There are many ways to work with a Decorative Artist, and there are many things we can do to help you solve your design dilemmas; from customizing a treatment inspired by a wallpaper to creating a beautiful and original wall finish that acts as the perfect focal point, or backdrop, to set the rest of the room so that your client has a space completely tailored to their style. I’d say that’s much better than picking wallpaper out of a book that everyone else has.
It occurred to me the other day when I was talking with an interior designer I just met that I perhaps I should explain a bit about what exactly we do as “decorative artists” and how one goes about working with us . Its clear as day for me, but when I describe my profession to new people I meet I either get blank stares or confused looks. I think I need to polish my elevator speech! So first and foremost, let me describe to the world what a decorative artist is and what we do.
Over the holiday break I took some time to dig into some creative projects I had been wanting to try for a while. Setting aside time can be exciting and at times overwhelming because I get so amped I don't know where to start first. I don't know about you, but when I get an idea I want to drop what I'm doing and dive head first into it but this whole "adulting" thing has me on a pretty tight leash so I have to wait until I have completed my prior obligations before I can begin. And by that time I've got so many ideas its like I have ADD! One thing I did manage to accomplish is design a stencil for myself. One of my goals this year is to learn how to create a repeat pattern on the computer. This one I did by hand and then had Hugh Hoeger at The Mad Stencilist create the design in Adobe and cut it for me. With the mathematical accuracy of a computer I knew that it would be the best way to make the design line up and repeat as cleanly as possible.
My design came from a textile I found while internet surfing for inspiration. I took the general idea and had to work it into a design that would allow for stenciling. Creating the "bridges" to keep the design together was tricky at first but once I "saw" the positive and negative spaces in my mind I was able to draw it out.
I was so excited to receive my package from California that I immediately got to work trying out two different looks. I love this design and want to try more. I'm calling it "Imogen." I have a ton of ideas piling up so looks like I'll have to set aside more time to "play!"
Earlier this summer I completed a large scale mural depicting the family business Pete Pappas and Sons in Jessup MD.
I was asked to show the history of the company from the first packing warehouse founded by their great grandfather in 1942 who immigrated from Greece to Washington D.C. Also shown is the current facility and in the center are the three generations of Pappas family owners. The two figures in the center are passing a crate of tomatoes, symbolizing the passing of the company's leadership from father to son.
The mural was completed on canvas in the studio and installed on site by Shelly Wilkins of Walls Etc. Learn more about how we create murals on canvas.
I love creating meaningful work and get such a joy out of bringing client's idea to life. Do you have a space that could use a special work of art?
