Art by Canace

Last Saturday we were doing one of our weekend road trips, only this time without a specific plan. One of the towns in the Hudson Valley we love to visit is High Falls. There's always something beautiful there to see, whether it's the landscape or one of the shops. So towards the end of the day, we headed there.

I knew there was an anniversary celebration at High Falls Mercantile, which was one of the first places I discovered when we moved here almost a year ago. I thought the celebration lasted all weekend. When we arrived, it was almost over, because it was only on Saturday. I need to start paying more attention in class.

Here's the best part. We got to visit with the nice people who work so hard to make this place so special, the owners Jeff and Larry and their girl wonder, Cait. They were winding down, and we felt it was our duty to help finish off some delicious food from the party.

Cait then introduced us to the magical Canace, who makes the unique, stunning, masterful, and highly original art that I first discovered at their store a year ago. It was great to meet her in person, I truly think her work is genius. We had a great time chatting, and a bonus was meeting Canace's daughter Bri, also an artist, as well as her friend Janet, who makes beautiful jewelry too.

I was smothered in creativity and gracious hospitality. I took pictures of as much of Canace's art as I could -- the girl obviously worked her tail off getting pieces done for the shop's anniversary.

It's nearly impossible to describe Canace's art. And photos don't really do it justice. Her work is quite soulful, and the more you look at it, the more you see. It's endlessly interesting and beautiful. She makes collages, assemblages, paintings and jewelry, each one of a kind.

Canace explains a bit about her history with her art on her website:

"For as long as I can remember I've been fascinated with old things, tarnished things, rusty things, things with a history. I've collected everything from rusty springs to dragonfly wings. My greatest joy is to create something with those treasures, to give them a new life and interpretation. Not everyone understands what I do, but if they can somehow grasp the feeling that goes into a piece then that's my gratification."

Have a look.

This necklace is positively haunting me. Just thought you should know.

I'm in love with this bracelet made from a vintage theatre seat number. The number on it represents the amount of times I've tried it on and held it in my hand.

Canace's work will appear in this upcoming book.

I learned from this book's description that "Steampunk is a burgeoning counter-cultural movement; a genre, community, and artform. The Steampunk movement seeks to recapture the spirit of invention, adventure, and craftsmanship reminiscent of early-nineteenth century industrialization, in part, to restore a sense of wonder to a technology-jaded world."

And get this:

"Dr. Grymm's alter ego, Joey Marsocci, proprietor of Dr. Grymm Laboratories, has been a freelance designer of theme park attractions, toys, puppets, graphic marketing, film props, and private consignments for over 18 years. His custom contraptions and sculptures have been seen in Steampunk exhibits and publications around the world, including the Steampunk Exhibit held at the Oxford University History of Science Museum in 2010 and The Cosmopolitan Hotel of Las Vegas, NV. He also hosts an annual Steampunk art show, Steampunk Bizarre, which takes place in Hartford, CT and is the feature artist of the 2010 documentary entitled I Am Steampunk."

Ok, so I didn't know any of this. Intriguing or what? I'm always the last to know.
But I do know I love Canace's work.

Dartbrook Rustic Goods, Keene, NY

Last weekend was an unexpected girls getaway, the first one I've had in years. Two friends and I sped north to the Adirondacks, where a generous friend's cabin had been offered to us.

Forget the fact that it was raining, and we were headed for Lake Placid, site of past Winter Olympics, which feasibly were held in July. We were free, that's all that mattered. And it was my birthday.

Much laughing and talking and relaxing ensued. On Saturday morning, we headed out for a brunch-type meal. Ok, so it wasn't morning. We found a spot called The ADK Cafe, where we were warmly welcomed and had a great meal. We asked our hosts where we should go next, and without hesitation they said, "to the furniture store" while pointing up the street.

The furniture store turned out to be Dartbrook Rustic Goods, and the owner turned out to be Jay Haws, and our afternoon turned out to be positively delightful once we met him and saw his beautiful store. My camera came out pretty quickly.

Come on, I'll show you.

ADK is of course short for Adirondacks.

Or maybe A Dear Kitty.

One look at the porch told me this was going to be interesting. The painted globe wasn't too big to fit in the car, I noted.

The front porch offered this wonderful napping place, which should be mandatory equipment in every home, don't you think?

Once inside, we started peeking around, and as soon as I looked at some of the objects arranged in a display case, I knew I'd be taking photos. The arrangement was so creative, colorful and unexpected.

Somebody here knows what they're doing, I thought.

Meet that somebody: Jay Haas. He's the one on the right. We started chatting with Jay and found out he's one of the co-owners and artists who makes the incredible furniture. This third-generation shop is right the heart of the Adirondacks, in Keene, New York.

As the website describes the store's history:

In the 1920’s, Albert Jaques started a business building rustic cedar benches, chairs, and tables next to the Ausable River in Keene Valley. Many of his pieces still grace the porches and great rooms of the Valley's summer residences. Albert taught his nephew Gil the trade and Gil enjoyed a highly successful career as a prominent rustic furniture builder. Gil then passed the torch to his nephew George Jaques, who worked as Gil’s apprentice after a career with the New York State Police. George ran his own store on Johns Brook in Keene Valley for over 15 years, and then became the co-founder and lead craftsman at Dartbrook Rustic Goods. During his career, George has become recognized as one of the leading rustic furniture builders in the United States, earning acknowledgement in numerous books, catalogs and national publications.

Imagine a lazy summer afternoon nap, right here...if someone else is occupying the spot on the porch.

The furniture is made from yellow birch, hickory and oak, and this store contains the largest selection of this classic rustic American furniture in the Adirondack area.

Touches like these large linen wall hangings are the accents that set Dartbrook Rustic Goods apart from other "lodgy" themed stores, and they're the kinds of objects that make you want to go back. Yep, I'm haunted by this porcupine. Go figure.

I loved these signs describing the items. When I saw the first one, I thought it was a little wall hanging for sale; it was so charming.

This dining room sideboard has an Adirondack garnet top, and is trimmed with reverse bark.

I could see this as a beautiful vanity too.

Pieces like this bookcase were truly breathtaking to come upon in the store; I can only imagine them in a home.

The store has a mix of classic and contemporary lighting and accents that blend perfectly with the camp furniture.

The posters and camp signs throughout are authentic.

The Great Camp Breakfront is a work of art that combines stunningly detailed glass, birch bark cabinet doors, an antique barnwood top and a signature antler mirror.

Why not carry your Pendleton blanket on your shoulder in a leather carrier? A picnic could break out at any time. LOVE this.

Oh, look at that. This sweet little deer dish found its way home with me.

It's the perfect memento from such a lovely weekend.