occasions! by design

The definition of “Zero Gravity” is “the condition in which the apparent effect of gravity is zero, as in the case of a body in free fall or in orbit. “Albuquerque artist Fred G. Yost is making reference to the meaning of  “Zero Gravity” in his painting process which is free of any pull or stroke of the material.

In the “Zero Gravity” work, amorphous shapes seem to disintegrate onto the white background surface, creating images that are strongly reminiscent of an abstracted natural environment.

These “Zero-Gravity” works are only produced during the summertime due to the introduction of the solar affect in the artist’s process. The hot afternoon Albuquerque sun is critical to the quick drying of the oil paint; Yost does not want the colors to mix, rather he requires the individual colors to form their own unique shape. Yost prepares a palette of colors either by mixing oil paint from a tube with varnish, or acrylic colors with water. Additives such as mineral oil, acetone, detergent, etc. are used to modify both the physical and chemical properties of the paint. The color is applied gently with gravity playing a minimal role, allowing the images to evolve on their own. Each applied color evolves into its proper arrangement of the fluid properties. This evolution continues, but gradually slows, until it is arrested by the hardening or drying process.

Fred Yost "Near the Mountains of Mandelbrot" Enamel on Board, $350

Fred Yost "Eruption of the Isle of York" Enamel on Board, $350

Fred Yost "At the Heights of Henon" Enamel on Board, $350

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Robert Wells approaches painting like a musical conductor.  Listening to classical music in his Santa Fe Studio, Wells captures the essence of the music on canvas.

“These paintings are not intended to be illustrations of music.”  Rather the music causes a certain mood, which Wells transfers to his paintings.  His paintings are of abstract, translucent forms that create spatial planes and slowly emerge and dissipate back into their surroundings.

Robert Wells wants his viewer to respond the painting in their own way, not necessarily identifying the link to music, but establishing their connection to each work.

"Magica" Oil on Linen 40 x 32" $3000

"Primavera" Oil on Canvas 32 x 39.5" $3000

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Artist Addie Draper transcends us with her sublime expressionist landscape paintings. Inspired by rural New Mexico, her oil paintings not only capture the fantastic colors but her brushstrokes capture the feeling of space and serenity found only in the rural countryside.

Surrounded by rolling hills, the Albuquerque bosque and panoramic sunsets, Addie ceases to run low on inspiration! Living in a straw bale house on 40 acres in rural New Mexico, helps her to find her “being-ness” in the world and the ability to create breathtaking landscapes that we at Occasions! by design are ecstatic to display!

Whether you are an expressionist enthusiast or just an art lover, Addie’s pieces are a must see!

Addie Draper 'Fall Grove' Oil on Canvas 18 x 18" $645

Addie Draper 'Path in the Bosque' Oil on Canvas 24 x 18" $645

Addie Draper 'Fall Morning' Oil on Canvas 24 x 36" $1575

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In addition to our already sizable jewelry collection at Occasions! we have just added a fabulous new collection by local jewelry artist Christy Burson. Christy’s designs are delicate, lightweight and perfectly priced at $26-250 making them great gifts for friends, family and even yourself!

Christy works with sterling silver and Precious Metal Clay, which is a clay rich with microscopic particles of recycled silver, that when dried and fired produces jewelry that is 99.9% silver. Considered ‘pure silver’ PMC has a slightly aged or vintage appearance. From charms to beaded necklaces and bracelets, Christy’s jewelry looks great mixed and matched or on their own!

Christy’s jewelry collection is available in our store and on our website www.occasionsofscottsdale.com.

Christy Burson PMC Pearl Charm $56

Christy Burson Earrings with Drill Holes $68

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Occasions! by design is thrilled to have the fabulous jewelry artist, Tana Acton share her collection with us! Not only are her designs contemporary and chic but her styles are perfect for every jewelry aficionado. Working with Heishi beads, pearls, gold fill and sterling silver, her unique plaited designs add the perfect amount of flare to any ensemble.

Tana’s lightweight and affordable designs are great if you are looking to add a larger piece, such as a beaded cuff, to your jewelry collection or something smaller like a statement ring or pair of earrings. A combination of playfulness and sophistication, Tana’s jewelry collection is perfect for wherever your day takes you! So make sure to stop by Occasions! by design to see her gorgeous collection.

Remember to stay posted because we are planning a Tana Acton Trunk Show for Fall 2011!

Tana Acton Asymmetrical Turquoise Plaited Cuff 1 7/8" $338

Tana Acton Colored Heishi Bead Cuff 1 1/4" $334

Tana Acton Plain Band $108

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Chrysan Spreng "Gold Sushi Dishes"

Stop in and check out our latest pottery collection by Chrysan Spreng. Whether you are looking for new pottery for your next dinner party, need to send a gift or are just looking to further decorate your home, Chrysan’s pottery is perfect! Inspired by the rich colors of Sedona and the Southwest, these pieces are inspired by the Arizona landscape.

Her collection of bowls, plates, accent pieces and now teapots are handmade on a pottery wheel and fired with a one-of-a-kind glaze created especially for this collection. So if you are looking for one piece or a few, you are sure to find something that you love in this collection!

Gift wrapping is always free at Occasions! by design. We are also happy to ship, so feel free to shop our website as well at, www.occasionsofscottsdale.com.

Chrysan Spreng "Gold Rimmed Bowl"

Chrysan Spreng "Red Sushi Dishes"

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Deb Vetterman’s hand-made houses are a playful and unique collection that we have recently added to Occasions! by design. These quaint homes, complete with peaceful gardens and intricate details, are made from slab work clay and are fired using a Raku technique

Each piece is fired in the kiln until it reaches over 1800 F, then is removed from the kiln while hot and dropped in a metal canister with combustible materials, such as dried grass, paper and wood. The smoke created from dropping the heated clay in with the various materials furnishes the clay with an illustrious and iridescent finish.

These houses are truly one of a kind! So stop in and see her full collection of hand-made houses only at Occasions! by design.

“Light Blue Roof House”
Ceramic Sheet Technique
5.5 x 6 x 8″
$125.00

“Muttly’s House”
Ceramic Sheet Technique
7 x 7 x 7.5″
$175.00

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Come and enjoy David Snow’s new enamel and copper work entitle “Portraiture”. This New Mexico based artist is having a weekend exhibition opening starting Thursday evening at 6pm for a “meet the artist reception” and going through until Sunday January 16th. His new work makes use of transparent and opaque colors to project a bold new technique in enamels. You won’t want to miss out on this show! -Occasions! by design (480) 423-0506

"Topography" by David Snow Enamel and Copper"Ribbon of Glass" by David Snow Enamel on Copper