Look at  this fabulous street art I came across in Copenhagen in Denmark! Loving this interpretation of Mona Lisa in her sharp suit. Graffiti and stenciling are cool artistic mediums and this one appeals to me quite strongly. No surprise that I used sections of my photograph to create a textile pattern out of this piece of art. Thoughts? 

Oh, what a treat it is to enjoy the lovely art exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC! I spent the day there yesterday with a dear friend strolling through the halls filled with amazing creativity. One of the shows that we really enjoyed is called "Marlene Dietrich: Dressed for the Image" (on show until April 15, 2018). 

Dietrich is indeed a known movie star but this exhibition explores her role in redefining the roles of women in society and challenging the narrow views on femininity during her time. She knew how to be so many 'personalities': from the ultra feminine to the ultra masculine. She knew how to push society's buttons while making crowds fall in love with her. She brought androgyny into the movie screen and to the real life. Take a look at the photograph below that demonstrate beautifully her power and no-nonsense personality. 

The photographs are accompanied by stories from Dietrich's life introducing her personal experiences and her public image. Dietrich was a perfectionist crafting her photoshoots to the smallest detail. And of course, we cannot forget her impeccable fashion style. Look at these suits! She knew exactly how to merge traditional silhouettes with the latest in menswear appealing to both her female and male audiences. She was revolutionary in her time not letting politics and public pressure stop her from being who she wished to be. 

As you walk through this intriguing exhibition, I believe it will dawn on you how incredibly daring and brave Dietrich was for her time and she may still be even in our days. I urge you to stop by this show and learn about this fascinating woman. 

Isn't this just a delightful sight? I saw this old barn on a hike a few weeks back and thought about how something old and covered in rust can be this beautiful ... Look at the colors, textures, shapes ... all working together to create the loveliest of sights. The day was warm, slight breeze in the air. And inspiration all around! So, in today's Monday Dose of RADOST, I wish for all of us to look at the world we live in and see a bit of beauty, even if sometimes it may be covered in rust. 

Flowers are the most popular inspiration in fashion and textile design. Popular for centuries in a variety of creative fields, it's no surprise that I am drawn to them in my own work. I paint flowers; I take photos of them. So, here we go with a lovely Rose of Sharon in the tenderest of pinks. And, here we go with several textile patterns I created out of my photo (or sections of it). Which one do you like the most? 

I live close to the Mansion at Strathmore in Rockville, Maryland, and go see every single art show there. It's just such a lovely local staple; their shows are varied and beautifully curated and I always learn something new. So, a few days ago, I hopped over to see an exhibition called "Still Lives" that features delightful paintings by Jennifer Allevato. 

I didn't know what to expect of this show but ended up loving it completely. I walked into the exhibition room and colors popped at me from all directions! And the most vibrant colors too! Allevato is inspired by Postimpressionism. Her exhibition showcases her floral still lives, scenes of interiors, and table settings. Looking at her exquisite paintings, I am reminded of summers in Southern France and paintings of Pierre Bonnard. And while there are so many lovely colors in her work, Allevato seems to take us into spaces that are calm and quiet; spaces where we can relax and reconnect with the beauty of nature and warmth of home. 

I found myself pausing in front of each painting for a long time taking in the colors and unique color combinations. The painting depict real objects and introduce a sense of touch, beyond the sense of eye sight. One can imagine the flowers being arranged in vases. One can imagine the food being put on table. One can imagine the process of furnishing a beautiful home and then sitting down in a chair by the fireplace.  

Do you see what I mean? Aren't these paintings intense yet so welcoming in their quiet nature? I would love to walk into a room with these beautiful flowers and sit down to enjoy a meal with family and friends. So, I encourage you to hop over to see this lovely show and imagine yourself in these unique spaces. Enjoy!

Look up! Look up! Look up! There is much to discover :) I took this photo a few weeks ago on a hike through a forest. Not sure why but I laid down on the cold ground and just gazed at the bright blue sky. Creative ideas came my way. A sense of relaxation came my way. And, a belief in all kinds of possibilities came my way. So, in this week's Dose of RADOST, I wish for all of us to pause and to look up and see opportunities for self-expression and kindness.  

It's snowing outside right now, yet the sky is still the loveliest shade of blue. Blue is one of my favorite colors so in this Friday's Textile of the Week, I bring you a watercolor painting I did that explores a variety of blues and their visual power. And of course, I created a few patterns out of the artwork. Don't they just pull you in? I love the play of dark and light. I love the play of shapes and textures. Which one is your favorite? 

My brand RADOST is known for infinity scarves. I love the ease of their use; I also love their flexibility. Yet, many of you are asking for rectangular scarves so those are now available in all patterns in my online shop. And now onto the practical things ...

How does one wear a rectangular scarf so it always feels like a unique fashion accessory? So it always uplifts an outfit? So it always brings joy into your day? Well, there are at least 4 ways. Take a look! 

What's your favorite way of styling a rectangular scarf? Which one of these style tips do you enjoy? Let me know! I always appreciate hearing from you. 

I enjoy spending time painting and learning about what colors I am drawn to and how colors interact within a piece of art. It's a humbling experience: one never graduates from the joys of color. There is always something new just around the corner, in the next stroke of brush. What do you enjoy learning about? 

One of my favorite classes that I teach is a workshop during which we take a variety of photos and create a mandala out of them. This is a rather intuitive art concept; one gets to go by feeling and mood and creates a unique piece of art. Some mandalas end up having a theme, e.g., this one that's all about travel and exploration; others are all about color and shape. And since it is Friday and thus "Textile of the Week" day, here we go with a few textile patterns I created out photos of this sample mandala. What colors, right? 

I am rather fascinated by colors, textures, and shapes. I study all of these in my textile design work and I also incorporate these elements in my photography. Last year, I took a sailing trip to the Tangier Island in Virginia, a fascinating community worth visiting.​ Yet, one of the most memorable moments for me was the time I spent at a local marina. I just strolled around, taking in the fresh air, enjoying the sounds of work boats coming in and out. And then I paused and started snapping photos ... of rust. Yes, rust. Because rust loves a nice marina. Rust, it turns out, is an artist who alters surfaces with mighty force. We may get annoyed when something we own gets rusty but I find rust lovely and hence, here we go with a series of macrophotos called "Rust is an Artist". 

A little stroll turned into an admiration for anything and everything rusty. And, as I said, these photos indeed honor the power of colors, textures, and shapes. I am so proud to say that my photos are now featured at The Muse in Frederick, MD, during the month of March 2018. You can stop by and see how I treat rusty creations as pieces of modern abstract art. It's all about lines and color interactions. I gave my photographs names (see below) though you are welcome to let your imagination go wild and think and feel whatever comes up. 

During the opening night on March 3, a young woman stopped by. We had a lovely chat about the photos and she in particular liked "And the Volcano Erupted". What she saw was different from me - the little white spec at the bottom of the photo was a person in a boat. The blue area was the sea; the orange rusty area was the cliffs. Now, I cannot not see it! Isn't it great when art brings us together and allows us to connect and share?  

I approach my photography work solely based on feeling. If something wakes me up on the inside, then I investigate it. And this is indeed the case with rust. I just adore what rust has done to these surfaces, how it has worked persistently and stubbornly, and how unique all of the visual stories are. I am planning on using a few of these as inspiration for abstract watercolor paintings. I think it will be fun to mix the media up and see what happens. 

All of these photographs are available as framed prints (ranging from $105 to $125) and as unframed prints (ranging from $16 to $36). The Muse is a lovely place so stop by and chat with Whitney, the owner and passionate supporter of local artists. She will be happy to help you find the best gift for you, your loved ones, or your home. 

With my camera nearby, I am always ready to snap the next thing that captures me. What it's going to be? Who knows. I love surprises! 

My dear friend Angela White, a wonderfully talented painter, is having a solo show soon! So, in this week's Monday Dose of RADOST, I am proud to share details about her art exhibition. I hope you can make it to the opening to meet the ever-so-kind Angela and to learn about her incredible landscapes inspired by places she has traveled. See you there!

Or rather, cathedral windows! Travel is often a source of inspiration for my textile design. And it so happens that during my travels, I often end up at a cathedral or two. And when I look up, I am taken aback by the beauty of the immense windows ... So, here are four textile patterns I created out of my photos of mosaic windows. I enjoy the intense colors and the intricacy of the details. Which one is your favorite? Why? Let me know!