What We Saw At the Scope and Untitled Art Fairs 2023

Photos and text by Alla and Dolly F.

Two of our favorite Art Basel satellite fairs happen to be right next door to each other, and right on the beach, our favorite location to see art! Here are some highlights from Scope Miami and Untitled.

For info and tickets to 2024 Scope, visit: https://scope-art.com/show/miami-beach-2024/visitor/

For info and tickets to 2024 Untitled, visit:https://untitledartfairs.com

It’s always a thrill to see photography at the art fairs, especially since it’s not in abundance.

Photo of Muhammad Ali in Miami Beach in 1970 by Thomas Hoepker

Gallery Buchkunst Berlin

A perfect photograph, and we loved that it was taken in Miami Beach

Taglialatella Galleries

Acrylic Paint on Wood by Spok Brillor

Fisheye painting of a very recognizable NYC

This bread toaster stopped us in our tracks, we spent some time examining it to make sure it wasn’t real

The Plastic Religion by Pool&Marianela, a stunning display of Barbies dressed as religious deities. As Barbie lovers, this was one of our favorites at the fair.

Whimsical Gyoungmin KIM sculptures and paintings

This diorama was almost missed at first, but worth a closer look.

We’re suckers for anything lenticular, and as with all lenticular art, this was much more beautiful in person.

Acrylic painting by FUCCI.

Rows of snacks at Feltz Bagels by Lucy Sparrow. This is our second time experiencing the felt displays by Lucy Sparrow at Scope, and it never gets old.

Just brilliant Lucky Cat sculptures by Takahiro Koga

How can you not love this little skateboarding thing holding an apple?

More of this please! We loved Open Editions for those of us who might not be able to afford the art galleries but still want to take a piece of art home. So many beautiful art objects by amazing artists at Open Editions.

It was a thrill to see Liu Bolin photos in person, we had previously only ever seen them online.

People watching never disappoints.

How To Be Frugal At Halloween

Halloween is a time for creativity,  fun, and spooky times. A lot of people think that they need to spend a lot of money on Halloween; however, it doesn’t have to be a time of year when you spend a lot, and it can be something that stays within your budget. With some planning and creative thinking, you can enjoy Halloween and all the best parts of it without the need to overspend; from costumes and Halloween decorations to pumpkin carving and DIY crafts, there are many frugal ways that you can get into the spirit of Halloween. 

Photo by Kristina Paukshtite: https://www.pexels.com/photo/halloween-candies-3095465/

Let’s have a look at some of the affordable ways you can make the most out of your Halloween this year: 

Pumpkin Carving 

Halloween would only be complete with doing a bit of pumpkin carving. It’s something fun and creative and also a really budget-friendly way to celebrate Halloween. The first thing that you need to do is plan and choose your pumpkin. Pumpkins last a while, so you can buy them really early in the season. Pumpkin picking has become something that many people now decide to do; however, there is a price tag that comes along with it. You may be better off going to local farms and markets to find a better deal. You don’t need to buy the biggest pumpkin available either; sometimes, the smaller pumpkins are easier for kids to handle. 

There’s no need for you to buy pumpkin carving kits, especially when you have tools at home that can be used. Just use a small knife, spoon, or ice cream scoop to get your pumpkin carved. You could even think about using cookie cutters as a way to cut interesting shapes. You can create your stencils yourself and draw your design onto your pumpkin by hand. Don’t forget to save your pumpkin seeds so that you can roast them and enjoy them as a healthy snack.

Halloween Crafts 

Crafting is another great way for you to get into the mood of Halloween without the need to spend a lot of money. Try some of these ideas: 

Making Your Costumes: Rather than buying expensive costumes from the store, you could think about creating your own from what you have at home. Old clothes, accessories, and bed sheets could be used to make a variety of costumes. For example, you could go traditional and use a white sheet to create a ghost, or you could use an old pledge shirt with a straw hat to turn yourself into a scarecrow or a farmer. 

Use Recyclables: Empty toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, and empty jars can all be turned into spooky crafts. You can paint empty jars to look like pumpkins and place a candle inside with them, or you can create a chain out of toilet paper rolls to make some monsters and ghosts. 

Use Halloween Stickers: If you do want to buy something, stickers are a really affordable way to add a spooky touch to any of your crafts or decorations. You could even create some homemade cards or add them to your pumpkins. Many different Halloween stickers are fun but affordable. 

Bake Halloween Treats 

There’s no point in buying expensive Halloween treats when you can make them at home by yourself. Baking is not only a fun activity, but it is also very inexpensive. Not only that, but you get to control the ingredients that you are putting in there, so if you want to make healthy choices, too, that is possible. Making your own Halloween treats is also a great thing to do with the kids, and it turned into a fun family activity. Think chocolate-dipped pretzels, ghost-shaped cookies, and homemade popcorn. You can also use seasonal ingredients such as apples for apple bobbins, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. You could also make some apple cider, some pumpkin bread, or even a pumpkin pie. 

Conclusion 

Halloween is a time of year when people get together and have a bit of spooky fun. However, it can be expensive for it to be fun and memorable. When you focus on finding some frugal activities like DIY crafts,  pumpkin carving,  and making homemade treats, you can enjoy Halloween without breaking the bank. Don’t forget to add some finishing touches, like making your own Halloween decorations and using some fun Halloween stickers. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can enjoy a Halloween that’s just as memorable as somebody who has spent a fortune on it. We hope you have a happy Halloween! 

The Best of Design Miami 2023

Text and photos by Dolly and Alla F.

Once again, Design Miami 2023 did not disappoint. As we gear up for this year’s fair, it’s time to recap and reminisce on our favorites from last December.

For info and tickets to Design Miami this December, visit: https://designmiami.com/fair/miami-2024

Candlesticks in pink and orange on a bulbous matte black base https://designmiami.com/galleries/ornamentum

Stunning lighting at Room 57

https://designmiami.com/galleries/room57-gallery

3d-printed animal friendly wall sculptures at Room 57

Everything on display at R & Company was stunning. Sculptural floor and ceiling lamps exuded a handmade aesthetic, paired perfectly with the sherbert walls.

https://designmiami.com/galleries/r-and-company

Decorative ceramics at https://designmiami.com/galleries/j-lohmann-gallery

The molten silver and yellow colors ooze from this foam art chair https://designmiami.com/galleries/cristina-grajales

Beautiful lamps at Cristina Grajales Gallery

As always, fashion and people become part of the show. Here, a skirt labeled “Mini Skirt” is a showstopper.

We love that Design Miami always features interesting jewelry.

This banana stand invokes the infamous Maurizio Cattalan sculpture, though much more useful. The entire display here was perfection.

These McDonald’s branded rice paper lamps at Side Gallery were everything

https://designmiami.com/galleries/side-gallery

The Chaos of Impulsive Deep Cleaning: A Guide to Avoiding Common Pitfalls

The Lure of Spontaneity

Ever get that sudden burst of energy where you just need to clean? Maybe a peek into a friend’s spotless home or one too many episodes of a cleaning show got you charged up. It’s all fun and games until you’re knee-deep in clutter with no end in sight. Let’s get into why you need to prepare before acting in the spur of the moment.

Via Pexels

The Plan You Didn’t Know You Needed

Jumping headfirst into a cleaning frenzy without a game plan? Oh, it’s a recipe for disaster. You think you’re just going to reorganize your closet, and next thing you know, every drawer is emptied onto the floor, and you’ve lost your energy and drive somewhere along the way. Where do you even start? Without a plan, you’re setting yourself up for a bigger mess.

Underestimating the Scope

We’ve all been there: you start with a simple drawer, and suddenly, every cabinet in the house is empty. You think it’ll be a quick sort-out, but then the whole weekend’s gone, and your stuff’s all over the place. Bit off more than you could chew? Absolutely.

Lack of Supplies and Tools

And then there’s the moment you realize you’re out of cleaner… right when your kitchen is a disaster zone. Or you’re ready to tackle the windows and—nope, no squeegee. Getting halfway through and missing the essentials is just the worst.

The Disruption to Daily Life

Imagine all your kitchen appliances, cutlery, crockery, etc., have temporarily been relocated to your living room floor. Or your bathroom essentials are hiding under the bed. Daily tasks become epic quests to find what you need, and your home feels more like an obstacle course than an oasis if you don’t pull through with the deep clean. Many of us have suffered this fate.

Waste Management Woes

Here’s something you might not think about until it’s too late: trash. You’re gonna have a lot more than usual. And guess what? Your regular trash pick-up might not cut it. You need to plan and be ready for the waste you will need to get rid of after completing this impromptu project. Get Red Dog Dumpster Rentals on speed dial—they can handle the big hauls, so you don’t end up with trash mountain at your curb.

Solutions for the Impulsive Cleaner

  • Start Small: Why not start with something small? A drawer, maybe. It’s less daunting, and you’ll feel awesome when it’s done. Small victories, right?
  • Gather Your Tools First: Do a quick inventory. Make sure you’ve got all your cleaners, sponges, bags, you name it before you start. There’s nothing worse than losing steam halfway through because you’re out of wipes.
  • Set Realistic Goals: You’re not going to get through the entire house in one afternoon. Pick a room—just one. Save yourself the stress and tackle the rest another day.
  • Consider Waste Solutions Early On: Think about the cleanup before you start. Plan for the extra trash or call in reinforcements like a dumpster rental early on. Trust me, it’ll save you a headache later.

Embracing Structured Spontaneity

Impulse cleaning isn’t a bad thing, but a little planning can go a long way. Get the satisfaction of a clean home without turning your life upside down. Just a touch of prep, and you can make that cleaning spree a total win.

What We Saw At the Scope and Untitled Art Fairs 2022

text and photos by Alla and Dolly F.

It’s almost time for Miami Art Basel Week, and we’re thinking back on everything we loved from last year’s Untitled and Scope art fairs, which are right next door to each other on the beach. With a more casual vibe than Art Basel, these are some of our favorite art fairs to hang out at.

Blinged out burger and condiments

The all felt McDonald’s stand at Scope by British artist Lucy Sparrow was a hit

This cute ant holding a skull sculpture at Scope didn’t make much sense, but that’s ok

There’s just something really lovely about this painting

Funky gallery furniture spotting at NADA

Hard to tell in the photos, but these were quilted artworks, so vibrant and intricately done

Just look at this little weirdo holding an apple while riding a skateboard. It made us smile.

This photograph at Scope was one of our favorite pieces at the show. Tyler Shields, Water Mouths Monochrome at Miller Gallery.

Entering Scope

One of the funky galleries at NADA was a refreshing take on the white cube.

Best of Art Basel Miami 2022

By Alla and Dolly F.

Photos by Dolly F.

With Art Basel Miami on the horizon, we are fondly looking back at our favorite moments at the 20th anniversary edition from last December. Can’t wait to see what this year’s fair has in store! Get your tickets here

Jeff Koons, Bowl With Eggs, (1994-2009) at White Cube. What else can we say? It’s a stunningly giant bowl of eggs, and we have to admit we didn’t know this was a Jeff Koons piece.

Tom Wesselmann’s work is simultaneously vintage and modern, it will never feel outdated, and is always a thrill to see over and over again.

A breathtaking photo by Thomas Demand. It’s one we’ve never seen before, and it was a thrill to discover.

Another masterpiece by Thomas Demand, a brilliant photographer whose work urges you to look closely. Things aren’t always what they seem.

Difficult to get this one across in a photo, a beautiful floating cloud constructed of many layers of glass.

Sorry, we just didn’t “get it”.

Lovely sculpture of a spacegirl.

We enjoyed this modern painting of a bird’s eye view of a family on the beach.

The last time we saw one of these Jaume Plensa sculptures was in Madison Square Park in NYC in 2011, and it was just as thrilling to see it again in an entirely different setting.

Stunning chandelier built for a palace.

How much more infinity art can we take? The answer is infinity.

We always look out for the funky gallery furniture, like this cardboard table and chairs set.

Haegue Yang Twelve Pyeongchang-gil Moisture – #2 HY24018, 2022 (at Kukje Gallery). This piece was a standout and stopped us in our tracks.

Sylvia Snowden “Shell, Age 17” 2011 Acrylic on Canvas. At Franklin Parras

It’s not Art Basel without at least a couple of Warhols, which never gets old. We loved the presentation here.

David Hartt “Olimpia, 2022” at David Nolan Gallery. Photography is sadly not abundant here, but this was a new exciting find.

Excellent people watching is another bonus.

Not sure if this is supposed to be Alice Cooper? But it sure looks like it!

What’s not to like here?

Edward and Nancy Kienholz “Americans” at TEMPLON left us speechless. It’s a piece you can spend some time with.

The view upstairs while waiting for our ride. After a good art fair, even the most mundane surfaces start to look like art.