BeautyBug's Blog

Busy Bee

2012-01-27T09:34:00.000-08:00

Things have been crazy busy for this bee lately. Been catching up on countless work projects, fitting in some much-needed downtime/fun in LA with family, and most exciting: completing Martha's paper piece which is now off at the framer! In a couple weeks I will be celebrating my 30th birthday on a Virgin flight (at least it's a party plane!) to NYC...totally worth is as this trip will be one-of-a-kind. ;) Details to follow! xoxo Kelly B.

2012-01-03T14:19:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from Luxo lamp & ball! :)

Looking Ahead

2011-12-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

To 2012 and another fabulous year of blogging! Looking forward to introducing a few new entries: Mini Memoirs, small vignettes of my childhood/adolescent memories (with a comedic twist!), a continuation of City Blocks, paper portraits & crafts, and much more. Cheers to new creations! xoxo Kelly B.

Meeting Martha

2011-12-01T09:59:00.001-08:00

Such a fun story! A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting another one of my favorites: Martha Stewart!! She was visiting San Francisco to conduct a cooking demo/book signing @ Macy's in Union Square. If you haven't seen it yet, her latest book "Martha's Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations" is a spin-off from her classic 1982 "Entertaining" and is a textbook-sized/must-have beauty!

I was ecstatic to be able to see Martha in person again, she is a great teacher, has a very warm and enthusiastic charm, and is a master at cooking in Manolos! In 2009, I had the opportunity to attend a taping of her show in NYC the day before Thanksgiving. It was an amazing experience, complete with holiday dinner table decor ideas and a how-to on cracking open chestnuts. A mixture of Kanye and Jay-Z tunes kept the show bopping in between TV segments and to conclude, the audience went home with a Gel Pro mat and an assorted supply of zip-lock bags!

I knew the SF event would be a great opportunity to show Martha the paper piece I created of her and her two French Bulldogs. When I finally presented it to her, she lit up: "Oh my, soooo cute!". Martha immediately halted the book signing and instructed her team to get a picture of us with the piece. A stream of cameras went flashing all around as Martha and I posed for a photo op. Martha affectionately autographed my piece, even signing the names of her two dogs: "Francesca and Sharkey are at home missing me right now!". I offered to create Martha a piece of her own and she immediately agreed! Now, the domestic diva has my business card and I will soon be busy creating her paper piece. I have never been more honored & thrilled!

You can view official photos from Martha's SF Macy's event on Jenna Beth Photography's stunning blog: http://www.jennabeth.com/blog/martha-stewart-comes-to-macys-san-francisco-san-francisco-event-photographer/

Jenna, thank you for capturing such perfect moments from the event!

PIA Mook: Pixar 25 Years of Animation Edition

2011-11-23T11:09:00.001-08:00

This year's Pixar PIA MOOK Japanese magazine is now available exclusively in Japan! This special issue highlights the 25th anniversary of Pixar and features custom drawings from both Hayao Miyazaki and my close friend John Lasseter, special interviews from Pixar filmmakers Dice Tsutsumi and Sonoko Konishi, custom artwork from Pixar animators, as well as a special art piece from Kelly B! To my friends at PIA, I have enjoyed working with you over the years on these beautiful magazines and thank you for the exciting opportunity to be part of this special edition!

Mad Tea Party

2011-11-08T09:34:00.001-08:00

I am honored to be a participating artist in the upcoming benefit exhibit for the CAAF: Children Affected By AIDS Foundation. Creative artists and designers from Mattel, Disney, Pixar and other entertainment companies are coming together to create and donate art to raise funds for children affected by AIDS. The theme of the show is "Inspired by Kids!". The show runs one weekend only Dec. 2nd thru 4th, 2011 @ R*W Creative Group, 1118 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291. If you are in the Venice neighborhood, come check it out!

On a recent trip to Disneyland, I went on the Mad Tea Party tea cups for the VERY FIRST time! I was instantly taken in by the colors, designs, and shapes of the spinning spectacle...the busy blur of kids whirling by and the dizzy daze of the ride were all elements that inspired this latest paper piece.

My Geisha

2011-09-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

In honor of Cars 2, my little geisha car sends her love.

Look for her in Japan's upcoming fall issue of PIA Mook Pixar Edition!

Favs

2011-09-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

A few of my favorite...

ARTISTS

Henri Matisse

Wayne Thiebaud

Mark Rothko

Andy Warhol

Ellsworth Kelly

Egon Shiele

Saul Bass

Rex Ray

ILLUSTRATORS/SKETCH ARTISTS

M. Sasek

Mary Blair

Charlie Harper

David Downton

Harley Jessup

Don Shank

Teddy Newton

Jeff Pidgeon

FILM DIRECTORS

Brad Bird

Billy Wilder

Clint Eastwood

Mike Nichols

James L. Brooks

John Hughes

Robert Zemeckis

DESIGNERS/LABELS

Jonathan Adler

Lotta Jansdotter

Xenia Taller

Tory Burch

Betsey Johnson
Juicy Couture

Tarina Tarantino

CC Skye

Hayden-Harnett

Loeffler Randall

Jeffrey Campbell

BLOGS

http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/

http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/

http://www.thesartorialist.com/

http://www.themarthablog.com/

http://www.intothegloss.com

http://gapmag.tumblr.com/

MAGAZINES

Lucky

Martha Stewart Living

People: Style Watch

Happy Print

2011-07-25T08:25:00.001-07:00

City Blocks

2011-07-06T20:11:00.001-07:00

Meatpacking District, New York City, NY

Paris, France

Bologna, Italy

Malibu, CA

With no vacation in sight, I've arranged a series of "city blocks" of the places I have traveled near and far. It's been a trip down memory lane and a fun jigsaw puzzle to piece together.

Terry Terrier

2011-05-15T18:09:00.000-07:00

Terry is actress Shirley MacLaine's beloved Rat Terrier. I recently went to Shirley's film retrospective in LA and brought her one of my famous paper pieces of her pooch.

After the show, Shirley's closest friends gathered in her green room backstage. This is where I presented Shirley with her paper piece...she adored it, hugged it even! Shirley promised to give it to Terry as soon as she got back home to New Mexico. I am beyond thrilled that my paper creation is now at home with Shirley & Terry!

Storefront Mannequins

2011-04-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

Meet my mannequin friends...so mute & mysterious...who is your favorite?

Harriet

Lana

Gabe

Whitney

Jillian

Travel Bug

2011-04-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

Forget April Fool's Day, I am itching for a vacay! I've been really good this year about saving money, curbing unnecessary spending, and paying off debt...now I am ready for a getaway.

Here is my little wish list of major travel destinations in the future. What are yours?

--Chicago with sis

--Australia to visit the Griffins

--Iceland with Carly

Toy Story 3 Oscar!

2011-03-02T14:33:00.000-08:00

Toy Story 3=Perfection

Me+Lee Unkrich+Oscar=Golden

Photo Vault

2011-02-19T22:25:00.000-08:00

A smattering of photos from my college photography days...

My Proust Questionnaire

2011-01-30T00:49:00.000-08:00

For anyone who has ever read the last page of Vanity Fair...

1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being creative.

2. What is your greatest fear?

The unknown.

3. Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Martha Stewart. We both have a shy/serious streak. We're both anal about cleaning & organizing. We're super crafty and perfectionist.

4. Which living person do you most admire?

Shirley MacLaine. She's a woman of multiple talents and endless knowledge. She tells it like it is and doesn't give a hoot what people think of her.

5. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Over-thinking everything.

6. What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Cattiness.

7. What is your greatest extravagance?

Shoes.

8. On what occasion do you lie?

I am the world's worst liar.

9. What do you dislike most about your appearance?

My hair. It's always a frizz mess.

10. When and where are you happiest?

Traveling through Europe.

11. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

My anxiety issues.

12. If you could change one thing about your family what would it be?

The constant negativity.

13. What do you consider your greatest achievement(s)?

My strong artistic eye and passion for learning.

14. If you died and came back as a person or thing what do you think it would be?

I would love to be bi or tri-lingual.

15. What is your most treasured possession.

My artwork.

16. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Abuse.

17. Who are your heroes in real life?

Shirley MacLaine and Martha Stewart, of course :)

18. What is it that you most dislike?

Olives.

19. How would you like to die?

In my sleep.

20. What is your motto?

"Everything happens for a reason".

HAPP•E Holidays!

2010-12-24T10:32:00.001-08:00

Remy & Emile

2010-11-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

An oldie but goodie! Ratatouille is still one of my fav Pixar films.

Paul

2010-10-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

Anyone from Dominican University of CA should be able to recognize this familiar face. ;)

Disney Fan Magazine...featuring Kelly B.!

2010-09-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

My wish of being featured in a magazine has finally come true...in Japan! I can be seen in the October 2010 issue of the widely-popular Japanese Disney Fan magazine.

I had the pleasure of hosting the magazine's publisher, Kodansha at Pixar a few months ago and provided them with detailed insight into the inner workings of the studio. We had a great time admiring Ken's Dream House and shopping at the Pixar Studio Store.

To all my Kodansha friends: domo arigato!

And Even More Prints!

2010-09-14T11:15:00.001-07:00

A few of my original prints will be on sale at the upcoming 24th Annual Emeryville Art Exhibition! Show runs Oct. 2nd thru Oct. 24th, 2010/5815 Shellmound Way, Emeryville, CA/Hours: Daily, 11AM-6PM. Stop by and enjoy the works of over 90 Emeryville artists!

New Prints!

2010-07-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

I am really enjoying working in a smaller scale (these pieces are all 9"x 12"). It allows me to work out my ideas faster & the size is fun & manageable. I'm getting ready to submit a few of these for the 24th Annual Emeryville Art Exhibition, an awesome Bay Area art show!

PIA Mook

2010-07-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

Exciting news! Japanese publisher, PIA recently released their "Mook" (magazine/book) in Japan featuring Toy Story 3 and my paper cut-out Alien is featured inside! Hope everyone is enjoying the film.

Santa Monica & Malibu

2010-05-14T14:56:00.001-07:00

Carol Burnett

2010-05-04T17:30:00.001-07:00

By now most people know I enjoy making paper portraits of my favorite

people. I recently went to a book signing in LA and met one of my favorite comediennes, the fabulous Carol Burnett! Carol and I share a mutual friend: Tommy Smothers. Carol is a total sweetheart...super warm & friendly. Her new book This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection is a fun read and is full of short stories about her entertainment career & personal life.

I presented Carol with my paper creation and she gasped! She was amazed at how much my (her) face looked like her. She enthusiastically autographed my piece and I was beyond thrilled!

More SF

2010-04-05T13:32:00.001-07:00

A little paper piece I did for a co-worker.

Wine Country Green

2010-03-26T20:04:00.001-07:00

On the way home. Sonoma, CA

I heart SF

2010-03-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

My latest paper creation for a silent auction benefit @ Pixar.

I heart SF!

Eireland

2010-02-24T22:15:00.000-08:00

NYC Fotos

2009-11-30T15:12:00.000-08:00

Greenwich Village

Brooklyn

Greenwich Village

Brooklyn

SoHo

Brooklyn

Francesca/Martha/Sharkey

2009-11-30T14:48:00.000-08:00

My latest paper creation! Martha Stewart and her two French Bulldogs Francesca (black) and Sharkey (white).

I was first in line for a taping of The Martha Stewart Show in NYC last week...it was AWESOME! I got seated on the stage (about 3 ft. in front of Martha) to see first hand how the domestic diva does business...she is very much a perfectionist both on and off the air. When cameras weren't rolling she was cleaning countertops, doing dishes, and head bopping to rap music. :)

I will always love my Martha.

Howlin'ween

2009-11-11T13:53:00.000-08:00

Thriller Zombie, 2009

"White Trash" Britney Spears, 2007

"Peppermint", 2006

Each year @ Pixar I try and wow the audience with a cool Halloween costume & performance. It's proven to be quite successful. :-)

Dear Blog,

2009-10-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

I miss you! I promise to feed you w/more visuals soon...been busy traveling and working on some cool new book projects for work...but that is still no excuse to neglect you! xoxo Kelly B.

Sketch-a-roo

2009-09-09T15:42:00.001-07:00

The time has come for me to attempt to sketch. I know this sounds absurd coming from an artist, but there is something about pages upon pages of blankness that freaks me out. I am such an extreme perfectionist that I have this silly notion that each page should be filled with nothing but flawless doodles. I have always worked out ideas in my head, so forcing myself to utilize a sketchbook will hopefully break me out of this habit.

I recently purchased a set of 3 XL Moleskine sketchbooks. They are a great book size to work with--not too tiny and not too daunting.

I intend to bring my Moleskines with me to the cafe, the park, maybe even the zoo (field trip anyone?). Wish me luck as I attempt to sketch!

Save The Date

2009-08-04T11:08:00.001-07:00

Threeeeeeeeee! Save the Date: 6/18/2010

Toy Story 3

A Little Bit of Los Olivos

2009-07-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

Los Olivos, CA...population 1031. Neverland Ranch is just a few miles from this quaint town. The locals were so sweet and the town is just breathtaking...it's no wonder MJ lived here!

Forever MJ

2009-07-05T17:03:00.001-07:00

The death of Michael Jackson is still so unbelievable to me. I have never mourned the death of a celebrity so heavily. What he shared with the world with his ENORMOUS talent and love was something we will never see duplicated.

A few days ago, mom, sis, and I decided to drive to Neverland. The emotions we shared in front of the gates with fans from all over the world was heartbreaking. He meant SO much to all of us and always will.

Forever MJ.

Oh, Ed!

2009-06-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

Last week I visited the great TV icon Ed Asner at his home in North Hollywood. We sat and chatted about the Mary Tyler Moore Show, his voice talent in Up, his cats (Wheezy, his adorable Siamese is pictured above)...all-in-all an incredible visit.

I recently did a paper piece of Ed's character Carl from Up and decided it would be uber-cool for him to autograph my artwork. He loved it and certainly left me a colorful note :0P

Ed is sweet/hilarious/genuine/humble. An awesome new friend. Lou Grant forever!

Fun Fotos #2

2009-06-03T11:40:00.001-07:00

Beverly Hills, California

Springfield, Missouri

DVF Corporate Offices, Meatpacking District, NYC

Hwy 71 South--Arkansas State Line

Hogs & Heifers Saloon, Meatpacking District, NYC

Prayer Tower @ Oral Roberts College, Tulsa, Oklahoma

West Village, NYC

Rolla, Missouri

More pics from my latest travels.

More Prints!

2009-05-20T20:34:00.001-07:00

More of my monotypes...these are oldies but goodies. The first two prints I sold a while back...one to a close college friend and the other to a couple at Pixar! My goal this summer is to get back into the print studio and work on a new series...maybe work in a smaller scale (these pieces are all 22x30 inch.) to see what new ideas come about. Stay tuned!

Lipstick Studies

2009-03-11T16:39:00.001-07:00

Some of my recent monotype prints inspired by the lipstick. I am really enjoying playing with more white space!

Luxo Lamp!

2009-03-06T10:35:00.001-08:00

So, here is my cute lil' Luxo lamp story: I have an actual REAL working Luxo lamp, modeled after the Pixar character. A co-worker of mine @ Pixar was looking for a lamp to borrow as a good luck charm for Michael Giacchino, the lead composer for the 81st Academy Awards. Michael is a mega-talent and an amazingly sweet guy. He has composed some of my favorite Pixar films such as The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Up. So, as I was watching the Oscars on TV a few weeks ago, I spotted my lamp up on stage with Michael as he directed the orchestra the entire night! This week, the lamp arrived safely back home...personalized to me by Michael! What wonderful energy this lamp now has. I feel like I now have my own "Oscar". Thanks Michael G for being so awesome!

Fun Fotos

2009-01-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Paris, France

Chartres, France

Georgetown, Washington DC

London, England

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milan, Italy

Baraboo, Wisconsin

Bologna, Italy

Destin, Florida

Paris, France

Venice, Italy

New York City, NY

I have done A LOT of traveling the past few years for both work and leisure. So, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite snapshots from my travels. Enjoy!

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2008

2008-12-24T12:11:00.000-08:00

This past Thanksgiving I was so pumped to be a balloon handler (I'm in the 2nd photo, waving!) for the Buzz Lightyear balloon in NYC. 2008 marked the first year that Pixar has ever had a balloon in the parade! It was probably one of the coolest events of my life...the parade was highly organized and ran so smoothly...hundreds of dancers, singers, floats, and balloons marched down Broadway, through Times Square, and made their NBC debut in Herald Square. Such a breathtaking day. I can't wait to do it again next year!

Self Portrait

2008-12-24T09:02:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite co-workers @ Pixar (Ben Butcher) inspired me to create a self-portrait. Paper cut-out and Sharpie.

Finally!

2008-12-24T08:51:00.001-08:00

Hey peeps, so this is my official first blog entry...ever! In the new year I hope to make this page as pretty as possible. Stay tuned and happy holidays everyone!