1000+ cranes of light

Just submitted a proposal for the Nuit Blanche 2012 Bring to Light Festival along the Brooklyn Waterfront with Artist/Architect Raylene Gorum and Lighting Designer Paul Hudson.  The above images are some of the items from the submission as well as partial full scale mock up with colored to study the light and reflective qualities of each deconstructed “crane” on itself and architectural space.  The site we chose was an old rope factory in Greenpoint Brooklyn.  Wish us luck in winning a final spot in the Festival!  Here is a description of our installation:

“1000+ Cranes of Light”
Proposal for Nuit Blanche 2012
Bring to Light festival of illuminated installations on the Brooklyn waterfront
by Raylene Gorum, Vivien Chin + Paul Hudson

We are proposing an installation for the breezeway at 67 West Street that uses physical materials and form to articulate the light and highlight the unique architectural properties of this specific site.  This installation will take the general form of a flock of shiny origami cranes suspended on fishing wire rising up from the ground floor of the alleyway through the 4 story balconies above.  They will be made out of highly reflective mylar which will be bathed in colored light and animate the alley in shimmering watery reflections.  The effect will be that of a wall of light shattered into dynamic prisms.  The details will reveal what those in theatrical lighting refer to as a “revelation of form”.

The “flock” starts at the ground level with the first steps of the origami fold.  The pieces/birds increase in complexity as the flock rises through the four balconies above until it finally takes its finished bird form.  The resulting three-dimensional “fabric” is composed of permuations of this modular bird base and weaves through the balcony side of the breezeway.  It’s an homage to both the poetry of flight and the process of construction/deconstuction.

Contrast is key here – these cranes will act as beacons of colorful flittering light in an otherwise compressed and low-lit space.  The piece itself is at once massive (22′ wide and over 60′ high) and massless (being made of feather weight materials and defying gravity).  We also understand that many of the other installations will be large streetside projections and offer this as a delicately constructed analog counterpoint to be discovered in the intimate setting of this unique industrial breezeway.

(images by vivien chin, raylene gorum, & paul hudson)

belvedere sketch

A happy find. An image of an old sketch done in Central Park of Belvedere Castle from across the Turtle pond. Can’t wait till the weather gets nice enough again to sit out and do more sketching.

(image by: vivien chin)

oana’s art shop

I’m so excited to help promote my very good friend, Oana Barac-Matei’s new online art shop launch.  She is a very talented artist and architect as well as a Cal Poly SLO alum (that’s how we met!).  Her mixed media collage pieces are absolutely lovely and unique.  10% of the profits are donated to a group of 8 organizations that help better and enrich the lives of other less fortunate.  As an artist/architect myself, I know how important it is to have art in your life and how much it enriches your everyday interaction with the world.  This is a great way to have art not only beautify your life, but the lives of others as well.  Show your support and love of art by visiting her art shop at: www.oanasartshop.com.  She’s constantly adding new pieces so check back everyday.

Also as a special promotion,  for the month of March readers and supporters of my blog will receive a 25% discount off your purchases.  Just enter the code “nummynims25″ at the shop checkout.  Offer ends March 31, 2012.

Here is some background info from the artist:

Art:

Oana’s Art Shop is a collection of one of a kind handmade collage art based on or using Oana’s illustrations. Pieces are colorful and whimsical and among other things, inspired by textiles and Oana’s architecture background. All are unique and arrive framed in a choice of black or white frames. Current sizes are 8×10 and 11×14. They look great alone or can be displayed in a collection. In addition, 10% of profits are donated to one of 8 organizations that give others a chance to live a better life.

Artist:

Art has long been a part of Oana’s life, both as creator and in experiencing other’s works. She got her first break at age six upon getting second place in her first coloring contest. Oana graduated with a degree in Architecture, her favorite classes always integrated art, especially collage.  While working in the architecture industry in San Francisco, Oana realized how valuable art was to her. Oana began showing her City sketches publicly and continued collaging for herself, integrating more of it into her work.  She’s happy to introduce Oana’s Art Shop, a combination of her collage and illustrations. Oana hopes the daily joy she gets in creating her art is passed on to you through her work.

(images by: oana barac-matei)

mini project: sunburst alpaca wool hat

Just completed crocheting this new oh-s0-soft hat made of tan baby alpaca wool.  I love the sunburst ribbing pattern.  It’s light enough that you would wear it in winter or spring.  Made with love as a bday gift for a good friend to give.

Currently also available at the nummynims ETSY store.   If you love it as much as I do,  check it out.

 

(images by: vivien chin)

 

happy valentine’s day

Pixelate your love.

 

(image from minieco)

mini project: crochet ring_silver

Created another version of the ring in a silver yarn.  Sparkly!

If you are interested in one of your own, they are available for purchase at the nummymins ETSY store online!  Thanks for the support.

 

(images by: vivien chin)

mini project: braided headband

Just finished knitting this chunky braided headband.  It was an experiment in doing a cable knit which is new for me.  I’m not always in a beanie mood.  So this is a nice alternative.  Keeps the ears and head warm on chilly days.  Used Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick.

Also available at my ETSY store if you like it!  Check it out HERE.

 

(images by: vivien chin)

sold!!!

Sold my first item on ETSY! Thanks Melissa for the support. The elves are work on it. Hope you love your hat (+ ring bonus)!

mini project: crochet ring

My most recent creation is this floral motif ring.  It’s crocheted with a deep, wine colored yarn that has black shiny thread intertwined to give it a sparkle.  It was fun making a little piece of jewelry to dress up the outfit.

If you are interested in one of your own, they are available for purchase at the nummymins ETSY store online!  Thanks for the support.

 

(images by: vivien chin)

nummynims store addition

Slouchy Tam Hat is now on sale at the nummynims ETSY store!  Check it out HERE.

dolls, dolls, crazy dolls

Saw this intense window display at a store called, Beads of Paradise, on 17th street and Broadway. Sooo many dolls and one riding on the back of a heart covered in roses!

(image by: vivien chin)

nummynims etsy shop is now open!

Nummynims now has an Etsy Shop!!  Currently I just have my yoga mat bag (as seen in a previous post).  I hope to add more products soon.  Don’t really know what to expect from it, but it sounded like a fun idea, was easy to open, and who knows maybe I’ll get some bites from a few fans out there!

To check it out follow this LINK.  Let the fun begin!

mini project: yoga mat bag

Just completed crocheting a yoga mat bag for myself. Connie introduced me to practicing yoga over the past couple months (p.s. she’s a great teacher!) and now I finally have a reason to take my may out of my apartment to yoga studios.  Yoga has provided a really good way to release from the crazy routines we put ourselves into and also get healthy, strong, & flexible!

This bag is made of Thick and Quick Lion’s Brand yard.  The drawstring opening and straps are all integrated as one. I knit the strap using the icord method with the same yarn as well as some of the deep wine colored Glamour yarn integrated in for a slight sparkle and texture (see detail images).  The bag is soft, comfy, and beautiful.  I really like the simple design and am excited to use it.  I’ve used it once for a fundraiser class last week and it was well received!

 

(images by: vivien chin)

couch potato??

I can’t help but show this awesome excerpt of a “couch potato” costume made with Marimekko fabrics! As featured in the book, “Surrur” (cover as shown). Book is on display currently at the Marimekko Flagship store at Madison Square Park next to Eataly.

Next Halloween perhaps???

mini project: blue scarf + bag

Crocheted scarf using the loveliest combination of blues I’ve seen. Used Lion Brand “Homespun” yarn. Love the extra waves with this yarn.

Bag sewn as another sewing machine project with hand sewn letters. Happy Birthday Connie!! Hope it’s keeping you warm!

(image by: vivien chin)

mini crochet project: slouchy tam hat

Just finished crocheting my first hat! It’s a slouchy tam hat style made with Lion Brand Yarn: Wool-Ease Thick and Quick. Very satisfying first attempt at a hat!

Slouchy Tam Hat is now on sale at the nummynims ETSY store!  Check it out HERE.

(image by: vivien chin)

famous frocks

Embarking on new adventures! Just purchased this book, “Famous Frocks: Patterns and Instructions for Recreating Fabulous Iconic Dresses” by Sara Alm & Hannah McDevitt. I just bought a sewing machine to learn how to make my own clothes as well doing some artistic material explorations if the machine can handle it. I’ve never made my own clothes before, but this book seems perfect. The are dresses from the 1930′s-1980′s I believe. Seeing some patterns for Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy, Jackie O, Diana Ross and more. Perfectly matched to my love of the retro and dresses. Ready to design!

mini project: red scarf + bag

My most recent crochet and sewing project. Scarf is crocheted with 2 kinds of Lion Brand yarn: “Amazing” and “Silk Mohair. Twisted together they make a really soft textured scarf.

Drawstring bag made with my new sewing machine. Still trying to get the hang of it. Hope to be making clothes soon. Name is hand sewn.

Hope you are loving the gift Raylene! I hade fun designing it!

(image by: vivien chin)

black lace

Diving into a whole new world…

(“Black Lace” By Kain Apophysis)

friday’s desk view: paper bride & groom

Arts & crafts time as I make a little bride and groom cake topper for Kristin and Rick’s surprise engagement happy hour.

(image by: vivien chin)

mini crochet project: cropped bolero

Just completed my first piece of clothing for myself!  I’ve graduated from the world of scarves and simple beanies.  I’ve been working on teaching myself to crochet and just completed this red cropped bolero.  It took be about 5 days or so off and on to complete.  Pretty happy with my first attempt at making clothing.  It’s a very cute bolero and hope I will get many wears out of it. 

The pattern is from the book, Stitch ‘n Bitch Crochet: the Happy Hooker by Debbie Stoller, which I’ve been learning how to crochet from.  Debbie Stoller also is  known for the original book, Stitch ‘n Bitch: the Knitter’s Handbook which is also good to learn from or get a refresher from if you forgot how to do something.  Both have lots of patterns and are good books to have around if you are advanced or just starting out.  They are easy to follow and have lots of humor and anecdotes in them that make the book fun and not a dry instruction book.

Tackled this project, what shall I try next?

(images by: vivien chin)

mini project: roger [dog] sweater

My first crochet project looks like a success!  Decided to teach myself how to crochet so I gave myself a little project–a doggie sweater for Roger, Kristin’s dog.  Mostly it was inspired by the fact that the picture of the finished product with the pattern was a boston terrier so it was most appropriate for Roger to be my muse…haha.  I always thought it was slightly strange for pets to wear clothes (dresses specifically), but seeing how cold and wet it is in NYC at times, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to give them a little protection from the elements (wet dog smell is not fun). 

Found the pattern on the Lion Brand Yarn website.  I usually buy their yarn (used for this sweater too) because it’s really affordable and there are lots of colors.  They have TONS of free patterns online for knitting and crochet and they also have a learn to knit/crochet instructions if you want to teach yourself.  I learned the basics from my grandma when I was younger, but this site is really helpful for beginners with no experience or for people who need a little refreshers because they forgot something.

Hopefully Rog enjoys his new sweater and that he’s toasty warm!  Thanks Rog for being such a great model!  And thanks Kristin for humoring my first attempt at a crochet project and promising to have Rog try it on no matter what it looked like–even if it had 3 arm holes.  But Thankfully it had 2 arm holes and fit Roger pretty perfectly!!  Yay…success!  (more pics below of the fitting/modeling session….)

Front view…

Running towards the owner for a treat to keep the model happy…

There’s a perfect “sit”

From the Blooper Reel:  The arms have not quite made it into the armholes so it kinda just looks like a shawl.  I let Kristin handle the getting on of the sweater…haha…she’s a little more experience with getting him into doggie clothing.

(images by: vivien chin)