Join us for a Moonlit Tarot Workshop!

If you are interested in tarot cards, want to learn to read, or just curious, we have a great class coming up at Light Grey Art Lab. This Thursday, January 16th from 6-9PM, Lindsay Nohl will be teaching a free workshop on reading and understanding the art of tarot.



Through this class you will learn about some of the symbolism and relationships in the cards, different structures and ways of reading, and the stories of the minor and major arcana. By the end of the class you will be able to start your own mini readings!
You can see more information about this event on the Moonlit Tarot Event Page here! If you have a deck, feel free to bring your own to follow along!



In 2012, Light Grey Art Lab published a collaborative artist deck, including the works of illustrators, designers, and fine artists from around the world. Each artist was given a card at random (to the luck of the draw) and ask to redesign and interpret the meaning and symbolism of the card. As a result, this unique tarot deck is full of beautiful color illustrations, storytelling imagery, and a very readable and comprehensive deck. Along with the cards, there is a 32-page guidebook that will help you along as you learn to read tarot! This is a limited edition publication. You can see the full details of this project here.

We will have several of these decks available for practice and learning during the course! We would love to teach your all of our mystical knowledge- hope to see you here!

Custom Artwork to help raise money for Oliver's Treatment.

Oliver, my sweet kitty

Hi guys, It's Lindsay.
It's been a tough week. Chris and I have been in and out of the University of Minnesota Veterinary Clinic this past week and just got some really sad news. Our kitty, Oliver, has been diagnosed with having cancerous tumors in his lungs. We've decided to try to give him the best shot at fighting it, and he's currently getting chemotherapy to try to treat them. He's a tough boy and has a fighting chance since he's an otherwise healthy boy. With his chemo, he's got a chance of shrinking or stopping the growth of the tumors, and we're hopeful that it makes living happily with them a real possibility. He is happy, not in any pain, and has been racing around like a crazy cat regardless of his diagnosis.

I'm not a person that gives up easily, and though it's been very hard to understand it all and very expensive, I am determined to try to help however I can.

I have set up a small online shop where I'll be creating custom artwork for anyone that is interested or willing to trade a nice piece of art for help in offsetting the cost of his treatment. If you are looking for a nice gift for someone you love, or just would like a nice illustration for yourself, I would be happy to create one for you.

Please help me spread the word with anyone you might know that could be interested.
I have also set up a donation page on my website for anyone that is interested in donating whatever amount (if you are not interested in a piece of work) HERE.


Here are some examples of the types of work that I'll be selling. If you are interested in prints or patterns, I would be happy to make either!
Thanks so much, and if all you can do is share this post for me, I would be forever grateful.

A link to my custom art shop fundraiser can be found here.
I'll be doing these on a first-come, first-served basis and will try my best to create them quickly for anyone willing to donate.
Questions? Send me a note at my personal email, lindsay@paperbicycle.com

Here are some samples of my artwork.
Thanks so much, you guys, for your help. I appreciate it more than you can know.
--Lindsay


Custom Typography, Monogram, Phrases.


Custom Black and White Sketches


Custom Repeating Patterns


Custom Botanical Illustrations


Custom Crystals / Mineral Prints

Inspiration: Chasing Ice & Passionate People.

Fláajökull Glacier in Iceland - a photo from my recent trip this past June

Tonight I was incredibly moved, inspired and shaken by a documentary called Chasing Ice.

For my birthday, Francesca (artist & Light Grey Art Lab coordinator) bought me a very special book. Ice, by James Balog, was one of the most amazing books I'd seen in a long time - with it's incredible photos of icy landscapes, terrifying crevasses, and ghostly pale hues. There are few moments in my life when I've been so captivated by a book that I've forgotten time, paused, and obsessed the way I did with this book.


Solheimajokull Glacier, Iceland - my piece for the Macro & Micro show this past spring.

Glaciers were the fuel when creating my piece on the Solheimajokull Glacier for the Macro & Micro exhibition, and a huge inspiration for our trip to Iceland this past June.
I find it incredible that after all of the passive-agressive comments I've made about the weather in Minnesota -- that I find myself absolutely consumed by a fervent need to learn more, watch more, see more ice.


A photo of the Vatnajökull glacier- from where I stood.

Have you ever been so obsessed with something that you ache to see it again? Where everything reminds you of that thing. You scour every resource you have to know it better, to capture it, and to envelop it - somehow take it in through your pores and become that thing.

There was a moment when I was standing against the wet face of a mountain looking over one of the feet of the Vatnajökull glacier. It was raining and there was a ceiling of mist just barely above where I stood. 100 feet below me, the glacial ice ground into the mountainside. It looked like a grey, dirt-speckled rubberband that had been left in the sun to dry. Brittle, covered in cracks and points. Stretched and pinched by contours of the mountains surrounding it, and I could hear it groaning. Somewhere in the distance I could hear ice calving off into the lagoon beneath it. Then there was silence.

I watched the very edge of the glacier - where it was rough and jagged. I waited.


Jökulsárlón

I remember at one point seeing a large block of ice crack off and plummet into the lagoon, where it slowly bobbed up, and twisted. It tipped and turned. The lagoon swelled around the edges of this new iceberg. Everything was in slow motion - the surreal slow-motion that insanely large objects have as they move. I recognized it from battle scenes in movies between giant beasts. It was the same slow-motion as watching an old building being demolished. It slowly falls. Time is somehow different in those moments.


Another foot of the Vatnajökull Glacier, Iceland

I have never felt so small in my life. I had also never felt so vulnerable. It's hard to put to words the cycle of emotions I had while I stood there. Euphoria replaced by exhilaration, then a rush of profound sadness.

***

I wanted to write about this because today I felt the same ache as I watched this documentary. It reminded me of the feeling I had as I stood on the side of that mountain. It also reminded me of how rare these moments can be, when we're so absorbed in something that you forget everything else. That all of the white-noise that's usually in the background of your brain switches off for a moment and you have complete clarity that you absolutely love something and that you wish you could share this moment with everyone.

As I watched Chasing Ice, and National Geographic photographer, James Balog's quest to document glaciers around the globe I teared up. If there's something I'm a complete sucker for is seeing such passionate people pursue the things most important to them. With four knee surgeries under his belt, and plenty of reasons not risk his health (or life!) - I was emboldened by watching what he's done with his project. In 2007, after returning from a photography assignment for National Geographic he was inspired to put together a project that would document the change of glaciers all over the world. With 25 time-lapse cameras, he set out to install stations in Iceland, Greenland, Alaska and Montana (USA) that would capture a living picture of how glaciers act.


Here is a short TED talk with James Balog - showing some of his research

Incredibly, he was able, after many attempts (some of which were heart-breakingly dissappointing) he finally captured an incredible amount of footage of exactly how glaciers were behaving. His findings show massive changes to the shape and density of glaciers and through his documentation, he and his team have begun speaking about, documenting and watching the glaciers even more fervently. His efforts have yielded an incredible amount of artistic and scientific work. And still, they keep going. This is the never-ending cycle of obsession.

The more you learn, the more you realize there is so much MORE to learn.

This post is not just about reminiscing about my trip - nor is it just to recommend a brilliant movie (though I will do both of those things happily) but to spend a moment thinking about intention behind the work that we do.


Francesca near the glacial lagoon

Francesca and I often had late-night conversations about our admiration for people that are so focused, so passionate, and so dedicated -- that they plow ahead with a unquenchable lust for learning and discovery. That these are the people that we look up to, and are inspired by. Not just because they work hard, but they are committed to understand the world a little more and to share their findings by way of their creative endeavors. Yes, James Balog is a photographer, but he also plays the role of a researcher, a journalist and documentarian.

I am sure I'll probably be asking my team to reminisce on the subject of intention and passion on one of our upcoming podcasts. It feels like an inevitability, really. Until then, I encourage anyone to look at their own practice and find the things that obsess you, and pursue those things with all you have.


You can find more information about James Balog's project Here.

Words of Advice

Whether it’s finding the strength to roll out of bed in the morning or climbing a mountain, everyone needs a little bit of motivation from time to time. Here at Light Grey Art Lab, we asked many different people all around the world to share their favorite uplifting quotes with us through our You Can Do It, Put Your Back Into It show. From silly to spiritual, everyone was able to bring something exciting to the table.

At our show opening, we reached out to the community once more, and asked those who visited to give us “the best piece of advice they had received or heard.” As thanks for these extra bits of inspiration, we’re giving two lucky advice-givers a print from our show, for the best words of wisdom we received. Here is what they said:

-Giveaway Winner-

“If you want things to change you’ve got to change direction.”
-M Weitz

-Runner Up-

“Don’t pay attention to what people say; rather, pay attention to what they do.”
-Louta

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

“Never put things in boxes.”
-Anon

“Stay calm, and make art, even when it’s frustrating.”
-Kyle And

“Sometimes you just have to start.”
-Dana Caprio

“If you don’t want it bad enough, you don’t deserve to get it. (Roy Griak, 2007)”
-Mike Linnemann

“Dream things that never were and say why not. (Shaw)”
-Elena

“Never kill yourself. There is always an easier alternative to death.”
-Dennis

“Be content but never be satisfied.”
-Jason Loettler

“Live like a puppy would.”
-Nicole Huebner Briese

“It is more important to be happy than it is to be right. (My mother-in-law)”
-Jade Patrick

“Bet on the horse that poops last/Count to 10.”
-Steve Robbins

“Never Give Up! Trust Your Instincts! (Peppy Hare)”
-Josh Olson

“The first step to achieving your goal is showing up!”
-Anon

“No one is responsible for you. You’re responsible for yourself. Don’t feel guilty, just feel responsible.”
-Analaura

A big thanks to everyone who stopped by for the You Can Do It, Put Your Back Into It opening, and congrats to M Weitz and Louta! Be sure to check out our website, and stop by our store for all the wonderful art featured in the show.

Artist Interview: Lindsay Nohl

Artist Interview with Lindsay Nohl
By Jenny Bookler

One of my favorite things in the world is getting to know new people. I love to sit down, grab a coffee, and talk about all of their thoughts and ideas. I have had the honor of getting to know several of you through artist interviews, online conversations, and in person, and I am always blown away by the breath of artwork, enthusiasm, and interesting personalities- you all are great!

So many of you ask, who runs Light Grey Art Lab? how many of you are there? what do you do? where do your inspirations come from? Well, to answer all of those questions and to return the openness you have shared with all of us, we will be conducting artist interviews within the Light Grey team!

To start this series of interviews, I want to introduce Lindsay Nohl, founder and owner of Light Grey Art Lab and Paper Bicycle LLC and Illustration Teacher at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.  Lindsay is one of the most talented, kind, and hard working people I know, with unlimited enthusiasm and big ideas. I sat down with Lindsay this week to ask about her thoughts, motivations, collections, and upcoming projects:

You are the founder of Light Grey Art Lab, but how would you describe all of the things and parts you manage everyday?
Whoa. I don’t even know where to start. Well -- I come up with a ton of the exhibition and project ideas for Light Grey. (But I definitely couldn’t keep them going without everyone else, that’s for sure.) I usually write most of what people see on the internet. I’m in charge of the Twitter, Facebook and the calls-for-art on the blog.  I suppose I’m the marketing person (Is that even a thing we do?) and I’m the all-around ‘starter’ of things. I usually plan our trips to different places, and often bug the crap out of everyone else here with my “what about this!” ideas, and “let’s put this on the pile!” attitude. I’m really lucky everyone’s always so nice about it. I am totally a brain-stormer. I love brainstorming.

You are often coming up with new ideas and projects to start. What is your primary motivator? or inspiration for new projects?
I have an extremely short attention span, but a really wide array of interests. Plus, I get obsessed with things easily and tend to devour topics like I used to devour bubble tea. For some reason, when I’m hot on something, I’m super hot on it and my obsessions tend to be top-of-mind for me until I’ve somehow satiated my hunger for them. Sometimes I’m motivated to do a project because it’s challenging, other times it’s because I’ve convinced myself that I couldn’t live without seeing an idea come to fruition. Most times I’m inspired by totally serendipitous things like, for example, stumbling upon all of these amazing Sci-fi paperbacks in a local comic shop. I bought 13, then 20 more... and that’s when I was hooked. And Station Zero was born.

Oliver, one of Lindsay's cats, guards these precious Sci-Fi books

Where is your favorite place/atmosphere to make artwork?
I’m all about coffee houses. In fact, I’m also all about different places. I like to be where people are when I’m working. I’m not sure what it is about it, but I just feel energized. I had a corporate design job for a couple years right after school and when I decided to go off on my own I spent the next couple years loitering at coffeehouses all day / night. It was seriously the best. I’m sure I looked like a pack-mule with all of the stuff I hauled around with me, but I LOVED it. And when I’m not working there, I just really like being upstairs in my home studio. It’s super chill. I put the jams on and sing while I’m working. You can’t do that at a coffee house.

It's common for Lindsay's work-space to have everything and anything on it at all times. Here, you can see her prized possession, a white tiger lamp from Francesca. A gift to remember.

What are some common themes and subjects you like to draw?
I’m also an impatient creator, so if I’m trying to do something quick, I usually do one of two things. For the last couple years I’ve been drawing portraits of people - face only. (Or even more specifically just noses and mouths.) or patterns. Most of the things that I’ve shared in my personal portfolio / online are my patterns. I make them at work all the time, but I also make them for fun. I had a project a couple years ago called Daily Pattern for our blog.paperbicycle.com - where each of us in the studio did a pattern a day for 8 months. That’s a ton of patterns. And recently I’ve been creating patterns once a week (give or take!) for a similar project called 101florals. It just ended a bit ago, so I'm eager to start on a new project where I draw things. I have been tossing around a couple new ideas. If there's anyone out there that wants to collaborate on a sketch project, hit me up.

A sketch from one of Lindsay's sketchbooks. Venus Fly-trap!

Tell me about your favorite thing you have ever made. 
Well, I’m one of those artists that hates everything they make a day after they finish it. I revel in my projects for as long as I can, then I get all weird and self-conscious and move on. I’m sure that’s normal, right? So, to answer your question. I’m not su--- WAIT. THAT IS NOT TRUE. My favorite thing that I’ve made so far is Light Grey. (Didn’t see that one coming, did you?)

Besides Light Grey, I think it might be the projects I do for other people. If I'm making something for someone else, I find it so much more exciting. I adore giving gifts and I love the creating something for someone else.

What is the weirdest thing you have ever made (either by assignment or personal)?
Oh man. I have made a few that are mention-worthy. One time I made an illustration of Corey Feldman picking up dog poop. Another time I made 60 gouache paintings of  ‘bad things that people do’ , including pushing people’s faces into water fountains, spitting in people’s food.... but that was in school. I also made a wire sculpture of an opossum for some reason. We all do weird things in college, right? Just recently I did a project where I had to make a pattern out of meat. That was for a very reputable client. (and it was not my idea.)

If you could learn any new skill, what would it be?
Speed reading AND retaining the information. I can read pretty fast but I have a memory like a sieve. I adore books but I have the problem of digesting them and then confusing them with others.

What are your vices and things you cannot live without?
Currently? Eating bell peppers like apples. I’m all about cats. Actually, I’m all about all of the animals. I’m totally a tea person. Lately I’ve been adding lattes to my daily ritual because I drag in the morning. I am a night person, so that also means that I wake up horribly late. Collecting things. I am a hoarder of things. Specifically old paper things like vintage greeting cards, old books, and old wrapping paper.

What do you like to do in your free time?
…. free time. That’s a concept. I teach in my free time? I talk about projects and then do projects? I talk to my parents? I don’t even know anymore. I often have everything so packed in there that I’m not sure I actually have free time. I have a sliver of time when I’m eating at night after I come home from teaching and that’s usually when I put on an episode of something and pig out with Chris. Besides that I like to throw a much needed vacation in the mix and go on adventures to places there are no lines -- where you can crawl on everything, and be the only person for miles around. I also like the days when I sit down in a small space with someone and have heart-to-hearts. I love one on one conversations like nothing else. I'd always make time for those.

Lindsay teaching about succulents

What is your dream place/landscape?
I think everyone in the universe has heard that I want to retire when I’m 40 and move to Iceland and wear the same wool sweater all day, paint and read books in my 2 story library. Maybe I’d have a duck as a pet. All while with my back to a glacier and my face toward the sea. I’m sure it’d weather me as quickly as the first season of Man vs. Wild grizzled up Bear Grylls, but I’d be willing to take that chance.

In an alternate reality (which I only talk about when I am feeling frumpy) I'd live in an a creaky, four-story, turn of the century tudor-style house on a wooded corner of town. I would grow my huge hair out until it was long, grey and gnarly. The children would ride their bikes past my overgrown iron gates and they'd shriek when they saw my silhouette in one of the ivy-framed windowpanes. I would have taken up wood carving and topiary making, and my yard would be strewn with my endless 'projects'. Inside, you'd find me slowly shuffling through secret passages, or pondering my cabinets of curiosities. Stacks of my 'collections' would litter the hallways. Not as much a hoarders-situation as an ill-kept museum. At the back of the house I'd have a huge leaded greenhouse where finches and other songbirds kept my plants company. I'd have a crow for a famili-- I mean, a crow for a pet. My house would be drafty but my 6 cats would keep me warm at night.

What is the best advice you ever received?

My dad has the best sayings. One of them, (which I quoted in the Happiness & Success lecture) was in relation to allowing one’s self to pursue goals that are ambitious or far-fetched. He says “If it doesn’t work out, no one is going to take you out back and shoot you.” to which I say “Good point!” So we might as well just do the things we’re excited about without the fear of failing. I’m not even sure that failing exists. I’m not sure why people stop themselves from doing what they love, or going for something they want. I totally live by that idea and that particular shred of wisdom has given me all sorts of guts to try things I never thought I’d be able to do. It’s also given me more hope that I can do all sorts of other things if I keep trying.

Lindsay and her Dad, Victor.

If you could teach a class on any topic in the world what would it be?

I’d love to teach a class on collaboration, specifically. Now that I think of it, I’m not sure why I’ve never done that before. Think of the possibilities!

What is one of your life aspirations?

I’d really like to visit Europe one day and meet some of the amazing people I’ve met through all of our projects in person. Maybe couch surf my way around, eat all of the delicious food and enjoy myself for a couple weeks. I’m thinking that this might be a possibility some time soon. Might as well try, right?

I’d also like to learn how to meditate. Like, for real. I’d like to remember my dreams. I’d like to author a book about patterns. I guess you only asked for one aspiration. Whoops.

Do you have any guilty pleasures? Things you know you should not do, but do anyway?

I have many pleasures, but I do not feel guilty about any of them. :)

Thanks, Lindsay!

You can see more of Lindsay's artwork here and follow her blog here

Light Grey in New York City

Wow! What an incredible weekend! Lindsay and Jenny just got back from New York City! We had the honor of meeting with a ton of Light Grey's past (and current!) participating artists, had the chance to teach a workshop at the Surtex and Stationary Show, we visited galleries, and did a little bit of shopping and exploring!

 
(Walking around Chelsea and admiring all of the skinny buildings)


We flew in on Sunday night where we moseyed around until 8pm where we hunkered down at the TKettle at St Marks Place for our New York City Meet-up. We invited artists from past shows to get together and meet in person, to share stories and meet face to face. It was amazing to see everyone in person, listen to the stories and spend some time chatting it up. It turned out to be a wonderful and welcoming night with fun stories and lots and lots of tarot card readings. We all know our fate now thanks to Jenny's three card readings with the Light Grey Tarot.


(Everyone at the T Kettle on St. Mark's Place)


(Jenny Reading Caroline Hadilaksono's cards)


The next morning Lindsay taught a day-long workshop at the Surtex and Stationary Show on licensing for artists, surface and product design, marketing, trend research, and portfolio development. It was a lively show filled with a ton of inspirational people, things to see and products to covet. There were so many beautiful and intricate fabrics, letterpress cards, and stationery. It was really inspiring and intense. It was amazing how great everything was, and how many talented people were there this year.

We had a great time meeting with some of Lindsay's past students -- some of which had traveled all the way to Minneapolis to show at Surtex!

Between the show and our evening events we spent time visiting Artists & Fleas (which was held at the fabulous Chelsea Market!) coveting all of the fantastic hand made goodies. If you're ever in New York, definitely consider stopping by the Chelsea Market. It's an awesome place to go to see some gorgeous food, wonderful artisan objects, and really fun architecture!

We always underestimate the amount of time we spend on our feet so it was really nice to sit down with some great people that night at Buddakan in Chelsea later that night. We had some great food in an amazing atmosphere.

(Rachel Wingard, Sam Wolfe Connelly, Daniel Fishel, Jared Tuttle, Henning Koczy, and Lindsay Nohl)


On the last day we met up Annie Stoll and Grace Fong and ate Breakfast in Soho at a really cute restaurant called Cafe Gitane. We drank cappuccinos, and talked about everything from conventions, to shared friends, to how amazing the avocado sandwiches were. Best breakfast ever.



We had already packed and checked out by the time we left for breakfast that morning so we were pretty nomadic for the rest of the day. One of our favorite stops was up to the Society of Illustrators where we got to see all sorts of amazing work by new illustrators! Congratulations to all of you guys that got in! We saw quite a few names we recognized (Way to go!) and a ton of great work by people we'd love to hear from some day!

Jared Tuttle, one of the Light Grey Art Lab interns and one of Lindsay's students at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, had a piece in the current show at the Society of Illustrators. It was great to visit and even cooler to see everything in person.


(Lindsay and Jared in front on the Society of Illustrators)



(Lindsay in the Mocca Exhibition)

New York City has some of the best shopping in the world. Before we headed back to Minneapolis we made a few stops to fun stores like Evolution and Pearl River Mart in Soho, and up to ABC Carpet and Home where we coveted all of the beautiful objects and ran on a wild goose-chase around all of it's magnificent floors. Someone had let it slip that Lady Gaga was walking around the fifth floor while we were there and we had hoped to stare at her (casually, of course) -- but, no luck. Instead, we headed out for a bite to eat and a short trip back to the hotel.



It was a really fantastic trip and we are so thankful for the time we spent wandering around, chatting and meeting up with everyone. It was a blast! Of course, there are a lot of great photos that we took from the meet-up and our get-togethers, so if you'd like to check them out, head to our Flickr page and you can see the rest!

Thanks, everyone for such an awesome time!

You can see all of the photos from New York here

In the Works

Classes on Happiness, Creativity, and Collaboration

We have been spending a lot of time this week talking about our new goals for 2013, what projects we would like to make happen, and new ways of reaching out to artists. I for one, am blown away with all of the changes and growth that came in 2012, all of the projects, exhibitions, workshops, and partnerships that would not have been possible without the excitement and participation of viewers, artists, friends, and family. 

As we begin this new year, we are propelled by the thought of reaching goals, finding happiness, and discoveries new ideas, which has become evident in the themes of our upcoming exhibitions and classes. I would like to spend some time sharing the upcoming events, and how we hope that these will renew a sense of creativity and motivation in all of us. 

2013 Resolve to Make

This past weekend, January 4-6th, Kali Ciesemier led a group of 18 illustrators and designers through a three day workshop focusing on art practice and happiness. The workshop was designed to push each artist to find their own unique needs, desires, and skills as freelance artists- what makes them flourish. It was an intense few days filled with lectures, critiques, and demonstrations led by Kali, individual studio time, group discussions, and guest artists; it was an overall inspiring and productive experience. The workshop will result in a gallery show that will accompany our January exhibition Message In A Bottle. 

January 25th marks the opening of Message In A Bottle, an exhibition featuring original paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures exploring the ideas of hidden imagery and codes in art. This show ignites a sense of curiosity and slowness, transforming the audience into the clue masters and masterminds, as they unveil the tiny details and secret components of each work. 

Event Information

Accompanying the Message In A Bottle Exhibition, Lindsay Nohl will be leading a studio course on Codes, Symbols, and Cyphers. This class will explore how we keep secrets, codes and un-code messages; It is about the history and culture of secret keeping. Also, Tom Cassidy, a local poet, language connoisseur, and visual artists will be presenting on Visual Sound: a lecture and performance on slam poetry, stage mentalism, and hidden meaning. 

February 1st Light Grey is hosting it's second all-night, work party: The Light Grey Lock-In. This event is near and dear to my heart, because I love the idea of collaboration, talking through ideas, and taking on those rough midnight hours together. It is such a struggle to keep moving on a project when you feel stuck and unsure, so we have created this event as a fun and lighthearted art gathering and studio session. 

These are just a few of the immediate events we have on the way. We hope that the beginning of 2013 brings you all happiness and productivity.