Gift guide: For creative types
While a priceless Picasso or Lichtenstein might not be in your holiday gift budget this year, there is a stunning array of more attainable local artwork available here in San Diego. From paintings and prints to custom jewelry and porcelains, talented artists and artisans create a dazzling selection at a variety of price points.
“Between Two Doors,” art, book, and prints
Feeling wedged between two doors during the holiday season? This engaging print by Lee Materazzi speaks to photography fans and stressed shoppers alike. Priced at a budget-friendly $100, the limited-edition print is one of 50. Don’t miss Quint’s large selection of unique art books, available at the gallery and online shop.
Quint Gallery, 5171 Santa Fe St., Bay Ho, quintgallery.com/qca-store
“Queen,” and various ink sketches by Marie Najera
Found in all of the Urban Kitchen Group restaurant shops (think Cucina Urbana,Cucina Enoteca, and Cucina Sorella), these popular ink drawings are whimsical, fun and make perfect girlfriend gifts. Each work is matted and framed. $295 each.
Cucina Urbana 505 Laurel St., Bankers Hill; Cucina Enoteca 2730 Via De La Valle, Del Mar; and Cucina Sorella 4055 Adams Ave., Kensington.
Oropopo Jewelry, San Diego Museum of Art gift shop
Husband and wife team Ka’rol? and Grady combine leather and laser cutting to create inventive jewelry “inspired by mythologies and iconography of the American west.” Affordably priced starting around $40, Oropopo rings, bracelets and earrings appeal to wide range of personalities.
San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, sdmart.org
“24 Carrot Christmas,” Chuck Jones Gallery
A classic for kids and adults alike, this rare image of Bugs Bunny was released in 1998 and is in a series of only 200. Signed by Chuck Jones, it’s a collector’s item for toon lovers this holiday season. $650.
Chuck Jones Gallery, 232 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, chuckjones.com/24-carrot-christmas
Matchbooks by Mike Bell, Distinction Art Gallery
Perhaps the most unique option on this list are the artistic matchbook works of Mike Bell. Portraits, drawn on the inside of the matchbooks, include Edgar Allen Poe, John Lennon, Bill Murray, Catwoman, and Iron Giant. Drawn on 2-by-4-inch spaces with shaped matches and accoutrements, the books come matted and framed. $200 each.
Distinction Art Gallery, 317 E. Grand Ave., Escondido, distinctionart.com
“Lichtenchanel,” Shane Bowden Gallery
Cheers to a Lichtenstein-inspired work you can afford. Handpicked by Shane Bowden as his top holiday pick, this vibrant and energetic work will transform that boring wall quicker than you can hammer in the nail. Head to the La Jolla gallery for a variety of other selections, including Shane’s other pick this season, “Street Dom.” $150 each.
Shane Bowden Gallery, 7655 Girard Ave., La Jolla, shanebowden.com
” Bloom ,” Sparks Gallery
Transcending art to engage in geology and chemistry, “Bloom” and other works by Sasha Koozel Reibstein explore the interaction between porcelain and stunning minerals of sodium borate and quartz. These unique works range from $450-$1,000.
Sparks Gallery, 530 Sixth Ave., downtown, sparksgallery.com/shop