Fresh Ink :: Life by the Lake

Another new print was added to the shop last week! Printed from a block I carved while I was in college, it also was included as part of my senior art exhibition. 
This print was inspired by my love for *life by the lake* in Minnesota's north country and its vast expanse of lakes, streams, and woods along the Canadian border. For as long as I can remember, I've traveled to the northwoods of Minnesota with family. Enjoying long lazy days by waters edge, picking blueberries, island picnics, canoeing, etc. - it's my favorite slice of summer!

Art Shanty Projects

Maybe ice fishing isn't enough to lure you onto a frozen lake, I don't blame you...but the Art Shanty Project on Medicine Lake is back for it's 3rd year and definitely worth checking out if you live in the Twin Cities! This engaging and extremely unique event is comprised of artists who turn ice houses into interactive exhibits exploring how the public space of a frozen lake can expand notions of what art can be. This four week exhibition is going on now through February 4th. 


Read more about the Art Shanty Project here :: get directions!

Great Minnesota Get-Together

Today is the first day of the "great Minnesota get-together" :: the Minnesota State Fair, Yay! One of the things I love about the fair is all the creative and crazy foods it promises to dish out :: some newbies this year that I'd love to try...

Chocolate Covered Jalapeno Peppers

Sweet Corn Ice Cream

Breakfast Lollypop - a sausage patty on a stick with a side of maple syrup (yum!)

Anyway, this year's fair looks like it'll be a good one. Good food, excellent people watching... :) 

artwork by Steve Thomas

From the Land of Sky Blue Waters

Our annual trip to Minnesota's Northwoods was everything we hoped it to be :: peaceful, restful, & restorative. I've vacationed at this lake with my family ever since I was a baby.....and it's also where Tim proposed! :) That said, it holds a pretty special place in my heart. Coming home is always hard, but then we remember we'll be returning again next year! 

:: Some Highlights ::

Our little cabin ♥

LOTS of time spent reading and relaxing

3rd annual Blind Root Beer Tasting

:: This year's selection included :: 

Iron Horse, Mason's, Route 66, Triple XXX, Buckin' Rootbeer, & Dog n Suds

Picking wild blueberries =

a YUMMY blueberry pie!!!

Boating, exploring, hiking, swimming, napping...

The evenings would bring splashes followed by shrieks...

Rock jumping at our favorite spot

LOVE being on the water

Roasting marshmallows to make the perfect...

S'more  :)

A thunderstorm rumbling and echoing across the lake

&

Beautiful sunsets

all pics were taken by me using Instagram

Goin' Up North

We leave today for our annual vacation in northern Minnesota near Ely. Its picturesque landscapes, towering pines, and sky blue waters are a welcome retreat from the everyday craziness of life. It's the perfect place to press RESET and just  r e l a x . . .  

While I'm away check out some favorite things I've found around the www...

Dear Blank

Scratch Maps Would be Fun!

This, That & These are current favorites of mine on Etsy

A Tree House for Adults

Tourists posing with other Tourists.....classic

What is marriage?

Down Memory Lane

Why didn't someone think of this sooner?!

Will someone please buy me these earrings?

:: also ::

I will be doing my first GIVEAWAY 

within the next week or two after we return from our vacation! 

Stay tuned....I don't want you to miss out!!!  :)

See you back here on August 1st!

Fresh Ink :: Pedal, Path, Pavement, Pristine

I really enjoyed doing another bike print, though it did take me a bit longer since it's twice the size of the other prints I've done since beginning this blog. You can see my first bike print here. Hope you have a happy week!    

Great MN Biking Resources

bikeMN :: Cycle Twin Cities :: Nice Ride MN :: MPLS Bike Love

Twin Cities Bicycle Bars

Epic Grind :: One on One :: Angry Catfish :: Cranky's :: & a bicycle that IS a bar Pedal Pub


:: Don't forget to check out my Etsy shop for more prints ::

To Market

Farmers' Markets are in full swing here in Minnesota. I'm thinking of doing a print in the upcoming weeks that's influenced by findings at the farmers' market. Is there a particular item found at market that you would like to see printed?

pics taken by me at the Old Monterey Farmers' Market

:: also ::

Don't you love this illustration by Crystal Kluge? So cute!

Bike-friendly

Minnesota was named "Best Trails State" by American Trails, ranked among the top "bicycle friendly" states by the League of American Cyclists, and Minneapolis was named the number one bicycling city in the U.S. by Bicycling Magazine......that said, it's no surprise that my next print is of a bike!  :)  I'm actually thinking of doing a series of different bikes from various perspectives :: stay tuned!
Here are a few pics I snapped for inspiration while out and about this weekend, as well as a peak at how my block carving is coming. I think I'll be printing this one in the next day or two, so check back soon for the final result!

this illustration made me smile  :)

Local and International Art Happenings

Beginning this Saturday, June 3rd, the Venice Biennale is kicking off Europe's art summer!

For those of you who don't know, the Venice Biennale is one of the largest contemporary art exhibits in the world and is held every 2 years in Venice, Italy. This year, a record 89 countries will have national pavilions at the 54th Biennale, including for the first time Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Rwanda, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Andorra.

*If you're lucky enough to be in Italy between now and November 27th, I strongly encourage you to venture to Venice and check out the Biennale - you won't be disappointed!

Here are a few pics from when I was at the Biennale in 2007, and a video of my favorite installation from the exhibit.

United States Pavilion

A portion of Take Care of Yourself by Sophie Calle, (French)  

 :: One of my favorites, learn more here ::

Pre-September 11 New York Skyline Recreated with Speakers and their Shadows by Mounir Fatmi, (Moroccan)

:: there were various sounds you would hear in a city coming from each speaker ::

My favorite piece of the exhibit, Ocean Without a Shore by Bill Viola, (American)
 :: I know it's not the shortest video, but so worth it... ::

:: also this weekend ::

Happening a bit closer to home is the Edina Art Fair

Featuring 340 artists & the 2nd largest art fair in Minnesota...it should be a good time!

Friday, June 3 :: 10 - 7

Saturday, June 4 :: 10 - 7

Sunday, June 5 :: 10 - 5

Fresh Ink :: Taste of Summer

This image would probably be better suited in late July and August when the berries are at their peak, but I couldn't imagine waiting that long to do a blueberry print! 
These small berries are more than just a tiny sweet and tangy blue fruit; over the last 27 years they have been a part of what brings my family together in the northwoods of Minnesota where we spend 8 days exploring, relaxing, laughing, and most importantly being with one another. We've braved the sometimes torrent weather searching for the berries sturdy little bush growing on high bluffs, boggy wetlands, and tucked away on small islands. We sneak a berry taste here and there as we slowly and methodically pick our way through the bushes, but we know that if our berry bounty is enough.....we will have PIE....or CRUMBLE....MUFFINS....or SCONES!

:: Don't forget to check out my Etsy shop for more prints ::