Portland was great. Not enough time to see everyone and do everything, but it was a fantastic trip! I love my hometown, it has changed so much, but all in good ways I think. Now, back to work and back to the humid summer at home! Happy Summer everyone, an art update is coming soon!

etui

Originally uploaded by FunCupcake.

I found these ultra-lovely silkscreened cards at the Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn last month. The artist, working under the name of Etui is a graphic designer who designs and prints the cards to stay creative. When I first saw these cards I was overwhelmed with emotion (as I often am over lovely things) but this time, because they look much like the dreams I have over and over. Growing up in Portland, Oregon, I spent a lot of time playing in parks and green spaces, and I have photos of me in similar actions, with leaves all around. I have reoccuring dreams of myself at Wilshire Park in Northeast Portland, of me on the swingset, jumping from tree top to tree top, and running through piles of autumn leaves. They are really happy beautiful dreams, although I guess it’s been a while since I’ve had one. I saw these cards and felt like they really summed up my feelings of my own childhood, and I absolutely love them and will frame them.

Japanese Indulgence

Originally uploaded by FunCupcake.

Tara and I went to the Kinokuniya Japanese Bookstore when I visited Portland, and along with some cute folders and stationary and a stuffed animal pattern book, I had to purchase this pencil case. I picked it up, put it down and went back to it again, because I could not resist a pink sparkly pencil box covered in graphic images of puppies and sweets. And my drawing supplies are always needing a home, a proper toolbox I guess. I know that I am not 5 years old anymore, but something about this whole thing just really makes me happy. It says on the box “The cute gesture is a favorite” and “i love sweets.” I agree!

lucy_coffeeshop

Originally uploaded by FunCupcake.

I also got to see Lucy who accompanied Jules for a visit! Yay! Liberal North Portland coffeeshops (Fresh Pot) let you bring your dog in!

scottygibbs

Originally uploaded by FunCupcake.

Perhaps as much as it was great to see my family and friends in Portland, and some old familiar places and things, it was especially good to visit my friends’ dogs! I stayed with Dave & Tara and Scotty when I was in Portland and although Scotty ate a few of my undergarments, he made it up to me by pushing my door open one morning and leaping into bed with me. He rolled over on his back and curled up like a baby next to me! Thanks for the snuggle Scotty Gibbs!

nightsky

Originally uploaded by FunCupcake.

There was the strangest sky the other night in Portland, a thunderstorm was brewing and the sky was casting an orange glow. I took this photo at dusk, and did not add any photoshop effects! Strange and beautiful!

markie_sarah_steve

Originally uploaded by FunCupcake.

I have the coolest family. Both my Dad (Steve, on the right) and my Stepdad (Mark on the left) get along! They always have, since I was five, and my Mom and Stepdad moved in together. So when my Dad Steve had a BBQ with a bunch of our Laws family, of course, Markie was invited! It’s hot here, in the 90’s, but nothing like the NYC humid heat that is going on over there. Cheers to having a cool family!

owl

Originally uploaded by FunCupcake.

but i’ll be checking in from over there in the pacific northwest!

Granny’s Retro House

Originally uploaded by FunCupcake.

I stayed at my 82-year old Granny Dorothy’s house while in Portland. She and my Grandpa lived in the house that he built, over 50 years ago, and she still lives there today! Her house is the same as I remember it as a little kid! It is truly retro, none of the interior decoration has changed, and it’s both comforting and delightful to visit and know that everything will be as it always has, in it’s same place. I tried to capture some of the design elements when I was there… She has the most awesome linoleum (cool 50’s stars and funky pastel squares) and countertops (turquoise blue with gold flecks in it.) The house retains so many handcrafted touches that I hope never leave. The bathroom and kitchen cabinets are very non-cabinet looking, they actually look more like furniture (in beautiful beech and cherry colored wood) to me than those awful pre-fab cabinets so common today. Her overall color scheme is blue and green, and unfortunately I didn’t capture the living room, which is completely blue and green (green shag carpet, pale green walls, green/blue upholstered sofa.) I like the color combo and it will always remind me of my Granny. I’m sure that my visual aesthetics are influenced by growing up near and around this home, full of color and history! I love 50’s design, kitsch and all! Plastic doilies are just amazing! But seriously, it’s pretty comforting to recall one phone number and address that has been the same for twice the length of my life. And to show up and know you’ll eat the same home-cooked meals, and rely on the same familiar love and support! You Go Granny Dot!

Week in Photos…

Originally uploaded by FunCupcake.

I’m back from my week in Portland. I was unprepared for the cool and wet weather, why didn’t I pack my newly finished scarf? I just could not believe it was cold enough to wear it, and I didn’t pack it! Needless to say, I caught a cold, and spent the rest of the week drinking lots of tea and oj and taking it easy. I did manage to squeeze in a few more visits with others. I wandered down to Portland State University to walk the park blocks of my alma matter, and thought of Ian, Selena, and Melissa, now all in far away places, but just a few years ago, we were all there! I visited another fellow sculptor from PSU, Jules and her adorable dog Lucy and we walked around Alberta Street. I finally caught up with my former co-worker and good friend Jenn, and we spent hours just catching up on the past year and a half! Tara and I spent an afternoon working in her art studio, I continued on my drawings, and she painted. We also took Ben out for lunch at Sweet Basil for his birthday, and finally got to meet his little puppy, as well as the cats! We managed to squeeze in a little shopping on NW 23rd as well. Markie and I went to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Oregon Historical Society and Produce Row for lunch. He made breakfast for Granny and I too. It was a really great trip, so good to see all the old friends and family and familiar haunts!
*Forgot to mention my trip back to Reed College! I saw my former bosses (Marty & Marianne) and also made the rounds to see what everyone else was up to! It was a very nice afternoon!