Anahata Katkin

New Muse

Back in the saddle over here.  Changing hats and getting back to the making part of my life.  And it feels great.  I feel like locking myself in until a new line up is done.  Just like so many other people right now I am loving neutrals.  My house has accidently taken on this wood, white and grey tone throughout.  And I'm wanting the same thing in my pieces.  Trouble is years of working deep in color has taken a toll. And I'd never give it up, but I'm enjoying a more massaged realtionship to it.  It takes more time to be subtle.  And as our lead designer at PAPAYA! always says: "It's hard to do simple- well."  I feel that our relationships with color evolve.  At least it is certainly true for artists.  I used to adore bold contrast and now the subtle transitions feel more valuable to me.  I like the quieter tones.  Maybe life now is just less about getting energized and more about balance.  I see it in trends too.  How many of us just want calming rooms and stores are becoming more deconstructed, handmade and local?  There's such a need to hush.  And I'm bringing an old favorite word back.  One we had in our very first group of cards 12 years ago.  BEGIN.  It' such a good word and means so many things.  Wishing you hushed moments, and soft resolution.  (This image will be part of our PAPAYA! collection in winter 2015.) 

Sunset Magazine: Shout Out

Had to repost this fun news from the PAPAYA! blog.  A wonderful feature about Ashland, Oregon that includes a great shot of our flagship boutique, PAPAYA! Living in the September issue of Sunset Magazine.  We're so proud of both our town and our boutique and this is just such a gem to share them on the page.  Thank you Sunset Magazine...

Trust

Part of today's creative handiwork.  TRUST>  I make these inspired pretty much from the feeling they give me while I'm working.  And there's no way of escaping the personal themes while making artwork.  I use artwork and the muses I create to remind myself more than anyone.  Trust here is just my reminder to take little moments to check in with myself and calm the busy life and mental storm as often as I can.

Abstracts for Brickroom

Last week I took some time to get painting for the Family's upcoming restaurant opening, Brickroom.  (Opening August 8th 2014)  I wanted to make mostly abstract work with lots of blues and whites.  With so much red brick I was hoping to funk it up with the contrasting hues and create a sophisticated batch of paintings but that would also, hopefully make the place feel relaxed too.  So I tried to channel some Cy Twombly and get into the canvases.  So much fun! (please forgive these pics.  I really need to repair my camera!)In about four days I was able to complete the two six foot canvases and they are already hanging on the restuarant walls.  The place really soaked them up despite their size.  Hoping to add two more when the time permits.  I also hope to play with friends next time to help them create some handmade works for their offices and homes. Xoxoxo...