These are the trends we noticed, to varying degrees:
• 1 and 2 - Marine creatures have been huge for a while and are getting huger. Octopi and whales were particularly prevalent at this year's fair. Love the many-tentacled creatures on these pillows from Wonder Thunder. Actually, we happen to love anything that swims, so we're happy to see whales and squid stick around a while longer. You can read about Tugboat Printshop's wonderful woodcut prints in Lily's post from this morning.
• 3 and 4 - Woodland creatures—still going strong after quite some time. We thought we might be sick of them, but talented artists like Lisa Congdon, Diana Fayt (both in third photo), and Elizabeth Soule (fourth photo) still bring freshness and originality to the theme.
• 5 and 6 - Mustaches were everywhere, from giant mustache pillows to glittery face-painted mustaches. We loved the etched handlebar mustache mirror from Etch Your Heart Out and an adorable mustachioed octopus coat rack (two trends in one!) from Tiny Sparks.
• 7, 8, and 9 - Farm and country themes were also popular. The booth shared by Small Stump and Burgundy & Brown was dressed up like a stand at a county fair, with prize ribbons and gingham. Miss Natalie's smooth wooden eggs were one of our favorite offerings at the fair. And Rustbelt Fiberwerks had some pretty tea towels silk-screened with images of silos.
• 10 - Feathers and Native American imagery had a bit of a presence as well. We loved Mati Rose's gorgeous woodblocks.
(Images: Susie Nadler)










Comments (5)
I usually don't post negative comments, but I have to say- I am really sick of hearing about how talented Lisa Congdon is. I find her work uninspired and unimaginative and, quite frankly, unoriginal if you catch my drift. Get over her already.
Well Jesse Lu, different strokes for different folks. I happen to really like Lisa Congdon's work and I think she's deserving of the acclaim. Why spread so much hate when you can just choose not to view her work? Get over yourself.
Jesse Lu, maybe you should take your own advice. Quoting from one of your other AT comments:
"Remember 'if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all'? AT is a community, I wish people would treat it that way."
Can there be a moratorium on bird-related merchandise?
I'm not saying anything about Lisa Congdon one way or another, but shouldn't the concept of "community" allow for dissent and disagreement? As long as everyone is treating each other with respect, I don't see a problem with voicing one's honest opinion.
Jessica though, there must be a gentler way to say it.