NANCY CHRISTENSEN // NEW WORKS

Tonight we receive Oakland artist Nancy Christensen and her new works, untitled.  The watercolor series is a zen-like exploration of space and attachment.  Her primary characters are connected to smaller entities conveying a quiet bond.

Party starts at 6pm, and we are offering 15% off storewide for the event.  Ed the Soulector will be here spinning his rare vinyl funk and R&B.  Last party of the year, hope to see you here tonight!

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Harena Launch Party

I am beyond excited to share the news: I am finally launching a new collection.

We are having a private launch party for viewing and pre-ordering--as well as a whole *ishload of champagne to celebrate this massive creative process coming to fruition.

I have been designing and thinking about this new work for two years, actually mostly I was just daydreaming, as my hands were so full of the daily tasks of getting Crown Nine up and running. Opening a retail shop is equally harrowing as exhilarating, requiring all of your creative and brain power and spiritual tenacity. Not much was left over for making new things.

But the new shop location has been so warmly embraced that it finally gave me more time to create--and having my studio in the shop has been a literal dream come true.  I am making things everyday, living my aspiration everyday.

The new collection, Harena, means 'sand' in latin.  Sand because all the original models for the series were hand sandcasted right here at Crown Nine.  Sandcasting is the crudest, most ancient form of casting, used by ancient cultures the world over.  The process starts with making an impression in an oily sand mixture, heating the metal until it's molten, then pouring it directly into the sand mold.  The result is a gritty, sandy texture that looks dug out of the earth.  Perfect.

The shapes of the Harena collection come from my travels in the last two years {Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, Zion, Yosemite}.  It has characters who have taught me things, like the Crow and the Horse, and lots of silver and gold.  Like a lot of gold.  And sparkly diamonds, offset by pitch black spinel.

Please join us in celebrating, it won't be the same without you.  RSVP

L O V E + M E T A L

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Loren Crosier // Reception

Thanks to all who came out last night to support the beautiful work of Loren Crosier.  Her work looks so at home in the shop, and I think it will feel good at home too (I'm definitely snagging one).  Her source material collecting began when she was just 14 years old-- each composition is like a little story of who she has become in the ten years of building her archive.  Imagine where you were at 14, and what you were visually draw to.  I find it fascinating that her eye was developing at such an early age.  More incredible things to come from this young artist.

You can see her work now through the end of April.  We are going to sell this show out so I would recommend getting your behind down here to pick out your favorite, the show runs $150-$350 for original editions and we also have some prints on hand.  

L O V E + M E T A L

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FIRST FRIDAY // Loren Crosier

Vintage Working Women magazines are among the artist's favorite sources.

This year we are focusing our curating down to quarterly exhibits.  I decided to focus on a few artists each year so that we can really be selective about each show, work collaboratively to bring the best work out of each artist, and to really focus on works that will be beautiful additions to the home.  I have my own personal collection of original artwork, each piece really adds true happiness and meaning to my life.  I want my clients to have that same feeling while enjoying time at home.

Our first artist this year, Loren Crosier, is a young graphic designer/ fine artist/ photographer.  Her show is a collection of collages that draw upon her own personal archive of printed source materials, 10 years in the making.  Each composition is then a bit of an aesthetic autobiography, and their dreamy, light lush, and ethereal moods resonate like a Uta Barth photograph.

ARCHIVAL LAYERS

Opening Reception

March 7th | First Friday

6-9

Show runs through end of April, open for viewing 

Monday-Friday 12- | Saturday 12-5.

Enjoy a few outtakes from Loren's other work

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JAMES GAYLES First Friday

Event Photography by Britt Goh

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Event // Panelist for 'Let's Talk Oakland'

Just found out I'll be a panelist for this meet-up at Awaken Cafe hosted by Square.  The panel will focus on small business in Oakland and will be moderated by Square founder Jack Dorsey (you may also know him from Twitter fame).  Should be a great opportunity for all you creative entrepreneurs out there to meet lots of like-minded people and hear some insight from new and established business owners in Oakland.  Event is free, simply rsvp here >>>

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