Friday, October 30, 2009

google banner

Do you have a Google homepage? Did you know you can have a theme run across the top? You can now upload one of my designs as a theme!

How to:
  1. Click on the right hand side of your Google homepage where it says "change theme".
  2. Next type in "Dahlia Garden". The below image will appear.
  3. Click "Add it Now".

Thursday, October 29, 2009

fall inspiration

Since we moved a year ago I have been so bad about exercise. I promised myself that starting yesterday I would walk or do yoga for one hour every day-it is necessary for my creative spirit! It is not much to ask but why is it so hard to stick to? Those of you who knew me in Seattle know that everyday at noon-you would see me in the elevator at work with my yoga mat under my arm. It was my religion! Why is it so hard then to keep it up now? Well, I have the good intentions to turn it into a daily habit again.

Yesterday was a perfect day to this new ritual! The weather was absolutely beautiful! Cool breeze, warm sun and the sound of leaves crunching as I walked to the park. I put my camera into my pocket and snapped a few photos along the way. Enjoy.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

we are talking christmas already?

I can not believe that Christmas is in less than two months! Where did the summer go? I know you probably don't want to even think about Christmas...I know my husband doesn't. He told me last night he wasn't ready to think about it. Well, being that I need to finalize my Christmas card designs by Friday....I need to think about it. So, I am back asking for your advice. Asking for feedback this way has been so successful that I really am anxious to hear what you think. I have 5 designs but I do not have to print all of them. Maybe it is only three or maybe I print more of two and less of the others? Or, maybe I go back to the drawing board.

What do you think? I anxiously await your comments!

Angel
Inside reads: Merry Christmas in 5 languages
Christmas Tree
Inside reads: Merry Christmas in 5 languages
Snowflake
Inside is blank
Merry Christmas
Inside is blank
Birds
Inside is blank

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Hungarian Design Awards

The Hungarian Design Council celebrated the 30th anniversary of the foundation of the Hungarian Design Awards with an award ceremony and a poster exhibition at the Iparművészeti Műzeum (Museum of Applied Arts).

The exhibit was really impressive. It was great to see so much great Hungarian design all under one roof-it was very inspiring!

Special Award from the State Secretary for the Culture
of the Ministry of Education and Culture

Designers: Maurer-Kimes Ákos, Kucsera Péter, Ivánka András Rudolf, Ivánka Katalin
(I love this design. It is simple and yet so beautiful and peaceful.)
Hungarian Design Award
Designers: Je Suis Belle, Dévénzi Dalma Alma, Kiss Tibor
Garment Designer: Vereczkey Szilvia
(This is a dear friend of mine-I love the way she makes the fabric!)
Sport Kayak
Designer: Szilasi Gábor
(This design is so clever! I want one!)
Porcelain Cups and Packaging
Designer: Ágotai György

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Finnish Design: Reinterpreting Nature

Two weeks ago was Budapest Design Week. The Iparművészeti Műzeum (Museum of Applied Arts) had a Finnish design exhibit called "Reinterpreting Nature".
"The importance of dialogue with nature is an approach determinative of the entire Finnish design history. The exhibition organised with the participation of Design Forum Finland shows how designers are inspired by geological and biological formations and how they conceive the beauty of the ever changing environment in the language of objects. The 60 pieces of the exhibition are from some of the bests and examine the possible links between design and nature through technological achievements, as well as the application of traditional materials and processes."
-taken from www.designhet.hu
The exhibit was fantastic! Just see for yourself. I took some photos that can be seen below. Look at what they are made of!

Ritva Puotila
(Interior Textile) Woodnotes 2007

Knitted by hand from paper yarn and copper thread.

Janne Kyttänen
(Lamp) Freedom of Creation 2006

Close to nature form which echoes the leaves of a plant.
Soili Arha
(lampshade)
linden, copper and iron wire
This is made of leaves!!!
Janna Syvänoja
(birch bark!) Sunrise, Sunset 2004

"Nature gave me the theme and material and
dyed it.
This will also go back to nature."
Maria Jauhiainen: Body Jewelery 2009
Well...what do you think? Are you impressed?

Monday, October 19, 2009

a wonderful evening at Eventuell

Saturday was a great success! It was a cold and wet but the hot tea and cakes warmed everyone up. I had such a great time and received so much good feedback. Hearing which one was everyone's favorite (the upper left) was interesting. The feedback and good response has encouraged me to start some new paintings.

Thank you to everyone who was able to come. The exhibit will be at the gallery until October 26. It may hang for an additional week-I will let you know.

People starting to arrive.
There was a short question and answer at the beginning of the opening.I had a good evening.
I would like to thank my friend Zoltan Kerényi for taking all the photos.
You can see more photos on flicker. Click on the link on the left.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Diane Kappa Opening - October 17 @ 18:00

October 17-25

Opening Reception October 17, 2009 at 18:00

I am having my first exhibition here in Hungary! I have been working on a new series of wall hangings. If you have been reading past posts you will have seen the process and progress.

If you are in Hungary, please come by Eventuell gallery on October 17 at 18:00 for the opening reception.
I have tons to blog about but no time. I am buried in preparations for this event. Please be patient as I will be back up and posting on Monday.

Monday, October 12, 2009

WAMP recap

I had a great day at WAMP. The rain brought the people indoors. I loved being in the museum! The day was packed nonstop! I even built up the courage to try to speak Hungarian all day...kinda. My conversation is limited but I practiced and mispronounced as much as I could. One thing I must say about Hungarians, they are the so patient with people trying to speak their language.

So...I want to thank all the Hungarians I tried to speak to today. Your patience and encouragement is very much appreciated. (By the way, your English is much better than my Hungarian. Never be ashamed to speak:)

Here are a few photos from the day.
shopping"magnes van" they are magnets
(me trying to explain that they are magnets not buttons)
my small but productive sale space

Saturday, October 10, 2009

...busy as a bee...

I am getting ready for WAMP tomorrow and my exhibition next Saturday. If you are in Budapest come say hello. You can click here to read why WAMP is in a different location.

WAMP Design Fair
Date: 10a.m.- 6p.m. on 11th October 2009
Place: Museum of Applied Arts
Address: 1093 Budapest, Üllői út 33-37.

If you do come by WAMP, I highly suggest seeing the Finnish exhibition as well as the Hungarian Design Awards. I went last week with my friend Nora and thought it was one of the best exhibits I have seen in awhile. I will post photos on Monday so check back.

Hope you are having a good weekend!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

the uniform project

I came across this great website last week. It is called "The Uniform Project".

Sheena
(pictured below) pledged to wear one dress for one year as an exercise in sustainable fashion and to help fund-raise for the Akanksha Foundation.
Check out her site. She is so good at accessorizing. It inspires me to buy a few scarves and some colored tights and make do with what is already in my closet.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

WAMP design fair special edition

In case you didn't know, this week is "Design Week Budapest". Lectures, exhibitions, fashion shows and designer demonstrations are happening all week throughout the city. One of the focuses of this years Design Week is "Finn Fatale". Which means there are many exhibitions and events going on that focus on Finnish design. WAMP has played a big part in organizing and supporting these Finnish events. So, the next WAMP will focus on Finnish and Scandinavian design products as well as Hungarian designers (& me).
WAMP Design Fair
Date: 10a.m.- 6p.m. on 11th October 2009
Place: Museum of Applied Arts
Address: 1093 Budapest, Üllői út 33-37.
I am very excited about this next WAMP for 2 reasons. First, it is going to be in a different location. It will be held at the Iparművészeti Műzeum (Museum of Applied Arts). This is one of my favorite museums in town. The building is absolutely spectacular! See the photos below!
Second, I will be selling my new line of notebooks! The printing is finished and the books are in! I will also be selling magnets and cards. (The photos below are washed out a bit. Know that the patterns are much more vibrant in real life)
Hope to see you on Sunday!

Monday, October 5, 2009

an evening of bartok and art

Last night was the opening of Interferences: interpretations of Bartok's Music into visual art. It was a fun opening with violinists, art and friends. I forgot to take pictures during the opening so I only have a two that I took during the music and after everyone had left....sorry. I'll do better next time.

11 interpretations of Bartok
(mine is the top row third from the right-yellow and black)

Gallery owner, Szilvia Szigeti, introducing the violinists: Rácy Jóysef and Krulik Eszter