Me and Pablo

"I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it."Pablo Picasso

OK,  I just love the quote...  Doing the same old, same old, has never appealed to me. If I am not learning something new, no matter how inane, I am just plain board.  I love the thrill of experiencing the good and the not so good.  Creating a new piece of art can be uncomfortable at times... and launching a tableware and  a furniture line at the same time could be viewed as crazy.  I have a new definition of the  "learning curve".  #%*?&#@!!!!!! That being said, I am invigorated and it is all coming together.

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Vikalio One-of-a-Kind

The Andi-Le  Furniture line as well as One-Of-a-Kinds will be live on the website www.andi-le.com by the end of the month.

and I am thrilled to announce that Chequers of Aspen will be carrying Andi-Le Tableware. Stay tuned for the big launch during the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen.

til next week, xx

Andrea

Verve

"Verve, Passion and Good Joojoo"

These are words to live by.

I am attracted like a bee to honey to people who put out this energy and vitality. Those who live with a great love for life, a passion for living and breathe good will into all.

I love the word verve, strength of body or mind, vigor. It sounds funny and isn’t used often enough, “She has verve”…

Passion is a hot word, it’s more than love, possibly the edge of obsession, but tasteful.

Then there is good joo joo… good will, good soul, spreading love and goodness…

I dare you to think about these attributes and not smile.

So until next time

So find your verve, live with passion and spread good joojoo.

xx Andrea

Tactile Obsessions

Rocks, lichen, glass, wood, sticks, metal, stone, fur.....

Textures…..I am obsessed with tactile objects. My eyes and my hands go there on their own. So my furniture designs are an obvious extension. Carved, warm wood, rough and soft textures, waves, tight lines,  smooth glass and cool steel. Tree Bark, drift wood, pebbly paths, stone walls, everything inspires me when I am playing with grinders and dremels to create new and different textures for the Andi-Le Furniture line.

A sneak peak of a texture series for Andi-Le Furniture.

Now that the prototypes for the furniture line are just about done, I have work space to create one-of-a-kind mirrors. The idea of creating a piece of art, not just a frame, has been percolating for quite some time. This concept fits perfectly with my fixation of textural treatments. The colors and materials are layered to create depth and a sculptural design. Stay tuned for the finished product.

Til next week xx

Andrea

p.s.    I am also obsessed with shoes

Inspiration and Jewelry

Activate, Energize, Stimulate, Influence, Spark

Africa has always been a source of inspiration for myself and my work.  Jewelry and adornments of all cultures fascinate me. One of  my first sculptural endeavors was "The Crown Series" which explores these concepts.

"Stones of Reflection"                                              "Rings of Change"

The word jewelry traced back to it's Latin roots "jocale" means plaything. The textures and defined spaces are mini-sculptures, tactile combinations of  many different mediums and materials. Jewelry enhances how you feel and can create your personal style.  Adornments have been used for luck, social placement and ceremonies.  I find inspiration for a lot of my work in the African cultures and  their ceremonies. Check out "African Ceremonies" by Carole Beckwith and Angela Fisher. This book is a visual feast.

It is all about the details. Let all of your playthings inspire.

Til next week. xx

Andrea

Ahhh... the Bath

I am putting in long days in the studio, always dealing with dirt. Welding and metal working is black dirt, charing wood is a lot of soot, woodworking dirt, grinding and sanding is white(ish).  Then there are the horses. There is hay dust, horse nuzzling stuff and of course the job of mucking. Pig- Pen and I could talk. There is no way around it. My baths are well deserved and desperately needed. Pampering and soothing my aching muscles with bubbles, candles, music, some sort of  "spirit" and of course Motrin gets me ready for another day.

Aspen life is extremely physical. The everydays are filled with, skiing, hiking, biking, kayaks,     horses and dogs. Getting older and achy in the Rockies is for wimps... I say fake it and cowboy-up.  My advice for anyone who leads a physical life, not just a dirty one , is to fill that tub AND that glass, feel renewed and ready for tomorrow.

Til next week, xx

Andrea