Have You Listened to Your Heart on a Quest to Create ART?

When do you know when to listen to a sign? What opportunity changes your life? From romance to career changes and all manner of life’s opportunities – what catches your attention? What switches on inside and makes you take notice? Having someone cross your path and not realize he/she is your soul-mate. We’ve seen many movies with this elusive thread woven through the plot. One of my favorite songs, about such would-be near-misses, is “If He’s Ever Near” in which Karla Bonoff pines…

They say just once in life
You find someone that’s right
But the world looks so confused
I can’t tell false from true

And love’s so hard to find
In this state of mind
Oh I hope I’ll know him
I hope I’ll know him
If he’s ever near

…her yearning hits a cord. What is a sign? How do you know? What action do you take? It’s not always particularly obvious.

Recognizing opportunities is what separates many successful people from the rest of the world. Taking chances, when those signs make their appearance, is the other factor. Risk-taking is a scary leap into the unknown, but so often results in great reward when it is a true calling and approached with dedication to seek and meet the challenges.

Seems from many with whom I’ve spoken, a true calling is pretty clear. It taps into a passion and ignites a level of excitement and enthusiasm that is hence to fore unmatched. It becomes an irreversible path forward. Like an involuntary propulsion. Thrilling for some – terrifying for others. Which type are YOU? Perhaps you find yourself in the middle – healthy respect for the trepidation, but curiosity for what’s in store!!!

Twice this week I have met with artists who are each taking an enormous leap into a new life direction. One who might not be ready for me to blog about her adventure has leaped from a 30+ year life in Mexico… to a year-long reunion in Arizona with family tapping into the vibrant art scene in Sedona…then a soul-searching move to New Mexico where she invested her savings to start a new independent life…and after exploring her options and searching introspectively for her personal needs, happiness and goals has decided, after yet another year, to sell her new home and return to Sedona to pursue what she firmly believes is her calling. She took leaps, explored options, followed leads and returned to what she initially thought was the right place for her, but which had contingencies that masked her true indicators. She did not want to have imagined constraints rule her decision. Now she realizes that it is her choice, her viewpoint, and ultimately her quest for joy. Her focus and grace have inspired me on many levels and I hope to share her story once she’s ready!

Yesterday I was visited by a Renaissance artist whose enthusiasm and self-effacing manner bring sunshine to every event! Kim Jackson has a new-found passion! Having mastered her profession in the arena of photography (http://www.kimjacksonphotography.com) she had an encounter that looks like will change her life path with new-found joy.

Sprinkled at my reception desk, I was presented with an array of amazing little jewels. Kim spread a collection of painted rocks and miniature paintings in a scattering like pebbles and fallen leaves. Only these jewels were painted with such detail and expression that I was arrested – awestruck.

Her own words about this turning point in her life is enchanting.

Last summer I was gifted a painted rock by a 4 year old girl about to lose both of her dogs – the rock read “Love”.

I was touched and photographed it to share with my instagram followers, which lead me down the #paintedrock hashtag. The first artist’s post I clicked on – she does amazing mandala dot art – shared what kind of paint she used and gave other general tips. By that afternoon I had a rainbow of colors and was painting my first rocks.

Kim was there to capture the family on the eve of having to put their two dogs down. The little girl presented her with a simple yet profound object and message that resonated so strongly with Kim that it sparked an idea that lead down a path…

My rock art (art rocks) style has evolved in the last 10 months, and at the beginning of May 2018 I painted my first 2D “little dessert” and bird paintings – supposed to be gifts for Mother’s Day. With encouragement from a fellow artist I have approached galleries and received warm reviews on both the stones and little paintings.

Although Kim’s photography still plays a significant and pleasurable career role in her life, this quest to explore other of her creative energies and talents is proving to be an exciting and potentially lucrative path.

Thanks to the support of my husband Billy, I feel extremely lucky to be given a chance with a second artistic medium – something I never dreamed I would be able to do. I’ve lived my entire life thinking that I could not paint well. While feeling blessed to make a career out of my photography, this is an exciting new direction, I am excited to see where it leads.

I see Kim as a precious stone, of many facets. Although she will still pursue her love of photography and capture people’s lives and many story chapters, Kim will make room for this blossoming career move into the exploration of creating art directly from her heart to her hand.

This sentiment has been so profoundly stated by Federico Leon de la Vega as he references a similar heartfelt expression regarding the (very personal and possibly evolutionary level) value of handwriting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9j_pLgCr1U

Federico prepares a prp for his TEDX Talk. “From my head to my mind, from my mind to my hand, from my hand to the paper, I place in your hand, so you may fold it and keep it near your heart.”

Some things cross your path unwanted and certainly change your life. For the undesirable things, I recently read this phrase by Glennon Doyle “Your wound probably is not your fault, but your healing is your responsibility.” Well, you might very well have caused your wound – but either way, taking charge of the healing is your responsibility. Which makes me realize that which we have all been told so many times – that your destiny is in YOUR hands.

As this relates to art – do not be afraid to explore your creative tendencies. Do not feel you are not worthy or good enough. Experiment. There are so many examples of late bloomers in life. A prime example are the magnificent Portraits of Courage by George W Bush. He dabbled and played with a wide variety of subjects before he hit on portraiture. His abstractly artistic interpretations of people too shape and he discovered that these seemingly primitive paintings had intriguing representation, expression, character, beauty and appeal. The path led him to a powerful platform for veterans, fund-raising opportunities, heightened awareness and acknowledgement of sacrifice.

https://www.bushcenter.org/exhibits-and-events/exhibits/2017/portraits-of-courage-exhibit.html

As stated on the website, this exercise has become significant:

A VIBRANT COLLECTION OF OIL PAINTINGS AND STORIES BY PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH HONORING THE SACRIFICE AND COURAGE OF AMERICA’S MILITARY VETERANS — AND HIGHLIGHTING THE WORK OF THE BUSH INSTITUTE’S MILITARY SERVICE INITIATIVE.

A great article on the accidental painter is here in The Artists’ Network

President George W. Bush’s Portrait Paintings of Veterans

“These portrait paintings aren’t great but they are gutsy, because it is gutsy to show your artwork period, but it is really gutsy when you know the work isn’t perfect and you do it anyway, because it matters to you.

We could all learn a little bit from this–to embrace our abilities as they are right now, and then to simply let the work go…”

It’s not about a perception of being great or even good enough – most artists never really believe that they are. It is about following your passion – in this case, artistic expression. You might be surprised at what happens next! Believe in the power of ART!!

Posted On June 17, 2018 By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, art and interior design, art as gift ideas, artistic expression, artistic talent, artists, beginning artists, creative process, creativity, decorative arts, design process, design tips, Discovering Art, discovering artistic talent, George W. Bush, Glennon Doyle, handcraft, handmade, handwriting, hiring an interior designer, inspiration, interior design, interior enhancements, Kim Jackson, lifestyle, love, Mind Your Handwriting by Leon de la Vega, natural stone, Organic art, painted rocks, painters, personal expression, presidents of the United States, recognizing signs, stone, Subscribers, value of art, value of good design / 1

Bring Elegant Functional Pottery into Your Daily Life

Powerfully, pretty, porcelain, pottery graces the urban storefront window this month, of the east gallery of PATRICIAN DESIGN, with elegant, functional inspiration.

The opening of this the second installation of the Resilience exhibit features a collection of porcelain pieces that is intended to be an entirely functional ensemble of art.

It’s been refreshing to have these well established artists paired with exciting emerging artists presenting their expressive talents, in the form of something that you can use and enjoy, to enhance the aesthetic connections in your daily life.

Resilience, conceived by Helen Atkins, an exciting emerging artist herself, is the manager of consignment art at PATRICIAN DESIGN.

Her concept was to “explore the experience of local female artists at various junctures if their careers.”

As a recipient of the Makeshift Grant Project, “Resilience” is funded by the downtown Albuquerque Arts & Cultural District and the Albuquerque Community Foundation. The name of this project suggests that the strength and flexibility of clay as it is formed is an analogy to similar characteristics in the course of a woman’s life. Strength and flexibility – resiliency and tenacious fortitude are the features the two share and which are celebrated with this show.

In addition to this relevant topic of women, the functionality of this collection is what is even more expansive. No gender specific appeal to this wonderful work, the idea that pulling in from the disposable practices of everyday life, strikes a universal chord.

To pull in and focus on what you have and use in your daily life is the beginning. Evaluating between pure function and added beauty being introduced as an enhancing element is the trick. Then discovering individual pieces that bring enjoyment while contributing to the function as well as the aesthetic of the scene, from an interior design standpoint, is wonderful.

Your “scene” should be exclusively personal to you and your life experiences. It is personal and wonderful to incorporate handmade artwork in all aspects of a design project. To appreciate the detail and have the opportunity of taking that artwork all the way to daily tableware is pure joy. These and other potters that we feature at PATRICIAN DESIGN offer just that – the opportunity to incorporate art into the simple functions of eating and drinking.

Artist Kathryne Cyman is a master of the 400 year-old Japanese process of Arita pottery. Please read more about Kathryne’s journey at http://art.unm.edu/kathryne-cyman/ Showing alongside her capable student Jordyn Bernicke, the two present simple, elegant, affordable pottery pieces for you to bring into your daily life.

Imagine the soft, delicate yet durable cup in your hand from which to sip and relax. Even to toss o.j. on the run – the basic action of drinking from a handmade vessel, in a color and finish that makes you smile, is an enhancement to the day.

Sensory perceptions ignited by the feel and the look of a beautiful piece of pottery is restorative.

We are privileged to have this exhibit and to meet these fine artists. We are privileged as a community to have this program at UNM. It appears that the natural beauty of New Mexico, life lived close to the earth and celebrated by Native Americans for generations is a parallel practice to the Arita process by the artisans in Japan.

This exhibit proves that to admire the techniques that produce beauty is to acknowledge the importance and value of including these elements in our daily lives.

Posted On June 3, 2018 By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, Arita pottery, art and food, art and interior design, art as gift ideas, artistic expression, beauty behold it, Centerpieces, creative process, creativity, decorative arts, design process, design tips, design trends, Discovering Art, education, fine china, Food and art, food and interior design, functional art, handcraft, handmade, handmade tableware, Helen Atkins, hiring an interior designer, history, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design trends, interior enhancements, investment pieces, Japanese design, Japanese pottery, Jordyn Bernicke, joy, Kathryne Cyman, lifestyle, Native American Art, natural integrity of the materials, Organic art, organic design, personal expression, pottery, practical design, Pueblo pottery, Subscribers, table dressings, table top, tableware, teaching, travel and design, trends, unique serving pieces, urban art, value of art, value of good design / 2

Picking PINK!

Prompted by pieces peppering a pastel presentation for an artist’s opening reception entitled Resilience we held here at PATRICIAN DESIGN last Friday evening, I was pondering this week’s topic when PINK peeked into my thoughts.

Pale pink is an unsung color – often considered to be insipid and lacking ooomph, it really is quite satisfactory. Pounced on by millennials, with their popular color trend “Millennial Pink” passion for all things in fashion and home style, pink has made a bit of a splash in recent years.

Last Friday, with the creation of the display window featuring pottery shards scattered along the floor, artist Helen Atkin’s peachy pastel pink and soft coral glazes melded together against the soft geometric woven textile resulting in a confection of comfortable color and texture.

Helen Atkins’ shards and little dishes sprinkled in the east gallery window at PATRICIAN DESIGN.

I awoke today with this color on my mind. Swirling thoughts, so often the case, as one thing leads to another and I thought – I wonder how much of that most satisfactory and pleasing color I have here in my immediate world. So, I set-forth to find out.

Gathered on the nightstand in the guest room, this cluster of dried flowers is a fragile collection of soft pink tones.

Walking around the house, I came upon so many examples that I really was quite pleased. The re-discovery of each made me feel content. I realize that although they are seemingly insignificant that they are really quite sentimental pieces gathered through the years and each so distinctly different from the next.

One of my first purchases when I moved across the country was this discarded, damaged Tamarind print of a large nearly psychedelic strawberry from the famed print-making institute where rejected failures spoke the language of “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” and it was mine to adorn my new, naked, New Mexican walls.

Generally referencing feminine imagery and romance, pink is delicate yet full of depth and variation – as with all colors – the range is limitless for value, tone, blending of shades…Contrasting warm yellows and cool blues frame pink so well.

Detail of one of several of my Gerhard Lehner lovlies, I Still Sail to the Virgin Islands. As the artists explains – “An original like-etching a la poupe arrived from drawn textural lines and painted effects which allows the poetic ink to transfer to the fine rag paper.”

Detail – Fine Craft and Dance by Gerard Lehner

Bold floral brush strokes sweep through the pinks and peach, coral and rose, accented with the contrasting vessel in a brilliant cobalt blue, Peggy Zuris was a master of color and style.

Memories of the warm glow of the pink roof-tiled, painted and plastered buildings along the Puerto Vallarta coastline absorb and reflect the rising and setting sun during all exposures of the day.

Detail – watercolor featuring iconic Our Lady of Guadalupe church by Victor Torres Tellas

Meandering from room to room I encounter so many pretty pink things. I obviously gravitate to this amidst my many other colors as a necessary element woven through my comfort zone.

Detail – Fantastically French floral oil on canvas by Anne Sandry

And I adore this finely detailed hand-colored etching showcasing a foreground field of pink lupines,bought decades ago in the artist’s studio at The Torpedo Factory.

Detail of etching by Lyndia Terre

Then I came upon these book bindings stacked unconsciously atop a mahogany dresser , resulting in a study in pinks presenting a pleasing palette.

I realize that I was exposed to the priority of pink at an early age as my mother’s interior design palette incorporated pinks and soft greens in the more formal areas as well as outside on our screened porch and patio beyond, to the gardens with magnificent mounds of screaming pink azaleas blooming and their explosions of color every spring. Surrounded by lush verdant foliage of the woods where we lived, pink contrasted well with the many shades of green into which we were intimately nestled. We were comfortably punctuated with pink. Therefore it was not a foreign color and complimented the transitions into other darker green tones and yellow accents throughout our house. The original scrolled wool wall-to-wall carpet was a medium pinky-clay color. Quite unusual, yet neutral, providing an earthy grounding. Mom also enjoyed the vibrant introduction of designer Lily Pulitzer onto the scene in the 60s and peppered her wardrobe with Pulitzer pinks from carnation to hot fuscia contrasting with chartreuse green. Today her classic iconic colors and patterns still make significant design statements. Mom has never been afraid of color! I inherited that fearless foray into colors of anything fun and fabulous

This handcrafted New Mexican church (birdhouse – having never been outside to host a bird) sports an eclectic array of enchanting elements using pinks to perk up the collection of colors. I realize as I tour these rooms of colorful artwork, that I love the combination of pinks with blues and yellows!!

and also the appreciation for the soft subtleties too. These two magnificent oil paintings depicting New Mexican scenes with the oh-so-pleasing pinks.

Detail – oil painting Church at Golden by Marilyn Yates

Detail – oil painting Moonrise by Bruce Piel

This has been a fun and illuminating exercise. I’ve determined that pink is essential to me.

Why not a pink cabbage plate on the guest room duvet cover dotted with woven clay-pink slubs?

It occurs in so many things that bring me joy.

A heavy, luminous hand-blown glass vase.

Speckled vintage vase – a touch of fun!

As my dear friend Corinne aptly named her shop, it is The Color of Joy. Pick a color – any color – and go around your interior spaces and see what you discover – perhaps you will find your essential grounding color. It just might be a surprise. Find what brings you joy.

Posted On May 7, 2018 By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, art and interior design, artistic expression, artists, beauty behold it, Bruce Piel, Color schemes, color trends, colors, creativity, decorative arts, design, design tips, design trends, Discovering Art, drama of color, dried flowers, element of surprise in design, etchings, fanciful design, Garden, Gerard Lehner, handmade, hiring an interior designer, Impressionist painters, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design trends, interior enhancements, joy, lifestyle, Lilly Pulitzer, Lyndia Terre, Marilyn Yates, Mexico, Millenial, nostalgia and design, painters, Peggy Zuris, personal expression, pink, pinks and greens, selecting colors, Subscribers, timeless colors, trends, value of art, watercolors / 2 Comments

What Do Fabulous Fabrics Have in Common?

Fabulous fabrics are NOT common – that’s what they have in common!! After paint, fabrics are the most malleable design element that can make dramatic transformations in an interior. New pieces, reupholstering existing pieces, treasure-hunting to cover vintage pieces, salvaging family heirlooms, plastering or padding walls and ceilings, draping and accenting – doesn’t it sound exhilarating? Imagine the possibilities!

Metal studs to trim things…wrap a lampshade, border draperies, trim a sofa, adorn a pillow…so many things…and the stormy cloud printed velvet in the background of this trim – is blustery and powerful.

One of the most fun-filled events in our design studio are the road-trip visits by our fabulous sales reps that bring the world to our conference table!! In larger cities, the design resource centers, markets and their showrooms offer myriad marvelous samples of furniture, decorative accessories, art, lighting, fixtures, finishes and fabrics. Exciting new design trends are presented each season.

But when you live, in isolation from the major centers, as we do here in the high desert – we are treated to personal presentations that are intimate, relaxing, inspiring and educational. Here is an exclusive collection that was presented just last week. Sit back and watch the fabrics unfurl and float – one after another – in layers of color, texture and incredibly inspirational style.

Weighty over-stitching or “top-stitching” adds detail-either high-contrast, color-on-color subtlety or the median slightly contrasting grey with white. Trending – touchable textures! Here presented for interior fashion, but you can bet that clothing fashion designers would love to play with these textiles for wearable art too!!!

Sure, throughout the year we travel to source hubs, surf the net, call our reps, request samples, compile materials and gather what we need across the miles. It is challenging. Like living on an island and bringing the amphibious containers of supplies over the sea and up onto the beach! But inasmuch as we don’t have a design center handy to do a lot of “one-stop-shopping,” we do curate our own very extensive source library of fabrics and architectural materials. With that at our fingertips, without leaving the studio, it’s a time-saver, a stimulating place to to engage clients and we are easily spoiled!

Fine weaves make terrific grounds for bold prints – here in three different color-ways – what a POP! Retro to new concepts – patterns add pizzazz!!

This recent textile presentation brought refined and rugged landscapes of intriguing textures and patterns that stimulated our design juices.

Intentionally cut after the weaving process provides extra texture and pattern interest.

Often the “backside” of these fabrics are as interesting (if not more so) than the fronts – but be mindful of floating threads and other weaving details/methods that interfere with practical use.

Bold “geometrics” are not only vivid with high contrast threads, the texture is what cannot be accurately replicated or conveyed via digital images on a screen. Despite the fact that I got up close and personal with these samples to photo, nothing beats touching and feeling the fibers and textures.

Complex weaves dazzle with design creativity. Bringing an artist’s concepts to fruition, with a mill to fabricate the dreams, is enchanting.

Traditions of weaving artisans are found in countries around the world. Sadly, not many fine fabrics are woven here in the States, partially due to the cost of fabrication and also due to the generations of crafts people who are experienced in the art of weaving more cultivated in other cultures. Whether organic, engineered, by hand or efficient, fast-paced mechanization – art and technology continue to push the envelope of fantastic creation and production in the fabric industry.

Here’s a great tip – if for only a pillow cover – if only ONE side of a pillow cover, having unique fabrics is having art. Living with functional art. Appreciating the designs, textures, craftsmanship and unique qualities of fine fabrics and wall-coverings is most satisfying.

Paints hand applied to the surface of fine woven fabrics is gilding the lily.

Who doesn’t love these colorfully, whimsical dot halves hand-applied to the surface of this nubby neutral??!!

Silk-screening also is an art-form that enhances the quality and appreciation of fine fabrics and papers.

Some of this collection are vintage art-pieces resurrected with new colors on the screen prints. The caliber of a fine, timeless, resource is about quality of both design and construction. A collection that continuously offers – classic and new, bold and subtle – answers to so many opportunities, is a resource that is to be celebrated!!

We investigate the most extraordinary fabrics, in the world, so that we can compile and create the perfect combinations for your exclusive lifestyle.

Posted On February 18, 2018 By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, art and interior design, artistic expression, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, design, design process, design solutions, design tips, design trends, fabrics, fashion and design, Fiber art, graphic arts, handcraft, handmade, hiring an interior designer, inspiration, interior design, interior design trends, lifestyle, organic design, patterns, personal expression, re-upholstery, Refresh, retro, Subscribers, textiles, textures, updating, upholstery, value of art, value of good design, wall texture, weavings, weavings, window dressings / 1 Comment

How Long Did It Take You to Do That?”

Recently chatting with a wonderfully multi-talented mixed-media artist of many colors, Laura Balombini and I commiserated on the Creative Process. A few weeks ago I blogged about the Creative Process as relates to client and designer interaction. Some people enjoy the detailed nature of the process and some prefer to be spared that enjoyment.

This recent conversation explored the hidden facets of the Creative Process. The light bulbs that go off in the wee hours of a sleepless night, the honing over time combinations and details, and the tapestry of life experiences that become the personal library of resources from which creativity is drawn. Sitting in traffic can even result in an unexpected, seemingly unrelated epiphany!

Often called the inelegant “brain fart,” ideas bombard. They pop out often uninvited – when one is NOT even focusing and trying to come up with a solution. They come about without prompt or foresight. They happen.

Creative minds can rarely unplug. Downtime takes a concerted effort. Even those rare moments of attempted escape are invariably interrupted by unwanted, but often valuable, ideas. Not that the ideas are unwanted, but the spontaneous interruptions can be unavoidably annoying.

Yet, it is exciting. Having ideas and bringing them to fruition is greatly satisfying. Balombini was bemoaning a similar quandary. Often asked “How long did it take you to paint that?” She said to me that the answer was obvious, but not what the observer wants to hear. Sometimes it takes minutes and other times it takes months. How can one charge the same square inch price or similar range of value for one piece that takes little time and something that takes much longer? She lamented that she wished curious observers would direct their questions more toward a genuine interest in the “process.” Such as, “How did you come to select that color combination?” or “What inspired this assemblage?”

Inspiration is not a straight line. It is trial and error. It is a combination and accumulation of layers of ideas and fragments of many experiences. It is an illuminating and distilling of observations – all stored in the many compartments of the creative mind to be extracted and applied as the opportunities warrant.

Where she and I differ is that she, as an artist, creates constantly as a part of her process – as a necessity of her creativity and/or in hope of attracting a buyer (unless it is a commission – in which case, she hopes to satisfy the buyer) and I, as an interior designer, provide clients a service of creative ideas, solutions, suggestions and opinions toward an end. The ideas are selected, dismissed, modified and ultimately executed resulting in a finished design that is the product of the Creative Process. The creative services should provide effective solutions and be unique and thoughtfully custom-tailored for the client’s individual requirements and desires. The solutions are a result of many educated elements, collected life experiences and observations.

To appreciate what it takes to create is to take an interest in the complexities of the “process”. What might take minutes, to convey or even execute, results from a thought process and observations that are without boundary. The cumulative collection of experiences is what enable the designer or artist to find creative solutions, offer a variety of ideas and possibilities. This is the shared commonality of our discussion.

How often have you strolled through a museum or art gallery and thought, “I could do that!”

Have you ever attended a wine and paint event and tried to render the subject and watched as other of your fun-loving companions struggle to do the same, with as many different results as there are participants at the party? Copying is not easy, but it is very different from originating.

As I pondered this blog’s subject yesterday, in advance of putting it into print, another remarkably related and coincidental exchange took place. There I stood in the company of two co-workers of a business office for which I had designed the interior. They, having arrived after the project had been completed, were not privy to the details of the design elements and the process over months that took place. One asked the origin of the art series punctuating the east wall of the reception area. It was a collection of contiguous abstracted landscapes with rough dashes of brush strokes and stacked layers of color. She asked if it was a result of a wine and paint party. I was aghast.

But upon further conversation it was clear that they recognized the same sized images, with a similar subject matter on each and the same color palette – not thinking beyond to the technically un-selfconscious (I like that word) process and ultimate application and execution. As we looked more closely and discussed the complexity of the texture and layering they came to understand that had they or I tried to copy it, we would not have had that remarkably un-selfconscious effect. Ours would be more tense and rigid, in the attempt to be relaxed, loose and seemingly simple. A new appreciation was realized. I had initiated an artistically creative commission from the very talented Federico Leon de la Vega as a solution for a long expanse with a splash of colorful, original, sophistication.

Artistic creativity is nebulous like a blond grabbing at the air…collecting her thoughts!!! Yet that nebulous creativity results in concrete solutions. Commission a painting, ask questions, buy one spontaneously when you like it, retain an interior designer and appreciate the Creative Process. Be creative and have a little fun. Try not to let it interfere with, or usurp, your attempts at some relaxing downtime.

The thickly applied paint on the canvas of the feature image, for this story, is by Ron Cheek. Incredible color balance, generous application of oil paint and loose strokes layered to present a powerful landscape. How long did it take him to do that? A lifetime up to that point.

Please visit our boutique gallery/design studio in downtown Albuquerque to see work by these fine artists and others!

Posted On December 3, 2017 By pattisays In Abstract Art, Albuquerque, New Mexico, art and interior design, artistic expression, artists, commercial interior design, context of interior design, creative process, creativity, design, design process, design solutions, handmade, hiring an interior designer, inspiration, interior design, interior design trends, value of art, value of good design, workplace design /

Custom Designed Art for Branding in Commercial Interiors

Designing artwork for commercial interiors offers an opportunity to connect to the brand. It means that we take into consideration the artwork as relates to the business and its identity. You might remember a blog from last year about the can wall. It was designed for a taproom. The theme was beer. The name was “Silver” and we considered that a natural off-shoot of that was the silver color of aluminum beer cans – as a wall treatment!

Designing with Balance and the Creation of the Can Wall!

For that same project (in two locations) we further emphasized the brand with photos we took of their own products transferred to and stretched on canvas stretchers to be the “art” on the surrounding walls.

Fast forward to a conference room for an energy company home-based in Albuquerque – the iconic Sandia mountain being the earth’s monument – the familiar, perfect image to represent the company and the connection to the earth and its resources. For this project, we were asked to build 27′ of custom , cabinetry and dress the wall above it.

The tall ceilings required a vertical element, but the length of the wall also begged for horizontal space-filling. As a cost-effective solution to such a large space, we decided to take a photo of the majestic mountain, separate it into 5 sections and have it enlarged and transferred onto aluminum panels for light weight and rigidity. The reviews were sensational as everyone loves and relates to the familiar scene – seen in such a colorfully explosive and expansive installation.

In response to the success of that solution, the client asked for a complimentary treatment for the opposing wall. Again, the wall was 27′ long and had the same ceiling height so we used multiple fragments in 3 groupings to center across the entire expanse. “Elemental Fragments” was born of the concept to have just that – fragments of elements in an orderly fashion – uniform yet random, to contrast against its formal geometry in response to the amorphous photographic landscape. Colors were derived from the blue, green and yellow in the scenic panorama interspersed in a field of silver.

Last week, on the day of the installation, colorful creative chaos – resulting from unwrapping the individually hand-crafted compositions and scattering them across the conference table – was part of the fun, of the scene.

The tedious work of aligning all just right, with perfect spacing and level mounting, added to the anticipation of realizing the finished product.

The luminous glass against the rich, stained wood punctuated with the brushed stainless fasteners made a striking assembly.

Modern engineering and production, worldwide energy collaborations and shared technology coming together in a grounded environment of people and their place on the planet. A daunting system of assembling fragments of many elements that make things work to bring gas to the end users. The artwork makes the concept look easy. The result of the many facets, of the actual work and the artwork representing it, is not only effective, it is triumphal.

It’s creative fun to custom design pieces to relate to the brand, the business and the culture of a project. Bringing joy, pride and a sense of confidence in the focus of the work, to the employees and guests, is a successful finale.

Bring us your design challenge and we will design a solution specifically and especially for YOU!!!

Posted On November 19, 2017 By pattisays In Abstract Art, Albuquerque, New Mexico, aluminum, art and interior design, artistic expression, artists, bars and restaurants, branding in interior design, breweries, commercial interior design, conference rooms, Contemporary Art, context of interior design, contrasts for balance in design, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, decorative arts, design, design process, Design Team, design trends, Gas Company of New Mexico, graphic arts, handcraft, handmade, hiring an interior designer, inspiration, interior design, interior design trends, Modern Art, Nexus Brewery, organization, patterns, photography, wall sculpture, workplace design /

The Importance of Color in Design – How to Begin

This last week I was inspired by a rainbow that appeared over our great Sandia Mountain and within 3 minutes I nearly tripped over a bed of flowers presenting the same rainbow of colors. With this pairing of color coincidence, I felt compelled to write this week’s blog about color.

Color can be difficult. It is so critical to effective design decisions whether graphic design, fashion design, interior design or architecture. It might be used for a logo to brand a business , a room scheme or the exterior of a monumental building…how do you begin to select a color or a color scheme?

Well first you have to consider your client. What are their needs and desires? Once narrowed, the search for the perfect colors to convey their project’s personality begins.

Computers aid designers in finding fine nuances between colors. Exploring the range of values in a hue – the range of light to dark of a specific color and the adjacent colors that meld from one to the next has become easier.

It all comes down to the color wheel. It’s a circle illustrating the colors of the spectrum. The relationship of these colors are the building blocks of all the colors. Sir Isaac Newton – the same of the apple and gravity fame – devised this understanding of the rainbow of colors back in the 1600s using a prism to identify the components.

As children we are taught about the rainbow of colors comprising ROY G BIV – the easy to remember name that represents the colors RED ORANGE YELLLOW GREEN BLUE INDIGO VIOLET

Decisions regarding the selection of colors and the resulting schemes are identified by the following relationships:

Complimentary – two opposite colors on the color wheel

Monochromatic – three different values of the same color

Analogous – three adjacent colors on the color wheel

Split Complements – one color and the two adjacent tertiary colors of its complement

Triadic – three evenly spaced colors on the color wheel

Tetradic – two complimentary pairs of colors

As I pursued this topic today, I encountered an interesting site by a guy Jason Cohen. If you are curious to know more on the subject, check out https://blog.asmartbear.com/color-wheels.html

This last week, over the course of 2 days, I encountered several examples of these colors all around me. From the rainbow to the flowers and myriad balloons. It didn’t hurt that it was during the International Balloon Fiesta http://www.balloonfiesta.com/ which is one of the most colorful events in the world.

Unless we have a limitless budget affording custom design materials, it is best to begin with the materials that offer the fewest colors. I have mentioned this in the past, there are more paint colors than there are carpet colors, fabric colors, or solid surface materials. Therefore, selecting your color scheme based upon the selection of a material with fewer color options is the best start…you build from there…paint being the easiest component to finish the scheme.

Color affects mood, perceived temperature, individual’s reaction to seasonal cues, and all manner of context. Pastels in springtime and warm tones in the fall – color makes powerful suggestions and should be used as a tool with that power in mind. The power of suggestion. What are you suggesting? What are you trying to convey?

With your best intentions, colors will change with light sources, time of day, adjacent colors and people’s own perceptions. It is not a perfect science when you consider all those variables. Take caution to select colors based upon the conditions that will occur in the final location/presentation. Without fear, pick your color schemes and beware, but don’t be afraid!

Posted On October 15, 2017 By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, architecture, artistic expression, color and temperature re: interior design, Color schemes, color wheel, colors, Contrasting colors, design, design process, design tips, designs in nature, drama of color, hiring an interior designer, inspiration from nature, interior design, International Balloon Fiesta, Jason Cohen, red, seasonal interior design, selecting colors, timeless colors /

Getting Smashed with Good Design!

Here I was walking along, on this sun-washed Sunday morning, when I came upon what appeared to be giant frog’s eggs in the middle of a field – like ET had laid enormous translucent eggs on earth – I looked up, I looked around and there they sat – tumbled on the grass…the scene was surreal and beautiful in the early morning’s light.

Upon closer inspection, guys were hauling many more of them from a remote truck, onto the field.

I started taking photos and was approached by a man who asked if I had ever seen them before. No, I certainly had not. And inasmuch as this is NOT intended to be an endorsement or advertisement – the bold name, on the side of each, stated KNOCKERBALL!

I was so excited to come upon this other-worldly landscape that I began to fantasize about the many effects of good design. I shot inside the transparent globes, along the edges, down the rows and with great mountain backdrops.

The shape, color and structural detail was fascinating and fun! The taught cords inside created another layer of interest.

The kind man who was coordinating this event explained that they set-up soccer-like goals and wear these globes crashing and smashing, running and rolling across the field – unfortunately, I had to leave before the action began. It must be a blast!

I have since learned that “bubble ball” and “bubble soccer” are other names for this new fangled game and related equipment. They are not always rented for game days, but are also purchased as singletons and used to roll down hills and other antics. So fun! Check out this site: https://knockerball.com/what-is-knockerball/

Play with good design. Get smashed with good design. Discover good design. Get excited about good design – wherever you find it!!

Posted On October 7, 2017 By pattisays In Abstract Art, Albuquerque, New Mexico, artistic expression, Contemporary Art, creativity, design, element of surprise in design, exterior - outdoor design, fanciful design, inspiration, lifestyle, multi-media design, party themes, photography, public design, sculpture, site sculpture /

Windows – to Dress or Not to Dress

Last week I had a meeting with clients who have purchased a swanky little tract home, in a trendy new subdivision, which comes with a package of choices – a buffet where a smorgasbord of features and finishes are offered, but no custom deviation is allowed. They came to me stating that they intended to take possession, with the package that they selected with the project’s coordinator, and then promptly replace carpet and change paint colors prior to their move-in a month later. Wow.

So in our initial walk-thru of the construction site, they explained that they had pre-wired for motorized blinds in most of the windows. They had already met with a window dressing consultant and this was the status of that decision process. I was curious as to how they had arrived at this decision, so offered an example of a previous consultation that I had had – which I have referenced in prior blogs.

Years ago a woman called and wanted a consult to discuss draperies. When I arrived at her home, I encountered large east-facing sliding doors flanked by equally large towering side-lights. The primary living space, where this wall of glass was located, had soiled, tan, wall-to-wall carpet, furniture poorly placed in disarray and toys scattered everywhere. All surfaces were over-flowing. I knew at once that no matter how much we threw at those window, it was not going to improve the appearance of this environment.

So I asked her the three basic questions regarding window treatments. ONE, do you need privacy? TWO, do you need light control? THREE are you after a decorative element? She responded to each. “There is nobody behind me – the lots drop down off the bluffs without privacy issues, the overhang of the patio provides plenty of light protection and I was hoping for draperies to improve the decor.” At which point, I objectively assessed the situation. I told her that spending a significant amount of money on draperies and without need for other window treatments, noting her soiled carpet and fragmented space, I would suggest replacing the carpet with hard-surfaced flooring and began to work with her to rearrange her furniture and discuss bins for the scattered toys. She enthusiastically told me that her brother-in-law was a tile installer and so I suggested that we find a tile and let him replace all the carpeting in this common area from front door through kitchen, down the stairs and throughout the great room. I assisted her in the selection of the tile and also recommended a fresh paint color. The next time I visited, I saw the dramatic transformation. With the new clean flooring, rearranged furniture and toys stashed in bins, she had transformed her space into a clean, fresh and easier to maintain interior. I could have sold her thousands of dollars of draperies – but it would have blown her budget and it would not have been the right thing to do. Instead they had less than $500.00 consultation to get them on course.

The right thing to do is what clients count on when they engage services for advice. There is never one solution, but there are responsible versus irresponsible options. Window treatments are one of many considerations when planning an interior design.

Regarding these new clients, after our discussions, they may end up opting not to dress all the windows. They might use the money elsewhere like painting the walls, taking their floor tile out onto the patio and entry slab – many things that they are considering as they plan this new interior.

We have recently been inching our way through another project to re-do a (excuse me for saying) dreary living room. It too is the primary living space for this home. I say “inching” as we began with a concept based upon rearranging the furniture. Then we began discussing the possible color schemes and styles that might transform the room and transition well from their periphery spaces. Wonderful, existing, family antique, furniture and rugs set the stage. We had the good fortune of things falling fairly quickly into place. I’ll save the design process of this project for another time, but as it relates to this subject, we are regarding window treatments as one of the final layers of design detail. Here we had existing wide blade blinds that were still perfectly functional. They could be drawn-up to the top, used down either with blades closed to provide compete privacy – or opened to varying degrees offering filtered light and a modicum of privacy. We felt that as things progressed and having removed the original valances, that the windows could stand being enhanced.

The choices are many. We considered full-length drapery panels, short curtains, top treatments such as upholstered cornices or fabric valances – pleated, swagged or shirred and more… We weighed all options and decided upon the structure, tailoring and fabric coordination that upholstered cornice boards would contribute to the scheme.

These boxed, stepped cornices add so much to the soon-to-be finished project. Yet right when we think that this is the crowning detail, sheers are considered to soften the blinds and further filter the light softly streaming through the windows. Here we are in the process of experimenting with the sheers which still need to be hemmed and finished.

In this case, my wonderfully talented client will be doing some of her own sewing on these finishing touches – and perhaps some pillows – a bonus to her and their project! Stay tuned for the amazing finished product…complete with clever re-claimed “finds,” dramatic re-upholstery, fireplace modifications, custom audio-visual cabinet and finishing accessories!

Posted On July 15, 2017 By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, before and after, context of interior design, custom design interior design, design, design process, design tips, design trends, hiring an interior designer, interior design, interior design trends, practical design, Refresh, window dressings /

DIY – Inspiration is All Around!

DIY is so in vogue. Where it used to be chic to hire someone to do everything in your world, now practicality rules! The savings and fun of doing things yourself is huge. There are so many inspirations on-line. Ideas overflow-ith and the possibilities are endless.

Where do you get YOUR inspiration? It’s all around us. I had been contemplating a shower/wedding gift. I always prefer to find something unique rather than picking from a registry at Nordstrom’s or William Sonoma…but this one was a challenge.

Recently, my inspiration came from taking a morning walk through the desert.

The decorative graphic on the invitation was a floral arrangement of soft pastels and antlers. Yes, antlers. This bride-to-be is a hunter. A long, lanky, beautiful, feminine, crack shot! I’ve known her since she was a toddler. I had been picturing that graphic in my mind in an effort to divine some special gift that related to that theme…something uniquely memorable and lasting.

As I walked through the rough desert grasses and around piles of dead tumbleweeds I regarded them with a new-found appreciation. They had such an interesting structural framework that I realized that they clearly resembled antlers.

They became the springboard for a floral arrangement that would replicate the theme of the invitation and, with that, I began selecting them and carefully carrying their rotund prickly selves back to the car.

Next step – what else will make this a successful rendition of the theme I was trying to emulate? Off to the craft stores! I selected delicate, creamy-white wooden roses, soft pink mini silk roses and some fill from both Michael’s and Hobby Lobby. The PERFECT ceramic vessel presented itself in an soft, oval shape glazed in a powder blue, but with edges and character that offered attractive, desirable, intentional imperfection.

As I have mentioned in past stories, a successful designer has a good team. Building a team to realize your dreams is the key to that success and I called on my very special and exquisitely talented floral designer to assemble my gatherings into the image of my intent. Melba has made my dreams come true for years. She gets into my head and interprets my words and elements to create a finished product that has hit the nail on the head over and over again.

I pulled out the many materials that I had purchased. She evaluated each, talked to me about my concept, and studied the combinations that were laid out on the table.

This piece exceeded my expectations. The fine branches of the tumbleweeds were the delicate punctuation amidst the flowers.

When she actually ordered real, bleached deer antlers that became the statuary of the piece, I was thrilled! Not only was the finished arrangement perfection, I didn’t think it was realistic to expect to get real antlers and incorporate them into this design in such short notice. She had less than 2 weeks! It was spectacular.

DIY inspiration is all around – even in dead, dried tumbleweeds. Creativity begins with a concept and progresses with the fun of making it uniquely yours. Team DIY!

Posted On June 24, 2017 By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, art and interior design, art as gift ideas, artistic expression, beauty behold it, Centerpieces, creative process, creativity, decorative arts, design process, Design Team, design tips, design trends, designs in nature, DIY design, dried flowers, fanciful design, floral arrangement, floral arrangements, floral designs, handcraft, inspiration from nature, interior design, interior design trends, lifestyle, natural integrity of the materials, naturalist, nature, personal expression, re-purpose, silk flowers, table dressings, table top, tumbleweeds /

Albuquerque, New Mexico