Marian Bantjes Shows Off

I am so super duper excited about Marian Bantjes's upcoming visit to the Central Coast. Due to random forces beyond my control, Marian agreed to do a show (her first ever one woman gallery exhibition) in our humble University Art Gallery. Technically, I am the curator of this show, although my task was ridiculously easy (except for stringing all those itty bitty little hearts on vellum that dangle from the big LOVE banner) as Marian planned the layout and installation of the work down to the last minutiae. The show is absolutely stunning and provides a rare insight into the workings of a hyper-creative mind. Marian's choice of media is diverse and unconventional, ranging from traditional drawing materials to sugar and fake fur. She is incredibly prolific, yet her work always maintains an astonishingly high (i.e., mind blowing) level of detail and intricacy.

The show includes over 130 separate pieces and provides the viewer with an opportunity to experience a full range of Marian’s creative endeavors, including: original drawings, paintings, fabric pattern design, typeface development and tons of printed pieces on unique substrates using way cool techniques (like laser cutting and foil stamping). It rocks my world. If my students aren't inspired and fired up by this, I will sink into a deep pit of despair.

Happy Birthday Elvis

Today is Elvis's birthday. Here is my ode to you:

Elvis
King of Rock and Roll
You of the Pelvis
Treat Me Like a Fool
Treat Me Mean and Cruel
But, Love Me
Consumer of Meatloaf
Wearer of the Jumpsuit
'68 Comeback Special
Name in Lights
Jungle Room
King of Excess
Mystery Train
Voice of an Angel

Elvis, I hope you have found Peace in your Valley. Today, I had a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich in your honour.

Happy New Year

In some cultures, and among the superstitious, it is believed that the New Year's Day meal sets to tone for the rest of the year. Needless to say, the year of the disastrous chili in which I forgot to pre-cook the beans (whoops!) still haunts our household. As does the year of the Emeril potato lasagne in which the potatoes never really cooked through even though I followed the recipe to the letter (unlike the disastrous chili).

This year, I decided to keep things simple: no untested techniques, no science experiences, no elaborate baking. The dinner menu: gingery panko-crusted salmon with stir fried sweet potato hash (my new favorite side dish courtesy of the studly and fabulous Minimalist, Mark Bittman) and shaved brussels sprouts with pancetta, garnished with pomegranate seeds for color/kid interest. Do these three items go together? Not particularly well; I probably would have to pack my knives and go if I were competing on Top Chef. But, hey, I've got a 4 month old, a 3 year old, I've spent much of the holiday season cooking/baking like a maniac, and now have less than a week to prep three design classes. I used what I had in the freezer, fridge and pantry. Seriously, this meal required nary a trip to the farmer's market or grocery store. It was done start to finish in less than half an hour; watch out Rachel Ray.

And for dessert (okay, we actually had it for afternoon tea and will probably soon be helping ourselves to round two): the ridiculously easy Sherry Cake that Mark's neighbor kindly made for us on our last trip up to the Bay Area.


A beautiful day for the Rose Parade, yummy food, and—praise all that is holy and good—a new president. I think 2009 is already shaping up to be a fantastic year.

Inspiration: Jason + J.R.'s House

Two of my favorite people—Jason and J.R.—and their fabulously stylish home are featured on Apartment Therapy today. Even when Jason had a tiny studio apartment in NYC it was so cleverly appointed that it always felt fresh and never cluttered. I can only aspire to his heights of home decorating prowess. You're a genius, Jason. And you mix a great cocktail, J.R.

Charley Harper

I was perusing the over-stuffed kid's clothes racks at Old Navy when I stumbled upon these gorgeous Charley Harper flash cards. How excited was I to find out that Old Navy is selling an entire line of Harper products—appropriate for either the toddler, designer or animal lover on your Christmas list. Charley Harper's illustrations are unmatched in their beautiful simplicity and economy of form and line. I love, love, love them. Shortly before his death in 2007, Charles Harper collaborated with Todd Oldham on Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life: a loving tribute to an amazing, prolific, inspiring artist.

It's THAT Time of Year

'Tis the season for designers the world over to agonize over the daunting yearly task of coming up with the perfect holiday card. It's also the time for conspicuous consumption of sugary treats, high fat cocktails (booze + cream = nirvana), slow cooked meats, and decorative typefaces. Try some free holiday fonts or a dingbat or two to get you in the mood.

Congratulations, Barack Obama

Reason, good sense, and open mindedness has prevailed. History has been made. At the juiciful headquarters, we lifted our Obama-rama cocktails in celebration. What a glorious day.