News from the Purple Pomegranate

Featured Artist for October

2008-09-30T10:01:00.003-07:00

We are featuring work by Kalispell artist Karen Leigh during the month of October. Inspired primarily by the beauty and spirit of her native Montana as well as travels abroad, Leigh offers original watercolors and commissioned work. Karen states, "Always on the lookout for 'accidental magnificence', I am particularly interested in finding beauty in unexpected places and in painting the more intimate details of life around me."

Karen is a fourth-generation Montanan who has lived in the Flathead Valley since 1970. A graduate of Montana State University, her primary interest has been transparent watercolor. Figures and portraits have recently become important subjects in her work. A full-time painter and signature member of the Montana Watercolor Society, she maintains a studio in the newly renovated Eastside Brick, formerly the local hospital. She also teaches privately and accepts commissions.

Illusions by JT Robinson

2008-09-29T10:36:00.002-07:00

These wonderful clocks by Jamie Robinson come in six different sizes. Each clock is hand crafted from antiqued paper and wood. All of the sizes have a pendulum and would be a lovely addition to any home.

Ildanach Studios Jewelry by Curtis Rowland

2008-09-19T09:24:00.002-07:00

Curtis follows the time-honored philosophy of his Ancestors. Awen is a God-given blessing - natural and pure, this Creative Soul is to be used as a celebration of Creation. For Curtis and Ildanach Studios, this means organic rather than sterile…individual character not mass production…natural, balanced, earth-friendly sources instead of unnatural, manufactured or unsound practices. If you research back far enough, every culture has this philosophy. The American Indian sees it as being connected in the Great Cycle. The Japanese see it as Wabi-sabi, humble beauty, or a respect for that which is old and therefore full of character. The Celts see that it goes beyond Awen to being on the Sunwise Path and attuned with the Spirit of Creation.

The benefits of this natural approach mean a healthier individual and a more stable environment. For example, anyone who has ever seen any of the various copper mines around the world probably comes away sickened at this destruction of the Land - just one of the reasons for Curtis' almost religious dedication to recycling and reusing.

This connection also brings forth earthy, organic beauty. Allowing the materials their voice, the artist their creativity and the wearer their expression.

And thus the name, Ildanach, becomes apropos. From the Gaelic language group, Ildanach, pronounced ill-DA-nock, means all craftsman and represents our dedication to this philosophy as well as our striving for the highest craftsmanship in all that we do.

Jaguar Art Glass by Ann Schwartz

2008-09-10T10:57:00.001-07:00

Ann Schwartz has been artistically etching glass since 1975. She has innovated and refined several sandblasting techniques that are unique in the production of artistically sandblasted glass and glassware. The airbrush quality and dimensional depth of her finely detailed etchings illustrates her dedication to producing work that conveys a sense of flow, beauty, and humor. Ann designs and freehand draws all of Jaguar’s imagery. She also skillfully cuts all of her stencils by hand. Afterwards, she sandblast each piece individually. To ensure the authenticity and preserve the timeless value of their art, each individual piece is signed and dated. All glassware is purchased from a variety of sources, most is hand blown. Just as with any painter or graphic artist who doesn't make their own canvas, we don't make ours. However we design and etch on the more challenging and difficult curved surfaces of glassware.

Marie Brittsan

2008-09-09T10:35:00.001-07:00

We are featuring work by Whitefish artist Marie Brittsan during the month of September. Marie’s bold, expressionistic artwork celebrates life and lifts the spirit. A former watercolorist, Marie uses layers of transparent acrylic glazes and applied texture to bring depth and intensity to her subjects. From abstract to representational, her colorful acrylic paintings carry energy and emotion.

Born and raised by the oceans and canyons in southern California, Marie developed a great love for the natural beauty surrounding her. She has painted since she was a child and the passion for painting has never faded. Marie speaks about her work, “When I am painting, my eyes become open again to the beauty around me. Color, light, shadow, form and energy are everywhere we look, always inspiring creative declaration. Music, emotion and Spirit have color, and I endeavor to capture those expressions in what I paint.”

Shadow Box Pins

2008-09-09T10:26:00.001-07:00

We've just received the coolest, one of a kind shadow box pins made by Christine Charter Moorhead. This is what Christine says about her pins "I capture time in the moment and link the past to the future with my Shadow Box Art Pins. My passion is about creating artistic, symbolic and fun pieces out of every day things. I hope to capture your imagination and make you smile! "

Nature's Treasure's Ikebana Vases

2008-08-13T14:15:00.001-07:00

Don Kennedy of Nature's Treasure handcrafts ikebana flower vases which are made from some of the most beautiful semi-precious and fossilized stones on earth. A surface-safe reservoir holds plenty of water, and inside, a pinfrog keeps the flowers in place for easy, elegant arrangements. Each vase comes with an attached card which tells about the stone and it's origin.

Mesquite Lamps with Copper Lampshades

2008-08-05T10:23:00.002-07:00

These mesquite wood lamps are individually handcrafted in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Some of Nature's finest elements are brought together in a display of craftsmanship and artistry. The lamp bases are free-formed "Velvet" Mesquite harvested from the Sonora Desert and are some of the most diverse and dense wood found anywhere on earth. With a wide range of burl patterns each piece is never quite the same and is crafted into it's own unique personality. Topped with a solid copper lampshade featuring stylized patterns and rich surface colors brought forth naturally from the copper. Light reflecting from the copper onto the mesquite wood provides a warm, rich "firelight" atmosphere. Use a clear bulb in your lamp and enjoy the same shade patterns on your surrounding walls for an impressive display of lighting, comfort and tranquility.

The artist Skip Kivlehen works from his studio on a beautiful five acre plot at the base of the Sacramento Mountains. Skip learned the craft from Wally Kohler and Patti Greer in 2004 during an apprenticeship and now fully owns and operates the studio and gallery. Wally started the craft from his garage in Tucson, Arizona in approximately 1978.

Cheryl and Don Olney

2008-07-15T11:00:00.002-07:00

We've just received colorful pins and spinning tops from Cheryl and Don Olney. Their studio is called Louise's Daughter, named for Cheryl's mom. They are both self taught artists and combine their histories and observations as they create their warm, wonderful, spirited work. Their figurative work is respectful and sensitive. It touches the heart and soul, and is full of people "we all know".

Carol Kohn Designs

2008-07-07T15:34:00.002-07:00

We've just received these delightful woven bags by Carol Kohn. Each bag is handwoven with 100% cotton and is lined with a bright and playful fabric. Kohn Designs bags are woven to be worn. Don't worship them or keep them hidden in a drawer waiting for a special occasion. Today you are here. You are living that special occasion.

E. Drumm Designs

2008-07-03T09:28:00.003-07:00

Elisa Drumm Van Auken grew up in Akron, Ohio with her parents, Don and Lisa Drum of Don Drumm Studio and Gallery, and her two younger sisters. Starting at age 12 she worked in the gallery and helped her mother with a line of soft sculptured dolls. During her childhood she spent summers at Penland School of Crafts studying with many well known artists while her parents taught.
Ms. Van Auken received her B.F.A. in textile design from the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. After graduating she worked for Gilbert Frank in New York City as a colorist and surface designer for their Men’s Wear division. It was during her tenure there when she discovered that color and texture were her strong points.
In 1986 Ms. Van Auken moved to the Boston area with her husband Jeff. She created and sold a line of hand-printed clothing under the name of E. Drumm Designs. This collection caught the eye of many galleries and museum stores across the country.
In 1999 with the gift of several pewter heads designed by her father, Don Drumm, she created her first collection of wood angels. This collection has grown, greatly influenced by early American folk art and the Southwest. Each wood sculpture piece is cut from pine plank, sanded, carved, painted, and adorned. The collection currently consists of 50 limited edition pieces. She continues to collaborate with her father on many pieces.

Wildflower Pendants by Heather Castillow

2008-06-17T11:28:00.002-07:00

Look at these wonderful stained glass wildflower pendants we just received. They are made by Heather Castillow and come on a waxed cotton cord. You can wear them as a pendant, use them as a fan pull or put them on a key chain. Each one is unique and they have five to nine petals in a variety of yummy colors.

Wine Bottle Platters

2008-06-12T10:27:00.002-07:00

Once upon a time a banker with a love of wine and a flair for art escaped the corporate world. In the beautiful Northwest was born a glass studio of Kevin Budde's with a twist...Glassworx's fun functional pieces celebrate the art of wine, delighting customers all across the country. Each bottle is carefully fired to over 1500 degrees in one of three custom-built kilns and annealed for at least twelve hours before the artwork is hand applied. Unmatched quality, creative original designs and polished presentation have raised an act of recycling to a work of art. We have a variety of labels including "Two Buck Chuck", "Red Jammer Red" and "Whitefish White". They make the perfect gift for wine enthusiasts, cheese lovers, party hosts, housewarmings, weddings, anniversaries and more!

Vinylux

2008-06-12T10:02:00.002-07:00

Black is the new Green
Vinylux products are created from recycled vintage record albums that are transformed into a variety of new designs. The original record labels are intact and represent some of the most popular music ever put on vinyl. The Vinylux people work with LPs, 45s, and vintage album covers to create personal, unique gifts that bring vinyl records back into your home. They can even use your own records to create the products specifically for you. All of their items are made in the spirit of re-purposing. They try to re-use, re-present, re-cycle, and re-imagine the materials that go into their products. We just received Vinylux bowls, snack trays, clocks and coasters. Come check them out - so cool!

Detroit Glass Company

2008-05-26T11:15:00.002-07:00

Need some colorful glass ware? We've got the perfect solution - Detroit Glass Company! We have a range of martini glasses, wine glasses, tumblers, pitchers, shot glasses and even a bedside decanter set. All are hand painted in a wonderful range of bright colors. Come and check them out!

Laughing Coyote Kaleidoscopes

2008-05-26T11:10:00.002-07:00

We've just received new kaleidoscopes from Ron Lee of Laughing Coyote Kaleidoscopes. These shown are the "star" variety but we also have a set made with wildflowers and some with marbles. The wildflower kaleidoscopes can even be custom made with your wedding flowers or flowers from another special occasion.

2008-05-14T11:41:00.002-07:00

The Pink Cloud Gallery, located in the Berkshire foothills of Connecticut opened in 1989. The artist couple of Peter Hill and Tara Cafiero started this business to extend their love and interest in Art into their community. Each artist explores very different styles and interests in their artwork. Peter's interests focus on Architectural elements and emphasis on Design and color format. Tara's work on the other hand explores Symbols and the intuitive worlds in a dream-like style reminiscent of artists such as Klee and Chagall. The artists merged their work into finely hand-crafted clocks, which they began making and marketing in 1992. The artwork and design truly speaks to a wide variety of people. Today these unique timepieces are sold nation-wide.

The drama of a glowing flower or radish, the Balinese fish, the spicy red chilies, the coffee pot-god, flying kitchen stuff, the radiant Sun and Moon, these are all dream visions that people relate and respond to and love to live with both at home or at work.

Susan Rene' Cards and Prints

2008-05-13T15:07:00.002-07:00

Artist Susan Rene’ says, “magic happened when I combined my two loves…dogs and painting”. For many years Susan painted “serious” art, and was very successful as a “struggling artist”. One day she was feeling very down about her situation. To cheer herself up she painted one of her dogs, Charlie, living the good life, reclining in a lounge chair sipping a tall cool drink. At that time she had a small studio in the arts district on Miami Beach. The next day, the painting sold…..magic! She has continued to paint and sell her whimsical dogs and cats and has never looked back. Susan now lives with her husband, Bill, and their four dogs, Whoopi, Lulu, Muffin, and Boo in Redmond, Washington and Mesa, Arizona.

Starting with a blank canvas, Susan first makes an oil pastel drawing and then applies layers of vibrant acrylic paint. Traces of the drawing and many colorful layers of paint are visible in the finished work, imparting an air of spontaneity and directness. “Paintings develop the same way people develop, one step at a time. “I like the viewer to be able to see how a painting has evolved”, she says. Allowing the painting to develop is an essential part of her process. She remarks that the canvas seems to take on a life of its own as soon as she begins to paint. “I just have to get out of my own way, and let the painting flow through me.”

We are now carrying Susan's work in note cards, boxed sets of note cards and 8 x 10 prints. Come check out the cool dogs and cats!

Pewter Labyrinths

2008-05-07T15:12:00.002-07:00

Look at these cool labyrinths that we just received. They are made from pewter by Bonnie Mason and Angi Winebrenner. Here is what they have to say about labyrinths:

A labyrinth is viewed as a metaphor for life's journeys, offering lessons as we walk its path. Walking, or tracing the path of a labyrinth is known to assist us with addressing life's challenges, finding peace through meditation and prayer.

The labyrinth is seen as a sacred pattern that leads the seeker on a path to its center. A labyrinth is not a maze, there is only one way in and one way out, and there are no dead ends that would make the seeker choose directions. Labyrinths have been documented throughout history as far back as the Bronze Age, and there are as many designs as there are cultures.

Wooden Wild Flowers

2008-05-05T11:39:00.003-07:00

Wood Wildflowers is a collaboration between father and son, Ted and Nathaniel Nienow. All of the work they produce is based on their love of nature. Their flower designs begin with extensive photographic research. They choose a flower to model based on color, shape, and simple elegance. Once they have decided on a flower, art meets engineering. Making wood flow into smooth, delicate curves to mimic flowers in nature can be a difficult task. The many discarded prototypes lining their shop walls are proof of that.

Recreating wild flowers in wood is a process of selective simplification. The Nienows try to key in on the most distinct characteristics of a flower (often developing new production techniques as they go) and build up levels of detail until they’re satisfied they have an elegant and accurate yet reproducible representation of nature.

We've just received beautiful vases filled with their unique wooden wild flowers in both table and wall varieties. Absolutely stunning in any home!

By Golly By Holly Tassels

2008-04-14T11:51:00.003-07:00

We just received these wonderful ceramic and fiber tassels from Holly Laginess of By Golly By Holly. They come in a multitude of yummy colors that can brighten up any home. Use them from curtain tie backs, window treatments, as fan or lamp pulls or to decorate your furniture. Each ceramic piece Molly builds herself, glazing it by hand and firing it. Hand building the vessels, glazing, drying and firing can take up to 3 weeks. After the parts are constructed she works towards their final assembly building them into functional art.

Sea Stones Have Arrived!

2008-04-14T11:41:00.002-07:00

Sea Stones bring the beauty of nature into homes, while still leaving our shores and forests unchanged. They gather stones from private rivers and beaches, with permission. When a stone is collected, they want to make sure there will always be a replacement for future gatherers. So for each one harvested, a new stone (purchased from a quarry) is planted in the water. Over the years, the water tumbles the rough ‘seed’ into a smooth, rounded stone. In the same spirit, hardwoods are supplied by responsible sawyers committed to conservation and the future of our forests. They also plant 10 times the number of trees They use each year for our back plates.
Bringing natural materials indoors as functional art keeps all of us in harmony with Mother Earth.

Pewter Serving Pieces from Don Drumm

2008-04-08T10:20:00.002-07:00

Do you need an extraordinary serving piece for your home or for a wedding gift? We now have beautiful pewter leaf themed serving pieces. Splendid for serving main courses and desserts, this Don Drumm pewter leaf and acorn fork is both functional and beautiful. The acorn placement is just right for handling. Combine this fork with the leaf spoon to make a beautiful serving set.

Domino Pendants

2008-04-03T11:39:00.002-07:00

These hand painted domino pendants are the creation of Randy Koufalis who has over 20 years experience in sculpting and design. Randy blends old motifs and traditions with his own unique style to create both functional and decorative works of art. There are two styles of pendants available with a variety of sayings and designs.

All Fired Up Ceramics

2008-04-03T11:31:00.003-07:00

David Carson is the creator and head of the small family owned business, All Fired Up Ceramics. He started his business with ceramic switch plates that he now sells all over the US and Canada and is now branching out to other products including clocks.

This is one of his newer products, a mosaic mirror. He also makes mosaic flower pots recycling his broken switch plates.

Here is an example of one of his switch plates and we have 6 different designs in stock. Come on in and take a look.