One Step Closer

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A few years ago I traveled to Atlanta to be a spectator at the annual "Salon." Salon is "a gathering of dedicated decorative painters from around the world coming together to exhibit their work and discuss old and new techniques, products, and information in the field."   Every year it is hosted by a different member in that person's country. Since Atlanta, it has been hosted in Hamburg, Germany and last year it was in Tokyo. This year's Salon will be in Seattle.  I was curious about the group so when I heard that it was going to be relatively close to me I decided to check it out.

When I visited Salon in Atlanta I was amazed at the breadth of talent that was on display. Members traveled from across the globe to in order to come together in the name of decorative art. Members have expertise in the traditional decorative arts such as faux marbre (marbleizing) faux bois (woodgraining), gilding, trompe l'oeil, and ornamentation.

group panel salon 2011

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Unlike other groups, to become a member, you have to be juried in. I decided that I would apply for membership but was sure that I wouldn't be accepted because this group is the best of the best! Well, I submitted my portfolio to this year's host and was accepted to participate! I was floored! Participation in this event has been on my list of professional goals for a few years now. The next step is to plan and paint a panel that will be exhibited along side my mentors and peers.  Talk about setting the bar high!

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Spotlight: Urban Threads

Urban Threads Home Decor is a drapery and bedding boutique owned by Interior Designer Jane O’Donoghue so you know their stuff will be awesome! I have had the privilege of knowing Jane through local Decorator show houses and can attest to their impeccable style. Jane O'Donoghue opened Urban Threads first in Ellicott City and now have just relocated to a great space in The Shops At Kenilworth, right next to Trader Joes.

"Urban Threads specialize in ready-made products that are unique, affordable, and designer based, offering beautiful and unusual items for your home. Our bedding is mostly washable and varies in style from elegant to bohemian. Our drapery panels are fabulous linen, silk, burlap and embroidered."

"What makes Urban Threads different from other stores is that it is owned and operated by myself. I am an interior decorator and have often shopped retail for my design projects. From the sheer frustration of not finding affordable design oriented items, the idea of Urban Threads was born. We assist with any project or design dilemma that you might have in your home. We love to throw pillows around with drapery panels and duvets, creating a look that is uniquely yours. Even if you are only looking to change out your sofa pillows for the season, you’re sure to find something to refresh your room."

"Local shoppers are yearning for some great resources for home interiors and our merchandise and our price points match the style and pocket book of our local customers. We also have savvy and sophisticated women here that are exposed to great style from Pinterest and HGTV and they are looking for a place to buy those products, where they can see them, touch them, and where they can get great ideas."

They also have a few of my art pieces and some pillows made with LS Home Fabrics! You’ve got to check them out! Tell them I sent you ;)

www.urbanthreadshome.com

The Shops at Kenilworth 800 Kenilworth Dr. #854 Towson, MD 21204
(410) 769-8485

Monday -Saturday

10am-6pm

Sunday

12pm-4pm

Lets make it a beautiful 2014 together!

Jan 2014 postcard

Start your New Year right. Whether it be a fresh new finish or a stunning mural, let's work together to make your project a reality this year!

Ready for 2014!

If you follow me on facebook, you've seen some of the photos of my new storage space above my paint shelves. I looooove me some storage and get giddy when I hear the word organization. I know, I'm a dork.

Thanks dad!!

I am officially ready for the New Year to begin! Purged, cleaned, organized, you name it. Bring on 2014!!

What kinds of things are you doing to get ready for the New Year??

A Still Body, A Not-so-still Mind, and being Thankful

“In order to be open to creativity, one must have the capacity for constructive use of solitude. One must overcome the fear of being alone.”― Rollo May

Lake Huron at Port Austin, Michigan, July 2013

Some of you may have known that I had minor knee surgery last Wednesday. I had my left meniscus repaired. Who knows how I tore it but it reminded me that it was there if I stood for too long, climbing a ladder, riding my bike, or twisted wrong. I was supposed to have the surgery this past winter but because I wanted to go to France,  and the doc said not to fly for 6 weeks after surgery for fear of a blood clot, I decided to postpone it and go to France. Wouldn't you?

If you know me, you know I am never still. I'm always trying to squeeze something in to a 5 minute lull. Since I have had my surgery, which I strategically scheduled before Thanksgiving ;) , I have had curtail my activities. Its been a very easy surgery, compared to when I had my sinuses done along with a tonsillectomy. (That was a nightmare where I lost about 12+ pounds and one night passed out cold on the bathroom floor from not eating + oxycodon.)

Unlike the last one, this time I've been able to forgo the meds after the first two days and have been lucid and aware that I am sitting on my rear for 10+ hours each day.  Its been the first time I've been grounded in a long time.  It has given me a lot of time to do things like watch tv and go on facebook and sleep. And time to reflect about this past year as well as look forward to what 2014 has in store for me. Back during my post about not having enough time in a day, I rambled about all of the things I wish I could do. Well, now I have some time to reflect, sit down, and plan those things. Sitting here thinking, its been a really good year for me. I've been in my studio a full year and don't know how I got along without it.  I love my neighbors there and feel part of an artist community.  I love having a space that's mine to do whatever I want artistically.  I am also very fortunate to have great clients who trust me to do some incredible projects. Although I have so much more I want to do and try, I have to count my blessings that I've been able to come this far.

So stay tuned to see what plans I have in store for 2014....!

And, have a very Happy Thanksgiving.