Art + Plants = True Love

Art has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I am not an artist by any stretch of the imagination, at least not in the traditional sense. I love using writing, color, and design especially as they pertain to plants. Since I am so disinclined to create art of my own, I am very appreciative of those who can and do create it. To take it a step further, I especially love artists who create art for or about plants! This can be as small as a sticker for a notebook, as large as as an oil painting for a wall, or anywhere in between.

I am getting very close to finishing the sunroom/office design that began ruminating in my brain nearly a year ago. I thought nearly as much about the art that would fill the room as I did about the construction of the room itself, it’s that important to me. Like plants, art sustains many of us. It’s an outlet, a passion, and a hobby, though not necessarily in that order. I’ve become fascinated lately with the intersection of plants and art. They’re both veritable feasts for the eyes and for the soul. They’re healing and full of powerful energy, and I absolutely love the way they compliment each other so beautifully. The art, though, is nothing without the artists who so remarkably give it a soul. It seems only right to give these artists the spotlight today.

These painters, designers, ceramicists, and illustrators are just a few who have touched me in the last few months. I connected with many through Instagram, but others I’ve known for longer.

Tanja and Russ Iden

I had originally planned for separate bios on Russ and Tanja, but each compliments and balances the other so harmoniously that I decided to pair them together.

Tanja and Russ Iden work from 42 East Beach Studio, and have a sausage dog named Spezi. 42 East Beach Studio sells gifts, greeting cards, interior decor, and gift wrap along with many other artistic gems from the minds of Tanja and Russ. Though other artists are featured within their space, the energy very distinctly speaks of Tanja and Russ’ colorful approach to art. Though it goes without saying, dogs are welcome at 42 East Beach Studio.

Russ was the first artist I found through Instagram that compelled me to purchase a piece of his work. As a painter and illustrator, he is impressively gifted. His bold use of color drew me in, as well as his uncanny depictions of other artists captured in paint. I came across his painted Frida Kahlo terra-cotta pot and I knew I needed one. Although the concept of painting a terra-cotta pot isn't new, Russ’ style made it feel unique and exciting for me. It’s one of those conversation pieces that’s eye-catching enough to inspire a guest to ask questions, and I love that I have a story to tell about being Russ’ first American buyer.

Since I purchased Frida, I’ve ordered three more painted terra-cotta pots from Russ, and they just arrived! I haven’t even had time to select plants for them yet.

Left to Right - Einstein, Tupac, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

In addition to his terra-cotta, Russ also paints on canvas and designs murals. He is available for commissioned paintings or illustrations. He can be contacted via e-mail at mooksart@yahoo.co.uk or via instagram @42eastbeachstudio

It was through discussion with Russ regarding a potential logo terra-cotta pot that I realized a rather unfortunate reality. I didn’t have a logo for him to paint! That’s where my work with Tanja began. After reviewing her work through her webpage and on Instagram, I discovered her business. Identity Matters offers Graphic Design and Presentation Services. Tanja’s style is bright and bold, while still fresh and simple enough not to be overwhelm the message. There’s an organizational element to her design that I appreciate very much. As someone who can’t quite put my finger on what I need, Tanja’s willingness to tinker with my logo design until it felt right was very much appreciated.

In addition to Graphic and Logo Design, Tanja and Identity Matters also offer assistance with Powerpoint presentations, Brochure design, and Photo editing, among other areas. Tanja can be contacted and booked through her webpage linked above, or on her Instagram, @identitymatters_design

I am Growing!

A pot from Devona of I am Growing has been on my must-have art list for a long time. My first exposure to her work was her Black Lives Matter pots, which I still love and plan to order. I almost did order one, in fact. I was torn between the BLM, Love is Love, and Welcome to the Party! pots. I love it when I have a hard time deciding on a purchase from an Etsy store, because that means everything is good! Knowing how I am, I figured that I’d eventually end up making another order. Love is Love almost had me, until my shopping partner emphatically insisted on Welcome to the Party! It won me over, too. I don’t have anything like it, and that’s what drew me in.

Devona was someone who showed kindness to me early in my Instagram journey, and I haven’t forgotten that. I am impressed not only with her kindness, but by her skill as a business woman, and her creativity. Her customer service was above and beyond, and I could feel the authenticity in her interaction with me. As far as her creativity, I love that her pots send powerful messages through color and design. The messages of BLM and Love is Love are messages that mean a lot to me. The name itself, “I am Growing” is another message that’s valuable for all of us. We’re all works in progress, and I love Devona’s commitment to growth.

You can find I am Growing on Instagram @iam_growing_agreenthumb or on Etsy IamgrowingByDevona

Devona offers her original designs or personalized items.

byPrimrose

Primrose from Worcester, England is my absolute favorite for prints of my most adored plants. In fact, I haven’t told her this yet, but I want to request a print of my beloved Rhipsalis paradoxa eventually…or maybe a Hoya linearis…maybe both! I love her style, it’s bold and individual. I know I won’t walk into any house on the block and see a similar print. The way the dots pop out on my Begonia Maculata print never cease to impress me. They’re almost as impactful as the spots on the plant itself. I love her Begonia print so much that I bought a second “inverted” Begonia print for my office. My office is my space to be completely me, and intermix all the styles that I adore, and these prints couldn’t more perfectly express that vibe. Not only are they beautiful, the quality of the paper is superb. It’s thick and I know it’ll stand the test of time. Not only that, but it’s really hard to find a Begonia print, let alone a good one, so I consider myself lucky to have found two Begonia prints that speak to me.

As a crazy plant lady, I really enjoy celebrating my plants in any way. This could be through photography on Instagram, but it’s also by owning art that emphasizes that I live in a house where the plants are in charge.

byPrimrose can be found on Instagram @byprimroseetsy where you can find a link in her bio to her Etsy store. She has several prints from which to choose, or accepts commissions.

Arron Navarro - Dirty Panda Ceramics

Though I love brightness and color, I’m also fascinated by darker and more fantastical art forms. Arron, also known as Dirty Panda Ceramics, has mastered the monsters, dragons, and eyeballs of the ceramic world. That’s not to say these are the only areas he’s mastered in over four years of working with clay. His color choices are unique and unexpected, and the wide array of options he offers in his pottery speak to his creativity. A perfectly soft and symmetrical Sea Urchin sits below a snarling, toothy monster on his Instagram page, which makes the browsing all the more interesting for me. Boston Terrier Domino can often be seen in Arron’s pottery photos, too.

I continue to be in awe of the craftsmanship Arron put into the four pots I ordered. Everything about them down to the tiny panda detail on the bottom of each pot is remarkable. Initially, I fell in love with Arron’s dragon egg pots on Instagram. I had my heart set on buying one (and I still do) until I saw a set of orange and blue mugs with intricate carving design. My instinct took over, and I temporarily abandoned the dragon egg design for a commission that modeled the mugs I had seen. I asked for 5’ pots with drainage holes and trays, but what I received exceeded my expectations. The pots feel substantial and the color saturation is intense and beyond my expectations.

Dirty Panda Ceramics can be found on Instagram here, or via e-mail at Arron.navarro@gmail.com with online shopping options coming in the future.

Sami McKay

Sami is otherwise known as Heaven on Earth Plants or Sami McKay Art Co. She hails from Burlington, Ontario in Canada. I’m a huge fan of her prints and stickers, and I’ve made at least three purchases that I can recall. I love how she includes a personalized thank you note signed by Sami and her dog Tango with every purchase. Such a fun touch!

Her art prints perfectly fit the vision I had in mind for my office, and I grabbed her Desert Circle Print and Mountain Scene with Gondola print as soon as I saw them on Instagram. I also have my eye on her Saturn Print (since I’m a Capricorn that’s ruled by the planet Saturn). I do, however, already have her Saturn sticker, so that’s getting me by…for now.

My journal is almost completely covered with her stickers that I bought from her Etsy shop.

Sami just has a good energy and emotional intelligence that, to me, extends beyond the person and into her creations. I love reading the snippets of poems she’s posted on her Instagram, and seeing the bright elegance of her photographs. Art is supposed to cause feeling, and that’s what Sami’s art does for me. Aside from just looking good, it has an associated positivity that I appreciate.

Sami can be found on Instagram @heavenonearthplants where you can find a link in her bio to her Etsy page.

Brooke Gates

Brooke creates fun and whimsical ceramics that speak to my (rarely seen) playful side. Her banana is one of my favorite pieces of art. It’s purely decorative, and there’s something special to me about ceramics that don’t serve any function other than just looking good. Brooke also combines form + function with her ceramics in the form of plant pots, utensil holders and mugs. Her style is fun without compromising on the technique. My banana is so beautifully shaped and painted with an adorable little face. I am looking forward to buying more of Brooke’s work in the very near future. Next on my list are pickles and at least one planter.

Brooke and her bird companions can be found on Instagram @brookaloo2

Thank You

Thank you to all of these talented artists for keeping me inspired day in and day out. Your work drives me forward on days when I don’t want to get up and find my own way to contribute to the intellectual and artistic universe.

I would LOVE to hear about your favorite artists of Instagram or anywhere else! Please comment below, send me an e-mail, or find me on Instagram to talk art! Especially plant art!