Lovely lepidopterae

I'm sort of obsessed with these Lepidopterae "Moth Song" oil-on-linen paintings from talented Australian artist Allyson Reynolds. 

Who knew that a collection of moth's could be so unbelievably beautiful.

Office lounge of Anna Spiro

Vogue Living 2002

via Urban Grace Interiors

Number 16 Hotel, London

 What do you think?  Aren't the lovely?  I simply must have one (or maybe two) in my home!

Want one of your own?  Pick up one of her limited edition prints here, or perhaps a copy of her Moth Song book here.

The art of being Sally King Benedict

 

Atlanta born artist Sally King Benedict first caught my eye in Elle Decor's December issue, where her artwork was featured in the home of designer Ashley Stark.

A self-described "total rennaisance art history dork", she finds her inspiration in fashion, textiles, travel, and from the likes of artists such as William de Kooning, Helen Frankenthaler, and Philip Guston just to name a few.  

Her artwork has a bold, modern aesthetic, yet also has a softness and femininity to it, which I love.

   

Coming from a home of artists, I've always wanted to learn how to paint.  Taking just one look at Sally's beautiful body of work convinces me that I need to take the plunge.

This is one of my absolute favorites.  I love the pastel hues, and slightly subdued lines.

I've decided that I want them all.  Perhaps one day I will be the proud owner of one of her masterpieces.

You can read more about Sally and see inside her beautiful Charleston studio in the current issue of Matchbook Magazine.

 

*images via:

 Elle Decor, The Glitter Guide, Sally King Benedict, Matchbook Magazine, Bear Hill Interiors

Textiles as art

One of the things that I love so much about design is the idea of taking a conventional piece meant for a specific purpose, and using it in an unconventional way.

  
Take rugs and textiles for example.  Sure they're great for pillows, and for filling up an empty floor space, but hung on a wall, they all of a sudden take on an entirely new look.   It's artwork re-invented.

West Elm's zig-zag rug.  High impact for little cost.

Stamp rug

Vivian Westwood Union Jack rug

Artist Anne Becker hung a vintage ikat fabric in her home office.  Isn't it stunning?

I love this vintage inspired Suzani textile from Donghia framed and hung horizontally.  They are definitely a conversation piece.

I love the juxtaposition of the simple fabric against the more ornate fireplace.

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