Artist Spotlight: Laurie Anne Gonzalez (Art + Design)

Meet artist Laurie Anne Gonzalez, a Southern artist with Alabama roots now living in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband Taylor. Laurie Anne's artwork showcases her exploration of fine art figure drawing as well as capturing her new Southwestern environment. Read on to learn more about Laurie Anne's artwork and to see her home tour!

'Lady with apple', gouache, Laurie Anne Gonzalez.

Jacquin: How would you describe your artwork? What are you currently working on?

Laurie Anne: If I had to put myself in a category for my style of art it would lean towards post-impressionism but my style can change drastically depending on what I am working on. Not only do I paint but I also design stationery which tends to be more meticulous and detailed artwork. Currently, I am working on exploring different mediums and sizes of artwork. I’m very excited to see what 2018 brings!

'Desert Outline', gouache, Laurie Anne Gonzalez. 

Jacquin: How has your artwork or your approach towards art evolved over the years?

Laurie Anne: My art has changed a lot over the years. Mainly in size. I used to paint very large oil paintings. I took about a 6 year break from painting and worked for Sweet Pea Designs stationery company and when I started my painting business back up, I starting working on smaller watercolor paintings.

'Lady with table', gouache, Laurie Anne Gonzalez.

Jacquin: How does your love of antiques & vintage come out in your style at home? Also, tell us about your vintage home decor shop, Laurel and Co.

Laurie Anne: Laurel and Co. was started by me and my friend Lauren out of a mutual love of Emily Henderson. My favorite part of our business is finding really good vintage art. When my husband and I go on trips, we try to find a piece of art from a thrift store or estate sale to remember our trip by.

'Dancing Ladies', gouaches, Laurie Anne Gonzalez.

Jacquin: What is your favorite hobby when you aren't creating artwork?

Laurie Anne: When I’m not working, you can find me hanging out with my husband and puppy or traveling! I love to travel and try to as much as possible. 

Jacquin: What artists are inspiring you right now?

Laurie Anne:  I’m currently digging Richard Claremont, Dylon Mierzwinski, and Kate Waddell.

Jacquin: What is on your creative bucket list? 

Laurie Anne: To teach online Art classes! That's one of the fun things I am going to explore this year!

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Artist Spotlight: Fine Art Jewelry & Metal Work by Kat Cole

One of the more exciting parts of my job at Interiors by Jacquin is having the opportunity to meet so many talented artists and designers. My recent studio visit at the home of artist Kat Cole has not only re-invigorated me, but also inspired me to bring you more behind the scenes artist interviews.

You will love the work of Kat Cole. She is a fine art jewelry designer and metalsmith creating work that uniquely mirrors the built environment. You will notice inspiration from industrial surroundings blended with Cole's colorful aesthetic. 

An enjoyable time chatting with contemporary jewelry artist Kat Cole in her plant filled home. 

'Boundary Lines Loop' necklace, steel, 2017. Kat Cole.

Kat Cole is currently a full-time studio artist based in Dallas, TX and is the co-founder of Jewelry Edition. She has been a presenter at Yuma Symposium and Craft Boston, she teaches workshops nationally and has exhibited internationally. You can watch our inspirational, on-camera interview at the end of this post. 

'Built #2' necklace, steel. 2016. Kat Cole.

(Left) 'Boundary Lines Shadow' necklace, steel, enamel. 2017. Kat Cole. 

(Right) 'Urban Color #2' necklace, steel, enamel. Kat Cole.

After admiring Kat Cole's jewelry design, we turned our attention to her amazing indoor garden!

Her one-of-a-kind work is sold online and in stores at Jewelry Edition as well as other retailers. You can find a full list of Kat Cole's jewelry retailers here. I look forward to adding Kat Cole's creations to my jewelry collection in the future! 

Kat Cole's stunning broaches were my favorite! I loved the originality, colors, and movement of the metal. (Above: 'Urban Color #1' broach, steel, enamel, 2017. Kat Cole.)

'Old Well' broach, steel, enamel, found object, rubber 2015, Kat Cole.

I had a lovely time chatting with contemporary metal artist Kat Cole in her plant filled home recently. It is always a bonus when you make a fabulous artist friend at the end of an interview! Follow Kat Cole on Instagram for further contemporary art inspiration.

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Demystifying the Auction Process - with Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

A sneak peek of Leslie Hindman Auctioneer's upcoming Modern Design auction.

I have been curious about the world of auction houses for some time now, so when I had the opportunity to chat with the team behind Leslie Hindman Auctioneers I was eager to learn more. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers is one of the nation’s foremost fine art auction houses. With more salerooms in the United States than any other auction house, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers conducts over 60 auctions annually in categories such as fine jewelry and timepieces, furniture, contemporary art, 20th century design, rare books, decorative arts and more. 

Read on for my interview with Corbin Horn, a Leslie Hindman auctioneer and expert on antiques, fine furniture, and decorative arts.

Antique expert Corbin Horn of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Jacquin: With Leslie Hindman Auctioneers providing amazing opportunities for sourcing one-of-a-kind additions for the home, it's important that design lovers know how to engage in the auction process. What do individuals new to participating in auctions need to know?

Corbin: New buyers at auction should know that while the bidding process can seem intimidating, it is actually pretty simple. Anyone can register for one of our auctions online and follow the sale live, clicking a button to place a bid. 

People can also leave absentee bids in their online accounts or by submitting a form ahead of the auction. This is a more hands-off approach where you determine what you're willing to pay for something in advance. You’ll get an email after the sale, no matter how you bid, outlining what you have won, how to pay and how to get the property shipped. 

One of the most important things to remember about buying at auction is that all auction houses charge a buyer’s premium. This means that a certain percentage is added to the “hammer price” or what an items sells for during the live auction. Remember this when determining how much you are willing to bid on something. 

The work pictured is from the home of renowned collector Mary Griggs Burke. 

Jacquin: What is the average day like for you working on the Leslie Hindman Auctioneers team?

Corbin: Working at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers is never dull because we never know what we’ll see from day to day. If we aren’t traveling to appraise a collection or a single item, we’re in the office researching and evaluating consigned objects, building our auctions and selling on the phone or via e-mail to eccentric collectors all over the world.

As a result of the firm’s outstanding reputation, it was acquired by Sotheby’s in 1997. Since reopening in 2003, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers has handled the Estates of Lilly Pulitzer, Leona Helmsley, the Gary Pepper collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia and more.

Jacquin: What type of items can interior design lovers expect to find at Leslie Hindman's Auctioneers? What has been two of your most notable home decor and furniture sales this year?

Corbin: Our Fine Furniture and Decorative Arts department really offers a bit of everything, and you know that you are buying something historic and one-of-a-kind. We have both traditional 17th – 19th century furniture along with an entire department devoted to modern design. Within these categories you can expect to find furniture, decorative objects, paintings, silver, mirrors, rugs, lighting fixtures and antiquities from Greco-Roman and Middle Eastern civilizations. 

In March of this year we held a very fun auction of the David and Gail McRorie collection. The McRories had homes in the mountains, at the beach and in the city, and they filled each home with décor to suit the spirit of the region. We sold everything from Italian furniture to antique Serapi rugs. 

We are so excited to announce that in 2018, we will be selling the contents of Villa Massei, a hunting lodge near Lucca, Italy that was built by the Counts Sinibaldi around 1500. The house’s gardens have been meticulously recreated in correct Renaissance style by the consignors with whom we are working.

Jacquin: How did you become interested in a career working with auctions and antiques?

Corbin: I have always been interested in antiques, history and material culture. The auction business is a perfect parallel between those studies and interior design. 

Jacquin: Are there any distinctions people need to know regarding participating in your auctions online versus in-person?

Corbin: Things have really changed as the industry globalizes, like most everything else. We have just as many people, if not more, participating online and via phone as there are in the auction room. That being said, it’s still exciting to be at a live auction and the floor is given priority when multiple bidders are bidding at the same time. However, the convenience of bidding remotely keeps many people on the phone and plugged in online. There is always something going on. You can view upcoming events and auctions on lesliehindman.com.

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Top 5 Artists to Watch from Society6

Society6 is an fantastic resource for finding unique artwork on a budget and they feature many up and coming artists that you likely wouldn't find otherwise. They offer custom framing services and even print these amazing works of art on other items like coffee mugs, wall tapestries, and computer cases. You will definitely want to pop over to their website! Here are the top artists from Society6 to keep your eye on this year. 

Samuji Spring/Summer 2017, Isabelle Feliu

1. Isabelle Feliu

Isabelle Feliu’s art is fun and playful, with fluid figures and bold colors. Many of her designs on Society6 are whimsical in the way they flatten space with beautiful patterns. Feliu describes herself as illustrating with a focus on fashion, and her art certainly is stylish. In the lush world she creates, figures interact with nature and wildlife in a haze of color and detail. Feliu’s illustrations are so engaging in their color and design.

Chica, Patricia Vargas

2. Patricia Vargas

Art and design lovers will appreciate Patricia Vargas’ vibrant abstract prints. Never one to shy away from color, Vargas’ work utilizes interesting color combinations that are pleasing to the eye and always dynamic. Her prints are joyful and full of life and would make a beautiful addition to any living space.

Rowing to you, Henn Kim

3. Henn Kim

Henn Kim’s surreal art is thoughtful and evocative in its simplicity. Metaphors and illusions are explored in Kim’s black and white dreamscapes. Kim’s designs are graphic and straightforward, yet still visually surprising due to their fantastical subject matter. It is easy to immediately be drawn into Kim’s work and enjoy a fanciful break from reality.

Marllboro Gold, Choerte

4. Choerte

Choerte's digital artwork is both surrealist and imaginative, but with photo-like quality. His "Gold" collection captures everyday items and creates 3-D visualizations of what those items would like like if made of solid gold. Choerte's artwork has a contemporary feel that would pop in creative and contemporary spaces.

Stella, Kid Rose

5. Kid Rose

Kid Rose wears many hats as an artist, DJ, and designer. Rose’s prints have a graphic feel that are eye-catching and bold. Portraits feature prominently in his designs, as well as references to pop-culture and celebrities. Kid Rose’s portraits convey the essence of their subjects while making a stylish statement.

So, which of these artist would you add to your personal art collection?

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At Home with Art Consultant Liz Lidgett

When it comes to art, Adore Your Walls art consultant (and art lover) Liz Lidgett has a lot to offer in terms of great tips and guidance for building your own collection of original art. Today Liz welcomes us into her cheerful home and allows us a look at her own collection of artwork, not to mention she shares some of her expert art advisory tips with us!

Photography by Rick Lozier and Liz Lidgett

Jacquin: What are some of the more unique art requests that you've seen in your career? Are buyers wanting to feature sculptures in their homes? This is one of my favorite artistic elements in residential designs, sculptural artwork in the home!

Liz: I’ve seen a lot of blank walls in my career and the request I hear time and time again is how to fill an extra-large wall. I work with my clients through Adore Your Walls to decide on the perfect piece of art for their style, space and budget. Sometimes this means a gallery wall—sometimes it means one large piece— sometimes it means a mural. I do also love finding sculpture for homes, especially sculpture that can hang on a wall. It’s such an unexpected twist to design.

Jacquin: What do you tell people about art as an investment?

Liz: My number one tip to my clients is buy art that you love. Art can become an investment but, in my opinion, you should buy art because you connect with it and want it in your home. The investment piece is not something I encourage my clients to focus on.

Jacquin: How has your experience been launching your art advisory business?

Liz: This week marks four years since I launched my business. I started the company because I felt there was a real need in the Midwest and in Iowa, specifically, for art advisory that can help with a variety of budgets and styles, plus one that is transparent about the art buying process. Starting a company was one of the greatest things I’ve ever done and I haven’t looked back. I’ve been able to expand the business to an online art advisory site, AdoreYourWalls.com, where I work with clients around the country. I also have worked with major brands like Better Homes and Gardens and Apartment Therapy for content creation and video hosting that focuses on affordable art.

Jacquin: How much money should someone put aside to begin a proper art collection? Do you have any tips or suggestions for newer collectors?

Liz: You don’t have to be a millionaire to start an art collection. I have many clients that have started their collections with limited edition prints, and then worked up to original, one-of-a-kind works of art. I’ve helped clients purchase artwork starting at $100 all the way up to 5 or 6 figures. My point being, you can start an art collection by putting away just a small percentage of your budget each month. There are so many talented artists working at a variety of price points. 

Jacquin: At what point, or in what circumstance, do you think it's important to have your artwork appraised?

Liz: Great question. First, work with your insurance to see how much it is to put an additional rider on your policy for the artwork, the availability and cost varies by company. I have several clients that like to have anything over $1,000 appraised. For some, they want it to be at a much higher figure to have its own specific rider. Then have an appraiser update your information at least every 5 years. For many companies, within a certain time period the receipt of the purchase of the artwork may be enough to work with initially. Again, it’s important to find out what’s needed from your insurance and to also work with a qualified appraiser on a plan for what is specifically needed.

Jacquin: How was your experience decorating your home and selecting artwork for your space?

Liz: It’s a never-ending process. I use my home like a lab and experiment on projects before I recommend it to a client. This varies from installation tips, to framing, to color stories. Our home has become this wonderful playground. I am so passionate about what I do and my brain never seems to turn off from thinking about design, so it’s fun to spend some time working on my own space for a change.

Jacquin: What is your favorite work of art in your home right now?

Liz: I have loved the pink sculpture above our fireplace by Michael Peter Cain since the first time I laid eyes on it. It just seems to always glow and I love finding new and unexpected places for it.

Art consultant Liz Lidgett's favorite work of art is this fantastic pink sculptural piece! (see above)

Jacquin: Tell us about your dream client! What does your business have in store for the new year?

Jacquin: I have been truly blessed with wonderful clients. I love working with clients where they are willing to do something fun and different. I love making a statement with my work and I think that’s when it is most successful. I don’t want to play it safe. Because I have a passion for helping people start their collections with affordable works, I’d love to work with larger retailers to help curate a line of affordable, stylish artwork. In the new year, watch my Instagram @LizLidgett to see some of our new and fun projects we’ll be working on! It’s fun to take people behind the scenes of our work and introduce them to new artists.

Happy Holidays and have a lovely weekend!

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Artist Spotlight: featuring Art by Ojo

Things have been incredibly busy with an exciting redecorating project at home (more on that later!), but I'm glad to be back with a new post for you. Today we head to Toronto, Canada where artist Ojo Agi creates gorgeous portrait artwork. I hope you enjoy her artwork as much as I do!

Art by Ojo

Art by Ojo

Art by Ojo

 Artist Ojo Agi in front of a wall of her artwork.

Stay abreast on the contemporary works of Ojo Agi by following along on Instagram or visiting her website Art by Ojo. You can also explore more artists from my Artist Spotlight series here. Until next time...Ciao!

P.S. I'm planning new blog content for Interiors by Jacquin! What is your favorite blog series or topic to read about here on the blog? I would love your feedback as I plan for 2017. Comment below and let me know what your favorite blog topics are. Thanks!

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