Wonderland

I must have been inspired by the recent Alice in Wonderland movie, because I almost never paint nature. It was a fun break from the norm though, especially the grass! Maybe this piece marks new artistic ventures into the outdoors for me :)

(currently available for sale, oil on canvas, 42" x 42")

Wicky-Up

My brother Donesh was here last week for his spring break. As kids, our parents took us to the Sequoia National Park, so it only seemed right to return 15 years later :)

We stayed at the beautiful Wicky-Up Bed & Breakfast in Lemon Cove, just 15 miles outside of the park. The B&B is nestled in the middle of a 100 year old orange farm. Every morning we had fresh orange juice from the orchards. It was beautiful to say the least, and I would recommend it to anyone.

These are two of my favorite photographs from our weekend getaway. I can't get over the Dr. Seuss looking tree :)

Even the 4 hour drive from San Francisco was beautiful!

Sisters

I recently got a commission for an ink and watercolor painting of two sisters. Ever since then, my paintings have been sisters themed. Here are two recent ones I did last week. Both pieces are done with ink and watercolor on color-aid paper. 

Sarah Seven

I am infatuated with all things Sarah Seven (specifically the mustard skirt). Aside from the Etsy market and other private boutiques, this young Portland fashionista is making waves in the bridal industry as well. Her clothing is all made to order based on your exact measurements and takes about 6 to 8 weeks to make. Also, Sarah donates 10% of all her sales to charity. There's no going wrong with talent and a good heart to match. 

Thought of the day

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity."

"The Alchemist" is one of my favorite books--go figure--and the above is one of my favorite quotes from it. I decided to pair the words with a traditional medical illustration of the human heart.

From the sketchbook

Some recent drawings and ink paintings I've been toying with in my sketch book. They are all based on my dad's photographs from the 1970s in Iran. Many of the people in the drawings are family members or close friends who escaped during the 1979 Revolution.

Emersonmade

Meet Emerson, designer extraordinaire. She is the mastermind and artist behind her line, Emersonmade. She and her husband model all the pieces and use their beautiful home as a backdrop. My favorites are the little flags! Oh, and their pet ducks.

Customize your M&M's

What a great party favor for a wedding reception. Instead of M&M they can personalize the message and print your initials, a sweet saying, or even your faces!

Sandra Juto

I love these prints by Sandra Juto. How adorable would the cupcake one be in a kitchen? Check out the rest of her shop here.

Breaking Upwards

I am so awed by the talent and creative genius that went into this DIY film. Written, directed, and produced by Daryl Wein and Zoe Lister-Jones, Breaking Upwards is a movie not to be missed. Enjoy the review below from the New York Times and be sure to watch the trailer here.  

"Breaking Upwards is about a pair of Jewish Manhattan 20-somethings who find their relationship foundering; but rather than split up, they choose to alternate days alone and together. Emotions get complicated and feelings get hurt, of course, as they meet potential romantic partners and have to explain their arrangement to their uncomprehending parents, played by Ms. White, Mr. Friedman and Ms. Martin.

The story in large part echoes the experience of Mr. Wein, 26, and Ms. Lister-Jones, 27. A couple for six years, they “started having issues,” as they put it, about two years after they met and decided to try what their parents’ generation might term an open relationship but which they (and anthropologists) call polyamory.

“I remember that we were sitting in a coffee shop much like a scene in the film, writing on a paper tablecloth, both of us being so hyper-articulate about the goals and bounds of this experiment we were going to do,” Ms. Lister-Jones recalled. “It was definitely a sad moment, but we were also laughing at ourselves. I remember that at that moment Daryl said, ‘This would make a really funny movie.’ ”

Hanky panky :)

After seeing the adorable Happy Tears handkerchiefs from Bird & Banner, I can't seem to stop thinking about how I can incorporate them in our wedding. I am especially enamored with the work of Brooklyn designer, Shabd Simon-Alexander's. She creates these little beauties through embroidery and digital c-prints. These would make perfect party favors or a special gift to a special someone :) Best part of all, you can give her a personal photograph or illustration to use.

K & K

A fairly perfect depiction of what a childhood encounter between Kenny and I would look like.

The happier man

 

(Photo credit: Untitled by Nikolinelrs)

Heather Chontos

I recently came across the beautiful work of painter and stylist, Heather Chontos. She is one of the few painters I've seen that has successfully navigated careers in both the art world and commercial fashion industry.  Heather has styled for Vogue, Anthropologie, Lily Pulitzer, and countless other clients.

ps...I love her creative approach to business cards

Love love

 Beautiful screen print by Keith Davis Young available here for $40. Whata steal!

Rifle Paper Co.

Rifle Paper Company is a brilliant boutique stationary brand and design studio I came across on Cup of Jo. Based in Winter Park, Florida, it was created by the talented painter Anna Bond together with her husband Nathan.

Their beautiful products feature Anna's whimsical designs which often include hand-painted illustrations and lettering to compose a style that feels both nostalgic and timeless.

Best part of all, Anna can make business cards with your portrait painted on them!

Bando

Just found the perfect wedding hair piece by the ladies over at Bando. This fabulous company is based in LA and run by endlessly creative gals, Jen and Jamie.

Thank you ladies for the great sale on Swirl and the beautiful hair piece!

Because they deserve two posts

One love gush is simply not enough for Dear Creatures. Just look at the aesthetic pleasingness of it all! I am tongue tied and in design love.