Pages

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

The Farmer's Market, ACL, & Tattoos!

A few weekends ago, I was informed that there was a Farmer's Market here in Belton! I was so surprised as Belton is such a small, quiet town. Even for a college town, there's not much available to the average college kid.

However, after talking to one of the ladies that runs part of the Farmer's Market, she said she would love for folks to come out and sell some art! ...And so we did!

Thus, my art partner-in-crime, Lauren, and I went out to try and make a buck! 




We drug a fairly small, but heavy table (provided by the UMHB art department) out to the street and set up our "booth":


We had such a difficult time with the wind. Luckily, I had some books to help act as make-shift paper weights!


Lauren and I enjoyed interacting with people and seeing their reactions to our artwork. 

My zombie seemed to be the hit of the day,-in both positive and negative ways. Most people looked at Lauren's beautiful watercolors and then got to my zombie at the bottom. It was hilarious to see their faces change from pleasant to disturbed and concerned. One older man was even bold enough to say, "You should come by the office sometime, we have pills for that."

I argue that because I make those things, I don't need to take pills!
----

The day didn't stop there! Shortly after getting back from the Farmer's Market, a friend asked me if I wanted some free ACL tickets for that night. 

I thought, "Wait. What? Free? ...Is this real life?

How many times in life does THAT happen? Of course I said yes! My good friend Cody and I hopped in the car, picked up the tickets (thanks Joe!), and we were off to Austin!

(After walking forever) We saw TV on the Radio, My Morning Jacket, and even heard a bit of Stevie Wonder! We visited our friends at DriveByPress and picked up some wicked hand pressed shirts as well! It was a trip well worth making!



As if it hadn't been a long enough day already, Cody decided since we were in Austin it was time for him to get his tattoo. He'd been wanting to get it for quite a while, so I figured, what the heck-it's the weekend! 

We went to Atomic Tattoos in Austin. Everyone was extremely nice and after a bit of a wait, Cody had a tattoo!



It was a very, very long day, but full of spontaneity and FUN!

On to the next one!
~Aubrey

Monday, September 26, 2011

Part II: Mochalux Coffee August Artist of the Month

(Life is insane! Here's Part II, belated as usual!)

As mentioned in my previous post, besides having the honor of being Artist of the Month, I was also Special Guest for an event at the end of the month!

There were some great musicians that played, great coffee, great people-and me! I arrived at about 1 PM and ran my booth until the events of the evening at 8 PM. I had a fun time meeting and talking to some interesting folks! (Thanks to all of my friends and family too for coming out to support me!)

I made a few sales, and even more wonderfully, raised a generous amount of donations for the A21 Campaign! (Please click to learn more about A21. Sex trafficking IS slavery and it is WRONG, and still very real and rampant. Let's help stop it!)



During the day was obviously slower than the evening, but I maintained the booth. TJ was kind enough to sit with me and keep me company. When I got hungry, he went out and got us some burgers! He takes good care of me. Before he left though, I made him draw me a picture on my idea of a guest list. I had a bunch of rolls of printer paper that I just rolled out with a bucket of crayons and markers!:

(I forgot to take a picture but he drew me an evil burger man!)


Here's everyone at the evening events!


I can't thank the folks of Mochalux enough for providing me with such an opportunity! It's incredibly refreshing to find a business that truly desires to perpetuate young artists and musicians (AND makes great coffee and tea!).

I look forward to showing at Mochalux again in November or December!

I hope this inspires other young artists, or whomever, to keep on after your dreams.
You really can do whatever you put your mind to!

~Aubrey

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Part I: Mochalux Coffee August Artist of the Month

Pardon my tardiness on this post, but it's finally here!

This August I had the pleasure of being Artist of the Month at Mochalux Coffee & Tea Co. in Arlington! It was such an awesome experience, and I am beyond grateful to Autumn and Adam for making it happen! You guys were incredibly helpful, and your down-to-earth spirits made it a non-stressful experience, (as some art shows can be!). Thank you, again!

When I first came in to check it out, I immediately saw their "vision wall", and knew I was at the right place. The end says "we invite you to sit back and imagine what you CAN ACHIEVE and dream what you CAN BECOME." It challenged and encouraged me.


My mother did framing for a few years in college, so she was heaven sent with helping me frame all of my work. We managed to keep the framing affordable, but still make it look great. 
What would we do without moms, right?

The end result:




Some of my mom's friends came to look at my work while setting up (Thanks guys!):



Business cards!


The blessings didn't stop there though! Part II is tomorrow!
~Aubrey

P.S. If you're in the Arlington area, be sure to check out Mochalux! They're also on Facebook!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Music Monday: Neon Indian

I suppose I should just admit that any of my Music Monday picks are always songs that I play often. Maybe a little too often. However, I'm always impressed when a song can stick with me, because I'd say there's more songs that don't than do!

My pick of the week is a sparkling little gem from Neon Indian's new album, Era Extraña. The whole album is very classic 80's meets Daft Punk. Some of it's a little too obscure for my taste (the instrumental stuff), but over all it's decent! (Also, I had no idea they started out in Denton, TX,-very close to my neck o' the woods!)


I recently saw the video for their single, Polish Girl, and fell in love. It has light painting, catchy electronic beats,...and a robot man! Plus, I love the way Alan Palomo dances in the video. I dig it.

So draw some stars on your face, hit the lights, and tease your hair!





I've got some exciting announcements and blogs coming your way this week! Stay tuned in! :)
Peace, Love, n' Art!
~Aubrey

Monday, September 12, 2011

Music Monday: The Kooks

It was an extremely crazy weekend!!

I entered three pieces into a Grand Prairie art show, which was yesterday, September 11th.

Going back and forth between school and home (it's about a 2 hour drive), I had to get the rest of my framing finished. I got some cheap but relatively nice looking frames for my pieces, but I had to figure out how to put wire across the back of them! Luckily the gals at Michael's were able to come to my rescue.

Anyway, shout out to my ever so supportive boyfriend, TJ, for helping me run errands this weekend! While we drove around, he popped in a cd he wanted to share, and it just so happens to be my Music Monday choice!



This week's Music Monday pick is the new album from The Kooks, Junk of the Heart. It's fantastic! We listened to it all weekend and then TJ let me keep it to jam on my drive back to school.

The sound of the album is contagiously happy and extremely catchy. It's also very personal to me because the happy-go-lucky sound and sweet lyrics remind me of Teej!

Here's The Kooks song Junk of the Heart (Happy), from their album Junk of the Heart!





I've got a case of the Monday blues today, hoping this week shapes up!
~Aubrey

Monday, August 29, 2011

Screen Printing!

This semester I'm taking Screen Printing in my Printmaking II class!

I'm so excited to learn it and get started!!

Here's my good friend and professor, John, showing us a demo:

(Thanks Lauren for the photo)
He ended up making a cooky little devil with boogers coming out of his nose!


All my inks and supplies came in this weekend, so I'm ready to get started!
We're also all building our own mounts for the screens and such (from plywood). It's going to be a fun class! Can't wait to show you what I create!

-Aubrey-

Music Monday: Young Galaxy

Be prepared, this is actually an album I'm for once not obsessed with!

Okay, so it's about 50/50.

I've listened through Young Galaxy's new album Shapeshifting, a few times over, but I just can't get behind it 100%. Some of the songs just don't phase me. They're not the worst thing I've ever heard, but it's not something that gets stuck in my brain!


Anyway, about half of it is pretty decent though! Maybe I just need to listen to it through a few more times. All I know for sure is that their song "Cover Your Tracks" makes the album. I can't stop listening to it (ah! There's the obsession) and singing along.

I saw someone on Tumblr say "It's like Donkey Kong Country 2 but DELUXE!" I'll have to agree. If you guys listen to the whole album, tell me if you think I'm wrong about it, but here's Cover Your Tracks!


On to the second week of my Senior year! Some posts from classes coming soon!

-Aubrey-

Monday, August 22, 2011

Music Monday: The Joy Formidable

I'm sorry there have been a lack of actual ART posts lately, I've been extremely busy with moving and getting back into the swing of college! Especially as it is my senior year!

I recently had a small art show at Mochalux Coffee in Arlington, so that was crazy too! I will post more on that later, but here's a sneak peek:


Anyways! I'm sure those of you who are FB friends are sick of seeing my posts on them, but I'm still obsessed with The Joy Formidable. Shout out to my cousin Paul who has an incredible taste in music! He introduced me to them on our family vacation to Breckenridge, and I just can't get enough! 



The Joy Formidable's lead vocalist and guitarist's name is Ritzy Bryan. What a name, huh? I have a bit of a girl crush on her, she's just so cool! The whole band is captivating though, be sure to check out their live sessions on Youtube! 

Here's another favorite from their latest album Big Roar, "A Heavy Abacus":


Monday, August 15, 2011

Music Monday: Kaki King

Kaki King has to be on my top ten list for favorite musicians. She's an incredibly talented guitarist, and her music is imaginative and oh-so dreamy. 



I love listening to her music while painting, cleaning, or on long, scenic drives. It's one of those music artists that I call a "default". I can put her music on at any time and never get tired of it.

Here's one of my jams lately with "Life Being What It Is", off of her Dreaming of Revenge album!



If you're around Arlington, TX, my photography/art event is at Mochalux Coffee this Friday (Aug 19)! The music and fun starts around 8 PM, but I will be there at 1 PM till close! I'd love to meet you!

Between packing for my last year of college and readying a show is going to make for a busy week! It's gonna be great though!

Have a fantastic week!
-Aubrey

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Art&Artist Collaboration

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of doing a collaboration with Allison of Allison Jean Photo!

I have known Allison since elementary school, it's crazy! We only live five minutes from each other, but for some reason never collaborated before,-so we thought we'd change that!

Allison came to me with her idea of doing a series on artists at work, and I couldn't have been more excited! I have always loved pictures of artists "in their element", so I of course agreed (Plus, she's a wicked photographer). However, when she told me she wanted me to be one of the models! I was a little hesitant at first, because I've always been really camera shy, but I knew she would do a great job so I said yes!

We got up super early (or at least for us non-early birds!) and went to a dirt road near our homes. We drive by it every day and both thought it looked neat, so we thought we'd try it out! Lighting, scenery, and even temperature was perfect. (Except for a horrid smell from a coyote carcass we later discovered. Yikes!)

Let's start with the photos by Allison:

Here's me with my setup, looking all artsy.


One of my woodcuts!


We threw some charcoal drawing in too!



 And here are my pictures of Allison:

She's so cute, right?


 Some of her awesome prints! 


And she paints too! 




I had a great time and can't wait to see what other artists will be in her Art & Artist series! 
- Aubrey -

Monday, August 8, 2011

Music Monday: Marina and the Diamonds

I'm not even sure how I came about finding Miss Marina of Marina and the Diamonds,
but I'm glad I did!



She's stylish, incredibly talented, and unique. Her voice is deep and unusual, but it gives it drama that I think compliments her satirical commentaries on America.

Here's a favorite from her album Family Jewels, "Oh No!"




I believe I'm finally getting back into the swing of things! It's been a huge wave of events since I've returned from my vacation in Colorado!

  • I'm having my first solo photography/art show at Mochalux Coffee in Arlington, TX on August  19th! I'm so excited and honored!
  • I'm entering a local art contest with a potential prize of $3,000! (if only!!)
  • I've been shooting some engagement pictures for some friends! So fun!
  • Did an experimental shoot with fancy flowy outfits and an underwater film camera! 
  • Shot my first wedding! It was insane but I'm glad I tried it!
I'm moving back to Belton soon for my last year of college,-I can hardly believe it! Until then I will be posting as much as I possibly can amidst the chaos!

Hope you're all doing well!
-Aubrey

Monday, July 25, 2011

Music Monday: Friendly Fires

I'm back! I'm back!

Colorado was an absolute blast!
I just finished editing over 400+ pictures, so I will have a Colorado post soon!

But for now-Music Monday!

I'm extra excited about this week's choice, Friendly Fires. My brother mentioned how much he loved their new album Pala a few months ago, but never got around to listening to it. Well, I finally did, and I'm in LOVE with it!



The album is extremely cohesive. Each song has similar catchy, dancey rhythms, but each so unique it doesn't get repetitive and obnoxious. You can put on the album and you have an automatic dance party! Be sure to check it out!

Here's one of my favorites from Pala, "Show Me Lights":



This will surely spice up your Monday!
xo Aubirdy

Friday, July 8, 2011

Vacation Time!

Back to the air I go, to fly to ColoradOOooOo!

Okay, that was cheesy...

My family and I are off again to one of our favorite places, Breckenridge, Colorado! It's a small town way up in the mountains. Fresh, light air, and definitely not 100+ degree weather! Thank goodness.

We've had a time share up there for a few years, and we love it. Unforunately, this is our last year to have it, so we're goin' out with a bang! A handful from my mom's side-grandparents, aunt, and 3 cousins, are going with us. I'm excited to see them all and spend time with them, since ALL of my extended family lives in California.

While there, we usually go to art festivals, bike, hike, ATV, and discover new places! I love it. It's quiet most of the time and storms roll in around the afternoon. It's incredibly peaceful.

Here are some pictures from previous trips!

Here's a view of some of the mountains (on the mountain, ha)


We won't this year obviously, but we usually are there on the 4th of July. There's always a big, bright parade and then the art festival is usually going on at the same time!



Kids playing with chalk at the art festival! Always makes me happy :)


I try to take as many pictures as possible when I'm there. 
Of course, the majority of them end up being nature pictures!
There's beautiful nature everywhere as far as the eye can see though, so how can I not?!



I may be posting while I'm in Colorado, but it has its ways of sweeping me off on grand adventures, so we will see! 

Peace, Love, and Art!
-Aubrey

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Printmackin'

Or, printmaking in normal terms. :)

I haven't been able to do woodcuts all summer and I've been so bummed! Finally though, I got some 1/2'' MDF from Home Depot and ordered a tool sharpener! I had my 2x4' board cut into two long pieces and had 2 12x12'' pieces left over, so I decided to do something for fun!

Here are the results!




Healthy Mango Smoothies!

I would have to say my favorite fruit is the mango! They are so yummy! I like that they're not overpowering but have just the right amount of sweetness! (Oddly enough, I don't have much of a sweet tooth! I like making sweets more than eating them.)

Once again, my mother introduced me to a delicious recipe! She's been treating me to them all summer, and I definitely can't complain! They're relatively healthy too, so it's a perfect way to start your morning!

Yummm! (recipe below)




Mango Smoothies

2 Large peeled & cubed Mangos
1 Cup Dannon Vanilla Yogurt (or any brand!)
1 Navel Orange for juice

Fill blender with ice (about 2 cups), blend, and drink up!

Cheers!
-Aubrey

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Music Monday (Late): Noah and the Whale

Hey everyone! Hope you all had a great July 4th!

My music pick of the week is Noah and the Whale.


I've been listening to their latest album Last Night on Earth over and over since TJ introduced me to it! It's got a very 80's-ish sound to it, as well as summery! They usually have a more folky sound, but I like the change of pace with this album. I love blasting it in my car with the windows down as I watch the sun set!

Here's their song "Just Me Before We Met", reminds me of TJ and I in a lot of ways :) :