Miss Cake Happy Fun Time

Miss Cake on Les Femmes Folles

2011-12-07T21:57:00.000-08:00

In a recent article I was interviewed by Sally Deskins who writes for Les Femmes Folles, a blog "promoting and supporting women in art". It was inspired by an art show in April 2011 by the same name featuring 5 female artists.

Only a couple of weeks before she approached me, my friend Jenna Morrison, a musician, mentioned she was doing an interview for her band Conduits. Now that I'm aware of it I want to read the tales of so many other female artists in Omaha. I like finding another tiny thread that ties us all together.

Read my interview here.

Horribles are Freakin' Adorables!

2011-11-10T14:48:00.000-08:00

My gift list for everybody! Horrible Adorables by Jordan Elise on Etsy.

Sherbert Flox, Long-Necked Swampskipper & Stubby Creature print by Horrible Adorables

Shop handmade!

Amanda Browder is Future Phenomenon

2011-11-09T13:37:00.000-08:00

One amazing artist I recently came across, Amanda Browder, does most of her work in my favorite medium, fabric. I saw her credit in Lucky Kids magazine for a soft sculpture of a campfire, complete with logs and flames! Always a big fan of soft sculpture and the 3d art of manipulating spaces both indoors and outdoors I was just driven to see more...

I love this cave room she calls 'Beautiful Flux' transforming an ordinary room into a play land of whimsical coziness.

Attention Architects: One thing the world cannot suffer from is too much color.

Impending DOOOOM

2011-07-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

Another fun find I found on Fab.com were these feisty fluffys by OhNo Doom. (Say that 10 times fast) They caught my eye because they are reminisce of the iconic Japanese Domo doll, which I just found out was hatched from an egg, can't talk but squeals and likes to watch TV. There trends a lot of creepy cute dolls out there, starting with the Ugly Doll craze, which I don't think I will ever tire of. I actually gave my boss's little girl her first Ugly Doll when she was born a few months ago. Don't worry, she will grow up totally normal.

I really like OhNo Doom because, like me, they like to do a little bit of everything art & designery. Including running an online art gallery/shop where I found the most adorable illustrative work of Kali Meadows (pictured top left)

(photos: www.ohnodoom.com)

"Tea & Titties"

2011-07-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

Miss Cake + Bryce Bridges co-lab

” B-oops” Titty pillows and tutu by Miss Cake. Model An Vu.

"Queen of Tarts"…rules with a manicured fist, painting here toes-es red. Her paper crown will melt before she does. Monica wears: Vintage princess skirt found at Retro, other pieces are stylist and models own.

Glimpse a first time collaboration of Miss Cake with photographer Bryce Bridges on arti-fashion photo shoot, my term for the "art of the anti-fashion shoot". I had a blast working with Bryce and he totally captured my vision of setting off the realness of the models in contrast to an almost cartoony animation effect. I like things exaggerated in full blast of color, so real its unreal. I want to create the place that women get to have fun being women and flaunt their awesome powers of individuality.

Having fun on set!

Bryce branched out of his typical style to work with my vision. His take on is "it was up to me to amplify the energy so that it would communicate in still photograph form. The approach I chose was to lift what was already an exaggerated and surreal grouping of elements just a little bit higher. By covering everything with light rather than casting shadows I was able to allow the vibrancy of the design and style to really come to the fore and take center stage."

View more images on Esoteric Velvet's feature, Omaha's own voice to hip local art and culture!

Pillow Pets

2011-07-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

Aaron Stewart on Fab.com

I don't know when Fab.com hit the net waves exactly but I'm pretty sure they found me. Probably through the numerous other design websites I subscribe to, these marketers sure know what they're doing. By invading my inbox and popping up with sales on fabulous designs by well known designers such as Milton Glaser and plenty more new design houses I've never heard of before. Long story short, I got hooked and signed up. I'm a huge design junkie but I've been falling way out of love for super streamlined, modern, plastic, what I call "surgical" design fads, it can be so impersonal. I'm not in the market to buy anything aside from groceries but if I were, I now know where to go to for new names in design and supre-cool unique gifts.

(reminisce of my white kitty, Pinky)

That's why these pet pillows from Pillow, Pillow, Pillow by illustrator Aaron Stewart caught my eye. The silly, simple illustrations, the handmade quality, to me, hold their place in the design world, and more importantly my heart, just as much as the highest technology in polypropelene. Besides pet marketing is where its at since they are the new offspring of the 20-30 somethings, smart cookie.

Paper Pirate

2011-06-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

Meghan Stratman's Bunny Pirates

(images from Meghan's Alphabet Series 2010)

I first came across Meghan's work at her solo show "Rabbit Hearted Girl" at Screen Ink in Lincoln, NE. If these are a pleasure to look at online then in person the craftsmanship and texture of these pieces is just jaw dropping. Many of her pieces are influenced by lyrics and music, it seems to me, in the tender and alluringly strong way of the fiesty femme fatale.

(images from Meghan's most recent solo show "Louder than Sirens" 2011)
Keep your eye on this profuse talent and check out her print shop!

h-e-l-l-o!

2011-05-13T17:40:00.000-07:00

Allison Cole is one of my favorite illustrators and crafters making all around goodness. I love these little greeting card sets for only $7. Find them on her Etsy site "Bang, Bang, You're Thread"

"Meet Diaper Fish"

2011-05-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

Talking Trash - Make less waste , Duh

The problem: Too much waste: Residents of the United States threw away 207 million tons of garbage in 1993. Local governments spend more than $30 billion each year to manage solid waste, but this burden falls not only on taxpayers. It affects the environment, too. Beyond the problem of finding places to dump or burn trash, waste is often the visible result of using natural resources inefficiently.

2011-04-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

Makoto Yabuki + DRESSLAB

Such breathtaking contrast in line and color, hard and soft, highly visible and yet obscured... Yin & Yang

2011-02-14T15:13:00.000-08:00

I don't dislike Valentine's day at all but like any other holiday, let's have some fun with it!

Hello Devil

2011-01-21T06:42:00.000-08:00

Kill, kitty, kill...'nuff said. www.kidrobot.com

Sewing machine cover Kitty

2010-04-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

This was a fun afternoon project based on my favorite inspiration, my kitty Pinky. I hope to do a DIY walkthrough of this project to follow.

Pig parties

2010-04-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

Kevin Rooney is amazing. He paints pig, eats pigs and dresses like pigs. What more is there?!!

"The birthday was a beautiful disaster. Nothing went as planned and that made it perfect. Eating a pig off of the front porch, fire breathing mishaps, the cage cave-in. Nothing going as planned made the night all the more awkward and weird/ PERFECT. My poorly assembled pig costume fit the messy evening. Since it was only made of spandex I felt naked and it put me in a weird state of mind being around so many people. I was hoping for a different/ odd birthday and it was exactly what it turned out to be. I couldn't handle the night's events at times and that made it all the more lovely! I wish you could have seen the carnage! Always next year... ICE DOME!"

Block print Memory Blocks by Miss Cake

2010-03-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

A collaboration with my boyfriend Thom as a gift for his little niece. I printed them so it would be easy to make two of each for the matching game.

Notebook art

2010-02-23T18:52:00.000-08:00

These are fun little paintings I do to relax sometimes. I cut up old notebook paper and make them into tiny notebooks. They are totally easy and eco-friendly if you use recycled materials like magazines or wrapping paper scraps AND they make cute gifts.

Cake for FUN-draiser!

2010-02-22T20:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, how did I not design a pair of sneaks until just now? It's been on the forever idea list until I was invited to design a pair for a good cause. Tom's shoes donated all the shoes and they were auctioned off for charity this week.

It was experimental albeit but I have like 3 requests for Cake designed shoes since so I'll try to keep it comin'!!

2010-02-22T20:35:00.000-08:00

These words are a peaceful reminder to myself to stay present. Even when I have to repeat it multiple times a day, when I say them to myself I actually totally believe it. If you have to print this out and post it on your bathroom mirror, go ahead, try it!

Bowl-O-Rama

2010-02-22T20:13:00.000-08:00

With the last of the bowls in my Undie Bowls series I started to get real crazy with color and shape. It's so cool to me how my art translates onto a piece of functional pottery instead of on a wall cause I just want to touch them all the time. I kept a ton of these just for my kitchen and I use them constantly. Some of them are still available on my Etsy site

Keep checking back, I have a batch of Miss Cake mugs I am currently whipping up!

DIY window coverings

2010-02-22T18:10:00.000-08:00

To keep some privacy and let in all the natural light we have in our house I was going to have patterns cut into contact paper but then I discovered that it was easier and cheaper to do it myself. I ended up liking the handmade feel of the lines better and you have the freedom to cut any picture you want on your own windows.

Happy Waaahlentines Day!!

2010-02-13T15:04:00.001-08:00

I had a little solo love time in the kitchen today. This is for all of those who think they don't have something to celebrate on Valentine's Day, stop crying and get out there and love somebody!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Here's a fun card that I made by poking a needle through a piece of paper about a million times. It was quite theraputic. Take that LOVE!!

Bea & Company

2010-02-13T14:05:00.000-08:00

OMG cute city!!! I just had to share this awesome stop motion video that my brother did for his girlfriend Midori. She is obsessed with her collection of stuffed animals so my bro did this for her when she was in Japan. awwww....

Sketches from January 2010

2010-02-08T15:55:00.000-08:00

A few of my faaaaavorite things!!

2010-02-08T15:20:00.000-08:00

Now that I am allowing myself to believe that spring will come again, I feel like sharing a few of my favorite things and I invite you to share some of yours...

♥ Snacks.
♥ Pretty paper goodies make me giddy. My old favorite is Paper Source
♥ Really snuggly cats
♥ Design Sponge is a daily pleasure... aaaah
♥ Long afternoons on the sofa with movies and sketchbooks.
♥ Planting seeds and actually getting them to grow.
♥ Paid bills.
♥ No bills.
♥ People that have honesty, integrity & room for self-reflection.

and SPRING!!!

Sweet sweet therapy

2010-02-08T15:11:00.000-08:00

Me + content = a saturday afternoon of cutouts and doodles...

Pecha Kucha saved my life

2010-02-01T15:51:00.000-08:00

After attending and speaking at my first Pecha Kucha experience I was kept awake later that night by certain things I failed to mention and things that I heard and saw. Though it does not compile of samples of peoples work that was shown or how many new Facebook friends I found (none) but observations of the environment of Omaha’s own “creative class” as it is so lovingly referred to.

As people started trickling in my first observation was the intense facial expressions planted on the attendees. I thought it was odd because though I was nervous about speaking in front of people, I came there to have fun. These people, I decided, came here to work. I was aware then as I often am, of pulling back inside my head, like I was watching a scene in a movie. These people came in there that night to walk away with something and I realized that to create is serious work for this audience.

I thought to myself if this is the ‘creative class’ then where do people like me fit in? And let me point out that the key word in a term like ‘creative class’ is still ‘class’. By a definition of social class meaning “a social hierarchy in which individuals and groups are classified on the basis of esteem and prestige acquired mainly through economic success and accumulation of wealth.”

It was pointed out to me that while presenting with other professionals, I was one of the few presenting what I was not doing for a living. I wasn’t sure what to think of this but I took it away with me and a couple days later it made me smile and I thought, how lucky I am to be able to share this with all those people and still be able to find that freedom and passion in my work instead of tying it up into an economic slap in the face.

I honestly don’t care where I fit in as long as I am doing what I love. There is still that mostly unrecognized, unrewarded, underground community of deliciously off kilter, free thinking creatives in Omaha as there has been through history that is the life blood of the human race. If that’s where I fit it I am happy to be a part of it. It’s that catch 22, the grass is greener, that Good and Evil debate that one cannot exist without the other. Each person thinking “you need me, but do I need you?”… And yes, for some reason I can’t fully explain, we all need each other.

Designs from the heart...

2010-01-04T20:04:00.000-08:00

I am happy to announce that I made it into my first international publication earlier this year. "Just for you: Designs from the heart" by Pablo Correa, Index Books Publications.

Available at www.amazon.com

Abandoned in Iowa

2010-01-04T19:06:00.000-08:00

(drawings on ribbon by Miss Cake)

(yoga ball monsters by Amy Morin, Plaiderpillar)

(cool chic checking out the cake stand)

(paintings on wood by Miss Cake)

"Destroy, Rebuild, Repeat" was a one night only art show on Dec. 12th 2009 that took place in the bowels of Council Bluffs and turned out to be another stepping stone of true underground art exhibitions in Omaha. Curated by two very determined Omaha artists, Joel Damon and Josh Powell, they installed work of 11 artists (including myself) between 3 spaces in different stages of occupancy. It easily and unintentionally reminds us of the ebb and flow of society and its need for spaces, waste and reinvention. Beautiful.

Keeper of the Golden Turd

2009-12-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

That's me.

2009-10-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

Holee shit guys, I've been away forever! It makes me sad to not have art be number 1 in my life but I've been working full time again since february so forgive me. I've had a couple comments from people that I let my blog die and yes, it was in ICU but thanks to knowing at least a couple people read this I'm trying to get some focus back into my art.

Not to say I haven't been busy. Some of my recent work is for We ain't plastic vinyl toy show in Lincoln, NE as well as Freestyle 50 skateboard deck show. As well as the undie bowls keep rockin' out! So I'm coming back to share some new work with you and some inspiration that will keep me going when its tough out there...

xo
Miss Cake

My First Giveaway!

2008-12-05T23:52:00.000-08:00

Leave the 'MOST CREATIVE COMMENT' on this posting to win a first limited edition tote bag. Winner will be selected on friday Dec. 12th. You have one week! and yes it is totally subjective so Good Luck!
xo

Geisha des francais

2008-10-28T10:30:00.001-07:00

I first fell in love with the geisha Dunny from Kidrobot French Dunny Series. A rare one only 1/100 and I know somebody who got it, I'm SO JEALOUS! Already a huge fan of french graffiti artist Fafi, somehow I stumbled onto the art by french artist, Koralie. I love the collaborations with Supakitch and how they can use many vehicles for their art, literally;)

You've got to Crank the Bunny out

2008-10-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

I was reminded of a new trend I've noticed in paper toy crafts ( ie.Toy Paper UK) when I saw CrankBunny's paper work. I was particularly intrigued by her idea of not only creating paper puppets and curious items (like paper scissors!) but also her illustration that makes them absolutely beautiful and evoke a feeling of another time and place. Such as the paper robot or "Paperbot" (above).

On top of all that she can do some pretty nifty animation you can see in this video interview on Etsy. Including dialogue such as "Every time someone buys something handmade, a robot gets his wings."

Visit CrankBunny at her Etsy shop and her website www.crankbunny.com

She was kind enough to answer some questions about her life as an artist/animator here.

(BTW: I'm going to start focusing on featuring more indie crafty-pants and artsy-pantses. I think I should to change the name of this blog to "I could never do this".)

SNL Body Fuzion

2008-10-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

At last! I just came across the SNL Body Fuzion video that my friend Kate was trying to show me when I was visiting her in New York this last february. At last I know what she was talking about, but that didn't stop us from creating our own body fuzion workout tape back then.

Handmade Nation documentary

2008-10-05T22:31:00.000-07:00

Faythe Levine is the documentarian of Handmade Nation: The Rise of D.I.Y. Art, Craft, and Design, set for release in 2008. In an interview on PoppyTalk Faythe talks about what she calls "the new wave of craft" "a movement of people who have an interest in the handmade and doing things themselves. A generation of creatively motivated people who want to reclaim their lives and lay the foundation for their future with a progressive, supportive network of like-minded people." You can read the full interview here.

Accompanied by a book with illustrations and type done by Kate Bingaman-Burt of Obsessive Consumption, who was one of my most awesome graphics and typeography teacher at University of Nebraska Lincoln.

You can find out more at Indie Craft Documentary Blog

"Welcome to the Sporest" Miss Cake and Nolan Tredway

2008-09-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

Sweet ass panoramic photo courtesy of ROUNDUS ;)

I already figured that most people would have not made the trek to Lincoln for the one night opening at Parrish studios where on friday Sept. 5th I unveiled the latest mural I did in collaboration with the talented Nolan Tredway (who's website has currently been coveted by somebody who obviously wants to be Nolan, ahem Ben). Thanks to ROUNDUS for their awesome photo DOC-U-MEN-TA-SHUN of what can be nothing short of FEN-OM-EN-UL. More pics are up in the "art" section of my "la la la I'm not listening!", um, website.

View the feature article in The Reader

Top 3 in the random word search for "BLAMMO", not bad Blammoblog animation and cool stuff, and just in time for the Omaha Comic Convention where I want to meet all kinds of greaaat people...

Strange company...

2008-09-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

Just in case you haven't seen it. The new series of collectible political toys that I found at StrangeCo by Ren and Stimpy creator John Kricfalusi (and let me correct myself here, thanks John!) are actually released from RFX Toys available on Amazon.

A perfect summation to one more joke of an election and can I say here what an excellent pale palor complete with the liver spots of the republican running mate. Could it be discrediting this monumental election to say that the running parties are no more than a collectible token to put on your shelf after it is over? More likely it is merely making an honest comment on how America has made a monumental election into one more vacant reality show.

More links from StrangeCo Clutter Magazine

A week full of wonderful

2008-09-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

One word. SYNCRONICITY. For the last week I can't get over how so many seemingly random events have been aligning themselves. I wonder, are these things always like this and I just refuse to notice it, or is it in the stars and I should pay closer attention to my horoscope.

Still there is always that moment when you are about to give up hope, when you're questioning your worth and motivation meter is in the black, then you glimpse that teeny little ray of hope. I can always appreciate a reminder of my worth and in any form it may be I'll find it!

First of all it was nice surprise to be featured in The Storque mag picks of the week on Etsy. I haven't figured out how Etsy can actually make me any money, so I could definitely use the free advertising.

Even better though is that I met some totally legit Miss Cake fans. That means I didn't know them but they knew me...and that's how I like it! These two women came into Trocadero, the boutique where I work, and were just looking around. When they got to the counter, one picked up my postcard and said "hey it's Miss Cake! Do you recognize this?" and her friend said "yeah that's been hanging on your fridge". Then they started talking about wanting to go see "her" show in Lincoln and this and that. I have to admit it's pretty funny to hear yourself talked about as if you're not there. Oh, the crazy things you'd hear... So anyways, I figured I'd better introduce myself or face the consequences of what they had to say next. They seemed to know a lot about my work and it made me totally happEEY. Our neighbor who was sitting outside told me they walked out and were talking about how they got to meet "Miss Cake". My plan is in action Jackson. Everybody wants their 15 min of fame and I try not to take mine too seriously. Still I'm hoping that's just the first notch in the celebrity belt. :)

Frosted friends

2008-08-19T18:14:00.000-07:00

Melissa Cleaver with her confectionary creation.

I found her. The competition for my namesake. I finally met "The Cake Artiste", Melissa Cleaver at the Crazy Eights group show at the Hot Shops this month. Crazily enough we shared the same theme of "Lick". I actually wanted "Malady" but fate led me down a different path. I almost melted when I saw it. No, wait, that was the 95 degree weather that was smothering the gallery. Coated in my favorite colors and donned with iced-cicles, ice-cream cones and "one-way" street signs, not forgetting what appears to be a anatomically correct phallic representation topping the whole thing off! Well, I don't think it is but I can't really tell. If it were up to me...

A shot of the wall that my piece hung on, dwarfed by the giant tongue of artist Wanda Ewing.

Helloooo from Portland Makool loves you!

Tasty layers

2008-07-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a very cool video I came across on Anna ter Haar. Almost more interesting is how much work they did and put into it. I watched the second video first and wondered what they were doing covering up so many interesting layers. Turned out cool.

A perfectly quaint duo

2008-07-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

Add this to my list of favorite things. Work collaborated between two of my newer favorite artists Saelee Oh and Souther Salazar. Even those names, what ring to it! The artists share a similar blend of folk craft, nature inspired palette. Between Saelee's intricate paper cutouts and Souther's peacefully awkward clay creatures they represent the cultural return of appreciation for traditional hand-made methods. By recycling scraps and images these artists are rebuilding the beauty that was carelessy thrown away before them.

More work by Saelee and Souther

The Web Urbanist, on Recycled Art

Cut + Paste my heart back together

2008-06-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

Today I came across an online indie seller collective Cut + Paste. Named after the basic creative outlet most of us learn in kindergarten, most of the items on the site are anything but basic. Full of clever, hot, handmade, wellmade items it is positively drool worthy. One of my favorites being the Hotdog necklace by Nooworks.

It promotes buying handmade and features accessories, bags, zines, paper craft and then some. Started by native Californian, Jenny Kwok, she now runs this awesome site out of Istanbul, Turkey. You can also read the Cut + Paste blog.

Like comics? For a cute time check out Allison Cole Illustration

Miss Cake for reals

2008-06-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

Once again I hadn't gotten around to what I want to in a timely manner. Once again I forgive myself. I have perfect timing, everyone else's is off.

Aaanyways, I opened a small showing of small work appropriately entitled "All the Small Things". You know I came up with that title in a dream, months before I had created any of the work for it. Does the work match the vision or does the vision match the work I always wonder. It most possibly is what it is, and both are true as I am one holistically bonded being. Mind and body and all that.

I started painting for the show about a month beforehand, working best on the cusp of things as I do. It almost surprised me what things came out of it. I guess that's how i harness the "Mis Take" energy. Creating on demand. Not over-thinking it. I have the rest of the year to do that. I admit I wasn't overly excited about the show. It was not the best gallery space and my work had to accommodate a lot of competition such as ATM machines, various electronics and bad decorating. I did the work for the work itself and I had to profusely apologize to each piece for giving it a bronze when it was the only one entered in the event. Your gold is coming soon babies.

I did get a minimal turnout expected for a Xanadu reunion. Mainly because I didn't want to tell anybody. Even though, somehow the best thing happened to me that night, and I was surprised with a deadly cute and sugary gift of REAL CAKE from darling Denise Muller of What Cheer design wife of John Henry Muller and mother of the two most adorable children ever!! Want a baby-sitter? I promise I won't feed them sweets! I'll even work for cake! They don't get any, of course. Okay, this is what happens when I wake up early. Damn that 10 am alarm clock! I have reverse delirium.

One response I got was that it was the best work I have ever done so far. Really? I guess I am my worst critic. God, I hope so. Maybe I was more surprised that the work showed through the "decorating"... wow, I am just going to stop there. The other response I got was so surprisingly insightful that I didn't even realize it. That the abundance of panty images and various animal in panties images comments on the developed human ideal of "sexy". Where real fat and skin used to be beautiful now we suck it out and cover it with lace. Done. Do we find the "Snakes in lace" quite as satisfying? He's real skinny, maybe too skinny. It must not be the lace.

Well, that was not actually ANY wording of the actual person as absorbed and regurgitated by me. It's kind of like kissing. Ew! As my friend Stephen said "if there's not an octo-pussy under those Octo-panties I'm gonna be pissed".
He totally gets it.

For a lame time check out Arts Project blog by Andy Howell

Pretty Ugly

2008-06-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

I heard this on the radio a couple days ago, and I think it has the best song lyrics. Ever.

If You Wanna Be Happy
Jimmy Soul

If you wanna be happy
For the rest of your life,
Never make a pretty woman your wife,
So from my personal point of view,
Get an ugly girl to marry you.

A pretty woman makes her husband look small
And very often causes his downfall.
As soon as he marries her
Then she starts to do
The things that will break his heart.
But if you make an ugly woman your wife,
You'll be happy for the rest of your life,
An ugly woman cooks her meals on time,
She'll always give you peace of mind.

Don't let your friends say
You have no taste,
Go ahead and marry anyway,
Though her face is ugly,
Her eyes don't match,
Take it from me she's a better catch.

Say man.
Hey baby.
Saw your wife the other day.
Yeah?
Yeah, she's ugly.
Yeah, she's ugly but she sure can cook.
Yeah?. Okay.

Forgotten...

2008-06-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

Illustration Friday Topic "Forgotten"

New work showing June 6th at The Benson Grind...

2008-05-26T01:18:00.000-07:00

I will be exhibiting some new work at The Benson Grind The work is still developing, but I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed;)I plan on this being my last solo showing for quite awhile so I hope you can all join me for a good laugh!

You want more?

2008-05-26T00:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a taste of what happens after an awesome day of shooting with my darling model Kathleen Flood.

Set of undie-pants bowls for my upcoming show...

"Apres la fete" (translation=After the party), dress by Miss Cake

A salty summer dress I made out of a pillowcase.

Cute as a doll with my Sick Heart

Sweet and serene in my vintage fabric sundress

Clothing designs are sold at Black Market in Lincoln
Now you can also shop Miss Cake's Etsy site

Monsters

2008-05-12T18:47:00.000-07:00

I wish the decisions were always easy.

Miss Cake Etsy shop now up!!

2008-05-02T01:12:00.000-07:00

Now you can shop Miss Cake's Etsy site

New work & good times at the Cake Den

2008-04-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

It's been busy at the Cake Den. I decided to document what my apartment/studio looks like... it's like the Easter bunny pooped on it. I'm busy getting ready for a June show at The Benson Grind so stay tuned.

I also got to spend some of my day screen printing some paper bags for the Omaha Craft Mafia sale at Hot Shops at 1301 Nicholas St. this weekend. Come by and enjoy a mimosa with some crazy crafters, May 3-4 Sat. 12-8, Sun. 12-5.

"Wrinkles"

2008-04-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

My submission for Illustration Friday's topic this week.

I drew this after overhearing a middle aged woman say this to her friend on a train to Long Island. Age is all relative, right?...

Earth friendly bag lovin' at Scout

2008-04-26T21:04:00.000-07:00

People were wondering what the bag I designed for Scout's contest last month looked like so I thought I'd post it. The winner was actually Dave Nelson of Secret Penguin whom I voted for. There were a few cool ones to choose from and I can't wait to get mine!

I also wanted to give some earth friendly kudos to Scout as it's concept happens to promote a very earth friendly approach from recycling cool clothing to participating at last weekends Earth Day celebration at Elmwood Park which I happened to miss. But as you should well know...everyday is earth day and we should all try harder to be kind to the hand that feeds us.

Make sure to get up to Scout and get your reusable bag, and rock it hard!

Bless your holy Sweetness!

2008-04-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

After stopping to catch up on the latest art exhibit at Pulp. I made a rewarding stop at the new Sweet Georgine's Bakeshop in Benson today. To begin with the space was so cute and cozy, and with a baked to perfection logo by the talented Adam Nielsen made me want to curl up with a cookie and a cup of tea. I ordered the Cream cheese & Cayenne brownie that delivered a perfectly sweet and spicy bite. Yum! I wanted to take a beautiful picture of it, but this is about what it looked like when I got it home. They launch their sandwiches tomorrow, I'll be back.

Make sure to stay tuned into this one Sweet Georgine's

Men's underwear designer

2008-04-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

I want to start a line of sweet looking, comfy men's underwear. I was thinking it would be called Manties, but then saw that it already existed in the Urban Dictionary. Not to mention when you do a Google search some atrocious things tend to show up. ie. Manties.net

Still I wonder, how can this be a bad profession...

Holy art shows Omaha!

2008-04-08T14:33:00.001-07:00

It was a great time for up and coming artists and art lovers in the Omaha area this weekend. Starting with friday night I headed to Lincoln for a gallery showing. I thought I was heading down to see one gallery, The Project room run by artist/collector Craig Roper, instead it was a shock and a blessing to realize that pretty much the entire 2nd floor above Gomez Art Supply store on 14th & O has been revamped and turned into a burgeoning collection of creativeness. I walked into rooms and saw work by Nolan Tredway, Brett Anderson, a piece by world famous artists Kara Walker and Takashi Murakami (courtesy of The Project Room collection), a spoken word performance as a guy dressed all in black painted on a canvas behind him, Robot Luv clothing project by, former owner of Ozone clothing store, Carrie Masters, a hair salon, not to mention a great turnout of people that made me wonder if they existed before and where they came from.

Saturday night was a great reward with both the "Undercurrents" showing of work by Bemis art center staffers at the Dixie Quicks gallery and "Ecophenotypic" at the Nomad Lounge. All that, no dinner, and two glasses of wine there's no doubt I was giddy!

"Lincoln links" Robot Luv, The Project Room, Tugboat Gallery-Nolan Tredway, Ecophenotypic

Home Sweet Etsy-greeting cards!

2008-03-24T02:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some new greeting cards I will be selling on my etsy site and some local shops, not sure yet. "Home Sweet Home" is fun to give for a housewarming. With a unique approach on a traditional tradition, it will make them laugh and maybe put it in a frame, or make them wonder if they actually want to move out!

"Check out" BrenB Illustration

La rue de Chaos

2008-03-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

Here is some cool shit going on with the frenchies. Artists that go by the names Bunka and Niark1 are doing a design/toy expo called We Are Chaos. I am lovin' these jammin' illustrations. Chaos about sums it up. With their coke jacked imagery and shameless color palette they are rocking my world today. You can see more at www.wearechaos.com

"Bonus Link!" Artoyz

Craving the fiction

2008-02-25T20:41:00.000-08:00

I've gotten a craving for seriously crappy fiction. After a beautiful day yesterday, almost spring even, we got hit with another grey, snowy, slushy downpour. I'm not even going to complain about the weather. It's too redundant. So after dragging myself out into it and finishing off a few errands, I ended up at the downtown public library tracking down the fiction aisles. After a detour into the non-fiction where I instinctively started to fill my arms with intriguing titles (details omitted) I reminded myself that I rarely finish any of them, and moved on. I wandered into the mystery section first. Not knowing any authors, just going in blind, I began picking out ones that would make people ask me why the fuck I was reading it. I hardly know fiction these days except for Tom Robbins, and the last mystery books I read being Nancy Drew. I grabbed a selection such as "The Unlucky Ones" and "Death of the Office Witch" (is it appropriate to list the authors, not that you might know any of them, but...)

It's weird, but I've connected this craving to an attachment I had for constant reading as a child. It totally is a form of escape, and yeah I was kind of awkward. So, when I'm bored, and don't feel like forcing myself to draw, I've decided I should read. I remember reading the most random fiction, sci-fi, and kiddie horror like R. L. Stine and Goosebumps, intermixed with my dedication to the Baby-sitters Club and Sweet Valley High series. I can't wait to sit down, get into some dorky mystery story, and have a new reason to stay up all night.

"It's for real!" The Babysitters Club Fan Club!

Interview with NYC curator/artist Noel Herberling

2008-02-21T09:23:00.000-08:00

Noel was responsible for pulling a group of artists, including myself, together for a show entitled "Dead Composition" that is showing Feb. 12th thru March 8th

MC: What is your background with art, and how did you
get started building your own curating business?

NH: Early on I had experience in theater, writing, drawing, and music. I preferred those types of activities to the academic. I guess I just worked better with doing things physically rather than memorizing text and facts. I eventually made my way to majoring in painting at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. There, I really felt I discovered what my role in the art world was supposed to be. Prior to starting at Pratt I was in a rock band in Rochester, NY. I left the party type entertainment for the solitude of the studio. I missed the big events and starting making my own in the art world. The art schools in NYC had very little communication with each other, and still do. As a student, I organized group exhibitions between the major art universities in NYC in an attempt to create an atmosphere where ideas can be discussed. Through these events, I realized how much I enjoyed organizing the events and promoting the works of artists that had difficulty getting exposure for themselves.

To see the full interview with Noel check out Miss Cake Extras! Blogspot

Art Fart: Honey Space in NYC

2008-02-18T20:45:00.000-08:00

It always makes me happy to see an artist or entrepreneur (though I suppose all artists are entrepreneurs) figure out a way to "damn the man"! A gallery of the new era, Honey Space, that opened it's doors in an unused warehouse in the Chelsea district. It is unstaffed, unfinished, unconventional. Apparently you can contact the artist to purchase a piece by taking a card that is just laying around, or you could steal it. It's like a twisted test of how honest people can be. In a way that is the art itself. Putting that choice in people's faces. Just how much do you value the work of another human being?

How CAN we survive without paying the rent...

"Check it out!" Honey Space, NY Times

Quarterlife

2008-02-18T00:49:00.001-08:00

I've been glued to watching the entire run of Quarterlife tonight. I came across the first episode a few months ago, and in the first few sentences the main character, Dylan, poses the question "Why do we blog?". In the show pretty much everyone is video blogging. Even video messaging, what is that about? I struggled with an answer to that question, but all of a sudden it became clear. Blogging in a way is completely normal and healthy. The modern version of journaling which is a way of expressing and organizing our thoughts, personal and otherwise. Only now it's public. It's about being seen.

It's like our generation now feels so worthless, that we seek out the attention of anybody. We're made to feel like if were not on our way to being millionaires or movie stars that we should get out of the way and shut up. Or the love of family and close friends isn't enough, because now we feel like we have to "know" everybody. I know people that would shun their best friend to hang out with somebody they thought they could land them a job that would keep them hostage for 60 hours a week and forego any thoughts of a real life. The kind with people in it. The internet has made experts out of all of us, or has it?...

It's crazy how much of this show really touches on a lot of subjects I can relate to, even it I don't want to. Sure this is a show outlining a bunch of 20 somethings, but usually I don't fall with the mainstream and don't have to deal with issues of high heels and sleeping around with boys. I really feel like the Dylan character nailed it. She's smart, sexy, sloppy, insecure, confident and quirky. She actually said things that I thought I was the only one, well not the only one, but certainly not something worth voicing. Like the fact that she's cursed with being able to see what people are really thinking and what they really want. Ouch, i'm ever the observer.

During the last episode I found myself crying like something came unplugged. I think I was touched by the theme of redemption. Where the roommate fucked up an opportunity to sing in a big concert and in the very last moments seemed to figure out something huge, ask for forgiveness and take that very big chance.

I think I feel that very need to ask for forgiveness from myself, and take a very big chance on myself. I've doubted for so long, and can see these little baby steps I'm taking, but I'm curious about something huge looming in my near future, i can feel it.

Illustrator - Jillian Tamaki

2008-02-17T14:35:00.000-08:00

I recently have come across more work of Jillian Tamaki, an illustrator living and working in Brooklyn, NY. Once you start clicking you may realize you've seen some of it before. I love her attention to detail, and the capacity for vivid narration in each image.

"My pick of the day" Jillian Tamaki

Hungry house guests?

2008-02-08T18:15:00.000-08:00

Add this to my list of favorite things! I come home today from work and find this greeting in my sadly empty fridge. In my defense I was leaving for a trip and was avoiding buying any groceries the last couple days!

Thanks to my hungry houseguest for giving me my surprise of the day, and sorry I couldn't feed you. By the way I ate the entire container of spinach tonight with ketchup and mustard on my veggie burger so everybody is loved.

"My pick of the day" Fiddlesticks!

My Stolen Heart

2008-02-04T09:14:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks like this is goodbye to Mr. Slap Happy Heart. He turned up missing from the gallery that he was shown in. I had the best hopes that he would show up, and had just crawled into a corner somewhere because he's a little shy. Here's a thought, let's make all the poor artist even poorer by just stealing their shit. It's not like I actually spent a lot of time working on it or anything. I hope that whoever did this realizes that he is a "Sick Heart" and can only bring dark days and heartbreak to those who have stolen it from it's creator.

I can only hope he is safe and cared for, sorry we couldn't have you in our lives longer. Good-bye Mr. Slap Happy, we love you.

Let's cheer ourselves up with "My pick of the day" Odd Little Forest

Technology is ruining my life!

2008-01-29T22:30:00.000-08:00

This phrase has been going over and over in my head lately, and coming out of my mouth at least once a day. I think I started to notice the impact of technology in my life when I finally got my website up which added about 4 logins to my daily routine if I want to update something. It doesn't help that to start with I get really obsessed with checking email and do so about 20 times a day. I have email, MySpace, Photobucket, a number of website logins, not to mention scanning and preparing all my images for upload. Okay, so I know it could be worse, I could be sitting here reproducing all my work by hand and have the hassle of putting together a physical portfolio that I'd get to drag around with me. As it lies, I know there is always a give and take, and any advantages usually come with their disadvantages.

But! I also have my cell phone, computer, ipod, car, printer, light table, sewing machine and all those crazy cords that attach this to that! Every time one of those things doesn't work just perfectly then there is my freak out moment that goes "OhMyGod I can't afford a new one !" or "I hate my life" or something like that. I'm a very hands on person, so I struggle somewhat to incorporate all this into my life and keep myself in check when things start to get too impersonal. I find that I miss sometimes the memorable act of receiving a handwritten letter. I love to give and get things made by hand rather than something store bought. The convenience of our lives now makes everything so disposable, even people. Emails, phone calls and texts come in 24/7 and end up getting lost in the shuffle, as we juggle every new acquaintance we met that day. I realize of course that my life in some ways is much richer by the access to different cultures, new and talented people that I can meet on the street or through travel. It just takes some focus to remember how you really want to live your life as an individual and not as a manufactured individual.
Holla!

My site of the day Illustration Friday

Mo' winter, mo' problems!

2008-01-29T20:34:00.000-08:00

I am beginning to realize that I am not very good at matters of money, in fact I would probably give my last penny away if I had it on me. It's too bad that the people with good ideas rarely have money, and people with money rarely have good ideas. Or good f'n business sense. Guilty! Okay, that's not the end all be all of our existence, certainly our spiritual existence, but for now it matters.

Well that's all gonna change because I am gonna charge the shit out of people for even talking to me! Ha, just kidding, I would be very lonely if that were the case! Instead I have enjoyed being home for the last few days and basically meditating through my sewing machine. I'm enjoying making a bunch of cute and functional zip pouches for spring that are on sale at Scout Dry Goods in Dundee.

My site of the day Accidental Creative

Okay, this is good. Wait, AWESOME!

2008-01-24T19:54:00.000-08:00

I was a happy little hamster today when I got in my hands the actual letterpress cards that Jamie Hiner made from my illustrations. I think they are an amazing use of my illustration style and I've always had a design/craft soft spot for letterpress. Awww. Look for more collaborations with letterpress stationary from us!!!
Keep your panties on it's coming soon;)
Love,
Miss Cake

Finally I did something!!

2008-01-23T23:39:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I had a little reality check with my money the other day. A whopping $65 in my bank account and rent coming due. It was a good thing for me to get my butt back in gear. Literally I asked myself "Jil, what the fuck are you doing and what do you have to show for it?! I have so much shit backed up in my studio, so many ideas, and very little to show for it. With the help of a great designer who requested my illustrations for his letter press projects I am getting some of these drawings out there to where I can make cash from it, YAHOO! They are selling at Pulp paper goods here in Omaha and on his Etsy site Don't Press Me

Another big thing is I finally ransacked all my altered clothing that I intended to sell and probably never thought it was good enough. I took it to Black Market in Lincoln, Ne the other day and put it on consignment. I literally had some of that stuff in my collection for over a year. They actually seemed pretty excited about my work, which is a nice motivator to keep doing it. Way to go or something.

Ladies Urinal

2008-01-19T20:54:00.001-08:00

I saw this in the ladies restroom at a bowling alley. It looks like a standing urinal to me. Do I even want to know??

Time to go?

2008-01-19T20:09:00.000-08:00

Shit! I've been feeling quite out of the groove since I got this last show up. There was so much stress, not having access to the gallery and all, some people just don't get it. I don't just go put shit on the walls and leave I actually have to install. The "blah" goes in waves of course and i'm getting the hang of just going with it and like watching a movie or reading a book. and now I'm wanting to get all of this shit in my head done!

I just realized that i don't feel like i'm getting my full experience here in Omaha. By the time my "day" is done I haven't done anything I've wanted to. The funny thing is when I'd like to go sit at Borders and read mags all day, then I just don't because Omaha fucking bores me! I think a lot of it is winter though. I hate winter, and it hates me. I don't function on a normal level and just want to fucking hibernate all the time! When my lease is up in August I wonder if the time will be right to move somewhere, b ut at the same time I know my work here is not done. Hmmmm.... Ah well!

A new year begins

2008-01-16T12:31:00.001-08:00

Things that make me happy

I had a couple of new years resolutions. I love resolutions, and I'm pretty good at sticking to them. Mostly because I know how to set a long term goal that is in my grasp. For example needing to focus on the things and people that make me happy and feel good about my life. That should be obvious but I got caught up in what I thought was expected of me. Which leads me into my next one which is to do more of not giving a fuck. I also wanted to take more pictures. I think think that the last two years of my life have gotten blurred and sloppy and so few pictures to show from it. (oddly in almost a direct representation of how I was mentally).

There is a strong drive to focus in on my health and yoga practice. I'm going to get certified to teach yoga this year, now I just need to figure out where to get the money. That is a common question with me, but I'm trying to believe that if I just keep pushing through it, the money will come someday. I don't want to let it hold me back now.

BONJOUUUUR!

2007-09-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm just starting up this blog. I must feel that I have a lot to say or maybe show. Or maybe I'm just an idiot because I can't seem to stop filling my plate with things to do. My goal is to at least maintain this on a fairly regular basis. Hopefully people will come to look at my art, share their comments on how nerdy I am. And listen to a rant or two about pumpkins. Because I really love pumpkins. I'm so excited to get some this year and perform nifty experiments on them, maybe make some pumpkin punch, pumpkin body goo, pumpkin casserole, pumpkin pasta. It seems so limitless and with such a great texture and consistency, built in pumpkin glue. Birdhouses, buckets, planters...my entire building might smell like a great BIG PUMPKIN!

Welcome Ya'll!
A bientot!
Miss Cake Dansy Pants