STONE. Handbags and Jackets carved from STONE. Stunning. This is the work of American artist Barbara Segal. How, when and where did she learn how to turn pink Oynx into a Chanel bag? Here is just a small chunk of her story:

In 1972, while a student at Pratt Institute, NY, Segal resolved to spend both her junior and senior years at the distinguished École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts (ENSB-A), Paris, to study stone carving with teachers like René Collamarini with whom she later exhibited at the Musée Rodin. Segal then moved to Italy where she spent time over the next four years in both Pietrasanta and Carrara working at the Studio Sem, the Fonderia Luigi Tommasi and SGF Studio Scultura. She returned to New York City in the late-70s knowing she could create whatever she chose in stone. America’s evolving culture with its pop and fashion icons would prove a continuing source of inspiration.  However, to this day, what Segal chooses to create is personal; her creations provide insight into her passions, struggles and quirky wit.

And with a bio like that, I have to include a photo of Barbara in action:

Whoa.

Oh my goodness… these are just a few new works by Toronto based artist Kristy Blackwell. I’ve written about her gorgeous paintings and drawings on mylar before, but now… well, two words: GOLD. LEAF. Stunning.

Cake!? I don’t think I’ve ever written about cake as art before, but look at these creations – how can I not?! These delicious masterpieces are the work of Ukrainian architect turned pastry chef Dinara Kasko. Geometrics, spheres, kinetic-inspired amazingness all filled with chocolate, cream, and fruity goodness. I know you’re wondering… HOW? Well, each of her works of art begin with a work of art. Dinara designs custom molds and then makes them using a 3D printer. And then, you know, just makes insane cakes in those molds. Mind. Blown. (FYI: she sells her molds!)

ps. here’s a peek behind the curtain, revealing these beauties … pre-icing

Ok, I was already experiencing some serious FOMO about not being at Art Basel Miami this weekend… and then I found about this interactive piece showing at The Temple House. “New Spring”, by Studio SWINE (Super Wide Interdisciplinary New Explorers : a collaboration between Japanese Architect Azusa Murakami and British Artist Alexander Groves). Delicate blossom bubbles, filled with floral-scented mist, fall gently from a white, chandelier-like tree. The bubbles pop on contact… unless of course you’re wearing the special gloves provided. Seriously, watch this video and tell me you’re not knee-deep in FOMO too:

Video found via Golem13

… and the THREE winners are… DREW AUSTIN, SHANDRA SMITH, and COCO SPADONI! Thanks to everyone who entered, and if wanna pick one up anyway, this beauty is only $24 Canadian and you can BUY it right here. Thanks to Jp King for being so generous with this give-away! xo

Well, it would not feel like December if I didn’t have a gorgeous, sustainably-produced, Risograph calendar from Paper Pusher to give away! Jp King is the artist behind this annual beauty, and he’s done it again {actually, I should have him on the podcast}. Anyway, leave a comment below and on Monday December 11th I’ll draw three, yes THREE, names and each of those people will be able to spend their 2018 looking at these gorgeous artworks … good luck!

ps. If you don’t wanna take your chances with the draw, this beauty is only $24 Canadian. Just sayin.

Hm, even that closeup doesn’t do a good job of proving that these are paintings – PAINTINGS!? This is the acrylic on canvas work of Canadian painter Jana Rayne MacDonald, from her series titled “Portraits”:

“We all speak many more languages than our mother tongue. Without conscious thought, we tell people how we feel and communicate who we are with facial expressions, gestures and, least appreciated but just as important, the language of clothing.  And the clothes we wear often speak first.”

I wonder what my pajamas are saying about me right now?

What do you do when your artwork causes crazy people to come out of the woodwork? Turn their horrible online comments into soft sculptures, of course! Oh, how I love this new series, titled ALT CAPS, by New York based artist Natalie Baxter. I had her on the podcast last January to talk about her droopy Warm Guns and tassel-covered Bloated Flags, and she admitted both series get some pretty nasty comments from time to time. Well, instead of allowing those rude words to stop her, Natalie decided to spend a good part of 2017 turning those trolly words into a whole new series … brilliant and hilarious. Mic drop.

ps. Natalie is another of the contemporary artists featured in my upcoming book. Seriously, with work like this, how could she not be!?

Oh my word. This stunning fiber based installation was one of my favorite things at the Venice Biennale this past summer, and yes, it probably has something to do with my current obsession with pom poms. Granted, these are not pom poms at all. They are “pigmented acrylic fibre” wrangled into large soft orbs with some kind of synthetic netting! This gorgeous piece {that you were NOT allowed to jump on even if you really wanted to} was part of the “Color Pavilion” at the Arsenale, and is the work of American-born, Paris based artist Sheila Hicks. Watch the video above to see Sheila talking about this piece… so beautiful on so many levels.

ps. a bit of proof, basically to remind myself that I really was there – because sometimes it feels more like a crazy dream.

That Bambi sign… ♥   This is the newest painting series {gouache on paper} from American artist Heather Sundquist. It is filled with memories, from being “inspired by old east Austin and all its forgotten splendor … to sweet summer nights … watching sunset wth friends … and good ol’ Broad street, south Philadelphia.”  Ah, sweet sweet nostalgia in the middle of nowhere. Happy Monday.

ps. Heather is currently selling these as 10″x10″ prints, and they’re only $40! Find them in her shop.

Portraits, embroidery, and street art… well that’s one of the best combinations I’ve ever seen! I am thrilled that I got to talk to Mexican artist Victoria Villasana. She truly is full of restless curiosity – a creative person her entire life, searching for the work that felt right to her. Yep, she found it! We’re talking about design, fashion, motherhood, perseverance and whether or not we care about Prince Harry getting engaged. You can listen right up there under those colorful yarn tears, or you can subscribe on iTunes.

First up, some of her street art pieces in and around London, including odes to Mohammad Ali and David Bowie:

YES! Yarn… on the street. How would these beauties not catch your eye?!

Next, this is the collaboration she did with fashion photographer Dario Vazquez and Spanish street artist Misterpiro, London 2015:

Seriously. So, so good.

Ok, here’s what she’s been putting up in Mexico since she returned home over a year ago:

Oooh, I love the tiny ones. That said, she also does some very big work. Here are a few examples of her pieces that hang on walls inside, and note the scale of some of them:

Um, yeah, I had to include that last amazing piece… those orange glasses? The scale? LOVE. That is actor Luis Gerardo Méndez standing literally in the middle of Victoria’s installation of Mexican movie director Guillermo del Toro at WeWork in Mexico City. Unbelievably cool… as is Victoria:

One more thing I had to do… finish things off with this Shakespearean luchador. I just found it on her Instagram feed and thought it was a perfect combo of the places she’s called home … to date. She may have to add Japan to that list one day! Thank you so much to Victoria for talking to me (and agreeing to be in my new book!); thanks to Saatchi Art and Thrive for supporting the episode, and thanks to you for listening! There will be more art for your ear next weekend.

Other links:

1. Pablo Delgado, Mexican street artist
2. TED Talks
3. Victoria’s Instagram feed