Yippie ki-yay!  I’ve been asked to be a judge at this year’s Western Design Conference in Jackson, WY, and am excited to have the opportunity to participate in a show that attracts many of the leading western craftsmen, artisans and designers in the country. 
 
Western spirit started when the first person set foot off the Mayflower.  The essence of Western spirit comes from the appreciation of the Native Americans who were here long before this country was formed combined with the settlers who made their way westward to start a new life in a restless land.  The traits of survival, endurance, and perseverance created strength of character that still exists in those living in the Western states. 
 
The artistry that’s come from necessity is uniquely austere in design and beauty.  Primarily using natural materials, it’s an inspiration to see the high quality of craftsmanship inspired by the wind and the sun, the beauty of the mountains, and the openness that surrounds us in the West.  The entrants of this show include leather, metal, accents, woodworking, jewelry and fashion.  I’m attracted to elements that capture the purity of western spirit in a modern piece of functional art.  I’ll update you in September on the highlights of the show. 
 
Here are samples of some of these artists.  Also check out an example of my interpretation of western abstract photography, Sweetwater Grass, Dreamweaver and Shoshoni Territory that have been used as a backdrop on display at the design conference for the past two years.

To comment on this post please visit my blog on 
 

Every year in early spring I’m intrigued with the vivid color of the leaves on trees.  Here in the Aspen, CO area, we’re surrounded by tall Cottonwood trees along the rivers and majestic Aspen trees on the mountainsides.  The first brilliant color of the leaves is a chartreuse type of yellowy-green that pops against the dwindling back drop of winter.  That magnificent color doesn’t last long in nature so all the more reason to bring it into your home and greet the summer with some sass.  Below is a collection colors inspired by early spring.   These dynamic lemon and lime colors mix well with vivid blue as an accent.  Enjoy the inspiration samples below, including my colorful abstract image Prism Light that brings these colors together.  Experiment with this fresh look and show me your ideas for lemon lime design.

To comment on this post please visit my blog on .

My recent drive over from Aspen to the Riverwalk in Edwards was beautiful because of all the snow Colorado has had this year.  Sparkling frost on the trees along the river and white snow all around truly looked like a winter wonderland.

Slifer Designs draws you in immediately with the first vignette you see when you walk in their retail store in Edwards because it’s reminiscent of a cozy cabin in the woods.   You’re inspired to take a sleigh ride to a remote cabin on a mountain-top for hot chocolate and good conversation with friends.

I’m also inspired by their use of abstract art with classic contemporary designs that work in the mountains or any upscale home.  I love the black and white images as you enter their bedroom vignette, as well as the beautiful gold disks on the wall.  The minimal Italian sketch of feathers, with the mix of leather and warm Nordic throws and pillows is an example of how abstract art can work in any setting.  In the last photo below, your senses are stimulated with the combination of textures and patterns placed together.  Whether you’re building a home, remodeling or just sprucing up your place, Slifer Designs is an inspiration for the season and for a home with lasting sophistication.

It’s time to get the tinsel out and decorate the house for the holidays.  As I was putting Christmas decorations around my house, I realized that art is a great way to add to the holiday feel in your home.  Many artists create small pieces or print giclées that are very affordable.  You can add a handmade touch without looking “homemade”.   Whether it’s a framed holiday card enhanced with glitter, your child’s first drawing of Santa or a small piece of art made by one of your favorite artists, these pieces add a warm touch to any home.

Small, seasonal art is also a great idea for spaces that are difficult to decorate.  Placing these pieces in areas such as hallways, an office or a bathroom adds continuity of the season throughout your home.  Here are two that I like…the Winterberry wreath is from Redbird Cottage Art and the abstract Christmas lights are from ElleMoss, both found on Etsy.

The abstract image below is of a vintage Santa Christmas ornament.  Placed on a small easel, it adds the shimmer of Christmas and a wonderful shade of red that subtly hints at the season.  The second image is holiday lighting shining through cut glass.  There’s something in the sparkle that says it’s the holidays!  Enjoy making or looking for special, creative art pieces to place in your home this season.

The South is filled with treasures that are reminiscent of a time gone by.  Among the wrought iron and whitewashed walls, many of those treasures can be found at Atchison Home.  This spring as I drove under the canopy of live oak trees covering the road, it seemed I’d come home when I turned into the drive at Atchison Home.  In a sense I had come home, because I lived in the Mobile area many years ago.  Their red brick building covered with vines brought back the memories of southern elegance and felt very comfortable.

When I walked in, it felt as if a kindred spirit created the combinations of beautiful furnishings for sale in their store.  Their appreciation for “slight imperfection” resonated with me, because that’s part of what attracts me to the antiques that I photograph.  There’s something in the beauty of aging cabinetry and distressed paint that strikes a chord, or as Atchison puts it, the “roughly refined”.

It’s not just worn paint and rough edges at Atchison, they’ve combined these treasures with sleek designs, cool white linen, glass, mirrors, metal, and modern art, all in a context of sophistication that creates a calm environment and a sense of quality.

I’m honored to be a part of the unique selections of abstract art at Atchison Home.  Extending like the vines on the outside of their building, Atchison’s aesthetic goes beyond the Mason Dixon line.  It’s far reaching and would be pleasing in a loft in any city, at the shore, the desert or sitting on a porch in one of their comfortable chairs sipping a mint julep.  Enjoy browsing the soothing selections at Atchison Home.