Paintings That Are Truly Gems. Realistic Crystals and Minerals Rendered In Oils by Carly Waito.

above: Smoky Quartz, 2011

These amazingly realistic oil paintings on masonite by Carly Waito are really precious. Literally and figuratively. The small scale works range in size from 4.5" x 6" to 11" x 12' and impressively capture the way crystals and rocks reflect and refract light. Given the healing properties of many stones and minerals, these works have appeal in both their craft and subject matter. I'd like to own several of them and hang them together. As you can see, they sell quickly (almost every single one shown in this post is sold).


above: Dioptase, 2011 (sold)

above: Amethyst, 2011 (sold)

above: Pyrite, 2011 (sold)

above: Bornite coated Chalcocite, 2011 (sold)

above: Smoky Quartz, 2011 (sold)

above: Amethyst, 2011 (sold)

above: Smoky Quartz, 2011 (sold)

above: Flourite, 2011 (sold)

above: Vesuvianite, 2011 (sold)

above: Smoky Quartz, 2011 (sold)

above: Spessartine, 2011

above: Flourite, 2010 (sold)

above: Sphalerite, 2010 (sold)

above: Barite, 2010 (sold)

above: Amethyst, 2010

above: Rhodocrosite, 2009 (sold)

The following three images represent some of her latest work and as you can see, she is exploring black backgrounds for some of her newer pieces.


above: Amethyst Mountain, 2012

above: Tektite, 2012

above: Dark Crystal, 2012

The following text is courtesy of Narwhal Art Projects:
In these works, diminutive specimens of semi-precious gems and minerals are rendered in meticulous detail, exposing the beauty and logic of their structural minutiae. Yet, beyond simple imitation, Carly Waito’s reproductions imbue further worth to objects that are naturally perfect: where each specimen inherently exudes an aura, Waito has both reiterated and enhanced it. The result is a reverent homage to nature’s marvel, the faculty of humankind and the unconditional value of their synergy.

Through curating minerals, photographing them in macroscopic detail and rendering them in oil paints, Waito employs a layered process highlighting the ties between mimesis and levels of value. From the seemingly limitless depths of Smoky Quartz to the chromatic, reflective facets of Sphalerite, the geometry and beauty of each painted specimen speaks to the incredible complexities of nature’s design as well as Waito’s own facility. Each painting expands the infinitesimal traits of the artist’s tiny subjects, rendering them as detailed maps of an otherwise invisible geological universe.


About the artist:
Toronto-based artist Carly Waito was born in Manitouwadge in 1981 and raised in Thunder Bay. A graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design, Waito co-founded the ceramic art and design studio coe&waito with Alissa Coe in 2005. The partnership is known for its elegant products and sculptural installations inspired by the natural world. As a painter, Waito has continued to pursue this inspiration, with a focus towards geology, geometry and ideas of wonder and curiosity. She has participated in a number of exhibitions, including Little Crowns (Dec 2009) , The Dazzle (Oct 2010) and Specimens (2011) at Narwhal Projects, and Plus 1(2011) at Sloan Fine Art in New York.

Purchasing inquiries please contact Narwhal Art Projects.

NARWHAL
2988 DUNDAS ST WEST TORONTO ON CANADA M6P 1X6
tel: 647.346.5317

Carly Waito

Dogeared Design. The Folded Book Art of Isaac G. Salazar.

 

 Isaac G. Salazar is a completely self taught American book artist located in Artesia, NM. With a degree in accounting, he works as a full time accountant. Having never having taken an art class, he discovered his talent for folding the pages of books to create imagery while trying to find a hobby he could enjoy. Only recently did he begin to refer to himself as 'an artist.

  Shapes, Symbols and Logos: Isaac's work is getting more and more attention lately. His pieces have appeared in the following ad campaign for the Filigranes Librarie: The April 2012 issue of Reader's Digest' featured his work on the table of contents (below) and an interview with the artist:

   

above photo by Sam Kaplan, courtesy of Reader's Digest 

 His inspiration comes from multiple things and places - such as browsing the used book section for titles that stand out to him. He attempts to make a correlation between the book titles and the symbols he creates within their pages, such as the recycle symbol created in a book titled "A World with out Trees".

   

 By taking books that would otherwise end up in a landfill and turning them into art, he gets a sense of satisfaction that his hobby can contribute to reducing waste. Custom names and words in books with personal meaning make great gifts.

   

 He rarely uses new books, unless commissioned to. Recently he has ventured into logos and symbols and would like to pursue this area more. 

   

above: Isaac G. Salazar and his book art featuring his own surname 

 

all images courtesy of the artist. 

 His etsy store His flickr photos

New Elizabeth Taylor Barbie Dolls Immortalize The Legendary Beauty With Violet Eyes.

Mattel has been getting better and better with the likenesses of their celebrity dolls. The latest to join the adult collector stable of Barbie Dolls, are two soon to be released Elizabeth Taylor Dolls. Both the Violet Eyes Barbie Doll and the White Diamonds Barbie Doll have faces whose sketches were approved by the legendary actress before her death.






Both 11.5" dolls bear little red ribbons on their shoulders to signify Elizabeth's dedication to fighting HIV and AIDS. Although, oddly enough, none of the proceeds go to support the fight against HIV /AIDs, which they should. That aside, the dolls were designed by Robert Best and are wearing Silkstone fashions designed especially for them.

Elizabeth Taylor Violet Eyes Barbie Doll:


The 11.5" tall doll wears a timeless satin dress with matching opera gloves and pumps, rhinestone brooch, bracelet and earrings. Also includes sunglasses and a mini “perfume” bottle. A tiny red ribbon near her shoulder represents her commitment to battling HIV/AIDS.





Due to ship next month, you can pre-order the Violet Eyes Barbie doll here


Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds Barbie Doll:


The 11.5" doll models a lovely white dress, inspired by costumes worn by the actress during Hollywood’s Golden Age. An exquisite jewelry suite, starlet accoutrements, and a mini “perfume bottle” are the wonderful accessories.




Due out on September 15th, you can pre-order the Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds doll here.

If you're a fan of Elizabeth Taylor's, you may enjoy a special post I wrote in honor of her passing which includes wonderful photos of the violet-eyed beauty by some of the world's greatest photographers, her men and her jewelry.

Her Men, Her Movies, Her Diamonds, Her Photos. The Legacy Of Elizabeth Taylor.