Hammondrye: March 2010

Stickie Love

I love stickers just like the next kid. but it still feels like cheating.

Here is how we used a garden collection from Wee Gallery the set of The Details (due out fall'10):

Stickers and vinyl decals are a simple and quick means to add whimsy or panache to any room with out committing to hours of sketching details free hand or from a projected image. And the vinyl are typically 'removable', which is great for kids and non-committal types (I don't even hang art on my walls) The obvious use is for nursery, children and dorm rooms. But there are some
Prices start around $10 usd and go up to $200+.
Here are some tastefully thought decals:

how cute would a vintage glider bench in red be under this "tree"?

(check out www.vintageglider.com)

image sources:
www.weegallery.com
www.urbanoutfitters.com
www.etsy.com/shop/glasshousecouture
www.dalidecals.com
www.paristic.fr
www.studionommo.com
www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk

the power of pattern

I recently found colourlovers.com and have since logged a few hours creating palettes and even 'new' colors that I get to name! This fun pass time is proving to be an inspirational resource and valuable design tool.

Of course, I've always known that a pattern can create atmosphere or evoke an emotion .
And that in hand with color, can be an amazingly persuasive design force. But I've mostly practiced using the combination intuitively. This is a conscious exercise in application.

At colourlovers.com, you can combine palettes and patterns and name them based solely on 1st inclination. It happens completely intuitively. Its wonderful! Give it a try and let me know what you come up with.

http://www.colourlovers.com/palette/1123519/blogspot

baby bok choy stir-fry w/tofu

Shark Attack!

I am happy to be working on another project with 2 of my favorite and talented friends: Darryl Bernstein and Wendy Dreaney. Darryl has been commissioned to do a series of images in the satirical style that he is well know for.

Together, we have a history of large campaigns and have developed an easy style of communication that makes producing complicated projects a piece of cake.

So far that is keeping me very busy: set building, casting, pulling wardrobe, props and styling.

The best part is collaborating with Darryl and Wendy: They are talented, articulate, funny, experienced, sophisticated, thoughtful, and direct. Just a bit of what they have to offer.

Earth and Iceland

I've just dumped this set into the trash.

Generally, after the client gets their image, thats the way it goes.
It filled my garage, took 2 days to cure and looked perfect: sculpted with carpet, roofing composite, concrete and orchre pigment, I built a minature Elah Valley for the fall of Goliath. I can't show you the final image until it is published, but trust me, it will be award winning!

OK, here is a tiny snip:

I seem to be drawn to tuscany tones. Russets, amber, ochre and sienna. I am constantly picking up trinkets and iron relics to display on shelves, prop open a door, tack onto a fence, or wedge into a tree elbow. Remembrance of things past. A sense of antiquity.

But in this grey NW environment, these hues never ever make it onto my walls. I subscribe Only to an icelandic palette and use primarily iced grayed whites for my wall.
And despite convention, I have no problem using a semi gloss on a plaster wall or a hi-gloss on the ceiling. I Love mixing finishes. One hue, used with different lusters, will create subtle mutations of reflecting light within a room as the quality changes through the seasons.