....culture?

Culture? introducing..I want my kitchen to look like this...right now!

2012-03-03T06:41:00.001-08:00

..Well, browsing trough the web today I came across this great pic of a perfectly organized kitchen. It looks just amazing, and I want it! I love the industrial feel and the calming effect of everything having it`s own place. I am inspired, are you?..

I WANT MY KITCHEN TO LOOK LIKE THIS...RIGHT NOW!

..Picture source: HomeLife

Culture? introducing old school..sort of..D-12..

2012-02-18T00:45:00.000-08:00

..This song was IT when it came out in 2004, and just listening to it makes me all nostalgic. Perfect to start a Saturday..D-12 "My band"..

Culture? introducing..I ♥ this Proenza Schouler purse..

2012-02-16T01:39:00.003-08:00

..I am a big purse-fan, and this one from the always fab Proenza Schouler is just IT. So laidback and cool, such understatet luxury and the colours and fabrics used are amazing together. I will probably never afford to buy one, but my dreams don`t cost a dime...

I ♥ PROUENZA SCHOULER, THE PURSE

..Picture source: whowhatwear..

Culture? introducing: I want an Acapulco chair...right now!

2012-02-13T10:48:00.000-08:00

The Acapulco chair is a 60`s classic from Mexico. It can be used

both outside and in, and I want two, one for me and one for my ♥.

What a great summer that could be...

THE ACAPULCO CHAIR

picture source: space invaders

Can be bought here: Ruth66

Culture? introducing Kristiana Pärn...

2012-02-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

..Long time, no see folks, Culture? is back with the amazing Kristiana Pärn. Kristiana`s work is so sweet and full of naivism, and sprinkled with this childish joy of shape and colour. If you don`t get happy from watching Kristiana`s work, you my friend, are made of stone. Read more about Kristiana`s thought`s around her life and work, enjoy..

..Here it is, your shot of art with:

KRISTIANA PÄRN

..Bring you the north star..

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what

country you live in, age etc?

My name is Kristiana Pärn. I'm an Estonian-born artist and illustrator living in Brooklyn, NY.

..Sleepy little red pandas..

-What inspired you to start being creative?

This is hard to say. I’ve been making art since early childhood. It, more or less, seems based in intuition.

..Corious pandas..

-Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?

Making art is a full-time job, and much more. Its something that, when I’m not doing, I’m consistently thinking about.

...

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did

you study?

I studied painting and drawing with Estonian artist Marje Berlokko. In the past several years living in New York, I’ve had the opportunity to take many classes, mostly in printmaking and animation.

..Old sugar plum tree..

-Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration comes with daily experience and the process of making things.

..Counting waves..

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?

I couldn’t choose a single artist. Most recently, though, I’ve enjoyed Sarah Sze’s installations.

..Breakfast at the tree house..

-Where can my readers see your work?

I have a website and Etsy store, where I post most of my prints and stationery.

Also, this link will take you to recent, original works on panel.

culture? Kristiana Pärn!

Culture? introducing Victoria Mansilla..

2011-11-15T11:54:00.001-08:00

..Today`s feature is the wonderful Victoria Mansilla. Victoria`s work is so free-spirited, it is has such a great touch of a free mind and youthful naivety. I am a big fan of her use of blue pen, the effect is great. Victoria has been so kind as to tell us a little bit about her art and thoughts around it for us here in culture?, so enjoy and let her take you with you..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Victoria Mansilla..

VICTORIA MANSILLA

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what
country you live in, age etc?

-I'm Victoria, I was born in La Plata, Argentina, in 1986, I’m 24 years old. 

For the last two years I’ve been travelling around South America without having a fixed place, and at the moment  I’m in Mendoza, on the west side of Argentina.

-What inspired you to start being creative?
-When I was born, my father was a street artist. I grew up watching him draw everything he came across with, and also watching my mother cook, knit, sew, and all kind of handycrafts. Gradually, I started to do the same but in my own way. I just feel the need to create, to draw .

-Is making art and art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?
-Making art is my fulltime job!
Since I’m moving constantly from place to place, I have come up with my own easy-to-carry-along sort of jobs.
I carry along a suitcase with all the materials I use to draw and make my own crafts, reproducing the designs I make everyday in my traveler’s sketchbook. Afterwards, I sell them in bars or squares in different places. Like a nomad editorial
On the other side, I also do street juggling in traffic lights, something which is very common on this side of the world.

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?

-I  studied Fashion Design in the University of Buenos Aires (UBA).

-Where do you find inspiration?
-I find inspiration everywhere.
I like drawing every day, wherever I am. For me, it’s like playing, it’s what I enjoy the most, and it has gradually become my trade as well.
I enjoy watching how reality can be humorously modified in the sheet, as I start drawing something I’m seeing. I also enjoy the magic of images that appear by themselves.

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?

-I don´t really have one favorite artist, I have  loads of them. 

One of them is the famous Frida Kahlo.

culture? Victoria Mansilla!

Do you want more? Visit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ble-u

Culture? introducing Citizen Cope - Sideways Music Video

2011-10-23T04:38:00.000-07:00

..This song stands the mark of time so well, moving..

Culture? introducing Melissa Contreras...

2011-10-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

..What a joy to be visited by such a talented artist as Melissa Contreras! Melissa`s work is psychedelic, girly, both light and dark at the same time. At first glance the work may seem to be for children, but it most certainly has an adult quality when looked at closer, Melissa`s patterns and detail-work is amazing! Melissa is telling us a little bit about herself and her work today, it has been a pleasure to read trough it...

...Here it is, your shot of art featuring Melissa Contreras...

MELISSA CONTRERAS

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what

country you live in, age etc?

Hello! My name is Melissa Contreras. I grew up in Central California and currently live in Southern California. I have 2 sisters and 1 brother. My parents live in the foothills on the way to Yosemite National Park. I have a loving husband and my favorite color (at the moment) is yellow. :)

-What inspired you to start being creative?

I can remember my mom cooking play dough on the stove. God's eyes, friendship bracelets, seed bead bracelets, stained glass ornaments, dough ornaments, weavings, tie-dyed clothes. Maybe one of the strangest things, making a doll with the head made out of an apple, that was carved and left to shrivel to look like an old lady. I did that at a special afternoon event at our neighborhood library. One wall of our dining room was covered floor to ceiling with my, as well as my brother's and sisters', art work. I also went to a school where we had art class once a week. I learned about perspective, negative space, composition - the most valuable art classes I have ever had.

-Is making art and jewelry your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?

No. I also work part time as a graphic artist for another jewelry designer as well as doing freelance graphics and illustrations.

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?

After transferring to UCLA to major in Biology, I switched to Art and never looked back!

-Where do you find inspiration?

I think there is an underlying theme of feminism in a lot of my work, about being a women. Being sweet, innocent, vulnerable, strong, mischievous and capable - all at the same time. It's also about celebrating imagination. The power to believe that anything is possible as long as you can dream it. That is what is so fun about drawing. You can draw anything, ANYTHING. There are no limits. I have been told that it seems I have created a different world where all these characters and places I have imagined and painted live amongst one another. And it's true, there is this little world in my head where all these things exist. I would love to one day really expand on that and flesh it out. The written word has never been my strong suit so for now I am content to convey it in little glimpses, little disconnected pictures.

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?

I don't have one particular favorite. I did just go see Tim Burton's exhibit at LACMA. Such an imagination! He is so creative. I do tend to like more illustrative work. I am a fan of pop & street art. I have always been a fan of Miss Van & James Jean—well, I don't even want to start or I'll never finish! Many of my peers create beautiful art, too. I am constantly inspired by so many unique voices & views.

Want to see more?

Visit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/axel_h/sets/72057594087673059/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/axelhoney

http://axelhoney.com/

culture? Melissa Contreras!

Culture? introducing Fling of the day..

2011-10-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

..Today..I want this, because it is cold!..

..What a dress! This can be worn with anything AND it is 100% wool, perfect. Dress from Kathy Van Zeeland, can be bought at yoox.com

..I love the sole on this boot, and with a spacy shaft you can wear wool-socks in them...

Culture? introducing today`s fling..

2011-10-19T06:05:00.000-07:00

..Today..I love this jacket..

..This houndstooth jacket from asos is just great. Wear it to work, wear it home, live in it this winter..

Culture? introducing Sarah Ogren...

2011-10-16T02:09:00.000-07:00

..For this lovely Sunday morning we are being visited by the fantastic Sarah Ogren. Sarah`s work is the kind of work that has to be looked at thoroughly to make notice of the spectacular details. The details are surreal and the compositions are just enough askew to make it most interesting. We like! Sarah is telling us a little bit about herself and her thoughts around her work today, enjoy.

....Here it is, your shot of art with Sarah Ogren...

SARAH OGREN

..How to transport a whale..

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?

My name is Sarah Ogren. I am a collage and mixed media artist. I am 35 years old and live in Crystal Lake which is a suburb of Chicago, IL. USA.

...I am moving on...

-What inspired you to start being creative?

It was probably my mom who is also an artist. She has always encourage me to pursue my creative side and I can`t say there is a time when I wasn`t making something. I was always enrolled in art classes, or drawing on my own time or selling my crafts at the edge of our driveway. Most kids had lemonade stands; I sold my art. Art has just been something I have always done and I have been lucky enough to have people around me that encourage my creativity.

..I am trying to fit in..

-Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?

Making art is my full time job, but I also teach art workshops and I have recently begun a Life Coaching service especially for creative types in which I help to keep my fellow artists and creatives inspired, motivated and doing what they love. http://sarahogren.com

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?

Yes, I have gone to art school. I got my Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. I then went on to grad school for a Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Webster University and then went to school yet again for a second Master's degree, this time in Art from Governor's State University.

..The bike ride..

-Where do you find inspiration?

Definitely in nature. Other artists, and in every day life and conversations. I keep a journal of conversations I have had with people or thoughts that I have had. These are usually only a sentence or two, but they provide rich subject matter for my work. I think it's these every day conversations that make my work so relatable because we can all see pieces of our own lives with in the imagery and stories of my work.

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?

I don't really have one favorite artist. I tend to like the folkloric work like that of Evan B Harris. http://evanbharris.com/ or dark and quirky work like that of Heather Nevay. http://www.nevayburke.freeserve.co.uk/index.htm

culture? Sarah Ogren!

Want more? visit:

http://sarahogren.etsy.com

http://sarahogren.com

http://sarahogren.blogspot.com

Culture? introducing..TV Commercial: Cocaine is Addictive - La Cocaína es Adictiva

2011-10-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

..A funny no to cocain commercial, who knew that was a possibility...

Culture? introducing..old news..still great Grizzly Bear - Knife

2011-09-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

..A long time favourite, enjoy..

Culture? introducing Claire Oring..

2011-09-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

...The fantastic photographer Claire Oring is our guest today. Claire`s work is like stepping in to a world of dreams, filled with soft colours, nature and fantasies, Claire`s work stands out in the enormous world of photographers. It is a true joy to present Claire`s work to all you readers, so enjoy the interview and the work..

..Here it is, your shot of art with..

CLAIRE ORING

..Wildflowers..

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what

country you live in, age etc?

I’m a 22-year-old fine artist and photographer from Los Angeles.

-What inspired you to start being creative?

I’ve always been this way. When I was 3 years old I drew a mural across my wall with crayons during the night. My parents found it the next morning and they weren’t even mad. They kept it up for over a year.

...

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?

I just earned a BFA from Otis College of Art and Design. I was an animation major in the Digital Media department and studied under photographer Siri Kaur throughout my senior year. I’ll probably find myself in graduate school in the next couple years.

...

-Where do you find inspiration?

I love looking through boxes of old photographs at the Fairfax Flea Market in LA. There’s always an abundance of sepia-toned gems in them. Literature is a big influence as well. My new photographic series Conjure is inspired by The Crucible by Arthur Miller as well as an old book of love spells I bought when I was 11. I’ve always been fascinated by the way nature and science collide to create something mystical.

...

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?

I’m a huge art history buff. Asking me to pick a favorite is comparable to picking a favorite star in the sky. I love the limestone statuette The Venus of Willendorf. It’s from 22,000 B.C.E and was carved by a caveman. It’s just so obviously female. I have a replica of her made out of a bar of soap. It’s my pride and joy. I’ll never use it.

...

Want more? Go to:

www.claireoring.com

culture? Claire Oring!

Culture? introducing Danny Macaskill - Industrial Revolutions

2011-09-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

..This is great! The music, the performance and the location. The background song is "The Wolves" by Ben Howard. Enjoy the ride..

Culture? introducing Peony...

2011-09-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

..Today we are visited by the one and only Peony (what a name and what a talent!). Peony`s work is surreal, brutal, dreamy and raw. As you might know from following culture?, I have a true love for artists that balances creepy and cute. Peony does this with a steady hand and it comes out great. You can read about Peony`s thoughts around her work here in culture? so enjoy..

..Here it is, your shot of art with...

PEONY

..oh-dear..

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what
country you live in, age etc?

I'm always stuck on the same question when people ask to introduce myself haha. I'm Peony and I was born in Jamaica believe it or not and I moved to Hong Kong around 6 years ago. I was never the smart girl or the nice one either but I knew I wanted to draw and I have never stopped!

..black1..

-What inspired you to start being creative?

People inspired me mostly. One second I hate them, the next I just realize they probably feel the same way I do and I try to portray that through my drawings.

-Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?

Unfortunately, no it's not. I just graduated out of college so I'm just working as a part time graphic designer at a toy company. My art is fully done as a hobby but I wish it was much more than that.

..spacegirl 1..

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did
you study?

I didn't exactly studied art but I did for graphic design (is that art? haha probably some people think so). I studied at the Hong Kong Design Institute majoring in Graphic Information Design.

..bruised 2..

-Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration pretty much anywhere but not as often as I would like. I could be using the potty and I see a bug on the floor and I go HEY! I want to draw bugs with people!

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?

Currently, no.

..sick..

Do you want more of Peony`s work, go to:

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/weirdsimplicity/

Tumblr: http://thewhitedeers.tumblr.com/

culture? Peony!

Culture? introducing exhibition with Guim Tio..

2011-09-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

..If you are in Barcelona, I highly recomend you to take a look at Guim Tio`s exhibition "The gang of childhood" that opens today September 8. Guim`s work is so great, and I would love for you all to see it live. Guim has been interviewed by culture? a while back and you can read the interview and see some of his work here. For more information about the show, see Guim`s invitation under poster. Best of luck with the show Guim, culture? loves your work!...

On Thursday, September 8, I present the exhibition The Gang of Childhood in the Gallery Arteva Barcelona. I would love to celebrate with you.
The direction of the gallery is the Crèdit Passatge No. 4 (Metro Jaume I)
map: http://g.co/maps/m9g9

-Guim Tio-

culture? Guim Tio!

Culture? introducing Caryn Drexl..

2011-09-04T04:40:00.000-07:00

CARYN DREXL

..Today you can enjoy the fantastic works of Caryn Drexl. Get inside these strange, dark worlds and come back to see what Caryn has to say about it. This is a real sunday treat!..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Caryn Drexl..

..Teatime..

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what
country you live in, age etc?

I'm Caryn Drexl, about to celebrate my 31st birthday, living [and sweating] in Florida with my girl, our dog Rowan and her cat, Siren. [It's been 12 years and he'll likely never be mine too.] People tend to get a very specific idea of who I am based off my images, and it's usually completely wrong. I'm a relatively light and goofy person, I think I get all my dark and weird stuff out with my camera. Most of my weird stuff, anyways.

..Gush..

-What inspired you to start being creative?

I think it's just always been a part of me, though I do come from a creative family and have always been surrounded by creative people so I'm sure that explains it. Oddly, I've been saying I would be a photographer since I was 9 or so, though why I was making the claim back then, I have no idea. But when I really started getting into photography, in my teens, it was mostly out of boredom and the need for some outlet. It grew from there.

..Remains of the day..

-Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?

It is, though I definitely don't make a lot. I'm lucky enough that I do well selling my images through a stock agency and then selling prints helps as well.

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did
you study?

No art school for me. What I know I figured out myself, or looked up online.

..Emotions kept neatly..

-Where do you find inspiration?

Everywhere and everything. Literally. I've been in a hardware store when inspiration hit. A lot of the time I have no idea where it comes from, but there are times where I intentionally sit down and plan to get my brain going. Usually then I look at old paintings, watch old movies, browse around on flickr or tumblr, etc. I always try my hardest not to copy, but I can't deny some things sort of slither in and stick and then show up, unintentionally later.

..A walk down memory lane..

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?

I can be super fickle when it comes to what I like. There are definitely people whose work i admire, but it's usually illustrators and painters, and my taste is all over the place. [I'm super jealous of them because they aren't restrained by the laws of gravity, or laws period. =) If they want to set someone's head on fire they can do it with paint and canvas, me, not so much so. And unfortunately I can't draw at all.]

One of my current favorites is Tran Nguyen. http://studentpages.scad.edu/~tnguye25/main.html

I don't think there is anything I DON'T like about her work.

..Along for the ride..

Want to see more of Caryn`s work? Go here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/caryndrexl/

http://visceral.deviantart.com/

www.caryndrexl.com

culture? Caryn Drexl!

Culture? introducing Randy Mora..

2011-08-28T02:11:00.000-07:00

RANDY MORA

..On this fine Sunday we are visited by the great Randy Mora. Randy`s collages are so pure in it`s form, although there is a lot happening they all have a peace that takes talent to manage. Randy is telling us about himself and his thoughts around his work today and it is really worth a read..

..Here it is, your shot of art with culture?..

..Torre Blanca..

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?
My name is Randy Mora, I'm 24 and I'm from Bogotá, Colombia. Besides making art and illustration, I really enjoy watching films from all over the world and listen to music, being these activities a fundamental part of my inspiration. I don't get out much so Internet has become my main source for work and communication. Since I'm a quiet person, I like to use my art as a way to screaming all the things that I find attractive or annoying about humanity.

..Biological..

-What inspired you to start being creative?
I think creativity is an inherent feature of all human beings. We don't start or stop being creative in a particular moment of our lives; we simply learn to develop this feature in different ways depending on our interests and the people who surrounds us.

..La pitonisa..

-Is making art your full time job, and if not, what else do you do?
Yes, I currently work as a freelance illustrator, specially in editorial media. I've also participated in several exhibitions and competitions around the world.

..untitled..

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?
No, I started making collages back in 2007 as a self-taught discipline while attending to the university where I was studying advertising. Still having a year left to finish I had to leave my studies because of personal problems, fortunately I found in Art my true vocation and now I can say I'm really happy doing this.

..Pan de vida..

-Where do you find inspiration?
I usually talk about the things that visually influence my work and I think is not really difficult for people to decipher the sources of that kind of inspiration. However, to address the issues that affect my work conceptually, the task becomes somewhat more complex, these issues end up being a mix of my obsession with human behavior, sin, evil, flesh, passions, sex, morality and many other topics that must be treated with special sensitivity.

..Gullivers sin..

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?
The large amount of blogs and sites that I visit all the time makes it impossible for me to keep controlled the list of artists I find inspiring for my work. I'm currently in a rediscovery process of the handmade technique through assemblage and sculpture, so I'm getting closer to the work of artists like Jeff Wassmann, Bernardo Salcedo and Louise Nevelson.

..Madre..

-Where can my readers see your work?
In www.randymora.com you can find more of my personal and commisioned work

culture? Randy Mora!

Culture? introducing "The perfect host"..

2011-08-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

THE PERFECT HOST

..If you are looking for a movie that runs between being a psychological thriller and bemusing dark comedy "The perfect host" is your film. In the leading role you have David Hyde Pierce, best known for his role as the brother of Frasier Crane in "Frasier", and in the opposing role you have the relatively unknown Clayne Crawford. The movie revolves around a criminal (Crawford) on the run cons his way into the wrong dinner party where the host (Hyde Pierce) is nothing but ordinary. "The perfect host" is written and directed by Nick Tomnay and I highly recomend it!..

..Here it is, your shot of film with culture?..

picture source here

culture? The perfect host!

Culture? introducing Alexander Wang shoes...

2011-08-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

ALEXANDER WANG SHOES

...The fall-season has hit in and I would love to have some of the new Alexander Wang shoes. They are very cool, minimalistic and they will lift any outfit. They are a bit pricy, but yet so stunning. So if the wallet lets you get away with it; run and buy, and if not you can look and dream. Have a great saturday!..

..Here it is, your shot of fashion with culture?..

..Monique platform platforms..

..Emily monk strap booties..

...Jules suede tuxedo oxfords..

Culture? introducing Blanca...

2011-08-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

BLANCA

...Sometimes a girl needs to have something new, and we do like it colourful, girly and affordable. Blanca is making just this, and her purses, jewlery and collars are simply lovely. See what Blanca has to say about her work and thoughts around it here in culture? today. So get yourself a little gift or someone you think deserves a little something, something....

...Here it is, your shot of culture with culture?..

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself name, age, where you are from etc?Hi, my name is Blanca and I'm from Madrid, recently living in London after three years in Barcelona.

-How did the idea for the store and the products start?Before ulalá, I was always making crafts. My parents had a haberdashery, so I grew up surrounded by zippers, ribbons, buttons and all that kind of stuff. Ulalá began almost four years ago, I had came back to Madrid from studying a year in another city and that was the moment. I started making atomium rings since almost the beginning, but I also love sewing bags and purses...It's difficult for me to focuse at only one kind of items.

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study? My university studies are not related with art, but I attended a design school for a Pattern Design course and I also took screensprinting, bookbinding, painting courses...I'm also self-educated in other areas such as photography. It's always good to explore and investigate in different (art) camps, inspiration comes from everywhere.

-What makes you happy? I really enjoy crafts, comments from people who likes my products make me very happy. Sunny days, watch a good film or an episode of one my favourites series, go on a picnic or just walk.

- Where can my readers see your work?I'm starting a blog www.handmadebyulala.com and they will sure find me in my online shop www.ulala.etsy.com .

culture? Blanca!

Culture? introducing Kelly McKernan..

2011-08-10T03:30:00.000-07:00

KELLY McKERNAN

..Today`s feature is on the talented Kelly McKernan. Kelly`s work is feminin and organic, filled with great details. Kelly is telling us about her art and toughts around it today, so enjoy..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Kelly McKernan:

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?

• My name's Kelly McKernan, I'm 25 years old, and I live just outside of Atlanta, Georgia in the USA.

What inspired you to start being creative?

• I have no idea when it started... It would be as far back as I can remember. As a child, I was always drawing, making things, and spending a lot of time with my imagination. I was also pretty shy, so I amused myself with ideas and made up games and stories rather than play with a lot of friends. Somewhere around 8 or 9 years old, I was confident that I'd be an artist when I'd grow up.

Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?

• Once every year or two, I drop everything else and try to make it a full time job, and in between commissions, illustration projects, and selling paintings, it works for a few months or more. But, I usually fall back on keeping a part time job, which is usually in the form of childcare - being a preschool teacher, a nanny, a summer camp counselor or afterschool teacher. I love working with kids and especially teaching.

Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?

• Yes, I have my BFA from Kennesaw State University. I was in the Fine Arts program and studied Drawing and Painting. I originally went to become an art teacher, but my love for painting took over. I briefly held a double concentration and studied Photography as well, but I wanted to graduate under 6 years, so I finished school in May 2009.

Where do you find inspiration?

• Everywhere! But lately it's been in a model's form, and that's where I've begun. A pose or a look or even the lighting gives me a great start and then the ideas come flowing in. Otherwise, I love words, and I keep a list of interesting and inspiring words in my sketchbook. Most of them end up being titles for my paintings.

Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?

• I have a few favorite contemporary artists, and those are James Jean, Joao Ruas, Tran Nguyen, Allison Sommers, Kelly Vivanco, Sam Weber, Mia Arujo... And some of my older favorites are Alphonse Mucha, Arthur Rackham, Aubrey Beardsley, Edmund Dulac, and Margaret MacDonald. I love their styles and content.

culture? Kelly McKernan!

Portfolio: http://www.kellymckernan.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kellymckernanart

Blog: http://www.kellymckernan.blogspot.com

Shop: http://www.kellymckernan.bigcartel.com

Deviantart: http://greeneyedsiren.deviantart.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kelly_mckernan

Culture? introducing Angus and Julia Stone - Big Jet Plane [Official Music Video]

2011-08-06T12:19:00.000-07:00

Culture? introducing rain..

2011-08-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

RAIN

..Today it is pouring rain, and the fog is covering up the world outside. I am a sun-person, so this is not ideal to put it nicely. However, this day I have decided to make the best of it. This is my suggestions:

Read a good book, for instans something by Arto Paasilinna. Paasilinna is a great writer from Finland, and his books are a joy to read.

Flip trough some of my interior magazines, my favourite being Elle Decoration. My hub and I are going to redo the bedroom, and ED always inspires me.

See a good movie. Something with great images like a Wes Anderson movie, or the fantastic English movie "Submarine", lovely!

Stare out at the rain and be happy that I do not have to go outside.

Eat a bowl of fruit salat with pink lady apples, bananas, blue grapes and blueberries topped with vanilla yoghurt. Yummy, yummy, yummy.

Light candles, pack myself in in a blanky on the couch.

..What do you guys like to do on rainy days?..

..This is the view today, but with some positive things to do it might just turn to this:

..Still raining, but it does look a little brighter..

..Have a great weekend!

Culture? introducing chairs to fall in love with...

2011-08-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

..I am in need of a new chair to blog from, and these are my favourites. The chosen ones are all modern, but with that little magic touch of nostalgia. I just love, love, love them all! Do you have a favourite?..

CHAIRS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH

..This is a future classic, it has it all. Girly in a raw way. Houdini by Stefan Diez....

Picture source here

..I love this chair for it`s simple yet great form, but what colour to choose? Jill by Alfredo Häberli for Vitra..

Picture source here

..And the bold, the brave, the red. I love the wooden-leg/ shiny red combination..Comback chair by Patricia Urquiola for Kartell..

Picture source here

Culture? introducing Nom Kinnear King..

2011-07-29T00:55:00.000-07:00

NOM KINNEAR KING

..Today we are visited by the one and only Nom Kinnear King. Nom`s work is static, yet full of expression. Nom is telling us about her art and her thoughts around it today. Enjoy, relax and have a great weekend!

Here it is, you`re shot of art with Nom Kinnear King..

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?

My Name is Nom Kinnear King, im 29, Im from Norfolk, England, where me and my partner fellow artist Adam have been living again the last year and a half,we are soon moving to the city of Brighton, where we have lived before, so are looking forward to being back arround all the people again.

Ive loved being creative since i was little, making all sorts of things and drawing, I always had a notebooks on the go.

My dad loves France and art so he used to taken me over there to gallerys and places like van goghs asylum and cezannes mountains, so i got a great introduction to art though him.

Art is my full time job, you have to be thrifty and plan ahead, because you cant really predict when things are going to happen, but it comes with the teritory and i love painting all day long.

Ive done lots of different random jobs previously my favourite was cleaning a big old building because i could walk around vacuming thinking of paintings and stories.

I went to Norwich art school, and did a print and photo media degree. when i finished i got straight back into making drawings and paintings again.

I find inspiration in all the things in life i fall for often its objects i come across, lately since beinng back near my folks in norfolk, ive been using the things i always loved growing up in the house like my mums old butter churn.

Films ,music and books also play into things, i'm currently making a piece that draws inspirations from the a French film i watched when i was younger, the main character manon is a goat herder, for some reason i love goats.

Its hard to pick a favorite artist, there are many individual paintings that strike a cord and there are some artists i love for there character as well as there work like frieda kahlo and Marc Chagall, and enjoy to read about there lives and the way there work evolves though where they go and what they do.

There are also many artist working today that i love sylvia ji, Amy Sol and Shaun Tan, I have his book 'The Arrival', every
page is icredibly detailed and he creates such an atmosphere to the story through his drawings.

Online you can see my work on my website www.nomkinnearking.com and through the Just Another Agency (Melbourne),
Fine Grime (Bath) and the London Miles (London)

culture? Nom Kinnear King!

Culture? introducing Astronautalis - The Wondersmith and His Sons (Official Music Video)

2011-07-22T03:37:00.000-07:00

Culture? introducing frustration..

2011-07-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

FRUSTRATION

Hello culture-friends. Today I am a bit frustrated..well; a lot actually! I am not able to share music from youtube trough culture? anymore. It all looks like it did before with the Share-button etc, but when I press publish the window just stands there doing nothing? Is anyone else having this problem, I have tried different "help-sites", but.. I love putting out music to you all, sharing the fun, so if you know how I can fix this feel free to shout out. Have a great day folks, and thank you for stopping by...

..????..

Culture? introducing Ulrika Kestere part2...

2011-06-30T04:57:00.000-07:00

ULRIKA KESTERE PART 2

...As you may remember culture? presented the wonderful photos of Ulrika Kestere some time ago. I split Ulrika`s, or Uli as called by friends work up in two parts, and her is finaly part two; the illustrations. Uli has such a great line, the illustrations is filled with humor and playfulness, I love it! You can read the full interview with Uli here in part 1 of Uli`s feature, enjoy..

...Here it is, your shot of art with Ulrika Kestere:

Culture? introducing Ricor..

2011-06-21T02:14:00.000-07:00

RICOR

..Hi folks, long time no see. Today we are visited by the very talented Ricor. Ricor makes these folkloric, calm pictures that takes you away from time and place. I do love the feel of his compositions and colours. Ricor is telling us about himself and his art today, so sit back and enjoy...

...Here it is, your shot of art with Ricor:

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?

I'm Ricor, 22, living in Tapei, Taiwan.

-What inspired you to start being creative?

I cherished the magical moments or beautiful things I have experienced. photography is just the way I protect them.

-Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?

I'm studying industrial design in college which cost a lot of my time, and I’m doing photography cases as well.

although I love the things I’m learning in industrial design,I prefer to be a photographer than a designer after I graduate.

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?

I'm studing industrial design in Shih Chien university in Taipei.

-Where do you find inspiration?

Internet mostly. such like the webs of other photographers.

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?

My favorite photographer could be Paolo Roversi . I love the way he use polaroid, it just so remarkable.

-Where can my readers see you`re work?

inverselive.com

Culture? introducing Vero Navarro..

2011-05-31T21:37:00.000-07:00

VERO NAVARRO

..Today I have the great pleasure to introduce you all to the fabulous Vero Navarro. Vero`s work is very well made, she has a great sense of facial features and combines the naturalistic and the dreamy to one wonderful expression. Vero is telling us about herself and her thoughts around her art today, so sit back and enjoy..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Vero Navarro:

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?

My name is Vero Navarro, 27, illustrator and web creative living in Madrid , Spain.

-What inspired you to start being creative?

I never know how to answer this question. Maybe it is because I don't really trust in such a thing as "inspiration". I just draw, because it is what I've been doing since I was eight. I like it, I feel good doing it. Being creative is my hobby, my therapy, my job, maybe my vice... I dont need a special motivation to start drawing. It is like eating or walking.

-Is making art your full time job, and if not, what else do you do?

For a long time, my goal was to become a full time illustrator, but that just was't possible in the actual situation that Spain was (and is still) going through. So I had to find another way to earn a living. For the moment I work as a web designer/creative in Madrid. But the good thing is that it is really a good job and even better, I often have the chance to make illustrations for the advertising campaigns we are working on, so I suppose that it is a good second prize.

Sometimes I accept comissions, take part in art shows or collaborate with magazines and other artists, but what I really enjoy doing is making stuff on my own, so the most of the pieces I do are just for fun. And that is allways great. Money and fame aren't relly that important.

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?

I have a degree in Fine Arts, that I obtained in the Faculty of San Carlos in Valencia, Spain. And so a few more graphic and web design courses where I learned Illustrator, Photoshop and some other design programs that made my life much more easy. No more brush cleaning!

-Where do you find inspiration?

Maybe I should skip this one, because I think it is answered in the second question....

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?

I dont have one favourite, I have dozens of them.

just to mention some contemporary ones: Adam Hughes, Eric Fortune, Evan B Harris, Tran Nguyen, Annie Wu, Aaron Jasinski... And if I think in the big fat classics: Rockwell, Waterhouse, Bougereau, Mucha, Klimt...

-Where can my readers see you`re work?

In my blog: www.poorsailor.blogspot.com I keep always it updated with my latets works.

And If someone needs a more more organizated environment,They can just take a look at my behance profile or my flickr.

Culture? introducing Anika Starmer..

2011-05-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

ANIKA STARMER

..We are setting of this week with the fabulous Anika Starmer. Anika has these great steady lines, always perfect in theyr form. This is colourful minimalism at its best. Anika is telling us about herself and her thoughts around her art today, so sit back and enjoy..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Anika Starmer:

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?

My name is Anika Starmer. I was born in New York, but grew up and currently live in the small but lovely state of Maryland in the US. Besides making art, I like traveling, taking photos with my iphone, visiting museums, riding my bike on the tow path of the C&O Canal, picnics when the weather is nice, and daytrips. When I'm working in my studio at home my two dachshund buddies, Otto & Kasi, are always close by.

-What inspired you to start being creative?

I took my very first art class during my first semester of college, but I've been creative my whole life. My mom was a dried flower artist, my grandfather was a woodworker, and my grandmother was a painter, so I had a basement full of all sorts of art supplies and odds and ends to spark my imagination and creativity. When I got to college, I studied printmaking for 2 years before I switched to Graphic design to finish up my Bachelor's degree. After working in a design studio for a year I became somewhat disillusioned when I came to realize that creating designs for others isn't always as creative as I'd hoped it would be. I started to regularly doodle and draw in a sketchbook, just for the pure fun of it. It was the place where I could make art "for me". Six years later, I'm still doodling and drawing in sketchbooks, but I'm also creating larger works on paper, canvas, and panel.

-Is making art your full time job, and if not, what else do you do?

At this point making art is still more of a hobby than a source of income, but hopefully that will change in the future. I'd like to focus more on art & illustration as a source of income, but for now my Graphic Design degree comes in handy as I currently work as a freelance designer, creating everything from logos to ads to websites.

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?

I received a 2 year degree in fine art printmaking from Montgomery College in Maryland. I got my Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from UMBC, also in Maryland. I've also had the good fortune to take workshops in jewelry & metal smithing and traditional weaving at the Instituto Allende in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

-Where do you find inspiration?

I'm inspired by lots of things. In general I make it a habit to pay attention to my surroundings, wherever I might be. Even if my location might not seem that exciting at first glance, if I look a little closer, I almost always find something interesting to take note of.

Here are a few specific things that inspire me that come to mind at the moment:

bright and shiny things: neon lights, florescent colors, minerals & gems, glitter, the surface of a lake on a sunny and windy day, treasure, Fremont Street in Las Vegas

traditional crafts: quilting, glass blowing, weaving, ceramics, woodwork, bookbinding and more.

pretty much everything in nature: mountains, beaches, trees, moss, shadows, flowers, animals, leaves, rain, shells, insects, meadows, feathers, fossils, rocks, nests, burrows, clouds, and on and on…

connecting with others: I find it very encouraging to connect with creative people and see what they are making. Knowing that there are other artists, photographers, and designers out there that are doing what they love, and being able to see what they create and learn about their process is a huge inspiration to me. I also like to share my art with others. Receiving encouraging comments & feedback is very inspiring. Hearing what others think of my work often sparks a new idea or gives me a boost to keep exploring a direction or theme.

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?

I've had many favorite artists over the years, so I'll write about a few of them:

My first favorite artist was M.C. Escher because his work was so detailed and mind-bending. I had a book of his art that I would look through for hours. His tessellations still mesmerize me.

Georgia O'Keefe was another favorite, particularly her paintings of skulls, but also her flowers & more abstract works. I really like her smooth use of color, and stylized depiction of many of her subjects.

Gustav Klimt is a favorite for several reasons, not the least of which is the fact that he used gold leaf in his paintings. I also love the contrast of detailed, finely rendered portraits and bodies with the flat, cut-out shapes of garments that he often uses, along with the beautiful rich patterns and decorations.

Once I started to take art history classes, I zeroed in on Paul Gauguin. He seemed very brave to me, not only because he gave up his career as a stock broker to become an artist, but also because of his bold and unexpected use of color and outline in his paintings.

-Where can my readers see you`re work?

If they are near Baltimore, MD, they can see my work in person through May 2011 at Metropolitan Cafe in Federal Hill on Charles Street. If they aren't in the area, I write about what I do here: http://www.aisforanika.com/b/
I upload new work here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/anikamari/
I'm also a big fan of twitter http://www.twitter.com/aisforanika/
and love to connect with other artists, art lovers, and friendly people over there.
If that's not enough, I also have a tumblr where I post my daily iphone photos http://aisforanika.tumblr.com/

culture? Anika Starmer!

Culture? introducing Iittala`s Korento..

2011-05-28T01:09:00.000-07:00

IITTALA`S KORENTO

....Each Saturday, culture? will have a small feature on either fashion, interior, beauty, movies, music or books..This week I want to show you the fabulous new series Korento from Iittala. The designer of this almost psychedelic summer pattern is Klaus Haapaniemi and the form is by Heikki Orvola. I love everything about this design, the colours are fantastic, they are nostalgic and modern at the same time. Love, love, love them and if you love them too, you can buy them here..

..coffee anyone?..

..something to eat?..

Culture? introducing Kelly Vivanko..

2011-05-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

KELLY VIVANKO

...Today I have the honour of presenting the fabulous Kelly Vivanko. Kelly`s work is so well made, it has great expression, great colours and there is always a dark undertone to it. This is one of my personal favourite. Kelly is telling us about herself and her work today and I highly recomend you all to take a close look and take it in..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Kelly Vivanko:

..glare..

..pearl..

..red squirrel..

..bat-boy..

..preener..

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?

My name is Kelly Vivanco and I live in North County San Diego, with my husband, son and little dog.

-What inspired you to start being creative?

Creativity has forever been a part of my life and I have been drawing on things since I can remember.

-Is making art your full time job, and if not, what else do you do?

Art isn't my full time job. I have a day job doing photo simulations and work from home. It allows me to sit and paint when I finish my work early. Fortunately, working for a paycheck keeps me from taking my free time for granted, so I think it makes me more productive!

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?

I have a BFA from a small Southern California art school. I started out to get my degree in illustration, but switched to fine art halfway through.

-Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration can come from anywhere but mostly I find it in nature, old photographs, fiction and music. I know it sounds corny, but sunsets and flowers are endlessly inspiring to me.

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?

I admire many contemporary artists and illustrators as well as old masters such as Hans Holbein, Albrecht Durer, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Ingres.

-Where can my readers see you`re work?

www.kellyvivanco.com

Culture? introducing mini-feature with Ksenya...

2011-05-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

KSENYA

...The mini-features honours the single pics I just have fallen in love with. Today it is this raw picture from Ksenya that caught my eye. Even if this is very in your face kind of pic, you can still detect a feel of youth and vulnerability. Ksenya is telling us about herself and how her pics comes to life today, so relax and enjoy..

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, age, where you live etc?

My name is Ksenya, I'm a 21 year old freelance photographer and illustrator. I live in Kiev, Ukraine.

-Can you tell the readers a little bit aboout how this picture came to be?

Well, my pictures have no stories, no deep meanings, I'm not trying to capture reality, all I do is creating a piece almost artificially, in different ways, so the main result I need is an aesthetic pleasure from viewing my art. The whole world inspires me, so usually I don't even know where the idea came from.

-What makes you happy?

Love, creating and breathing! Even those countless beautiful pictures i see make me happy. Light, colors, bokeh, highlights, textures.. So I wish my art would inspire and help someone to be happy.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/discorat/

Culture? introducing Olga Nekhodova..

2011-05-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

OLGA NEKHODOVA

..Our feature today is the fantastic Olga Nekhodova. Olga`s work is of such high quality, the compositions, the expressions it`s just great. The work of Olga is of the type that will sustain time. Olga is telling us about herself and her art today, so take the time to enjoy and take it in..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Olga Nekhodova:

My name is OlgaNekhodova. I`m 25 and I live in St. Petersburg, Russia

I started drawing when Itook a pencil for the first time and I continue practicing it and improving myskills.

Now I’m an architect.This is my job and that`s how I make my bread. But all my free time I tryto use for painting and in future I`mplanning to devote my life to painting.

I studied painting inthe junior school of arts. Then I graduated from the State Academy orArchitecture and Art in Novosibirsk.

My inspiration dependson many things. Sometimes it`s a movie, sometimes it`s an exhibition, webimpressions, music. I like the movie called «2001: A Space Odyssey» directed byS. Kubrick and Wes Anderson films. As for music, I prefer Mum band from Iceland.

I like works of JeremyGeddes for his real image and fantasy in each picture. Ian Francis`paintings and graphical works are lightand expressive and every single spot in it is fascinating. I would love to seethese masterpieces. I also like Vania Zouravliov graphics and many many otherpainters.

To see my works youcould visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/free-face/

culture? Olga Nekhodova!

Culture? introducing Dreams of Norway..

2011-05-21T01:30:00.000-07:00

DREAMS OF NORWAY

....Each Saturday, culture? will have a small feature on either fashion, interior, beauty, movies, music or books..This week I have the great honour to present the highly interesting jewelry-company Dreams of Norway. With their use of natural materials and keeping the shapes simple, Dreams of Norway has found a formula that works. The pieces are rough and tender and I would use them to upgrade the basic white singlet and jeans..

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, age, where you live etc?

My name is Iselin Strømsvåg (29), I live in Oslo, where i run the jewelry business Dreams of Norway, and study clothing design at my 2. year at ESMOD. My compagnion Nina Einarsen (43) lives in Trondheim, where she is studying art therapy, and designs jewelry!

-What inspires you?

We are first and foremost inspired by the norwegian nature, witch is full of contrast- the woods, the mountais, the fjords, the beaches, and the fields. It is wild, and calming at the same time, an endless source of inspiration, and always a little bit mysterious... Often we create a collection in a special invironment, like in a cabin in the mountains, or by the sea in south of Norway. Or we may travel in other parts of the world, but we alway have the norwegian backdrop "with us". We are very influenced by the environment that we are working in at that moment.

Also, I think we inspire each other a great deal. We are two very different individuals, but at the same time we have so much in common. This way we have a very dynamic design-process, where we go back an forth until we reach the best of both of our worlds.

-Who is your target costumer?

She may be of any age or type- the most important thing for us that she is passionate about the pieces she buys. We make each design with real love (and with our own hands!), and the hope that someone is going to keep treasuring it! We wish for our jewelry to really lift an outfit, and make the woman who weares it feel special.

-How did you come up with the idea for the line, who has been involved and where can we buy it?

The spring/summer line 2011 was inspired by elements from nature, we wanted to pick elements from the living part of nature and the "dead" part of nature- what we can not see immediatly, but the beauty that lies hidden- like sceletals and stone. We are very much facinated by quartz crystals, and also other natural shaped stones. We have combined these stones with natural branches made in real silver, with natural feathers, leather, and bird sculls. The collection has been kept in a very summerly and light clour palette, and with a bohemian feel to it. We designed it in a house in the norwegian woods in Trondheim, with a dream of sandy, sunny shores... I believe we have made a mix of these two feelings. I hope that every woman who weares one of these pieces will want to walk barefoot in the sand!

This collection may be bought online at www.miinto.no, or at http://www.etsy.com/shop/DreamsofNorway?ref=seller_info. You can also contact me directly at dreamsofnorway.com.

-What makes you happy?

The design process, creating, always! Nature, summer, the sea, travelling, love, and my best friends!

culture? Dreams Of Norway!

Culture? introducing Ma Ting..

2011-05-19T23:28:00.000-07:00

MA TING

..Our feature today is the highly talented Ma Ting. Ma has such an unique eye for the dynamic of the composition. The result is so effortless, and it really hits the bullseye in order of interestingness. Ma is telling us about herself an her thoughts around her work today, so take it in and enjoy..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Ma Ting:

...

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?Hi, I’m MaTing. I am 27 years old and now I am living in Nanning, a beautiful and green city, in the southern part of China.

-What inspired you to start being creative?

In daily life, there are countless things happened around me could spark my creative inspiration. Like an interesting discovery, wonderful moments, personal experience and feelings. All these individual experiences and emotions in my life journey are precious and important.
For the commercial purpose, I need to create my work.For myself, I prefer a free style of art creation rather than a commercial one.

-Is making art your full time job, and if not, what else do you do?

At the moment, I’m a postgraduate students in Guangxi Art Institute. In the future, I wish I could be engaged in jobs related to art.

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?Now, I am studying in Guangxi Art Institute and majoring in book design.

-Where do you find inspiration?The special experiences and moments during my life will bring me many thinkings and creation about art. I usually gain a positive motivation on art creation when I watch some excellent designs and paintings.

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?I like all beautiful art works nomatter traditional or modern styles. And I especially enjoy the paintings of impressionists. In my daily life, I pay close attention on fashion design. I think it’s great cause all these art works bring me different kinds of creative inspiration.

-Where can my readers see you`re work?Welcome to my flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/martin1228/

culture? Ma Ting!

Culture? introducing Nancy Mungcal..

2011-05-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

NANCY MUNGCAL

..I have the great honour of introducing you all to the very talented Nancy Mungcal. Nancy`s illustrations is so worked trough, it is so delicate and whimsical. I do think it has a laidback quality that is very hard to achieve. I recently did an art-trade with Nancy, and to have an original...it`s just great!..Nancy tells us about her work and her thoughts around it today, so enjoy..

...Here it is, your shot of art with Nancy Mungcal:

...

..I have this in purple, and I love it every day!..

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?
Nancy Mungcal ,Los Angeles, California United States

-What inspired you to start being creative? I started drawing and making things at an early age and it has fortunately always been a part of my life.

-Is making art your full time job, and if not, what else do you do? Making art is my work.

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study? I did not go to art school.

-Where do you find inspiration? My favorite source of inspiration is to travel and to go on road trips. There is such a sense of adventure and discovery when you leave your space. I am also greatly inspired by music and the girls I know and see when I am people watching.

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why? I do not have a favorite artist. There are many people whose work inspires me. A few of my favorites are Margaret Kilgallen, Walker Evans, Zoe Strauss, Julie Mehretu, and Kara Walker.

-Where can my readers see you`re work? on my website:

prettylittlethieves.com

shop:

prettylittlethieves.etsy.com

blog:

prettylittlethieves.blogspot.com

Culture? introducing old news..still great..Matias Aguayo..

2011-05-15T21:32:00.000-07:00

MATIAS AGUAYO

..It has been some time since there has been any music posts, simply because the blogger-sharing button on youtube is out of order. I can`t however wait any longer to post these funky beats from Matias Aguayo. Just push the song you want to hear:

ROLLERSKATER

MINIMAL

culture? Matias Aguayo!

Culture? introducing Yoshinori Kobayashi..

2011-05-15T03:04:00.000-07:00

YOSHINORI KOBAYASHI

..On this lovely Sunday our feature is the amazing Yoshinori Kobayashi. Yoshinori`s work is so playful, interesting and minimalistic. As a viewer you get a sense of a silent euforic mood in the work. Yoshinori is telling us about his art and his thoughts around it today, so watch and enjoy..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Yoshinori Kobayashi:

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?My name is Yoshinori Kobayashi. I live in Kanagawa in Japan. and I am 36 years old.

-What inspired you to start being creative?I am under the influence of a favorite comic artist

-Is making art your full time job, and if not, what else do you do?I aim at being an illustrator now while I do other work.

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?My illustration is self-educated.

-Where do you find inspiration?I get inspiration from the energy and the expressions of my daughter.

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?Takao Yaguchi. He is a comic artist.His masterpiece is SAMPEI.(http://www.sampei33.jp/)

-Where can my readers see you`re work?My website http://clipside.net

Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/28621196@N06/

Culture? introducing shoes to die for...

2011-05-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

....Each saturday, culture? will have a small feature on either fashion, interior, beauty, movies, music or books..Today I have picked out a couple of cool shoes, you can see below every picture where to buy..

SHOES TO DIE FOR

..Asos shoes, buy them here..

..Jil Sander, buy them here..

..Nelly shoes, buy them here..

Culture? introducing show with Aron Wiesenfeld..

2011-05-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

ARON WIESENFELD SHOW

..If you are going to do one thing this weekend and are in or around New York, you should check out the Aron Wiesenfeld show. Aron have visited culture? before and you can read the full feature here. Aron`s work is simply amazing and I am truly jealous of the people living or visiting New York and have the possibility to see his work live. Here are the deatils:

Culture? introducing Ana Carucci..

2011-05-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

ANA CARUCCI

..The lovely Ana Carucci is our feature today. Ana`s work is highly charming and every work tells a little story. As a viewer you get dragged in to the work, it triggers the curosity. I am pleased to announce that Ana is telling us about her work and her thoughts around it for us in this post, so take it in and enjoy..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Ana Carucci:

..click..

..my favourite things..

..fabio lying on the grass..

..pal climbing..

..Pilita smokes and tiger pine..

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?Ana Carucci. I was born 31 years ago in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I currently live and work.

-What inspired you to start being creative?I´ve always enjoyed drawing and working with my hands. I guess my dad and my older brother were an early inspiration, I grew up watching my father paint and my brother making music, I was interested in art since I was a little child.

-Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?I work full time as a freelance illustrator, mostly editorial. I also teach drawing lessons and run a little art gallery space in a music venue.

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?I dont have a formal education in drawing. I attended film school for a year, studied photography for a while, art history and costume design. Right now I´m taking painting classes, and studying animation and a bit of music.

-Where do you find inspiration?In what I see. Sometimes I observe and draw, sometimes I take pictures and then draw them, and sometimes I get inspired by someone else’s pictures. I think of myself as a photographer when I draw, I always carry a notebook and whatever calls my attention, I draw it. I guess it is a way to make the things I enjoy observing, mine. and It’s also about the curiosity to see how they look when they are drawn by me.

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?Too many! And they change all the time. This week I´ve been reading a lot about Liliana Porter and I find her work amazing and inspiring.

-Where can my readers see your work?I regularly update my flickr: www.flickr.com/bambampics.

culture? Ana Carucci!

Culture? introducing what I want right now..Dannjio jewelry..

2011-05-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

..I have completely fallen head over heels with these pieces from Dannijo jewelry. The chunky bracelet with Swarovski stones and not to mention the superhot necklace with the same stones are marvelous. I would wear it with well worn jeans and a white tank top. This will bring your basics to the next level and I am in love. You can buy them at net-a-porter..

DANNIJO JEWELRY

..Dannijo Caleb silver-plated Swarovski crystal chain necklace, buy it here..

..Dannijo Harlow silver-plated Swarovski crystal ID bracelet , buy it here...

Culture? introducing Gracie Magee..

2011-05-08T21:48:00.000-07:00

GRACIE MAGEE

..We are kicking of this brand new week here at culture? with the fantastic young photographer Gracie Magee. Gracie has a eye for what works, and her look is stunning. I am very happy that the world still have counterpoises to the mainstream fashion! I am really looking forward to see more from Gracie and her camera. Gracie is telling us about herself and her work today, so take it in and enjoy..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Gracie Magee..

My name is Gracie Magee. I am American born and bred, more specifically from the south eastern region. I love it dearly. Thus far 18 years of life have passed me by.

I grew up with a very creative mother who was always supportive of my artistic, albeit sometimes ridiculous, endeavors. I have always wanted to be an artist or something along those lines. I remember "artist" was always my answer in elementary school when we were asked what we would be when we grew up. Of course, now I know that there is more to being an artist than finger painting and drawing (horribly inaccurate) family portraits and thus do not intend to be what I used to consider an artist. Honestly, I create for purely selfish reasons. I like nice, pretty things and I am frugal so instead of buying stuff I like I make it, or attempt such. Sometimes it works out really well and sometimes it is a disappointment, but either way I love the process.

I do not have a full time job, but when I do I doubt it will be creating art. Though, I will probably keep making things (rather haphazardly) for my own enjoyment, as I do now.

I go to an art-focused school, but I'm studying historic preservation rather than typical forms of art. I'm not really doing anything creative, I'm just sort of trying to protect the art of previous cultures, mainly in the form of architecture, rather than make something new. I love it, even if I'm not making something of my own. Just being involved with something so significant makes it worth it.

I suppose I am inspired mainly by my obsession with history. As far as traditional art forms go I love most architecture, fashion, and portrait styles of the 19th through mid 20th century. I also am fascinated by vernacular photos from the early days of photography. I am also fairly easily inspired by my favorite colors and music. Of course, I am also inspired by people who make pretty things with the same aesthetic qualities as what I have come to associate myself with. I know this is very vague description, but if I attempted trying to explain any more I would just end up rambling on about things most people don't care to read about. So short and simple it is.

Picking a favorite artist is basically impossible for me. Partially because there are far too many forms of art I like, and therefore too many artists to pick from, and partially because I tend to focus less on the creator and more on the subject. Which is bad, I know, but it's the truth. I guess I could say that right now Charles Gates Sheldon, Norman Rockwell, and Charles Dana Gibson have a really big influence on how I think in terms of creating paintings, drawings, and photos, but that doesn't even come close to the end of the list. I love illustrations of people so those few I mentioned happen to be good examples of that, but there are literally dozens of other artists (most of whom I do not even know the names of) who inspire the other types of work I like to create.

You can see some of my photography on my flickr. I don't really like to share some of the other things I do (music, drawings, and so on) with people I don't know, and the other things) like clothes and little knickknacks) will sometimes show up in my photos, but I I don't generally go out of my way to share those either.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/graciemagee/

culture? Gracie Magee!

Culture? introducing House Doctor..

2011-05-07T04:39:00.000-07:00

....Each saturday, culture? will have a small feature on either fashion, interior, beauty, movies, music or books..I have fallen in love with these fantastic dressers from House Doctor they are so natural and retro. I am in fact in love with all of House Doctors products. If you like them too you can see more here..Here it is, your shot of art with:

HOUSE DOCTOR

..This would defenitely look great in the living room..

..and this on the side, perfect!

..Thank`s for stopping by..

Culture? introducing Evita Weed...

2011-05-06T04:08:00.000-07:00

EVITA WEED

..Today we are visited by the lovely Evita Weed. Her beautiful naturephotos remindes me of my childhood summers, they are exploring, dreamy and euforic. Evita is telling us about herself and her thoughts around her work today. Have a great weekend friends enjoy the shots.

..Here it is, your shot of art with Evita Weed..

...

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what
country you live in, age etc?
Hello! My name is Eva, EvitaWeed for my friends.
I was born in Jaén in 1986 , a province of Andalucia in Spain, and currently reside in Granada,
Since childhood I am interested in photography. I've always been attracted much attention cameras and old photos were in my house: the polaroids, the albums of my childhood ... I loved seeing fografias slides, but it was something that happened a mere hobby, until I moved to Granada about 2007. It was at this time when I started taking courses and really learn all that encompasses the art and the use of light, both of which were unknown to me. today, Im studying because I still believe you never stop learning in the world of photography. During these courses I did many jobs in clubs, photographing the world of the night, lots of concerts, sessions varied and gradually began to develop my own style, and hang my pictures on the web, on sites like Flickr or tumblr, where any amateur the picture can get your work recognized.

What inspired you to start being creative?
For me, the photography It’s my window on the world.
Everything around me is a huge asphalt wasteland that I’m trying to escape from… by preserving my innocence in a society that seems to be losing that quality.
A vision of my city, of this enormous, desolate asphalt wasteland, of the futile resistance against the loss of innocence …
There are thousands of moments in life, and some of them deserve to be captured …
feelings and images … and that’s all there is to it.

Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?
I work as I can, I do not mind that has nothing to do with photography, if I need money for something in particular I look for a job

Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?
if, when I moved to Granada, I studied a course in artistic photography in art school in the city, where I learned studio lighting techniques, and many aspects of the history of photography never heard, and already finished.
Although I think you never stop learning about photography

Where do you find inspiration?
I´m inspired every day, by my life, my problems, my favorite places, my boyfriend…My work especially contains lots of self-portraits; I like going out to my favorite places with my tripod and taking photos of myself, either alone or with my partner, just to show that it’s possible to capture each and every moment and make it special.
There’s always a touch of melancholy in my pictures, because I love analogue cameras and with them I’ll always get a graininess that imbues every shot, as a product of the light. My pictures are also characterized by soft, subtle shades, small imperfections and an incredibly studied use of light. Natural light is the key theme of the collection.
My style is totally recognizable and distinctive. It’s so easy to let yourself be transported away and immersed in this imaginary world of sublime landscapes, dynamic skies, and sensations hidden away in the most remote corners imaginable.

Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?
The truth is that I am passionate about the big picture of the Magnum agency. At first as I had no Internet, emerging photographers did not know, but now I've started to find many very good galleries flickr and deviantart, and although not so famous have some excellent work (Korpak Helen, Sam or Lucy Desantis Camb) they are fantastic photographers and very inspirationals.

Where can my readers see you`re work?
links to my webs:
http://evitaweed.tumblr.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/evitaweed/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/evitaweed2/
http://issuu.com/evitaweed
http://evitaweed.carbonmade.com/

Some Publications:
http://www.nonsensesociety.com/2011/04/eva/
http://www.cromoart.de/wordpress/2011/03/external-photo-inspiration-charming-pictures-by-evitaweed/
http://getinspiredmagazine.com/photography/evitaweed/
http://www.eklegein.fr/2011/02/01/evitaweed/#more-2188
http://flustermagazine.com/2011/03/03/showcase-evita-weed/
http://www.closer-to-life.com/activities/evitaweed/

culture? Evita Weed!

Culture? introducing Ann Pajuväli...

2011-05-03T21:53:00.000-07:00

ANN PAJUVÄLI

..Today`s feature is on the highly talented Ann Pajuväli. Ann`s work is extremely interesting, the lines are great and the composition is flawless. Ann is telling us a little bit about herself and her inspiration today, so sit back and enjoy..

...

My name is Ann, I'm 21 years old, born and still living in Estonia.

I started drawing when I was very little, my grandfather used to teach and draw with me. I am always surrounded by creative people, so to me, it is natural to be creative.

I'm studying at the university and working half-time in a photo studio as an assistant.

I went to an art-based high school and studied a bit applied arts.

Inspiration.. it's in the moments I guess. Emotions combined with surroundings and the moment when everything merges perfectly together.

I love Lauren Nassef's drawings. Simple, catchy, beautiful.

my flickr account: http://www.flickr.com/photos/anaguann

blog: http://naguann.blogspot.com/

culture? Ann Pajuväli!

Culture? introducing mini-feature with Julia Aumann..

2011-05-02T10:19:00.000-07:00

JULIA AUMANN

..Culture? is going to have some mini-features in between the large ones. This is for the singel pics I have just fallen in love with. This week it is this wonderful pic from Julia Aumann. It has something nostalgic and warm feeling about it that I just love, so enjoy the picture and hear what Julia has to say about it under ...
..Here it is, your shot of art with Julia Aumann..

My name is Julia, I'm 23 years old and I live in Germany.

How did you get the idea for this picture?

I got the idea when i recovered the duck hat. It's a piece from my childhood and i own it since 1993.
So i grabbed my sister and we went out to a flooded meadow and took some pictures with it. There's no hidden message or something like that, just a lovely memory, which i wanted to transfer in a photo.

What inspires you?

Being inspired and having a free mind, these are fabulous feelings for me. I love art in every kind of and it makes me feel happy when i'm into my stuff, realizing my ideas. But mostly the small moments with my beloved, talking and listening to good music, give me the most of happiness!

See more of Julia`s work here:http://www.flickr.com/photos/lamiez/

Culture? introducing Jefra Linn..

2011-05-01T03:11:00.000-07:00

JEFRA LINN

..This first day of May the feature in culture? is on the lovely Jefra Linn. Jefra`s photos are so light and dreamy, they are simply wonderful. Jefra is telling us a little bit about herself and her work today. So I wish you all a great May, a great Sunday and a great culture?-experiance..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Jefra Linn..

...

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc? Hi! My name is Jefra Starr Linn and I'm a photographer. I live in Utah, USA with my artist husband (www.davidlinn.com) and three kids, plus our dog, cats, chickens and pony. I'm 35 years old.

-What inspired you to start being creative? I've always felt most comfortable when I was creating. At times it caused me to feel a bit alone, but it's always been a recurring thread in my life.

-Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do? I'd say it's my part-time job, my fulltime job definitely is being a mom to the three beautiful kids that David and I have. Once they're all in school it'll be closer to a full-time job but as of right now there are just too many crazy demands.

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study? I majored in Fine Art in college, so I learned a lot of the basic principals and elements, but as for photography I'm largely self taught. However, I know I bring stuff I learned at school to my current art form.

-Where do you find inspiration? Everywhere. Largely from my life and children, but also I love historic and vintage photographers and the insanely creative photography I see in the Fashion industry.

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why? Hmm...my favorite bookmark folder is massive, but here are some that I genuinely adore - the beautiful, quiet photographs of William Post - http://www.luminous-lint.com/app/photographer/William_B__Post/C/, Annie Leibovwitz is a biggie for me along with stylist Grace Coddington, the gorgeous historic photographs of photographer George Edward Anderson - I love how he tells the historic stories of our local people through his photographs - http://www.lib.byu.edu/dlib/anderson/, the photographs of Waldemar and Max are breathtaking and inspiring to me - http://www.waldemarandmax.com/main.html and the simple, earthy photographs of my friend Morgaine Owens http://morgaineowensphotography.com/ are always inspiring to me.

-Where can my readers see you`re work? Hmm, you can see me on Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/jefralinn/ and my website - http://jefrastarrlinn.com/ and blog - http://jefrastarrlinn.com/blog - I am notoriously bad about updating these though. I also have a Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jefra-starr-linn-photographer/149963335041369

Culture? introducing summertime..

2011-04-30T05:36:00.000-07:00

....Each saturday, culture? will have a small feature on either fashion, interior, beauty, movies, music or books..This week I am in love with the summer-dresses from Mango. Summer has arrived Norway at last and the summer-wardrobe needs an update. The Mango dresses are retro, cute and floaty just the way a summer-dress should be..You can buy them here..Enjoy the sun folks, and have a great weekend!

SUMMERTIME

...

Sunny thoughts from me to you!

Culture? introducing Caroline Morin..

2011-04-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

CAROLINE MORIN

..Today`s feature is on the wonderful artist named Caroline Morin. Caroline`s work is very cool and easy-going. Caroline is telling us a little bit about herself and her thoughts around her art today. So have a great weekend and enjoy your culture?!..

Here it is, your daily shot of art with Caroline Morin:

...

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?
My name is Caroline and i am 27 years old. I'm at this moment in Brittany, France.
I spent last year in Australia and my next step is to move maybe in Canada or anywhere else. I become addicted to travel!

-What inspired you to start being creative?
I've always loved drawing, I had my first art classes outside school at the age of 8 years, but i can't remember a key moment. I lived in a creative cocoon all my childhood.

-Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?
I'm also working as a graphic design and photographer. But illustration is the biggest part of my job.

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?
I did a graphic design degree in Quimper, then a year at the university in design, multimedia in Rennes.

-Where do you find inspiration?
I get my inspiration from my emotion, my feelings with myself and the others..

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?
I am amazed at the work of a Japanese artist, Yasunari Ikenaga.
The whole range of colors that I love. His portraits of women are a smooth and stunning elegance.
I am also fascinated by Federico Erra's photos, looks sharp and confusing.

-Where can my readers see you`re work?
i started a website here:
http://cargocollective.com/carolinemorin
but you can check more on my behance where you can also see some links like flickr, blogspot
http://www.behance.net/carolinemorin

culture? Caroline Morin!

Culture? introducing Helena Goldwater..

2011-04-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

HELENA GOLDWATER

..Today`s feature is on the great painter and performance-artist Helena Goldwater. Helena`s work is as said in her own statement:     "At first glance my paintings are delicate and obsessive watercolours of plants. Their attention to detail reveals a
     process of hermetic intensity - every hair is painted and every vein observed as a mark of devotion. Yet their powers of seduction are disproportionate to their scale and they quietly undermine the viwers expectations to
     identify them as flora since they pervert and hybridise existing plant forms." Helena is telling us a little bit about herself and her thoughts around her work today, so sit back and enjoy..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Helena Goldwater:

..bouffant..

..closed order-3..

..beast..

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?My name is Helena Goldwater. I live in London.

-Where do you find inspiration?I think in everydayness. Strangeness of life. The unknown and ungraspable of relationships and humans in general.

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?Yes, Goldsmiths' Fine Art 1986-9, and the Slade School of Art Fine Art (Media), where I did my postgraduate studies 1990-92.

-Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?As well as painting, I also make performance art, and I have a teaching post at De Montfort University in Leicester, UK.

-What inspired you to start being creative?I have no idea! Although there were a few things in my childhood that opened my eyes to the possibility - I was different culturally from most of the people around me, so I think I was looking for a way of expressing myself. My Dad also did a bit of amateur painting as a young man, the fruits of which hung on our walls at home. I liked drawing, and by the time I was an adolescent I liked the idea of becoming either a rabbi or a performance artist!

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?No favourites but here's a few I like - Louise Bourgeois, Claude Cahun, Persian and Indian miniatures, botanical painting, Hieronymous Bosch, Francesca Woodman, the performance work of Simon Vincenzi, Adrian Piper.

-Where can my readers see you`re work?www.helenagoldwater.co.uk

culture? Helena Goldwater!

Culture? introducing...What I want right now..Filippa K..

2011-04-25T06:46:00.000-07:00

FILIPPA K

..I am in love with theese purses from Filippa K. They are such classic`s in both shape and colour. The perfect match for the spring/summer look. What do you think?. If you are, like me in love with this look you can buy them here..

..The tiny friend..

..The big friend..

Culture? introducing Christina Romeo...

2011-04-24T02:40:00.000-07:00

CHRISTINA ROMEO

..Today`s feature is on the fantastic Christina Romeo. Christina`s work is highly emotional, it is fragile and it is strong. Christina is telling us a little bit about herself and her thoughts around her art today. So sit back and enjoy..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Christina Romeo:

...

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc? My name is Christina Romeo I am 41 years old, born in New York raised in Ft. Lauderdale and Houston Texas. I now reside in British Columbia Canada -What inspired you to start being creative?
An early caregiver inspired and introduced me to the world of simple stitching by teaching me cross-stitch and embroidery. Today in most of my work you will find a simple stitch somewhere in the piece as I find it to be the foundation of my creativity. I think, just like most creative folks.....I always have been a creative soul preferring to live in a fantasy world surrounded by books and my illustrations.... using them to deal with some of the stresses of my early childhood. -Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do? Art is one of my full-time jobs another being a full-time single parent to three boys and last but not least a Health Information Management Professional coding health information in Healthcare. -Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study? I have never had any formal training in art studies but tons of formal training in Health Care Statistics, Epidemiology and Biostatistics. I think art keeps me sane and balanced. -Where do you find inspiration? I find inspiration in the simple act of illustrating. I will spend hours doodling, before bed, at work, any chance I get.. I am also inspired by all forms of textile work. -Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why? Right now I am loving the work of Catherine Mulligan, Elia Mauceri, and am always in love with the work of Amy Huddleston from Seattle -Where can my readers see you`re work?More of my work can be found here: http://ChristinaRomeo.etsy.com

culture? Christina Romeo!

Culture? introducing old news..still great..Pixies..

2011-04-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

..Such a great song! Pixies "Here comes your man"..

Culture? introducing Time to make it fancy..

2011-04-23T01:12:00.000-07:00

.....Each saturday, culture? will have a small feature on either fashion, interior, beauty, movies, music or books..This week it is easter, and we have a lot of time on our hands. In this feature there is a few hairstyles that I assume will take a couple of hours to make. So get creative with your friends, little sisters and your mom`s. Happy easter!

TIME TO MAKE IT FANCY

..swiny..

..cloudy..

..sunny..

..birdy..

..rabbity..

..Or you can take the lazy holliday way and stuff your hair in a hat:

..HAPPY EASTER..

Culture? introducing Cecilia Lundgren..

2011-04-22T02:43:00.000-07:00

CECILIA LUNDGREN

..Today`s feature is on the highly talented Cecilia Lundgren. Cecilia`s illustrations are so sparcling and full of life. Cecilia is in addition being an illustrator a designer, so I recomend you all to visit her homepage to see all of her work..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Cecilia Lundgren:

...

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?I am a Swedish 29 years old Illustrator, based in south of Sweden after spent time in Spain, Greece and Italy.

What inspired you to start being creative?I have always loved to create things, draw, paint and work with my hands. I knew I wanted to study and become something creative. Daily life, solving problems, meeting people, travelling, everything gives me
inspiration!

Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?I am very glad to have this wonderful job, but it is more than a fulltime job!!! I am not working with anything else than working with illustration and design.

Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?I first studied graphic design at Forsberg’s school in Stockholm, and followed this with a Bachelor in Design at the University of Kalmar, Sweden. In 2007 I obtained a Master of Arts in design at Domus Academy,
Milan.

Where do you find inspiration?See the answer above

Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?There are many, it is difficult to mention one! But I love going to photo exhibitions!

Where can my readers see you`re work?visit my site! www.cecilialundgren.com

Culture? introducing old news..still great..Elbow..

2011-04-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

...This sure is one great song. Elbow "Grounds for divorce"..

Culture? introducing old news..still great..Flight of the conchords..

2011-04-21T03:16:00.000-07:00

..Some sugar for you all. Flight of the conchords "Sugar lumps".. Enjoy..

Culture? introducing Ruth Shively..

2011-04-19T23:58:00.000-07:00

RUTH SHIVELY

..Today culture? is featuring the highly talented Ruth Shively. Ruth`s work is so well put together, the colours are fantastic and the energy amazes me time after time. Allthough Ruth has a rather classical line, her work always seems up to date. Ruth is telling us a little bit about herself and her thoughts around her art today..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Ruth Shively:

..pop..

..powder room..

...

..wait..

..Isabelle..

- Ruth Shively. I live in the Pacific Northwest in the city of Portland, Oregon, USA.

I grew up in the state of Nebraska, which is almost exactly in the center of the United States, the "Great Plains".I did not grow up on a farm but in a small town, surrounded by fields of corn and cattle.

-I'm not sure where my initial creativity came from, I only remember that art was a great escape for me and was always drawn to creativity.

-I went to the University of Nebraska and studied fine art with an emphasis in drawing and illustration. I feel life has been a huge influence as far as education. After attending university, I traveled through Europe and lived in Paris for a year, soon after returning to the United States, I moved to New York City to work for an established illustrator.

-I have found much of my inspiration from visiting so many museums, when living in upstate NY, I had the opportunity to visit some of the best museums in the world. I look at many books of my favorite painters as well as contemporary artists I've found through the internet.

-It's hard for me to name one specific favorite painter, there are so many that I admire, but a few of my favorites would be Schiele, Freud, Whistler, Welliver.

-You can see my work at Ruthshively.com or on Facebook, RuthShivelyFineArt.

Culture? introducing old news..still great..Modest Mouse..

2011-04-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

..One of my all-time favourite bands, Modest Mouse...

Culture? introducing old news..still great..Modest Mouse..

2011-04-19T00:39:00.000-07:00

Directed by Heath Ledger..Modest Mouse "King rat"..

Culture? introducing Gabriella Barouch...

2011-04-18T00:46:00.000-07:00

GABRIELLA BAROUCH

..We are opening a new week with the charming works of Gabriella Barouch. Gabriella is telling us a little bit about herself and her thoughts around her art today. So sit back and enjoy..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Gabriella Barouch:

...

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?
My name is Gabriella Barouch; i’m a 26 years old illustrator, currently based in Jerusalem.
I’m on my four and last year at Bezalel academy of art and design at the visual communication department.

-What inspired you to start being creative?
Books-especially poetry and nonsense, other
artist i admire, old sketches i made toys and more

-Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?
Yes it is! :)

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?
i'm on my four and last year at Bezalel academy of art and design at the visual communication department.

-Where do you find inspiration?
in things i love

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?
i have a lot i can't think of only one name - camilla engman, luke best, julia pott, sara fanelli, beatrice alemagna, keren taggar and more.

-Where can my readers see you`re work?

http://gabriellabarouch.carbonmade.com

Culture? introducing Fan+...

2011-04-17T01:11:00.000-07:00

FAN+

..On this fine sunday, culture? is presenting the talented Fan+. Fan+`s work is very charming and well-made, the clothes are defenitely interesting and the photos is light and euforic. Fan+ is telling us a little bit about herself and her thoughts around her work, both on her photos and her own clothing-line; eyja. So sit back and enjoy this day of rest and inspiration...

...Here it is , your shot of art with Fan+...

..the clothing-line; eyja...

...

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?
i'm fan+, now a 21-aged student study in fashion-design in Taipei. i took photos for some school events (shows or exhibitions) or projects/cases of my friends. and also the outfits made by myself. (like " eyja ") -What inspired you to start being creative?
details in daily life. photos. magazines. words, poems and song lyrics. -Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?
i'm a fashion-design majored student and spend lots of times with cameras, magazines and music. -Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?
I study in Fashion-design dept. of Shih-Chien university, Taipei. -Where do you find inspiration?
in my daily life. people, music, photographs, words and more. -Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?
Nagi Noda, one of the greatest artists who inspired me a lot. weird, cruel but in brilliant colors.Harada Ikuko, my favorite singer/ musician in Japan. child-like voice, painfully. -Where can my readers see you`re work?
my flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hikarifan/

culture? Fan+!

Culture? introducing Paxplass..

2011-04-16T01:21:00.000-07:00

.....Each saturday, culture? will have a small feature on either fashion, interior, beauty, movies, music or books..This week we are going to the small store, Paxplass in Vestfossen Norway. They do have an onlinestore as well, so all you readers around the world can buy from Paxplass too..

PAXPLASS

..Slippers from Marocco..

..Dress from Noa Noa..

..The lovely cup..

-Could you tell the readers a little bit about how PAXPLASS came to be and who is behind it?Paxplass is a lifestyle-store both online and in store placed localy in Vestfossen Norway. We have beautiful gifts and clothes.
"Pax" means peace in latin, and with paxplass I have wanted to create a place that allowes you to come and have peacful thoughts and feelings, a place that inspires to be good to yourself and others.
The onlinestore is build to make it easy for you to send a gift with thought, here you can buy beautiful, readymade gifts that we wrap, writes a lovely card and sends directly to the recipient.
The store is located in an old house from circa year1900, in the middle of tiny Vestfossen, you are very welcome to come and have a look. It is a bright, friendly and peacful place to be.
Both the products and the clothes are picked out on the note that they should be good quality and estetic. I want the clothes to be made with naturale materials like wool, silk, cotton etc, and at the same time at an affordable price. Paxplass is getting known for its beatiful, handmade cups made by different artists. "The beatiful cup" is a statement I have in mind for Paxplass; I want to share the joy of a beautiful and good cup with my clients. You can read more about my thoughts around this here: http://paxplass.blogspot.com/2011/04/fine-kopper-hva-er-greia-lissom.html.. (in norwegian)

-Who is your target-costumer?She is a consious women who has a strong wish to fill her life -both in her own and in others - by doing the things that are beautiful and good. This is a store for the modern and consious women, she hwo has a busy day, and hwo don`t always have to go looking for the perfect gifts. She can go to our onlinestore or to the store and have arranged great presents to her friends, and be sure that she is well taken care of. She can be sure to have a place to find great looking clothes, to balance her interior without the largest investments, and here she can go to theme-nights that are so nice and inspiering.

-What brands do you sell?- Noa Noa, Le Palais des Thés, Björk & Berries, Fitjar Såpekokeri, Froy & Dind, Divine, Anna Östberg, Maria Liliegren, Randi Selstad, Lillann Svendsrud, Elise Hatlø, Sigfrid Sannes and Willow Lane.

-Where can the readers find you, adress, homepage, opening hours etc?
Blogg: www.paxplass.blogspot.com
Storgata 29
3320 Vestfossen
heidi@paxplass.no
+47 91787935
Opening Hours: Mon-fri 10-1630; Sat 10 - 14

Nettbutikk: www.paxplass.no

Culture? introducing old news..still great..Talking Heads..

2011-04-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

..What can I say..this is one of the coolest songs I know. Talking Heads "PsychoKiller"

Culture? introducing Ulrika Kestere part1..

2011-04-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

ULRIKA KESTERE PART 1

..Today`s feature is on the greatly talented Ulrika Kestere or Uli as called by friends. Uli is such a great artist in both photography and illustration, so I decided to show you both in to parts. This first part is on Uli`s amazing photography. The pictures are so emotional, and the compositions are just great. Uli is telling us a little bit about herself and her thoughts around her art today, so sit back, relax and enjoy...

...Here it is, your shot of art with Ulrika Kestere aka Uli part1:

...

-Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?

My name is Ulrika Kestere but I encourage people to call me Uli because I think it sounds friendlier :)

I'm born in Latvia but I have lived in Sweden since I was 4 years old.

I'm 23 years but still feel like a little girl.

-What inspired you to start being creative?

I think it was my dad. When I was young he colored and photographed a lot, and I wanted to do those things too.

Also it was the only subject that really got my attention in school... art and design. I'm amazed how people can get into politics when there is wonderful things like photography and art.

-Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?

I wish it was my fulltime job. But no, at the moment I study industrial design.

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?

When I was little I went to artschool once a week for a couple of years. After high school I studied photography in Norway at Lofoten Folkhøgskole for two years. Now I'm studying industrial design at Ingvar Kamprads designcenter in Lund, Sweden. I took some dark room classes when I was in high school too.

-Where do you find inspiration?
Mostly from the forest actually! But also from fairytales, animals, the sea and other creative bloggers.

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?

Gosh... it's hard to pick one. Since the dog photographer William Wegman was pretty much my first favorite I usually say him. He does what I dream to do.

Otherwise I love love love Tove Jansson, I think she was one of the greatest and most imaginative artist ever.

-Where can my readers see you`re work?

http://ulicam.blogspot.com

http://www.ulrikakestere.com

My blog is frequently updated, my homepage not so much :)

culture? Ulrika Kestere!

Culture? introducing old news..still great -Nouvelle vague-

2011-04-13T21:30:00.000-07:00

..Nouvelle vague "dance with me" -, the video is a dance scene from "Bande a part". Enjoy.

Culture? introducing Laurence Philomene Olivier...

2011-04-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

LAURENCE PHILOMENE OLIVIER

..Today`s feature is on the young and talented photographer Laurence Philomene Olivier. Laurence`s work has a great distance, it is dreamy and euforic. I am rather impressed with her compositions, and think she is a name for the future. Laurence is telling us a little bit about herself and her photos today, so enjoy..

..Here it is, your shot of art with Laurence Philomene Olivier:

...

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?My name is Laurence and I am a 17 year-old girl from Montreal, Canada :)

-What inspired you to start being creative?I've always been creative, I guess it's just a part of my personality. I couldn't survive without being creative, I'm a pretty shy person so it's my way to express myself.

-Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?No! I am currently unemployed, actually... but hopefully one day I'll be able to make a living out of my photography

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?Yes, I am currently studying photography at Dawson College here in Montreal

-Where do you find inspiration?Everywhere... I spend a lot of time looking at images - photography books, magazines, internet, etc. but daily things also inspire me, like rainy days or sometimes just a certain color or object that appeals to me.

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?I really like Annette Messager. I saw her work in Paris a few years ago and it really moved me. I especially like her series called ''les pensionnaires''.

-Where can my readers see you`re work?on my website : http://laurencephilomene.com

culture? Laurence Philomene Olivier!

Culture? introducing old news..still great- Beck..

2011-04-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

..On rainy days, we need great songs. Beck -blacktambourine...

Culture? introducing old news..still great- Beck...

2011-04-11T21:36:00.000-07:00

..It is raining today, and this is cheering me up. Beck -girl-..

Culture? introducing Vania Barbato...

2011-04-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

VANIA BARBATO

..Culture? is kicking off this week with the fun-loving illustrations from Vania Barbato. Vania`s work is well composed, humours and warm. Vania is telling us a little bit about herself and her thoughts around her art today, so sit back and enjoy...

...Here it is, your shot of art with Vania Barbato:

...manifesto futurista..

...panda...

...pierre janssen..

..6th avenue..

..pipe..

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc?
My name is Vania and I’m 22 years old. I was born in Padova,( north-east Italy ).

-What inspired you to start being creative?
I don’t know really,I have just always done it.

-Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do?
Unfortunatly no!!! I hope to one day become a full-time illustrator.

-Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study?
I studied at an art school in my town, but I’m essentially a self-taught illustrator.

-Where do you find inspiration?
Humans, animals and Talking Heads often inspire me.

-Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why?
Not only one in particular ... I love Charley Harper, Stanley Donwood, Edina Altara and many others…

-Where can my readers see you`re work
At Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/va_sh/

Culture? introducing Manuela Betancourt M...

2011-04-10T02:40:00.000-07:00

MANUELA BETANCOURT M

..Today`s feature in culture? is the talented Manuela Betancourt M. Manuela`s work is very calm and quiet, the compositions are very well put and she has a great sence of space. Manuela is telling you all a little bit about herself and her art today. Enjoy...

..Here it is, your shot of art with Manuela Betancourt M...

....

...

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself, name, what country you live in, age etc ? //My name is Manuela Betancourt M. I was born and currently live in Medellín - Colombia. I´m 30 years old and I´m fulltime artist.

What inspired you to start being creative ? // The need to express myself without words, to show delicately my search for beauty in spaces where its hard to find.

Is making art your fulltime job, and if not, what else do you do ? // Drawing and painting is my fulltime job, i believe strongly in working every day in order to achieve my goals. I take my craft very serious and believe that inspiration comes when your busy working.

Have you gone to art school, if yes where did you go and what did you study ? // I studied arts in the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, a five years career where i had the opportunity to learn various techniques, theory and art history.

Where do you find inspiration ? // My work talks about my life, the people close to me, about my experiences and memories, about the music i listen too, the movies i watch, the books i read. I´m also inspired by the materials i work with, the papers I use, the paintbrushes i hold in my hands, colours and and ink i use. A sum of all make up my work.

Do you have a favorite artist and if so who and why ? // I like many artists and many things inspire me. Painters like J.M.W Turner seduce me because of the use of space and colours on the canvas. Claire Harvey because of the subtlety of her drawings. But also a i must acknowledge musicians like Tortoise (song: Set my face to the hillside), authors like Antonio Tabucchi (book: It's Getting Later All the Time) or a movie like A single man by Tom Ford as things that inspire me.

Where can my readers see you`re work ? // I invite you to visit my website www.manuelabetancourt.com. and join my in Facebook and Twitter. (check out links in website).

culture? Manuela Betancourt M!