My dad unearthed this gem while sorting through some old family stuff.
I've been feeling a little uninspired lately, so this was a nice reminder that I have followed my dreams and am lucky to have done so. It's hanging in my workspace as a daily reminder that I am doing exactly what I dreamed to do.
I even got the purple skirt!
Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor.
"Factor V Leiden is a common inherited genetic disorder that can increase your chance of developing abnormal blood clots (thrombophilia), usually in your veins." - The Mayo Clinic
I have a girlfriend who had two miscarriages and some serious trouble getting pregnant because she had this hereditary gene called Factor V. My youngest cousin ended up in the hospital and almost died only to discover she had the same thing. Neither girl knew they had the factor V Leiden protein before these experiences.
Unfortunately, the test to discover this rare protein is incredibly expensive and not common enough (so it seems) to be mentioned by any doctor until after you have had multiple failed pregnancies or are in the hospital recovering from thrombophilia. "Oh, you've had 2 miscarriages and have been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant for 3 years? Oh we didn't mention that you have this "factor 5" thing which could have killed you those 10 years you were on the pill? Whoopsie!"
I know this is a bit more morbid than my usual blog entry, but it seems like Factor V should get more attention than it does. I started thinking that there should be a foundation that raises money to help women pay for the test either when they start taking hormones or before they start trying to have a baby. This resulted in a "dream creation" (like this year's Dream Holiday Christmas card): I dreamed that my girlfriends and I started a fundraising foundation for Factor V, and within the dream I came up with the logo like what you see above.
I don't think a foundation is in the cards for us right now, but creating the artwork and writing about it can at least raise awareness on a small level. A little bit of awareness is better than zero awareness.
And now a bit about the artwork: The lettering is all done with black Hi-Tec C on a watercolor paper which was wiped quickly with a water-loaded brush, and then the red "mark" (symbol of a blood clot, my subconscious is very in-your-face) was made by dropping an undiluted drop of red watercolor onto the still wet page.
Again, I'm not a doctor, please read more about factor V Leiden at the Mayo Clinic.
Every Most Tuesdays, I will feature a Louisville artist whose work I admire.
Mackenzie Haley - Illustrator
It's possible you haven't seen much of Mackenzie Haley's work - yet - because she is a moonlighting illustrator. She spends the weekdays working for The Man and has to then summon the energy to create some of her adorable pictures. It's truly a shame there isn't more of her stuff out there because Mackenzie does some really creative things with her unique drawing and collage style.
Her "critters" are drawn with a lively and playful line, and the colors are funky and fresh without being overwhelming or busy.
Right now, it looks like the best place to see her work is through her Carbon Made portfolio, but she also has a blog that is updated every few months. She is working on a children's book that is sure to be delightful and funky, just like Mackenzie!
I should mention that Mackenzie is a fellow University of Dayton Flyer with whom I had the pleasure of sharing Illustration classes every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 am :)
Sorry, no art in this post. Instead just some nerdiness. I sought out yoga classes all over Louisville and made a calendar so I would have no excuse for missing a class. The master calendar for yoga in Louisville is below (click link for a GIANT version), and I'm sharing it with anyone seeking the same info.
Disclaimers:This calendar was created for personal use. The class times might change and this does not include ALL yoga classes, especially ones too far east for me to attend. If this gains popularity, I'll add more classes and I might even color code based on style. I encourage you to contact me if you notice a schedule change or want me to add bikram*.
Enjoy!
*I am afraid of passing out in the heat of Bikram, so it does not interest me at this time.
Every Tuesday, I will feature a Louisville artist whose work I admire.
Nancy Wentzel - Painter
Over the weekend, I popped into a local Highlands gallery, Swanson Reed, and discovered a new favorite local artist. As a sucker for impressionism and vibrant colors, I was immediately attracted to her lush, lively landscapes scattered about the gallery space.
Her "streetscapes" feature rows of small homes with porches perfect for late evening chats with neighbors and sipping lemonade. "Mellwood Ave" struck the nostalgia chord with me having grown up on a similar street just a few blocks away. There were a few in the gallery that looked like my favorite grand brick homes here in the Highlands, unfortunately they do not seem to be up on her site.
Please go to Nancy's website to see more of her work, and head to Swanson Reed on Bardstown to get up close and personal with her beautiful paintings.
Over Memorial Day weekend, I spent a lovely afternoon sipping on New Albanian Brewing Co's Hoptimus at the Bank Street Brewhouse in New Albany, IN. The clever girls there were using New Albanian growlers as vases for some pretty wildflowers. Ah, summer and beer, they always go together. And in so many delightful ways.
Cat Scott - Louisville Graphic Designer and Illustrator
Every Tuesday, I will feature a Louisville artist whose work I admire.
Kristen Reinhart Davis - Kalla Studios - Silversmith and Jewelry Maker
This week, I have the pleasure of introducing you to another talented craftswoman I met at the Buy Local First Fair a few weekends ago. I was attracted to the beauty and craft of her pieces, particularly the skill involved in her tree pieces. Having been a silversmith and silver instructor back in the day, I fully appreciated the skill and patience one needs with a jeweler's saw.
Upon visiting her Kalla Studios Etsy Shop, I learned that she only uses silver that is recycled or was mined ethically. She also uses a lot of recycled material in her work like the recycled glass in her Drop Pendant necklace (bottom, right).
Learn more about Kristen and her traditional artisan techniques over at her website, www.KallaStudios.com.
Another busy week; totally forgot about Tuesday Coolsday. I'll be back in the groove next week. In the meantime, here's a gem I found at my mom's house last weekend. This was a folder of mine from grade school, probably around 1994 or 1995 (7th grade). I was getting into music so I doodled lots lyrics that would be stuck in my head during class. Recognize some oldies in there?
I was inspired to post this after seeing Gail Anderson's "My Best Work" article in How Magazine. While my folder is not nearly impressive (I like to think it is because she was a few years older when she made hers), it's still fun to see that great designers doodled about music during class just like me.
Don't worry teachers, we already learned that when you doodle, you remember more.
Cheers,
Cat Scott
P.S. Please be gentle about the stickers. There was a big smiley face thing going on in my generation...remember this poster?
Cat Scott - Louisville Graphic Designer and Illustrator
Just a few sketches before we launch into a 3 Day Weekend. I don't know about you, but I was SLAMMED with real work so I didn't have as much play time. Wednesday night I managed to get out for Waterfront Wednesday down at the Riverfront park. Relaxing in the sun, drinking beer, listening to music, watching the sun set over the Ohio... it was quite nice. I found some time to sketch a couple people who were lounging around us.
Last weekend, I took a moment to sketch my Coronita Salt & Pepper Shakers. The salt was stolen for me from a house party by a boyfriend circa 1999, and the pepper was swapped from some seafood restaurant in Indianapolis circa 2003. The napkin holder was acquired legally at Bed Bath & Beyond circa 2010.
Cheers,
Cat Scott
Cat Scott - Louisville Graphic Designer and Illustrator
Every Tuesday, I will feature a Louisville artist whose work I admire.
Casey Emrich - Jewelry Artist
I met Casey at the Buy Local First Fair at the Louisville Visual Art Association this weekend. She recognized me as a fellow Sacred Heart Academy graduate (not sure how when she wasn't in my class. She must have the best memory EVER). We shared memories of our old art teachers and I learned about her: Her beautiful little jewelry pieces are made from reclaimed findings that she paints and reassembled. She and her partner are opening a new boutique called "Consider Boutique" opening around the Holiday season right in my 'hood, the Highlands.
Visit her LeeluQ Etsy Shop to snatch up some of her goodies. I have my eye on the Autumn Branch (above, top right)!
