May Artist spotlight.

Hey guys!

The past few weeks have been a whirl wind of paint, power tools, and saw dust as we work to dress Kitsch in some slightly bigger britches. We’ve been spending many late nights prepping our new and old spaces to hopefully become the crafty community refuge of our dreams. In the midst of all this excitement, we took some time to conduct a little interview with Kerry and Neil Stavely of Winchester, Virginia. Part of our Kitsch family since the very beginning, this dynamic duo work under the moniker of Horse & Hare, specializing in hand carved, hand-pressed linocut print making. You all may have noticed their handiwork on the tote bags, pinback buttons, notebooks, pillows, cards, and prints that grace our humble little shop. THEY ARE AWESOME.

Before we get into our Kitschy interview, here is a brief but delightful bio we pulled from their blog:

We are the Horse & Hare – also known as Kerry and Neil Stavely. Neil and I met back in the mid nineties in Memphis, TN at art school. We shared an affinity for Kurt Vonnegut books, punk rock music…among other things and give or take fourteen years later we’re still together. Neil is a tattoo artist by day and painter, printmaker by night. He hates hot weather and has not had his hair cut by a professional since he was a teenager. I am Kerry. I am the more sociable of the two of us. I am kind of a jack of all trades…mixed media, photography, graphic design, printmaking…I think I have a touch of ADD. I do like hot weather, hunting vintage and I get my hair cut on occasion by a professional.

Here’s what they shared with Kitsch…

What is the story behind your name?

Our name comes from the Chinese Zodiac. Neil is the Hare and I am the Horse – though there is some debate over whether I am really a Snake. Neil came up with it and he says that it’s the only one I liked. Some of the other names were “Balding & Co.” and “Mean Eyed Cat”.

Describe your work in 5 words.

Expressionist-Folk-Pop-Block-Printing

Where is your studio?

Our print studio is our kitchen but we usually carve in our living room so we’re constantly sweeping and vacuuming up linoleum and wood shrapnel. We’re currently fundraising to finish our basement into a proper studio so, hopefully we will have our living space back soon!

What is your studio playlist?

Depends on our mood. Recently we’ve been on a 60′s Soul/R&B kick….Bill Withers, Ike & Tina, Otis Redding but today as I write this we’re listening to X – Live at the Whisky a Go-Go on the Fabulous Sunset Strip

Favorite blog/movie/tv show/book that never fails to inspire or just clears the mind.

Neil: “Life of Brian” Kerry: Home renovation shows are my latest addiction for decompressing and vegging

For inspiration I look at one of our former painting professors’ facebook feed. He posts nothing but art and quotes/literature. Also Ted Talks…lots of Ted Talks.

What artists influence your work – who are your creative idols?

Neil: Durer, Bosch, Gregory Gillespie, Max Beckman, Buddhist Mandalas

Kerry: Kathe Kollowitz, Fritz Eichenberg, Willem De Kooning, Patti Smith

There are too many to name but I’m constantly inspired by fellow contemporary printmakers – Derrick Castle of Strawcastle on etsy, Erin Dollar of Cotton & Flax , Sean Starwars, Artemio Rodriguez…

What’s your typical day?

For Neil it’s tattooing most days, then working on whatever projects we’ve got going on in the evening. Also, giving our dog Opal lots of love.

For me, I work at home doing freelance graphic design and work on Horse & Hare projects and business stuff (mailing out orders etc.) We also have an 11 year old daughter that takes up a lot of our time too.

What’s your favorite local haunt?

Probably, Winchester Book Gallery. Just to hang or you can get a book or a record, rent a movie or catch some live music…and they carry our artwork!

If you want to get to know these amazing people a little more check out their blog, become a facebook fan, or peruse their etsy shop!

ALSO, support their dreams of a real studio space here!

Bigger and Better…soon

Apr30

Hey everyone who happens to be just stopping by, and sorry for the pictureless post!

We are closed today and tomorrow(4/30 and 5/1) to sneak all the goodies 2 doors down to a larger space and turn the “old” space into something super cool! Tune in later for some great announcements, more art and handmade love! Same Craft Channel(well, 2 doors down), Same Craft Time!

April’s Featured Artist: Mallory Jarrell

Apr17

“Body Language”

With a mix of old and new, Mallory Jarrell makes collage art like no other (think Norman Rockwell, covered in tattoos and attitude.) A graduate of Old Dominion University, with a degree in printing and design, Mallory dove into the world of mixed media art after graduation. Having lost access to a printing studio, she began to work from home, mixing found mid-century advertising with hand painted and Photoshopped elements.

“El Grito del Lobo”

Covering a wide base of topics, many of Mallory’s pieces center around humorous depictions of cultural icons, ranging from Botticelli’s Venus to photographs of historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln.

“Alternative Venus”

“Honest Abe”

Many of her pieces reference current cultural obsessions:

“Sacred Bacon”

“Ehrmahgerd”

“YOLO”

You can check out Mallory’s work throughout the month of April at Kitsch, and meet Mallory at her art reception on April 20th from 6-8:30pm.

There are lots of ways to keep up with Mallory online: Her website, “That’s What She Said Art”, her blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

Featured Artist: Christine Rucker

Apr2

After graduating from Pratt University with a BFA in painting and minor in Art History, Christine Rucker relocated to Virginia Beach from New York. Multitalented, she has also received grants for her printmaking studies, been featured in many galleries in VA and NY, and currently assists in curating artist talent for Bean There Coffeehouse.

A job at New York Central Art Supply helped to inspire Christine’s love of book making. In 2013, she started Qistyneryeargh, selling her beautifully handbound books and limited edition print publications. Her books feature her own hand marbled paper, linen, vellum, and other wonderful materials.

We were excited to have a series of her art on the walls for the month of March, including four mixed media works, “A Series of Monotonous Tings” and are very happy to offer her books for sale.

“A Series of Monotonous Tings :: II” Intaglio, chine colle, pastel, foil 18 x 24 Image courtesy of her website

“A Series of Monotonous Tings :: III” Intaglio, chine colle, ink, acrylic, oil, gouache, pencil, pen 30 x 22. Image courtesy of her website

To find out more about Christine and her work, visit her website at christineryeah.com or her facebook page!

1 Year!

Feb22

We can’t believe how fast this past year has flown by! On the other hand, February 24th, 2012 seems so long ago. At this time last year, the 5 of us, Vicki, Kristen, Michelle, Ashley, and Marie pulled together(in a month) about 50 artists, a handful of thrifted and donated furniture pieces, one awesome sofa, and a lot of paint and enthusiasm.

In the last year, displays got changed, Michelle moved on, and the sofa went back to Vicki’s apartment to help make room for almost 90 more artist’s work from all over VA. The only thing that hasn’t changed is the enthusiasm. We still love what we do, the folks that entrust their work to us, and the folks that come in to say hi and shop every day. All of us have grown and learned A LOT in the last year and have enjoyed watching our artists grow their businesses and get better and better.

Can’t wait to see what the next year has in store for us and are still so excited to be a part of a city and community that gets more fantastic every day!

Some snapshots from the past year(Pulled from our facebook page – it’s been a trip trying to pull just a few!)

2 days before opening, still frantically inventorying and arranging displays.

Vicki ringing up our first sale!

One of our many classes – this one was tie dye, taught by the talented Angel of Impressed. From resin crafting to sewing to terrariums, it was great to see makers of many different backgrounds willing to share their knowledge with others.

Along with our shop dogs, Lola and Kiah(and now Brownie), we had some great furry visitors(you can call this one Al).

We took field trips – this one was Hearthside Farms, the makers of Tasha’s Own soap – here our resident local celebrity and artist, Hollywood shows off the horses.

We partied. Our 6 month and Etsy Global Craft Party was a huge success, bringing a bunch of folks from all around the area to craft, eat some great food from Hubcap Grill and hang out in the great weather. Here’s the 5 of us in our photobooth shot with the awesome sign made by one of our great crafters, What the Duct?.

The carpet and the sofa went away, but the great events continue – including singalong time!

New Art! Carl Floyd Medley III

Feb8

This month’s artist, Carl Floyd Medley III claims to be able to draw, and has built a really good case for it. From the fast food icons to hip hop to Jesus, he uses his talents to bend pop culture in a wonderfully twisted way. He’s our February artist and you should come check it for yourself…

Wendy the Bearded Lady, Colored pencil on paper

From Carl’s website:

Through his work, Carl Floyd Medley III attempts to confront his surroundings the only way he knows how; with humor. As a child of the 80s, Carl (b. 1981) grew up with a healthy mix of Choose Your Own Adventure books, cartoon merchandising and a family whose method for dealing with life’s trials and tribulations was centered around jokes. He now uses his foundation in realism to turn cultural references on their heads and create narratives ranging from absurd to heartfelt. By employing various techniques and mediums, Carl continues his journey to create encompassing experiences and ignite dialogues that lead the viewers to question, understand and even laugh at themselves and the world they live in.

He also loves blueberry cake doughnuts and doesn’t fully understand 0% financing.

Big Ups to Crunch, Swag Pop, Screwball Wu-Ball

Trophy: Yellow Battle, mixed media sculpture

Trophy: Red Battle, mixed media sculpture

Batman, colored pencil on paper

Bouquet, Oil on Canvas

Jumbo Peanuts, acrylic on wood

Mary from the Block, colored pencil on paper

My Jesus Chain, colored pencil on paper

Carl’s work will be hanging through the month of February.

A Valentine’s Photo Shoot at With Lavender and Lace Vintage!

Feb6

One of our favorite places in Ghent is With Lavender and Lace Vintage. Kelsie, the lovely owner, holds fun community events and stocks her shop full of wonderful vintage finds(and great prices too!) She gathered up some friends and we gathered up a few of our great Valentine’s gift ideas for a fun morning of playing dress up! All the clothing can be found at With Lavender and Lace at 617 Colonial Ave, Norfolk.

Prayer Monkey earrings, The Attic Suitcase neckwarmer

Shared Joy headband, Ugly Kitty sterling bracelet, Luna Rosa ring, Paper Freckles valentine

Fairview Place racy valentine, Wired by Lena ring, My Precious Studio sterling and dahlia petals earrings

Itsy Designs scarf, cupcake pincushion by OriginalCyn

Baby bigfoot by Shlii, Owl from Gymbohannah, anatomical heart necklace by a.scarlet, She Make beaded dangle earrings

She Make bracelet, Luna Rosa ring, Fairview Place box of felt chocolates

Hand bound book by Qistyneryeargh

Jonathan Plante VA necklace, glass flower by Joshua Solomon, Wired by Lena Ring

PrayerMonkey earrings, Jonathan Plante VA necklace, anatomical heart print from Horse and Hare

Salvaged Love bow necklace, a.scarlet earrings, 23 Hearts Love Ninjas

PrayerMonkey bracelet, Heart of Glass by Joshua Solomon

Panduhmonium ring, Gymbohannah embroidery

Anykind hairbow, Jonathan Plante wax seal necklace

Ladeio Designs sterling necklace, Modern Atelier Honeysuckle perfume

Anykind hairbow, artlife ninja pin: “You fill my life with Love”, Nerd Love brooch by Happy Felties, Porcelain heart necklace by Manta Wave, Addie Bean kanzashi hairpin and band, Luna Rosa earrings, Nicole Lee pillow, Maple and Belmont valentine

Also check out the adorable video Kelsie made of the morning’s fun!

January’s Featured Artist, Victoria Weiss!

Jan24

There are some hauntingly beautiful prints of empowered women on the wall this month by a very talented lady. In lieu of our regular blog post, we link to an interview our friends over at Alt Daily have posted. Hopefully it will inspire anyone that’s really trying to balance art and life, and might even add a little girl power to your day! You can read it here!