the function key

Today’s design inspiration: European matchbox labels.

Peeped first at: Maraid Design. View the whole lot here.

Joshua Petker’s paintings are so very Queen of the Damned. And although I’m sure no one would consider this a compliment — it was heavily panned by critics and received some Rotten Tomatoes — I do. The movie was highly-erotic, blood filled, and downright sexy (Stuart Townsend in leather pants?). Likewise with Petker’s pieces. His constant subject is a haughty femme, sometimes a few femmes, but always with plump lips lasciviously taunting the viewer. Enjoy.

Chasing Butterflies.

Purple Sugar.

Winter Time Love.

Bloody Mary.

View more of Petker’s work here.

I know nothing about Jolis Paons except that she’s fantastically artistic and can make a dress from an old phone book, so I guess, she’s resourceful, too. Her pictures are gorgeous, and her self-portraits make me wish I had stuck with photography beyond my intro class in high school. I hope you enjoy her telephone book dress as much as I do.

Here’s some lovely eye candy for your Tuesday morning from Paris-based graphic designer, Stephane Tartelin. I favor these sketches because of the artist’s light-handed lines and the aloof nonchalance of his subjects. Check out more of Stephane’s work here.

These luscious photographs are the work of 24 year-old Danish artist, Anders von Greffelstejn. His Web site seems to be down at the moment, but you can check out more of his work on his Myspace page, click here.

So, as I’ve mentioned, my birthday is this month. And since it’s protocol to buy yourself a birthday present, I decided to get a piece of original art to add to our small collection. Yesterday I ordered this print, entitled “Allusion,” from Yellena James. Its lush colors, meticulous patterns, and organic shapes tranquilize me. I can’t wait until it arrives! Thanks again, Yellena!

Be sure to check out her blog too, it’s in the BLOGROLL to the right.

I came across Jess Bonham’s photography last evening. She is a UK-based artist/photographer/illustrator. This series is entitled, “Colour Us.”

Over dinner last night, my boyfriend and I were reminiscing about our childhood friends, nicknames, and the goofy ways we once occupied our time — my closest friends and I referred to one another as “The Three Amigos” (I know, not very originally and not grammatically correct either). And well, wouldn’t you know it, today, I happened upon these tiny “Three dear friends” pins by Yael Frankel, so I thought I’d share. They, of course, reminded me of my two amigos(as) . . .

Yael’s work incorporates a cast of charming characters and usually involve shrinky dinks, paper, and ink. I highly suggest you check out her Etsy shop, I am especially fond of the “Together” ring.

I don’t have kids. In fact, I probably never will, it’s just not something that interests me. But, I do know lots of people who do have little ones, and if you fall into that category, might I suggest a lovely Father’s Day gift for you?

Now admittedly, this is a shameless family plug: my cousin’s wife, Teri Weidner, is a children’s book illustrator, and her newest project, “Say Daddy!,” is out just in time for Father’s Day. Although, if you want to get the real scoop on the book, check out what my cousin, Chris Dahlen, had to say about it. He does justice to her craft much better than I.

Each of Jennifer Graham’s delicate porcelain objects draw influence from textiles. She embosses the vessels with a pattern, texture, or stitching, leaving the edges as raw as bolts of fabric. The results? Finely crafted porcelain vases, bowls, tasting trays, and even lighting, glazed in lush hues.

Tasting Tray.