one of a finds: knead it side table

Inspired by the centuries-old red lacquer wood kneading bowls of the Chettiar in Tamil Nadu, India, each knead it side table is handpainted in an optimistic burst of bright calligraphic squiggles and brushstrokes.

The striking designs are hand-painted by artisans in the northwestern state of Rajasthan—one of India’s largest regions—in the city of Jaipur. Their skills were once used to support India’s huge signboard industry, but with the rise in technology these painters have been replaced as companies turn to computer graphics and digitally designed signboards.

One of a Finds are offered one time only in a small reserve for collectors and enthusiasts— this table is from a limited edition of 500.

spring flower show, 2011

Towards the end of January, the days are getting longer but it still feels like winter will never end—and when its sunny in Chicago, that means its especially cold.

Which makes it the perfect time to visit the Garfield Park Conservatory for some humidity to soothe chapped lips, to bask in the sunlight for some vitamin D, and to visually feast on colorful spring blossoms for a nature fix.

Once inside, the beauty of nature creates a picture perfect view from any angle. The Victorian architecture of the conservatory is not only piece of local history, the ‘oversized greenhouse’ is inspiring to recreate on a small scale as a terrarium in glass cylinder vases. Search out your favorites plants, check their viability in a terrarium, and get your hands in the dirt. Once complete, these mini ecosystems are virtually carefree.

If you don’t have a green thumb, how about photography? The Spring Flower Show starts this weekend so consider investing an afternoon there. Get recharged and come home with some vibrant images that can be artfully cropped and frame favorites to display in your office or home.

one of a finds: painted elephant painting

This original canvas is hand-painted by an almost extinct community of Bollywood artists known for their kitschy, glamorous movie posters and sets. Sadly, with the Mumbai film industry’s move to digital vinyl billboards, the talent of these fine artists is no longer in demand. In an effort to keep their art alive, these paintings are created by the original masters and each is individually signed.

Once required to produce up to 20 posters a day during their movie careers, this special initiative provides the artists not only a new source of income, but also the opportunity for a slower pace focused on their skills and passion for painting. This portrait—of a divine symbol in Hindu mythology dating back over 5,000 years to the elephant-headed god Lord Ganesha—takes its inspiration from an old photograph of a painted and adorned elephant in royal procession from the Amber Fort outside Jaipur.

One of a Finds original works are offered one time only as a limited edition for collectors and enthusiasts—painted elephant painting has a release of 504.

todd selby exhibit: atlanta

What: Photographs by Todd Selby
When: January 21 thru March 25, 2011
Where: Jackson Fine Art, Atlanta

Opening reception with the artist, this Friday, January 21st, from 6-8pm.

There will also be an informal artist talk, Saturday, January 22nd, at 11am.

Call ahead!

salvador dali museum: st. petersburg

Barcelona, SpainWhat: The New Salvador Dali Museum
Where: St. Petersburg, FL

Check out the new Salvador Dali museum—designed by the HOK architecture firm—which opened a week ago on 1.11.11.

And starting January 23rd, join their yoga sessions on Sundays from 12:30-1:45pm.