Uptown Modern

Another remedy for creative block, is to feed your senses with what the world has hidden away in unexpected places. Now you're probably expecting me to insert something here about nature, but on the contrary, I want to divert your attention to another one of life's hidden (behind-a-storefront-woman-made) treasures. Uptown Modern. This 1940-70's home furnishings guru will make your heart flutter at first sight of it's lovely display of antique gems and is sure to send waves of design inspiration crashing your way.

Uptown modern is owned and operated by Jean Heath, who has been in the antique business for over 20 years. From what I was told by one of her lovely and incredibly helpful employees named Rebecca Cannon, Jean puts forth the effort to make the store radiate with a renewing energy by frequently updating their displays to make each shopping experience truly unique and exciting each and every time you stop by.

So the next time you're strolling down Austin's very own vintage alley (Burnet Road) you should veer off into this divine three part shop of everything you're mid-century, modern heart could desire. 

I mean, who doesn't need a fist-pumping gold torso?

On a side note:

This is my informant Rebecca Cannon, she gave insight about the owner and how the store is run. One of my favorites tid bits, was how Jean Heath (owner) supports her employees pursuing their music careers. One of the many reasons I love Austin, Texas! Speaking of, Cannon sings in the Texas Sapphires, check them out here!

The lovely fall display Rebecca put together for October. Does anyone else see that fantastic painting in the top left corner?

The wood blocks used for letterpress printing are my favorite, these in particular were probably used for fabric. I think I've already decided to dedicate another post solely to their letterpress wood blocks. So get ready.

So clear your schedule and make a pit stop. You won't be disappointed!

Images ©2008 Julie Cope Photography.

Jackie Young

So there is a local Austin artist/photographer, named Jackie Young, who is too terribly awesome not to mention and best of all she works both with polaroids and Derek. Coincidentally, Jackie's currently featured on austinist.com under the photo essayist prompt "Texas Heat". This past spring, Young engulfed herself in a photo project that reached out to the community titled "I am." The project involved a truckload of polaroids and a great big thing I like to call, ambition. From what I would understood, Jackie set up shop in front of storefronts with several chalkboards that read "I am_____." and casually asked passers-by to participate. In the end, she chalked it up to 2,376 photo responses for her public art installation in downtown Austin on April 12, 2008. 

Her work has a knack for capturing a certain 'Je ne sais pas'. That solemn moment in time when you've finally found inner peace!?!?  IE...they're beautiful. Please, by all means, indulge yourself here.


Profound puts it lightly.



My favorite, in case you were wondering.





This final photo is the artist herself, how appropriate. (accomplished)
Well done Jackie Young.

ps. If I had done one I would have written, "I am Punny."

All images © 2008 Jackie Young.

Creative Block Blues?

Do you feel like this everyday!? I know I do. 

While browsing through Lauren's blog, I stumbled upon a post that is too cute to not mention. It's Keri Smith's, Artist's survival kit. The printable little guide is a witty play on creative block that's sure to get your spirits back up.

Images via Keri Smith.

3 years of bliss.

Meet Derek.

Derek is known among friends as the walking encyclopedia of anything music, pop culture and sports trivia. His talents include scouting new and upcoming artist, drawing, spotting bulldogs and chubby babies, and making me laugh.

He'd call Dwight Yoakum and "Bonnie Prince Billy" his modern day heros, coming in second only to his mother.

He enjoys collecting concert posters, (namely by Dirk Fowler, Sasha Barr, Jason Munn, Jay Ryan, and many many more),


any and all sports (especially college football),


and microbrewed beer.

I introduce you to Derek simply because 3 years ago today, after unknowingly placing powdered sugar all over his face at the fair that night, I knew I could not fight it when he asked me to be his girl.

Random Fact: For our first date he took me to see Lyle Lovett Live in Lubbock. 

What can I say, I Lovett! 

This is when he found out who I really was.


Here are a few snap shots with Derek.
The bus ride taking us to the third day of acl this past weekend.

Watching Against Me! (I'm making that face because I'm getting into mosh pit mode.)


This is the night I turned into his old lady. aka my 24th birthday.



And this was on the airplane flying back from his birthday weekend in Boulder, Colorado!

Kind of a random display of pictures.  But what it all boils down to is is that I love the ba-jeebers out of this guy and I just want to say Happy Anniversary! You are my best friend and possess the kindest heart I've ever known. xoxo.

Poster design by Dirk Fowler of F2 Design.

Image of Football players and Dale's Pale Ale found via internet.

Amanda Shires & Rod Picott's Album Design

Here is the latest album design I completed for two incredibly talented musicians, Amanda Shires (aka "Pearl Reams") and Rod Picott. Their album is titled, "Sew your heart with wires" and I really enjoyed working on this, thanks to Rod and Amanda's patience and non-stop jokes. 

I can't say enough good things about these two. Their music is literally delivered to your ears from the soft and gentle breeze of a passerby that turned out to be an angel . Both have solo albums that are equally delightful on the ears. These two are a pair of fun loving, honky tonk, musical geniuses. Additionally, if you're from the great flatland that is West Texas, you might know Amanda as the fiddle player from the Thrift Store Cowboys, another wildly talented group worth checking into. 

I love you a whole lot Rod and Amanda!

Images © 2008 Julie Cope Photography

Solitude.

I just found this print by Aaron Jenkins and let me just say...it.is.beautiful.  

oh and..I want it.

Sneak preview.

Here is one of four handmade albums I'm working on. These books will function as wedding albums that are tailored specifically for each couple to give them a truly unique work of art from their special day.
More picture's to come.