CAPRICHOS STUDIO

What's In a Name?

2010-12-03T12:07:00.000-08:00

I got the idea for Caprichos Studio from my graduate school roommate, Marta C. Gomez. Marta is from Bogota, Colombia and makes really cool handmade books- she owns Tiramisù Press in Madison, WI. She’s the one who introduced me to the delicacy of guyaba and cheddar at Christmastime and taught me her version of survival Spanish- which soon garnered me a posse of new friends and admirers (but that is another blog). One day in the dead of a Wisconsin winter her mom sent her a box of sunshine and goodies from home, and nosy me, I questioned, “What’cha got in that box, Marta?”
“Oh, just some caprichos,” she answered, and since I was unfamiliar with that term, I asked her to define.
“Ah, just some little knick-knacky stuff, keepsakes, trinkets from home,” was her reply.
Hmm. Keepsakes. I liked that, and it had a nice flow to it. At that point, I decided that if I ever had a business, it would be dubbed Caprichos Studio.

Well, Caprichos Studio was officially born in 1994 in San Diego, CA. Little did I realize how much I would move around beyond grad school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (go Badgers!). I’ve lived in Western Maryland, Los Angeles, San Diego and I’m currently in Dallas, and over the years I have heard some interesting things about the name of my biz from friends from Mexico. I assure them that it isn’t caprichuda, which means kinda contrary, high-maintenance and a general pain to be around. I tell them that in Colombian Spanish that it means keepsakes. Well, one day I was wearing my Caprichos Studio t-shirt to Cantina Laredo, a favorite Mexican restaurant here in Dallas and one of the waitstaff commented on my shirt- and we got into a fun and spirited discussion about the name. He finally said, “Actually, it is a great name for a business! In Mexico, un capricho is also something that you gotta have. You know, like you have un capricho for a torta de carnitas (my favorite pork sandwich on a bolillo roll) or a new car. So your art, it’s something that’s a ‘gotta have’, un capricho.” A couple of weeks ago I was doing Cliff Fest, a chili cook-off and street fair in the Bishop Arts section of Dallas and a middle-aged lady and her daughter were admiring my Caprichos Studio t-shirts.

The lady remarked how it was cool to see that word because it was something that wasn't used much anymore in Mexican culture- and she added that she seriously doubted if any of the younger generation of Mexican kids were even familiar with it. I thought that that was interesting, and I questioned one of my students about it, and she co-signed on the elder lady's observation. Vada had never heard of the word, but she thought it was kinda cool.

My sentiments exactly!

I'm BACK!

2010-11-30T19:08:00.000-08:00

I'd just love to go for a walk through here...

So...I’ve been away from the blog for a little while, and have been instructed to “Just blog”…but I have absolutely no idea what to write about. John and I watched Julie and Julia last weekend and Julie’s trepidation about just starting her blog really bit close to the bone. John just looked over at me and gave that little grin that spoke volumes…like, “Get to work, girl. Time’s a-wastin’!” So true. So here I am again!

First of all, The Oak Cliff Art Divaz are on hiatus until further notice. There's been a lot going on on the home (and studio) front and we've been reorganizing the focus and direction of Caprichos Studio. That's not meant to sound ominous- it's all good stuff! I feel so blessed to have so many ideas to flow off of- but not enough time. Really looking forward to Christmas break. I'm tempted to just get all of my cooking out of the way and just freeze everything so that I can just work, work, work! I'm doing wire wrapped rings now- I was so inspired by the basket rings of Connie Fox and Sherrilyn Miller that I decided to play with some wire...and once I had the basics down I did my usual thing- I digressed. So check these out. What do y'all think? These are on the website and more are to come. I introduced them at my holiday shows and they have been a huge success.

I've also been doing these really cool purses that have been flying off of the shelves, too. They are part of my Proverbs 30 ONE Woman line. Pictures will be in the next blog. The original idea was for them to be somewhat of a lantern shape. It worked, but it didn't entirely float my boat. Something told me to fold and manipulate the fabric some more, and serendepity took over. I showed at the Bath House Holiday Art Mart last weekend and I sold all but one. A man came through with the intention of finding something cool for his wife and another female relative and was blown away by the Proverbs 30 One Woman label. He dragged his wife over and bought a bag for her and one for a niece. He even quoted the first verse of the scripture-

10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

http://www.biblegateway.com/

I was lovin' it!

So what’s really on my mind? I am just thankful to God for…everything. Keeping my family rockin’ and rollin’, employment, and help with Bruno. Right now I’m teaching my students beginning drawing, and already I am seeing some crazy mad potential…in MOST of them, too. It is really exciting. If I could only focus on life drawing all year- they would be some drawing BEASTS by the time that I am done with them. Now to prep ‘em for the rigors of AP that is gonna consume their very lives for the next few months…but I digress.
(BTW the day gig is teaching high school art.) Ok, so where was I? Oh, yeah, I'm also grateful for His patience with me, because I am sure running low on it lately. Ideas and creativity. Eyesight. The internet! Inspiration. Right now I am looking for tutorials on Kanzashi, a Japanese textile folded fabric technique for these incredible flowers worn in the hair of Geisha-like I need another new, fresh addiction. There is an entire culture surrounding these gorgeous little folded bits of magnificence, and I am determined to find a few minutes to rub together and make a few for a new line of hair adornments, purses and tassels for 2011.

this is a Kanzashi by Seattle artist Thea Starr

and a geisha wearing one that is just...too much for words.

As always, I am in search of ways to juxtapose culture and fiber techniques, and I’ve got Japan, India and Africa on the brain. This is gonna be very interesting…

ARTISTS FOR 2009 HOLIDAY RETAIL THERAPY EVENT

2009-11-01T11:31:00.000-08:00

The artists presenting at the 2009 Holiday Retail Therapy Event are:

Beth Ritter-Perry, owner of Caprichos Studio, based right here in beautiful Oak Cliff (one of Dallas' BEST-KEPT SECRETS-those of you who live here know exactly what I mean)! On the 2D end, I paint, draw, create limited-edition silkscreen prints and mixed-media collage. My 3D repertoire includes fine art quilts and wall embellishments, ceramics, collectible art dolls, and I’m currently introducing a my brand-new line Proverbs 30 ONE Woman original handbags and t-shirts. Oh, yes, and JEWELRY- precious and semiprecious, all unique and original creations. I am a self-described culture junkie, and I often tout what I create as “where worldbeat and ethnochic collide!” My work is inspired by the folkarts of faraway places- Africa, Asia and South Asia- in particular, fashion, patterns and COLOR! Come visit me at http://www.caprichostudio1.com/ .

Painter tlee marshall's current works are vibrant, richly-textured surfaces, inspired by music and vented by her ever-changing emotions. They incorporate her own colorfall technique, which involves several phases of precise screening followed by streaming of acrylic colors across the canvas… culminating in rivers of color exploding onto the canvas. Check them out at http://www.tleestudios.com/ .

Nichelle Ritter is the Kitchen Beautician , and she creates the most fragrant and luxurious bath, lotions, potions and spa products that you will ever experience. She also creates candles that are so…lush and fragrant that you really don’t even have to light them! She can be found at http://www.kitchenbeautician.com/ .

Jennifer Monet Cowley’s paintings can be best described as hip, urban and cool. I have a few in my own collection and I would add fun- her images are bright and lively, full of movement, patterns and color.

Jennifer Ramos is based in Austin and started Textile Fetish in 2001. She sells one-of-a-kind, handmade items, made mostly from reclaimed and recycled materials. She set out on this venture with two goals- to put leftover fabric from past projects (not only hers, but that of other generous fabric hoarders) to use, thus the patchy bag came about. Shortly after, there was the signature product - patchy pants for kids. You can find Jennifer at http://www.textilefetish.com/ .

The Oak Cliff Art Divaz are now on FACEBOOK!

2009-10-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

The Oak Cliff Art Divaz now have a FACEBOOK page! Check us out, and become a member to stay abreast of all of the happenings. You know that the 2009 Holiday Retail Therapy Event is coming up real soon...Saturday November 7, to be exact.

We’re singin, swingin’

and gettin’

merry like Christmas!

The Oak Cliff Art Divaz are doing it again- that is, making your holiday season bright by bringing you the hippest 2009 Holiday Retail Therapy Event and in the Metroplex! Saturday November 7, 2009 from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Pearl at Commerce (NEW VENUE...),

2038 Commerce St. in Downtown Dallas 75201.

Come deck your walls for the holiday season with some reasonably-priced art, or deck yourself with a fab new purse, cozy handknits, precious and semiprecious jewelry, t-shirts or artisan bath and body products. There will also be fun and funky gear for the little ones in your life, and much, much more! All merchandise is unique and handcrafted by the artists. For more info, go to www.caprichostudio1.com and click on the Upcoming Events page, or call Beth at 469-328-1115.

Also, be sure to grab a copy of Park Cities People Magazine next week if you live in the DFW Metroplex- there will be an article on The Oak Cliff Art Divaz! It hits the stands next Friday November 6, the day before the 2009 Holiday Retail Therapy Event.

Are you a female artist/artisan located in or near the DFW TX Metroplex and are looking for a means to get your work out of your studio, but are sick of exorbitant vendor fees and competing with 50 or more other vendors? We present three Retail Therapy Events a year at well-publicized and well-attended intimate venues with no more than 10 vendors at any show. The events are juried, and vendors of all 2D and 3D media and unique handcrafted items of the highest quality are invited to apply. All Divaz selected for participation in the Retail Therapy Events have established mailing lists and client bases and USE their resources to ensure optimal attendance. Shows are widely publicized in local online media, informal networking and wherever we can recieve publicity! Artist Divaz are selected with the intention of providing a diverse and eclectic range of merchandise to limit the repetition of similar merchandise at our shows. We are always in search of the most original and exclusive handcrafted creations to present to our customers. Email beth@caprichostudio1.com for more information.

New THANGZ...For Caprichos Studio and The Divaz!

2009-09-30T15:32:00.000-07:00

Whew, it has been a wild ride! The Oak Cliff Art Divaz Retail Therapy Event at Sandaga Market was a blast, and now we are making preparations for the 2009 Holiday Retail Therapy Event which will be at the Art Hotel Gallery in the Cedars Art District. It is a gorgeous spot, and we are excited! If you are interested in being a Diva this go round, hit the link for http://www.caprichostudio1.com/ and go to the UPCOMING EVENTS PAGE and request an application. The deadline is October 17, and we are looking for the show to fill up quickly. There are 9 spaces available. Another update- Caprichos Studio takes PayPal now, and you can also pay show fees online! I love convenience!!!

What else? Oh, yeah!!! We now offer a Caprichos Studio logo t-shirt with the Proverbs 30 ONE WOMAN label in a wide variety of colors. Go to the website and check out the t-shirt page. Sizes come in XL, 2X and 3X. I've wanted to do a line of wearables and home decor with the Proverbs 31 theme for ages because even before I even THOUGHT of getting married, I was livin' the Proverbs 31 lifestyle. Unfamiliar with her? She's the sister in the book of Proverbs who was probably the inspiration for the song "I'm Every Woman". She was a wife, mom, artist (a

weaver!), entrepreneur, investor, employer and all-around on-it chick. She was a multitaskin' mama from the get-go. Ok, let me get off of my soapbox. Go to http://www.caprichostudio1.com/ for more info about the shirts!

And there's more... I'm making handmade handbags, and I am HOOKED. I am a culture junkie, and these bags have a distinct "world culture" vibe about them- think Nairobi meets up with Kyoto and on the way to the house they run into Mumbai and have a party. They will be online soon, and I will be introducing them at Make's Urban Street Bazaar on the weekend of October 10th and 11th, Saturday and Sunday. Come check 'em out and get an original! I am also offering a 10% off coupon for your purchases- go to http://www.caprichostudio1.com/ to print out a coupon. These coupons are ONLY good at my booth. More details later on exactly where to find me on Bishop Street.

The Oak Cliff Art Divaz are doin' it again!

2009-07-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

The Oak Cliff Art Divaz are doin' it again-that is, bringing the hippest

RECESSION-BUSTING FALL RETAIL THERAPY EVENT in the Metroplex!

OPEN CALL FOR ARTIST/DIVAZ VENDOR SEARCH

We are seeking local artist and artisan Divaz to present their high-quality fine art and crafts. No mass produced work, please. The show is scheduled for Saturday, August 15 in Dallas at an established art venue located in the Dallas Design District. Booth fee is $75. If you are interested and would like the full scoop,please email beth@caprichostudio1.com for more information.

There's a New Diva Among Us!

2009-03-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

Hi, all- here's the latest regarding the event. Mia Elvington, purse and totemaker extraordinaire will be joining us for the Retail Therapy Event. Carla Marie Weir is going to be unavailable during this time- seems she recieved an offer that she couldn't refuse that involves an extended trip to Argentina! Good Luck, Carla, and have fun- we'll miss you!

New And Improved Website!

2009-03-07T18:59:00.000-08:00

If you are here, then you have undoubtedly seen the new website! If by chance you are just blog hopping, take a moment and check out the new and improved www.caprichostudio1.com!

More INFO- The Oak Cliff Art Divaz premier Retail Therapy Event

2009-03-04T17:27:00.000-08:00

Ok, new info regarding the Oak Cliff Art Divaz premier Retail Therapy Event! I have secured the talents of four other artiste/divaz for this deal, and I am thrilled! My very own sister Nichelle Ritter, a.k.a. The Kitchen Beautician will be there with her caravan of bath and body goods, in addition to handknit items. This girl does scary, acrobatic things with knitting needles and yarn. Jennifer Monet Cowley does these hip, cool paintings with an old-school vibe. They're fun, bright, colorful and sure to liven up your living space! Carla Marie Weir is a talented artist who specializes in gorgeous lampworked beads, jewelry and repujado, a technique of creating meticulous designs on soft metal. June Covington is an art teacher and creates what she calls "recycled art prints" on the pages of discarded books.

Oh, and there will be DOOR PRIZES drawn every hour. More info on the way!

Scroll down for more info...

The Oak Cliff Art Divaz Recession-Busting Spring Retail Therapy Event

2009-02-06T16:32:00.000-08:00

Hello, All!

Plans are underway for the first big to-do of the season- four other "Art Diva" types are going to join me on April 11 from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the Banquet Room of the Grill at the Belmont Hotel in Oak Cliff, located at the corner of Sylvan and Fort Worth Avenues. It should be a grand time, and door prizes will be drawn once every hour! More details are coming...

SNOW DAY!!! ROCK AND ROLL!!!

2009-01-28T12:39:00.000-08:00

Well, I am exaggerating a bit...it isn't actually a SNOW day. In Dallas School District lingo, it is an "INCLEMENT WEATHER DAY" And it wasn't really snow, but ice, and lots of it. So today was an unexpected (and welcome) studio and bizness catch-up day. I worked on taxes and some preliminaries for a couple of paintings/mixed media pieces of the First Couple. The kid is happy watching "JJ the Jet Plane" or some kid's programming on PBS and hubby is catching an unfamiliar episode of Hawaii 5-0. Shrimp and fries are in the works for supper.

Life is good.

By the way, if y'all are up to a fantastic read, check out Erwin Raphael McManus' new one- Wide Awake. I'm hyped!

2009-01-26T16:58:00.000-08:00

Wow. The last few months have gone by in an absolute whirlwind. The shows were slammin', the holidays were a blast and I am absolutely bouncing off the walls over our new Commander in Chief! Lots of new goodies in the works- more collages, and I've been in the mood for quilts and small wall hangings lately. More paintings are coming, too!

UPCOMING EVENTS

2008-10-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

The holidays are almost upon us, and everybody is looking for new ways to entertain their guests. Why not gather your girlfriends for a Caprichos Studio Jewelry Party/Girls' Night Out? Do it at your home or the venue of your choice. We offer generous hostess gifts, and most of the inventory is brand spanking new stuff that isn't even online yet! Besides that, you don't have to deal with the hassle of finding a place to park and the madness of fighting the crowds and standing in lines. Just contact Beth@caprichostudio1.com for more information. Don't wait too long, though, because the weekends fill up fast!

Check out the new mixed media small drawings on the "New Works" page back at the website (coming very, very soon)..."Lili" above is one of them-she is rendered in colored pencil and variegated gold leaf.

Here are a few new additions to my holiday schedule,

and more are to come.

Saturday November 15 and Sunday November 16

Oak Cliff Artisans Holiday Show

Kidd Springs Recreation Center (in the heart of Oak Cliff)

Dallas TX 75208

Saturday November 22

Two Divas Boutique Trunk Show

4412 Lovers Lane

Dallas TX 75225

2008-10-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

Caprichos was conceived sometime back in 1983 as the result of a conversation with my roommate from Colombia who had just received a care package full of knickknacks and snacks from home. When I inquired about the contents, she simply said, "Oh, just some caprichos...little stuff, keepsakes from home." Caprichos. Hmmm. And the name stuck.

Caprichos is a constantly evolving venture. I like to think of it as a lifestyle. As a Christian, I have been in search of a creative space where I am just free to not be your average churchlady, but the free spirit that God made me to be. I'm reminded of a quote by Toni Morrison that I first heard when I was in graduate school- that she wrote books that she would like to read. I make art that I'm not likely to find anywhere that is unusual and thought provoking, colorful and fun. I'm not into traditional, average, everyday anything. Strictly outside of the box is my thing. In terms of inspiration, I love people and have been a culture junkie for as long as I can remember. I enjoy talking to people of diverse backgrounds and looking for our similarities and getting beyond our obvious differences. I believe in adopting "family".

But I digress. So what is Caprichos Studio? It's original paintings, drawings, printmaking, quilting, dollmaking, ceramics, collage, mixed media sculpture and whatever fun and new that I can get into. I find inspiration everywhere-from my three year-old son to the high schoolers I teach art to everyday. I really dig the folkarts of India and Africa, though, and anywhere non-western and I look for ways to juxtapose cultural stuff into new and unusual combinations.