Artist BlogArtist Bloghttp://www.florencewangdesigns.com/artist_blog/2010-01-22T16:24:29ZSquarespaceBook Review: Confucius from the Heart by Yu Danhttp://www.florencewangdesigns.com/artist_blog/2010/1/22/book-review-confucius-from-the-heart-by-yu-dan.htmlFlorence Wang Designs2010-01-22T16:13:48Z2010-01-22T16:13:48ZI didn't know a lot about Confucius before reading this book.  I knew that he was a Chinese philosopher who's teachings have been passed down through the ages.  Those little pieces of wisdom from fortune cookies?  Not really his.

Fortunately, Yu Dan's book Confucius from the Heart acts as a Confucius 101.  Written to make the philosophy and its teaching accessible, they also prove to be applicable in every day life.  Early on, the author explains that the reader "should not think that the wisdom of Confucius if lofty and out of reach..." The basic principles are easy to understand, and it's in their simplicity that they are most effective.

Confucius teaches how to achieve happiness by attaining balance and harmony.  This harmony exists not only within ourselves, but also with the world and the people in it.  Having balance with the world provides and inner strength.  This strength helps us deal with the changes and disappointments that may come in life with tranquility.

The philosophy bears a close resemblence to Buddhism.  You may have read these lessons before, they are filled with common sense.  I find that sometimes it's nice to have the positive reinforced; to restate what we know.  Being told that you are capable of harmony and happiness, that you control these aspects of your life,  adds fuel to my inner fire.

]]>One fine little sculpturehttp://www.florencewangdesigns.com/artist_blog/2010/1/18/one-fine-little-sculpture.htmlFlorence Wang Designs2010-01-18T19:50:38Z2010-01-18T19:50:38ZA number of months ago my husband and I decided to start collecting more art.  It made perfect sense.  We've graduated from Ikea dormitory-style furniture (not to knock Ikea) to more mature pieces.  When we throw parties, we no longer worry about drunken exuberance which may lead to delicate items being broken.  The longer we're married the more we develop our personality as a couple (which is new and exciting).  Plus we have a number of friends who are artists.  It only makes sense to decorate our home with art that holds meaning to us, while supporting our friends.

With so much beautiful work out there the hardest question became where to start.  But once we thought about it, the question answered itself.

I've known Abby Goodman for a number of years.  During that time I've seen her body of work grow and become more complex.  Her works have become larger and striking and smaller and more detailed.  Her hybrid creature collection in particular spoke to me. Whimsical and delicate.  The creatures look like something that should exist.  They offer something different from what you expect to see. 

And so Robert and I decided to give her Kangaroo hybrid a home.  He sits with our collectibles, across from our Mimilove portrait.  Already, it provides the room with more creative energy.

You can see more of Abby's work on her website.

]]>Cover Arthttp://www.florencewangdesigns.com/artist_blog/2010/1/15/cover-art.htmlFlorence Wang Designs2010-01-15T17:07:17Z2010-01-15T17:07:17Z2009 proved to be an interesting year.  It went by in a flash.  As the months passed and I began my new business I felt as though I was making little progress.  I don't know what my expectations were - perhaps because I had no defined goal my expectations were a bit hazy - but I continued to work diligently, feeling like I put in a lot of effort with little pay off. 

Of course now, looking back on those months I realize how much progress I made.  Starting a business isn't easy.  It involves wearing many hats.  I somehow managed the business, logistical and financial aspects while growing creatively.

I found that I'm multi-faceted, talented in many different ways.  Not only did my jewelry collection expand, but I found my voice in embroidery.  My photography, writing and graphic design skills also improved.

All of this came together with such a high note when my photograph was chosen for the cover of the Winter/Holiday issue of the Park Slope Reader.  

The photo was taken during a snowstorm.  Looking out my window, I noticed the roofs all lined up and covered in a perfect white layer.  Knowing that snow never stays this pristine for long, I snapped the photo.  It depicts a scene so quintessential Brooklyn, yet rarely captured. 

Needless to say, I'm thrilled that my photo was chosen.  A year ago, I could never imagined this happening.  It goes to show that sometimes the most growth comes during points of perceived inactivity.  Evergy always creates momentum, even if it's not in the direction we intend. 

If you're not familiar with the Park Slope Reader, you can check it out online.  While you're there, you can also read my article on the importance of shopping locally.

]]>Mimilove for Olliehttp://www.florencewangdesigns.com/artist_blog/2010/1/7/mimilove-for-ollie.htmlFlorence Wang Designs2010-01-07T14:22:27Z2010-01-07T14:22:27Z

I first saw Mimilove's work on Flickr.  The embriodery groups were all abuzz about her work.  And with reason.  There is no true category for her style: it's portrature, but much more fun; it's a painting, but also includes amazing stitching. Is it craft, is it art?  It's gorgeous, thats what it is.

The holidays seemed like the perfect excuse to treat myself with something truly beautiful.  Ollie, my constant furry companion seemed like the perfect subject. 

And voila, look what I get out of the bargain.  What's so amazing to me (aside from the portrait itself) is the fact that she was able to capture the essence of Ollie without ever meeting him.  All it took was a couple of email exchanges, a couple of basic questions and my furry little friend is accurately depicted in art.

Words can't describe how much I love this.  It hangs on the wall in front of my workspace as a source of inspiration.  Part of the fun is reading her story behind the portrait.

To see more of Mimilove's work and the process behind each piece check out her blog.  Not only is her art inspirational, but reading you get a sense that this is a woman in love with what she does.   You can commission a portrait of your own here.  I recommend this too - she is such a pleasure to work with, she's sure to make you giggle.

]]>Artists Wanted: A Moment To Be Discoveredhttp://www.florencewangdesigns.com/artist_blog/2010/1/5/artists-wanted-a-moment-to-be-discovered.htmlFlorence Wang Designs2010-01-05T14:53:16Z2010-01-05T14:53:16ZArtist Wanted is a collaborative project between New York City Artists and creative organizations working to build new lasting  for emerging talent.  Abby Goodman is an emerging talent.  I've showcased her work before, a diverse collection of mediums, styles and messages.  Always challenging herself, each new piece she creates stresses new boundaries. 

She recently entered this juried self-portrait competition. It will be judged by 4 jurors (including Steve Buscemi and Chris Weir), however, there is also a public choice award which is determined by votes cast in favor of individual portfolios, which awards a cash prize in addition to a show and press.

Check out the site and cast your vote for this talented artist.  You can find her page on the Artists Wanted site here.

]]>Start the New Year with Beauty & Inspirationhttp://www.florencewangdesigns.com/artist_blog/2010/1/4/start-the-new-year-with-beauty-inspiration.htmlFlorence Wang Designs2010-01-04T15:53:41Z2010-01-04T15:53:41ZRed Red Rose Brooch by AeFondKisHappy 2010!  It's a new year, full of potential.  I always likes to get my self started right in the first few days of the new year.  It's a time to immerse myself in the sites, sounds and feelings that give great pleasure. 

When I think of beauty and inpsiration, I think of the work by AeFondKis.  Creating with a great amount of care, an eye for detail and a whole lot of whimsy, Linda sees the world for what it is - a bright, exciting place with beauty around every corner.

You can read my interview with her here. 

 

]]>Holiday Songs You Won't Hatehttp://www.florencewangdesigns.com/artist_blog/2009/12/24/holiday-songs-you-wont-hate.htmlFlorence Wang Designs2009-12-24T19:37:45Z2009-12-24T19:37:45ZIt's been a busy couple of weeks, with a lot of shopping, wrapping and shipping.  At the end of it all, fifty holiday cards, three shipping packages, countless wrapped presents (okay, but countless, but I'm too lazy to count them all) and ten holiday CDs went out.  The holiday CD is a time-honored tradition that evolved out of the beloved mix-tape.  In years past, I painstakingly created a unique one for each recipient.  This year, dealing with time constraints I lost track of who received which songs in the past, and realized I was creating a lot of extra work for myself.

My new task became sifting through the hundreds (literally) of holiday songs I own to find the perfect few that would make the cut.  Narrowing prospects down was a lot harder than I expected.   Really, I had no theme in mind - mostly I chose the songs I most wanted to hear, a mix of covers and originals.  I just had to remember that there's always next year.  So after much deliberation, here is the 2009 Holiday Compilation.

  1. Gloria - Elastica
  2. White Christmas - T. Rextacy
  3. The Christmas Song - The Raveonettes
  4. Sleigh Ride - The Ronettes
  5. Jingle Bells - Sammy Davis Jr.
  6. Santa Looked a lot Like Daddy - Reverend Horton Heat
  7. Holiday Twist - Los Straitjackets
  8. Santa Claus - Throwing Muses
  9. It's Christmas So We'll Stop - Frightened Rabbit
  10. Young Man – Thao Nguyen
  11. Last Christmas - Erlend Øye
  12. The Christmas Song - Adam Arcuragi
  13. Spotlight On Christmas - Rufus Wainwright
  14. Just Like Christmas - Low
  15. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (Live) - Amy Winehouse
  16. Christmas Is Coming - Coco Tea
  17. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
  18. A Christmas Duel - Cyndi Lauper & The Hives
  19. I Want An Alien For Christmas - Fountains Of Wayne
  20. Fairytale of New York - The Pogues with Kirsty MacColl
  21. All the Right Reasons - Dressy Bessy
  22. C'Mon Christmas - Dwight Yoakam
  23. Little Drummer Boy - Miracle Legion
  24. The Ice Of Boston - The Dismemberment Plan

 HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

]]>Top 10 Best Original Holiday Songshttp://www.florencewangdesigns.com/artist_blog/2009/12/12/top-10-best-original-holiday-songs.htmlFlorence Wang Designs2009-12-12T16:25:45Z2009-12-12T16:25:45ZI worked at a college radio station for many years, long after I even graduated.  Spending hours spinning records, it was like making a live compilation (or mix tape) using every song I could imagine.  Every year, I looked forward to December when holiday music was added to the music library.  These songs held a little extra magic because of their short play-time.  By January, they were obsolete.

Now, away from the radio environment, I relive this tradition by making holiday compilations CDs.  Over the years I've built quite a collection, finding the alternative and quirky to mix with the standards.  It puts me in the holiday spirit.  Yesterday I was putting together a compilation and realized that I'm somehow lacking the penultimate 80's Christmas classic, "Christmas Wrapping" by the Waitresses. Which is stunning, given my collection and the popularity of this song.  I don't know how I've missed owning it.  Hearing it always officially opens the holiday season. 

Going through my collection, I noted the other songs I had (to make sure I'm not missing anything crucial).  And perhaps I was missing the most obvious, but I also have some other gems.  Being partial to the original songs (not covers or standards) I worked out a complete top 10.  They're in no particular order, and I'll probably think of a few more once I finish typing.  Here they are:

  1. "Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses
  2. "Shouldn't Have Given Him A Gun For Christmas" by Wall of Voodoo
  3. "Gloria" by Elastica
  4. "All the Right Reasons" by Dressy Bessy
  5. "Santa Claus" by Throwing Muses
  6. "A Christmas Duel" by The Hives & Cyndi Lauper
  7. "Forget December" by Something Corporate
  8. "It's Christmas So We'll Stop" by Frightened Rabbit
  9. "The Christmas Song" by Adam Acuragi
  10. "Fairy Tale of New York" by The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl

Now you'll notice this list doesn't contain the standards like "Step Into Christmas" by Elton John, "Last Christmas" by Wham!, and "Wonderful Christmas Time" by Paul McCartney.  These songs are all spectacular, but at the moment I'm listening with new ears.  The above list contains songs you might not have heard yet, but I highly recommend you do.

]]>Book Review: Redemption Song by Chris Salewiszhttp://www.florencewangdesigns.com/artist_blog/2009/12/11/book-review-redemption-song-by-chris-salewisz.htmlFlorence Wang Designs2009-12-11T14:21:26Z2009-12-11T14:21:26ZJoe Strummer is one of my heroes.  Up until recently I haven't known all that much about him.  Listening to his music I felt that he wa a poet who stood for justice, a Bob Dylan of the punk rock age.  When his solo career took off about a decade ago (eek I'm getting old) I saw him play, which was something close to a religious experience.  There was such a sincerity in his stage performance, both commanding and engaging.  When he passed away in 2005, I was left dumb struck.  Though I had never met him, I felt such a connection with him through his music and performances, it was as though I had lost someone close to my heart.

It didn't dawn on me until recently that I knew virtually nothing about the man I so revered.  Perhaps part of me needed to keep him up on a pedestal, being happy with him as an icon rather than a person.  However, when I saw Redemption Song: The Ballad of Joe Strummer, curiosity took hold.

In this biography, Chris Salewicz is an amazingly detailed account of the musician's life.  Interviewing friends and family, and sharing his own personal accounts he chronicles the life of John "Joe Strummer" Mellor from his early family life through his impressive career.  Through anecdotes from the people in his life, you (as the reader) gains perspective on who this man was and the influences that shaped his life and music. 

I have to admit, finishing this book was a little bitter-sweet.  We all know how it ends.  I was left with sadness of the loss of this man, who had touched so many in his life.  It feels that he left before his time, that he had so much more he wanted to do.  But most importantly, I came to understand my hero ... that he was in fact human.

]]>Free Shipping for the Holidayshttp://www.florencewangdesigns.com/artist_blog/2009/11/30/free-shipping-for-the-holidays.htmlFlorence Wang Designs2009-11-30T22:25:01Z2009-11-30T22:25:01ZI'm in the holiday spirit!  From now until 2010 I'm offering free shipping on all items in my Etsy store.  To see more, click any image below.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
florencewangdesigns.etsy.com
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