Anahata Katkin

REPRESENT

Here's  sneak peek at an upcoming design just fresh off the glow box.  (available summer) Cracks me up.  Once in a while a design just makes me so happy and this little guy makes my whole day!  Always hoping the rest of the world enjoys a little humor too.  Happy Friday!

Personal Pictures

I've recently been reading The Happiness Project.  And one of the themes I've enjoyed adopting in the book is about personal memories, photo's, albums etc.  I really needed the sentimental reminders.  I have had personal pictures  around the house but latey
I've been making trips to make hard copies (yes in chapters or you'll go crazy at kinkos- I refuse to stop calling it that btw.) and start printing the volumes of digital pictures that rarely make their way into real life.  This month one of my main goals is to organize albums by trips, subjects and inspiration.  
Not to mention start some picture hoarding boxing for all the hard copies that I'm making.  
I've added a few new pictures around the house to enjoy when I'm not on Facebook (for crying out loud!).  It's been wonderful!  
I even started giving any hard copy pictures out to friends and acquantances, co workers etc.  The magic of hard copies is already becoming a thing of the past.
 You should see how people light up to a card full of pictures you've shared together over time.  Give it a try if it's been a while.

LEELAH: ...by PAPAYA!

It's been busy busy in all the PAPAYA! studios.  But especially in our new screen print studios!  Behind the scenes we've been working on our new clothing line, LEELAH.
 Our beautiful, modern tops are made in Los Angeles and hand screened in our very own screen print workshop at PAPAYA.
 It's an exciting undertaking.  For years so many have asked for apparel and now we can deliver.  Our shirts will be available online within the next few weeks and even sooner in our brick and morter, PAPAYA! LIVING. A lot more to come on this topic.

"Happy Birthday...To ME!"

The other night I had the best suprise party ever!  (Starting with hand made party crown!) Turning 34 this year means a life full of wonderful new and old connections, an abundant, creative life and family that surrounds. It's taken time to rebuild a community around us and to find the time to enjoy and cultivate it.  But this weeks birthday bash really helped me see the aerial view of my blessings and celebrate them to the fullest. The house if full of left over party flowers and the week is ripe with treasure.
 Thank you to my loved ones, near and far who have helped me live a fuller life.

More Dragons: NYC Bergdorf Goodman

I discovered an hour late this weekend on a fast visit to NYC that I missed the Lunar Chinese New Year parade!   I was heart broken that I didn't get to see the street dragons. But I dragged the PAPAYA! gang over to these beautiful display windows at Bergdorf Goodman the same night!  What an incredible commitment to the arts.   My hats off to Bergdorf for their decisive efforts.  As I was searching for more info about the all- paper instalations I also found last years displays on Chinese New Year!  And yes.  More dragons! My favorite.  These monster puppet dragons are going to be my dragon inspiration this month.

Year of the Water Dragon

(Chinatown print) Happy Dragon Year.  For some reason the change over in Chinese New Years really has me thinking.  I'm considering a lot about Chinese astrology and the symbolism of 2012. (My son is also a dragon baby- so it's a family curiosity)  As I head off to NYC this morning I'm reminded to take with me bits of Dragon ideas and consider collecting more inspiration for upcoming explorations into the new year.  xoxox...

Enough is Enough...

It's show season again.  And the PAPAYA! teams are on the road both buying for our boutique and strutting our stuff at our PAPAYA! booths.  So in the little time between hoping cicties I had a chance to finish this painting I've been meaning to get to the past couple months.   It's my way of saying things either way.  It's either enough to be what you are, who you are and what you're doing to get it done, or that's all one can take!  Either way it's been a good mantra for me as of late.  I'm sure you'll see this guy cropping up on products in the coming months...xoxox

Winter Break: Belize

December was such a whirlwind with our first x-mas at PAPAYA! LIVING.  We decided to get away for a little bit recently to soak in some sun and escape the daily grind. It had been over a year since heading back to our playground of Caye Caulker, Belize.  Old friends, new friends, old boats, new boats.  A touchstone in my life, I appreciate the rekindling of a place and its effect on my life over the years.
My sweet heart was able to calm his home sickness for a while with old family and friends.  Even I had a chance to see my Dad since he was on a cruise stop over for the day!  

A series of long breakfasts, lazy days and even time for some doodling...Now I'm finally taking down the Christmas tree back home in gloomy, sweet Ashland.  Thank you Belize for always giving me delicious food and food for thought!

Can't get enough...

The house is full of them, the store is full of them, my artwork has more and more.  I can't get enough of decorated Indian elephants.  Not sure if the elephant feels pretty or not.  I like it in a mythical sense though.  Just beautiful.

Take me with you: Huipil Weekenders

This week I had a quick trip to LA and had the rare ability to carry on my luggage! (I'm an over packer) Hooray!  I brought my recycled Huipil luggage.  Huipils are indigenous Maya blouses from the Yucatan.  Hand loomed, hand embroidered in keeping with their village and family style.  Add a little leather, a lining and voila! Heirloom quality pieces. I call them my Guatemala-Gucci!  We have a few on our website for those of you who need some handmade bling for holiday travels or your world traveler loved ones.