Craftivism

Posted on November 17, 2009 by tara - for steel pony

UW Green Bay Lawton Gallery: Craftivism Installation – crocheted Chanel Bag by Stephanie Syjuco (photo by Faythe Levine)

Do you know about craftivism? Craftivism is the growing movement of artists, designers, and crafters making a mark on society through their creative work. Although art has always had roots in social motivation, because it is often separated from our daily lives, art seems to not have the same ability to illicit change that craft does.

In this case, I’m defining craft as art that is one with our daily lives. [think: wearable art!] Craftivists see their work as being functional and making a statement, whether it is in favor of a particular political movement, a return to handmade, or a statement against the mass-produced and over-rated.

Etsy has a whole column on its blog, the Storque, devoted to cataloging craftivism in its community.

Elsewhere, there’s a whole site devoted to craftivism!

And don’t forget to check out Steel Pony’s contribution to craftivism: the Pony Project.

Form Meets Function

Posted on October 6, 2009 by tara - for steel pony

form meets function

whirl serving platter by kim westad
wobowl softbowl by mio
wood block candle holders by

When does design get boring? When an object that has a particular function always looks the way we expect it to look.

Steel pony has a unique design. Who says hems need to be straight across or sleeves need to be fitted just so? And who says buttons need to be in a straight line? Joanne & Dennis certainly don’t! so inspired by their quirky style that reminds you to “follow your own rules. Steel Pony has,” I sought out some fabulous items that dare to rethink form in light of function.

Each of the items above was found on Supermarket – a designers’ marketplace that specializes in just this sort of sentiment!

As a blogger with a penchant for the passionately handmade, it is easy for me to get stuck visiting Etsy every day. Boring! Sites like Supermarket fill a different function and have a unique approach to the form of a handmade marketplace. So if you’re looking for amazing design – and something a little different – give Supermarket a try!

Pairing Pony with Leather

Posted on September 15, 2009 by tara - for steel pony

turquoise leather clutch by Ruffled Leathers by Stacy Leigh

long brown leather fringe earrings by LynoreStore

blue leather “ecocuff” by Green Belts

Leather is a classic material for accessories. It also provides a contrast of texture with Steel Pony clothing that allows the clothes to stand out but isn’t overshadowed. Soft…supple…edgy. Natural…mottled…colored. Leather is often a work of art all on its own.

What accessories do you pair with your Pony?

(Note: All items pictured above were found on 1000markets a recent addition to the handmade marketplace scene. Browse the site by visiting “markets” of like-minded artisans!)

Room Inspiration

Posted on September 1, 2009 by tara - for steel pony

Steel Pony - Room Inspiration

Pillow by Rukkola
Party dresses, original watercolor by lauratrevey
Mosaic & pottery jewelry box by redcrowarts

If you’re a lover of wearable art, you probably also love to outfit your home in beautiful pieces of art, as well. I decided to take this fun Steel Pony outfit and turn it into the inspiration for some home accessories.

I picture these items in a ladies dressing room – a paneled door separates it from the master bedroom and the master bath. All of the misses’ personal items have a special little spot. And a strong femininity (sound familiar?) exudes from the decor.

The ties on the plum pillow remind me of a corset. While the bright watercolor piece reminds you that every day is the reason for a party dress! Finally, the jewelry box is a functional little piece of art. The box is constructed from wood and then a glass mosaic is applied to the outside. The drawers are actually hand-molded ceramics that are glazed and kiln-fired.

Most likely, your personal style is similar to your home decor style. Which informs the other? Do you dress for your home or does your home dress for you?

Conversation With Joanne

Posted on August 18, 2009 by tara - for steel pony

What is your training in art & design?

I have a degree in Textile Design from The Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. Dennis has a degree in Art from Tyler.

When & how did you begin Steel Pony?

Our actual start year was 1992. I had been a Design Director for a Large Company and had been traveling something like 8 months out of the year and was very burnt out so I left to start an small import company doing private label programs. While I was building that I met Dennis and he was looking to do something creative. We started as a t-shirt company doing screen prints of our paintings and quickly ran out of money so we started hand painting other people’s shirts. Since my background was design it was a natural progression. For me working with Fiber is not a choice but a necessity. It is truly my passion so I am constantly trying new techniques.

What signifigance does the name “Steel Pony” have?

In the old days a Steel Pony was another way of saying a sewing machine. Because they were made of Steel and they had to work like a horse.

Describe the woman you envision wearing Steel Pony clothing.

Our Clothing has always been more a lifestyle and a state of mind rather then an age oriented product. Generally our customers are creative themselves, they are other artists, people who work in the arts in some way. They are women who are very individualistic and secure in who they are.

steelponyoutfit What are you goals for the future of Steel Pony?

Goals are a hard thing to define. We have never had a business plan and kind of always had a go with the flow attitude. We will continue to experiment with new techniques and reach out to all age groups. The Pony Project is a particular passion for me right now. It is the most creative part of my work and my assistants work. My goal there is to spread the word on that so it will grow and blossom into something really worthwile.

If you weren’t creating & designing full-time, what other passion would you pursue full-time?

That is a really good question and I ask myself that on a daily basis but I keep coming back to working with fiber. I guess I would be running around to do workshops on fiber and traveling to the places I have not yet been.

Get this look!

Posted on August 11, 2009 by tara - for steel pony

Boho chic is back in a big way. Flowy skirts, feathers, gladiator sandals, beads – you can see it all in magazines & on runways. This orange top would be a fabulous addition to a bohemian wardrobe.

Pair it with a long skirt or over a maxi dress. Or choose a more rough & tumble look by pairing it with cuffed jeans. Then add these handmade accessories and you’re out the door!

Wearing Steel Pony clothing is so easy, you need an equally easy hairstyle to complement your apparel! When you choose a hair comb like this one from WhichGoose, even a simple ponytail makes a big statement.

When the clothing you wear makes an artistic statement by itself, you don’t need your jewelry to compete for the attention! I found this simple bracelet – again with shades of orange – that would add some sparkle without overpowering the Steel Pony top. DnJDichroicArtGlass uses heavy gauge copper wire and glass beads, reminiscent of sea glass, to create this boho-style piece.

To complete any boho look, you need a great big slouchy bag. I love that this one, by thingsSHEcarried, breaks away from the usual distressed leather in favor of painted linen. I choose this one for the red detail. I think that a little pop of analogous color breaks up the orange and keeps the boho look from “trying to hard.”

What handmade finds do you pair with your Steel Pony clothing??

Art to Wear | Head to Toe!

Posted on August 4, 2009 by tara - for steel pony

Steel Pony Jacket This jacket is just perfect for fall. And since summer is quickly wrapping up – how’d that happen? – I thought I would put together a fall art-to-wear look for you!

I think this shibori tunic would be a great piece to have peeking out from your Steel Pony jacket. The colors are all subdued so, even though the textures are daring, the items would be easy to wear together.

Sandra Seaman is a talented lampwork bead artist and fellow member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. The orange hues of these beads not only complement the Steel Pony jacket above but really invoke autumn. This is not a finished necklace, just the beads, so you can use your own creativity to put together a look that works for you. Sometimes something as simple as a single bead on a silk cord is all you need!

If you’re looking to add a feminine detail to your wearable art ensemble, I’m really digging this headband from WhichGoose. It could be worn all year round and with a variety of hairstyles – long to short, up to down. But, I think, paired with the Steel Pony jacket it screams October!

I did say “head to toe,” didn’t I? These shoes, from Spiro Creations, are the perfect item to finish off your art to wear look. They are crafted entirely by hand – “no machines whatsoever.” The leather looks buttery soft and it’s available in a range of colors. Whether with wide trousers or a flowing skirt, these shoes would really make your outfit!

What is Wearable Art?

Posted on July 27, 2009 by tara - for steel pony

Image by RebeccasArtCloset via Flickr

Art can be found hanging on walls, sitting on shelves, protected behind glass, or leaned against an easel.

Art can also be found in your closet or your jewelry box – and, hopefully, on you!

Steel Pony creates one-of-a-kind, hand-painted clothing & accessories. Art to wear also encompasses handcrafted jewelry, hats, hair accessories, and shoes.

Why leave your art at home when you go out for a special occasion? By collecting wearable art, you can be sure to show off your unique sense of style outside of your home. Wearable art also ensures you that someone else won’t show up to the party in the same outfit! But beyond that cliche, your one-of-a-kind creation helps you stand apart from the cookie cutter world of today’s mass-produced fashion industry.

When the garment that you’re wearing has been cut, sewn, printed, and embellished by the designer herself, you have a special relationship with your clothing and the designer.

Cascade Necklace by Pips Jewellery Creations via Flickr

If you’re interested in finding out more about art-to-wear, I encourage your to check out the Wearable Art blog – a great resource to expand your style (and your wardrobe!)

You can also check out the Art You Wear Flickr pool. Artists add new images of their work everyday so you are sure to find something new & original.