Artisan Pieces -- cocktail table

One of my favorite resources is using local artists for bespoke (custom) products in my room environments! They add a strong personal, unique touch like nothing else! Usually the need arises from not finding the particular piece I had in mind for the space, whether that be the exact style, color, size, timeline, or price. Lately, I have been able to do quite a bit and it's a real treat!!

Below is a piece I designed for a recent music room/library. I collaborated with Asa Hoyt of A.W. Hoyt Metal Arts discussing the particulars of my design combined with his expert opinion in metal working so we could create a stable and interesting piece. I knew I wanted the piece to have an aged gold, retro, yet clean feel. Since the client has grandkids who roam the house at will, I wanted to make sure the top was resistant to scratches, stains, etc. but still giving us that clean Carrara marble look. Hello Cambria! And Voila'! Asa's fabulous metal table base with a Cambria Torquay top!

On to the golding: I had the table delivered to Candice Simpson of Textural Hues. Candice has worked on oodles of my projects, whether it is a decorative paint finish on a wall, accessory, or piece of furniture. We selected the color of gold (there are many!) for the legs, one part being base and the other a metallic paint finish, percentage of metallic to base and location of distressing. When all was completed, it was delivered!!

I think it's perfect!!

Art~~It's a good thing!! Later, Susan

Nancy Mackenzie

Texture, fiber, found objects -- how could you not be totally in love with fiber artist Nancy Mackenzie's newest work at the Sticks and Stones show at Raymond Avenue Gallery in St. Paul, MN!  I have always been enthralled with textural work whether it be utilizing nature, handmade paper (I used as a medium to exhibit my Masters color theories), fabric, fiber, felting, etc.  This last exhibit of Nancy's however, is really hitting home for me!  If you are not familiar with Nancy, she is an internationally recognized fiber artist creating wall mounted sculptures and wearable art.  Nancy's work has been exhibited, and in permanent collections, across the country, Asia, Latin America and Tokyo.

I love the simplicity, yet chaotic nature of Nancy's wall and table pieces for this show.  I find both the simple and complex elements in each piece so delicately balanced.  The airy sculptures are made of willow, apple, waxed linen thread, Japanese paper, and apple bark.  The 2D media of the computer does not give due credit to the wonderful 3D aspects of each piece, so an in person appreciation is definitely advised.  The show only goes until June 29th, so hurry and check it out!!  You will be truly captivated!

If Nancy's last name, Mackenzie, sounds familiar to you, she is also known as the wife of internationally recognized potter Warren Mackenzie with hundreds of solo exhibitions and permanent collections in Tokyo, the Metropolitan, Smithsonian, Victoria and Albert, and many more.  Nancy and Warren reside locally in Stillwater, MN.

LIVE WITH ART!!! 

Susan