Sapphic Graphics Design Cafe

Design, Social Conscience, Coffee Culture

2011-05-09T11:59:00.002-07:00

The new website is not yet officially born. Right now it exists only on a thumb drive, backed up on two laptop hard drives. So in a way, we're still kind of "pregnant" with it!

As this project evolved, the original concept of having a web presence for our graphics design and art morphed into other personality facets that we believe will give the potential client an important feel for what Sapphic Graphics is really all about. We realized we don't wish to be the typical corporate design shop, but instead to use design and creativity to further our belief in social responsibility... with a passion for coffee culture! Designing for like minded people - the Vegan communities, the Peace Alliances, the Hippiegrannies - these are the values we wish to help our clients promote.

The music for the index page? "Evolve" by Ani DiFranco.

1st Draft of a New Phase?

2011-04-21T15:19:00.004-07:00

I guess it's about time that I thought about creating that with which I am so obsessed. I'd like to thank Jack and Steve for sending me to school to learn and Mr. Simpson for learnin' me. Oh, and the Academy. Stay tuned for a real link.

Gracias. Merci. Danke.

2008-11-07T16:17:00.001-07:00

Imaginista Lives!

2007-11-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

The idea has been in my head for over a year, and last week I finally was able to combine concept with conception. Behold! My photographer identity!

We'll be unveiling our latest photography works (featuring our new Photaggio line) along with new Beadlemaniac Classic Rock Jewelry and Higgiegranny's Groovy Granola at the Third Avenue Page Avenue Art and Gift Boutique on Saturday, November 24 from 12-5 pm.

It has been exciting as we gradually developed our little mom and mom art and business ventures over the past year; our work has been displayed in several places and continues to gather interest. We hope to have a presence in more public spaces in the year to come.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mermaids at Play

2007-09-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

Go with the flow - and watch out for waterfalls.

-Sister Sophia Mermaid

I was tooling around Googlevania today looking for a quote to use with this collage and I stumbled upon the most delightful blog by the name of Church of the Old Mermaids. After swimming around a bit in it's delightfully whimsical pool of wisdom, finding and borrowing the above quote, I felt it was absolutely essential that I should share this collage and hopefullly some other mermaids will come over to splash and play.

Combining Art Forms

2007-09-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

Averie Consalvo

Averie is my oldest granddaughter. She's one of those people for whom everything sports related seems effortless. She is an accomplished motocross motorcycle racer, a surfer, and very good at soccer but not interested in that sport at this time. Her newest passion is gymnastics. She follows in the family footsteps. Her mother, my daughter Alexis, was a very good gymnast all through her school years. She was always the one who did the back handsprings for all the cheer and pom routines in high school.

Averie has been working hard at this sport since moving to Arizona a year ago and has been invited to try out for the competetive team at her gym. She is working in all the disciplines, tumbling, balance beam, uneven paralell bars and vault.

I created this collage of Averie from a picture taken by her second cousin, Rachel. The echo quality of it happened rather accidently, as is the case with most of my best pieces!

Paris in Phoenix

2007-09-14T16:14:00.001-07:00

Last spring Focused Art Photography was invited to display twelve large black and white photographs featuring scenes we took in Paris with a few shots from Barcelona thrown in for good measure in the upscale downtown dining establishment Circa 1900. Located in a renovated historic home in Heritage Square and decorated by the restauranteurs in an urban contemporay theme mixed with antiques, the decor looked authentic, chic and Euro with the addition of the "Paris in Phoenix" installation.

The artist statement is as follows:

All photographs on display are for sale and the exhibition will run through the spring of 2008.

Cross Post

2007-09-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

"Chelsea Brown's Barcelona Fantasy"

Over at my 360 blog, the one I do for fun and connectedness to friends, real and cyber, there is a weekly event called Picture Perfect Friday. It was the brainchild of a woman named Heather who currently resides in Tucson. Each week she thinks of a new theme and the participants(hundreds at this point) post a photo that the theme represents to us personally. Then we all go around and visit as many of these Picture Perfect posts as we become aware of or have time for.

This week's theme was "black and white." Initially I thought I would go into the European black and white photo stash we have after mounting exhibits at both Kathie Gummere's law office and Circa 1900 this year and pull out something cool and kicky. But then I had a hankering to create a new collage and the first group of pictures I dove into were of Chelsea Brown, the very definition of black and white! It grew from there and evolved into the collage displayed above.

I think I am becoming obsessed with collage!

Focusing on Focused Art

2007-09-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

Stepping off the hamster wheel for a while is one way to reflect on where we are, where we're headed and most importantly where we would rather be going. Pat and I did alot of walking and talking while on Kaua'i and even though we know we are going to have to stay in 9-5ville for a while, we realized that lately we haven't put much energy into what is, for both of us, our passion.

We had a real honest to goodness business meeting with notes and everything when we arrived home; we set goals, deadlines and the next meeting date. Focused Art Photography is headed in some new directions and the website is currently being revamped by Pat. I will announce when it is ready for viewage.

Meanwhile, we are both busy cataloging and creating new product lines based on the Hawaii shots, and some of the most exciting things to evolve are the collages. I also intend to post more actively at this website. Ireally do want to build a community of artist play and exchange of ideas here.

We are also getting serious about developing the Hippiegranny line of GroovyFoods. I will be studying to get my food prep license in a few weeks and applying to be a vendor at the Downtown Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings.

The idea is to be able to develop innovative ways we can work from anywhere. But first, the hamster wheel calls - I must go color now.

The Official Face

2007-03-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

Another Fine Product

2007-03-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

The jury is out as to whether I start all these new businesses because I really want to make jewlery, granola, pictures, etc or because it gives me an excuse to design yet another business card and logo with my picture on it. Just kidding.

Why Blogging Has Taken A Back Seat

2007-03-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

This is the main creative focus that Pat and I have been wrapped up in for the past several, feverish months. Although the hours of hunching over her laptop gave Pat a lower backache, they have also produced our wonderful, stylish and sexy new website. It really looks completely unlike any other website because she baked it from scratch. Any and all imperfections are unique to the design and are intended for the purpose of making the site artistically authentic.

Now that we have birthed this baby, we hope to be able to get back to our regularly scheduled bloggage.

Rolling Out New Products

2006-11-03T16:14:00.000-07:00

Sapphic Graphics has been busy busy busy the past month or so... much too busy doodling around in photoshop and creating identities to blog. The above identities were created first due to the November Page Avenue Boutique Pat and I will be participating in on November 25th at the home of the oh-so-incredibly artistic Ann Cabano, aka Banana Soul Girl.

Coming soon will be the logo creation for Focused Art Photography and the dedicated website for ordering art prints, photo restoration, digital archiving of photos and scrap books created by Angel Memoir Albums. Be looking for it!

Moving onto Sunday

2006-09-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

When we were in Spain, we walked everywhere unless we were taking the Bus Turistic. That in itself was very cool not to mention the bus routes took sightseers in a variety of directions. One day we chose to set out for a walk so we could see more architectural wonders as well as stumble upon fun eateries. We took a northeast route up to the Church of the Sagrada Familia (the Sacred Family). We had already spent an entire morning and afternoon there earlier in the week but thought it would be a good place to start our meanderings. Jeanne had located a map and we had planned our route; sort of. Not being on any kind of schedule, we tended to deviate and seek out interesting areas. It was during this walk that we came across the now usual islands that pedestrians walk upon.

The streets in the wide avenida were divided into five parts. There was a sidewalk adjacent to the buildings on one side of the avenida. Then moving to your left (or right depending on which direction you were traversing), you would have to cross a one way street. Continue again to your left and you would hit the wide sidewalk which accommodated not only walkers but the continuous bicycle traffic. Again, move to your left and you would end up on the second roadway which traveled in the opposite direction. Finally one more move to your left and you were on the last sidewalk, all the way across the avenida.

On one such broad sidewalk/bike path, we came across an elderly woman sitting upon a bench. At first glance, she appeared to be yet another statue because her eyes gave the illusion of being closed and she was sitting quite still. I was quite fascinated by her. She was dressed in an old fashioned tweed jacket and blue skirt. Her white hair was neatly coiffed on her head. She wore low healed plain black shoes as one would have seen worn by the nuns of old. Her white cane rested on her right side. At her feet were numerous pigeons; perhaps she had been feeding them prior to our arrival. Her expression didn’t appear to change but I sensed that she was aware of our presence as well as our obvious interest in her. I started taking photos without appearing to do so. It was a trick I had learned from our photographic friend, Chris. Holding the camera low and estimating the height of the subject, I continued for several shots before I realized that Jeanne had continued walking until she was situated behind her. I was photographing her right profile while Jeanne captured her stooped back.

Finally satisfied that I had taken some worthwhile photos, I put down the camera and sat back on a bench to enjoy the ambience of the situation. For a reason I can’t explain or understand, the woman’s presence was not only fascinating but comforting all at the same time. I realized that we should move along so that she would again resume her solitary perhaps peaceful enjoyment of the afternoon. The pigeons cooed around her feet. I got up and glanced at her. She never once acknowledged me but I saw her relax as she realized that I was leaving.

Recently I reviewed that series of pictures and picked my favorite so that I could incorporate that into another Artist Trading Card. I took the solitary yet dignified woman and cut around her figure. Interestingly enough, the picture I selected also captured Jeanne in the background as she photographed the woman. I cut the two women apart and they brought them back together on my artist card. This time, Jeanne was adjacent to the woman instead of behind her. I also added one single pigeon to the piece. This was very symbolic and added a feeling of sadness to the card. I kept adding different pictures and objects to the card until I realized where I was going with this effort. Originally I had added three cut out phrases; You Cry, You Love, You Live but when I was finished I saw that I had covered the You Love phrase. In my mind, the love portion of the card was understood. You cry when you live and at some point in your existence you wonder if there “is much you miss of it”.

So with a little bit of background, I wanted to add my second attempt at being creative.

And Sometimes Creativity Calls In Sick

2006-09-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

What follows are some really great phrases that caught my attention while reading “Success at Life - How to Catch and Live Your Dream" A Zentrepreneur's Guide by Ron Rubin and Stuart Avery Gold (ministers of The Republic of Tea)

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
Practice the ancient, all-important art of “wishcraft.”
The ABC’s of Personal Responsibility:

A = Action
B = Belief
C = Clarity

Move away from living in the polluted doubt and uncertainty of “Atmosfear.” (Fear of failure, fear of rejection of what family, fear of what friends and colleagues might think, fear of being different, and paradoxically, the fear of success.)
If you want to make wonders, you have to have a willingness to take risks.
Putting your goals in writing makes them real.
University of Adversity GRAD program:

G = Get over it (success stops only when you do)
R = Redefine failure (by using mistakes to learn what not to do)
A = Analyze failure (revise, regroup, replan)
D = Depersonalize your failure (get off your own back about it!)

By applying mind, body and spirit to any endeavor or creation, by expressing their innermost nature to the outside world, the Zentrepreneur becomes a living art form.
The different between SUCCESS and FAILURE is the difference between a STRONG WILL and a STRONG WON’T!

I posted this today for a reason. We had big plans for today, Pat and I did, I was going to write and she was going to import some photos from one computer to another to play with in photoshop. The problems began almost immediately when her laptop refused to open any of the disks she fed it, and I could not get iTunes to read the songlists on the music I was trying to upload from our collection. After about an hour of frustrating computer glitchery on two different PC’s (even a die hard like Pat now admits we wouldn’t have these problems with Macs) I was no longer in any mood for anything remotely arty farty. Well maybe farty, but that was mostly inspired by the amount of black beans we ate last night.

Sometimes it just isn't meant to happen.

Creativity Strikes When You Least Expect It

2006-09-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have been extremely busy for the last few months and have not posted ANYTHING on this site. My hours at work are almost 24/7! I am owned by THE MAN and I can't seem to find a way out of this paper bag. So I have turned my mind and efforts in a different direction. I wanted to numb the "Stepford employee" persona that I have become and started to explore a different side of me. Hence I am making an effort to be creative. No, not more creative as I don't consider myself to be that in the first place.

This last Sunday, my partner and I hosted a small intimate arts day where we got together with 2 other friends. We had a fabulous brunch and then moved onto the real purpose of the day....artistic expression. Our wonderfully talented friend, Ann started the energy flow by slowly but purposefully bringing out all her crafting paraphernalia. I watched mesmerized as all the items and tools she had collected, and was apparently using in her own creative process, started to appear and be placed on our now-protected dining room table. I wondered what the heck I was going to do besides sit there and observe or perhaps document the event by photographing everyone else’s efforts.

I brought out my laptop and camera and resigned myself to that endeavor. Then Michele began to unload her own painting and crafting essentials. I was even more disappointed in my own lack of preparedness. What about Jeanne; what was she going to attempt; perhaps jewelry? That’s what I naturally assumed. I guess I was still in the Capricorn side of my brain.

Ann caught me watching her and must have realized that I was feeling lost so she invited me to sit and inquired if I wanted to work on the same type of project as she. This was my introduction to ATC, Artist Trading Cards. This new (to me) art form can be a very detailed effort at constructing an outrageous or beautiful or thought-provoking or you- name-it style of trading card. Ann explained the concept, handed me materials and basically led me to the edge of the precipice. I would either turn around and go home or take the plunge. I am very happy to say that I took the plunge and immediately dove into my own project.

At first I fumbled around not sure how to proceed. That is my typical MO. I become a sponge ready to absorb all that is new to me when starting a new venture. When I become comfortable with my surroundings or feel competent in my new endeavor then I become aggressive in my undertaking. So began my first ATC. I wasn’t sure of the theme that I wanted to convey. I took time to look over several photos from our European trip last spring. My favorite shots were mostly taken in Barcelona so that is where my wanderings went. Finally I decided on a picture of a bicycle parking lot. I had been fascinated by this concept because it became a common sight to see so many bikes being ridden as a form of transportation in Barcelona.

I used the photo and cut it to size so that it would become the background of that card. Then, still without any direction in mind, I started gathering different items and placed each one in what I believed was an appropriate position. Each piece came easily and found a natural place in the composition. It wasn’t until I was looking for the final piece that I realized that I had inadvertently chosen an anti-pollution/environmental theme.

Upon completion, I passed my piece around the table, and of course being with good friends, everyone profusely complimented my “artistic” endeavor. I felt like an ARTIST! I was elated and encouraged so I took a few minutes to gaze admiringly at my creation and then moved onto my second attempt. As it turned out, that piece was even more popular with the crowd. I was on an artistic roll, so to speak.

My last piece of the day deviated from the rules of ATC. The cards are supposed to 2 ½” x 3 ½” in size. I wanted my new found talent reflected on a larger dimension so I chose a larger piece. I must admit that this final card took more time than I had intended and perhaps I had come close to draining my creative juices for the afternoon. I was impressed with the fact that I never once chose a theme; it just seemed to flow together and was nicely wrapped up with the last few steps.

I am still thrilled by the whole episode and intend to continue my foray into the creative world that I never knew existed in my universe. I must admit that I owe it all to Ann’s encouraging words, “You just have to believe you can do it and you will”. PM

Artist Trading Cards

2006-09-21T14:35:00.000-07:00

Until about 10 days ago, I had never even heard of artist trading cards, but as always, Miss Ann Bo-Bann is on the cutting edge of what's new and happening. After falling in love with her very first offering we made sure that we were the highest bidder when the card came up for auction on Ebay. It is now the official logo for our other blog, Airy Fairy.

Imagine our delight when Ann offered to hold a workshop at our house so we too could become Artist Trading Card creators. We learned that there is an official size, two and half by three and a half inches, and the finished product can fit into plastic protective sleeves normally purchased for baseball cards. Other than that, no rules.

So we set about creating these tiny miniature collages last Sunday afternoon. Although Ann also worked on yet another offering to put up for bid that day, she patiently took the time to help us and advise us on our premiere efforts! We had so much fun and plan to make ATC days a regular event.

My first card is rather personal in nature as it features a picture of Pat, so it is not for sale. I don't know if I will ever be able to part with any of my creations, although maybe I'll eventually be able to do what the name implies... trade them!

Art Organic

2006-09-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. -Ghandi

This is the first post ever on the Sapphic Graphics website. As one of the site owners, I would like to welcome all who enjoy art in its many forms to our little page. We hope to grow this into a co-op of ideas and expression, a place to celebrate creativity, the development of our own or simply the enjoyment of the talents of others.

Since the page is still in a seedling stage, we are curious to see what it might grow up to be. We envision a sort of organic development that grows in all kinds of crazy directions, blooms of colors we'd never imagined. I chose the picture for this post based on that premise. It is of our garden, an ever evolving living canvas. A tree downed in one of our crazy summer monsoons has pushed the design in that particular area in a whole new direction, one I never foresaw when the tree was still standing. The fact that I also took this picture makes it a creative two-fer.

Any suggestions are certainly welcome, since ideas are the oils that fuel the fire of originality, and we're definitely all about fanning the flames. Check back often as we hope to have a flurry of activity within the next few days, and thank you for visiting!