Unexpected Guests: Alicia Bock.

This week is a double dose of Unexpected Guests, and we're dropping in on another wonderful photographer, albeit a bit different style than 10 cent, certainly nonetheless beautiful! I've been a fan of Alicia Bock's gorgeous work for some time now and am excited to share a glimpse into her home life. Alicia's photographs make me feel all warm and fuzzy and like all is right with life, hearth and home. I think I find them very peaceful. Alicia's photographs can be created in many sizes, as canvas giclees and greeting cards, and a portion of your purchase will benefit Half the Sky Foundation. You can also read more about the lovely Alicia on her blog, Bloom, Grow, Love.

What is your favorite outing in Lansing, Michigan, where you live?
I have two little kids who I work from home with, so our trips out have to be enjoyable for everyone. My favorite days are summer days. We like to go to the Children's Garden, with a stop after for ice cream, and organic veggies from the student run organic farm that is on our way home.
What's the best thing about Lansing?
Someone on Etsy once said, "the best thing about my city is that it has an airport to take me somewhere else." And, I couldn't agree more. It is no secret that I want to move to west Michigan, as close to the Lake Michigan shore as I can. I have never lived so far from the water, and it doesn't feel natural to me. But, I do try to stay active here. I like that we live fairly close to a major university (in East Lansing) and there is usually a lot going on over there. Lots of live music in the summer, and art festivals in the summer.


What don't you leave home without?
My ChicoBag (I love them so much I am starting to sell them from my website), a diaper for my 2 year old, and lip gloss.


What's your favorite shop?
Grace in Old Town, Lansing. Such gorgeous dresses. And, the shoes are extra lovely.

Who are your favorite artists?
I adore the black and white photography of Clyde Butcher and Roman Loranc. Plus, all of my contacts on Flickr impress and inspire me everyday.

What's the last great book you read?
I sadly haven't read many "adult" books since my kids were born. My daughter and I read Charlotte's Web together not too long ago. And, for as many times as I have read it, I still adore it. And, cry every time it ends.

What's your favorite film?
It is hard to choose, either Lost in Translation or Bandits. They are both so different, yet I love them the same.

If you could photograph anyone in the world, who might that be?
Christopher Walken. We have the same birthday, and I love his face and the way speaks. I can only imagine how much fun it would be. (Editor's note: I am so with you here. I had to link to this video because it is an all time favorite.)

Who would you like to sit down to tea with?
Today, my mom. She lives 1,500 miles from me. Though knowing us together, I am sure we'd trade our tea for beer.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?
I love staying up later than anyone else in my house watching bad TV, which can be difficult because my kids are mini night owls like me. But, I usually outlast them and them, and my husband. And, then my TV ADHD kicks in and I flip through a whole bunch of shows. 15 minutes of E!, 15 minutes of Jimmy Kimmel, 1/2 of a Sex and the City re-run, a bit of an infomercial. You can't watch TV like this if other people are in the room. It will drive them crazy. But, I think I have perfected the art of watching five shows at once.

Is there anything you would change about yourself?
I'd love a better memory. It is terrible. I am so glad I have pictures to help me remember.
Longer legs would be great too!

What is your most treasured belonging?
My mint condition Yashica Mat 124 camera. I've rarely use it. It is too pretty. But, one of my goals for the year is to get it out more. I love how heavy it is, and the sounds it makes when you wind the film, so different from my digital world.

What is your idea of living hell?
Working for someone else, not being my own boss.

What are some of your favorites websites/blogs to visit?
Jen's gorgeous blog, Nectar and Light. Orangette, because I always discover a tasty new recipe. And, Local Harvest, which makes me excited about summer markets and our own garden.