Time Out (For Art)

I needed an antidote to all the holiday hustle and bustle and what better place than
SFMoma and Robert Rauschenberg?
It was delightfully uncrowded. I think everyone must have been out holiday shopping.

Many times people ask me things like "How do I learn about collage (or art)?" and I tell them what they told me at art school -- look at A LOT of art -- as much as you possibly can.
You educate your eye by looking...and looking.
If you live in the Bay Area and are interested in mixed media art, you really don't want to miss this one.

Talk about re-purposed art -- this is it!

Detail

Detail
Rauschenberg was a master at layering -- and using repurposed  ephemera in his work -- you can see newspapers and magazine pages embedded in some paintings..and there was a sock in one too...and a dime in another..

Detail
I love the bits of paper layered under paint..
and the colors...

He started a lot of things....

These two I really wanted to take home with me....they are very large...there is no sense of scale in the photo...ok, if I have to I will just take one...

Another favorite -- it is large too...

Silk screened. Mixed media lovers -- look and learn.

Detail

There were lots and lots of these pieces - all different - zippered together and on three walls.

Detail
I love this.....I left feeling happier and inspired and wanting to go back and look at everything again.
GO if you can. And, if you can't, maybe check out books of his work from the library.
You will be glad you did.
An art break with five artist friends. And, a Japanese lunch.
Can't beat it.

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A Public Service

Maybe you need a little bit of inspiration to feel some holiday cheer. I know I do. I am kind of a scrooge anyway and this year is leaving a lot to be desired.
California is burning. Again. And I won't even mention politics.
But, in spite of it all, I still like to look at pretty things -- and I am hoping you do too.

My friend -- who threatened me not to identify her or else -- is a fantastic and creative gift wrapper.
She wrapped ALL these beauties as a fund raiser for my mail art group's holiday party.
They sold for $5 each -- yes, there are surprises inside -- and people were grabbing them up for the beauty of the wrappings.

Who needs Martha Stewart?

My friend's wrapping?.......

Or, Martha's?

Hands down these win.....

Grouchy Cat

My friend should be in a magazine......don't you think?

Who would think to put a blinking, battery operated Xmas light on a gift?

How fun is this one? I think the box was stamped this way but you could get some plain boxes and do the same thing for a mail art lover. I am -- and I am going to add more postage and cancellations because that's just the way I roll.

I bought this one -- and, ahem, a few more....
And, I haven't even opened them yet but they have been shaken and poked.

These are some of mine.....wrapped before I saw all that eye candy....but I kind of like this theme too...I used old book pages.

I just happen to have lots of old book pages to use and that is creative reuse for sure. And once opened, my friends can use the papers for collages.
Want a couple of ideas of things to put inside the beautifully wrapped boxes?

How about a fabulous custom rubber stamp?

2ImpressShop has some fabulous rubber stamps for mail artists. I have three and I want more (hint, hint) Tell Bo I sent you, ok?

I am in love with sari ribbon

Holly is delightful to order from and the sari ribbon is beautiful for wrapping around altered books, adding to altered tags or vintage clips. Tell her I sent you.
I am getting nothing from this -- not selling -- just want to help you out with ideas and promote these two very delightful small businesses...

All packed up and already gone.....a holiday box for my sister....who has ZERO willpower and I have to put THREATS on her gifts and tell her not to open them till Xmas or else.
Santa WILL know.

Another tip -- that I am sure you all must know -- in the US, Flat Rate Priority envelopes come in three sizes and are free at the PO. No matter what you stuff inside and how heavy they are, the rate is fixed and they come with $50 insurance and tracking.
Such a deal.
That's why I could send a friend CANS of Los Palmas enchilada and chili sauce...she is in Virginia and they do not have the fabulous Mexican food we have here.
But they do have grits. And a ribs. I digress...

OK, so I hope this post inspires you to feel FESTIVE. 
I will feel a lot more festive when the fires in CA go out but I am trying....
Send California good thoughts.

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Start and End with a Post Box

I've been editing my travel photos and adding them to my my travel journal so I thought you might like to come along with me......

Every day starts off with coffee.....I had an espresso and an Americano.....need a lot of energy to walk all day long..

The Flea Market in Lisbon -- artist selling hand painted postcards....

What a fun idea -- and she was doing a brisk business....

Coffee Break
I have never met a Pastis de Nata I haven't liked....(and check out that tile floor too).

When you're out and about in Lisbon be sure to look down -- the sidewalks are all amazing and made with beautiful tiles....

You never know what you might find around the corner....this street had a pop-up outdoor book sale...
And I found an amazing bookstore with beautiful old books and ephemera that deserves it's own post...

If I see a PO Box I will stop.

Touristy shopping is always fun...
you could buy sardines -- or you could buy chocolate sardines....

San Francisco has a lot of food trucks....but a cocktail truck? The alcohol flows very freely in Lisbon...

Gin & Tonic is a favorite there. I saw them at lunch spots and at dinner -- 4 euros.
I finally had to give in....

Love those big red PO Boxes....

Thanks for coming on a little Lisbon walk with me. Now, I think I will get back to working on finishing my travel journal up...

Lisbon Flea

You all said you want to visit the flea market in Lisbon with me....so, today we are going....wear comfortable shoes because it is a big one.....

I am really drawn to to the metal......shame it is so heavy....

And KEYS!!!!!!

And, I love religious statues like these....

and these......
I couldn't find any Portuguese holy cards though, except for a few vintage ones....

And, this is Lisbon so yes, there are lots of lovely tiles....

Fado? Si!!!! I loved the music and have a few Fado cd's to prove it...

Yep, stamp bundles!!!
I told you that I find stamp bundles in European flea markets......

15 euros each -- too much I think.....a photo will have to do...

Those cats again -- I think I probably should have bought them....too late now...

I want it ALL......
But, I actually didn't buy nearly as much as you'd think.......I did get four Portuguese passports and some official papers....but sometimes a picture is all I need to be happy. 
We spend hours walking around and looking at everything -- it was so much fun!
So, what would YOU buy?
If you visit Lisbon I highly recommend the flea market there....bring a bag and wear comfy shoes and carry a camera and have some fun!

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