Artist Spotlight: Nuri Amanatullah

Yesterday Rebecca and I were finally able to meet for coffee.  After not having been able to get together for several moths, we were able to see each other a couple of times this weekend- first on Saturday, when we met to go to a book warehouse sale (sadly, a dud), followed by a trip to the antique store (sadly, Rebecca had to leave before we headed inside).  Sunday was a success, though, and we met at our favorite local coffee house- the Sagebrush Cafe.  We talked about what has been going on in both of our lives lately- job interviews and writing contracts, botched dye jobs and noisy neighbors, and maybe a few other things.  One of the things we love about the Sagebrush Cafe is that they showcase local artists (and they sell other super cute literary and art themed items.)  This past visit provided us with prints that were fun and colorful, from artist Nuri Amanatullah.

Oh, Columbia! — Bioshock Infinite

Now, I will be honest with you- I am not a player of this computer game, so any reference to it is lost on me, but that does not stop me from loving this print.

via

This is the image that was on the cards advertising the show.  I swiped one, I'm not going to lie.  Although I guess since they are free it doesn't really count as swiping.  I think this little character (named Elizabeth) is adorable.

buy it on etsy

Another video game, The Last of Us, that I know nothing about, other than it is possibly being made into a movie this year.  Still, I like the graphic.  I love this style.

buy it on etsy

This is also on display at the cafe, and it is such a different style that I assumed it was a different artist.

buy it on etsy

You know what they say about assuming.
Anyway, I think both of these prints would be fun to add to a themed gallery wall, maybe in a vacation home or guest bedroom, along with other similarly themed prints.

As always, I hope you are having a fantastic Monday!  I can't believe it is already May.  In one month, my kiddos will be moving on from the 5th grade, and the Cat and I will begin packing for Paris.  It's crazy how time flies.

Favorite New Find: Scout Books

Rebecca and I met for a coffee yesterday at our little local coffee shop, Sagebrush Cafe, to catch up, talk about the blog, and to relax.  We both have pretty busy schedules, so it was nice to be able to sit down and talk with no interruptions (except for the somewhat nosy customer next to us who kept eavesdropping every time Rebecca opened her mouth!).
Anyway, while we were there, while I was waiting to order (a delicious salami, pesto, and artichoke panini, by the way), I poked around their little book section.  That is one of the things I like about this little cafe, besides that it is locally owned and operated- it also sells works from local artists and has a small (read: bookcase!) selection of literature for sale.  So while I was in line I spotted these tiny little books for $4 each.

available at Scout Books

How cute is that?!  From the back of the book:

"American Shorts pairs ten must-read authors with ten contemporary illustrators in the pocket-friendly Scout Book format, breathing new life into classic stories.  Each volume is a perfect fit for literature lovers, design connoisseurs  or anyone who could use a good read on the go."

illustration from the book; by artist Tom Neely

I am a fan of Poe.  I loved studying him under the tutelage (not a big fan of that word, but it works well here!) of my favorite professor, Dr. Frye.  I used to have a class with Dr. Frye in which we would study some of the works of Poe, and then I would go to my own class and share the insights I had learned with my own students.  They were only 6th graders, but I do believe I introduced quite a few of my students to a master of literature, and got them to appreciate his work!    They would beg me to bring in copies of his work to read in class.  They especially loved "The Pit and the Pendulum."  (That is a great short story if you haven't read it yet!)  This little book would be a perfect way to introduce some great literature to a younger audience.  The artwork makes it really fresh and fun.

Scout Books seems like a pretty cool little publisher.  They have other titles under this series; Sagebrush was also selling "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.  

OR you can order their box set of 10 American classics.

Vol. 1 “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce

Illustrated by François Vigneault

Vol. 2 “Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving

Illustrated by Bwana Spoons

Vol. 3 “The Jelly-Bean” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Illustrated by Vanessa Davis

Vol. 4 “The Story of an Hour” and Other Stories by Kate Chopin

Illustrated by Gemma Correll

Vol. 5 “Eve’s Diary” by Mark Twain

Illustrated by Meg Hunt

Vol. 6 “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Illustrated by Aaron Renier

Vol. 7 “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Illustrated by Zack Soto

Vol. 8 “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe

Illustrated by Tom Neely

Vol. 9 “To Build a Fire” by Jack London

Illustrated by Michael Hsiung

Vol. 10 “The Gift of the Magi” and Other Stories by O. Henry

Illustrated by Kate Bingaman-Burt

I will fully admit that I just got a little bit lazy there and copied that straight from the Scout Books website.  But take a look at that list!  I really want the Hawthorne book.  I love that story.  (Rebecca did a post about Hawthorne here.)

from "Young Goodman Brown"
buy it here

You can also buy regular, lined notebooks.  You get to add the big ideas inside.  I always have a little notebook with me to jot down ideas.  Size is key.  It has to be small enough that I can easily throw it in my purse, but not so small that it is hard to write in.  Scout Books to the rescue!  They have cute printed notebooks just waiting to be written in.

Of course I love this animal print notebook!

Lovely Lace Notebook

Or if you are feeling super creative, you can create your own little book!  You can create your custom notebook (and choose the paper that goes inside, like lined or blank), or you can make a real book.  That option is pricey, but how cool is that?!

~Lori

Sagebrush Cafe

This photo session was Lori's and my second adventure with friend and photographer Kim Trzyna.  We were also fortunate that Ruth Knolls (my hair stylist, and owner of Dots...A Unique Hair Spot salon)  volunteered to do our hair and make-up.  We wanted a 50's/60's vibe, and I am so lucky that Lori has an amazing closet that she kindly lets me raid.  I borrowed this great sundress, belt and purse; we both knew it would look good in color and black and white photos.  Lori looked so stunning in her cigarette pants and  striped sweater.  Ruth did a great job with the cat-eye make-up and, for me, messy teased hair, for Lori, a teased ponytail.
We chose a local coffee house, Sagebrush Cafe, because it has a true desert look and casual, retro feel that we felt perfectly complemented the clothes and our website.  We also did a few poolside photos later in the day as a farewell to summer with the white lace dress (also from Lori's closet).  My favorite pictures, though, are of Lori poolside-she really captures the essence of retro cool.

We had so much fun with these pictures, and classic looks!  We know we are not models; we are regular women who enjoy fashion and are unafraid to try new things.  I have learned many things from Lori about fashion (and she is the most stylish person I know) but one very important thing I have learned is to dress the way I want, no matter what others are doing.  We hope that our fearlessness encourages other women out there to celebrate themselves everyday.