mr. bartlett

www.gregorybartlett.net

2011-06-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

Just making sure you all know about my website. Things haven't changed much around here at mr bartlett in a hot second or two so if your mood moves you, go check out my website where things change a little every now and then.

www.gregorybartlett.net

cheers!

Darling, If you Only Knew: New Works!

2010-05-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

Darling, If you Only Knew: New Works by Gregory Bartlett
Month of June 2010 @ Spike's Coffee's & Teas
4117 19th Avenue

Descry Magazine is Now Available & Release/Benefit on 3/27/10

2010-03-07T18:17:00.001-08:00

Available now @ www.descrymagazine.com

____

Descry Magazine Release & Benefit @ Queen's Nails Projects on
Saturday, March 27th from 7-11pm

Follow Us!

2010-01-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

Brooke and I have been slow on the uptake with our tour blog but here it is if you would like to follow us.

http://www.strangersstory.blogspot.com/

Reporting Potholes!

2009-12-31T20:48:00.000-08:00

Take a good look at all 3 of them.
I called in about the one circled and after about 8 minutes of questions from a woman named Tanya my report had been submitted to the street works department. Within 24 hours they had come out and circled my pot hole and within 48 hours they had filled the hole along with the other surrounding holes.

Call your local city wide customer service representative (in S.F.) @ 311 from your telephone.

The SF Bike Coalition has a handy form you can fill out and send in here .

I enjoy them every day now when I ride off my hill and into the Mission.

My merch box for the tour

2009-12-27T19:37:00.001-08:00

Frame Frenzy

2009-12-23T11:33:00.000-08:00

I've been real busy in the wood shop as of recently constructing square frames for a slew of shows that I have coming up in less than a month. I have never been on a mini traveling art show before... I am sure some have but I have not found them yet. It has been a bit tricky as I am putting up a few art shows that will be up for a month to 2 weeks as part of this tour so the amount of work needed is somewhat daunting it is like preparing for 3 shows, The portion that travels with me change in size during the course of my travels down the California coast depending on the venue. (ie: gallery vs. cafe vs. restaurant vs. someones home) I now have a new appreciation for frames, the price they cost in stores now makes so much more sense and custom frames, well they cost that much because a lot of work goes into them that you'll never see unless you try to make one yourself. Thought I'd share some process shots from the shop.

My Mirror Mantra

2009-12-20T21:03:00.000-08:00

Stranger's Story Tour: quickly approaching

2009-12-19T01:12:00.000-08:00

check out
www.gregorybartlett.net/strangersstory.html
for more information.

Feeling like you'd like to give to the cause? Donate here

January 15th- 29th, 2010
San Francisco, CA - San Diego CA

Postcard Show 13 @ the Lab

2009-11-28T01:06:00.001-08:00

Next weekend!
December 4,5, &6th 2009

A bit about the show/sale:
As The Lab celebrates our 25th year, we are pleased to announce the 13th annual Postcard Show. Everyone is invited to contribute a set of small format multiples -- whether that be a series of hand-made paintings or objects, or production run postcards. We're challenging artists to find new, exciting ways to use the postcard theme, and then from December 4 through 6, we're opening our gallery as a cabinet of curiosities, inviting viewers and buyers to experience the richness of the local arts community. We believe that collecting engaging, high-quality, beautiful artwork should be accessible to everyone.

Admission is FREE! Support your local artists!
More info at

http://www.thelab.org/events/406-postcard13.html

I've got 100 postcards in a tiny box just waiting to be found.

Above my Head, Below my Toes

2009-11-21T19:59:00.000-08:00

Above my Head, Below my Toes

New Works by Gregory Bartlett
Showing December 2nd-31st
Opening Reception, Dec. 8th @8:30pm

Loving Cup
2356 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA 94109

Well I finally was able to get the shop owner of this lovely little pudding shop called Loving Cup, to give me her lovely little yellow walls to hang some work on for a month. Yep, a mini solo show of sorts up for this December, 2009. You should stop on by, treat yourself to some delicious pudding and take a look at what I've been photographing.
More information available at WWW.GREGORYBARTLETT.NET

chicken: Opening @ The Spare Room Project Nov20th 7-10pm

2009-11-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

c h i c k e n .
curated by Emmett Ramstad

Opening Reception:
November 20, 7-10 pm
Open by appt. through Dec 4th.

pink and white. raw. flayed meat under plastic wrap, threaded along the grain like calico. tender juicy melt in the mouth. fast cars speeding toward the cliff’s edge, cowlicks and white t-shirts
stretched over hormone-inflated pectoral muscles. old mouths gripping young cocks. what are ya, chicken? twine wrapped around bald petite ankles. do you like breast or thigh? would you like to stuff that hole?

—aren aizura

chicken aims to peep at the intersecting definitions of the word chicken: cowardly, twinkie, poultry. chicken, features photos and writing by aykan safoglu, writing by aren aizura, sculpture by emmett ramstad, mixed media drawings by finley kipp, photos by james giotta, paintings by micah bazant and performance by qilo matzen.

The exhibition contains some artworks which may not be suited for young children.

More Information can be found @
http://www.thespareroomproject.net

The Spare room project is supported through Southern Exposure's Alternative Exposure Grant. www.soex.com

Phillip Maisel: Photographer

2009-11-14T23:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.phillipmaisel.com/

Call For Art: Descry Magazine

2009-11-03T16:40:00.000-08:00

Descry Magazine: Promoting the visibility of emerging photographers and artists one issue at a time.

SUBMIT: Issue no.1

Theme: Where do we go from here?

Descry's Website states:

the beginning is often a frightening, forsaken place to be; other times the beginning is absolutely organic and filled with beauty. the beginning might be an ode to our capacity or an ominous partaking brought on by death or decree.

the first issue of descry thus calls for your thoughts, visions, explanations of where we are now, where we were before, and where or how we go from here. this is a call for what inspires us to proceed, who we owe it all to, how we move with or without grace, what obstacles are in and around us, how we leap and bound over, around, and despite these walls.

all visual submissions accepted.

Deadline: November 30th, 2009

Guidelines available at www.descrymagazine.com

submissions blog: http://descrymagazine.blogspot.com/

A call for Space for Our Mini Tour!

2009-10-26T22:16:00.000-07:00

My dearest friend and creative partner in crime, Brooke Brown-Saracino are beginning to gear up for a tour this coming January down the West Coast.
Brooke and I have callobarted in the past with her Albums, her most recent being Stranger's Story.
My intimate photographs will be a backdrop for Brooke's petite and plaintive songs.

BUT, we are looking for alternative spaces in which to share a night of live art and music. Do you know someone with an alt. gallery, café, or living room in California? Intimate is the operative word. We want cozy spaces with close listeners and sincere lovers of artistic collaborations.

Please email me with your recommendations: gregory (dot) e (dot) bartlett@ gmail.com

You can also check back here to learn more
about the event as we land more locations for our tiny tour.

Duplicate Location: Opening @ The Spare Room Project

2009-10-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Duplicate Location.

Friday October 23rd, 7-10pm.

Open by appt. through Nov 12th.

Collaborative works by Maggie Preston and Jason Kalogiros

Working as a collaborative, Maggie Preston and Jason Kalogiros approach the act of photographing as a dual author in their first exhibition Duplicate Location. The term photographer seems to imply an individual author since a photograph results from the single click of a button. The work of Preston/Kalogiros negates this singular methodology, instead they confound the issue by presenting a body of work conceived in unison.

While traveling together each artist responded to their own inclinations to document their surroundings; simply photographing what was of interest to them, later editing and assembling the images to be viewed and read as the work of one entity. Garry Winogrand once said, “I photograph to see what the world looks like in photographs." Preston/Kalogiros use this credo as a point of departure, yet interweave two perspectives to produce a new version of the story.

Maggie Preston and Jason Kalogiros live and work in San Francisco, California. They both received their Master of Fine Arts degrees from The California College of the Arts in 2008.

____________________________________

More Information is Available at

WWW.THESPAREROOMPROJECT.NET

Support for The Spare Room Project is provided by

Southern Exposure's Alternative Exposure Grant Program www.soex.org

An Outlaw No More.

2009-10-14T12:42:00.001-07:00

It had been almost a year with it.

And with the season I lost the stache.
Stay tuned for updates.

A WHOLE LOTTA ROCK

2009-10-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hey there faithful followers, Thought you like to know that my dear friend Vanja Torbica has started himself up a blog. YES, I know. Can you even believe it? He's been moving tons of rocks, literally and has a blog so that everyone can now follow his progress, trials and tribulations. A mighty feat and one worth checking out at

Work Boots and Safety Glasses

http://100tonsofrocks.blogspot.com/

Mysterious Seed Pod

2009-10-12T21:11:00.001-07:00

This is my current favorite pod in the flower shop.
I don't even know the name.

Yes, Lets. Opening @ The Spare Room Project

2009-09-24T01:14:00.000-07:00

YES, LET’S

Friday Septebmer 25th, 7-10pm.
Open by appt. through Oct 9th.
@ the
The Spare Room Project

This has to do with Millerama – the place I grew up, a near mythical family compound that my grandmother reigned over until her recent death. Millerama continues to exist. People float in and out – stay and go. Sleep in the garden or in a bed. There is always room for one more at dinner. I’m curious to see if I can transport some aspects of my home into The Spare Room. Can I build a place that many far-flung people can inhabit, where everyone can fit?

“YES, LET’S.” is an experiment in answering this question. Work from London, Egypt, Hanoi, Portland and Japan will join the Bay Area contributions to the project in a spare room in Bernal Heights. I've invited friends from here and everywhere to send something in. I want to see how they can fit in one place, and listen to what it sounds like.

Curated by Gabby Quynh-Anh Miller, featuring works by
Maren Abromowitz (San Francisco)
Lauren Anderson (San Francisco)
Allie Furlotti (London)
Scott H. Grenfell (Oakland)
Matthew Hunter (Oakland)
Yekaterina Konstantinovnaten (Mendocino/Oakland)
Sara Lafleur-Vetter (Luxor, Egypt)
Erin McElroy (San Francisco)
Michael McManus (Portland, OR.)
Gabby Quynh-Anh Miller (Bay Area)
Phuong Linh Nguyen (Vietnam)
Pattiann Koury (Bay Area)
Maya Kronfeld (Berkeley)
Lisa Yoshiko Radecki (Chicago)
Ruth Robbins (Millerama)
Clio Sady (San Francisco)
Nyssa Zinn (San Francisco

The Spare Room Project
www.thespareroomproject.net
thespareroomproject@gmail.com

Support for The Spare Room Project is provided by Southern Exposure's Alternative Exposure Grant Program

Appearing for one night only

2009-08-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

My Neighbor Totoro

2009-07-25T23:42:00.000-07:00

Kind of Amazing. If you have never seen it.
Simply, you should.

Paul Stamets: 6 ways mushrooms can save the world

2009-07-07T22:18:00.000-07:00

Ummm wow. Pretty amazing.

Correspondence Anyone?

2009-07-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

Anyone interested?

I want to start some sort of art swap circle of sorts.
Any takers? Any input?
Lets chat!

gregory . e . bartlett @ gmail . com

New Site UP & Running!

2009-06-27T00:09:00.000-07:00

Yep its true alright,
my new site is up and running, getting better every day.
Be sure to tell all of your friends about it. All of them.

www.gregorybartlett.net

As you can see, these two can't get enough of it.

Postcard Sets NOW available on my Etsy Shop!

2009-06-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

I know you've all been waiting long enough for these bad boys to roll off the my mini homespun press. Well the time is now friend. So get 'em while they're hot... or at least available. More sets to come soon. www.gregoryb.etsy.com

I present to you, The Amazing Carly Goss.

2009-06-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

She's an amazing fibers artist and sweet soul and it shames to end to think I haven't mentioned her sooner to you all, my faithful followers! Go now and check out her website at www.carlygoss.com and check out her etsy shop while you're at www.carlygoss.etsy.com!!!! XO

Successful Seed Collection!

2009-06-07T12:14:00.001-07:00

For the past year I've had some pretty special flowers growing in my garden from seeds that were over at least 15 years old and once filled my grandmother's garden. My grandmother passed away many years ago and I am not really sure when she collected these seeds but I found them in her basement in a film canister when we cleaned out her house. I had been saving the seeds until I had a garden to plant them in. Thispast year I moved to San Francisco and am blessed enough to have space outdoors and so I threw them and sat back.

I Patiently I awaited to see what the poppies would look like and let me tell you dear readers, I was not disappointed. The blooms did not last too long in the windy San Francisco climate but I was able to document the process.

I decided that I wanted to save the seeds from these flowers of my childhood back on the east coast so that I could continue to enjoy them.

This morning while enjoying my morning cup of joe I took a peek at the poppy pods in my back yard and low and behold, I had poppy seeds!

If any of you would like a pack of them, send me your mailing address and I'll gladly share the love.

Produce to the People Fundraiser

2009-06-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

My dear friend and roommate Lauren Anderson is starting up an amazing youth fruit gleening summer program for local high schoolers and needs YOUR help with raising some funds for it.

Check out the website for the whole shebang at http://www.producetothepeople.org

DATE: Thursday June 11th, 2009 @ 5pm
WHERE: EL RIO (map here)
Invite your friends in the Bay Area!

Come out and celebrate with Produce to the People for our upcoming youth program! Hang out with your neighbors and friends in support of youth employment, local produce, and more sustainable and community oriented food systems. Enjoy delicious Straus Family Creamery Organic Ice Cream with locally harvested fruit and homemade herb syrups under the lemon tree on El Rio's lovely patio and win something wonderful from our raffle of creative and delicious things that happen by the hands of brilliant local artists, musicians, gardeners, food crafters, chefs, and restaurants of the bay area.

(A list of our generous donors will be up soon)

$5 - $20 suggested donation (no one turned away for lack of funds), $3 for ice cream, $1 for raffle tickets

Please check our website for more info: www.producetothepeople.org

Apologies to our youth supporters and friends, this event is 21+

The Love of my Life

2009-05-31T23:12:00.001-07:00

Mr. McSweeney my one true love.
He knew no other language than that of love.

My Mini Arrangement of the Week

2009-05-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying this bad boy
all week long. It sits next to my sink.

Artist: Peter Funch

2009-04-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered a wonderful Danish photographer, Peter Funch who makes beautiful stitched photographs, these shown are of people on street corners. I think they are amazing.

http://www.peterfunch.com/
http://www.v1gallery.com/artist/show/3

www.gregorybartlett.net is on it's way!

2009-04-17T23:40:00.001-07:00

I am in the process of getting a real website up and running. you should go check it out and tell me what you think. xo

http://www.gregorybartlett.net

2009-04-05T22:45:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Michaela just visited a few weeks back. During her stay here we ventured out and discovered Grace Cathedral on the corner of Taylor and California by accident and were happily surprised with what we found inside. Check it out.

Rainy Day wonders

2009-04-03T23:41:00.000-07:00

It has been a while and i have no excuses.
I have been photographing a lot since my last posting.
Rainy days are one of my favorites to record.
The rainy season is coming to an end soon and although I am excited for normal sunny perfect weather I did enjoy the light quality of those many rainy days we have had.
I hope you enjoy.
xo
g

Art Art Art, Music Music Music!

2009-01-20T13:32:00.000-08:00

So I'm having a mini photo show with the ever so talented Brooke Brown-Saracino to celebrate her newest CD: Stranger's Story available now on CD Baby and at our Opening on Friday January 30th!

Start this new year off right and come check out what we've been working at The Spare Room Project!!!!

270 Anderson Street
SF, CA 94110 -Bernal Heights

CDs and Art works will be for sale!

http://www.brookebrownsaracino.com
http://thespareroomproject.net
http://gregoryebartlettproject.googlepages.com/

gregory bartlett and brooke brown saracino

Winter Wonderment

2008-12-16T09:25:00.000-08:00

Alpine Lake - Bear Valley, CA

Greetings of the Seasons!

2008-12-11T18:27:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a very Happy Holidaze Season
from all of us at Mr. Bartlett! xo

Marshmallow in the Sky

2008-12-11T09:29:00.001-08:00

I noticed what I thought at first was a marshmallow then realized that it was a blimp in the sky above the city of San Francisco a few weeks ago. Or at least I thought it was.

As the weeks passed and I observed this drifting marshmallow almost every day I realized that it was here to stay. I did a bit of research and found out it wasn't a blimp to begin with but was a Zeppelin instead. Whats the difference you might ask? It seems that a Zeppelin has an internal frame/structure and can carry about 10 times as many passengers. Blimps are softies and usually only carry a pilot. I found this lovely little article about the Marshmallow and the company who is offering rather pricey aerial tours of the bay area. I think I'll put it on my wish this season.

A Note on Spaces #2

2008-12-09T15:15:00.000-08:00

My further exploration and experimentation with my tiny room has lead me to the following realization: Small spaces should have a few LARGE things on the wall. At least one of these things should be a large mirror. I got this bad boy at my local flea market at a reasonable price.

An outlaw on its own.

2008-12-05T17:05:00.000-08:00

Its official. I have a mustache now.

Harvey Milk was on to something

2008-12-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

"...to the gay community all over this state, my message to you is, so far a lot of people joined us and rejected Proposition 6, and we owe them something. We owe them to continue the education campaign that took place. We must destroy the myths once and for all, shatter them. We must continue to speak out, and most importantly, most importantly, every gay person must come out. As difficult as it is you must tell your immediate family, you must tell your relatives, you must tell your friends, if indeed they are your friends, you must tell your neighbors, you must tell the people you work with, you must tell the people in the stores you shop in (thunderous applause), and once they realize that we are indeed their children, that we are indeed everywhere, every myth, every lie, every innuendo will be destroyed once and for all. And once you do, you will feel so much better." -Harvey Milk 1978

I just saw the film MILK at the Castro Theater a few nights ago.
I thought it was a timely and inspiring film, one you should go see if you haven't already.

A CALL FOR ART!

2008-11-25T13:47:00.000-08:00

Bay Area Artists,

Is looking for Art for the 2009 Season!

Curatorial Ideas/Thoughts/Feelings?

contact us @ thespareroomproject@gmail dot com

The Spare Room Project

Poison Oak

2008-11-17T17:24:00.000-08:00

On a hike in Muir many months ago it was pointed out to me by the ever so knowledgeable, Ms. Anderson that this leafy pant framing our path was poison oak. I never knew and I thought I'd pass along the 411. Look but don't touch. If you do touch it I've posted this for some helpful info for your 2 week condition.

A Note on Spaces #1

2008-11-16T21:57:00.000-08:00

Every room should have a skylight. Every room.

In Search of a Winter Cuddle Buddy

2008-11-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

needs to be located in s.f.
needs to be available on cold nights
likes popcorn & movies
most importantly, he needs to like to snuggle.

Stranger's Story now Available!!!!

2008-11-06T16:30:00.000-08:00

The ever so talented Brooke Brown-Saracino is currently on tour along the east coast and mid west promoting her newest album, Stranger's Story.

She's one of my favorites and her newest release is as usual, quiet, thoughtful, beautiful, and should without a doubt be in your music collection. Both of her albums are available on CDBaby

Get Brooke's NEW CD here: http://cdbaby.com/cd/bbsaracino2

Take a look at Brooke's website here: www.brookebrownsaracino.com

Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/BrookeBrownSaracino

Remaining Tour Schedule:

Nov 7, 8pm House Concert, Parkersburg, WV

Nov 8, 9pm El Rancho Grande, Baltimore, MD

Nov 13, 9pm Songwriter's Den @ Thataway Cafe, Greenwhich, CT

Nov 21, 7:30pm Mocha Mayas w/ Chuck E Costa, Shelburne Falls, MA

She is returning back to the Bay Area in December and is always looking for new venues to play. Drop her an email if you're interested @ brooke@brookebrownsaracino.com

Movement and Stillness

2008-11-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

presents,

Are life's milestones garnered through movement? Does life happen within the departure and arrival, or is there merit in what happens when nothing moves but the leaves, the grass, the water? Four brilliant writers and one amazing photographer provide their take on movement, stillness, or something in between.

OPENING
November 7th From 7 until 10pm @
The Spare Room Project
270 Anderson St. San Francisco, CA 94110
www.thespareroomproject.net
thespareroomproject@gmail.com

Gallery open by appointment only.

ALSO

Paper Making and Book Binding Workshop Sunday, November 9th from 1-4pm @ The Spare Room Project.

Ever want to make your own paper and hand made books? Learn simple, DIY, paper making and bookbinding techniques from Greg Bartlett and Lauren Anderson. Come join the fun and learn how to recycle your junk mail and scrap paper into beautiful new pages and books.

Support for this project is provided by Southern Exposure's Alternative Exposure Grant Program ( www.SoEx.org )

For More information visit www.thespareroomproject.net thespareroomproject@gmail.com

a glimps into austin tonight

2008-10-31T21:42:00.001-07:00

the great pyrenees, ruthie and my new boots

Ariel Kotker!

2008-10-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

I just received information that my good friend Ariel is having an art show!
She has been working on a single project called
His Room as He Left It for quite a few years now.

She is an amazing builder, crafter,artist and someone who's work gets me juiced about the art world as her presective is always catching me off guard in the best way possible.

Check her out! Get sucked into her world! And if you can make the show, GO! and tell me how it was.

The Show's 411:
Ariel is showing His Room A s He Left It (in progress) alongside the funny and dark figures of Mollie Zanoni at the Northampton Center for the Arts.

Juiced about Cupcakes!

2008-10-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

whoa.
like whoa.
i'm excited.
maybe you are too.
I found Cupcakes Take The Cake blog.
They even have the recipe for Amy Sedaris's cupcakes.

From mr. bartlett

For the LOVE!

2008-10-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

DO IT DO IT DO IT

Register to Vote HERE

If you're in california you have until tomorrow,
Monday October 20th

Check HERE to see if you still have time in your area.

Alemany Farmers' Market

2008-10-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

Alemany Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 7am-ish to around 5pm. I recently found out that it has been around for years. I usually go around 9:30. It is usually quite busy at this point of the morning but there is still a great selection and all the stalls are open. It is located on the far side of Bernal hill. It has been a simultaneously delightful weekly escape and errand. Prices are reasonable, most of the produce is organic not all is certified which makes is more affordable. You should definitely check it out if you have not yet.

In the eyes of Palin

2008-10-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

I'm hopeful still.

i saw

2008-09-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

while I climbed the hill to work this past week.

More of the Buzz on Fuzz

2008-09-18T13:20:00.001-07:00

To clear up a some loose ends with Fuzzy.... Apparently someone thought the old cat was a stray and had been feeding him cans of Fancy Feast and putting out water. Taking pity on the worn looking feline. This went on for a few weeks and just a few days ago this appeared on the sidewalk next to the empty can of Fancy feast, presumably by Fuzzy's owner.

The Buzz about Fuzz.

2008-09-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

For the past few months since I have been living in San Francisco I have greeted the neighbors ancient cat Buzz almost everyday when I pass him on the street on his owners car. For a while I began calling him Buster for no particular reason. Just this past week Buzz let me come close enough to pet him pet him and I noticed his collar and tag which said Fuzzy! I could not even believe it. Buzz was actually Fuzz! Things are never quiet as they seem it seems and Fuzzy's proof.

Writerly Ways!

2008-09-13T21:39:00.001-07:00

Today while I was on break from working at the flower shop my friend Chantal walked by. I asked her about her day and she informed me that she had begun blogging again. So to you my faithful and small following, go and check her out! She is undoubtedly a talented writer, sweet soul with a sarcastic sense of humor and a fabulous conversationalist who always has intelligent insight on life to share.

With this said I present to you,

hanging by my boobstraps and other writerly ways...

An early monring sunrise.

2008-09-09T16:40:00.001-07:00

coffee done right.

2008-09-09T15:07:00.001-07:00

Spike's Coffee Shop on the corner of 19th & Castro. 2 thumbs up.

Wedding Wonderment!

2008-08-21T16:03:00.000-07:00

On arriving to San Francisco I went back to work at a flower shop that I worked at for a summer 3 years ago. Not Just Flowers is located in the middle of the Castro on the corner of 18th and Castro Street. Since same sex couples have been allowed to wed in the state of California we have been extremely busy with weddings. Last weekend Lisa asked me if I could help her with a small wedding near Muir Beach north of the city at a small little inn call The Pelican Inn. Off we drove in the flower van deep into the misty hills of Muir.

On arriving at the quaint little inn we were greeted by the ever so excited bridal party and quickly went to work dispersing our arrangements around the Inn and surveying the grounds for the location for the wedding arch we were to construct.

The color pallet was simple, clean and complimented the rustic feel that the Pelican provided. There was a heavy fog covering the area that lent itself nicely to evenly lighting the occasion. If you have never been to The Pelican Inn I would suggest stopping by perhaps before or after an outing to Muir Beach or Woods.

Lofty Ideas in the home.

2008-08-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

I recently have moved into a small room in my apartment.
For the time being I'm sharing the space with my lovely roommate Jenna, to save on rent.
How does one maximize a small space?
I have been presented more recently with this dilemma and wanted to share my ideas with my large following on my blog.

There are a few areas you can maximize your tiny space, first being specific furniture pieces that aren't too big but can fit/store enough and that make sense for you space. LESS IS MORE. Fewer better sized pieces that make sense in a space work much better than too many. The idea is to make your tiny space feel big. If it is not the perfect piece of furniture, don't use it! There is a right piece of furniture out there for your space.

The second thing is to Keep it light. Lighter colors will keep your tight space feeling more open. Try to steer clear of your darker tones unless you want to feel like you're in a cave. The space is currently white but I am going to paint the space a crisp light blue color called fair view blue by Benny Moore.

Thirdly, think about lofting your bed. I recently bought a new mattress at IKEA. They have a variety of types of mattress with a variety of price points. I also bought some bed slats. My bed is definitely not the fanciest of loft beds out there. It holds me up however along with a guest just fine.

Construction: I got my hands on some scrap 2x4's and put together a very basic frame. I screwed in my ikea bed slats for extra support.

From here I decided how high up I wanted my bed to be. I wanted enough space to sit and not feel cramped but I also wanted enough space below to best utilize the space.

Be sure to keep the thickness of your mattress in mind when figuring out how high up you want your bed to be.

When anchoring your bed into the wall be sure to use a stud finder to locate the best spots to secure it. My little twin is anchored into 6 studs which is more than enough to keep it up. I used a 1/4 inch screw/bolts and preset the holes with a slightly smaller drill bit for a snug fit.

I chose to use a single leg on the corner with no support. It is secured into the floor with two screws so it doesn't move all around. Don't worry about making holes. You can always fill your holes in with a variety of products so they look like new. Not securing in your loft in well enough can easily cause more damage than a few extra holes to secure it in.

Because I am over 5 feet up in the air I needed to figure out a bed side table solution. I used an old wine box and screwed it right into a stud. I also needed a bedside lamp. Ikea once again came to the rescue with this wall mountable little number to save space on my tiny surface.

My tiny space is still coming together but these are the few steps I have taken thus far to better it. The only supply that I had to purchase was the bed slats that I had a coupon for so the bed was under $20.00 to build. Sturdy loft beds can be affordable if you willing to look for and use scrap materials. Last but not least get some help. Lauren was sweet enough to lend a hand and advise and without her assistance my little nest wouldn't be standing! Thanks Lauren! I'll keep you all updated on any new improvements as they happen. Until then be well.

Opening at the Spare Room Project

2008-07-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

On moving to San Francisco I was lucky enough to move into a wonderful household with wonderful and creative individuals. In the house there is a spare room that has been converted into an alternative art/gallery space. Each Month or so a local artist is welcomed to curate a show of his/her own liking in the space. I have been doing some PR for the show so I thought it wouldn't hurt to let you all know about it here as well on my low traffic blog. You should come check us out if you can as it would be delightful to see you and for you to see what the project is all about.

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THESPAREROOMPROJECT@GMAIL.COM WWW.THESPAREROOMPROJECT.NET
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THE SPARE ROOM PROJECT presents,

"Getting Closer"
Curated by Forest Kelley @ The Spare Room Project

In Getting Closer, Heather Renee Russ, Forest Kelley, and Rachel Styer present photographs of people on the ground, from which their subjects are searching for transcendence.
Transcendence is represented more as desire than something achievable. The images depict optimism in youth and beauty in consequence. The ground stands as both a barrier for desire and an anchor of support in this exploration.

Opening reception Friday, July 25th, 7-10pm
The Spare Room Project is conveniently located at
270 Anderson Street,
San Francisco, CA 94110 (in Bernal Heights)

Gallery show is opened to the public by appointment only through Aug. 8th.

The Spare Room Project was initiated by a desire for more creative experimentation, more space for emerging artists to fulfill both physical and curatorial ideas, and the tight quarters that San Francisco allots the majority of us. SRP aspires to allow artists in the local community opportunities and exposure often reserved through more rigid tradition, and it hopes doing so will foster otherwise unrealized innovation, exploration, and growth. Through exhibitions, workshops, and group critiques, it serves as a vehicle for teaching, learning, communicating, and sharing.

For more information please visit www.thespareroomproject.net or email thespareroomproject@gmail.com

Bric-a-Brac and the Creative Spark!

2008-07-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

You never know what you'll find when you dip into the bric-a-brac at your local SalVal.

Yesterday I went in search for a bicycle basket and I ended up with a diamond in the rough.

There mixed in with baskets and dried wreaths was a vintage slide carrying case with slides still in it dating back to the summer of 42. I just needed it. I couldn't live without it and so I bought it right then and there and forgot the about the basket mission.

On arriving home I went through the box and examined each and every slide on the light table.

The contents included:
Family vacations, special occasions with family members and friends named Minerva, Ma, Pa, and Louise. Cleveland, Ohio, Washington D.C., domestic spaces, animals at the zoo, and amusement parks just to name a few.

I want to do something with these gems but I am not sure to do with them yet. Any suggestions would be kindly welcomed.

Maybe it is time to start a slide library?

I am asking that if anyone has old slides that they no longer want I would love you to send them my way and donate them to my cause as I would like to fill this new 300 slide box. If you need my mailing address just ask. I'll send you something inspired by your slide donation. I think it would be a fun exchange.

Maybe once I fill it I'll have a better idea of what I should do with it.

Leslie Shershow

2008-07-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

boston area artist to check out!
ms. leslie shershow!
she recently updated her website @
www.leslieshershow.com

lesie makes pieces that you just want to wear!
strange and playful
you simply must see.

she also has a blog!
http://www.mousehouseleslie.blogspot.com

check it yo!

Bernal Heights Sock Exchange

2008-06-20T19:55:00.001-07:00

Yesterday while walking around my neighborhood in search of a local job I stopped by the laundromat to see their community board. I found the Sock Exchange right next to postings and thought it was a good idea. How many times have you lost that sock and just wished you could complete the pair? It seems like there are a lot of toddlers around with missing socks.

Adventures in the S.W.

2008-06-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

I realize that it has been quite some time since last I wrote to all you close followers! I sit now in a sunny kitchen in the city by the bay San Francisco. My travels across this country has shown me once again at how wonderful and strange this country is that we live in!

Over the past month and a half I have been busy and not so busy exploring the great unknown of Arizona. I had no idea of what a vast and varied state this was in culture climate and vegetation. While I visited I experienced 110 degree temps, 4.5 inches of snow fall, some hail, and the driest air my body has ever experienced. So travelers be prepared for anything, even with high and hot temps during the day, the nights can be extremely cold. I never thought i would have bought so many scarves in the state. H2O for real. Drink it a lot and always bring extra for real! dehydration is awful and I definately experienced it. I was lucky enough to have a place to stay and while I was there along with some amazing company which definitely made the trip 100 times better. Of my favorite places that I got to experience here is a list of must sees and do's while you are there.

1. Camping/Hiking in Fossil Creek in Strawberry

2. Exploring lava flow caves in Flagstaff

3. Sampling the fruit trees in Jerome

4. The Red Rocks of Sedona

5. Breakfast at the Red Barn Restaurant in Chino Valley

6. A visit to Granite Creek Vineyards in Chino Valley

7. A drive through Oak Valley Canyon

8. Hiking through Sycamore Canyon

9. A drive over Mingus Mountain into the town of Jerome

10. Star watching in Flagstaff.

11. Racing the biggest piece of tumble weed you can find.

I had the most fun in the the North/Central Area of Sedona/Jerome/Presscott and I would recommend traveling this area for it variety of hikes, towns, water holes, and landscapes.

The month of May seemed to be a great time to travel as the high heat of summer had yet settled in. Late summer travelers be aware, as temps can climb high into the 100's in the central/southern areas of the state. I was told that it is so hot you fry an egg on a sidewalk! So check it out and send me a postcard!

-gb

So long Boston, Hello Pioneer Valley

2008-04-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

After packing it all up I moved myself across the state in my dad's little red truck this past Wednesday. Surprisingly I didn't lose anything off the back on my 3 hours trek to the town of Wo, as I like to call it. I realized that after being in Boston for over 7 years I was able to move out of the city with fewer things than I did when I moved there. I worked hard over the past 4 months to weed down what I could live without. Donate to your local thrift store. Sell your stuff on craig's list. Moving one's life is hard work, but I did my best to make it an amusing task for myself.

A few things that I learned in this past move

1. Start packing early, 1 box a day a month before the date.

2.Label Label Lable.

3. Music! Pump it, love it and laugh at yourself.

4. Tell the confused neighbors you're moving to find yourself in a vortex.

5. Use extra straps to tie down your belongings on the back of the truck, flapping tarps are no fun at 65mph.

6. Check your tire pressure before starting off on the journey, soft tires are troublesome.

7. Move in the middle of the week and in the middle of the day, there really is no traffic.

I realized that I wasn't able to say goodbye to everyone that I wanted to. So all of those who I didn't have the chance to say farewell, email me, call me, come visit me on the west coast. If you are in the Wo Town area I'll be here for another week, just look for the person who clearly doesn't fit in.

xo, gb

All Saints Way

2008-04-14T06:38:00.001-07:00

This past Friday I ventured out into the city to have a celebratory drink with Corinn. We ended up in the North End walking down Hanover Street towards the waterfront. Our pace was relaxed and we were simply on the hunt for a place to have a drink when it hit us like a glowing oracle, All Saints Way. It was like a shinning beacon sent down from the heavens. Now I must say I'm not a very religious person in the least bit but this was incredible. The amount of time and effort someone put into this shrine was amazing. It has clearly been around for a while but I had never seen it. Plenty of written about it so just google it if you need to know more.

Really though you should just go and see it for yourself.

Farewell J.J. Daly....

2008-04-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

It has been a wild and crazy ride. Who knew the world of distribution would have been such a trip!I have seen it all. I walked into a customer service position at a small start up company and discovered quickly that I was much more than just customer service. For those of you that have read the book Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole, the warehouse was a spitting image of the Levi's Factory .If you have never read the book do so as it is an amazing piece of literature and will allow you to begin to grasp what my daily life has been like for the past year.

A short list of the things I'll always cherish.

1. 20 footers
2. the shipping and receiving area
3. the room full of peanuts
4. my theme windows
5. Josie Sullivan
6. The birds
7.WMP and all those moments
8.George's daily fruit time
9. SunLife 3pm Overnight Rushes
10.The Swag room!
11. team meetings with white board
12. 5pm lockup with Ed
13. My customer service Staff!
14. intricate moments
15. the design school lunchroom

Thank you to you all for making this experience so memorable!

LYMI!

Forsythia frenzy!

2008-04-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

Well it is out again! Forsythia is in bloom and it's pretty exciting! This time of year reminds me of my mom as she has always loved to stop on the side of the road and pick flowers in bloom. It didn't matter if the hints of spring were located in someones front yard or along a desolate dirt road. If my mom saw it she went for it. It embarrassed me to no end to be in the car with her when she needed to get fresh flowers. I remember covering myself up in the car as she would dash for the goods fearlessly. I never thought I would turn into my mother but recently I have been questioning this.

My next door neighbor has a few Forsythia bushes on the edge of her property that are large that have are budding. I caught myself the other night grabbing some without thinking twice. Who do I think I am? Am I turning into my mother?

Double Trouble.

2008-04-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

who knew so many were blogging within my own
social circle secretively. I was surprised to see that CBF
had her own blog. All I have to say is Check it!

http://meditationsandobservations.blogspot.com/

Address Request

2008-04-04T11:58:00.001-07:00

Send me your mailing addresses and I'll send you something.

Morning View

2008-04-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

Bay Area Artist

2008-04-04T11:22:00.001-07:00

Brooke Brown-Saracino
www.brookebrownsaracino.com
http://www.myspace.com/brookebrownsaracino

farewell 184 school

2008-04-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

This is the time of day that I'll miss most in my blue bedroom. My last room in Boston and my favorite. I realized that after living in this city for 8 years I have lived in 7 different apartments. Is this normal?

The Egg and I

2008-04-04T08:06:00.001-07:00

While in Baltimore a few months ago I found the Egg of all eggs at the Visionary Art Museum.

www.avam.org/

It was an amazing museum and if you're ever in the area I would certainly recommend visiting it after enjoying some crab.