POOPS!

So, a few years ago a client of mine told me that she had seen these amazing paintings at “some gallery” in Philly a few months earlier and she really wanted one of them for her dining room.  Here’s the catch (there’s always a catch), she wasn’t sure which gallery she had seen them in and she had no idea what the artist’s name was. Needless to say, this presented a bit of a challenge.
She and I eventually figured out which gallery she saw the pieces in; based on month and area she lived in at the time. I immediately called the gallery and described these larger-than-life abstract and graffiti paintings my client had loved so many months before. Eventually, after several very annoying and elaborate messages I left on the galley’s voicemail; I was directed to an artist that went by the name of Poops……


       With a unique nickname given to him by his Grandfather, Matthew “Poops” Ostroff is an artist born and raised in Cheltenham, Pa.; whose artwork is just as interesting as its creator. His pieces tell more of a story; taken directly from the streets of Philadelphia that he visited as a young child. While attending college he explored many different majors but his heart was connected to his craft. Using the mathematics background he acquired during school to his full advantage, he employs a strategic approach, but the outcome is always organic.


His earlier work exemplifies a study in human interaction, unintentionally creating something beautiful. Posters, ads, and announcements plastered, ripped down, and reposted over and over again, over time create a matrix of shapes, color and negative space that is both unexpected and intriguing.

(2007 "Cooper Street" 96x60)

His most recent work is a raw approach to basic observation. Removing all recognizable features as seen in his earlier work, Poops has focused on a single item and the space around it; cleverly playing with a single letter. He focuses on the positive and negative space surrounding this letter to create new images. By magnifying and layering the letter until it is abstracted to just a block of color giving birth to a completely new element.
While speaking with Poops, he mentioned that observers commented that the new pieces resemble city plans. I thought this was a really keen observation. Although the pieces are completely abstract, the mathematic approach taken in their construction does generate symmetry in some places while leaving it completely random in others, much like a city plan. The organic is balanced with the structured in order to create harmony.

(2010 "f positive" 75x75)

                                                                                                                      

        (2010 "Wild occupied kit" 65x65)

(2010 "f negative" 75x75)

A few of his latest pieces truly play with positive and negative space. Using a silk screen, Poops superimposes white images on to black paper creating a remarkable effect. His capacity to fill space where there previously wasn’t truly does make Poops worth looking up.

                      

(2010 "White. black Rip" 75x75)

(2010 "Red Jawn" 60x60)

To see more of these pieces visit www.poopsart.com and coming mid-summer 2010 www.matthewostroff.com


Because, even if you aren’t an art aficionado you have to admit they're pretty Dope!

Spring Time

After two weeks resulting in four feet of snow causing severe case of cabin fever; I’m sure like many people you began to notice:

•  Just how long you’ve lived with that peeling wall paper
•  The drab walls begging for color
•  Or the empty space that could be filled with that vintage chair you have stashed in the basement.

Lucky for us, “They” say spring has finally sprung! (Tell that to the 30 MPR winds, freezing rain and the 50° temperatures, but I digress). I personally believe that a new season should include a revamp of your surroundings. Spring is an occasion to have fun with your interior. Small steps like adding color and texture can make a huge impact.

Though color can be used all year round, adding a touch of color on the walls or the windows is a quick fix for winter blues. A few throw pillows added to existing furniture pieces could dramatically change the look and feel of your home. Don’t be afraid to drop hints of color though out the space, especially during the spring. Jewel tones, rich citrus shades, apple greens, cobalt blues added to a monochromatic palette will turn a room from drab to fab in an instant!

  My personal favorite color right now is Navy. It’s the perfect classic pop of color; it’s on trend but not trendy. It really makes an impression and will never go out of style! Use it sparingly and strategically in places that will really make an impact. Such a dark pop

 of color can easily become overpowering. Pair it with light neutrals and soft grays. If you really want to make a statement, combine it aubergine and mix in a few textured and patterns. 

                                                                                                           

Don’t be afraid to paint older pieces of wood furniture either. Color isn’t just reserved for walls and upholstery. An old dresser or set of wooden kitchen chairs are the perfect opportunity to use color the right way. You want your guest to say “WOW!!” Not “wow??”

If you are unsure about which colors look best when paired together--keep it simple. Choose one color and work with varying shades of that color to add depth.

Color not your thing? Play with textures, patterns, tones/shades of a varying color. This small adjustment can breathe new life into a dull space.

Here are a few things to remember when updating your space:

1. Be bold in whatever choice you make
2. Create unexpected and edgy focal points

3. Stay true to your personal style. 

4.Take a risk, you make just love it!

Sofa:  http://www.ciscohome.net/index.htm

Area Rug: http://www.marcphillipsrugs.com/Philadelphia/philly_catalog.html

Pillow: http://www.hollandandsherry.com/interiors/collections.aspx

Painted Chair: http://www.jimmiemartin.co.uk/CH1.php

Hello

Welcome to Apt.30; just a little blog I like to call home!
Apt. 30 is all about trend setting interior design, personal style and drawing inspiration from the environment  around us; in order to create a lasting and inviting surrounding for yourself.
Apt. 30 encourages you to shake up and change your space, always remembering to have fun along the way.
I hope that you enjoy reading this blog as much as I enjoy writing it!