A Report: Sale Day 2008!

The 2008 Sunday Best Holiday Sale was a wonderful event! The Cleaners at the Ace Hotel was an ideal space, with high ceilings and all those big windows. Portland weather was mild that day and the streets were filled with people out enjoying the afternoon sun-breaks. For those who missed our fabulous event, I sneaked around early in the day before it got crowded and snapped a few shots. Be sure to follow the links to our artists' websites and join their mailing list for next year. Enjoy!Elisabeth Bentz and Julie Dutton share a table and a smile.Studio Olivine

Elisabeth Bentz
Gretchen Vaudt
Rachel AustinArugula Press
e. soule

s. tudyk

Honey & Milk
Brian of Old School Stationers
Leah Nobilette
Liz of Aiguille et Fil
Gena of Cursive Design
Hadley Hutton


Katy of Keeganmeegan

Elisabeth Bentz

Meet Elisabeth Bentz! She makes hand-printed textile goods and her primary focus is screen printing on linen fabric. I have a set of her beautiful linen "pebble" napkins and I use them every single day! Elisabeth works out of her house in SE Portland, and says "I have a not-so-glamorous corner of our basement set up for my printing and I do all of my sewing in our extra bedroom. I end up running up and down our stairs more than I’d like but other than that it really works pretty well". Be sure to check out Elisabeth's lovely blog, good long while. Q: So, Elisabeth, do you have another job or is your art business your living?
A: I guess my textiles are my main job at the moment – it is kind of unintentionally that way but I’m embracing it. I’ve been doing freelance work for other creative businesses over the last year. Before that I was doing design work for a company in Portland. Q: How did you get started with your current medium? How long have you been doing it as a business?
A: I’ve taken silkscreen and printmaking classes in the past. When Julie (of Studio Olivine) threw her first holiday sale a few years ago I wanted to participate but wasn’t exactly sure what I would make. I had wanted to play around with printing of fabric for a while – we only worked on paper in the courses that I had taken. So I kind of just went for it. I didn’t really have any expectations for that first sale and I felt like I got a good response. I started with napkins, tea towels, aprons and coasters (basically, squares and rectangles). I’ve gotten a little bit more ambitious and now I’ve added pillows, zippered pouches, market bags and linen catnip mice to my offerings. Q: Where do you sell your work? A: Up until very recently I’ve only been selling my goods once a year at Julie’s holiday sale. Now Ink & Peat in North Portland carries my line. I also plan to start selling through etsy (or a similar online marketplace) very soon. I’ll have info on my website once my goods are available online. Q:What are your favorite three things about Portland?
A: Summertime, great people, the neighborhoods. Q: Do you listen to music in the studio? If so, what are your favorites? A: I listen to a lot of NPR when I sew, iron or cut fabric. I listen to music when I print – recently, if things are going well I’ve been putting on The Rolling Stones, The Pretenders or The Ethiopians. If printing is feeling more challenging I’ll listen to mellower music like Bon Iver, Jolie Holland or Willow Willow. For some reason I’ve been really wanting to start listening to Elton John but so far I’ve resisted the urge. Q: Describe a perfect day when you aren’t working in your studio.
A: Sitting in my backyard on a sunny day switching my attention between a new magazine and my chicken watching duties. I also like catching a movie and beer at the Laurelhurst Theater, thrift shopping with pals and long scenic dog walks.

Hadley Hutton

Meet Hadley Hutton! She grew up in a home filled with color, with a mother who felt that humanity’s greatest invention was the color wheel. Hadley recalls her mom changing wall colors as often as other people change the sheets. Being surrounded by a vivid palette profoundly influenced her. But rather than paint walls, Hadley’s outlet for her hereditary color addiction is her easel. On the day little Hadley met an artist who painted for his profession, she formulated her dream of becoming an artist. Her exact words were, “People get paid to do this?”
She soon encountered a major obstacle on the path to realizing her dream: the bunny incident. At the tender age of seven, Hadley was unable to draw a bunny as beautifully as her friend Monica. She threw a Richter-scale tantrum, screaming “I can’t draw!” Somehow Hadley found the resolve to keep drawing despite the nay-sayers (including, most notably, herself). She continued to draw, and on and on she drew, right through her graduation with honors from the San Francisco Art Institute. Today Hadley lives her dream working as an illustrator and artist in her hometown, Portland, OR - where she has yet to perfect the bunny.Hadley’s work is a blend of traditional painting and modern design. She draws inspiration from Asian patterns and motifs, Victorian die cuts, and geometric designs. Her work explores nature’s beauty, people’s influence on their surroundings, and the environment's influence on people. The paintings typically start with a mono-print printed on an etching press using ink and/or watercolor pencils. A monoprint is a print made from a plate that can only be printed once.(unlike other printing processes where you can create multiples with a plate). The mono-print is sometimes run through a archival digital printing to add geometric elements such as dots or lines. And finally the print is mounted on wood and painted with wax and oil pastels or varnished with an acrylic medium.
Hadley’s Philosophy: Less is more. (Except in the case of art supplies – where too much is never enough.)

Note: This charming bio was provided by the artist herself, not written by yours truly, dear readers. Do come meet Hadley in person on Sunday at our fabulous sale. You will not be disappointed! Until then, hop over to her etsy site, right here.

Honey & Milk

Meet Tay MacIntyre, of Honey & Milk! She designs and produces two lines of stunning jewelery, Honey & Milk, sold on her own website, and bread + butter, sold on etsy. Tay loves to use special found objects in her work, like rare buttons and set them like gems. She works out of her sunny studio in the SE Activspace Building, which is just a quick bike ride from her apartment.
Q: How did you get started in jewelry?
A: Originally, I learned metalsmithing in high school, we had a full shop so I got learn to fabricate, cast, enamel -the works. Then I went on to get a BFA in sculpture at Western Michigan University where I focused on large-scale installation work. But I never stopped making jewelry! When I was in college, I would often make a jewelry piece that referred, on a miniature scale, to my larger sculptures.
Q: Is your jewelry business your living?
A: Yes, I do Honey & Milk full-time and also have a part-time job managing an apartment complex in SE Portland.
Q: What inspires your work?
A: Oh, so many things! Let's see... of course found objects in general! but also vintage kitchen tools like spatulas and colanders, all sorts of flora (especially from the Michigan woods where I grew up), the tide pool creatures out at the coast, music and the personas of some musicians, and films -usually foreign films.I write a blog about my inspirations and reflections on the artists' life, called found object.

Be sure to stop by the sale this weekend and discover more treasures from Tay and all the other talented artists that make up Sunday Best. The sale is 11am to 5pm this Sunday in the Cleaners event space at the Ace Hotel in downtown Portland, just one block south of Powell's books. Free parking on the street!

Gena Biello & the students of Community Transitional School

Introducing Gena Biello of Cursive Design. She works with the students of the Community Transitional School to create “little cards that make a difference.” Together they brainstorm funny ideas for the cards. Then the students illustrate and Gena takes it from there, doing the spot-color and print process. The sweet cards are sold to a handful of local businesses. And the wonderful part is that 100% of the proceeds from the cards benefit the school.

Q: So Gena, what do you do when you aren't making art with your students?
A: I’m currently a grad student in the Graduate Teacher Education Program at PSU. I student teach at Vestal Elementary School. And I collaborate with the after-school program students at CTS to design our brilliant little cards.

Q: How did you get started with the card project? How long have you been doing it as a business?
A: My mother-in-law Cheryl Bickle is the principal of CTS. The two of us came up with the idea of fund raising by selling cards over a family dinner about three years ago. (I had already committed to participating in Studio Olivine's first studio sale and I needed something original to sell!)

Q: Where do you sell your work?
A: It’s hard for me to find the time to promote the cards properly. Over the years, “littte cards that make a difference” have been sold at Oblation Papers & Press, Annie Bloom’s Books, Presence of Mind, Grasshopper, The Children’s Place Bookstore, Greg’s and Powells on Hawthorne.

Q: What are your favorite three things about Portland?
A: The fantastic population of young people and the creative energy of this place are what drew me to it. Its natural beauty and proximity to the Gorge are also real pluses. PDX is also a total bargain—I moved here from San Francisco.

Q: Do you listen to music in the studio? If so, what are your favorites?
A: Now that I don’t work alongside the hip Oblationistas, I’m out of the music loop! I listen to music more often than not. I can always turn to these tried-and-true ladies: Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch, Necko Case, and Feist. I like the folksy stuff: Emmylou Harris, Greg Brown, Kate Wolf, and even a little old school Dolly Parton now and then. A recent trip to the i-tunes store involved a Ben Kweller album.

Q: Describe a perfect day when you aren’t at work or school.
A: I can’t sleep in like I used to, so I’d get up early, grab my sleepy husband Gabe and head either over to the coast our out to the mountains. I’d have all my studying done ahead of time, and feel oh-so relaxed! We’d grab lattes from Extracto on Killingsworth before heading out, and take a nice hike to a beautiful view. We’d picnic on something simple like fresh bread, fruit, cheese—and good chocolate. We’d come home in time to snuggle up and siesta before pulling it together to dine out with friends at some great new restaurant. Live music and a night cap or two would complete the evening—followed by a deep long sleep and happy fanciful dreams.

Leah Nobilette

Meet Leah Nobilette and her gorgeous functional ceramic work! Her studio is in SE Portland in the Ford building, a cool old building at 11th and Division. Leah's space is part of a collective studio with six other ceramics artists. She loves it because everyone makes something so different, from large instillation work to tiny tea cups. I had so much fun getting to know Leah and her work, so I hope you enjoy it too!
Q: Do you have another job or is your art business your living?
A: My other job is as a Substitute teacher for Portland Public schools. I’m certified to teach middle school and high school art so I try to stick with subbing for those classes.
Q: So, Leah, how did you get started with your current medium? And how long have you been doing it as a business?
A: I graduated from Western State College of Colorado with a BFA in ceramics in 2001. After moving to Portland, I started doing ceramics again. I sold my first line of “spiky” bowls and vases to Relish in 2006.
Q: Where do you sell your work?
A: I sell my work in three fabulous Portland shops: Noun, Relish and Tilde. And at the Sunday Best Sale, of course! More to love right here, on my website.
Q: What are your favorite three things about Portland?
A: I love the size of Portland, it has the feel of a city without being too big. Whether it’s in the visual art, music or performance arts, I am constantly amazed with the amount of talented people here (especially women). I also really enjoy the close proximity to all things outdoor, skiing, biking, and hiking.
Q: Do you listen to music in the studio? If so, what are your favorites?
A: I love NPR!

Q: Can you describe a perfect day when you aren’t working in your studio?
A: On a rainy morning - snuggled up in bed with good coffee and the Sunday New York Times- that could take up your whole day!

e. soule

Meet Elizabeth Soule! She goes by e. soule for her work and is a photographer who specializes in Polaroid photography. Her current series is The Little Zoo and Letting the Horses Loose. She offers photo boxes, prints, cards and soft toys. Elizabeth works out of her studio in her apartment in NW Portland. Personally, I've been loving Elizabeth's work for a while, so it was lovely to get to know her better. Do check out her blog as well, right here.

Q: Do you have another job, or is your art business your living?
A: I'm currently making a living with my photography.

Q: How did you get started with your current medium and how long have you been doing it as a business?
A: I went to school for photography. I have worked a variety of other jobs, but always went back to photography. I have been working with Polaroids for the past year.

Q: Where do you sell your work?
A: My work sells in retail shops both nationally and internationally. In town you can find my work at Noun, Tilde, Presents of Mind, Lark Press, Tender Loving Empire and Posh Boutique. I also sell on my website, right here. And don't forget to check out my booth at the Sunday Best Holiday Sale, it's going to be full of wonderful art!

Q: What are your favorite three things about Portland?
A: The vibrant art scene, the people and the awesome beer selection!

Q: Do you listen to music in the studio? If so, what are your favorites?
A: In my studio, you'll find Modest Mouse, Radiohead, Belle and Sebastian in heavy rotation, however, this list could go on and on...

Q: Describe a perfect day when you aren’t working in your studio.

A: It would start off with a cup of coffee and a orange chocolate chip scone from Stumptown. I'd spend the day photographing and walking around Portland. Visit shops and galleries that I never get to spend enough time in. Have dinner with friends at one of the yummy restaurants in town. At the end of the day all my film would (magically) be developed, contacted and scanned.

Gretchen Vaudt

Delicate ceramics by Gretchen Vaudt, the perfect gift for your best friend. There will be lots more to see and love at the Sunday Best Holiday Sale. It's all happening this Sunday, November 30, from 11am to 5pm. Plan a lovely Sunday afternoon downtown with a little coffee at Stumptown, some fantastic shopping at our sale and then a yummy dinner at Clyde Commons, maybe even followed by a film at Livingroom Theaters - right across the street. Free parking downtown on Sundays. Don't miss it!

s. tudyk

This Sunday, November 30 is your chance to dive into the beautiful world of Sam Tudyk. Don't miss her paintings at the Sunday Best Holiday Sale! (details in the side bar) More to see on Sam's website, right here.

Arugula Press

Meet Chelsea Parker Guidry of Arugula Press! Chelsea does a variety of different printing methods and works on paper and fabric to create really beautiful objects. Her studio is in NE Portland home, which is the way she likes to work. Chelsea says that if she gets a sudden inspiration, she just has to walk around the corner, and work on a project. I had a wonderful time getting to know her better and seeing the treasures she makes, I think you will enjoy this little peek into Arugula Press, too.
Q: Do you have another job or is your art business your living?
A: I have a mostly full time job at Oblation Papers and Press as a production letterpress printer, and enjoy being able to support myself with a skill.
Arugula Press has been a part time endeavor, although i would like next year to be a year when I bring it to a more substantial project.
Q: What inspires you, Chelsea?
A: I make and sell things that are inspired by nature, memories, and scribbles.What inspires me are the little things that I notice in the day, whether its the leaves on the ground, the way my cat's paw is laying, the way a plant is casting a shadow, or a photo a friend has taken, and is hanging on my inspiration wall. My grandfather was an illustrator and commercial artist, and I have surrounded myself with many of his works. His style is one I love, and one that I see coming through in parts of my work. I am considering doing a line of screen prints in homage to his work. I also write a blog about my process.
Q: How did you get started with your current medium? How long have you been doing it as a business?
A: This is difficult, because my work includes many mediums, including, but not limited to: screen printing, letterpress, sewing, and photography. I grew up with a mom who made most of my clothing, and a dad who always taught me to ask questions and think about processes. This has greatly influenced how I approach a project or new medium. Arugula press is officially a year and a half old, and I am continuing to figure out where I would like it to go. I am trying to make it a small (home) studio based business. My goal is to do the major chunk of production myself, keep everything small, and work on collaborations with others. I am looking forward to next year, which will probably include a monthly collaboration with a great local artist, limited edition prints, screen printed goodies, my annual letter-pressed calendar,
and hopefully a collaborative self published book!
Q: Where do you sell your work?
A: I currently sell my work on etsy arugulapress.etsy.com, at select sales, and starting soon, on big cartel. My calendars can be found in local stores, including Oblation Papers + Press.

Q: What are your favorite three things about Portland?
A: Oh, that is hard! Here goes: First of all, the group of friends and network I have become involved in. It has changed my life. for the way better!! Second: all the locally brewed beer!!! Thirdly: being able to live locally, and bike everywhere! It puts things more on a human level.

Q: Do you listen to music in the studio? If so, what are your favorites?
A: Anything that makes me move! I am never tired of Lykke Li (great Swedish pop), Yelle (French pop), and M.I.A! Good old school hip hop always mixes it up,and makes me want to dance.

Q: Describe a perfect day when you're not working in your studio.
A: Let me see...it would probably start in the morning with a bike ride with my husband to go on a coffee date, making lunch and taking it on a picnic to the park near our house, finding nature inspiration to add to my collections, then hanging out at home with our two adorable cats! Oh, and I can't forget- making scones!