Thursday, February 4, 2010

Nava Lubelski's Guide to Creating Cheap Art

Visual artist Nava Lubelski is the author of The Starving Artist’s Way, a how-to guide to creating easy artistic projects on a tight-budget. Lubelski grew up in Soho as the child of Starving Artists and now lives in artist / hipster haven, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.



Lubelski’s book is unique in that it not only teaches how to craft a variety of artistic projects (see below), but also because it’s intended for artists AND non-artists of all ages – and offers interesting alternatives to typical arts and crafts projects.


Furthermore, art-enthusiasts will enjoy the added plus of Lubelski’s side notes on art movements and other aspects of art history (this is also a good way for parents to subtly educate their children on culture and art).


The Starving Artist’s Way is divided into five sections, with instructions on dozens of projects per category. Read some highlights below:


Recipes – Learn to make Coffee Granita from leftover breakfast coffee, plus giant lemon gummy bears, at-home absinthe and instant Japanese Soup. YUM!


Clothing / Wearables – These eclectic crafts include old sweater slippers (cozy), fashionable double braided belts, duct tape wallets and a “found object charm bracelet.”


Furniture – Travel back to the 1960s and create a Pop Art Tomato Table that Andy Warhol would be proud of (see image, left)


Special Events – Forget about spending money on a party planner, florist or caterer. Make your next event a DIY fiesta by baking a Paul Klee Edible Mosaic Cake and crafting rows of duck candles and deco paper flowers that guests will enjoy (see image, below)



Houseware – Some interesting activities include how-to make a “Seven Years Bad Luck” mirror, Dada photo frame and detergent bottle wall sconce (see image, below)



I’m inspired already (and kind of craving that instant Japanese Soup on this chilly February day)…


There's lots to do in Williamsburg, click here to see what's going on.