Monday, June 29, 2009

Make Believe

Cara Ober describes herself as, "a visual artist with a writer’s addiction to words." Ober's eccentric and quirky paintings contain an array of motifs, text and colors that form a dialogue of questions. She references wallpaper and fabric patterns, stencils, tattoos and illustrations from childhood books.

The more I look at her work the more I love it. Every glance reveals a new layer, a twisted narrative or a refreshing perspective. Plus, I can relate to the last statement piece - that sense of starting over and getting it right this time...it will be perfect this time! As artists and designers we tend to crave perfection, but sometimes it's the mess, the process, and the journey that makes it all worth it.

View more of Cara Ober's work here along with a great mini artist documentary. I also enjoyed her artist statement found at the Matre Gallery...so fitting to her work.

33 comments:

  1. Fifi FlowersJune 29, 2009 at 12:03 PM

    FUN art work! I LOVE FUN!!!

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  2. AnonymousJune 29, 2009 at 12:12 PM

    Gooorgeous. Reminds me a little of the Griffon and Sabine series ...

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  3. Wondering HelenJune 29, 2009 at 12:22 PM

    How cool! I *know* Cara! She and I became friends through a favorite cafe in Baltimore. It's so exciting to see her work here this morning. She is an incredible talent, isn't she?

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  4. AnonymousJune 29, 2009 at 12:23 PM

    Wow, those are gorgeous! What a find!!

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  5. Rosy RevolverJune 29, 2009 at 12:25 PM

    I love these!! Love, love, love . . .

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  6. WaxyJune 29, 2009 at 12:42 PM

    Nice - I love artwork that incorporates text!!!

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  7. Jane FlanaganJune 29, 2009 at 1:00 PM

    I love I'm Going to be Perfect Starting Now a lot. As a perpetual "fresh start" person, this really resonates!

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  8. kristi @ lovelyveloJune 29, 2009 at 1:32 PM

    Very eclectic! Would love to have a set of her work as greeting cards to share with friends...

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  9. deeJune 29, 2009 at 2:11 PM

    Gasp! These are beautiful, D. Your summary, though, is so spot on.

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  10. VictoriaJune 29, 2009 at 2:14 PM

    Wonderful work! Thanks so much for sharing yet another great find!

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  11. Jessie CacciolaJune 29, 2009 at 2:42 PM

    such great work. psst: stop by for a giveaway! :)

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  12. naphtali June 29, 2009 at 3:18 PM

    So fun!

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  13. UnknownJune 29, 2009 at 4:16 PM

    yes, yes, YES! i love that concept of a 'visual artist with a writers addiction to words'. i'm drawn to pieces with words.

    and paint splatters. gotta love the paint splatters!

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  14. SAJJune 29, 2009 at 4:22 PM

    Beautiful! Not sure what else I can say.

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  15. JanJune 29, 2009 at 4:48 PM

    Those are lovely Pleasie. You always have the best things to share :)

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  16. AnonymousJune 29, 2009 at 8:47 PM

    Thanks for sharing those links ...

    nice blog you have here

    :)

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  17. belinda marshallJune 30, 2009 at 6:00 AM

    so great! thanks for sharing :)

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  18. littlebyrdJune 30, 2009 at 9:44 AM

    I love the way you write such spot on descriptions. It is always just right! I do love the layers on this art - very nice.

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  19. JuliaJune 30, 2009 at 10:08 AM

    These are fabulous! I love the mixture of graphic and type and splashes!

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  20. katJune 30, 2009 at 11:44 AM

    Really enjoyed seeing this. Totally drawn to work that includes words.

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  21. Nicole MarieJune 30, 2009 at 1:21 PM

    wow i love it. so different yet intriguing

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  22. DenizJune 30, 2009 at 2:54 PM

    amazing! what a talent you discovered!!!

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  23. Jolie GoodnightJune 30, 2009 at 10:19 PM

    I love how she blends the pretty and the ugly together to make something amazing.

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  24. simplesongJuly 1, 2009 at 12:01 AM

    I love her work! Great colors.

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  25. UnknownJuly 1, 2009 at 12:34 AM

    Just lovely, and yes so many layers and such depth to her work!

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  26. HilaJuly 1, 2009 at 1:49 AM

    Ah, these images combine my two favourite things: illustrations and words. Just lovely.

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  27. Rachel FollettJuly 1, 2009 at 5:00 AM

    I love the complexity and unique feel to each piece. Beautiful!

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  28. kendaleeJuly 1, 2009 at 8:06 AM

    Love these! The sort of thing I'd love to create myself if only I had the talent. Happy to enjoy the loveliness of others though - thank you for sharing them :)

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  29. nelyaJuly 1, 2009 at 9:12 AM

    So well written, Diana. These are lovely and I especially like the text interspersed throughout.

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  30. ::::Lula Boutique::::July 1, 2009 at 10:02 AM

    Gorgeous!! Love these too!

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  31. Julie @ Belle Maison July 1, 2009 at 4:29 PM

    great post - i really enjoy her work. you bring up some great points to ponder!

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  32. B.more.ArtJuly 8, 2009 at 10:08 PM

    thanks for posting these images and the link. i really appreciate all the kind words. as a survivor of graduate school, this kind of praise NEVER happens so it is really amazing and encouraging to read.

    thank you,

    cara ober

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  33. by JOSJuly 15, 2009 at 3:31 AM

    i heart this! what beautiful work.

    joanna
    http://www.simpleblueprint.typepad.com/

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