Is now online for you to view and love.
Showing posts with label Softlife. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Softlife. Show all posts
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Softlife Plush Exclusive and Interview
My friend Coco is the woman behind Softlife. I had no idea that she made the most magical creatures on the planet until I saw her show at her, now husband's shop, Anne Bonny. Her work is inspiring, eye catching and super loveable. She has made some really fun, summery (which we need big time in these parts) guys for her plush exclusive. These will begin going on sale July 7th. Until then learn a bit about the maker.
S- What was your inspiration behind this exclusive?
SL- My inspiration behind this line of toys was New Rave and a longing for the bright and happy colors of summer.
S- One of your dream projects?
SL- There are so many! One thing I would love to do is make a collection of five foot tall Denizens that sprout grass and leave them all over the city. Giant Chia pets everywhere!
S- You will be a vendor at Urban Craft Uprising! What will mainly be for sale at your booth?
SL- I am going for a carny theme this summer. I have been designing plush toys that are reminiscent of the types of plush prizes I won as a child at the 50th state fair in Hilo. I am also working on a line of plush prize fighters, which for some reason, seem to me to fit in with the whole carney vibe. I will also have Sweater Beast kits, needle felted throw pillows, felted wall hangings, and as always, lots of strange plush creatures.
S- Where you might like to see your art in the next 5 years?
SL- To be honest, I don't really think that far ahead! I have many, many projects that I hope to realize in the next few years, and i would love to teach my Creature Classes to children in other countries. I have been thinking a lot lately about the feasibility of of being a traveling street vendor. The idea of selling art on the street both in the US and abroad, really appeals to me. I have been raising kids for twenty one years now, and being a vagabond sounds very romantic!
S- What are you looking forward to this summer (if it should ever arrive)?
SL- I am looking forward to being home and making art with my husband, Spencer. I will have a month off in August, and I look forward to having time to paint, play guitar, and taking the needle felted wall hangings in a new direction.
S- What was your inspiration behind this exclusive?
SL- My inspiration behind this line of toys was New Rave and a longing for the bright and happy colors of summer.
S- One of your dream projects?
SL- There are so many! One thing I would love to do is make a collection of five foot tall Denizens that sprout grass and leave them all over the city. Giant Chia pets everywhere!
S- You will be a vendor at Urban Craft Uprising! What will mainly be for sale at your booth?
SL- I am going for a carny theme this summer. I have been designing plush toys that are reminiscent of the types of plush prizes I won as a child at the 50th state fair in Hilo. I am also working on a line of plush prize fighters, which for some reason, seem to me to fit in with the whole carney vibe. I will also have Sweater Beast kits, needle felted throw pillows, felted wall hangings, and as always, lots of strange plush creatures.
S- Where you might like to see your art in the next 5 years?
SL- To be honest, I don't really think that far ahead! I have many, many projects that I hope to realize in the next few years, and i would love to teach my Creature Classes to children in other countries. I have been thinking a lot lately about the feasibility of of being a traveling street vendor. The idea of selling art on the street both in the US and abroad, really appeals to me. I have been raising kids for twenty one years now, and being a vagabond sounds very romantic!
S- What are you looking forward to this summer (if it should ever arrive)?
SL- I am looking forward to being home and making art with my husband, Spencer. I will have a month off in August, and I look forward to having time to paint, play guitar, and taking the needle felted wall hangings in a new direction.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Plush You kick off class
Join plush artist Coco Howard of Softlife and Kristen Rask of the incomparable Schmancy Toys at Stitches on Saturday October 3rd from 4:00 to 6:00pm and learn the fine art of making Sweater Beasts! In this class you will learn a very simple, yet versatile technique that will allow you to turn your unwanted sweaters into excellent beasts that will amaze your friends and maybe even your family. Only basic sewing skills are needed. All supplies will be provided. Cost is 20.00 for a two hour tutorial.
Bio:
Coco Howard started Softlife in 2007 as an umbrella company for her various artistic endeavors. She makes plush creatures, engages in amateur photography, creates needle felted wall hangings, sculpture, and installations, and teaches creature making classes at various elementary and middle schools in Seattle. Her work has been exhibited in the US and Japan.
Coco is devoted whole heartedly to fighting the soft fight each and every day.
To sign up please call (206) 709-0707
Friday, April 10, 2009
Tonight at Schmancy
Is the opening reception for 'Is This Love Or Just A Beautiful Dream?'. New work by Spencer Moody and Coco Howard. Here at Schmancy from 6:00 to 9:00
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
April 10th @ Schmancy
Spencer Moody and Coco Howard will be showing new work at Schmancy on April 10th. Mark those calendars!
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Favorite Finds for the day
Here are some of my new favorites.
By Lincoln Bear
By Kivett-Studio
By Apple and Eve
By Danielleorama
Mochimochi Land
By Softlife
By Lincoln Bear
By Kivett-Studio
By Apple and Eve
By Danielleorama
Mochimochi Land
By Softlife
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Coco Howard Interview and Giveaway!
I am trying to remember the first time I saw Coco Howard's work. (I went over the questions and now I do) I had heard of her because her son Atticus shopped at Schmancy and told me his mom made some plush creatures. All I can remember in my sleep deprived state is how much I was in awe of her work when I finally got to see it in person. I do remember emailing a bunch of folks telling them about it and how they had to see it! It's really amazing-that's all there is to it. I am thrilled that she will be showing this year at Plush You! and so excited to see what she does next. Until then, here's more information about Coco for you. Leave a comment (with your contact info please) to win your very own Coco Howard design!
S- Where to begin....Well for our readers that might not know much about you yet, can you please tell us more about you and your work?
CH- I grew up in Hawaii but have been living in Seattle for the past 20 years. At age 21 I had my first child, Atticus. He started drawing at an early age, and his artwork was my original inspiration for getting into character design. When he started school, I volunteered so I could be with him more often, and it was there that I got the opportunity to start an art therapy program. The program focused on plush toy making, and seeing what the kids made inspired me to start making plush on my own for fun. I’d been selling and giving creatures to friends and family, and a lot of people told me that I should try to sell them professionally, but I never thought it would be practical. Then last year I became a single parent and now I need to financially support my family on my own. My hope is that building the Softlife business will allow me the flexibility to parent while earning an income at the same time.
S- The first things I saw of your work were your amazing needle felted wall art at Anne Bonny. Since then, you have moved on to HUGE installations, recycled materials, various animals and creatures. Was the needle felting where it began or just the first stuff I saw?
CH- My first plush were felted dolls and creatures made from recycled sweaters that I made with the kids in my art therapy program. It wasn’t until I started making things at home on my own that I developed the felted paintings, which are my real passion, although they’re extremely time-consuming!
Read full interview here
S- Where to begin....Well for our readers that might not know much about you yet, can you please tell us more about you and your work?
CH- I grew up in Hawaii but have been living in Seattle for the past 20 years. At age 21 I had my first child, Atticus. He started drawing at an early age, and his artwork was my original inspiration for getting into character design. When he started school, I volunteered so I could be with him more often, and it was there that I got the opportunity to start an art therapy program. The program focused on plush toy making, and seeing what the kids made inspired me to start making plush on my own for fun. I’d been selling and giving creatures to friends and family, and a lot of people told me that I should try to sell them professionally, but I never thought it would be practical. Then last year I became a single parent and now I need to financially support my family on my own. My hope is that building the Softlife business will allow me the flexibility to parent while earning an income at the same time.
S- The first things I saw of your work were your amazing needle felted wall art at Anne Bonny. Since then, you have moved on to HUGE installations, recycled materials, various animals and creatures. Was the needle felting where it began or just the first stuff I saw?
CH- My first plush were felted dolls and creatures made from recycled sweaters that I made with the kids in my art therapy program. It wasn’t until I started making things at home on my own that I developed the felted paintings, which are my real passion, although they’re extremely time-consuming!
Read full interview here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
