Artists I Admire

Back in my early twenties I worked in a Furniture/Design shop in Toronto. The owner had curated a collection of art that was hung in the space. It was one of my favourite elements. It was here that I first discovered resin artwork and I instantly connected with the work of Canadian artist Joshua Jenson-Nagle. His pieces were large scale and really grabbed your attention. The colours were muted and the images captured the landscapes that I have grown to know living in Ontario.

Here is one of his pieces installed in a home in Toronto.

I have only been on social media for just over a year, in that time I have discovered many creative artists I admire. I came across Joshua's name & a light bulb went off. I actually sent him a message letting him know how much I enjoyed his artwork and that I first came across it 15 years ago. For me a working artist, just starting off in her career, this gives me hope. His talent and determination has allowed him to have a lasting career. If you check out his website you will see just how talented he is. His current works are photographs that are face mounted onto plexiglass, that explore dreamy large-scale beaches. http://www.jensennagle.com/

This is another older piece that I love! Those pastel polka dots add the right amount of whimsy.

The other artist working with Resin that has inspired me is Canadian artist Christine Flynn. Her passion for vintage decor, interior design & photography makes me think we would be friends if we ever met in real life! I love how she layers in text, colour blocks and numbers to create a unique piece of art. There are so many of her pieces that I enjoy it was hard to choose. Make sure to check out her website for more information on her work. http://www.christineflynnart.com/

I feel as though I am walking on this highway, just breath taking!

Christine's shop "Love The Design" a great place to hang her latest pieces.

I think I am going to put my paint brushes down until the New Year & focus on my second collection of resin based pieces. I look forward to sharing process shots from my studio with you over the next few months.

Breakfast, Lunch & Art

I had the opportunity last month to hang some of my original paintings in a local restaurant in town called Two Dishes. They will be on display over the holidays so you can tell your loved ones they can enjoy dinner and shop at the same time. Sounds pretty easy right!

This is one of my husband's favourite pieces "Overload". He is always honest with what he likes and dislikes, which I appreciate.

The exposed brick attracted me to the intimate space and I couldn't be happier with how the collection has come together. Since that time I have received some lovely compliments on my work and I am excited that my local community will have access to my paintings without having to go to an art gallery to view them.  Here you will not feel intimidated if you just want to look around. The other day Heidi shared a photo of herself in front of one of my paintings on social media and had this to share with me;

"As a fan of Holly's art, I was pleasantly surprised that on a recent visit to Two Dishes, her work filled the walls! I recognized Holly's distinct style immediately; there was no question it was her work. The bold colours that are somehow soft, the texture, everything I love about her work online only better in person! The art, instead of standing alone and viewing it from a distance, became part of the experience of breaking bread with a friend. It added to the warmth of the morning in a lovely way."

In this casual environment if someone has a connection to a piece they can come back to visit it again. I am always open to bringing paintings into homes to see if they work in the surroundings you had envisioned them in. Art is very personal and in my opinion if you love it you will always find a spot for it. All of these paintings are originals, there is just one like it. If you have any questions please contact me.

A variety of sizes to add a pop of colour into your home.

"Hanging work in a new space is like sending children off to university. New surroundings, you have to hope they can stand on their own two feet. By that stage you’ve done all you can. Put it out in the world and the other side of the deal is up to someone else." quote by artist Alice Sheridan.

Highlights of the week

I've been busy lately teaching art classes, filling Birthday loot bags, and trying to maintain a house that keeps me sane. I always feel more relaxed when the space I'm in is tidy, especially in my own home. Halloween decorations & costumes were piled in my laundry room until Birthday decorations went up. Christmas always sneaks up so quickly I ought to start thinking about getting out the tree ( yes it's a fake) and putting out lights before it snows. Amongst all of this I'm trying to remind myself to do the following;

This tea towel is a rag I use in the studio. It keeps getting better every time I pick up a brush.

After a trip to Home Depot I got all of the materials I needed for my booth at the Make It Indie show this Saturday. I prepped all of my paintings for hanging, and decided on names for each one (sometimes it's not that easy) Loving these stickers from MOO!

"Everlast" 9x12 Acrylic on Canvas

I dropped off four new paintings at Burrow, so if you are looking for a gift or want to add it to your holiday list stop by. Recently I was having a good day, I even told my husband how happy I felt mid afternoon. My day got even brighter when I read this message.

 "LOVE your pieces!!!   I've been in Burrow checking them out and following you now on instagram.  I know one day I will buy one.....but it will be the "perfect one" for our home....I also have my husband's approval(since we share a space...lol)

I am deeply fascinated by your art....it's like finding a song that you feel connected to."

As an artist I've never really thought of that connection before, it was like a switch was turned on. Some days you just need to know that you are connecting with others and that what you are doing does matter. I love seeing where my artwork goes to live after it leaves my studio, keep sending me photos folks!

Make It Indie

I'm so excited this year to participate in my first holiday art market. Shopping local and supporting small businesses is a wonderful thing to do. I hope you can stop by to check out the vendors. You can even enjoy a beer while you're shopping, my husband will be pleased with this. Chatting with collectors and art lovers in person is something I am looking forward to. Some new paintings will be avaialble and some special sale prices will be in effect for the one day only.

A selection of hand painted glass ornaments will be available.

One of my new paintings done on wood panel.

Come out for the day and get your shopping done early. Don't forget to stop and say hello!

All I want for Christmas...

I'm not a big reader and last year was the first time my adult self asked for books as gifts. Most of them were art related and it turns out very useful. For years I have relied on reading articles online, going to the library and browsing my favourite design magazines.

The holidays are approaching and I have already completed my list. There are no clothes or jewellery included, just hard covers. I hope I'm lucky enough to get some hand made items from my daughters as well, you can never have too many of those.

 I read Danielle's last book "Creative Block" this past summer and I couldn't put it down. Even though I was not stuck on a lack of ideas at the time, it was refreshing to read other artists talk openly about their struggles. Being a full time working artist is not something that comes easily to everyone. The cover totally screams...put me on your coffee table lady!

This podcast she was featured on is great, check it out. http://www.johndalton.me/podcast/ep-63-danielle-krysa/

My friend Kandyce has already informed me how inspiring this book is as she posted this great photo the other day. I am seeing it everywhere which means it will definitely be a great addition to the pile of art books in my studio. A group of women sharing personal stories on how they have succeeded, yes please. Following your dreams and not allowing others to interfere with creative path...2017 goals for many of us. I need to add that it just made the New York Times Best Seller List. Way to go Grace!

I enjoy looking through domino magazine for colour combos and inspiration for my artwork. An entire book with beautiful vignettes and styled homes is hard to say no to. Making this the last book on my list this year. If there is a book that you love and I need to know about send me an email I would love to hear from you.

The Creative Local

When Nicole asked me if I would like to be featured as her "Creative Local" interview I jumped at the chance. Uniquely Women is a place of creativity, exploration, and inspiration. Nicole helps business ladies, entrepreneurs and any one who is creative feel good about themselves. I think we all could use a little bit of encouragement and positive thinking in our lives. Check out my interview here: http://uniquelywomen.net/the-creative-local-holly-young/

Download available on Nicole's website.

House Feature - Ashley Izsak

I am so excited to share my first Canadian house tour with you. Ashely is a professional organizer and I'm so envious of how she can edit a space and still have it look so good. I am the opposite and like to display lots of collectables and thrift shop finds that require lots of dusting...which everyone knows is no fun.  She is also a talented weaver. Her work is bright and whimsical, adding that perfect pop of colour to any room.

"When I met Holly (virtually), I instantly felt we'd be friends. I mean she lives in Peterborough - a city I frequented very often in my childhood and her house + art is amazing! So when Holly asked if I would be her house tour, of course I said yes." I work from my home studio where I live with my husband, twin daughters and two felines. In my spare time you may find me sipping wine and weaving. Oh and I have this thing with organizing spaces! Now that you know a little bit about me, hop on over and browse my etsy shop or email me hello@ashleyizsak.com to request a commission."

The pattern on this circular rug in the entry way is great and the large mirror is on trend. We do have similar taste and I know we would chat non stop if we were in the same room.

"I will preface this tour with one statement: our home is a work in progress. When we purchased the house two years ago, it screamed country dwelling. The bones were good, it was open concept and the yard left us speechless, so we took a leap and went for it. We live in a three bedroom high ranch bungalow in the village of Osgoode, Ontario. Our former home was a town home in suburbia and we sold 90% of our furniture on kijiji before moving. We wanted a fresh start and furniture that was more comfortable yet still our taste - and we'd raised twin babies in that house, as well as run an at home daycare. I will admit, transitioning to such a square living space, offered some challenges. Also, furnishing an entire home from scratch, is a daunting financial task."

I can see how Ashley's family were sold on this outdoor living space. A large lot with trees, privacy and a play house, what more could you ask for?

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The bright white walls make the home so light and airy. I would so love to sit and enjoy a cup of tea in that vintage chair...I adore it!

I enjoy a good mix of furniture, and the end table with the brass cap feet really fits perfectly. Here you get a peak at one of her weavings...so lovely. This rug is amazing and the colour palette is what I often paint with.

"Our living room is where we spend most of our time together. For a long time I tried to keep the toys hidden. More recently, I've just tried to build them into the decor and so far I'm happy with it. We painted all of our main living spaces Farrow & Ball Wevet and I still love it. I prefer to commit to coloured accents, not large pieces. With the white walls the colours really stand out."

A framed print fits in with the living room decor and has a theme her daughters will enjoy. The placement of it is perfect here.

Ashley has created a multi purpose living space that the entire family can enjoy. Adults can hang out at one end, while the kids sit and do crafts and draw at these tables. At my house my daughters usually take over the entire dining table with colouring books and markers. Ashley can easily move the Wishbone chairs to the eating area if extra seating is needed.

 This bright open window pours in natural light.  I have always had a love/hate relationship with curtains, this simplistic style looks great just the way it is.

Bananas wearing sunglasses! I want to steal that pillow for our house. A view of the master bedroom is seen down the hall.

Here you can see how easily Ashley has incorporated the girls artwork into the space. I think it's a wonderful idea hanging it low at the girls eye level. The other element that my eye is instantly drawn to is the architectural detail of the stained glass. The colours contrast nicely with the area rug.

"The kitchen was our primary focus that we (thankfully) tackled before moving in. We removed a whole wall of upper cabinets to ease the transition into the dining and living areas. The walnut floating shelves are one of my favourite features of the space and that giant glass ball is actually a vintage Pyrex beaker that my mother bought for me while we were antique shopping in Montreal."

This neutral design is timeless. I love how the walnut shelves play off the warm wood tones in the room. Her cats really are at home here as well. 

With all the natural light that this home has I can see why Ashley enjoys working from home.

Don't we all wish we had a sky light in our kitchen? A perfect spot for her twins to enjoy a snack.

Ashley and one of her daughters at Thanksgiving. In Canada this holiday was last weekend in case you are confused.

"My studio is currently located in bedroom number three ... but I am brainstorming on how to incorporate it into our living space, since my husband and I are hoping to expand our family shortly. If anyone has any suggestions on how to add a fibre studio to a living room, I'd love to hear them!"

Can I just say that plants add so much life to your home. They are an inexpensive addition to any space and your children will appreciate having them around. My daughters usually name ours after their favourite cartoon characters!

Ashley has some pretty amazing pieces. I personally love the ones that are geometric, like this little beauty hanging here.

"Shockingly, our master bedroom is my favourite place in the house. It probably looks empty to you, but it is my zen space. I regularly roll out my yoga mat, shut the door and look out at the trees. We do have plans for wall sconces and floating bedside tables eventually, but for now, I'm happy here."

The one detail I noticed is the hardware on the closet doors as it is very unique.

This vignette has so many interesting pieces to look at. I love the casual vibe achieved here by leaning the mirror and artwork. The dark wall colour is a nice contrast since the room can be seen from the main living area. It helps to create an intimate and cozy feeling.

"Our daughters are five and they share a bedroom. It's bright, full of dolls and they love it." This rug immediately calls my attention and helps to anchor the girls twin size beds. The woven butterflies were purchased on a trip to the Mayan Riviera, they add the perfect pop of colour.

I want to thank Ashley for sharing her home with me. I know I've said it before; social media has allowed me to connect with creative individuals all over the world. I truly appreciate the friendships and relationships I have made over the past year. Make sure to check out the links mentioned above to see more of Ashley's work. I look forward to your next trip to Peterborough so we can have a girls night out!

Friday Introduction

If you are new around here I thought I would share a bit about myself. This is going to be very casual and hopefully you feel like you know me a bit more after reading it. In no particular order let's begin; First off I hate the smell of coffee & have never drank a cup of it. For my Birthday I was recently gifted tea & beer, perfect gifts that you can't go wrong with. Cream of Earl Grey is hands down my favourite, you need to try it folks. 

We no longer have cable and I don't miss it at all! Netflix & John Oliver keep my husband and I entertained for hours on the weekends. I'm very sad that Arrested Development and Parks & Rec are no longer around. The Mindy Project is a comedy I have only recently fallen in love with. I watched a few seasons last summer to catch up. I am not into reality shows at all. 

I feel old when I hear current music on the radio in the car and have no idea who it is...lots of artists sound the same I think. I would rather listen to Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac or some Indie artist on Spotify.  I am a mother of two daughters who are complete opposites of one another.

I'm not techy at all, I usually get my husband's old cell phone but recently got a fancy phone so I can take artist quality photos to share with you all on social media. Our current home has a beautiful kitchen with high end appliances. I thought this might turn me into someone who enjoyed baking and cooking more...3 yrs later and the answer is still no. I do love to decorate but I am not into seasonal decor, we will get pumpkins & a tree at Christmas don't worry I'm not Scrooge! I am very chatty and not shy at all. I've been teaching painting classes for 2 1/2 yrs and have enjoyed the social aspect of it a lot. Painting by yourself in your home studio can often get lonely, good thing I have my dog Dublin to keep me company. It is a long weekend here in Canada, Happy Thanksgiving!

Release of Daydream Series

I am releasing the body of work from my Daydream series into my online shop September 30th. Thank you to everyone who has given me feedback and support while I was working on these pieces. They truly were a labour of love. I have a limited amount currently available and will start my next series in October, which will be using photographs of animals. I'm moving away from pink for a bit! Keep checking my social media for posts of my process. If you are interested in a piece from this series, I will do some commissions and offer larger sizes as well. Please contact me if you would like to chat.

These ladies share in my excitement!

Artsweek

Peterborough is an incredibly vibrant arts community that supports the development of a wide range of artists. Today is the beginning of Artsweek and lots of free activities are available for you and your families...so get out there and check them out! Tonight I look forward to visiting galleries and the opportunity to meet other makers.

I have a few paintings hanging in the group show at Gallery in the Attic. The Kawartha Artists Studio Tours are also on this weekend, shop local and buy original art folks!

Alex Bierk's mural  "Passing Cloud" was just installed downtown. This is just a section of it, you need to see it in person; it is amazing.

It's all happening...

That's a quote from one of my favourite movies "Almost Famous" and that's how I'm feeling these days. I am making the work that I want to make in the studio but, some details are still not complete. I'm waiting on some finishing touches for new packaging and as well as more business cards. I don't want to rush to get the pieces I have completed on my site so, I hope you can be patient if this series interests you.  A peak into my thought process...get ready!

I'm learning as I go and everything is not always the way I wish it would be. When I paint I control the medium and if something looks like crap I have the option to paint over it. With resin; things are not in my control as much as I would like them to be. Last week for example it was so humid the pieces were not going to cure properly so resin pouring didn't happen. Some pieces need more coats than others and after some time, I make the decision to leave them, or continue on. Air bubbles occur and my heat gun only takes away some of them. Other lines, marks and dust particles settle, and as I look at the finished piece I tell myself "it is a handmade piece of art". When the resin and hardener are mixed I only have a certain amount of time to even out the surface before it starts to harden. Listening to fast upbeat music has me on high speed when working. 

The other thing I'm debating on is how many pieces I want to produce of each image? I currently have been working with three sizes as I want to keep the price at a certain amount and not make it a hassle to ship worldwide. Affordable art that someone can add to their home or gallery wall interests me more than making huge pieces that collectors have to save years for.

Another topic for discussion is how difficult it is to photograph resin...that shine is intense. Here you can see me and my Nikon hard at work today. 

If you are new to my website it just got a makeover thanks to my amazing hubby! You can now sign up for my newsletter & my blog posts are a little easier to browse. House Tours are adding up & I thank all of my friends for letting me share their beautiful homes. 

Highlights of the week

The girls are starting back to school next week and my new series "Daydream" will finally get completed. Resin is time sensitive and shouldn't be rushed, layers need a few days to dry in between coats. I will have more time in my studio soon and I'm looking forward to it.

I've already decided the theme of my second series and animals will be featured. I have an amazing photograph of Zebras I'm excited to play around with. It seems Zebras are a fun subject matter for several artists as I see them everywhere now. Artist Anna Church has done this piece "Party Animal" above and has several other stunning prints on her website. You should check her out, she is currently living in Toronto. http://annachurchart.com

Design Sponge has a full studio tour of Light Lab online, it is a must see! This seating area is gorgeous. I want to pretend it's my house, I love it that much. http://www.designsponge.com/2016/08/studio-tour-light-lab.html

While I'm creating art or making dinner we always have Spotify playing in the background. The girls love to dance around the house, and discovering new artists is half the fun. I've been listening to Band of Horses on repeat for a while, you should check them out....so good. Roosevelt came on the other day, I was immediately drawn to the ombre effect on this cover as it reminded me of my current body of work. https://youtu.be/ToyuZwTO068

The lovely Emily Henderson & I share a Birthday which happens to be today. Yesterday she did a blog post about getting older, it was a good read. I'm the big 39 & she is turning 37! I like to think if we were at the same Flea Market we would meet & instantly hit it off. She's a fun gal & I love her style. https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/turning-37

Studio Scenes

When I stand in front of a canvas nothing is planned out, the brush strokes are spontaneous and come together to form a layered composition. For the photo based series I'm currently developing I'm looking everywhere for inspiration.  Experimenting with new techniques and materials is very structured and precise. I'm enjoying the creative process and can't wait to see where it takes me. 

I've had these photographs in an envelope in my desk for years. They capture my Mother's parents back in the day. Even though I was not born when they were taken, they still allow me to reflect back on memories and see things in a different perspective.

When my second daughter was born 5 years ago I took out my sketch book and started to journal my ideas about doing a photo based series with vintage photos and collage. This series has never been made but it has led me to where I am today. I am finally making the time to explore a photo based collection and trying out various mediums on the images themselves.

Playing around with spray paint and shadows.

A photo taken from the plane on my recent trip to Boston. Right now I'm into landscapes with fluffy clouds that have a daydream blurriness to them.

Experimenting with chalk pastel, and my love of pink.

House Feature - Kim Merritt

Kim's style is the perfect example of timeless minimal design.  Located in Sonoma County California, this modern home sits in the countryside on several acres. Kim and I began an online friendship a year ago, both sharing an adoration for art and interior design. Even though we have never met in person, I value her critiques and advice. Now let's dig into these stunning photos shall we!

The warm wood tones help this design blend in with its natural surroundings. They moved into this brand new house a year and a half ago. Kim is an artist and also works part-time, her husband Rob is an architect. You can check out her website at www.artstudiokm.com and her instagram at https://www.instagram.com/artstudiokm/

"Most people ask if he (Rob) designed our home but no.  It’s a lot more modern than both our styles.  It's our home for now but we hope one day we can design our own place.  I would say our top styles for our home would be more rustic modern inside and out. Most likely 2 level and just a bit cozy.  But you can’t have it all."

The structure on the left is the main living space. To the right Kim is lucky to have this gorgeous space to create in. I'm jealous of all that natural light!

The outdoor dining area acts as an extension to the main living space.

A great spot for entertaining and relaxing with friends and family.

One of Kim's favourite things about her home are the sliding doors that are all along one side of the house. They open it up and enjoy a fresh breeze and amazing view.

Lets step inside and see the interior shall we!

One of Kim's beautiful paintings is reflected in the mirror.

The space is filled with warmth and texture, the neutral colour scheme allows your eye to travel from one vignette to another seamlessly.

The simplicity of Kim's styling and the cacti print make this wall come to life.

The addition of plants and flowers add so much to this minimal design.

 The rooms are calming and uncluttered, she is curating every piece in her home with intent. Her husband and her have designed a clean-lined space that’s still infused with meaning and character. Kim tells me that her taste five years ago was the total opposite. She is quite content living with fewer material objects and has no problem waiting to find the right pieces to add in. 

"Growing up I loved to decorate my room and I would decorate with so much stuff. I have changed since then and now enjoy purchasing only things I really love and keeping my home as decluttered as possible."

Bringing natural elements into your home is an easy and inexpensive way to add texture.

The transition from one room to another is subtle. There are no bold or graphic elements from details such as wallpaper or ornate floor coverings. Allowing the floor plan to feel more open and inviting.

The family dog Ollie gets comfy on the slipcovered sofa.

"I do have several items I would like to add to our home.  1. An overhead light for our dining table 2. We still need 2 more dining chairs 3. More light fixtures — love Schoolhouse fixtures 4. Cowhide rug for dining room.  It’s nice to know it doesn’t have to all get done at once though.  I like making a home come together over time.  It really makes it feel more special. Not like you just went to West Elm or Crate & Barrel and just bought it all." 

The kitchen is functional and stylish with a neutral palette.

A single bloom adds the perfect pop of colour.

 "I enjoy many styles of decorating and right now my home is just more modern.  My main goal is to add a couple decor antique pieces + some items when we go to New Mexico in September.  I am really loving that ethnic feel.  I want to add a touch of both of these."

Layered textiles help add that coziness Kim loves.

A peak into Kim's private work studio. Her inspiration wall is filled with inspirational photos and quotes.

A relaxing spot to sit, enjoy a cup of tea and enjoy the sunshine.

Just looking at her surroundings allows me to feel a tranquility and ease that is hard to describe.

My taste is quite the opposite of Kim's. I love colour, pattern and lots of collectibles. When I opened up her email and saw the photos of her home I was blown away. I wish I could live in a home like this and surround myself in nature. I can't wait to one day come and visit in person.

Highlights of the week

Just returned home for a few days, after a few days away, before we fly to Boston next week. I thought I would share some of my favourite parts of our road trip to Rochester. 

We stopped here for drinks and a quick dinner with our kids. The food was yummy and the atmosphere was contemporary and casual. No complaints from this gal!

A flight of beers. 

We enjoyed an interactive exhibit at The Strong Museum with butterflies, fish, turtles and birds. The Star Wars exhibit was enjoyed by all, the girls have already decided who they want to dress up as for Halloween!

This is a detail of a series of wall hangings that caught my eye at The Science Center. The colours were gorgeous and the textiles are amazing in person.

Established in 2012, Atelier Stella is an ever changing collection of unique ceramics hand made by Stella Baggott in Brighton, England. I purchased this amazing vase at West Elm, its got a retro vibe that I adore. I love how they collaborate with artisans and makers all over the world. It's already found a new home in our living room.

"My work is modern, stylish and brings a smile! I lovingly design, hand build, fire in my kiln and glaze small batches of work to give you a truly unique, one of a kind work of art, so if you like a piece grab it while you can! I design pieces for those who like vintage finds."

A friend who I met though Instagram who is from the area told me we had to eat here. We did and it was so delicious!

Glen Edith Coffee Roasters had a great atmosphere and the decor was a great mix of natural and modern elements. My tea was GOOD and the girls had no problems making themselves at home on that sofa.

It's a long weekend here in Ontario...enjoy!

Summer Getaway

Next week my husband is taking time off from work and we are heading with the girls to Upstate New York. Hopefully the stops at Target and Trader Joe's will make the driving short and sweet. The itinerary consists of lots of activities for the kids, but we will try out some hopefully great restaurants and breweries.

I can't wait to explore and capture photographs that I can use in my new body of work. If you don't follow me on social media I'll fill you in. I'm putting the paint brushes down for a bit and developing a new series which explores dream like landscapes and movement.

This pretty much sums up my next adventure if you take away the Bikini top & add in flip flops, no beaches...but lots of walking.

In August my husband is travelling to Boston for work and I don't have any art classes to teach for a few days so I'm tagging along. I plan to visit local art galleries, design shops, cafe's and the harbour. Eating a meal in silence that I didn't prepare is going to be so exciting for this mom!

We are not staying at the The Envoy Hotel, but I'll be visiting for a cocktail I guarantee. The photos of the lobby have me excited and we haven't even left!

One of my favourite things to do while on any vacation is to purchase artwork. A little reminder or souvenir of the destination we visited. While in New York City a few years ago, I purchased four pieces from a photographer in Washington Square. I wish I had his card, or could read his signature they make me so happy every time I look at them. 

This is one of the photos that has such a cool retro vibe. If you know who the artist is I would love to hear from you.

Now on to the not so fun part...packing!

Design Inspiration

It's no secret that I love Interior Design Magazines & have a nice collection to browse when I need some inspiration. I was recently looking at the Summer issue of domino and fell in love with a company and thought I would share more details about them.

Concrete Cat is a Canadian atelier established in 2007 based out of Edmonton Alberta. They explore the use of concrete with a focus on colour, pattern and form. We travelled on a family holiday to Edmonton when I was a kid, maybe it's time to go back and check out the design scene. Here are a few of their products, get ready to drool!

This is still on new stands, grab yourself a copy and thank me later!

Oracle is a technique for creating marble like patterns in vibrant colours in cast concrete. Concrete cat is the only studio in the world with the technology to create this pattern in concrete. The piece on the right makes me want to head to my studio and create something in this palette.

Octavia Pico is an incense burner that is available is so many patterns. This small bowl would also be perfect at your front entrance for change and keys. Or on your bedside table for your favourite earrings and rings. It was hard for me to choose just one to share. My new body of work is photo based, with moody landscapes and clouds. This is such an inspiring jumping off point for me.

This camera is a conversation piece for sure, I love it!

Atlas Bookends would be a unique addition to your library or bookshelf. They also carry some lovely vases that would look amazing as sculptures even without flowers in them.

Creative Director Shawna Heide had some lovely words that I wanted to share. " Recognizing authenticity make take an instant. However the layering it takes to create something authentic takes time. Materials that age well are critical to inspire the visual awe that we all crave."

A detail from a work in progress. I can't get away from pink.

With this new body of work, I am sharing a part of myself that I have wanted to express for several years now. I'm going to put it out there and see what happens. As long as I am creating all the time I am continuing to grow as an artist. I'm excited to put the paint brushes aside and go back in time to memories and photographs that I've collected over the years.

All opinions are my own. Check out www.concretecat.com they have retailers all over the world.

Scandinavian House Feature

This is the lovely home of Line Fiil Anderson. I first discovered her through Instagram last year. She is an artist and her abstract paintings caught my eye right away. Not only does she work in a style that I enjoy, her pieces are often styled in her home which allowed me to see vignettes of her impeccable style. Located in Randers, Denmark; Line describes her home as a typical Danish home built in the 1970's. A unique thing about the structure is that it was used as an exhibition home for the first two years. Line and her boyfriend purchased it from the original homeowners in 2009. Since that time they have started a family here and come to love the space they call home. Her sons, Anton and Bertram, are similar ages to my two daughters, and keep her busy when she is not working or in her studio creating.

Before we go inside I want to share some photos of the gorgeous courtyard and terrace with you.

The layered textiles really make this outdoor space feel like an extension of the interior. I love the simplistic style often seen in Scandinavian design & Line has mastered it. This Hazel tree looks like a sculpture itself.

Line loves spending time here and having friends and neighbors over to sit and enjoy a glass of wine with. There is a river nearby that she often walks to, finding a lot of inspiration for her paintings from nature.

"We loved it from the time we stood in the hall – and it just felt like home, even before we saw the rest of the house." As a person who enjoys architecture and interior design I am usually drawn to a space for a specific reason. In this home it is a combination of the furniture, art and accessories that speak to me. We have similar taste and love a great bargain!

"I love to be surrounded by things that not everyone has. I am drawn to the northern European style in combination with Bauhaus and Eastern/Middle East ethnic things and objects." So many pieces in the home have a story to go with them, my eye is continuously travelling from one thing to another.

"The first furniture my grandmother bought (before she met my granddad) were designs from some of the greatest designers/architects in Denmark from the 1950´s. I have inherited some chairs and a cabinet from her. I love furniture (especially teak) from the 1950´s but also German Bauhaus interior." The eclectic collection of artwork throughout the home is amazing. I will never tire of a good gallery wall, we have several in our own house. The original stained glass is the perfect addition to this corner. Those colours make me smile.

A great spot to relax and enjoy a drink. I am so jealous of that chair!

When they moved into the house they decided to renovate the kitchen.  Line loves to cook and it was a small dark room that was not very inspiring. By tearing down the wall that divided the two rooms, they created a large open concept space full of natural light. Now they have this fantastic space for cooking, entertaining and allowing the boys to play.

No hardware has been added to the cabinetry, this helps to achieve a modern and timeless design. The addition of plants and warm wood tones help the space feel welcoming to friends and family.

One of Line's painting's adds a graphic element to this corner in the kitchen.

A view of the dining area from the family room. The boys Wheely Bug is ready for a ride! How great are the 4 pieces of original art? Each member of the family created their own masterpiece with paint and a straw. Simple modern frames create a unique collection.

A great piece of furniture can not only anchor the corner of a room, but also add as extra storage in a small space. Cupboards and drawers are great at hiding away kids toy's & books when not in use. I'm an expert a hiding clutter, the built-ins in our living room are full of my daughters collections and craft supplies.

I love this corner and the simple white shelving that displays some of Line's favourite collectibles. I have always wanted a Danish mid century bird, these two caught my eye as soon as I saw the photo. Talk about a statement light fixture! You are not going to find that at a big box store folks. Gotta love a house with a stack of interior design magazines to browse, the European ones are always my favourite...even if I can't understand what they say.

"We are going to Berlin for a summer holiday and I hope to find some stuff at one of the wonderful flea markets in the city. I love going to flea markets here in Denmark, to buy unique objects for our house." This eclectic home is full of treasures, I don't think I can pick a favourite room it's all so good. I also love to thrift and find the treasure of the hunt so exciting. Once my husband & I travelled to Pittsburgh, instead of dreaming about seeing Falling Water the next day I was thinking about chairs I had seen earlier at the Salvation Army. I know right...my husband is a good man & we went back for them.

This is styled perfectly. You can't go wrong with black and white, and that pop of yellow! I have a thing for font. I'm one of those people.

Line's grandfather was a cabinet maker and hand crafted this chair for his wife. After she passed, this family heirloom became a special addition to Line's home. Her colourful artwork makes this corner in the family room so welcoming.

Line and one of her gorgeous paintings.

A peak inside her studio space. Lot's of room for storage and books.

Bertram following in his mom's footprints.

Stacks of original artwork and a collection of pottery...dreamy!

Line's home is the perfect mix of old and new, and has a cozy/casual vibe. Collectibles, artwork and furnishings are influenced by Scandinavian design and have me wanting to head to the closet flea market. Check out more of her incredible artwork at https://www.instagram.com/linefiil/

Local Art Scene

I often think I should get out more and see what other local artists are making and, what is happening in my local art scene. I've taken a break from painting for the last few weeks and did just that. I was able to volunteer for several class trips and take some time to sit, relax and think about what I would like to pursue next. Taking a break helps me get inspired and makes it that much more exciting to get back to my studio and create. I usually teach art classes on Friday evenings but I lucked out and was free to attend the opening reception for Sarah Gibeault's latest show. It was amazing to see her work in person and her colour's are so inspiring to me. The exhibit is on until July 8th so you still have time to stop by and check it out. I gravitated towards the landscapes that had a touch of pink in them. Today my daughters were out of school for the first day this summer, guess where I took them? After the library we walked up the street to the gallery and I loved that they asked if they could sign the guest book...too cute!

www.christensenfineart.com

All photos were taken on my cell phone and the colours and quality may not be accurate representations of the original work.

Her Land Series explores forms from nature and depicts abstract shapes and patterns in bold colour patterns.

Each painting on paper is matted and framed in a simple modern frame. I left a few weeks ago telling myself I needed to save up to purchase one for my own art collection.

Sarah majored in drawing and I think that is evident when you look at the loose gestural lines in her painting.  Each one is a mini narrative I want to jump in and explore.

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery is just a 30 minute drive from my home. The extensive contemporary Canadian art collection was wonderful. It was my first time at the gallery and I was not disappointed. It was a bright modern space that was child friendly as well.  My girls were in school when I went last week, but I will definitely be back with them this summer.

www.rmg.on.ca

The reason for my trip was to view the new exhibit by local artist Laura Madera. Her watercolours are so dreamy and whimsical, I could stare at them for hours. I only took a few photos so you have to go and check out the rest of the pieces on your own. You will thank me I promise.

This is comprised of three large panels of paper that appear seamless to the viewer's eye. I asked my mom to snap a photo of me in front of it to show the scale.  

I would like to think that I am that cool that I planned my outfit to match the art in the photos. Reality is that I threw this on in 2 minutes as my mom honked the horn in my driveway and I tried to eat my breakfast and get dressed at the same time. I remembered to brush my teeth before I left the house so I had that going for me! Life before kids was a different story folks.

This is a detail of the bottom of the painting.  I am still in awe at how Laura created this, I think it is amazing!

This painting was maybe 20x24" and there was an entire wall full of these organic images.

Another large painting on paper that reminded me of being at a cottage on a secluded Island filled with trees. Her palette reminds me of my own, these colours are very calming to me.

It's a long weekend in Canada (and the United States), go out and explore your city. Even if you are not an artistic person take your kids with you, they will enjoy the exhibits as much as any adult would.

Artist Feature

When interior designers Susanna and Elaina emailed asking if I would be interested in being the artist of the month for their blog, I didn't hesitate. These sisters who travel between their homes in Southern California and Bali have great taste. I love design and they have mastered the look of an eclectic/boho interior. Check out my interview and then continue to browse their site, it's filled with inspiring photography and interiors that will make you wish they could come over and re-design your dream space!

http://design4corners.com/blog/2016/06/22/featured-artist-holly-young