Archive of ‘US’ category

Art & About: Kendra Gebbia Baillie, Ink Orchard {+ Giveaway!}

If you’re not familiar with NE Minneapolis, then you’re missing out on one of the largest concentrations of artist studios in the United States. It’s a very up-and-coming neighborhood of all ages with a variety of wonderfully diverse culture pockets. And with the abundance of warehouse space, many talented artists have chosen to make their studio homes here.

One of our very favorite working artists {and a Pack Accordingly Fan/Friend} is print maker Kendra Gebbia Baillie of Ink Orchard. We’re thrilled to introduce her to you, because she’s a fierce small business owner who creates super unique abstract patterns for woodblock printing, which she then very successfully transfers into to practical home goods. Keep reading to discover more about Kendra @ Ink Orchard and learn how to score one of her original pieces!

{Enter the Giveaway!}

Want to win the stunning Ink Orchard’s Print Lamp above?  It can be yours, just by  following these very simple steps:

  1. Follow “Pack Accordingly” on Facebook and Twitter.
  2. Follow “Ink Orchard” on Facebook and Twitter.
  3. Comment on this Blog Post here and tell us what you love about Kendra’s designs, or which is your favorite item {check out the Ink Orchard Etsy Shop to view all the work}.

Super easy. Please enter to support original artists. We’ll be announcing the winner next week. Good luck!

Kendra Gebbia Baillie graduated with a BFA from College of Visual Arts, St. Paul, MN in 2000. She began her career as an artist oil painting abstracts on wood panels. About six years ago she started mixing fine art with function and created her brand “Ink Orchard”. This includes original woodblock printmaking on paper, glass and fabric. Her designs are inspired by flora and fauna, along with intricate patterns found in textiles, architecture, and home decor. Each piece is handmade at her Northeast Minneapolis studio in the Casket Arts Building.

{Where are you from? Where do you live now?}  Philadelphia, PA ~ Minneapolis, MN.

{How long have you been working at your craft?}  Professionally, 6 years.

{Why do you do the specific art you do?}  I love the process of printmaking and it allows me to make functional products as well as fine art.

{How did you decide to start your own business?}  My family is very supportive and I needed a career change.

{How would you describe your style?}  Earthy, smart, affordable, flora and fauna inspired, functional.

{What do you love most about your work space?}  It is walking distance from my home, north light, a thriving arts district.

{What makes you feel the most inspired/creative?}  Travel, photos, books, wine with friends.

{What tools can you not live without?}  My phone, bone folder, and sketch book.

{What are you obsessed with currently?}  Crows, porcupines, tulips, southwest canyons.

{What are you most grateful for in your life right now?}  My husband, my art supply store, my studio, friends and family.

{What was the last thing you ate?}  Tater Tots.

{Where’s the furthest you’ve been from home?}  Amsterdam.

{Do you have any words of wisdom for other designers, artists or small business owners?}  Follow your dreams~ anything is possible, live it up, be kind~ body, mind, and spirit.

 

Find Kendra @ Ink Orchard:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Etsy | Flickr

 

1 Night Stand: NYC – Part 3 {Tippy Toes}

Yes, I chose Swan Lake because I had seen Black Swan earlier this year. If you’ve seen it, can you blame me? It’s a pretty incredible movie. But I also chose it because it is a true classic ballet. Other than the Nutcracker I realized I have not seen much classic ballet. And like the Nutcracker, Swan Lake is also by Tchaikovsky. I took note of the similarities in the structure to The Nutcracker, although not in a critical way. It was beautiful, just stunning… the costumes, the dancing, the experience. I’m not writing this to review the Ballet {that I’ll leave to the actual critics}. But, I did come to New York just to see this performance {well, also to have a Central Park run, see below} – to experience this night, to watch something I can only dream of doing myself. So that’s exactly what I got. (more…)

1 Night Stand: NYC – Part 2 {Let’s Talk Piggy}

When a girl is on her own in New York City there are endless possibilities. When THIS girl is on her own in New York City there are, must-do, go-to, have-to-go-see-it places I need to check-off my list! So, with a few hours to kill before an evening out, I headed to SOHO to do a little… site seeing? Oh no, no. I go shopping! I use the excuse that I need a dress for dinner, but really – let’s be honest – it doesn’t matter what the reason is: shopping in New York City is a necessity. I was good and only bought one thing, but made sure to spend a  thousand  imaginary dollars window shopping. (more…)

1 Night Stand: NYC – Part 1 {Wait, you traveled alone!?}

The thing I have discovered about traveling alone is that, alone you are not. You will meet people when you travel alone to a city. Now, let me be clear that I’m strictly talking city here – yes it is true that if you travel alone to somewhere with no people you will be alone.  But, in a city, there are people everywhere. I’m pointing out the obvious here, but in this case, when I traveled to New York to have a little weekend away, I didn’t realize how having dinner, going out, drinking coffee – whatever I decided to do - I would hardly have time to myself. (more…)