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| Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park |
Nerves are racked today... hoping for big changes in the near future!
Come on little window, open up for me!!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
To be, or not to be [a Newman]
In this week's thrift-share post I included a little teaser about an item that I found. Some of you figured out the artist and others are holding on to the edge of their seats. Since I don't want to keep you in suspense, I am writing this post although I have not yet heard back on its authenticity.
I'll start by telling you about that day. It was a Friday. I had designated the day as a thrift day where I would venture to some of my usual thrifts, thrifts that I had not been to in weeks. The day was starting out slow. I left home a bit late. I did not find many things at the first set of spots, then I get there, to the thrift that would give me a sleepless night and a tummy ache.
I was doing my usual walk around. I walked past a Siesta figurine by Pottery Craft. I debated whether or not I should pick it up but I was not convinced about the price. I walked behind the counter (they let you do so) and looked at some of the items in the back. Hm... a couple of interesting things but nothing that was begging to come home with me. I walked back around the counter and looked for interesting jewelry pieces. Nothing. Then, out of the corner of my eye, hiding behind some glassware, I saw a neat pattern. The colors are nice, the graphics are cool. Let me pick it up for further inspection.
It was a United States Capitol Historical Society Sleeve. I opened it up and there were several prints and papers of different art pieces. Since I like pretty pictures I decide to start looking through them.
The first ones were three of these flower prints that were printed in England. They are the kind of prints that seem to come from books. They also weren't in the best shape with several creases and wrinkles.
Then there was this print by Richard J. Anuszkiewicz which also seems to have come from a book. By no means am I a print or paper expert.
I started imagining the person who donated this as someone similar to myself. I too have stacks of images that I have cut out of books. I do so because I like them and I envision myself reusing them for something in the future. So my imagination drives me to keep looking through the images.
There are a couple of prints from the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. They are of Still Life: Lemons, Oranges and a Rose by Francisco de Zurbaran. I think to myself that whoever donated this loved going to art museums. They would go to the gift shop to buy prints of the works in exhibit. I chuckle because I do this too!
And it continues... There is a print of The Doubs a Cussey by M. Gremillon.
There is a sheet with a picture of a sunset at Monterey...
There is also a lithograph of Blossoms by Mary Lou Goertzen which is also quite nice.
... and then there is a striking photographic print...
Just look at that contrast between the piano lid and the blank wall. Look at the placement of the man on the bottom left, who just happens to be Igor Stravinsky. I gaze at this image and am captivated. I debate about bringing these images home. They all seem to be paper reproductions despite the fact that the photograph is on weighted paper, seems to be signed in pencil, and is stamped on the back! I think to myself, What will I do with MORE images? So after much introspective debate I put them back. (but per usual, I made a note of the striking photograph to research once I got home) May I add that I really need to get an iphone, or at least a plan with web browsing!
So I continue the rest of my thrifting day, I go to a couple more of the usual spots and run some errands in between. By the time I get home, all the stores are closed. It was a long thrifting day. I realize that I took much longer this time around than I usually do. I guess I was not in the skimming mode that day.
Once at home, I start to prepare some dinner and while the food is cooking I decide to look up the information I wrote down about the photograph. Commence tummy ache. Oh boy, Arnold Newman seems to be a really notable photographer. The Igor Stravinksy photograph is one of his most popular ones. Countless racing thoughts ensue...
What have I done? There is no way the one that I found is real... Or is it? It did seem to be
signed in pencil (au recto) at the bottom... but the signature looked like it could have been
printed as well... but it was stamped on the back (au verso) with his name and the copyright...
but what are the odds of it being with that odd stack of prints...WHAT HAVE I DONE?!?
In a panic I look up the store's hours. They are open on Saturday. I start trying to convince myself that it will be there when I go on Saturday.
After all, the price was marked down meaning it was there last week. I was also at the thrift in
the afternoon so there were only a few hours left before closing.
So along came the restless night. I told the boy that I left something behind that could potentially be one of the coolest things I've found. He says, "You were being cheap weren't you..." Sigh... I kind of was. I ask him to be nice because I was stressed out enough as it was, I told him to just send me some good vibrations. Which he did. :)
I pulled out all of the stops the following morning. I went to bed early to ensure I would be up really early. I put aside an artist portfolio to put it in once I had it. I also took along my Saint Barbara medallion that I inherited from my dad after his passing. It was like having him there with me. I ended up arriving early to the store and stood outside reading The Alchemist.
Once the doors opened I rushed to United States sleeve, it's still there. I'm not convinced the photograph is still in there too. I look through the prints and it's still there! Awesome! My tummy can relax. I ended up walking out with a couple more things that I had missed the previous day.
When the boy got home from work, I showed it to him. I went through the process of flipping through the prints explaining and reasoning with him why I initially thought it was not real. I knew he would agree and he was skeptical about it at first. The photographic paper is an older type that we are not used to so that was a cause for doubt. It was also hard to tell if it was actually hand signed because of how the pencil mark looks on the photo paper. The thing that keeps us hoping is the hand stamp on the back. The size of the print is also concordant with 'real' ones. I've searched for images of the stamp and the signature but they are not to be found. His work is heavily copyrighted and I assume it is not publicized for fear of forgery hence I have not included pictures of those either.
Whether the photograph is real or not, I must say that it has been great to dream. It also made for a fun albeit stressful thrifting adventure!
I'll start by telling you about that day. It was a Friday. I had designated the day as a thrift day where I would venture to some of my usual thrifts, thrifts that I had not been to in weeks. The day was starting out slow. I left home a bit late. I did not find many things at the first set of spots, then I get there, to the thrift that would give me a sleepless night and a tummy ache.
I was doing my usual walk around. I walked past a Siesta figurine by Pottery Craft. I debated whether or not I should pick it up but I was not convinced about the price. I walked behind the counter (they let you do so) and looked at some of the items in the back. Hm... a couple of interesting things but nothing that was begging to come home with me. I walked back around the counter and looked for interesting jewelry pieces. Nothing. Then, out of the corner of my eye, hiding behind some glassware, I saw a neat pattern. The colors are nice, the graphics are cool. Let me pick it up for further inspection.
It was a United States Capitol Historical Society Sleeve. I opened it up and there were several prints and papers of different art pieces. Since I like pretty pictures I decide to start looking through them.
The first ones were three of these flower prints that were printed in England. They are the kind of prints that seem to come from books. They also weren't in the best shape with several creases and wrinkles.
Then there was this print by Richard J. Anuszkiewicz which also seems to have come from a book. By no means am I a print or paper expert.
I started imagining the person who donated this as someone similar to myself. I too have stacks of images that I have cut out of books. I do so because I like them and I envision myself reusing them for something in the future. So my imagination drives me to keep looking through the images.
There are a couple of prints from the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. They are of Still Life: Lemons, Oranges and a Rose by Francisco de Zurbaran. I think to myself that whoever donated this loved going to art museums. They would go to the gift shop to buy prints of the works in exhibit. I chuckle because I do this too!
And it continues... There is a print of The Doubs a Cussey by M. Gremillon.
There is a sheet with a picture of a sunset at Monterey...
There is also a lithograph of Blossoms by Mary Lou Goertzen which is also quite nice.
... and then there is a striking photographic print...
 | |
| via pbase |
Just look at that contrast between the piano lid and the blank wall. Look at the placement of the man on the bottom left, who just happens to be Igor Stravinsky. I gaze at this image and am captivated. I debate about bringing these images home. They all seem to be paper reproductions despite the fact that the photograph is on weighted paper, seems to be signed in pencil, and is stamped on the back! I think to myself, What will I do with MORE images? So after much introspective debate I put them back. (but per usual, I made a note of the striking photograph to research once I got home) May I add that I really need to get an iphone, or at least a plan with web browsing!
So I continue the rest of my thrifting day, I go to a couple more of the usual spots and run some errands in between. By the time I get home, all the stores are closed. It was a long thrifting day. I realize that I took much longer this time around than I usually do. I guess I was not in the skimming mode that day.
Once at home, I start to prepare some dinner and while the food is cooking I decide to look up the information I wrote down about the photograph. Commence tummy ache. Oh boy, Arnold Newman seems to be a really notable photographer. The Igor Stravinksy photograph is one of his most popular ones. Countless racing thoughts ensue...
What have I done? There is no way the one that I found is real... Or is it? It did seem to be
signed in pencil (au recto) at the bottom... but the signature looked like it could have been
printed as well... but it was stamped on the back (au verso) with his name and the copyright...
but what are the odds of it being with that odd stack of prints...WHAT HAVE I DONE?!?
In a panic I look up the store's hours. They are open on Saturday. I start trying to convince myself that it will be there when I go on Saturday.
After all, the price was marked down meaning it was there last week. I was also at the thrift in
the afternoon so there were only a few hours left before closing.
So along came the restless night. I told the boy that I left something behind that could potentially be one of the coolest things I've found. He says, "You were being cheap weren't you..." Sigh... I kind of was. I ask him to be nice because I was stressed out enough as it was, I told him to just send me some good vibrations. Which he did. :)
I pulled out all of the stops the following morning. I went to bed early to ensure I would be up really early. I put aside an artist portfolio to put it in once I had it. I also took along my Saint Barbara medallion that I inherited from my dad after his passing. It was like having him there with me. I ended up arriving early to the store and stood outside reading The Alchemist.
Once the doors opened I rushed to United States sleeve, it's still there. I'm not convinced the photograph is still in there too. I look through the prints and it's still there! Awesome! My tummy can relax. I ended up walking out with a couple more things that I had missed the previous day.
When the boy got home from work, I showed it to him. I went through the process of flipping through the prints explaining and reasoning with him why I initially thought it was not real. I knew he would agree and he was skeptical about it at first. The photographic paper is an older type that we are not used to so that was a cause for doubt. It was also hard to tell if it was actually hand signed because of how the pencil mark looks on the photo paper. The thing that keeps us hoping is the hand stamp on the back. The size of the print is also concordant with 'real' ones. I've searched for images of the stamp and the signature but they are not to be found. His work is heavily copyrighted and I assume it is not publicized for fear of forgery hence I have not included pictures of those either.
Whether the photograph is real or not, I must say that it has been great to dream. It also made for a fun albeit stressful thrifting adventure!
If you are interested in looking at more of Arnold Newman's photographs you can do so here. They are quite stunning. I especially love the one of Marilyn Monroe, the only photo of hers that I've seen with true depth.
 | |
| Mr. Newman himself via Glinnbridge |
"As my own approach took form, it became evident that a good portrait had first to be a good
photograph,"
Monday, May 30, 2011
In memoriam...
For each soldier that has fallen so that many may stand
We honor their spirit as they pass to God's hand
For without their sacrifice we would live forever in fear
We pray for their loved ones and provide a salute and a tear
God help us heal the wounds of hate and the misery of war
That is our gift to our fallen heroes that are amongst us no more.
Charlie Gragg We pray for their loved ones and provide a salute and a tear
God help us heal the wounds of hate and the misery of war
That is our gift to our fallen heroes that are amongst us no more.
Let us not forget those who have fallen for our liberty and to those who are still protecting it, may you come home soon. For without your sacrifices, life would not be as we know it.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Hunted:: Gathered: 05/29/11
Hey and Happy Weekend!
I am excited to be playing along again and sharing my weekly finds. Every time I bring something home the boy asks if I am going to post it in my weekly finds. I find that to be pretty funny. It is now a routine. This is a great community and I am glad to be a part of it. Cheers to Sophie and Selena.
So here goes...
One of my first finds for the week was this vintage telephone stand. It is painted in a sweet red and it had been a while since I'd seen one. I actually found it at a church rummage sale and as I was in line to pay a lady behind me excitedly said that she remembered them from her youth. She recalled how you would put the phone on the narrow top portion and the telephone book in the bottom. Funny how most people don't have a house telephone anymore. Times are changing folks!
Then I went to a nearby thrift store and I found the Ceramic Horse above. It is made by a company called Jaru Art Products which was based out of Culver City. This one is not like their products that I've read about but it was interesting from a decorative standpoint. Boy is it heavy!
Keeping up with the horse theme I found this little guy and was all of a sudden stricken with nostalgia. I thought he was so charming and I actually thought he was a vintage toy plush but when I brought it home the boy suggested that it is a pin cushion and I think he is right! That doesn't happen often... ;) Either way isn't this little guy with the droopy head just darling!
This next purchase was a guilt purchase. Don't get me wrong, I think it is really cute but I just wasn't shopping for another tote bag. I bought it because I stumbled upon a new store that was having their grand opening that very day. It's more of a community thrift store that will send their proceeds to several local charities. I didn't want to talk out empty handed so I walked out with the cute bag.
Who doesn't need more crafting supplies? I am actually quite excited about these. Since I plan on making my own wedding invites with my Gocco I had flirted with the idea of embossing the cards after inking them. Well, what better way to buy embossing powder than in a bag filled with many of them in different colors and at a great price!
This next purchase I blame on recently catching the LP bug. The cover is designed by notable graphic designer S. Neil Fujita. It is an early record and just look at his play with type and color.
As I was looking for more LP's with cool album covers I came across a name that I recognized: Afrika Bambaataa. They were one of the earliest hip-hop groups and they had great beats. They are often used for break dancing and they remind me of my youth because my brother would blast this music when he would pick me up from school. The boy was also really happy that I found these that we even went back to make sure I didn't miss any. He LOVES this stuff! Want to get a sip of funk town USA? Check it out here... (remember to open it in another window)
Oh and speaking of break dancing... is anyone else as excited about So You Think You Can Dance as I am?
Here is a clue, one of the artist's more famous quotes is:
"We don’t take pictures with cameras – we take them with our hearts and minds."
Can't wait to see what you've found this week!
I am excited to be playing along again and sharing my weekly finds. Every time I bring something home the boy asks if I am going to post it in my weekly finds. I find that to be pretty funny. It is now a routine. This is a great community and I am glad to be a part of it. Cheers to Sophie and Selena.
So here goes...
One of my first finds for the week was this vintage telephone stand. It is painted in a sweet red and it had been a while since I'd seen one. I actually found it at a church rummage sale and as I was in line to pay a lady behind me excitedly said that she remembered them from her youth. She recalled how you would put the phone on the narrow top portion and the telephone book in the bottom. Funny how most people don't have a house telephone anymore. Times are changing folks!
Then I went to a nearby thrift store and I found the Ceramic Horse above. It is made by a company called Jaru Art Products which was based out of Culver City. This one is not like their products that I've read about but it was interesting from a decorative standpoint. Boy is it heavy!
Keeping up with the horse theme I found this little guy and was all of a sudden stricken with nostalgia. I thought he was so charming and I actually thought he was a vintage toy plush but when I brought it home the boy suggested that it is a pin cushion and I think he is right! That doesn't happen often... ;) Either way isn't this little guy with the droopy head just darling!
This next purchase was a guilt purchase. Don't get me wrong, I think it is really cute but I just wasn't shopping for another tote bag. I bought it because I stumbled upon a new store that was having their grand opening that very day. It's more of a community thrift store that will send their proceeds to several local charities. I didn't want to talk out empty handed so I walked out with the cute bag.
Who doesn't need more crafting supplies? I am actually quite excited about these. Since I plan on making my own wedding invites with my Gocco I had flirted with the idea of embossing the cards after inking them. Well, what better way to buy embossing powder than in a bag filled with many of them in different colors and at a great price!
This next purchase I blame on recently catching the LP bug. The cover is designed by notable graphic designer S. Neil Fujita. It is an early record and just look at his play with type and color.
As I was looking for more LP's with cool album covers I came across a name that I recognized: Afrika Bambaataa. They were one of the earliest hip-hop groups and they had great beats. They are often used for break dancing and they remind me of my youth because my brother would blast this music when he would pick me up from school. The boy was also really happy that I found these that we even went back to make sure I didn't miss any. He LOVES this stuff! Want to get a sip of funk town USA? Check it out here... (remember to open it in another window)
Oh and speaking of break dancing... is anyone else as excited about So You Think You Can Dance as I am?
As a teaser, I have one item that I have not revealed. I am awaiting confirmation on its authenticity. It was one of those items that I did not pick up on my initial visit but made a note of it. When I got home and looked it up I ended up feeling sick to my stomach. It has the potential of being the most valuable thing I have ever found. Period. Imagine spending the night wondering if it would be gone in the morning. I had to take a dose of melatonin because otherwise I would not have slept. Imagine my joy when it was there for me the next day. Well, now I am waiting to see if it is authentic. Crossing my fingers and toes!
"We don’t take pictures with cameras – we take them with our hearts and minds."
Can't wait to see what you've found this week!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Reading. Thoughts?
As fellow garage salers/ thrift shoppers/ op shoppers/ flea marketers, I am curious to hear your take on this statement...
“Flea markets proliferate a volume of goods needing to be sold and people who are hungry — emotionally and aesthetically — to sort out the meaning of life,” said Michael Prokopow, a history professor at the Ontario College of Art and Design University in Toronto.
click here for the rest of the NYtimes article
Monday, May 23, 2011
{Made} :: Material Analysis
These are the only four pen and ink drawings that survived from a material analysis project from long long ago. A methodical project where I catalogued the morphology of heating and stretching a piece of plexiglass over certain periods of time.
I can now enjoy the drawings as abstract pieces in their own right instead of just a means to an end.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Hunted:: Gathered: 05/22/11
I started off my thrifting week by going to the Long Beach Flea Market. I had not been in months and the weekend worked out perfectly for me to be able to go. I arrived at 8am and the rain was just started to let up. Many vendors had not unpacked yet for fear that it would continue to rain but luckily the rain did stop.
I bought this cute little Rorstrand pitcher because the pattern caught my eye. The pattern is called Koka. I couldn't stop rubbing it because the texture is so satiny.
As I was walking around, I passed by a vendor who had countless drafting/ drawing/ painting supplies in boxes. I started looking through them because I can't help myself with those things. An older gent inquired about a set of drawing pens and the vendor rudely replied that he was only selling the boxes with all of their contents, not individual items. The older gent proceeded to tell the vendor that he wanted the pens because he loved to draw and they were just what he was looking for. He then offered him $10 for the pens. The vendor said no, took the pens from the gent and put them back in the box. I looked at the gent and he had such sadness in his eyes. It broke my heart. I wanted to tell him I'd split the price for the box so he could take his pens at a lower price but I did not have the cash to do so. I ended up walking away with such distaste for that vendor. I know that as a vendor you ultimately want to reach your bottom line, but the man offered him $10 for a small set. He wanted $60 for the box and it would have still been pretty full and well worth it without the pens. How difficult would it have been to ask $50 for the box after he sold the pens? Not difficult at all.
A friend caught up with me a bit later and we walked around and looked at many beautiful pieces. We didn't really buy much, we just walked and talked and learned. I did manage to buy my first Finel piece. I was so excited. It is in great condition. Since I've never seen them before in person I thought it had the wrong lid because it was slightly bigger and wiggled. When I got home I looked up some more Finel pieces and it seems that they are all like that. Phew!
My book find for the week is another kid's book with vibrant colors and illustrations. There are several pages that are compositionally wonderful.
Later in the week I went to a thrift store that I'd never been to before. I was in another town and of course had to look for some thrifts. There I found this cute David Stewart for Lion's Valley Stoneware camel planter. It has either a manufacturing defect or crack on the handle but it didn't matter to me. I'd never seen one of these before.
I also picked up this cute Fiestaware mug for my morning coffee. This is sure to bring a bit of sunshine to the start of my day!
Last but not least I bought some furniture. I hadn't gotten any furniture for a while and happened to come home with four of these mid-century style chairs. Yes, they need some work but I think I can make them shine again. Maybe I am crazy, we'll see. For now it is my next DIY project.
I bought this cute little Rorstrand pitcher because the pattern caught my eye. The pattern is called Koka. I couldn't stop rubbing it because the texture is so satiny.
As I was walking around, I passed by a vendor who had countless drafting/ drawing/ painting supplies in boxes. I started looking through them because I can't help myself with those things. An older gent inquired about a set of drawing pens and the vendor rudely replied that he was only selling the boxes with all of their contents, not individual items. The older gent proceeded to tell the vendor that he wanted the pens because he loved to draw and they were just what he was looking for. He then offered him $10 for the pens. The vendor said no, took the pens from the gent and put them back in the box. I looked at the gent and he had such sadness in his eyes. It broke my heart. I wanted to tell him I'd split the price for the box so he could take his pens at a lower price but I did not have the cash to do so. I ended up walking away with such distaste for that vendor. I know that as a vendor you ultimately want to reach your bottom line, but the man offered him $10 for a small set. He wanted $60 for the box and it would have still been pretty full and well worth it without the pens. How difficult would it have been to ask $50 for the box after he sold the pens? Not difficult at all.
A friend caught up with me a bit later and we walked around and looked at many beautiful pieces. We didn't really buy much, we just walked and talked and learned. I did manage to buy my first Finel piece. I was so excited. It is in great condition. Since I've never seen them before in person I thought it had the wrong lid because it was slightly bigger and wiggled. When I got home I looked up some more Finel pieces and it seems that they are all like that. Phew!
My book find for the week is another kid's book with vibrant colors and illustrations. There are several pages that are compositionally wonderful.
Later in the week I went to a thrift store that I'd never been to before. I was in another town and of course had to look for some thrifts. There I found this cute David Stewart for Lion's Valley Stoneware camel planter. It has either a manufacturing defect or crack on the handle but it didn't matter to me. I'd never seen one of these before.
I also picked up this cute Fiestaware mug for my morning coffee. This is sure to bring a bit of sunshine to the start of my day!
Last but not least I bought some furniture. I hadn't gotten any furniture for a while and happened to come home with four of these mid-century style chairs. Yes, they need some work but I think I can make them shine again. Maybe I am crazy, we'll see. For now it is my next DIY project.
How was your week? What did you find?
Linking up again with two lovely ladies:
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