and was inspired by the gorgeous...

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:00:49 -0500

This week’s “1k” collection is all about maps and was inspired by the gorgeous and delicate pieces featured above. They’re by British cut out artist Claire Brewster and I find them completely fascinating. I’ve always had a thing for the transformation of old paper. I love that something once as mundane as a map can be reimagined into a thing of beauty and whimsy. Enjoy!

| The works above are for sale here and you’ll find more of Claire’s art here. |

In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, you’ll find a whole week of pink over on...

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:37:36 -0500

In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, you’ll find a whole week of pink over on curate 1k. Enjoy!

xoxo

| The lovely watercolors above are by Friday’s featured artist, Francesca Lancisi |

I have always found black to be a difficult in a piece of art, which is funny because it’s...

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 11:00:59 -0500

I have always found black to be a difficult in a piece of art, which is funny because it’s practically my favorite color in every other aspect of life. In this week’s 1k collection, I challenged myself by working with darker pieces. It seems there’s a special balance that keeps the work from feeling too heavy, whether it’s a pop of unexpected bright color or the subtle introduction of light.

In my book, Michael Cina - Friday’s featured artist - is a master of the light/dark balance. The work featured above can be found on his portfolio site and The Ghostly Store.

Enjoy!

I’m so excited to introduce Pepper Coate of Cureeo as January’s guest curator!...

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:01:30 -0500

I’m so excited to introduce Pepper Coate of Cureeo as January’s guest curator! I’ve had my eye on Cureeo for a while now and love the site’s clear aesthetic. As head curator, Pepper’s taste is impeccable. In addition to the gorgeous art for sale, Cureeo offers a recently launched Buyer’s Guide that makes the process of collecting more transparent and a little less scary. It’s pretty amazing!

Here’s more on Pepper and a brief introduction to Cureeo’s “1k” collection:

Pepper Coate is Director of Artist Development at Cureeo.com. Resident of Chicago and born in Kansas City. Lover of present moment and old-fashion characters. Addict of art and tea.

‘Objects of the Everyday’ is a collection of works that display the simple structures surrounding us. Fundamental forms are taken from our living space, nature, and beyond to display perfect balance of color and shape.

Enjoy!

I cannot stop looking at Mary Iverson’s paintings. I’m as fascinated with the...

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:08:00 -0500

I cannot stop looking at Mary Iverson’s paintings. I’m as fascinated with the final surreal, Tetris-like result as I am with her process. Iverson creates majestic landscapes and then scores measurement lines into the painting, almost defacing her own work. From there she adds an assortment of shipping containers — the simple geometry and flat colors jarring against the pristine backdrops. I find it completely compelling and even a little eerie. So much so, that I’ve built a “1k” week around Iverson’s work. Head over to curate 1k to see more examples of shapes oddly floating in space. Enjoy!

This week’s 1k collection has a peculiar theme, but one that I like very much. All of the...

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 10:33:37 -0500

This week’s 1k collection has a peculiar theme, but one that I like very much. All of the selections are structures with a particular “light” emanating from them. Some depict the warm glow of a lit window, and others, like the pieces above, radiate intense color. Cityscapes and lone buildings that might otherwise seem vacant and cold are brought to life.

| The pieces above are by Tuesday’s featured artist, Mauren Brodbeck. Limited edition prints are available for sale on Lumas. |