Hapy Friday - Beautiful art for art's sake

Having majored in illustration from RISD, my first love has always been painting and drawing, and it'll always be close to my heart. So occasionally I like to feature painters and other artists that I discover and like. Here are my most recent finds

Beautiful collages by mixed media artist Kristen Neveu



This one is my favorite. Isn't it gorgeous?
See more at KristenNeveu.com


These striking floral oil paintings are by Jo Beer. I discovered her while working on a design for a wedding invitation and needed a reference photo for ornamental kale. I ran across the painting below




See more of Jo's work at Jo Beer Art


For those who are more into graphic design and poster, check out Fieldtrip's etsy store.


I love this origami heart poster

...and the peace cranes. So pretty.

Visit at the artist's studio

Last Sunday I spent a few hours in Hudson, NY once more, this time looking at artwork and while I was walking up Warren Street I came across a rather large store front with an arresting exhibition of different items in the large windows. There was something unusual and different then the stores I had walked past by before.



Some signs hanging above the doorway woke my interest and at first I was not sure if I had walked into a shop, studio or a performance place of sorts.

It was all of the above and more.


An artwork installation was under way and the two artists - Nicholas Kahn and Andrew Dupont - invited me to look around and after a few minutes I realized I had walked into a treasure box!

Most interesting paintings, drawings and a installation of figurines, puppets, different object were set up into a panorama, viewed as a tableaux of the imagination...

It reminded me of Joseph Beuys and the works of the illustrator Francois Place.

The artist's ability to remove ordinary objects out of their common place to a higher platform opens a new world of the fantastic and the estranged yet familiar.




I always had an affinity towards this world I understand his language on a subconscious level.

Nicholas Kahn combines found pieces, drawings and photography, pulls together a new viewpoint, let's you dream about otherworldly places, different dimensions.

I love were it leads me. I became at once again aware of the endless possibilities of art, the fundamental power of the imagination and the inspirations an open mind can draw from it!

It leads me into a parallel universe, a place I feel at home.

His drawings are precise and meticulous and with childlike ease. I love his realistic paintings, filled with metaphors, illusions and humor.

The abstract work of Andrew Dupont on the other hand is cheerful and like a garden of bright spots, flowing and jumping, an interesting counter point to Kahn's 'realism'.

I like these colorful paintings a lot.

Kahn shares this space with his wife Sarah Falkner and although I knew nothing about the couple upon entering the workspace I realized the connection between them.

The anteroom is her realm, filled with apothecary bottles containing massage oil mixtures, healing aroma therapeutic essences and he had build a faux fire place, the burning fire made from crystals and semi precious stones, golden flames painted. An homage to an earthy goddess, Gaia perhaps?

Sarah is a licensed massage therapist, but I guess she might also be his muse and inspiration.

After doing a little research to find a little more about the artists backgrounds I came upon a wealth of work, done by Nicholas Kahn and also his close collaborator, the artist Richard Selesnick. Sarah Falkner wrote also an essay in the book the artists created together: City Of Salt. It only confirmed my idea of them working together.

The signs above the shop read as follows:

(HI)STORY

Labor(ATORY)

APPLIED ARTS
Coordinated environments & rites for living
Onsite workshop and clinic/apothecary

To find out more you can go to www.historylaboratory.net or go and visit the gallery

at 624 Warren Street, Hudson, New York 12534 or call 518.291.4779

Monday 9 - 11:30 AM, Thursday, Friday 9 - 6 , saturday/Sunday 11 - 6.

You can read Nicholas Kahn's blog here!

It is so refreshing to find this space on the end of this street, almost entirely devoted to antiques and design shops.

I am enchanted and can't wait to see more! I highly recommend a visit!

All pictures by V.Zlotkowski, images as indicated!

Hugo Guinness art

Okay love love these... They are totally on my Valentine's wish list! (My Hubby doesn't "believe" in Valentine's) so it will have to remain a wish. But aren't they the cutest?

They are Hugo Guinness pieces and are available through John Derian.   

So perfect alone or in a wall collage.

Don't miss your chance to enter our giveaway for the Burlwood Server here!

Clare Elsaesser {tastes orangey} artwork...

I have been lucky enough to work with Clare on a wonderful project for my client. We commissioned this piece from Clare and could not be happier with it. You simply must go by and see all of the wonderful pieces she has. She is a dream to work with!

Images from Clare Elsaesser

Clare Elsaesser {tastes orangey} artwork

I am very excited to feature some work by the lovely Clare Elsaesser of tastes orangey! Clare is working on a commissioned art piece for one of my clients and I thought how nice it would be to share all of her goodness with you!!  I cannot wait to see the finished piece and share it with all of you....

Sunday music

Philippe Jaroussky. His voice is so deeply moving. Have a peaceful Sunday!

xx
Victoria

Artist Studio

 

 

Inspiration must never stop in a space like this.  I could use a little lately...
Do you ever feel like inspiration is eluding you?  

image via Hallready

Artist Studio To Guest Cottage

I am always intrigued by spaces that were artist studios and have become living spaces or the other way around. Perhaps it's knowing that someone put their heart and soul into creating there or would be trying to create beauty makes the space very romantic to me. I was sent this wonderful little house that was formerly an artist studio and the new owners turned it into a guest cottage.

We are not strangers to peeking inside of artist studios on the blogs. You surely will recognized this gorgeous pool house turned artist studio created by Brooke and Steve Giannetti. Read all about this incredible space here.

Or this urban loft and artist studio I wrote about last year designed by Ochs Design. Read about this fabulous space here. Named "Openview", because of its spectacular views of the English countryside, this artist studio turned guest cottage is located just outside of London. Upon entering you immediately notice the open, airy style and wonderful light. Both indicative of why it was a great artist studio to begin with.The furnishings are warm and inviting. Danish white soaped floorboards add a wonderful patina and ambiance to the entire space. Notice how a wicker trunk becomes a coffee table and a stack of book a side table. I love the mirror leaning to the right.
Cathedral ceilings and sheer white linen curtains create a dreamy environment. I love the small desk and collection of framed pressed flowers. The folding bistro chair is wonderful. Clearly there is space to still paint here.
Here is a closer look of the living area. Notice the old worn chairs that do not match and floral couch. Everything is broken in and muted. It makes you feel like you can sit right down and relax.
In the dining/kitchen area an old church bench is painted white and paired with an old farm table and bench. White paint unifies the non matching collection. You can see how the painted concrete floors tie in seamlessly with the outdoor antique brick patio. I love the series of prints hung behind the bench.
Opposite the table is the kitchen area. Enameled appliances, open shelving and old fashion linen skirting continue the cottage charm.
Here is a closer view. Notice the apron front sink, a must in any cottage kitchen.

We end with a soak in the tub in a dreamy bathroom. I love the multiple mirrors. This is a simple and inexpensive decorating idea to add drama to a space. I think the owners did a great job of keeping the charm and creating a comfortable house for their guests.

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Don't forget to subscribe to Willow Decor in the upper right corner! Have a great weekend!

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(all photos beach studios to see more of this cottage click here)