New Collages!

I am so in love with this latest collection of contemporary collages. Collectors have requested pieces on a larger scale, of course, I was up for the challenge. Each original collage is 18 x 24", shop the collection here.

These pieces can easily adapt to any space and are the perfect way to update your interior. Create a vibrant focal point by grouping two or three together. Above a sofa, credenza, or bed...the possibilities are endless. I hope you connect with them in some way, I truly enjoyed the process of creating each one.

I love this grouping together, a classic neutral palette.

The 18x24” size can fit in a standard frame.

The textured concrete wall was the perfect spot to take some photos.

The contrast of linear and curved shapes compliment one another in this grouping.

I really enjoyed working larger and am looking forward to creating more original work this size. If you are a designer or collector, please feel free to contact me to chat about custom pieces. I find that working outside of my comfort zone helps me further develop my style.

Lately

I just finished making some new collages that are on a larger scale, this weekend I plan to glue them down. Make sure you are signed up for my newsletter, you’ll be the first to know when they will be available in my shop.

It is currently snowing outside as I write this, I will remind you it is almost June. Here are some things that are bringing me joy and inspiring me. I will just imagine I am sitting here relaxing at this dreamy place on the water!

Photo by Derek Swalwell

Photo by Bethany Bauman

Photo by Oakley Court

Photo by Kengo Kumo design

Photo by Avenue Design Studio

Photo by Okolo Architecture

Photo by Felix Roasting Co.

Photo by Danielle Ferrier

Photo by Child Studio

Photo by Nicole Costa Design

Photo by Caitlin Mills

Photo by Monique Ceccato

Inspiration

We’ve been in lockdown here for just over a month now and my routine is very similar every day. Making artwork has been keeping me busy on the days I feel like creating. I always save so many images on my phone and laptop that inspire me. I’m often attracted to colours, shapes, and compositions in a design or photograph. These photographs allow me to escape to another place for a few minutes. Hopefully, you connect with them in some way.

Photo by Frederic Vercruysse

Photo by Furbish Studio

Photo by Divisare

Photo by Salvesen Graham

Photo by Jeffrey Czum

Photo by Salva Lopez

Photo by Reath Design

Photo by Adrian Gaut

Giardino delle Delizie tile by Cristina Celestino for Fornace Brioni .

Photo by Jess Reeve

Mother's Day gift ideas with Rug & Weave

Mother’s Day is coming up and we are currently in our third lockdown here in Ontario. If you are looking for gift ideas check out Rug & Weave based out of Guelph ON. They have a great shop with many unique and handmade pieces. Support small businesses if you are able to.

I browsed the site and picked a few of my favourite things that I think any friend, mom, or daughter would be happy to receive.

Terracotta Vase

All-Natural Sugar Scrub

Hyacinth Side Table

Handmade Cotton Toss Pillow

Porcelain Mug by Atelier Make

Line Drawing by Melissa Mary Jenkins

Reusable Cloth Bags

Squiggle Arch Earrings

Denim Bed Cover

Spice Jar Set

A great coffee table book

Release of Linen Collection

Spring is officially here! I think it's safe to say we are ready to change up the decor when we look around our homes. If you are wanting to treat yourself or a loved one to a little something to make the days at home a little cozier and happier, I am excited to share my latest Linen Collection with you!

Whether you hang it, lean it against the wall, or create a gallery wall, art injects personality and adds a little magic to your space. Each piece is unique and created by hand. I was excited to work with a neutral colour palette of blush, taupe, and cream. You can check out the entire collection here.

A collector recently sent me this photo of her painting displayed in her home. I love the warm wood frame with the texture of the linen.

Photo by Jennie Sullins

Lately

I just finished a commission and had fun creating these collages for a client. The fabrics for the space were traditional and the designer wanted modern artwork to compliment her design. I love a cool colour combo and was happy to work with blues, greens, and a touch of yellow. I snapped a few photos before I shipped them out.

I read this the other day and wanted to share it with you.

Photo & design by Jessica Poundstone

“The Artspace 50/50 is the gallery’s annual fundraising event that has been taking place for over 30 years! This year’s event will be taking place in the form of an online auction thanks to our friends at Curated.

Profits from all art sales are shared between our participating artists and Artspace”.

This past year has been tough on our community of makers, check out the online I have two original collages available.

Hello Spring

I read this the other day and it resonated with me. “Talent is good. Practice is better. Passion is best”. - Frank Lloyd Wright

A light and airy painting that I have never shared with you from last year. A few pops of gold leaf and lots of texture.

“Into the Mystic” 20x24” on gallery wrapped canvas.

Thank you to all of the collectors who purchased these original collages last week during a flash sale. I loved creating this collection and look forward to seeing where they are displayed. At the beginning of the Pandemic last March I created my first collection of this size. If you missed out, keep your eyes open for another sale on my IG later this summer.

If you are looking for ideas for Mother’s Day gifts check out my friend Lesley’s shop Swell Made Co. So many great gift ideas to choose from! I was happy to collaborate with Swell and paint this piece below that is available as a print.

Rug and Weave out of Guelph ON is having a Spring Sale in their online shop. There are so many beautiful pieces of furniture, unique rugs and curated home accessories available. My original collages are also included, make sure to check them out here.

I hope you have a good week friends!

Midcentury-Modern Dream Home

I have always been attracted to midcentury architecture and dream of one day living in a home similar to this gem. Designed and owned by Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis, it is full of art, colour, pattern and texture. If you are not already following this talented designer and artist get on it. She just shared a feature of her families home in Atlanta and it was too good not to post for you! Check out the entire article here. All photos by Emily Followill.

Release of "Looking Back"

Over the past two months, I’ve been creating this collection. I am so excited to finally share it with you! I’ve been in full exploration mode, sketching patterns and ideas reminiscent of my youth. Memories of my younger self were on my mind, songs I danced to, movies I loved, places I travelled to with my family. The pandemic has really forced me to reflect on these experiences. It has made me nostalgic for days past, just thinking about those days makes me happy.

Six paintings full of bold colour, lots of texture and fun patterns. I hope you connect with them and they bring you a bit of joy. I think we could all use that right now.

Pinball Wizard 16x20”

Imaginary Grace 20x24”

Hazy Shade of Winter 24x30”

New Order 16x20”

True Colours 12x12”

Dance yourself clean 18x24”

Shop the collection here

Spring is in the air...

and I could not be happier! Winter always feels so long and I am never motivated to make any art in the evenings. It gets dark at 5:00 and I’m usually ready for bed when my kids are.

I’ve been keeping busy working on a new collection of paintings. Inspired by a mixture of organic shapes, bold stripes and checks and lots of colour! Here are some things that caught my eye while creating.

Photo by Shelby Girard

Photo by Kate Croghan Alarcon

Photo by Stephen Johnson

Photo by Sharyn Cairns

Photo by David Mac Uidhir

Photo by Ben Rahn

Photo by Furbish Studio

Photo by Ben Anders

Photo by Margaret Rajic

Photo by Kelly Wearstler

Photo by @fogoislandarts

Creativity

I just saw the reveal of designer Michelle Berwick’s renovated office space and wanted to share it with you. Seeing others creativity come to life really makes me so happy. This design is modern, feminine and oh so fun! Not your typical cold, generic office space. They have thought of every detail and I hope to one day visit in person. I hope you get a bit of inspiration from these shots, I know I did.

Photos by Larry Arnal

I love the light fixtures hanging at the front desk and the wood panelled wall detail.

The perfect spot to hang out and chat with clients. It always feels great to see my artwork installed and this gallery wall made my day. Tara from On The Wall Framing has done a fabulous job framing all of the art in this space.

Lots of texture and my collages look perfect framed with an oversized matte.

I would enjoy making my lunch in this kitchen…it is so dreamy!

I adore all of Drop It Modern’s wallpaper patterns. My painting fits right into this pink powder room.

A spacious boardroom pops with these paintings by Lee Lessem.

If you are not already following Michelle and her team check them out here.

Release of Two Collections in one week!

After Christmas I found myself having the desire to create something. My daughters were back at online learning and I would sit with a paintbrush in hand filling my days with colour, texture and fine details. The “Figure Collection” is a group of paintings on canvas and wood panels that would look great on a bookshelf or hung in a grouping. These pieces really do make me happy and I hope they bring a pop of colour to your homes.

The other day I sent out my second newsletter of the week which never happens. I had time to photograph and edit all of my new collages which is a good feeling. You can purchase these originals in my shop right now. There are 20 in total and I can’t pick a favourite right now. Check them out and let me know what you think.

Valentines Day is coming up, treat yourself or that special person to a piece of art. I think we could all use a bit of happiness in our homes right now.

Inspiration

I used to love going to bookstores to gather inspiration from design books and magazines. Getting a tea and sitting quietly in a corner, soaking in all of the colours, shapes and patterns that caught my eye. With Covid, I’m not sure when those days will happen again. I often search online for inspiring house tours and this beauty jumped right out at me.

This listing for an apartment in Brighton through The Modern House is so eclectic and fun. It’s layered with beautiful lighting, artwork and collectibles. Years ago before we were married, my hubby and I travelled to England and Ireland. I would love to go back one day, oh to travel…we can dream.

All photos by The Modern House.

Last release of 2020

I loved creating this latest collection available now at Rug & Weave, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

These original collages reuse scraps from the pillows that they hand-make. I'm glad I could help them limit their textile waste. Texture, pattern and colour! All of my favourite elements combined to make one stunning collection of art. Hang one on its own, or a series of two or three for that perfect statement. Shop small this holiday and check out the collection online here or stop into their Guelph storefront location.

Photo by Rug & Weave

Photo by Kirsten Williams

Wishing you and your families a safe holiday and a healthy New Year!

Inspiration

The kids are in bed and I’m relaxing and listening to a Scrubs Podcast. Thought I would share a few things here that have got me excited. Colour combinations that are a little off always inspire my creativity…hope you enjoy them too!

Photo by Brittany Cobb

Photo by Anitta Behrendt

Photo by Adrian Gaut

Photo by Shannon Eddings Interiors

Photo by Anitta Behrendt

Photo by Adrian Gaut

Photo by @londogmussehuset

Photo by Adrian Gaut

Photo by Adrian Gaut for Sarah Magnuss Design

Photo by Shannon Eddings Interiors

Photo by @mascreationsworld

Photo by Anitta Behrendt

Holiday Gift Ideas

I can’t believe Christmas is just around the corner. Small Business Saturday is just a few weeks away and I wanted to share some gift ideas that you can shop for now. Whether the season of gift giving calls for treating yourself or your loved ones, supporting artisans and makers this year has never been more important. Please take the time to check out all of these wonderful and unique pieces.

“Set of three mid-century modern inspired trees by Figure Form. Trees are a hand-cut + painted hardboard material. Each tree set will plant three trees in areas affected by the fires in North America. A portion of each sale will be donated to One Tree Planted, whose mission is to restore forests affected by major wildfires.” Shana also creates stunning artwork and prints, check them out here.

Photo by Figure Form.

I love gifting these dishcloths from Ten and Co. “These towels are screen printed in Sweden with water based dyes and are designed in Toronto, Canada. The sponge cloth has been a staple in Swedish kitchens for over 60 years and can absorb 15x its own weight in liquid (up to 3/4 of a cup). Sponge cloths replace the use of up to 17 rolls of paper towel, reducing the plastic packaging and overall waste in landfills.”

Photo by Ten and Co.

Marissa Huber has a wonderful sense of colour and pattern. Check out all of her pieces available for your home from Minted here. She is also an author and I received this book for Mother’s Day which I can not recommend enough.

Photo by Minted.

“Countdown any December holiday (or the end of 2020) with this advent style sage + cedar candle from Swell Made Co. Light each day as a reminder to slow down and celebrate the little things. These clean-burning soy candles are handpoured with essential oils and toxin-free fragrances by Wax + Fire Co. for Swell Made Co. The new look shines bright with reusable brass tins.” They also carry some beautiful blankets with graphic patterns, check out my favourites here.

Photo by Swell Made Co.

Artist Lucky Jackson has a great selection of prints and wooden standees available at Watson & Lou in Peterborough. I think we would all enjoy David hanging in our homes. If you haven’t watched Schitt’s Creek yet I suggest you binge it this weekend. Laughter is a good thing!

Photo by Watson & Lou.

Artist Deonna Janone is releasing these beautiful hand painted ornaments next week. Get one for yourself and a friend!

Photo by Deonna Janone.

Artist Candace Wiant can paint anything. This print “Citrus Still Life” feels festive and would look great in your kitchen all year round. Check out her abstracts and figures here.

Photo by Candace Wiant.

I love wearing unique earrings and these hand-made ones by Cylinder Studio are so fun. Check out all of the styles she offers here and stop by the shop Field Made Goods. “Collectively creating in our own field” Four talented artists have come together to bring you their hand-made goods in this lovely shop on Main Street in Picton.

Photo by Kelsey Danahy Photography.

I think every day of 2021 you should have a little something to brighten your day. How about this whimsical desk calendar by artist Tara Andris. A touch of gold is always a good thing.

Photo by Tara Andris

Happy Shopping friends!

Release of The Awakening Collection

The leaves are falling, the colours are changing and I have been inspired to create some new work. My daughters are back in school and I’ve found some much needed alone time in the studio (aka the dining table) This new body of work evokes a combination of calmness, growth and movement. I hope this artwork will bring a little bit of beauty and joy to your home. I enjoyed every moment while creating it.

Perhaps you need a piece to add to your gallery wall, or a set of collages to fill that blank wall that just needs a little something. I’ve got you covered folks, head on over to my online shop and check out all of the new pieces. If you can’t treat yourself right now, start making your Christmas list!

“Let yourself fall in love with something that makes you happy. If there’s a place for it in your heart. There’s a place for it in your home.” - Maya Randolph Carter.

Fall release with Rug & Weave

Last month I was excited to receive a new bag of fabric in the mail from Rug & Weave. I loved creating this latest collection and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

These original collages reuse scraps from the pillows that they hand-make. I'm glad I could help them limit their textile waste. Texture, pattern and colour! All of my favourite elements combined to make one stunning collection of art. Hang one on its own, or a series of two or three for that perfect statement. Check out the collection online here or stop into their Guelph storefront location.

Happy shopping friends!

House Feature- Mamie Morgan

Mamie and I connected online after she purchased a few of my collages for her kitchen. I browsed her IG account then immediately asked if she would be open to sharing her home here on the blog. A pandemic and a few months later, here we are. Her family home is filled with colourful patterns, bold wallpaper and a mix of modern furniture.

“My husband, Alan, and I live in Greenville, South Carolina, on Paris Mountain, with our two mutts, Henrietta Modine and Wednesday Stewart. It's the best of both worlds--the quiet of mountain life we both adore, alongside a vibrant downtown. I am a poet/essayist who taught at a public fine arts high school for fourteen years before recently leaving to embark on yet-to-be-determined pursuits. I was also a waitress for give or take, like, six hundred years.”

“We met, some would say, "later in life"--34 and 38--and purchased this house two years ago. I actually never thought I would own a home. Hilariously, the outside is this stark white farmhouse-ish, which totally belies the interior. The exterior used to be this dirty beige but, I swear, at the closing, the previous owner (a designer herself) grabbed my hands and said, "Please promise me you'll paint it," so it's the first thing we did. The home is about 2,700 square feet.”

Mamie is continually adding to her cozy nest in the woods. This space is so unique and eclectic and is filled with one of my favourite things, art. Each room comes to life with curated furniture and unique area rugs. Put your feet up, grab a hot beverage and enjoy this home tour!

 “I love our entry, particularly padding down the Turkish wedding runner I was lucky enough to walk with my two guys on, on our wedding day.” The entrance leads you straight into the kitchen or to the living room on the right. The retro patterned wallpaper is a the real focal point. The framed prints are from Methane Studios.

Photo by Julia Madden Sears

The family loves hanging out in the den and can be found most evenings cuddling up on the sofa sipping wine, and watching tv with rescues pups Retta (on the left) and Wednesday (on the right). At first I didn’t even realize that the den was wallpapered as my eye was drawn to the colour in the entry way.

“What I loved about the home was that it radiated everything I’d never been: clean, sophisticated, organized, decided, monochromatic, acceptable, money-ed, at ease. I silently and awkwardly lived in the clean sterility for like a solid minute before I began to play with and find a voice. I was never going to be sophisticated, at ease, seamless. I was never going to be anyone but who I was: messy, confused, excited, thrift-hunting, mis-matched, Joy-driven.”

Among the room's standout features is the original artwork by Lucy Boland which hangs behind the sofa.

“My aesthetic is unrefined, accepting, and fun. I admire so very much sophisticated, uber-curated homes...but they also make my Amelia Bedelia self a little nervous. I want our friends to be able to fully relax here, and if that means spilling some wine on the couch, or a kid drawing all over the staircase, so be it.”

This all white kitchen was recently transformed with a bold hue of blue. A peek into the eating area which is open to the kitchen.

I love the way Mamie has hung my collages in this bar area of the kitchen. On tile it could be tricky, but you could always lean art on the counter top. The colours and shapes play off the whimsical wallpaper that is at the back door and laundry room.

Mamie’s sister gifted her this beautiful hand painted watercolour portrait of the dogs. It is paired with a painting of icon Dolly Parton and one of my original collages.

This looks like the perfect corner to sit and enjoy a drink and chat with the cook.

I wish my mudroom was this tidy! Love the tile and all that storage.

A cheerful place to fold the laundry on the main floor is what every home needs in the mudroom. Not shown are the dogs dishes which are just as stylish!

Over a weekend Mamie transformed her back porch into this cozy space to relax, enjoy a cocktail or take a nap.

Wednesday and Retta are the cutest! Wednesday is definitely daddy’s girl and never leaves his side.

This home is filled with books, and the office is the perfect spot to curl up and read or sit and work from home with a laptop.

“In the office it's a mix of prints I picked up along the way, a screen I found in our old mountain house, Jeff Wall's photograph of the opening scene in Invisible Man (the Ralph Ellison novel), a portrait of Seamus Heaney, and a Benny Andrews print my mom and dad gave me for my 21st birthday. It's just one of those gallery prints, but it carries sentimental value, as Benny Andrews would become a huge influence for me.” 

“Our master has been both the most satisfying and budget-friendly home project to date.  The barn door my brilliant father in-law made for us as a gift and required only a twenty buck can of pink paint. We wrapped the walls with grasscloth I found for $1.31 per square foot on Wayfair.” The original art from local artist Ben Nixon is a focal point above the bed.

I asked Mamie what room was her favourite in their home and the “Mediterranean /Mid Century Modern” master bath is high on her list. “It's stark and counterintuitive to my maximalist style. Maybe because the tub's so big, I feel like some fancy person in a fancy hotel. I designed the vanity, so that's kind of  a point of pride.”

The before shot was very 80’s brown and blah…it’s a stunning transformation!

The eclectic collection of artwork in this home is amazing. I will never tire of a good gallery wall, we have several in our own house.

“The hall is a mix of local artists, some more Methane Studios, pieces I inherited from my grandmother (who traveled the world for a living), and pieces I commissioned from former students. (I taught at a public fine arts residential high school.)”

This guest bedroom is a place I would like to hang out in. A few landscapes found at a vintage market finish off this gallery wall. A fun mid-century lamp is a true statement piece, and an old desk gets a coat of paint to bring her to life. Below is the other guest room done in a vibrant blue inspired by the ocean.

I want to thank Mamie for sharing her home with me. Don’t be afraid to break the rules when it comes to designing your home. “Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love.” - Nate Berkus

Photos by Will Crooks and Tara Davis. 

August Vibes

I love summer and don't want it to end. I start wearing sandals as soon as the snow melts and try my hardest to avoid socks until October. I played around in my studio the other day and experimented with some abstract painting. I haven’t painted anything that loosely in months, it felt good to make marks with no expectations.

Here are some images that I have saved over the past month. A lot of my inspiration continues to come from interior spaces, textiles, patterned wallpapers, architecture and unique colour combinations.

Photo by Alexander Nerovnya

Photo found on Pinterest

Design by Nicole Harding

Design by Isabel Lopez-Quesada

Photo by Anne Stroud, design by Vanessa Hawes

Photo by Adam Stech

Photo by Drop it Modern

Photo by Beata Heuman

Artwork by Karina Bania

Photo by Adam Stech

Photo found on I Suwannee

Photo by Nicole Mason

Photo by Brian Paquette