Two Goods and a Bad (Patreon)

Last week, my mom and I made a trip across Louisiana to Orange, TX. Orange is right across the Sabine River- literally as soon as you get into TX, and it's so close to Louisiana that they often think they're still in it. From Cajun and Creole restaurants (with dubious quality food) to claiming to have THE largest population of Cajuns (I dunno, maybe), Orange definitely feels like very small town, very boring Louisiana. We did pick up a tour book from them motel, and there are interesting things to do in the tricity area, but we didn't have much time to play tourist this visit. And if you're from Orange, I apologize- I am from very small town, very boring Louisiana (Luling), so I'm just calling it as I see it. Yall do actually have a couple awesome things on us- a small town from the turn of the 19th century recreated in a building and a lovely botanical garden, I just have not had the pleasure of being able to visit either.

Now to get to Orange, you drive West across Louisiana. Sometimes it's a three hour or so drive, sometimes five, depending on traffic in Baton Rouge. It's not a bad drive- although the interstate is boring, driving across the Atchafalaya Basin is beautiful, and if you have time to take the scenic route, there's a lot more to look at.

Usually when I make the drive, I plan a couple stops at some of the more artsy places or interesting restaurants. This time, we stopped at the Cajun Village in Sorrento on the way in, hoping for some lunch and a little local shopping.

The Cajun Village (also known as the Coffee House, although that's just ONE building of several) is a collection of historic Cajun homes that have been moved onto a single property and refurbished into little shops. The Coffee House is known for their beignets, but if you catch them at the magical in-between time, they also sometimes serve lunch, and their shrimp beignets are great if you can get them. In the past, the little shops have offered everything from antiques to jewelry and art from local artists to smoked meats, and if you're in the mood to visit with alligators, they've got a couple in the back who aren't afraid of humans. Generally, I love going to the Cajun Village.

Sadly, many of the little shops in the Cajun Village have started stocking AI-generated graphics alongside human-made art. I'm not sure if the shop owners knew or were deceived, but it's heartbreaking to see stores carrying AI slop next to the work of human hands and brains with no labels to distinguish between the two. Not that I'd be happier if they WERE labelled, but at least that'd give the customer a choice. So there's my bad.

On the way back, we detoured in Lafayette. I was hoping to stop by Cocodrie Collective (a shop run by a local artist that has seen tremendous success in the past two years, and is now preparing to open a second location), but unfortunately, they were closed on Friday. We were able to stop by Sans Souci Gallery, Gentrie Supply, and Parish Ink.

Sans Souci- Ceramics, jewelry, acrylics, lino prints, and even sewn goods!

Gentrie- A curated selection of clothes and art, with most of the art being cards.

Parish Ink- Loads of cute tee shirts and stickers, mainly the work of one artist.

Seeing other artists' work, particularly other Louisiana artists from across the state, is always super inspiring for me. I think I've told you guys about Zele, Slow Down, and Miette on Magazine, and may have mentioned Home Malone as well, but I absolutely love buying art from Louisiana artists. I definitely needed this shot in the arm after seeing so much Gen AI floating around- sold in shops, used as logos, and used to promote events.

Speaking of Louisiana artists, last week I completed the second part of my Louisiana Crafts Guild application by bringing by three originals to the Louisiana Crafts Guild's shop in Canal Place.

I also had to write an artist statement and price the pieces- which is always the hardest part for me!The Guild is the sister gallery to the San Souci gallery in Lafayette, and also full of amazing Louisiana artists and inspiration.

Everyone there was really nice, and now I just need to wait and hear back from the jury. Cross your fingers for me, yall!This week's Artists Recommendations

Okra Bits (okrabits.com)

Shaun Aleman (shaunaleman.com)

Mattea (matteastudio.com)

This week, I've been reading Stephanie Law's work, and I'm going to cheat a little, because her watercolor work is so gorgeous and so inspiring, I would be remiss not to recommend her as well. I'm working on an Easily Influenced about her artbooks, her how to art books for Image, and her brush collaboration with Artify, and looking at her watercolor is such a joy.I'm now back in Louisiana, and need to spend this week painting this bad boy and preparing for next week's class