Home and Garden show with artist interviews

We met Monika at the Home and Garden show in downtown Denver on Sunday. It was so much fun. Want to see what I saw there??? Well, step in...

Lots of rows of unusual things here. Everything from landscape, waterfalls, doors... choose one...

Open the door to a friend...

to jewelry to dog supplies!
Don't drink from these birdbaths though.

I loved the spring theme with hyacinth's perfume wafting through the building, hidden eggs, birdbaths to welcome birds who've just returned from the South.

Hope they brought some Southern Food for me!

Aren't these little yard art discs hilarious? They reflect the sunlight in brilliant colors! And move in the breeze.

Speaking of the south... I miss a palm tree. I could have one for mere thousands of dollars! And they dismantle for travel. I talked to the two men, one described the design process for the palms and when I asked to take a photo close up (Because I'm an artist too) the other one shared his art with me.

I did a mini interview with him. He works in his girlfriend's studio. She's very tide, he's very messy.

He makes statement art. Mostly 2-D paintings. Also installations. He was quiet and excited to share his artistic process and vision with me. He only shared images on his phone so I can't show you.

Meaning driven, he starts with a word, or a passion, or a thought and builds somewhat abstract pieces that are representational enough to recognize.

He is very disturbed by gun violence and intolerance among people today. He obviously shares his statement when sharing beautiful art.

He works from within, then shows it through exhibits. I'd love to know how a neat-nik and a messy artist find tolerance within the same space!!

This would make a statement in one's yard. Here's looking at you kid. Note the gorgeous handmade glass yard ornaments also for sale, coming out of the head.

This was one of the three things I wanted to take home. The color was brilliant in person, blue to turquoise, a water fountain that quietly made it's own statement.

The next one was loud! Loud and beautiful, and I can hardly imagine it in the tiny yards here, but it would make a wonderful haven wouldn't it?

Ions, and rushing water are great sounds...

Or this??? Can you imagine seeing it every day???

Lovely gate and fence to invite you into the back yard... are you getting tired yet? Drew was, and imagined himself resting on this lovely mid century looking furniture with gas fireplace and art...

The artwork was metal, for outdoors!

Love the chairs and well, just all of it!
I saw this murphy bed for your poodles...

For a more fancy home than ours. We just have the crate sitting out in view in the family room. Milo sleeps the sleep of the innocent, on his back with legs in the air, between us each night. He is a BIG fan of sleep, especially in the big bed. He always has done. I think it's the only time he truly feels secure. He could sleep 12 hours I think.

Time for dinner? This company makes very unusual tables. Note the legs. They will take down your tree, slice it and make a table for you with it. 

After all that you might like a shower.
I loved this towel rack.

One might need a large home to hold this and I'd love that. Not likely but a girl can dream.

There was a lot of dreaming and wishing here.
The other item I wanted was an enormous umbrella with inner lights, free standing, and tilting for the back yard.

 I doubt I'll find another screened porch haven like I left behind, and the sun bores down on you here. That huge umbrella in blue would be a joy to sit beneath especially in the evening.

Look at these lights... clouds the artist called them.  He and I had an instant affinity and chatted about the artistic vision and personality. I loved his work, and he could be a good friend if he didn't live 3 hours away... if I can remember any of what we discussed I'll share.

It was one of those rare discussions where both people totally get the other, and are excited to talk.

He said his studio is messy (yea!) and he is often driven by ideas. I asked how he came to create the cloud glass sculptures (it's blown glass) and he said over time, after making a number of mountain glass pieces he thought where could he go next.

Like me he knows it's easier to change direction if you're moving than from standing still, so he is a strong believer in making stuff. He was so smart to say there is no waste.
Nope.
No time nor materials are ever wasted in the process as each movement takes you toward another grand idea. Each new discovery is on the heels of experiment and play. A piece is not wasted... it may not sell or be popular but it took you to the next piece.

Look at the lovely colors blended along the edge.

Imagine! You'd never again have to listen to the inner critic telling you you're wasting your time and materials on a piece!

He built an enormous sound system right in the middle of his studio as he loves to sing and listen to music. He said it changed his world. He loves to go to work! The music lifts his mind to the process.

My opinion is music, or tv or books on disc, all keep the inner critic, the right side of your brain that is about business, the worrier, busy so the left side can create at will. He said he silenced the inner critic a while back, when he decided there was no such thing as waste. Loved that!

There were lovely landscape ideas, plants that thrive here, arrangements of man made with natural items, gates, fences, furniture, fountains, fireplaces, and innovative ways to grow vege. There were products to use to keep your home looking good, and lots of giveaways.

gardeners gave out lots of seeds including pencils full of them!

Everything from pens and totes, to bananas, candy, plastic cups, small knives and tools, fingernail files, anything you can print a business name upon.Yep, they were giving away bananas too.

first thing grabbed was a new yardstick!

We tried truffle vinegar (yum) and considered dog harnesses, saw magic rugs and food items.
We bought cheese curds. I spun the wheel and got $5 off these cool leggings...

The palm tree guys gave me a little palm tree because they took a liking to me! So lucky! 

Lookie at the pile of cool tote bags in the back

things to write on and with, things to measure with, drink out of, eat, hold keys, and stuff to tote it all around in. I had a great time, and it was great to see my poodley-friend Monika.
Great to see my husband having a good time, talking to people, scarfing up toys, finding tidbits I'd like like candy.
Wish you were there!

Linking to
Our World Tuesday
Travel_Tuesday