it’s not painted; it’s beaded!

For some reason, Liza Lou popped into my head the other day. I learned about her in college, and her work stuck in my brain because I just can’t imagine the amount of time that goes into her projects. The beaded tiara above was supposed to catch your eye and make you read this post, because just looking at the photos below probably wouldn’t have conveyed the materials it is made out of – it is an entire, full size kitchen, and it is entirely covered with little glass beads. They’re put in place one by one, with tweezers. Can you imagine?! I’d like to see it in person; it must be very sparkly.

dan steinhilber

Recently I went to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C. The museum was about to close, but I rushed through to get to the basement floor, where they have the Dan Steinhilber piece on the left permanently displayed (yep, it’s made of coat hangers!). I love artists who see beauty in the everyday, and Dan Steinhilber has been called a “Wal-Mart” artist for his ability to take everyday junk and turn it into something beautiful. On the top right, is an installation made of 2 liter bottles, and on the bottom right is a piece made from styrofoam boxes.

vto gallery

Love this.