This past weekend I had the privilege to watch the original Grey Gardens documentary for the first time. It was astounding. Every movie I’ve seen by the Maysles brothers impresses me, and this one, strange and voyeouristic, was no exception. I don’t know if it was the chaos, the relationship between the two women, the awkward intimacy, or the artistry in the filming (probably all of the above), but it was completely breathtaking.

Rebecca Kousky is the founder and Executive Director of Nest, an organization that raises money for women entrepreneurs in third-world countries. Through Nest partnerships are formed with designers in the US and abroad to help raise awareness and funds through micro-loans. Nest has an online shop where you can purchase all sorts of great products (including a few of my pieces) whose proceeds go to the charity. It has been a pleasure to watch Rebecca’s business grow and expand. It is also a great reminder to step outside of ourselves and support others who are less fortunate.

What music are you listening to these days?

I love singer / songwriters. Love Madeleine Peyroux. Love the Vicky Cristina Barcelona soundtrack – wonderful acoustic guitar.

Read any good books lately?

Reading Snow by Orhan Pamuk. It is set in Turkey and brings back the smells and sounds of that country. We work there so it has a certain nostalgic quality for me.

Have a yummy recipe to share?

Small addiction to rice pudding. Love Indian food.

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/3 cup Arborio rice
• 8 teaspoons sugar
• Whole nutmeg
• 4 tablespoons heavy cream
• Garnish: cinnamon
• Equipment: 4 (6- to 8-oz) ramekins

Preheat oven to 325°F with rack in middle. Butter ramekins.

Add 1/2 cup milk, 4 teaspoons rice, 2 teaspoons sugar, and a pinch of salt to each ramekin. Finely grate a little nutmeg over each, then stir to combine.

Put ramekins in a shallow baking pan and bake until most of milk is absorbed and tops are golden-brown, about 1 hour (a skin will form). Cool puddings in ramekins on a rack, about 1 hour.

Discard skin from puddings, then stir 1 tablespoon cream into each. Puddings can be eaten at room temperature or chilled. If desired, chill puddings, covered, at least 30 minutes.

What is inspiring you at the moment?

I am learning about weaving right now – the history of weaving around the world, various styles, patterns and techniques. I love how textiles tell the stories of communities and families.

What projects are you currently working on?

We just started a new project called the Nido Collaborative which is a fair trade souring business where domestic designers can be connected with our loan recipients to do the production. It is a win-win. Our women get more work- allowing them to better provide for themselves and their families- and the designers get beautiful products.

What music are you listening to these days?

For some reason, my boyfriend and I have broken out the old Elliott Smith cds a lot lately- his is some of the first music I ever really fell in love

with. I’m also loving the new Beirut ep and Neko Case album, and St.Vincent is my most recent girl music crush.

Read any good books lately?

I finally finished Eat, Pray, Love. I would read it in 30 minute increments every month or so but I enjoyed it very much! I’m also reading lots of non-fiction books about writing and also recently finished another Oprah recommendation (dang, I hate to say it, but I like what she picks out!) A New Earth. Some might see it as super new-agey mumbo jumbo, but it totally opened my eyes and has made me see myself and my relationship with those around me and my work in a whole new light.

Have a yummy recipe to share?

Hmm, my favorite recipe is: go to your local grocery store, pick out frozen pizza of your choice, go home, cook in oven for exactly 12 1/2 minutes, enjoy. Cheap red wine is an acceptable accompaniment to this feast. (yes sadly, I do not cook.)

What is inspiring you at the moment?

The rain and the clovers outside my door here in Portland, poetry and phenomenal women.

What projects are you working on currently?

I’m over at Modish daily and also just started Modish BIZtips, a spin off blog offering “bright ideas for your creative business.” That’s a huge project for me right now and many interviews and information gathering is underway with that! I also write an article for Mankind

Mag every month which is fun and something a little different.

What music are you listening to these days?

I’m listening to Bon Iver, Idaho, Mieka Pauley, Sufjan Stevens, and Death Cab for Cutie.

Read any good books lately?

Hmm….. not really, to be honest! I go through phases where I read a lot and then others where I hardly read at all. Lately it’s been the latter. One that I’m almost through with, though, is Patti Digh’s ‘Life is a Verb’, and it’s wonderful! I also loved ‘Eat, Pray, Love’.

Have a yummy recipe to share?

I’d be happy to share one of my favorite easy soup recipes! (I never measure anything, so all the measurements are approximations)–

• Boil a cup or two of water with 4-5 dried shiitake mushrooms in it.
• Chop up whatever veggies you have in the fridge (some that I like to use are carrots, zucchini, chard, and green beans) and add them to the boiling water.
• Add a few tablespoons of rice vinegar to the mixture.
• Add some bean thread noodles.
• Add a tablespoon or so of tamari.
• Cook for 5 minutes or until veggies and noodles are to your liking.
• Turn off heat and add a heaping spoonful of miso and some chili paste (I add a lot, because I like it spicy!)
• Then enjoy!

What is inspiring you at the moment?

Inspiring me: warm weather! I’m also really inspired by creating artwork based around the idea of abundance. I love starting a piece and just seeing where it goes.

What projects are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on getting some new things created for my etsy shop, as well as starting to apply to some spring and summer shows. I’m about to send out a bunch of promo postcards in an attempt to get some illustration/pattern design freelance work, and soon I am going to be starting some new paintings for a show at Yes Gallery in June. ANd I”m working on my new blog, Pecannoot! I have big plans for it.

Whitney is the delightful blogger behind Darling Dexter, a sweet blog that explores her love of fashion, photos and design. A few weeks ago she made a move from North Carolina to Georgia where she will be pursuing a degree in photography. Though I’ve always enjoyed reading Whitney’s posts, I was especially tickled when I read this post on being a creative dabbler – a kindred spirit, indeed.

What music are you listening to these days?

The Avett Brothers are usually a constant in my music world. I’ve also gotten really into a few fresh ladies lately like Zooey Deschanel from She & Him, Jolie Holland, Kate Nash, and Jenny Lewis. I’m still cranking the Fiest album and can never go wrong with Josh Ritter– when I find something I like, I usually get hooked for a few of months.

Read any good books lately?

I recently started my first David Sedaris book “Me Talk Pretty One Day” and have a feeling I’ll be moving on to another one of his books. His humor is amazing and because he is an NC native, it makes reading the current book I’m into even more enjoyable. I also jumped on the “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert bandwagon and loved it. Oh, and in the spirit of a new presidency I just finished “Dreams from My Father” by Barack Obama.

Have a yummy recipe to share?

I’m definitely more of a baker than a chef and can make killer buttercream icing. But when I need to throw together a dish, my specialty is a spinach & artichoke dip. I know longer have an exact recipe so these measurements are approximate. No worries, it’s the type of thing where you can’t go wrong – trust me!

1. 1 can diced tomatoes
2. 1 pack of chopped spinach
3. 1 can of artichoke hearts
4. 1 package of mozzarella cheese
5. couple of spoonfuls of mayo

Mix all together, sprinkle parmesean cheese on top, bake 20-30 min on 350 (until bubbling), and voila!

What is inspiring you at the moment?
Flickr, always flickr! Whenever there is a dull moment or I need some visual candy – I can always scratch the itch with flickr. I’m generally inspired by the photography of my favorite contacts and learn different techniques and shootings styles by sifting through the work of others. My hub and I also just made the move from Chapel Hill, NC to Savannah, GA, and I am so excited to see how the city inspires my work. Just putting together our historic home has been an inspiring task in itself.

What projects are you currently working on?

Like I said, my house is the priority right now. We’re renting a historic duplex that is approximately 150 years old. There are not any closets besides a small laundry hideaway so decorating has been a challenge. I’m trying to put everything into place before I begin graduate school at SCAD in late March to pursue a degree in photography. So very soon I’ll be consumed with photography projects – until then I’m also learning to make my own clothing.

I first encountered Celia Gray as the best man at a friends wedding. And though we didn’t talk much then, I was immediately struck by the artsy-cool vibe she exuded. Since then, I have had the opportunity to work with Celia at the Rock & Shop Market and have seen how cool (and talented) she really is.

She teaches at Penland School of the Arts and has a background in metalsmithing and fine art. She sells her hand-forged buckles on the side and creates her encaustic paintings full-time. You can find a retailer that sells her buckles on her site. And, in North Carolina you can find a few of her paintings at Rebus Works.

What music are you listening to these days?

I have been listening to the Shang Ri Las, Brian McGee and the Hollow Speed, the Two Dollar Pistols and The Dutchess and the Duke which is new to me.  It’s been hard to listen to anything but the Shang Ri Las though.

Read any good books lately?

I finished The Unbearable Lightness of Being and now I’m reading My Name is Asher Lev.  Both are good, a little heavy but good books.

Have a yummy recipe to share?

Puttanesca Sauce

1. Sautee onion and garlic in a sauce pan.
2. Add one can of tomatoes.
3. Add chopped kalamata olives, capers, olive oil
4. Season to your preference
5. Cook for 15 minutes

We usually eat it over whole grain pasta.  It is briney and delicious.

What is inspiring you at the moment?

I just got a book of origami folding patterns that are pretty wild with complex patterns.  I also recently discovered the artist, Peter Doig who paints really beautiful landscapes.  I’ve been trying to look at the North Carolina landscape in different ways, see something new.

What projects are you currently working on?

I’m working on a series of big encaustic paintings.  I usually work pretty small so I’m doing a lot of problem solving for the differences.

Grace Bonney is a dedicated and passionate cataloger of modern design. Her blog, design*sponge, is a contagious, inspired read, not to mention influential. And though she blogs daily about high design she has a down-to-earth sensibility that comes across in her writing. Hailing from my home state of Virginia, but currently residing in NYC, she has a roots-driven love for bluegrass music, down home cooking and of course artfully crafted goods. Below she talks about a few things that are currently inspiring her.

What music are you listening to these days?

I think I always have an AC Newman or New Pornographer’s Album on repeat, but I’m also listening to a lot of a bluegrass band called The Corduroy Road and a folk singer named Ian Hall. They’re playing at our wedding and I’m totally hooked. I also dragged out my old Stevie Wonder ‘Talking Book’ album the other day- that album can do no wrong in my book.

Read any good books lately?

Good writing? Not necessarily, but I just tore through the full series of Sookie Stackhouse novels that the HBO show ‘True Blood’ is based on. I have this weird thing about vampire books and movies- I just love them. I read all 8 books in about 2 weeks so they’ve been a fun way to escape computer-land for a while.

Have a yummy recipe to share?

This is a really, really old family recipe on my Mom’s side of the family. It’s this incredible sweet mustard glaze that’s perfect for winter roasts or any sort of meat- it’s especially delicious on ham (cooked, sandwich meat or cold sliced). When it’s cold out I always return to recipes that remind me of holiday meals with my family.

Grandma Ellison’s Mustard Sauce:

• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1 tbsp. Dry Mustard
• 1 Egg
• Vinegar- to taste

Mix ingredients in saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly (with a wire whisk, preferably). Add vinegar or more sugar until the balance is suitable to your taste- it should be a nice balance of sweet and sour. When done, pour through strainer to remove any egg whites that have congealed. Store in fridge.

What is inspiring you at the moment?

Hand painted signs. I’m really loving the elegant painted fonts that I saw on old signs in Savannah,GA. We just got back from a weekend there and I fell in love with the way people used to paint signs straight on the front of their buildings with such attention to detail. I keep collecting old boxes or photos of signs that use hand painted cursive fonts.

What projects are you currently working on?

I’m finishing up the Design by the Book video series I did with the New York Public Library, but mainly I’m planning our April wedding. It’s a lot of work so that’s taking up all my time right now.

–

Thank you Grace for the interview and for your unwavering spotlight on emerging designers!

Photo Credits:
Courduroy Road
Savannah Signs & Hand Painted Lettering
Design By the Book Product by Lorena Barrezueta

Betsy Walton is a phenomenal artist based in Portland, Oregon, whose soft color palettes and etheral domestic narratives won my heart the second I saw them. In addition to being a successful painter with work shown in galleries across the country, she is a pioneering spirit, whose online shop Morning Craft (now closed to focus on her art) was one of the first to support emerging artists in the now burgeoning handmade, d.i.y. movement. I am so glad that she offered up her inspirations below:

What music are you listening to these days?

I’ve been using Pandora! One of my favorite stations is based on Lykke Li. I also just listened to the Avett Brothers for the first time last week.

Read any good books lately?

I have been reading World Changing and Food not Lawns.

Have a yummy recipe to share?

Last night we had eggplant baked with tomatoes, feta and oregano.

• First, cut the eggplant in half
• Score several times across each piece
• Brown in olive oil
• Then put in a 375 degree oven with tomato, feta, salt and pepper on top.
• Bake for 25 minutes or so.

This is paraphrased from Deborah Madison’s Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone.

What is inspiring you at the moment?

I am working on a project celebrating Oregon’s 150th year as a state. I’m inspired by the lush misty landscapes here.

What projects are you currently working on?

I have some illustrations coming out in a book with Chronicle later this year. I am also working on several shows opening in February, a tea towel coming out soon with Third Drawer Down, and painting a Kokeshi (Japanese doll) for a show at the Japanese American National Museum in LA. The show opens July 11, 2009. Look for a few other exciting surprises coming soon! My website will keep you up to date.

—
Prints of Betsy’s work can be found at her etsy shop here.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ellie Snow over at the indieNC blog where her posts on art and design in North Carolina are well-written and inspiring. Her own blog, Mint Design, is a visual feast and a joy to read. And, if that weren’t enough praise, she is also a very talented graphic designer.

What music are you listening to these days?

I just got the new Andrew Bird CD “Noble Beast” and I’ve also been enjoying Calexico’s “Carried to Dust.” Feist gets a good amount of play, too.

Read any good books lately?

Yes! I recently finished Icy Sparks by Gwyn Rubio. It’s about a young girl with Tourette’s syndrome living in rural Kentucky in the 1950s. It’s hilarious, sad, and touching.

Have a yummy recipe to share?

My fiance is a very creative cook, and loves to make up new recipes for dinner each night. The other night he came up with this delicious Banana Horchata Milkshake, which makes four small glasses:

• 2 bananas

• 1 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 cup water

• 2 cups ice cubes

• 3/4 cup horchata mix

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• Blend it all together and enjoy!

What is inspiring you at the moment?

Soft colors, patterns, and delicate details. Ez over at Creature Comforts summed it up for me pretty well with this post.

What projects are you currently working on?

I’m getting married in three months, so lately I have wedding projects on the brain. I just bought a gocco, and am trying to hammer out the details of our invitation suite, programs, and other design and decor elements of our wedding.

Photo Credits:
1. Andrew Bird
2. milkshake by lorena arance
3. delicate details: danielle rante, emily ryan via creature comforts, anthropologie cardigan

I will be starting a new feature on the blog where I ask what is currently inspiring some of my favorite people around the web … first up, Rena Tom, one half of the duo that owns Rare Device, a very cool indie, art-centric boutique in San Francisco.

What music are you listening to these days?

Blitzen Trapper and Crooked Fingers. And someone put Fleetwood Mac on the iPod at the store, so lots of that too!

Read any good books lately?

I just read Agent to the Stars, which was funny, and I reread Dune last weekend.

Have a yummy recipe to share?

Bruleed Grapefruit and Crab:

• cut a grapefruit in half
• cut around the membrane
• sprinkle lots of sugar on top
• broil it
• scoop it all out and mix with some crab meat
• put it back in the grapefruit half and serve!

What is inspiring you at the moment?

Red and Blue Obama graphics and textural mixes (leather plus brass, wood plus ceramic, etc)

What projects are you currently working on?

Planning an awesome spring at Rare Device and finding the right color yarn to knit the free throw blanket pattern by Twinkle.