Category Archives: Art & Culture San Diego

Haunted High Tea: An Eat Your Art Out Event from Dr. Sketchy’s, Benefiting San Diego Visual Arts Network

I had been wanting to try out a Dr. Sketchy’s drawing session for nearly a year now, but the timing was never quite right. This month, however, I checked the website and was thrilled to find out that not only did I have the date open, but  Dr. Sketchy’s was also hosting a special fundraiser taking place the same day: an Eat Your Art Out event, benefiting San Diego Visual Art Network.

The theme, Haunted High Tea, couldn’t have been more perfect for me, since not only am I a huge fan of anything and everything haunted and ghoulish, but I also adore tea and especially all the goodies that come with a proper afternoon tea.

    

The afternoon tea took place inside Sterlings Mobile Barber Co’s Airstream Trailer and I even got to use one of the barber chairs as my seat for the affair!

{Looking for an incredible cut while on the go? Check out STERLINGS daily locations in San Diego here: http://sterlingsmobile.com/locations/.}

    

Eat Your Art Out events are known for being an astounding place to meet and mingle with fine artists in a dinner party setting, and the Haunted High Tea was no exception! I shared a table with the lovely Albertine Feurer-Young, an extraordinary photographer who told me of her incredible journeys, from her exploration of the 7 Sacred Pools Waterfalls on the road to Hana in Maui  to an unbelievable and slightly spooky  trip taking place in Deadhorse, Alaska.

Albertine’s photography is all about beauty: whether it be a truly stunning landscape or a beautiful burlesque dancer, she captures the beauty within each moment. View Albertine’s art here: http://www.artofalbertine.com/.

                                                       Yeseniya & Albertine:

    

3 other incredible artists were at the lunch, the witty Nancy Carp, known for her exquisite Trollita cards with adorable & quirky images; engaging Yeseniya Maybee, whose work is both enchanting and mysterious; and Dr. Sketchy’s  own photographer, the talented Mathew Hohlfeld. Wow, what a group!

                                                  Nancy Carp + Trollita Cards:

    

In addition to tea and conversation, guests were also served amazing tea time sandwiches and bites, from raspberry wraps and mini quiches to savory sandwiches and caprese salad, everything was delicious and well-prepared!

           

After everyone had a chance to nourish themselves with the cuisine, each of the guests were able to choose a category to make a prize for, which they would later judge at Dr. Sketchy’s. The artists had set up plenty of supplies, and we had a blast picking award categories & putting together prize idea’s.

                                         The guests working on their awards:

    

    

    

    

The group then adjourned to The Ruby Room, where we got to meet the dazzling and beyond talented Zoe Tantrum. The guests got a chance to get up onto the stage themselves, and Zoe taught us a bit about posing, proper technique, and keeping still (I certainly have a deeply rooted, new-found respect for art models!)

 

Not only did Zoe give us tips on posing and  a backstage peek  at the art of modeling, but the guests later got to strike a pose on stage while artists in the audience drew & then view the art and award a prize to their favorite. So much fun!

    

Once the other artists arrived, Zoe went through several 1 minute, 2 minute, 5 minute and 20 minute poses, while we all had the pleasure of sketching her.

    

    

    

    

                                                Ghoulish Outfit Change #1:

    

    

                                    Spectacularly Sinister Outfit Change #2:

    

    

Throughout the session, everyone had fun participating in other fun contests and we even took a break for sweets (check out the scrumptious cutie-pops!)

   

                                                             Sketchin’ Away:

    

                

In all, I immensely enjoyed myself and would like to include a special thank you to Niki Haritatos and Patricia Frischer for making this event a success!

             Learn More About San Diego Visual Art Network: Click Here.

                                        Dr.Sketchy’s San Diego Online: Click Here.

                                                   

San Diego Summer Days

This summer has been a hot one, and I almost can’t believe October is already upon us (not complaining since it’s actually one of my favorite months). However, let’s get back to the heat; did you know that so far, this year has been the hottest in all of history and also the 3rd hottest summer ever recorded? If you live in San Diego, this may not be that surprising since we have DEFINITELY been feeling the heat! For me, summertime sunshine meant a lot of swimming in the ocean, languidly relaxing on the beach, and fresh fruit galore.

Take a peek at some of my gorgeous photos (from a camera-phone mind you, since I try not to bring the Canon on many adventures) from summertime 2012:

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

   

     

    

    

    

    

    

    

   

However, as much as I love the hot weather, I am just about ready for a change in the season: chunky knits, my favorite holidays, time with loved ones, and perhaps some HOT tea instead of the iced tea I’ve been living on. What about you, my dear readers, are you (like me) also quite ready for fall and wintertime?

Tiki Oasis 2012 in San Diego: Exotic Espionage & Polynesian Pulp

    

Tiki Oasis is THE largest & longest-running event of it’s kind, and this year was nothing short of spectacular. If you love Tiki culture, you are going to love this post! This 4 day annual event took place from last Thursday til last Sunday and people came from (literally) all over the world to attend this sun-soaked celebration.

    

One of my favorite parts of Tiki Oasis is always the Artist Alley, where pieces from each years art show are stored. Also, you get the opportunity to chat with the artists themselves. This year, the artists found at Artist Alley included Tom Cooper, NORM Daniels, Dirk Yates, David Lewis, Michael Uhlenkott & Kirby Island.

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

      

The hotel at which this event transpired, The Crowne Plaza in Mission Valley, set the perfect backdrop for this Tiki extravaganza! From the gorgeous walkways to to the beautiful waterfall (at which I found a real-life mermaid transformation) the hotel embodies the Tiki culture, making the experience surreal.

    

                

    

Entertainment over the 4 days included mesmerizing performances by: King Kukulele, The Barbwires (here all the way from Sweden!), The Love Me Nots, The Untouchables, The Lampshades, The Exotics, Los Venturas (from Belgium!),  King Paris & His Hypnotic Guitar (origins unknown), The Martini Kings, go-go dancers from San Francisco: The Devil-Ettes, The Tikiyaki Orchestra, Casino Royale, Truus performs from Ritualis, Thee Swank Bastards, dangerous duo: Molotov & Dixie Delish, magician Rob Zabrecky, Cabernet Dance, Creepxotica, Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid, Jason Lee & the R.I.P.tides.

    

Femme fatales graced the guests with decadent and exuberant performances,  these included: Kitten Deville, Violetta Beretta, Tana the Tattooed Lady, Mimi Le Meaux, Kellita, Bunny Pistol, Coco Lectric, Dottie Deville, Dixie Von Trixie, Meghan Mayhem, Ruby Champagne, Mynx d’Meanor, Ruby Joule, Drea Dillinger, Sid Scenic & Jolie Goodnight.

    

DJ’s came from all far and near, these included: Lee Joseph, Joe Banks, Switched on Audrey, Strike, Howie Pyro, DJ Xreox, Agent Kari, Domenic Priore, and Tothar.

    

In addition, there were lots of  Tiki-themed classes and fun, educational topics covered. Some of these included: Yoga Tease with Tana the Tattooed Lady, The Art of Stamping with Artist Eric October, Spy Guitar Lessons with Jason Lee, Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School (check out their sweet San Diego blog here), Pin-Up Hair & Make-Up with Tana the Tattooed Lady and Megan Mayhem, Charles Phoenix Retro Slide Show: Pools, Patios and BBQs, Polynesian Pop in Mid Century San Diego with Bosko, The Burlesque Assasssins First Ever U.S. (Private) Viewing and Tiki Bus Tour of San Diego with Bianca of So Diego Tours.

   

The outdoor marketplace included LOADS of vendors with glorious wares, some of these included: Hawaiian Lei Bath & Body, My Baby Jo, Mysteries of the South Seas, Tiki King, Zombie Kitten, Fez-O-Rama, Fly Tahiti & Grass Shack Trader.

    

    

    

    

                         

    

                      

    

   

There were shopping suites set up inside some balcony rooms, including A Pin Up’s Closet and Taboo Island.  Also, there was a huge indoor market set up with vendors including Big Toe Art, Guru Gallery, Sand on my Soul and Mahalo Tiki.

    

    

             

    

    

    

For further information, please visit Tiki Oasis online by simply clicking here.

If you missed it this year, don’t worry! Tiki Oasis will be back again in 2013!

Can’t get enough? Check out Rusty Blazenhoff’s awesome coverage of Tiki Oasis:

Visual Art Supply in Normal Heights

    

While I was exploring the Adams Art Block in Normal Heights the other day, I got the incredible opportunity to stumble upon Visual Art Supply. Before I go any further,  let me just say: this place is AWESOME! Not only is it San Diego’s only independently owned and operated art supply store & gallery, but it also  features some of the most visually stimulating urban art work I’ve seen in San Diego as of late! The owner, Jason Gould, is an artist himself and strongly supports the local art scene. If you’re looking for somewhere to purchase art supplies in San Diego (or to get inspired) I highly recommend this unique spot.

                                                            Have A Look Around:

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

   

   

   

                                               ←  Mural (Found Outside)  →

   

    

                                  Featured Art Work Inside Visual Art Supply:  

    

                     Above: Art by  Jason Gould (Owner), 10X10, $120 each

     

                   Above: Art by Jason Gould (Owner), 12×12, $140 each

    

    

    

         Above: Drip Figurines by Sean Brannan, Latex & Enamel, $20 Each

    

                       Above: Tiki Series by Ryan Burke, Posca Pen, $300

     

            Above: “Marked Woman” by Sean Brannan, Collaged Fabric, $200

    

     Above: “Beast of Brunswick” by Sean Brannan, Collaged Fabric, $350

    

         Above: “No Country” by Sean Brannan, Mixed Media, Not For Sale

     

                                         Above: “Hipster” by ManRabbit, $75

     

                                              Above: “Tourist” by ManRabbit, $75

     

                                             Above: “Zoo” by ManRabbit, $75

    

                                        Above: “Giddy Up” by ManRabbit, $75

     

                     Above: Stencil Art by VONBONG, 8×10: $25. 11×14: $35

    

                                   Above: “Mullet Pony” by Fortune, $650

                                                        

              Visual Art Supply is located at 3524 Adams Ave in San Diego, CA.

                                   Check them out online: Visual Art Supply.

  ❤ “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Pablo Picasso

   

ArtLab Presents: Adams Ave Art Block Festival & Heroes And Icons Opening

If you live in San Diego and are into all things art, you may have heard of the art block in Normal Heights. Located between 35th and Wilson, this block nurtures creative talent through several outlets: from a gallery collective and printing service to an art school and art supply shop, there is much to inspire any artist!

          

ArtLab is an amazing gallery on Adams Avenue that provides a creative environment for local artists, with studio space, monthly exhibits, community events, and much more. This membership based collective not only supports professionals, but also helps serious beginners gain their footing in SD.

     

     

    

                                   Pictured Above: “Snakes” by Kevin Peterson

    

                     Pictured Above: “Mass Extinction” by Brian Dombrowsky

    

                     Pictured Below: “The Last View Of Her” by P-Jay Fiddler

    

The first Saturday of every month, ArtLab provides local artists with an area to network, collaborate, and display their artwork. The Art Block Festival  features insightful & inspiring art work, great tunes by local bands (stage set up in the back), DIVINE vegan street tacos, and a chance to mingle with SD creative folks.

                   

The artists who took part in this Art Block Festival included Brian Dombrowsky, Pamela Jaegar, Jorge Pina, Chris Vonbong and Tami Hawkins. Check out the art:

    

    

   

   

   

   

    

    

    

    

This past Saturday, the Adams Ave Art Block Festival featured new paintings by Bryen Beglinger inside the ArtLab gallery in a show titled ” Heroes And Icons.”

    

    

   

                                                        The Art of Bryan Beglinger:

    

    

    

    

                                                 Visit ArtLab online: Art Lab San Diego

                                          Address: 3536 Adams Ave, San Diego CA 92116

Wanna get involved? ArtLab is always looking for volunteers: you can help out with an event, host  a workshop, or just aid in maintaining longer gallery hours.   If you’re interested in helping out, contact ArtLab via phone at (619) 283 1151.

Stay Tuned: I loved Visual Art Supply (located next door) so much that it warrants its very own post, coming up next. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!

Euphoria Dining Event at the Fire Garden in Bonsall

      

Where do I begin? From the minute I received my invitation I knew the evening would be a fun one filled with exquisite cuisine and captivating entertainment but I did not honestly expect to be caught up in feelings of, well, EUPHORIA! However,  as soon as I set foot in the Fire Garden property, I sensed the night would be a special one, filled with whimsical surprises & adventures.

     

If you have a special event coming up, I highly recommend the Fire Garden as the locale. As we explored the grounds, we kept discovering more and more unique & incredible finds tucked away throughout the property. You should have seen my face as we stumbled upon serene meditation hide-outs, vintage pianos standing tall a midst the wildlife,  a free-standing canopy bed straight out of a fairy tale and fully lit chandeliers hanging from the tree tops! Amazing!

     

     

     

                          Pictured Above: Tony D’Aula, Owner, Fire Garden

     

    

    

     

                                                         As  daylight dimmed:

     

     

     

                                    Pictured Above: Mesmerizing DJ Frances

     

     

     

                           Pictured Above: Culinary Genius, Chef Evan Rumble

     

After much exploration, we settled into our seats for dinner and were in for  further happy treats. The menu, which was displayed on each table, promised much, much, enjoyment for the evening. As everyone got comfortable at their tables, we got the marvelous pleasure of hearing from Barbara Cole Gates, the founder and director of non-profit Lean and Green Kids, which proceeds benefited. Barbara spoke of the importance of sharing passion for plant-based eating with children for a happier and healthier future. I couldn’t agree more!

Next up? Fascinating performances from the Shimmy Sisters & Charmed Life Entertainment! I was pretty entranced throughout the performances. Words and photos really can’t do the experience justice, that is how remarkable is was: a mix of  fire and belly dancing with stunning hoop and snake work.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    

The dinner itself was everything I could have imagined and much, much, more. Evan Rumble and Sally Yu put together a gorgeous meal from organic, exotic & sustainable ingredients (many from local grocer Jimbo’s) that captivated all my senses and enthralled my palate. Go on, take a journey through all the courses:

                                                            Goddess Salad:

                              

Seaweed Salad, Sesame Oil, Onion, Fresh Ginger, Hiziki, Tamari, Cayenne,  Artichoke Heart, Crisped Flax Seeds, Bee Pollen, Summer Flower,Goddess Dressing,   LOVE.                          

                                                          Longevity Soup:

      

Grape-seed Oil, Shallot, Shitake Mushroom, Onion, Burdock Root, Dandelion Root, Lyceum Berries, Fo-ti, Fresh Ginger Root, Ginseng Root, Ginkgo Tincture, Miso Paste, Buddha Palm, Fresh Basil, Summer Flower, LOVE.

                                                           Beet Rav Mushub:

     

Beet Ravioli: Beets, Cashew Cheese, Pickled Figs, Mushroom Buerre Blanc: Earth Balance, Ox-Tongue Mushroom, Ginseng Root, Almond Cream, Lemon Zest, Fresh Ground Pepper, Summer Flower, Spirulina, LOVE.

                                                                    Pow Tow:

     

Portobello Mushroom, Home-Made Garlic Chicken, Fresh Garlic, Ginger Root, Chili Paste, Sea Salt, Crisped Rice Noodle, Onion, Lush Sprouts, Olive Oil, Zucchini, Lemon Balm Miso Dressing, Amazon Mustard, Summer Flower, Love.

                                                                             Figacio:

     

Bruleed Figs, Pistachio Ice Cream, Chocolate-Covered Kale, Summer Fruit, Raspberry Puree, Agave Nectar, LOVE.

As shown on the menu, the constant ingredient throughout each and every single one of the courses is love, which is so appropriate because I truly loved them all!

I cannot express enough what a great time I had at this event, everything from the cuisine & performances to the company & ambiance was pure beauty + magic.

                                 The evening was a portal to euphoria!

     

Parting Thought (imprinted on menu): “Everyone should consider their body as a priceless gift from one whom they love above, a marvelous work of art, of indescribable beauty, and mystery beyond human conception, and so delicate that a word,  a breath, a look, nay, a thought may injure it.” ~ Nikola Cesla

Upcoming Dining Event: Euphoria

San Diego is fast emerging on the culinary scene, catching up to the likes of San Francisco and New York in a way that nobody could have expected.  Already, pop up dining events have been wowing locals by bringing extraordinary gastronomy to our area. Why not, however, take it one step further to truly embody the full pleasure of the dining experience? Two Chefs are already there!

Chef Evan Rumble (of the underground supper club, Black Label Table) and Chef Sally Yu (traveling chef of Cirque Du Soleil’s TOTEM, Food High owner) have introduced a revolutionary concept that will take your dining experience beyond your wildest imagination into a world all of it’s own: EUPHORIA, happening Saturday, July 28th at 6pm in the Bonsall Fire Garden!

Created by the Liber Mundi team, Euphoria will be an experience all avid foodies (and lovers of life) should rejoice in! This event will feature creative fine dining at it’s best with 5 courses made up of the freshest, divine and utterly original  ingredients to stimulate and awaken your senses.

But the evening doesn’t stop at taste and smell, for guests will experience sublime, out-of-this-world performances by the likes of Charmed Life Entertainment (envision fire-dancing, contortion, and aerial arts), DJ Frances (high energy music, with Coachella expertise), and the highly talented, snake charming, sword performing Shimmy Sisters.

Add in the magically mirage-like atmosphere of Tony D’Aula’s  Bonsall Fire Garden (think elegant, ancient trees embracing chandeliers and decorative fire sculptures scattered among the grounds), and you have the recipe for an unforgettable evening of the highest bohemian caliber.

Not only are you sure to have a memorable evening, but it’s also for a great cause! Proceeds will directly benefit Lean and Green Kids, an organization dedicated to teaching the positive effects of plant-based, organic eating habits.

                                                                 Ticket Options:

$109 Donation: 5 course meal, hosted bar ft. specialty drinks, all performances.

$35 Donation: Cozy floor seats, some gourmet appetizers, and all performances.

Donations can be made several ways: Through PayPal using the address tonydaula@yahoo.com. Once your donation has been submitted, contact euphoriadining@gmail.com with the full names of guests attending (first and last) and your address. Your ticket will be delivered via mail shortly after!

No PayPal account? Feel free to contact euphoriadining@gmail.com directly for all other possible donation options and the lovely people in charge will work with you to set up a method of payment that is convenient for you.

               Highly hope to see you there! Check back soon for my experience!

                                                                      Further Info:

   Check out Ringo Firefly’s amazing article on this event as well: Ringo Firefly.

Artist Interview: Theresa Vandenberg Donche

    

Theresa Vandenberg Donche is an exquisite abstract artist with a fulfilling life. I got the incredible opportunity to visit her at Via Design: a beautiful, Old Town boutique design studio which she runs with her French husband. An emotional painter, Theresa stated “my paintings have to reflect energy.” I believe this is very much the case, for each painting I looked upon conjured up emotions and energy from experiences passed.

    

                                           Entryway to Via Design in Old Town

As Theresa said herself, her life has been very rich with cultural experiences. From growing up in a farming community with Dutch parents to early experiences in Berkley and San Francisco, it’s no small wonder that Theresa loves to travel and pour out happenings and occurrences into her art.

       

       

The life she’s lived and the emotions that come with it make up the art work Theresa produces. Whether it be a political campaign she felt strongly about or the grief that comes with the passing of a close one, Theresa acknowledges how vital experiences, feelings, and intuition are to her craft by speaking of the “ebb and flow of emotions” and “the beauty of nostalgia”.

     

      

 From the time she started painting 15 years ago, Theresa says “I’ve become much more controlled, in a chaotic way.” Controlled chaos: an idea I believe we can all relate to!

    

As a graphic design and art major, this abstract painter has always been able to express herself creatively. While Theresa has always been excellent with portraying line, form, and structure, her true breakthrough came with the help of Reed Cardwell at the Athenaeum School of Arts  in La Jolla. Theresa states this is when she started truly getting rid of barriers, saying “Reed taught me how to be free on the canvas.”

     

 In addition to breaking through barriers artistically, Theresa met 5 incredible female artists in Cardwell’s class and they went on to form an organization titled Art6 [west]. These phenomenal women gather monthly to discuss art, share laughs, encourage each other and collaborate for exhibitions. Theresa notes that she loves the great energy and amazing friendships that resulted. Personally, I think there’s nothing better than fellow artists supporting and encouraging each other!

     

Theresa believes that “abstract art is extremely designed.” She currently paints with Stephen Curry at the Academy of Art San Diego, weekly experiences that help Theresa to “stay consistent with my thought process.”

                                                 Inside the Artistic Process:

Over the years, Theresa has perfected the process that produces her art work. What starts as a blank canvas gets thick lines of black paint (a constant throughout all her series). She then uses Titan Buff to mask it out, followed by a squeegee sequence that truly brings movement and life to her work. Theresa then pencils a grid, following the general flow of the aforementioned heavy black lines. While acrylics are used for the previous part of the process, Theresa now switches to oils that aid her in better creating rich blocks of colors that she refers to as “parcels of land.” This technique is followed up by further (soft lead) pencil use in order to refine spaces, and glaze as the finishing touch.  In addition, Theresa prefers to work on 5-6 canvases at once.

      

Her favorite art work that she has created is her latest: “The Aerial Series”. Her favoritism is due to the intense emotional connection that stems from these works, taking her full circle. Theresa says that when it comes to a series she normally “starts things and let them evolve until they fizzle out.” However, not so with this series because Theresa believes “aerial interest is endless.” Like much of her work, “The Aerial Series” (pictured above + below) is very personal.

     

Aspiring artists, take note! Theresa has some excellent, insightful advice for those on their own artistic journey. She smartly says “paint for yourself” and “don’t fall in love with your art because there’s always room for improvement, keep at it.” This abstract artist concludes that the best (and worst) part of being an artist is getting to expose yourself all the time by putting your work out there.

     

                                  Visit Theresa Vandenberg Donche Online:

                                           http://theresavandenbergdonche.com/ 

                                                          http://viadesign.com/

 

Oceanside Museum of Art

The Oceanside Museum of Art is a beautiful space filled with astounding and diverse works of art. On my visit, I got a chance to visit three extremely unique exhibits, all spectacular and beyond note0worthy through different expressions.

The first of these was Cruisin’ Califas: The Art of Lowriding, a colorful look at the Lowrider culture featuring full size cars and motorcycles, paintings, sculptures and personal photos. Artists featured included work from infamous names such as Mister Cartoon, the local Bobby Ruiz and behind-bars work from Eddie “Swoopy” Galindo. Go on, take an inside look at what this exhibit offers:

     

Shown Above: Gypsy Rose: One of the Most Notorious Lowriders Ever.

        

                

    Cruisin’ Califas will be on exhibit until September 30th, 2012.

The second exhibit I had the chance to view was titled Contemporary Art Wins a Beachhead: The La Jolla School of Arts 1960-1964. In a time when art was still quite conservative, The La Jolla School of Arts was already paving a different road, forging ahead to bring new techniques of sculpture and painting to San Diego and beyond. Six faculty members (Guy Williams, Don Dudley, Rhoda Lopez, Malcolm McClain, Sheldon Kirby, and Fred Holle) played a key role in this progress, and this exhibit pays tribute to their original work.

                                                      Take a Trip Back in Time:

   

   

           

   

 Contemporary Art Wins a Beachhead showing until July 8, 2012.

Last, but certainly not least, I had the opportunity to view Lee Silton: Evolution. This work features three dimensional, abstract, wall sculptures that bring with them a sense of rhythm and movement, done by a true artistic expert.

                                  Some of my favorite sculptures by Lee Silton:

    

                                                                   ”Cloud”

    

                                                           ”Delicate Balance”

   

                                                                “Missing Peace”

   Lee Silton: Evolution will be on exhibit until August 12th, 2012.

                                                                Museum Details:

       The Oceanside Museum is located at 704 Pier View Way in Oceanside, CA.

          Museum Hours: Tue-Sat from 10am to 4pm and 1 to 4pm on Sunday.

                                                         For Further Information:

    Call (760) 435 3720 or visit the museum online http://www.oma-online.org.

Savvy Tips: The museum is free EVERY Tuesday in 2012! Also, I highly recommend the museum gift shop: tons of unique gift ideas and fun purchases.

Artist Interview: Alicia Dunn

As I stepped inside Alicia Dunn’s beautiful Cardiff-by-the-Sea home, I immediately knew we were going to hit it off great. The unique surroundings spoke straight to my heart, the white sofa beckoned and the refurbished wood cabinets with endless drawers called my name. Right away, I was intrigued and drawn in by Alicia’s inviting and easy-going personality. As we forayed into her sanctuary, Alicia told me she disliked the confinement of a studio, preferring instead to work out in the open. Her favorite place to create her works of art is in the hub of the house: the kitchen, where light pours in from all directions.

    

The table she works upon is itself a work of art, a refurbished gorgeous piece of wood, crowned with a driftwood decoration. The atmosphere is peaceful, calm, and serene and I picture it as a perfect place to create things of beauty. Alicia says she likes being in the middle of things as she works, and loves being surrounded by her children & their friends throughout the process.

   

Speaking of the process, you will be surprised to learn that this talented abstract artist has virtually no training, having taken only 1 drawing class and 1 painting class throughout the course of her life. Her career background includes advertising, strategic planning, & branding and it was not until she was already grown up that Alicia began to tap into her astounding painting abilities.

    

                                        Shown Above: Alicia’s First Piece of Art 

Having moved from Havana to Brooklyn at the age of 3, Alicia has never been hesitant of new places. In fact, she says “Every time I go to a new space, there’s new juice.”  I couldn’t agree more! For example, one of her favorite works of art that she has created is titled “Stillness” and is a muted work of art that perfectly captures the clouds of a day in Del Mar. Another favorite, “The Kiss”, is an intimate painting of gray and white oils showing two lovers interlocking lips. As we chatted, Alicia herself seemed surprised to discover that several of her favorite pieces are void of bright color, as in the case of “Stillness” and “The Kiss”. Perhaps this is due to the fact that most of her work features an incredible array of colors from all spectrums of the rainbow, making the grays more rare.

    

                                                    Shown Above: “The Kiss”

     

As we discussed colors, Alicia let me in on an interesting tidbit: most of her work is painted primarily with house paint & spray paint, instead of plain acrylics & oils. As an artist that is greatly influenced by nature and street art, she loves the wide array of colors that house paint offers. In addition, the medium is helpful as Alicia creates a lot of custom pieces, working with individuals by seeing their space and making recommendations for fitting colors and sizes of artwork.

    

    

   

As she showed me around her house, I could tell that Alicia has an interest in all types of interesting and creative objects, from collecting rustic treasures (a self acclaimed lover of rusty surfaces) to unique vintage jewelry pieces that we looked over as she joked “You never thought you’d end up in my closet when you first got here, did you?” No, I didn’t, but I utterly loved the experience!

    

This incredible abstract painter and I spoke of life & creativity, and Alicia told me that what truly brings her the most joy is “realizing how simple you can live and how truly little one needs.” The love of her friends, family, & 2 adorable black dogs, and the liveliness of having her kids and their friends throughout her home is what this artist thrives off. I left her home feeling  inspired and beyond  happy to have made a friend of such an intriguing, gifted, and in-tune artist.

                     Visit Alicia Dunn online at: aliciadunnart.com!

Alicia’s incredible artwork is available directly through her, through Mixture Home (a mecca for modern furniture and home accessories) in Little Italy and will be shown at The Mission Restaurant in North Park until July 8th: make sure to stop by and view the incredible abstracts featured at this local eatery!