While we all LOVE to browse blogs and pinterest for beautiful ideas, sometimes it's important to find inspiration away from the computer screen. With that in mind, the Colorbök designers ventured out into the heat for Ann Arbor's annual art fair last week. Here in A2, we're lucky enough to see 375 different artists during the art fair, which is technically four different fairs spread across the downtown area. One of the amazing artists was our own designer, Carrie Mather, who had a piece in the UofM alumni show!
Visiting the art fair was a great way to see all the different styles and techniques being used by artists today. It also inspires us to incorporate some of those ideas into the world of memory and craft! There were definitely trends that seemed to crossover from the fine art world into paper crafts. See below for a list of the popular trends we spotted at the show...
Top Art Fair Trends
• Steampunk Popular mix of Victorian imagery and mechanical elements, like clocks and gears.
• Reused/Repurposed Materials We saw painted dresses, recycled books or maps and other found objects used in a new and different ways.
• Fabric/Sewn Elements There were beautiful quilts, elaborate embrodered pieces and more. Touches of fabric or stitchery seemed to be everywhere.
• Organic Shapes These abstract forms draw inspiration from nature without being literal. Popular in many different media, especially ceramics.
• Primary Colors Whether in a graphic print or a collage style piece, bright bold colors where prevelent.
Summer is the prime time for art fairs and festivals. Find one close to you and check it out! It's great to get beyond magazines and websites to draw inspiration from the "real world."
Where do you go to find inspiration for your crafts?
I really do like Flea Markets, and antique stores, too! So many fun things and great for inspiration! Wish I had time to play this weekend and go to one!
Posted by: Beverly Jordan | 02 August 2012 at 02:55 PM