February 28, 2007

Domestic Bliss

Third Drawer Down Tea Towels

There are those who believe happiness lies in finding beauty in the detritus of modern life.

Unfortunately, the same people think plastic bags are found art.

There’s a more refined way to appreciate the everyday. Like quirky, artist-made tea towels from the Third Drawer Down collection.

Spearheaded by Victoria, Australia, gallery owner Abigail Crompton, the project enlists up-and-coming international artists (Bavaria’s Lilli Hartman, Portland’s Carson Ellis) to spruce up plain old domestic objects.

Each heavy-duty linen piece is a limited edition and comes in a cool collector’s package complete with artist bio. Sling a pair of wrestlers over your oven handle or frame a witty clothesline scene over your bed (the project’s site includes instructions for stretching the towels).

You’ll be the proud owner of art that’s accessible, functional, and affordable.

Which is a thing of beauty in itself.

Available at OkOk Gallery, 5107 Ballard Avenue Northwest (206-789-6242 or weareokok.com). To see styles, go to thirddrawerdown.com.