Hello and happy JUNE! Wow. Didn’t see that coming, didja? This week’s newsletter is is filled with all kinds of juicy stuff — maybe too much juicy stuff? I’ve been made aware that some of you get lost while perusing and before you know it’s Sunday and you’ve got to get ready for the week ahead. Please know, you can read as much or as little as you like, follow the links or just stroll through and get on with your day. Or maybe you’ll dip in now, and save some for later? In any case, it’s all for you. BTW: thanks to the folks who’ve sent messages — “I love your newsletter,” one subscriber said to me this week. Well, my newsletter loves you, too. Enjoy!
These flower paintings by Yayoi Kusama are a new discovery for me. And they’re glorious!
The mighty octopus immortalized in mosaic. What could be better?
Pee Wee’s house is for sale! Great pics of his mid-century pad.
The Broad in Downtown LA is presenting, All About Love, featuring the work of Mickalene Thomas, an American artist working in a number of different forms. This is Portrait of Mnonja. It’s hard to make out, but the painting is decked with rhinestones.
I’m fascinated by this embroidery project—the symmetry! The design!
The wonderful painter Stephen O’Donnell has a great art blog—this week’s entry is about the insect paintings of Jan Ven Kessel the Elder.
Here’s a lesser-known number by the great Ann-Margret—it’s called Appreciation. Stick around for the tempo change.
This “stained glass” door made of Pantone color swatches was designed by Italian architect Armin Blasbichler. There’s also a tutorial for making your own.
It’s unlike me to include a sports clip in this newsletter, but I’m making an exception.
One of my favorite things is when an artist uses mundane materials to make something transcendant. Like the paper sculptures by Rogan Brown.
Found this really terrific live performance by The Manhattan Transfer and Ella Fitzgerald, from the 1983 Grammys.
I’m a sucker for a big tumbling mess of morning glories. Aren’t the colors just incredible?
Thanks for tuning in. Happy weekend! — Chris
All of your highlights are wonderful. A special thanks for The Manhattan Transfer and Ella Fitzgerald link! Absolutely terrific!
I fell into and through those morning glories and landed in alive.