Holy Sh*t: Your Mom!

It's Mother's Day! Happy Mother's Day! Call Your Mom!

The Sh*t: ME!

I hate posting pics of myself. HATE. IT. Besides, that's not what this sh*t is about, however, due to an overwhelming response (ok, ok, so like 2 people asked to see me, in all my "innocence"). I think my mom would agree when I say all my pictures either look like this or forcing a smile with a look of slight annoyance. I hate forced posing. I hate having my picture taken, still. Some things just never change. (Oh, and I totally have that haircut now and I pretty much still look like this too, only taller and no overalls. Gee, I really liked those overalls.)

Goodsh*t: Don't Forget Where You Came From...

Toni Lou Ricciardelli & my great uncle Jesse
That love for the SFCA has been running through
my veins for quite some time.
San Franciso, California

Richard Alexander Sim "Sandy"
Yep, I think we all know what I inherited from pops!
Las Cruces, New Mexico

Alison Sim Craighead
Pre-The Royal Me.
Alison is just biding the time before I arrive
and terrorize the neighborhood.
Dallas, Texas

Toni Lou Ricciardelli
Hmmm, so this is where I get it from...
El Paso, Texas

Maria Lucia Hernandez Ricciardelli
El Paso, Texas

John Ricciardelli "John Rich"
I should probably post a pic of myself at this age,
we look like twins almost!

It's so easy to make a nest in a place like New York City and completely let your roots fall to the wayside. I recently took a trip back home and raided my mother's boxes and albums of old photos and hilarious pics of me being, well, me and some from my family on both sides! Anyway, as you know, I am "re-shui'ing" my wall art, so here are a few pics I am going to get framed, enjoy the FAMILiarities!

Bullsh*t: My ABC's

I am calling BS on myself, as I haven't been updating this as frequently as my New Year's resolution requires. Anyway, I design a load of fonts for work on a regular basis, so I thought I would share a few. I use all mediums, including: india ink, acrylics, pencil, charcoal, chalk, found textures, white-out, glue, pen, (specifically the beloved Micron pens) etc. etc. These aren't generally words I use (although I am trying to clean up my act), but I can't exactly print my uh, lingo at work, so have a laugh! I also thought I would add a few not so obvious pieces of The Royal Me from A to Z (Seriously, like I really have more to reveal on here, oooo, like I am sooo diverse and important. Did I mention I was bored too?):

A - Alone. I like it, so leave me.
B - Bicycles
C - Complaining. If I do it, I have to buy YOU something. It's the rules.
D - Debussy
E - Evolution
F - Fighting domesticity!
G - Graduate School
H - Hundertwasser
I - Infectious Diseases
J - Jaundice, I came into the world with it.
K - KAY-lee
L - "Linear" my nickname in high school.
M - Mayo, my slight substitute for cheese.
N - Niki de St. Phalle
O - Outdoors
P - Peart
Q - Quiet, Shhh, I work better.
R - Realization
S - Small town, I am sooo much more than I want to admit.
T - Table of Elements
U - UH OH
V - Vote, I do it, so I can complain* later. It's the rules.
V - Vegetarian for 12 LONG years. Not anymore!
W - Where are we going? What are we eating? What are we drinking?
X - ?
Y - Yes.
Z - Zzzzz

*Everyone should vote and I really shouldn't complain (see above letter C) too much, but lately it seems appropriate...

Goodsh*t: Domestic Abuse...

The first step is finally admitting you have a problem.

I am in complete and utter denial of any fits of domesticity that I might have running through my brain. Sure, I keep a tidy ship and I cook and all that, but I am finally going to embrace this part of myself and hopefully it will not involve baking or children, but more of a focus on the home as I plan on being here just a while longer.

I am starting out small i.e. I hate painting walls. So I have decided to re-shui my wall art, you know, taking down all those dated prints that I got at the National Gallery, Van Gogh Museum, Tate Modern etc. I came up with this "diptych" idea after uncovering the first painting "Off With Her Head!!!" that was lying in the corner of my living room collecting dust. (I made a series of these for an Alice in Wonderland party I hosted, wooo thats was a hoot!) Then I came up with the poodle, for to me, it's the undying symbol of domesticity and while I am embracing domesticity in a way, I felt she was necessary. Her head is supposed to be severed, but the drawing was too cute and I just couldn't complete the painting without "Turbo's" paws. Anyway, I would love to explain more, but the rest stays in my head...

PS That pillow I picked up in the hood, the print is like a little curiosity cabinet with extra added hidden human skulls! Domestic Goth!

PSS In the wise words of one Jen L. Knox: "The poodle is not a housewife!" Therefore, the poodle is my spirit animal.

Goodsh*t: Can't Speak French

But I can read it (menus), I can drink it (vineyards) AND I can wear it (Bonbons, Cacharel, Manoush...). My girl Bonbon Oiseau is back in Paris at Le Showroom accessories tradeshow pimpin' her trade. I so so wish I was there with her! (hmmm, I seem to remember a little invite to come and join the fun for her next show in October! BB, honey, I might just have to take you up on that although it could conflict with my new plans of Berlin-to-South Africa-to-Berlin!).

I featured one of my most favorite pieces she did for me for a photoshoot I was "art directing" back in my lingerie designing days. I love it, it's Madame Pompadour meets punk rock 1950's housewife! I think it's crinolines need a little fluffing! Being all Parisian-nostalgic today that reminds of another piece she designed for my 27th birthday lovingly titled "A Bitch with a Nice Pair". It has a nice big bronze poodle and a pear, hahaha! It's also the inspiration for my next set of paintings, I am embracing my girliness, people, WATCH OUT!

She was also asked to design the carrier bags for the show, I love the design and I am sure this will be seen all over the streets of Paris in the coming days! Keep tabs on her travels, beautiful photos of my beloved Paris! Bonne Bonbon de Chance!

PS Eiffel tower photo from my travels right out of college! Old school! Oh yea and people, 2008 is all about travel: check your passport, does it need renewing? Do you just need to GET a passport?! DO. IT!

PSS BB, we just got an A.P.C. in the hood. I had better pack my bags, my rent gonna get raised!

Goodsh*t: It Takes Less Muscle to Smile... 2

Yet another night in Brooklyn...

PS I know I have some peoples who read TRM who aren't able to be blessed with my camera in person. So to all you out there, if you want a project (it will take seconds, I swear) please take a photo for me and email your dazzling faces: Pissed. Off.

Goodsh*t: Be Mine?

Kisses!

Bullsh*t: Rejects 2007

Here are just a few print & patterns I designed this past 2007. Unfortunately, as usual, not every single print can go into production. These are just a few of my favorites that I designed that need a little love from the public!

The Sh*t: YOU!

So I tell a little bit about myself on here, and I would LURVE to hear about you. Include your name, nickname, initials where you come from and where you are now, your occupation perhaps and a dirty little secret (not too dirty people, my mom reads this). Here, I will go first...

Kaelea-Ann, K-Town, KK...
Dallas, Tx to Lubbock, Tx to Austin, Tx to NYC!
Foul-Mouthed Artist & Designer
I love pink and glitter and girlie stuff. There, I admitted it. And I am currently drafting ideas for the tattoo idea I have for each of my wrists, even though I have said for years and years I HATE tattoos and stared down my nose at people who had them. I lied. Majorly.


(Click on the comments to tell me more and yes you can be anonymous if you like.)

Goodsh*t: Sanctuary

A little sneaky peek into my NYC digs. There's my FOR LIKE EVER poster over there and there's the sleeping vessel over there and there's the "studio" over there and...

I am burnt out (and anally clean and sanitary). Can you tell?

The Royal Me says: Sans my crappy attitude today at work, I completed my new line for next season!

Goodsh*t: Aging Poetic

We celebrated the lovely and talented Jen L. Knox on Saturday! And as usual, I was in charge of the invite and decor and commemorative party favors and of course the "writers" were in charge of a tribute in poetic comedy, to which I am still giggling:

A TINY CORGI PUP
By Ada, Trish & Heather

Holy shit you’re 40!
But don’t start feeling blue
did you know that Lizzy’s 40?
And Kaelea’s 42?

Jason is so old
His hair completely gray
Heather broke her hip
Playing softball yesterday.

Ada’s like 100!
Most Mexicans age fast.
And Jim is 87!
We’re not sure how long he’ll last.

Deb is only 17!
Its really, really weird
(We’re not quite sure just why
She gets younger every year.)

You’re cousin is so fucking old
He barely even walks
It’s hard to understand him
So much spitting when he talks.

Jeremy thinks he’s super smart
And already has a plan
He’s gonna try to freeze himself
Just like Encino Man.

Alexa’s almost 93!
Even though she smokes
(Trish is no longer with us
After a series of small strokes.)

So see you’re just the baby
A tiny Corgi pup
You think you’re growing old
But you’re just finally growing up!

The Royal Me: Is watching pirated material: No Country for Old Men.

PS If anyone wants a "commemorative" poster let me know. I have other versions too, if that one is too punk rock!

Goodsh*t: Commissioned

Being commissioned to do something, my "painting" that is, makes me feel pretty legit. Humble, mind you, but legit. I attended a party last night and what was that over there on the wall? Crap photo, but I was just glad to see this displayed.

Goodsh*t: Wallpaper

I have a lot of wallspace. Too much in fact. I have a problem with commiting to home interiors because I always think I will be moving. To where, I have no idea?! So it's 2008, time to commit.

I found these 2 beauties while trending for Spring 2009 and a new vintage-esque line that was added to my girlie girl world. "You & Me" is a follow up to the infamous "For Like Ever" poster that I have brightly displayed in my bedroom. It's brought to you by those fabulous people over at village and comes in the brown and a really calming shade of grey. $35. Nice!

"Happy Pink Tears", as I am calling it comes from this great little site The Little Friends of Printmaking. They make a lot of great music posters and really anything in bright pink I want all over my space. $25. Superb!

I also found this place: The Small Stakes. Another music poster making genius site. I didn't see anything that I wanted, but rest assured, I will be checking in for the new stuff. $25. Fantasical!

The Royal Me: loves her Dorothy's red ruby slippers nail polish.

Goodsh*t: It Takes Less Muscle To Smile...

But WE prefer the work-out. Just another night out in Brooklyn...

(Click on the pic to really see the rage!)

Holy Sh*t: Another Year...

2007 really passed me by. Whoa. Blink. Whoa. Wait. What? I am truly thankful for all my friends, family etc. and all the great times that were had this year:

1. Painting & photography came back into my life.
2. Finally admitting that California is very very good.
3. Reaquainting myself with the outdoors, something so easy to forget when you are in the city.
4. Fancying myself somewhat of a "writer".
5. Winning the dairy bet.
6. New friends and old friends.
7. A solid year of good hair.

And some plans for next:

1. South African adventure in October.
2. New personal art projects i.e. portraits and a screenprinting class.
3. Shiney. New. Bike.
4. More involvement in the arts here in the city.
5. Be. Nicer.
6. Another solid year of good hair.

So now I have listed the things I want to accomplish and I now have to:

7. Stick with accomplishing said accomplishments!

Happy. New. Year!

Goodsh*t: WWD

Having accidentally landed in fashion, it's always such a shocker to end up in any publication much less Women's Wear Daily. While I didn't get a personal shout out, I am very proud to share that my current got a little expose in WWD! We all have worked very hard in making our brand what it is today and we are topping the charts (uh, we made the #1 spot in WWD's 100 Best Brands) and this to me speaks volumes on all the time and effort contributed. I will remain humble. Heh.

PS I have also included an old WWD back from my lingerie designing days, I actually got one of my designs featured. A constant reminder of how FAR I have come. Holy Sh*t, that was ages ago!

PSS Also, just a reminder to all you creatives out there: Keep Keepin' Your Skillz Original! And use this blog as a source of inspiration, don't hate and duplicate!

Goodsh*t: SFBKLYN

I love New York City, hardcore, never in a million years did I think I would find a city (state side, that is) that could even compare. If I could I would take 2 parts Brooklyn and 2 parts San Francisco and mash them together to create the city of my mind. I will work on that. In the meantime, I am going to keep it short, for I am still daydreaming about it's beauty and all the fun I had...