Botanica VS 20/20: Help choose my next bag design for Cykochik!

I am beyond excited to collaborate again with Cykochik for their newest collection, Artist Series 4! I had such fun designing a set of reverse applique hand bags for their Artist Series 3 Collection in 2013, as well as a tee and limited edition commemorative tote for the Texas Veggie Fair. I've had the opportunity to get to know Nikki, as well as other like-minded artists and art patrons along the way.

Cykochik is always pushing forward and not only making strides in modern fashion, but making an impact in their community and beyond by advocating for eco and animal-friendly causes, and creating their products in a responsible and ethical way.

I'm honored to be a part of their newest collection, and would be so grateful if you'd take a moment to hop on over to their facebook page and vote on either "A" or "B" in the comments. The concept of portable and functional art is something I'm very passionate about, so this collaboration has been a dream! Thank you for taking the time to be a part of it and support independent artists and businesses!

You can vote for your favorite here through 1/31. 

Link Love: 12.2014

• 5 creativity myths you probably believe.
• I'm looking forward to experiencing the artistic saga of Walter & Margaret Keane through the eyes of Tim Burton in his newest biographical film, Big Eyes.
• A brilliant visual illustration of how much public space we have given to cars.
• Haunting drone footage of Pripyat, nearly 30 years after the Chernobyl Power Plant tragedy.
• Neil deGrasse Tyson's 8 books that every intelligent person on the planet should read.
• Entitlement might make you more creative.
• Inspirograph is a digital version of a childhood favorite, the Spirograph. (Have fun!)
• Columbia University's DeathLab comes up with a potentially creative new way to honor and store the dead.

Art Con X!

More about Art Conspiracy:

Art Conspiracy was formed to create awareness for the arts, and to bring artists and musicians together to “conspire” for the benefit of the local arts scene.
The 2005 Art Conspiracy event, the first of its kind, was held at the historic Texas Theater in Oak Cliff, where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested shortly after President John F. Kennedy was shot. JFK-oriented conspiracy theories are intertwined in modern Dallas life. The name, Art Conspiracy, acknowledges this and also highlights the positive impact conspiracies can bring about.

Mission: Art Conspiracy is a nonprofit community that conspires to bring artists and musicians together, raise funds, and activate awareness for regional creative programs and causes.  

Vision: To be an altruistic friend, resource, and platform for the regional creative community

I walked into the warehouse on creation day armed with coffee and my trusty Sakura Permapaque markers. They are definitely by go-to markers when working on wood or canvas.

Like last year, I really had no plan and just went with the flow. Winging it seems to give me a far more superior outcome than extensive planning for some reason.

My finished piece! Due to having way too much fun and shenanigans with other artists, this took me far longer than last year. Haha.

There is nothing quite like being part of Art Con. Crossing my fingers that I'll be chosen again next year!

P.S. My partner in crime was amazing and filmed my portion of the auction. You can watch below!

Travel Diary: NYC!

What can I say? I love NYC! This was my second time to visit, and I still feel like there are never enough minutes in the day to see everything. I guess I'll just have to come back! I saw art, ate delicious food, attended the NYC Craft Beer Festival, spent quality time with friends, caught a show at the Bowery Ballroom, and even got to see Chris Rock, Dave Attell, and Jeff Ross at the famous Comedy Cellar. I can't wait to go back!

The view of Manhattan from Liberty Park.

I was so excited that my visit happened to coincide with the 13th Hour Exhibition at Last Rites Gallery!

"indulgence 4' by Menton3.

If you aren't familiar with Menton3's work, you are missing out! You can see/hear more about his many projects here.

Sculpture by H.R. Giger!

'Passing of the Teacher' by NC Winters.

'Sarracenia Heart' by Fay Helfer. I love that this one was created using pyrography and natural pigments, including indigo, turmeric, bone char, and cochineal.

'Pushing Daisies' by Jacub Gagnon.

''Viva Vampirella' by Brian Viveros and 'Martyr' by David Stoupakis.

While in line at the Comedy Cellar, I snapped this shot of my lovely friend Stefanie with my Cykochik//Texas Veggie Fair tote!

I can't express how exciting it was to finally see Tara McPherson's Cotton Candy Machine Gallery & Shop in person!

Record shopping in Brooklyn.

This Will Destroy You at the Bowery Ballroom.

Until next time, New York!

Link Love: 11.2014

• Molly Crabapple's 14 rules for creative success in the internet age.
• Have you ever wondered what a tattoo looks like at a microscopic level?
• I want this Lost in Translation mug by BagApart.
• As an illustrator who is constantly hunched over a drafting table, these six stretches have been invaluable to my routine.
• How successful people handle toxic people.
• These captivating porcelain sculptures by Nuala O’Donovan beautifully mimic fractal patterns found in nature.