WPA Art

I know, I know, more posters! But this is a trend that I am seeing more and more! And I must be totally honest; my hubby DB spotted this one looooong before I did, so kudos to him!

WPA Posters are a bit reminiscent of the now famous "Keep Calm and Carry On" posters from Britain during the war. However, these are quintessential Art Deco Americana. I feel like a lot of times we overlook great American design in favor of that of our creative European counterparts. These are proof that we have a history of great design right here in the states.

The WPA program was at its peak during the depression and into the first World War. It began as part of the New Deal to help put people back to work doing everything from building roads and bridges, to promoting art and theater and my personal favorite: the government hired out of work journalists to travel around the country and collect recipes and stories from different regions. These were recently collected and put in a book called America Eats!; such an interesting read!

These top three are available for purchase at Hickoree's

National Parks available for purchase here.

Acadia available for purchase here.

This is such a tiny sampling of all the great images out there. I can hardly being to decide which one I want the most! There are so many options; it was really hard to narrow it down to just these few.

Posters!

I'm loving these great posters over on Society6 all about Portland!

What Portland poster collection can be complete without Bigfoot?!

Blog it Forward

Yay! The long anticipated day has finally arrived! Today I am part of a massive blogger mashup organized by the lovely Victoria of sfgirlbybay. Yesterday was Bella Vita, big thanks for linking up to me! Tomorrow will be Bits of Beauty, make sure you take a quick second to check out each terrific blog!

So...this whole thing that is Billede Design is all about the things that inspire me; but when it comes down to it there are certain bits and pieces that I always return to and that is what I'll write about today. I don't know how great of a blogger it makes me to admit this; but I definitely had to start this project the old fashioned way with a real pen (Micron) and real paper; my brain just doesn't flow on a keyboard like it does on paper...

PHOTOGRAPHY

I'm diving right in and starting with what is nearest and dearest to my heart.

I'm not sure exactly what it is that I love about Walker Evans; perhaps it is my Kansas childhood...perhaps it is the tactile quality.
I so admire Avedon's portraiture. I especially love his early fashion work.

Diane Arbus. Capturing the beautiful in the offbeat.

I love film photography; I certainly think there is a time and a place for all the amazing things that can be done digitally today, but film holds a special place in my heart and it is the medium I choose to work with (when I get a choice...) Stay tuned for some shots from one of the first roles of film shot with my new-to-me Hasselblad.

ART


I've had the opportunity to see a few Dutch Still Lifes at various museums around the world and each time I encounter one; I'm totally entranced. I love the darkness contrasted with the light. The skulls against the florals.

Adriaen Van Utrecht

On a much brighter note,
Amy Ruppel is always a local favorite of mine.

Lisa Congdon. I have GOT to have this print. love, love, love it!

I got to take a printmaking class in college and fell in love. One of my favorite Portland presses is Old School Stationaries. We're lucky enough to own this print.

PORTLAND

I feel pretty luck to live where we do in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The St. John's bridge in North Portland is especially lovely, captured here by Ar'alani. Being surrounded by such a lovely landscape and such an amazing creative bunch of people is truly inspirational. Check out Urban Weeds for some great local fashion. This segues nicely into my next bit of inspiration:

MUSIC

I love music. Everything about it. A variety of types. Pictures can't explain music so you'll just have to follow the links for my favorites of the moment.

mates of state
interpol
cursive
dolorean
the shins
low
last days of april

DESIGN

I can't even begin on this. It is everything else that inspires my design sense and my photography; I feel like it is all blended into one mashup inside of my head. To dive deeper into what drives my design sense; visit some of the blogs on my ...tidbits...

image from Beach Studios

MORE

There is so much more that captivates me; but I can't write about it all in one single day: Typography, calligraphy, and new fonts.
Bookstores, libraries, and periodicals.
FOOD, especially farmers markets, bakeries, and beautifully styled food photography.
Fashion; right now I'm really into East Coast Prep and ballet inspired looks.


and of course, my biggest inspiration of all: my incredibly supportive and talented husband Dave (DB). This is us at Le Pigeon on NE Burnside.

Come back and visit anytime; and don't forget to check out all the other great bloggers on this mashup!

Restyle. Upscale-Resale

My lovely friend Marianne is opening a consignment boutique in Albany. Megan, a college friend of mine, did all of her lovely design work. I just love the way the logo, fliers, and signage turned out! This is a peek of the flier below:

This last Sunday I got to take some pictures of the new space. It is still a bit of a work in progress; but it is all coming together beautifully! Be sure to follow along with her updates on the Restyle blog.

I just love the clean, modern feel of the space. The windows are beautiful and let in lots of natural light. The consignment space not only features great clothes; but also home goods. Everything you see is available for sale (almost).

Marianne made each of these pillows! I have a feeling they are going to be a popular seller. The cowhide ones are crafted from a rug scrap!

This sixties-era bar cart is so much fun.

Isn't this horse necklace with heavy-gold chain lovely? I just love equestrian pieces.

Spring is certainly in the air here in Oregon! A few of the lovely cherry blossoms just had to come join us inside for the photo shoot.

I just love this classic white ceramic basket. Perfect for Easter; just around the corner!

Isn't this purse amazing? And the necklace below has such a great Ralph Lauren-Western feel.

This lovely ceramic bird wears a Bordeaux medallion

I cannot get over how great the wallpaper is! And the floral clutch? Perfect for spring! Reminds me of a Liberty of London print.

And of course, the lovely bird! If you're ever in Albany, make sure to check out this great shop!

where i've been...