When I first saw an image of No Rain No Rainbows by Agustina Woodgate, I was naturally drawn to the colorful, somewhat psychedelic, composition of what I thought was a painting, but after discovering that the medium of Agustina Woodgate’s series called Skin Rugs are actually the “skins” from old stuffed animals I had quite an emotional attachment to these sentimental creations. Having a little one that is absolutely obsessed with Toy Story and totally devoted to her poly-filled friends, I’ve come to have a soft spot in my heart for toys and their “quality of life”. Not only are these rugs beautiful pieces of textile art, but they also bring a toy’s story a bit full circle by celebrating the life and memories of a child’s most cherished friendship.

Installing No Rain No Rainbows

No Rain No Rainbows | Stuffed Animal skins |16 ft x 9.5 ft | 2011

Royal | Stuffed Animal skins | 9 ft x 7ft | 2010

Home | Stuffed Animal skins | 9 ft x 7ft | 2010

Galaxy | Stuffed Animal skins | 6.5 ft x 6.5 ft | 2010

1982 | Pepe & Me | Photography | 6 in. x 4 in.
Agustina Woodgate and her pal, Pepe…

I have been bitten by the smitten bug when it comes to San Francisco based collage (yes they are collages) artist Alexis Anne Mackenzie. The intricacy of her work is mind blowing and leaves your head a little boggled…Is that painted? No, printed? Well none of the above. She literally hand cuts every piece and strategically layers them together to create the fabulously organic, yet dark pieces…hmm, more like creatures…of art. Check out some of her work below and watch the segment at the end of this post of her process in her studio. She has a little Wednesday Adams amazing-ness to her, no?…

“Light Moves On The Water” (2010). Hand-cut collage on paper, 30 x 22 1/2 inches.

“Cyclic II” (2010). Hand-cut collage on found paper, 8 1/2 x 11 inches.

“All the Colors of the Dark” (2010). Hand-cut collage on found paper, 12 x 14 inches.

“Death Laid an Egg” (2010). Hand-cut collage on paper, 30 x 22 inches.

“Short Night of the Glass Dolls” (2010). Hand-cut collage on found paper, 12 x 14 inches.

I had the pleasure of meeting illustration artist Tone Gautefald Tveit today in the GUNGUN shop! I absolutely fell in love with her drawings…they are fashionably funny with color and style you can not get enough of. Here are a few of my favorites, but definitely treat yourself to her tumblr and give her a follow…you will be happy you do..