Just in time for election year, Look Studio is celebrating another year of independence and freedom to vote by releasing the Stars and Stripes Collection. There are six new images taken from a hand painted, metal folk art American flag. The peeling paint signifies our struggle as a country to hold onto our values while acknowledging the symbolism of strength and freedom that is dear to our hearts as Americans.

The Guggenheim Museum featured John Chamberlain's sculptures this spring in New York and I was fortunate to see this outstanding collection. Abstract Expressionism is one of the primary sources of inspiration at Look Studio. John Chamberlain, who died in December of 2011, brought Abstract Expressionism to three dimensional art using different mediums but may be best known for using automobile parts. The colorful sculptures capture energy, movement and power in a three dimensional odyssey of reality and imagination. Since seeing this exhibit, I've been inspired to photograph painted metal objects and am really liking the graphic metal abstracts. The image below titled Pennant Race is old ceiling tins that have been cut and reshaped. The texture of the folded metal has a deceptively soft look to it. Metal is a fascinating medium for abstract art as John Chamberlain knew all too well. An example of his work is below.

The 20th Annual Western Design Conference was held September 5-9, 2012. This event features western craftsmanship and wearable art. Look Studio was proud to provide the backdrop images for the exhibit booth of k. b. hansel jewelry and Coyote Couture Colorado. Best of Show for Wearable Art was won by k. b. hansel jewelry and lexiebec. The four images used in this year's exhibit were from the Great Plains Collection. This collection was inspired last year after attending Cody High Style in Cody, Wyoming. The images in this collection represent abstract landscapes with the illusion of the colors and textures seen on the plains of Wyoming. Sweetwater Grass, one image in the collection, can be purchased at Sequoia Santa Fe. The image below features k. b. hansel jewelry and Look Studio art as the backdrop.

Clyfford Still was one of the leading artists in Abstract Expressionism. Works of this period reflected themes about creation, life, struggle, death and the human condition. Clyfford Still's work had minimal exposure during his lifetime but was known and seen in San Francisco, Pennsylvania and New York. Denver, Colorado is fortunate to be the home of the Clyfford Still Museum, that houses 2,400 paintings that have been in isolation since Still's death in 1980. The museum is architecturally inspiring and takes you through the evolution of his work. Clyfford Still's paintings are a compelling inspiration each day that I look though the lens at the layers beyond what the eye can recognize. The image titled "Still Life" symbolizes the influence of Clyfford Still's work. In this image you see a flaming red background that represents life's struggles. The solitary brush strokes of yellow are resilient and conquer their place on a metal background that denotes lasting strength.  

One of the exciting projects Look Studio took on this spring was a large 9 foot by 6 foot installation in the home of Cil and Richard Klamper. The Klampers designed their dream home that overlooks the beautiful Frying Pan River in Basalt, Colorado. They've thought of every detail from a sewing room for Cil's quilting projects to a home office overlooking the great room for Richard. They have combined aspects of a traditional home with a nod toward modern, clean lines. Together the Klampers selected Mabel's Watercolor from Look Studio to complete their great room. The image was separated into six 3' x 3' images and installed to make a dramatic impact from the moment you enter the house. It was a delightful project and the Klampers are very happy with their bold and bright artwork from Look Studio.