Beatriz Macias

Second dozen

2011-08-08T20:00:00.003+02:00

The 52 Weeks project is alive and well. I am almost halfway done.

I think I will make a 2012 calendar for my store, some of these are just too beautiful not to keep them at hand.

Friday favorites

2011-07-22T20:11:00.003+02:00

Guerrilla knitting and the feeling of looking up or down to find a surprise.

My new Ipad and the wonderful book I am reading: State of Wonder by Ann Patchett.

SUMMER, I am a big fan.

Triathlons and training buddies. I am hooked now, no going back.

Cherry pie. I am becoming an expert at making it and eating it too. Great recipe, just use half the sugar.

Ice coffee... need I say more?

Inspiration

2011-07-15T02:52:00.010+02:00

Untitled, a photo by anja mulder on Flickr.

While organizing my little collection from the Pacific Ocean, I was reminded of the amazing work of Anja Mulder. Do yourself a favor and visit her photo stream.

Summer is keeping me busy

2011-07-14T02:14:00.002+02:00

We are rediscovering California, traveling, camping, walking on the beach, wearing flip flops, leaving a trail of sand wherever we go. Life is good, but all projects have taken a backseat at the moment. I have a bit of news, but I can't tell you just yet. Don't get any crazy ideas though, it is related to the blog and I will leave it at that.

A little gift from the Pacific Ocean to your computer. Enjoy.

It is up!

2011-06-24T20:04:00.004+02:00

I am a happy, happy woman! My David Trubridge Coral lamp is up! If you are a design aficionado like I am, you might be familiar with this beauty. I first got a glance of it on Camila's blog and later I spotted it at Door Sixteen.

I bought it directly from a New Zealand vendor, and I got it in the mail less than a week later. The lamp comes unassembled, which is convenient for shipping purposes. But to put it together is a challenge that is easy for some and more than difficult for others. I am not declaring in which camp I am standing, suffice to say that the lamp is assembled and hanging!

This image is more of a tribute to the lamp and its shadow play on the wall. I still need to take some images of the lamp in context... and I will... promise. I just need to finish hanging the artwork in the hall and building the bar area right underneath the lamp! TO DO lists... don't you love them?

Inspiration no more

2011-06-16T23:17:00.001+02:00

I am not giving up on creativity, inspiration or random aha moments. I am just glad that all the collecting, archiving and lusting after images of beautiful picture arrangements have come together in one of my walls. I am still inspired, how can I not? Take a look at some of the images in my collection...

***

The Following two images are of my own house. Lots of color on these images, but there is plenty of white too. What do you think?

Mirror, mirror on the wall...

2011-06-14T01:20:00.001+02:00

Today I am looking for the reflection of light in all the right places. I am searching for the perfect mirror, and while I wait, I figured I could collect some of my favorites in my Pinboard. Aren't these gorgeous?

***

The thrift bag

2011-05-29T02:28:00.002+02:00

These came home with me from goodwill: A vintage Ira Denmark tin, a beautifully illustrated book from 1964, and a Jonathan Adler ornament. Great finds if you ask me.

52 Weeks - The first dozen

2011-05-25T19:43:00.001+02:00

I am working on a little project of mine in which I photograph VW buses. One a week, a different one if possible. So far, I have been able to keep up by opening my eyes and keeping my camera at hand. Truth is, that my new iphone's camera rocks! I have a couple applications that make it even better. My favorite is Camera+, followed by Hipstamatic and my new love, Instagram. I give you my first twelve:

May 17th is as good a day as any other

2011-05-17T19:42:00.002+02:00

I have many things to share but I will limit myself to the item that took me away from the blog, the item that had me on my own most of the time, the one item that made me stronger, wiser, if somehow tired... I am talking about our kitchen remodel!

It seems like it was a long time ago that we started demolishing cabinets and ceiling, taking out tile and old appliances, and living of take out and our neighbor's generous cooking. We started it all two weeks before Thanksgiving, and we were mostly done before New Year's. Not bad!

This time frame is just the construction-destruction part, there was a long time spent planning and making budget conscious decisions. There was a lot of time finishing the little details, and making the necessary adjustments.

I am happy to say that we like the space much better now, even though I would have loved to open the kitchen to the dining room, but with so limited space, we did the only thing we could, and this was to keep the same layout, and just make smart choices.

My husband and I did most of the work, but we left the demolition and the new raised ceiling to an expert. A good friend that works in construction and who made this remodel a great experience.

Now for the images...

An image of the kitchen before the magic, just for good measure...

I am having a sale!

2010-12-28T08:30:00.002+01:00

I am having a *****SALE***** at my CiaoItaly shop!!! End of the year clean-up, making room for new ideas kind of sale... Just enter code ITALIA2011 at checkout and you will get a 25% discount on your order!

Hurry! Sale ends January 1.

2011 is almost here!

2010-12-25T20:50:00.000+01:00

Dear readers,
Merry Christmas! Hope your holiday is blissful and happy.

Just wanted to share with you a quiet moment.

On fire!

2010-12-09T19:36:00.000+01:00

This is what December looks like in Southern California. We are still enjoying warm temperatures and sunny days. I am not complaining!

I miss taking pictures every day, I miss looking with open eyes, I miss having time of my own. I know I will be back to my old creative self after the renovation is done, and I am looking forward to that. I have a list that grows every day with projects to do around the house. We are doing a good share of the renovation ourselves, and it takes a little longer than expected.

We managed to set up the Christmas tree amongst the packed boxes, and there are lights shinning bright outside our house. I could fool anyone from the outside into thinking that I have it all together! I don't! I have not even started shopping! Help!

Off I go to paint a bathroom and install a sink...

Favorites this week

2010-11-24T20:47:00.001+01:00

Not to bore you to death, I figured I should share some of my favorite things this week. No kitchen remodel items included! Those will come later...

I am reading Every Day in Tuscany by Frances Mayes, I like its simplicity and the fact that I go back to Italy every time I open the book.

Taco Tuesday! Need I say more? Tacos at a dollar a piece, at many Mexican restaurants in town... YUM! I wish every day was a Tuesday...

KCRW, our local NPR radio station with its eclectic music and great programming. Check it out!

Calendars, calendars, calendars... so many beautiful choices, so little time... I have one in my store too.

My son enjoying the neighborhood again; riding bikes, climbing trees, running around... It is good to be back.

Countdown

2010-11-20T22:01:00.002+01:00

What do people do when they are late? What do they do when they do not show up at all? They ~~make excuses~~ explain why they were not there when everyone expected them. Right? So, my dear faithful readers; I am sorry I have not been around, I am sorry but... I still have no internet, we still have no furniture, our kitchen has been demolished, and I am still running around trying to find the best appliances for our remodel.

But there is hope as I come bearing news! I have purchased the cabinets!!! We are using Ikea cabinets that we will assemble and install ourselves. I am so excited! We chose the Akurum-perfekt abstrakt in white (for the uninitiated I will add a gallery of images). Consumer reports rated Ikea cabinets as a best buy, and all the forums are bursting with good reviews for the product. You can't beat the price either!

Things are happening, not as fast as I would like, but they are happening... meanwhile we are eating very creative meals, and enjoying some of our sweet neighbors cooking. Next week will be lost, as our contractor and ourselves will be out of town. We hope to have a brand new kitchen to host some holiday fun. We will see.

As they say, an image is worth a thousand words. Enjoy!

Apartment Therapy house tour

Redneck Modern

Grassroots Modern

One month!

2010-11-12T02:13:00.002+01:00

We have been back in California for a whole month! We have seen the weather change slightly, with colder nights and windy days. We enjoy the sun filled days so typical of southern California. The Colombian in me doesn't like Winter. I don't like the cold, the snow, the short days. I grew up in a place where every day the sun rises and sets at the same time, where the trees always have their leaves, where there is always a plant in bloom and ripe fruit hanging from a nearby tree. Because Colombia is so close to the Ecuator, the temperatures remain the same year round. It is always hot the closer you are to sea level, and it cools down in the mountains. It is beautiful, and it is home.

I have learned to enjoy the seasons. Spring is always so beautiful after long winters, and the colors of Fall have no comparison. Yet, I feel homesick with every change.

Today, I am thankful for the beautiful, clear sky outside my window. Today, I am closer to home.

A chair is a chair,

2010-11-04T07:13:00.001+01:00

until it isn't.

I have found a new job! Well, I don't get paid really, and I end up paying others... but I believe it is my true calling to be a treasure hunter!

In the last two days I found and old venetian mirror, a pedestal sink, two mid century style chairs, ~~and a possible Eames parchment zenith chair!~~ Every single item in this list I found for a fraction of its value! I knew that all those hours browsing design sites on the web were good for something!

As a teaser, here is a really bad picture of one of the mid century replicas that I got. They are Cherner chairs look-alikes, but they are not the real thing. I don't care! I ADORE them, and I am keeping them.

What do you think? Do you like the style? Do you have information on it? Let me know in the comments please.

What I am doing with my time...

2010-10-29T07:22:00.001+02:00

I am spending more time than necessary browsing through Apartment Therapy, Ikea Fans, Heath Ceramics, and my latest obsession, Craig's list.

Why? Well, we are going to remodel the kitchen! Yes! For the first time since I learned to cook, I am going to have a brand new kitchen! I am so excited about this! I have had some time to think about THE kitchen of my dreams, and I am enjoying the choosing and picking of tile, counters, appliances, cabinets, etc.

The best part about this project is that I have learned to be true to myself. Many people change things based on what is fashionable, or they follow their designer's or contractor's advice. I am not saying these options are wrong, they are just not the way I want to go.

Our little house was built in the "cape code" style. In California. I actually like the way the house and the neighborhood look. But I like clean lines and simple things around me. I don't want anything that is golden, dark, or ornate inside the house. This realization has allowed me to choose the things that I really love against the advice of many. I am making choices for us as a family and I am not making choices for an imaginary future buyer. There, I said it!

I will post pictures of our progress, and you can all come and comment as to how beautiful everything is. All right?

Have a happy weekend!

Two things I am loving

2010-10-26T17:40:00.002+02:00

Now that we are back in California, I'm looking at my surroundings with fresh eyes, enjoying what we have. I guess I am looking for the unique detail, the inspiring place, the things that make California MY California. One place that defines Southern California more than anything else is the beach. Did I ever miss the beach while living in Italy? I loved the lakes, but the small rocky beaches of the Pacific coast? They are a world onto themselves. Two weeks after arriving home, it was time to visit...

We went to the beach on Sunday, trying to catch some sunset magic to bring the day to a close. We walked to the tidepools, our barefeet on the cold sand, clouds and fog keeping us protected under their embrace. It was quiet and beautiful. I love the beach almost as much as the mountains. It was everything I knew it was, and more. I have to remember this feeling, the luscious landscape, the small details. I have to go back often.

This spontaneous outing of ours found us with our camera in tow. Husband was taking some close ups of a star fish and I was happily waiting for him to finish when I remembered that I had my hipstamatic with me! Well, the next best thing: the application for my iPhone. I can foresee many more outings for us two (my camera phone and I.)
I LOVE the results. Don't you?

The places you will go...

2010-10-22T05:32:00.000+02:00

It has been a long hiatus. I needed a break from everything to focus on the big changes happening this fall.

We have left Italy with a heavy heart but with the knowledge that we were fortunate to live there three wonderful years. We made friends that will be friends tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, and the day after that. We have walked through ancient cities, we have shared meals and laughter, we have opened our eyes to a wider and special world.

AdornmentsNYC

We have left Italy but Italy has not left us. So much was learned there, so many doors opened, so much inspiration drawn from the mountains and lakes that I believe us part Italian now. Our home deeply rooted in Colombia, with a wide and strong Californian core, blooming with Italian colors and scents.

We are back in beautiful California, and the warmth that has welcomed us is a good remedy for our longing. We are back home to good friends, friendly neighbors, open arms and endless possibilities. I am thankful for what we had and for what is to come. I feel I live a privileged life.

I wear the necklace pictured above every day. It is a good conversation starter, and it brings out the Italophiles around me. It is a beautiful thing!

I will be back soon to tell you all about our plans for the future. Ciao Ciao.

#240 The end

2010-09-30T23:39:00.005+02:00

The last one. I did not get even close to 365, but I have to say that the project helped me to open my eyes and really look! It has been a blast!
This image was taken in Milan, while having some grown up time with my friends. One of the many goodbyes I don't want to say...

365 Days in Color
240/365 The end
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias

#239 My world in my hand

2010-09-28T23:14:00.004+02:00

239/365 My world in my hand
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

The rest of the year

2010-09-24T10:39:00.000+02:00

Available in the shop now! A farewell of sorts...

New calendar in my shop!

2010-09-24T00:10:00.001+02:00

I am getting a little ahead of myself. I have finished the calendar but it is almost midnight, so I won't be posting it in the shop until tomorrow. I just want to give you a sneak peek.

#236 It doesn't hurt

2010-09-22T17:31:00.004+02:00

Not in my hand. There is a little pain though in witnessing the change of seasons as our life in Italy comes to an end. My 365 days in color is also ending this month. Closure.

236/365 It doesn't hurt
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#234 Where else?

2010-09-21T18:50:00.004+02:00

I took this picture on Saturday while walking the fun streets of Amsterdam. What a city! I will have to come back one day. I think I could have taken one picture like this for every color of the rainbow... bike love.

234/365 Where else?
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

An update

2010-09-20T15:09:00.009+02:00

Looking back at my previous posts I realized that I have kept a secret from you dear readers. I have not told you that we are leaving beautiful Italy for beautiful California! We will be moving in October and you can imagine the state of my mind at this very moment.

If I had to use one word to describe what I am feeling, BITTERSWEET would be it.

I am so thankful for the time spent in Italy, for the inspiration, the friendships, the light, the food, the adventure, the discovery... I am looking forward to our time in California and all the good that awaits us there. I will keep you posted!

Now, some images from my 365 days in color, a flood of chartreuse to stimulate your senses.

365 Days in Color

#229 Round n' round

2010-09-13T17:50:00.007+02:00

This color keeps on finding me, and I am happy to oblige.

229/365 Round n' round
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#228 More color

2010-09-12T12:47:00.004+02:00

Too much fun! I had to share another one from the colorful coffee shop.

228/365 More color
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#227 Layers

2010-09-11T23:45:00.004+02:00

I have not been posting on the blog for a while, sorry! This one is the latest image of this month: an abstract composition captured while drinking some great espresso. A chair casting a shadow on its own surface. layers of color. LOVE it!

227/365 Layers
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#224 Iced lime

2010-09-08T17:39:00.003+02:00

This composition sings to me... I keep looking at it and finding elements to love. I only wish I could see more of the wetness on the lime. I am liking this month even more than orange! A good farewell to a multicolored year.

224/365 Iced lime
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#222 Ground surprise

2010-09-06T18:50:00.004+02:00

Looking down has its rewards. Great texture and color, with cool chucks courtesy of our cousin JP, who is visiting.

222/365 Ground surprise
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#221 Vespa love

2010-09-06T12:44:00.003+02:00

We went searching for the perfect vespa for my husband. He has done so much research on them, and he wants an old one, in working order, restored... Oh the beauties out there take my breath away! I think we might have found the one (it is not this one pictured here). Cross my fingers.

221/365 Vespa love
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#220 Cone

2010-09-04T00:07:00.003+02:00

220/365 Cone
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#219 September in my hand

2010-09-02T00:25:00.004+02:00

A new month and a new color: chartreuse, which is a fancy way of saying yellow-green. This is the color that is most visible to the human eye. A good way to end my year of colors.

219/365 September in my hand
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

Front page!

2010-09-01T15:12:00.003+02:00

My life at the moment is a roller coaster ride (you know how much I enjoy those, right?) with so many things going on I had forgotten to tell you about my other new store!
It is interesting to see that there is still a lot of room out there for photography.
So, in related news, one of my images made it to Etsy front page! Hooray!

Please come by for a visit, and leave me comments or suggestions if you have them. It is just one click away!

#218 Holding on!

2010-08-31T14:58:00.002+02:00

Taken yesterday but to sick to post... I went to the doctor's and I have bronchitis! I am on antibiotics, and some narcotic that will help me sleep through the night (sleep through the night!)
Last day of August... Good bye orange, you were a favorite of mine!

218/365 Holding on!
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#217 Clock Compo

2010-08-29T19:38:00.003+02:00

An easy one today, but an interesting one nonetheless. One of my favorite "design" objects in my home: Time Square by Nava Milano. A layer of shadows and some cropping make for an interesting composition.
Still fighting with jet-lag and with a bothersome cough... I am not feeling my best.

217/365 Clock Compo
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#216 Iguana

2010-08-28T19:34:00.001+02:00

I know, I know... after my beautiful sunset this comes as a surprise. Right? I happen to think it is beautiful, with all those colors and textures, and the cool surfer necklace? I know!
I feel sorry for it too... to be subjected to a leash and a walk amongst hundreds of people... not cool.
I took this picture at the 3rd street promenade in Santa Monica. The same spot where I took the picture of the tattooed arm. It is quite a place for one of a kind images!

216/365 Iguana
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#215 August sunset

2010-08-27T18:55:00.004+02:00

Last night's welcome sunset! Breathtaking, right? Monte Rosa looks a bit like a volcano on fire! I am glad I am back home, enjoying every moment.

215/365 August sunset
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#214 As if

2010-08-27T10:42:00.003+02:00

Just a little bloom from the garden. I am not feeling well, it can be jet lag, or I got a virus in one of the many planes... Oh well...

214/365 As if
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#213 Up and down in Amsterdam

2010-08-25T23:39:00.003+02:00

We are back home in Italy. It took us a long time to get back: 5 airports, 3 long waits, 4 planes, 3 time zones, and not much sleep... I managed to remember my challenge. This is my first image with my brand new canon powershot SD1400, I am very happy with this small beauty!

213/365 Up and down in Amsterdam
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#212 SantaMonica Orange

2010-08-23T07:14:00.004+02:00

While people watching in Santa Monica's 3rd street promenade, some incredible orange caught my attention. This very disjuncted image is a close up of a tattooed arm... Isn't it great?

212/365 SantaMonica Orange
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#211 Post and run

2010-08-21T17:29:00.003+02:00

211/365 Post and run
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias

365 Days in Color

#210 DeeAnn's suntea

2010-08-19T02:55:00.003+02:00

Back in our old neighborhood, visiting with my good friend DeeAnn. She makes her tea with the power of the sun. Love and a little bit of patience are the main ingredients of this brew. I love how she inspires me.

210/365 DeeAnn's suntea
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#209 Color and glass

2010-08-16T21:21:00.001+02:00

A nice BBQ in beautiful California. The weather out here is bliss... It is nice to be back.

209/365 Color and glass
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#208 Swirl

2010-08-15T21:09:00.001+02:00

208/365 Swirl
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias

365 Days in Color

#207 Skill

2010-08-14T03:26:00.004+02:00

Another one from Cedar Point, but I have a good excuse! I was stuck inside a plane without my beloved camera all day! In addition my poor son has been sick for the last three days, we found out today that he has strep throat... antibiotics and lots of love were prescribed.

207/365 Skill
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#206 Prize

2010-08-12T06:21:00.003+02:00

Another one from Cedar Point... colorful world it is at the amusement park!

206/365 Prize
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#205 On top of the world

2010-08-10T19:12:00.003+02:00

Cedar Point. Ring any bells? It didn't for me until yesterday... This huge amusement park in Ohio is home to some of the greatest roller coasters rides in the area. With three 13 year olds in tow, we had to go. As you can see from the picture, I am not a roller coaster fan... I dislike them... I entertained myself with simple rides and picture taking. Lucky me, there was a lot of orange to be found.

205/365 On top of the world
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#204 Angels ride tigers

2010-08-09T04:58:00.004+02:00

We went to see the baseball game in Detroit. To our delight the Tigers were playing the Angels (our home team from California)... of course my son and I were rooting for the Angels, while everyone else were decked in orange... Angels won! It was a lot of fun. The carousel sits inside the stadium, isn't it fun?

204/365 Angels ride tigers
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#203 Mermelada

2010-08-08T05:01:00.001+02:00

203/365 Mermelada
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias

#202 State theatre

2010-08-07T01:30:00.002+02:00

We are visiting friends in Michigan. Ann Arbor is a great university town, great architecture, restaurants and vibe. A neon sign like this I would never see in Italy.

202/365 State theatre
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

When friends go

2010-08-03T10:49:00.000+02:00

I finished the little moka for my friend Heidi. I tried to replicate my Moka Monte print on it and it works on some levels, and not so much on others. I wish I had had more time to keep working on it.

But you know, sometimes it is ok to let go, it is ok to say good bye.

2010-08-02T23:28:00.003+02:00

The things you see when you have your eyes wide open...

Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

And the winner is...

2010-08-02T07:00:00.010+02:00

Andreina! a fellow Etsy creator and maker. Andreina is from Venezuela and she lives in the UK. You should visit her store, as she makes beautiful jewelry. Congratulations!
Thank you all for your comments and encouragement.

Winner was chosen using Random number generator.

#200 Some orange

2010-08-01T23:01:00.003+02:00

A little bit of orange captured my eye on the table. This was left after the b-b-q today. I think ORANGE is going to be a lot of fun.
200/365 Some orange
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

One more day to enter my giveaway!

2010-07-31T21:04:00.001+02:00

Check my GIVEAWAY! Comments close Sunday at 10:00 PM (GMT+1)
Good luck!

Painting a farewell

2010-07-29T08:00:00.000+02:00

I am painting goodbyes and memories into this little moka. For the first time, I am working on a piece with someone in mind. My good friend Heidi is moving back to the States, and her departure was a surprise to all of us that know and love her.

Heidi is not only a fellow runner (a force of nature at that,) but she has been a dear friend and a supporter of my work. Just over a month ago she gave me the opportunity to sell my work at her house, and from that moment on, my official business was born. All I needed was that friendly push to finish the run!

Heidi has purchased my three prints featuring mokas, and she mentioned that she would love a real moka to go with the prints. Of course I jumped at the chance of making my first custom order as her gift.

I am making a 3-D version of my Moka monte, similar colors and concept. The bottom of the pot will be different shades of blue, the liquid sky ready to be poured out.

The top will feature my signature triangle texture. I am still debating if I will add a layer of my signature branches. I have to wait and see how all the colors look together before I make a decision. It is a dialogue, you see? The painting talks back, it whispers colors and shapes to my hand.

One thing I know I want to include is wings. I wanted to make them out of Papier-mâché but I won't have enough time. I will paint them. These are just images of the process, first layers of color. I will show you the finish product soon!

I hope you like it dear friend!

#199 Radius on gray

2010-07-28T22:43:00.002+02:00

I am having so much fun with gray! I can't hardly believe it. When I chose this color I was a little afraid of gray; not a real color I said, not fun, not bright, not attractive... I was wrong! Beautiful, beautiful gray... Thank you!

199/365 Radius on gray
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#198 Stone wall

2010-07-27T23:10:00.002+02:00

A simple image of a stone wall. So many different variations of gray, it is beautiful.

198/365 Stone wall
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#197 Balance

2010-07-26T20:41:00.003+02:00

Just like the smallest stone on top, I am trying to keep my place in the world. Transitions can be difficult, frightening, and beautiful in their precariousness.

197/365 Balance
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

Celebrating Etsy GIVEAWAY!

2010-07-26T08:00:00.025+02:00

Hello and welcome to my first giveaway! I am celebrating the opening of my Etsy Store with you, my lovely readers.

I am going to give one of my signed prints away; your choice! All you have to do is leave a comment in this post with your name and a short sentence describing what Italy means to you.

If you want to increase your chances of winning, you can become a follower on my Facebook page and share the giveaway with your friends. Please leave another comment on this post to let me know.

Only comments on this page will be entered in the giveaway. I will pick a random name on August 1st (comments close at 10 p.m. GMT+1)
I will announce the winner on Monday morning.

Thank you for your support.

#196 Composition in gray and ochre

2010-07-25T21:32:00.003+02:00

One more for the collection. I am back, and I will try to post with some regularity. It is a hard life! ;)

196/365 Composition in gray and ochre
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#195 Trulli gray

2010-07-23T23:02:00.003+02:00

One more from this wonderful trip. We visited the fairy-tale town of Alberobello today. These are the tradicional roofs of the constructions known as trulli. Breathtaking!

195/365 Trulli gray
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#194 Portoselvaggio gray

2010-07-21T19:53:00.002+02:00

I am teasing you a little with my latest pictures. I will post images of the sea, the sand, the beautiful places we have visited soon. I am trying to stay on top of my 365 Days in Color challenge. Suffice to say that these rocks are found in one of the most beautiful beaches we have seen so far. Lots of places to jump for my boys, lots of quiet and beauty for me.

194/365 Portoselvaggio gray
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias

#193 Baroque gray

2010-07-19T20:07:00.004+02:00

We are traveling in the south of Italy, visiting the heel of the boot. The weather is incredible, the people are friendly, the food is to die for, and the internet connection is spotty. We visited the city of Lecce today; I have no words to describe it. I am sorry I am posting just a small detail of the fantastic ornamentation to be found here. Once I have more time I will post more images. A nice glass of wine is calling my name now... got to go...

193/365 Baroque gray
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

Laundry

2010-07-15T08:16:00.002+02:00

New work in the store, a different Italy than before. I am still exploring the possibilities. I am going to see where this takes me. Feel free to leave your comments, I enjoy them.

Laundry
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias

#192 Mokas

2010-07-14T21:06:00.003+02:00

One more gray, with one of my favorite subjects, off course. Tomorrow is all about packing and getting ready, ready for some sand in our toes and salt in our hair... I can't wait!

192/365 Mokas
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

Laundry in progress

2010-07-12T18:52:00.003+02:00

Just the first layer of color to this point. I hope to have it finish by tomorrow. Keeping with the subject of Italy, but moving away from the Mokas... for now.

Laundry in progress
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias

#191 Old gray

2010-07-11T19:25:00.002+02:00

Looking up in the old part of Azzate. Beauty in the little details.

191/365 Old gray
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#190 Textures

2010-07-09T23:29:00.003+02:00

Gray is beautiful. It is the perfect color when it comes to contrast. It brings all the warm of the wood in this case. Humble gray, I like you a lot!

190/365 Textures
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

Step by step

2010-07-09T09:58:00.004+02:00

Yesterday I made a banner for my Etsy store. I took a couple pictures along the way so that you can have a sneak peek into my process.

The first thing I did was to get the proportions of the banner on paper, Etsy suggests 760 pixels wide by 100 pixels high. Long and narrow. Then I did a quick drawing of a Moka on the left, and decided to use some of my triangles pattern in the background. I usually design on tracing paper and I transfer my finish idea to watercolor paper.

Then, it was color time. Mixing and balancing different colors

And color some more

Almost done. Then I worked all the details with ink.

When all the details were finished (I forgot to take a pic of this step,) I scanned the image, cropped it to size and then I added the name in photoshop. This is the final product. Click to enlarge, or better yet, go visit my store to see it in place :)

#189 Gray fence

2010-07-08T23:31:00.002+02:00

Posting and running... sorry!

189/365 Gray fence
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#188 Some color

2010-07-06T23:21:00.003+02:00

Doors and windows. I guess the architect in me is never far from the photographer. Little or big openings, open or closed, so telling of the care or of the neglect inside. The paper flowers were left after a local festival, enough color to make this window come to life.

188/365 Some color
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#187 Two clover window

2010-07-05T23:50:00.004+02:00

Beauty is found in the balance of delicate and harsh. The organic stone framing the window, the texture of the wall, the hand made curtain. All of it together makes for a great story. I want to learn how to crochet...

187/365 Two clover window
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

A photoblog no longer...

2010-07-05T10:55:00.003+02:00

Hello and welcome. If you have visited this blog of mine before, you know that images always took precedence over words. This is going to change. I will keep posting my 365 Days in Color images, but I am going to start writing about my art, the process and the inspiration.

So, without further ado, lets get the new and improved blog started!

This is the corner of my house where most of the magic happens. On the left and out of the picture there is an empty desk with a fabulous window facing a nice view of the town of Azzate, northern Italy. This desk is where I sketch, and paint. I get most of my inspiration from my surroundings, my everyday.

I recently started a brand new series of work based on an icon of Italian design and a household essential: the Moka.

I used to make work that related to my identity as a Colombian. It was a personal look into my cultural roots and the displacement I felt living away from the place I called home. Then we moved again (from the US to Italy) and I found myself longing for my other home; my cultural identity is now that of the traveler, the suitcase carrier, the wanderer. I am now interested in exploring the places I temporarily inhabit, and how we relate to them. The concept of the souvenir is essential to my work as I am interested in the idea that an object can convey a place, a memory, a still moment in time.

This is how Italy as a souvenir was born. Both the two-dimensional and the three-dimensional works start with the iconic, the object that stands for the place; then I modify this object to make it my own. I use it as a canvas of sorts. I appropriate it with my paintbrush. Sometimes the shape of it is the main inspiration for the design, sometimes it is just the background to an idea.

Ideas inspired by keeping my eyes wide open, looking for that detail that makes a moment and a place special. I am a keeper of moments, I track them with my lens, I keep records of the fleeting, the sporadic. Stills as collections, stills that transform the landscape into a cultural object. Another kind of a souvenir.

There. I wrote it down. This is why I do it.

#186 Gray geometry

2010-07-04T22:11:00.003+02:00

Happy fourth! We had a bbq and fireworks at home... no pool, no margaritas... I could have used either as it is hot here! I'm just saying...
A little bit of gray from home. Lovely detail on the windows.

186/365 Gray geometry
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#185 So Italy

2010-07-03T10:30:00.003+02:00

Gray is the color for July! Gray? In July? Of course! Better to do it now that everything is bright and colorful, when one would not be driven to a deep depression when looking for gray... and I need an easy color this month... too much happening in my life. Let's celebrate gray!

185/365 So Italy
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#184 Closing the aquamarine door

2010-06-30T21:33:00.001+02:00

Last day of June, last day of one of my favorite colors so far. One door closes and another one opens.

184/365 Closing the aquamarine door
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#183 mosaic

2010-06-29T17:13:00.002+02:00

Aquamarine in my mind... another one from our trip to cinque terre... What a beautiful and inspiring place. My visitors left, and with them the sunshine... It is still really hot though. I loved having a full house, now it is back to business! Working on setting my new blog and Etsy store.

183/365 mosaic
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#182 Riomaggiore aquamarine

2010-06-28T11:55:00.003+02:00

A weekend visit to Cinque Terre. Great weather and wonderful company. I have been absent from my color challenge this month, but life gets in the way! Will try and post regularly...

Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias 182/365 Riomaggiore aquamarine
365 Days in Color

#181 Fading

2010-06-24T23:20:00.002+02:00

Another one from yesterday's visit to Lonate Pozzolo.

181/365 Fading
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#180 Lonate Pozzolo and aquamarine

2010-06-23T23:26:00.003+02:00

Still busy, we have visitors here and we are coming and going all the time. Good thing I picked up this marble before leaving the house! We went to the town where my friend's family is originally from. Great visit if only to travel to the past and walk in your grandfathers shoes...

180/365 Lonate Pozzolo and aquamarine
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#179 Boring fence

2010-06-21T23:02:00.002+02:00

I am very tired but very happy. The sale went very well and my confidence has been boosted high. Sorry I could only manage a boring shot. I like some aspects of it, like the rust and the DoF. Happy Monday everyone!

179/365 Boring fence
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#178 Ant

2010-06-20T17:09:00.002+02:00

The power of macro! I can see so much detail on this little one... a little aquamarine in disguise... it counts! I am almost ready for my sale tomorrow. I am very excited and very nervous. Hope it all goes well.

178/365 Ant
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#177 In a row

2010-06-16T19:57:00.003+02:00

No time for anything other than working... Monday is the big day! I will have a big sale of my artwork locally. I am running out of time, and to top it off, it is the end of the year!!! A "panic shot" taken in a hurry. sorry peeps!

177/365 In a row
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#176 Azzurro

2010-06-14T22:49:00.002+02:00

Not really aquamarine, and also not a picture taken today... Last day of school for my class! We had a great year!

176/365 Azzurro
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#175 Another door...

2010-06-12T22:53:00.000+02:00

175/365 Another door...
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias

365 Days in Color

#174 Some more aqua while having fun

2010-06-11T22:36:00.002+02:00

A girls night out in town, a pic taken after a couple proseccos... what can I say?

174/365 Some more aqua while having fun
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#173 Found!

2010-06-09T23:06:00.002+02:00

It is so late, and I am so tired! Lots of good things happening, including finding doors the right color! You have to love a good door when it shows up when you need it! Good night...

173/365 Found!
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#172 Where in the world?

2010-06-08T19:13:00.003+02:00

Inspired by paloetic, a take of my own. We should all do one! Interesting shades of aquas and blues, I am slightly bothered by the shine on them... oh well.

172/365 Where in the world?
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#171 Old thing...

2010-06-07T17:52:00.002+02:00

Some days I think this aquamarine challenge would be easier if we lived in the past. Their color choices are not understated! Image captured during the "Abbracciamo il Lago" festivities yesterday. We tried to break a Guiness World Record by holding hands around Lago Varese... There were some holes in the embrace. Pity...

171/365 Old thing...
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#170 Zig-zag

2010-06-05T18:11:00.002+02:00

Not as interesting as I would like.

170/365 Zig-zag
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#169 Better late than never

2010-06-04T19:26:00.002+02:00

Beautiful beads purchased at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. I have wanted to make a necklace with them, now that they are out of storage I think I will. I will post the finish work here.

169/365 Better late than never
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#168 Aqua in process

2010-06-03T19:43:00.003+02:00

Like little soldiers in the back, my work in progress. I keep on postponing going live on the web, need to find more time! Inspired by cleaning brushes... not quite aquamarine, but it will do.

168/365 Aqua in process
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#167 "My dress hangs there"

2010-06-02T21:52:00.002+02:00

Inspired by artist Frida Kalho and her empty dress against her vision of the American landscape. She wanted to move back to Mexico, and she expresed her longing by her implied physical absence. We are awaiting news to see if we stay in Italy or if we go to the back to the States. I guess I feel in limbo.
On the positive side, I adore this dress and what it implies... Summer!

167/365 "My dress hangs there"
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#166 Car TtV

2010-06-01T22:48:00.001+02:00

Brand new color for June: aquamarine! It is going to be a challenge, I know that much. Aquamarine just feels so summery, like cool pools and turquoise jewelry, don't you think?
Because of a mistake way back in Blue land, I messed up my days, so I am making up for it now, instead of going back and changing all the titles on my images.

166/365 Car TtV
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#164 My other dog

2010-05-31T18:55:00.002+02:00

The idea was to take a picture of the street crossing for my "white" color... but this was so much more interesting. The white is there though! It was fun to find white, now to another color...

164/365 My other dog
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias
365 Days in Color

#163 Dandelion

2010-05-30T19:22:00.002+02:00

I know that everyone and their mother are taking pictures of dandelions, but it is quite a sublime subject don't you think? It reminds me of childhood and wishes. I took many pictures, and I am showing you my two favorites. The one on the left is a little blurred, but that is exactly what I like about it, it is like a dream. The one on the right is just too perfect to be true. My first diptych!

163/365 Dandelion
Originally uploaded by beatrizmacias - back!
365 Days in Color