Harrison Howard

I am not artistic. In high school art class I could turn out the occasional decent drawing and I am able to do basic sketches for clients, when necessary, but that's about it.  My husband's father was an artist and loved to paint. It was his hobby and passion, but not his career. My son inherited the artistic gene and would spend hours drawing and painting. But, once a love of sports took over, his supplies wound up in the back of his closet.  I am endlessly fascinated and in awe of those with artistic talent. I love looking at art and fantasize about pieces hanging on the walls of my own home.

Imagine a space with soaring ceilings, beautiful moldings, gleaming wood floors, the perfect seat to perch on and breathtaking original artwork gracing the walls. Yes, in theory your very own gallery. I do this often....it's the perfect escape!

Several weeks ago I discovered the work of Harrison Howard. It was being featured on the wonderful blog of Coty Farquhar.  I was mesmerized by the vibrant color, details, and story each work contained. Truly brilliant imagination captured. I was so taken, I called my husband come into my office to view the pictures. He commented that they seemed from another era.

Mr. Howard saw my comment on Coty's blog and emailed me to say thank you, but more importantly to share some thoughts about a common link we had.  Mr. Howard had read some of my posts and specifically the Letter To My Son struck a cord with him as his own son departed for college 2 years earlier. We both agreed it is a rather odd grieving process a parent goes through during their child's launch into adulthood. The other somewhat ironic link...my husband and son's middle names make up his full name!

More recently, I have noticed pictures of his work on other blogs, so it seems I am late in my discovery of Mr. Howard's remarkable gift! If it is new to you...enjoy!

Wishing you a colorful autumn weekend!!!

Todd Murphy

Chicago born, well known Atlanta artist, Todd Murphy has been on my mind for quite sometime.  It all started in 2005 while searching the web. I became facinated with his work.  Then in September 2006 my issue of Tradtional Home arrived in the mail and a full blown obsession begin over this image:

I begin hunting down everything I could on this man.  I knew realistically I would not likely be able to afford an original work, but I couldn't help myself from pursuing information.  Perhaps there was something smaller.  Once, there was.  I called the gallery.  Sold.

Then yesterday, everything changed.   Restoration Hardware catalogue, favorite retailer to many, came in the mail.  I gathered it in my reading stack for the night and headed upstairs.  I casually flipped it open and it came to rest here:

I must admit, I was thrilled upon recognizing Mr. Murphy's work immediately, and then disappointment quickly followed.  I was thrilled that this man's work that I had long admired, was now attainable. But, also disappointed that it was being reproduced and was now so very available. 

I think it is one thing to have furniture pieces and accessories show up repeatedly in various interiors.  Including on occasion, a friend or client's home.  I have learned to be comfortable with this fact of design, and believe these items are often transitional and adapt to the style of the room and the individual.

But artwork?  I am thinking that is quite different.  It is personal.  It is to be appreciated and admired.  Artwork in the style of Mr. Murphy's not only makes a statement, but has a very distinct look.  I have heard him referred to as "the dress artist" because of his beautiful dress creations.  The first time I ever saw the TH image, it had a profound impact.  It was emotional.  I found it to be haunting, seductive and mythical. I showed it to my sister and a few friends. Each one had a different reaction.  None described it the way I saw it.  Some did not care for it. But, I truly loved it.

                                          Metropolitan Home-March 2008

Has retail gone too far?  This has distracted me all day.  I am so conflicted.  I would love to own a work of art by Mr. Murphy, but do I really want to see something that I perceive as personal on the walls of so-and-so's living room?  Please use this post as an opportunity to express yourself and help me sort this out....

Tuesday Tip

Book lust.  I love books.  All kinds. They are my weakness, much like designer shoes are for many.  Yesterday I went to my neighborhood bookstore for a visit.  I am a regular.  The minute I set foot in any bookstore, I relax.  I love the smell of books and bookstores.  I wish there was a room spray called "Library", it would be my homes signature scent!

This visit I went specifically to check on the arrival of a new book from a favorite author.  But in a flash I was distracted by pattern, color, amazing texture and beautiful design.  There in Literature were a series of tiny spectacular works of art on display!!!

I could not help myself, within mere minutes I purchased all five that were available!  Classics.  Beloved occupants of many of our own home libraries and bookshelves.  The cover designs and illustrations are by Coralie Bickford-Smith.  I did a Google search for both her and Penquin Classics (the publisher for these) and found out you can also buy them on Amazon.  Along with several other selections!  Each one is truly stunning.  I will definately be placing an order to include "Wuthering Heights", one of my all time favorites.

Each book was $20.00.  I also had a coupon from Borders for 33% off bringing the cost to a mere $13.40  each.  Many were similary priced on Amazon.  20/10 rule:  A quick visit to the bookstore or your computer will net you a classic piece of literary art to read and admire!

  

Fresh Take on a Kitchen

I received my February issue of House Beautiful a week ago and finally had a chance to read it.  The story of the kitchen renovation by designers Richard Norris and Mark Leslie was a reminder of why design is so captivating.  They live in a 1915 Federal Style Home and reworked the interior to allow the kitchen to be relocated to the existing unused dining space.  The goal was to create a space that did not feel like a kitchen but to make it translate to more of a dining room.  Mission Accomplished!

I've seen mirrors used behind stoves before and rather like the application...but this enormous Napolean III beauty is a show stopper!  It serves to not only make the stove virtually dissappear but gives the room such an elegant atmosphere.

I love this photo!  A  truly fresh and original design.  The unique chandelier is actually two antique sconces that were screwed together. The sink is incorporated into a sideboard.  The faucet is wall mounted on a rectangle slab of marble and becomes art itself while surrounded by 5 prints in the exact same size hung in a grid.  The owners have other prints to change out at whim.  A stroke of genius!  This kitchen renovation will definately go in my book of favorites.