Forget we said that! There are too many beautiful, sunny things arriving at the Gallery on beautiful, sunny days, keeping us delighted, to dwell on the mysterious passage of time. We'll share some of our favorite items with you - June's Gallery Picks, if you will - right here, right now. You can also click on the link beneath each item to visit it in our online shop if you would like additional details.
Now, this is one of those gorgeous garments that is both sizzling hot, color-wise,
and breezy-cool, style- and wearability-wise. In fact, it's so gorgeous that when
you aren't wearing it, you can simply hang it on the wall to show it off as the
art piece that it is! It is handpainted crimped silk with a silk lining,
tapered sleeves and shawl collar, in shades of purple, teal and
black, as well as dashes of other colors.
Glorious!
How timely! This dining table, seasonally named "Solstice", is simply beautiful.
Crafted from Oregon walnut with wenge detailing, it surprises with a center
inlay of black, hot rolled steel. We've displayed it with
"McCormick" chairs, also in Oregon walnut, and an extraordinary
black locust tree stump, serving here as a seat (more about that below...).
A magnificent black locust tree stump, sawn straight across the top and
beautifully finished, ready to be used as a stool, side
table, base for art works
such as sculptural pieces, and altogether a wonderful and unexpected
natural
element to enhance your home decor.
How cool are these?
First, we must confess: Yes, we are again indulging in our continuing love affair with
Carter Smith's incomparable artistry. We apologize not one whit. Every time he sends us
something new we find ourselves collapsing on fainting couches and calling for smelling salts.
These sweet things are no different: marvelous shibori dyed cotton leggings, available
in a variety of colors and sizes, they are currently hanging out in the Gallery,
waiting to be added to any number of outfits your imagination can conjure up.
From a terrific splash of color and fun beneath a plain tunic to truly frisky yoga pants,
or beneath one of Carter's matching cotton T-shirts (also new!), these are...
and let me repeat: no apologies ... Absolutely Fabulous!
A graceful vase by southwestern Washington State ceramic artist Robin Hominiuk,
we must say that there is no photograph that can properly do it justice.
Tall, sensuous and serene, it is the type of statement art piece that can command
any room; its neutral greys and tans will enhance and complement many styles of decor.
Sitting on a perfect base, whether in a quiet corner or center stage in a grand hallway,
it calmly draws the eye.
It is wood fired stoneware with porcelain slip; Robin has hammered
its surface to lend intriguing texture.
Again, we confess: We just love these crinkled silk separates by
Carol Lee Shanks, which we have featured here in the Newsletter before.
So imagine the joyous screams when this vibrant - dare we say HOTHOTHOT -
outfit arrived at the Gallery! This super combination of vivid pink and tomato red
is just what summer ordered. We can barely contain ourselves!
First, there's the waist length pink tunic, a saucy yet roomy blouse; bias skirt
swing
dress in pink; and bias skirt dress in tomato. These three wonderful items together
make the brightest-of-bright fashion statement, but can be purchased separately
and paired with... just about anything! As a bonus, the crinkle silk is hand-washable,
and travels beautifully.
(Or if you'd prefer something more sparkly... well, take a peek below...)
Another magnificent creation from Seattle artist Virginia Paquette.
This is a 20"-long necklace in stunning rose quartz nuggets and faceted
amethyst beads, with sterling silver big-link chain and clasp, that
will enhance any outfit, casual or formal-fancy.
(Imagine it with that hot pink Carol Lee Shanks tunic or dress, above!)
Virginia's consistently pleasing, bold styles and always extraordinary
gemstones, metals and beads never fail to enthrall us.
But where, oh where to put this lovely thing when we're not
wearing it? Hmmmmm..... let's see...
Oh, yes, that's right:
This should do!
For those few special items of jewelry, to stash a watch, cufflinks,
coins, or as a pen box, this perfect little maple and bloodwood legged box
with a lift lid is small but lovely, and a perfect gift! Its graceful curves and
exacting construction show off the gifts of this master woodworker.
(If you need something larger to store your vast cache of bling, John creates a
wide range of jewelry boxes - each as fabulous as the next. He is also
happy to entertain custom orders; simply contact the Gallery.)
But perhaps the following item would fit nicely (either inside one of these jewelry
boxes or on your finger):
A beautiful, sunny ring from California artist Anna Whitmore, she has
named it Tranquility. We featured it in our June Solstice Faire Artwalk
festivities, and because it's so prettily bright and sparkling, to fit the season,
we wanted to show it off one more time. It is a bezel set petite Portuguese cut
golden rutilated quartz stone, with oxidized sterling silver and 14k bezel.
We have recently begun carrying Anna's work; do check the web shop
for more items coming soon, or stop into the Gallery to acquaint
yourself in person with her lovely jewelry.
To receive direct notice of new blog posts and newsletters, including advance warning e-cards on exhibitions, sales, and musical events, send your e-mail address to sr@theislandgallery.net; we'll sign you right up. You can also become a Blog Member or sign up for the RSS feed; see link at the bottom of the page.
Enjoy summer!
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