Now: Preparing for Campus

Autumn List by hinescr featuring knapsack bags

Band of Outsiders cotton plaid shirt
net-a-porter.com

Barbour jacket
barbour.com

J.Crew j crew pants
jcrew.com

Shoes
llbean.com

Bric s knapsack bag
forzieri.com

Artist Series: Connie Noyes

Located right off the red line at Cermak/Chinatown, is where I found Chicago-based artist, Connie Noyes and her spacious studio.  Even with high ceilings, great views, and numerous works-in-progress - my attention was grabbed by one thing - materials.  Moving from art therapy to photography,  Noyes found her niche in the materiality of installation art.

Recognizing her move to Chicago as the start of her use of bright pink, Noyes has effortlessly evolved as an artist of, and for, her medium. Giving much praise to 1970's artist Agnes Martin and the daily, abstract situations life puts her in - Noyes is a true eccentric, and her art is no exception.  

Connie giving Sydney a peek of her new digital photomontages

Exhibiting her newest installation work at the "Chicago's Twelve: Twelve Artists Mobilizing the Earth - Garfield Park Conservatory" (with Kim Guare!)  Connie is excited (and undoubtedly ready) to take her art into a new visual environment.  However, from personal experience in her studio, it seems that the environment is irrelevent - as Noyes's works pull you in through intricate details, and multiple layers - sending the viewer into a chaotic, and beautiful, perceptual crisis.

With a drive that leaves her constantly in search of more materials to fall in love with, and one of the most open-minds in contemporary art to vibrant color palettes, Noyes is not only proud of her usage of pink, but is on the hunt to encourage fellow artists and designers alike to join in as well, with her mission/blog onemillionpink. 

As an art historian, I am at times torn at technological advancements and their effect on art.  Often, I find myself believing that the materiality of art (not its content) has suffered for our technophilic ways.  My meeting with Connie was a humble reminder that visual artists are still concerned with their process, and materials - and I am truly grateful.

Connie's constant work-in-progress that she uses to vent frustrations on

Join her cause, if you're an artist or designer! In the Pink - the 1,000,000 people art project

If not, then definitely take a look at her other works here.

Artist Series: Rineke Dijkstra

During my weekend excursion to Chicago, I stumbled upon the excellent contemporary photography collection of the Chicago Institute of Art. One gallery in particular, housed eleven works by Dutch photographer, Rineke Dijkstra (their full collection contains 23 of her works!) - and it took my breath away. Her subdued palettes, extra-large compositions, and raw subject matter kept me mesmerized.  Luckily, I was traveling with a fellow art historian, so I wasn't rushed through the process.

All of the eleven works shown were an excerpt from her Beach Portraits series completed in the early-90s.  Her subject: young, adolescent children of all genders, ages, and nationalities - making the point that the transitional awkwardness that adolescence and puberty brings is something that crosses international borders.  It's a transition experienced by all - a phenomenon - a universal.


The work of August Sanders instantly hit me as a reference point to Dijkstra's work.  In favor of Dijkstra's work, I feel that she is not only seeking a universal concept, but forcing its acknowledgment as well. Sanders work, Faces of Our Time (which I adore) lacks an aggression, and as such - an honesty, that Dijkstra truly captures.


If you get a chance - these are a must-see.

Now: Gatsby-Inspired Tunes

Out of excitement for the release of the new Great Gatsby movie - I've prepared a little playlist to inspire everyone (women especially) to release their inner flapper:

Put on your cloche hat, add some red lipstick, and let me know what you think!

Download: Gatsby Inspired

Now: Instagramers!

Now you can follow us wherever we go! Catch us here!

Artist Series: Kim Guare

Kim & Honey became acquaintances during her Artist-in-residence stay at The Wormfarm Institute

With a plethora of contemporary artists seeking to create works of art that will sell, rather than speak - Kim Guare is a unique exception.  Named part of "Chicago's Twelve: 12 Artists Mobilizing the Earth",  her work passionately combines raw vitality and environmental activism.

I asked Kim to surprise me and pick one of her favorite local cafés or coffee shops - she chose Kickstand Espresso Bar in the vibrant Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. Scribbling down notes and sipping on the best espresso I have had in awhile - I started to wonder how Kim's passion for locally grown, organic food came to be, and how she could possibly construct projects that would not only connect with the viewer - but make them listen.

Through visually arousing works and colorful palettes Kim attempts to reconnect us with the food we eat, and where it comes from.

Rosa Bianca Heirloom Eggplant, fabric and thread, 2011

Monsanto and the Farmer, plaster, clay, and fabric, 2012
(Might be my favorite - especially with the Food, Inc reference)

Now: Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati

A wonderful surprise in OTR. Cindy Sherman's Untitled Flim Still #21, 1978

Sloane Boutique, OTR.

Interior of Sloane Boutique.

Fellow blogger, and friend - Kat Cooper.

I have always maintained a soft spot for transitional neighborhoods and communities - if you think about it, some of the most intriguing cities in the world are those under current renovation and restoration (Berlin, New York, Chicago, Istanbul).  Although Berlin, Germany and Brooklyn, New York are the first two that pop into my mind - now, Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati will be a close third.

Rising above poverty, crime, and....wait for it....generational stereotypes (yuck!) - transitional areas often surprise you - and definitely provide a refreshing sense of hope.

Usually offering more affordable housing, fresh farmer's markets, vintage/thrift clothing stores, up-and-coming restaurants and ambitious entrepreneurs and designers - these neighborhoods have so much to offer, especially to those willing to offer a helping hand.