Oakland Artist Worth a Look

Oakland Potter, Whitney Smith

As a child, I always knew that I like nice things. I didn't always know how to articulate my likes and dislikes, but I was always drawn to quality. When I was in my early twenties, I managed an Il Fornaio Panetteria in Marin and met local artist, Sylvia Verange. Very soon Sylvia and I were friends and the next thing I knew I was purchasing art from her on lay-away.

I think I was first drawn to art as an apartment dweller. I could beautify my apartment without investing money into a property that I didn't own. When it was time to move, I could pack up my beautiful objects!

Last December I stumbled upon Oakland potter, Whitney Smith. As I walked into Whitney's Oakland studio I was immediately taken with the fresh and unpretentious works of art. Influenced by Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts and with a floral design background, Whitney has fresh designs anchored with an Old World feel. Whitney says she likes the look and feel of old things and antiques. She tries to emulate the craftmanship of an earlier time.

Check out Whitney's website, www.whitneysmithpottery.com and add a piece of fine pottery to your art collection.

This pomegranate vase is beautiful, affordable and a great Valentine's gift. (You can order this on Whitney's website.)

Shop Oakland and Give The Gift of Art

This weekend will be buzzing with fresh new art!

Creative Growth's Annual Holiday Sale opens Friday, it's also First Friday / Art Murmur in Oakland. Creative Growth Art Center serves adult artists with developmental, mental and physical disabilities, providing a stimulating environment for artistic instruction, gallery promotion and personal expression, Click Here for more information.

 

 

This Friday evening from 5-9 ISSUES on Glen Avenue off Piedmont Avenue will host a special opening for artist, Olivia Allums. This show will feature 30 small paintings that feature signs from Oakland businesses. Click Here for more information.

My friend and client, Leah Rivers will sell her handmade jewelery including white pearl double-wrap dewdrop necklaces; contemporary new all-silver pendants on chains; unusual antique glass bead bracelets; earrings with deep red garnets, cheery green peridot, tourmaline, and turquoise; and many other fantastic jewelry creations.

When: Sat & Sun, December 6th & 7th10 am - 5 pm

Where: Whitney Smith Pottery Studio

539 Athol Ave. Oakland, CA

If you are going to shop, shop Oakland!

Source: http://www.theoaklandberkeleyjournal.com/w...

Loving San Francisco Artist, Scott Hansen

While, browsing the BarackObama.com website, I stumbled upon a poster designed by San Francisco artist, Scott Hansen. The poster is called "Progress" and it was so beautiful; I was shocked that I was so taken with a political poster. I tried to add it to my shopping cart, but sadly, the limited addition piece of art was sold out. I immediately googled, "San Francisco artist Scott Hansen" and found his website and blog. Here I was intrigued by Scott's retro style. I emailed him through his blog, requesting a copy of his Progress print, and once again was disheartened to find that I couldn't snag one directly from Scott. (Look at me saying this as if I know him.) Click here to check out Scott Hansen, making of the Obama print.

Pictured above is Scott Hanen's 1971 poster. What do you think should I order it? It reminds me of a 1960's advertisement, and perfectly I was born in 1971.

Source: http://www.theoaklandberkeleyjournal.com/w...