From Relic to Snazzy

The "Kushner" Chair...after -  I just love black and white...

An old chair was given to Cottage Chic (my shop) as a "do whatever you wish" project.  It sat in the shop for over a year with its drab floral cushions and uninspiring finish.  After painting it black to emphasize its lines, I had a brainstorm.  Over thirty years ago, I was an intern/volunteer at the Fabric Workshop in Philadelphia when it was just getting started.  Artists were invited to create designs that were silk-screened (hand pulled) in limited editions.

The Chair "Before"

Robert Kushner was among the first artists invited, and I was able to keep some of the first proofs that were pulled.  I don't know what they were titled as I was unable to stay to see the project all the way through, but I found one of the images online at an auction house, so they are of some value!  I just know how great the image looks on this chair.  And it's really comfortable!

Mother's Day Commissions

Here are two paintings finished this past week for a Mom's newly painted and redecorated room.  Her daughter chose paint color samples from my color fan based upon fabric to be used in the room.  Deep mossy green, a sandy taupe, and various lighter shades of green were to be combined with imagery of wrought iron.

I used a frame within frame motif with filigree patterns borrowed from her sample fabric for a somewhat more contemporary look to the wrap around canvases.  The paintings are 18 x 24, acrylic with Valspar sealer.  I hope she likes them!

I'm gratified when someone chooses original art over something mass produced.  Because of this, I do my best to please the client, always making sure the work is professionally executed, sealed, ready to hang, and finished on time.

I know that many artists scorn this type of work, but in this economy that is a rather foolish luxury.  One need only remember how much one prefers working for oneself to a job in some conglomerate.  Even if I were to spend 40 hours a week doing commissioned art, I would prefer it to 40 hours in a mindless and soulless discount chain...

My Studio is also a shop

This is my shop/studio/gallery located next to my house wa-ay out in the country. The secret to staying self-employed is low overheard. Thus, I no longer rent space and pay separate utilities, fees, travel expenses, etc. I don't need a lot of customers, just the right ones.

Down on the highway is my sign painted appropriately on a headboard. I've remounted the sign since this

photo was taken and the wood posts are less obvious. On the days I'm open, I put out banners, balloons, a big OPEN TODAY sign, and lots of pots of flowers. All along the .2/mile drive there are signs posted "a la Burma Shave" to entice them up the hill and to let folks know I have a sense of humor. There's a Slow, Skunk Crossing sign (not because there are skunks, but to really get people to slow down and not accidentally run over one of my cats, a dog, a turtle, snake or possum (yes, there are really possums). There's a sign that says Watch for Armadillo, followed by one that says: Just Kidding and many others such as Keep Going! Almost There and You Made It.

This is the old well house nest to the shop. It makes a good potting shelter and space for displaying birdhouses, and other outdoor and garden accessories. I love the red saw blades...

Next time, I'll take you inside and close up.