Recycled and Upcycled exhibition in Chiswick

Visited one of my favourite shops today, The Old Cinema on 160 Chiswick High Road. It is a large place with loads of antique, really funky furniture. I want it all! Now and until Sunday 25th March they focus on not only recycled things, but UPcycled. Meaning upgrading and putting a modern edge to something old. Saw some lovely things, like Lucy Turners furniture. She laminates chests of drawers with mothern patterns. Looks really cool!

There was also a lot of furniture made of scrap metal, like old aeroplanes. Not sure I like it, but If you´re in to aeroplanes, I´m sure it´s fascinating. Here is an old emergency exit door that is now a mirror frame. Made by Stephen Burrows.

Andy Bridge metal art work

I just found a new artist I need to keep my eyes on. Andy Bridge makes illustrations for book covers etc, but also makes really interesting original pieces in wood, metal and wire.

This is a shooting gallery with dictators and other "badies". If you shoot, they actually flip back, just like at the Fun Fair!

I really like this one, a Travel Box with all you can think of reminding you of your travels. Have not seen it in real life, so I´m not sure about the size, but if that passport is real size, the box would be quite big.

Art that makes me happy is the best art! Who would net get happy with a wheel of Fortune on the wall! You can actually spin it! 
Check out Andy Bridges other stuff at http://www.andybridge.com/

Glass Cathedrals

"Sweet dreams"

detail:

I think art should make you happy. It should be inspiring to look at, over and over again, and preferably have some humour. One artist i really-really like who´s art ticks all my boxes is Lisa Swerling. She found "her thing", and her thing is making beautiful glass boxes made with love and humour. Or as she puts is herself: "Lisa Swerling’s Glass Cathedrals are a series of artboxes containing brilliant tiny worlds, each making their own small statement on our complicated lives."

"Faith in Superglue"

Detail:

I bought "The Night Job"a couple of years ago:

Detail:

And this one would be great as a wedding gift:

It is customisable; haircolour, gender, age, children. letters etc can be of your choice.

Take a look at Lisa Swerlings web page: http://glasscathedrals.com/

In case of dullness, blow.

Robert Ryan is cutting edge!

At the Affordable Art Fair a couple of years ago I came across some delicately cut paper artwork made by Robert Ryan. He is not only very good with the scissors; he also has a very nice way with words, very romantic!

He has a studio and shop in East London, on Colombia Rd. His shop is only open weekends, just like the beautiful flower market on Colombia Rd. At the shop you can get cushions, postcards, tiles, mugs etc with his prints. They make the perfect gift for Valentines day or why not for Mothers day coming up soon!

I don´t own any original work, but I did frame two laser cut post cards in an IKEA-frame. Not an original, but it looks good for a fraction of the price!

Pregnant? Tell your partner in a different way!:

...And a different message..:

For more info on Robbert Ryan visit http://www.misterrob.co.uk/ or his blog at http://ryantownshop.blogspot.com/

The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt in London

Go for a Charity Art Egg Hunt in London! There are over 200 large hidden eggs all over London, each one about 50cm tall and designed by a different creative person/artist/designer. I was in town yesterday, and saw some really nice ones. It´s a lovely way to spend a couple of hours! The egg hunt is spread all over London and divided into 12 zones. Get the map for your chosen area here. If you fall in love with a particular egg, you can place a bid for it in the charity auction on line (rangeing from 300 pounds upwards).

 Here is how it works: http://vimeo.com/37750418

Today I want a new coffee table!

I want a new coffee table! At the Tent Fair during London Art Week last year I saw this table from Red Apple Creation. I just love it!

I LOVE Marrakech!

Went to Marrakech on a girls trip in January. Stayed at the most wonderful hotel I have ever stayed at!It was a large family house rebuilt to the most amazing place. At Riad El Fenn everything was a delight for all senses. They have a great art collection on display around the house, all rooms had its own character, they have their own little spa and Hamam, the food was delicious, staff very friendly and helpful, and they had the most fabulous roof terrace, a real haven to enjoy the sun, some drinks or a meal.

Riad El Fenn also arrange and hosts the Marrakech art biennale, focusing on cutting-edge contemporary art, literature and film. This year running from February 29th to March 3rd, although most of the artwork from the Biennale will be displayed at the Riad until the beginning of June. For more informaiton about the Biennale, click here.


If you are going to Marrakech, I can also recommend this site, which is Gwyteth Paltrows guide to Marrakech. The shopping was great too, and very cheap! (Don´t forget to bargain!) I bought colourful bowls, and for art I got beautiful iron work from a blacksmith in a corner of the market. I can not stop raving about Marrakech, and I will go back as soon as I can!