i find myself really drawn to these mixed media collages i found on trendland. they’re by artist Ashkan Honarvar, created for I love you magazine. vanitas is his artistic collaboration with stylist Kathi Kauder and photographer Sabrina Theissen. For these collages Ashkan Honarvar used Vanitas symbols “in a search for the equilibrium between life and death”. for more of his incredible collages, visit his portfolio.

if you’re in san francisco this weekend, please join me at Guerrero Gallery for the opening of “Building Context” on Saturday evening, August 13, from 7-10pm. the group show includes work from my friend and amazing artist leigh wells’ new collage series. i’ve seen a lot of leigh’s work over the years, and i think this is some of her most beautiful.

Show will also include works by Adam Feibelman, Matt Gonzalez, Joey Piziali, Boris Tellegen, Greg Lamarche, and Ray Beldner and will be on exhibit at Guerrero Gallery through Sept. 3, 2011.

• all images courtesy of leigh wells.

i’ve long been an admirer of artist vivienne strauss’ story-telling paintings. but, now i am in love with her very creative collages. vivienne, is a prolific, multi-media artist, currently living in Portland, oregon with her charming husband, artist Matte Stephens and their wonderful menagerie of adopted cats. vivienne loves to read, create art, nap, drink coffee, eat, watch films and take walks, and also likes to collect ceramic poodles, Eva Zeisel works and Vera scarves.

Visit her etsy shop to see more of vivienne’s collages, or her other etsy shop to see her latest paintings. vivienne also loves doing commissions, especially of people with their pets, so you can conversation her through her etsy shop if you are interested in a special, commissioned one of a kind piece.