Let's Talk... The "Slow Movement"

In today's increasingly fast-paced world, there is a quiet revolution taking place, one that looks to create a more meaningful approach to life. The Slow Movement celebrates all things lovingly handmade, beautifully handcrafted, and above all produced ethically and in a manner that is kind to the environment.

“The Slow Movement is a term describing a wide range of efforts
taking place around the world that seek to connect us
more meaningfully with others, with place, and with ourselves.
It emerged as an effort to counteract the fast–pace
commodity–focused, unbalanced and
 impersonal nature of much of modern human society". 

This is my new mantra; My pace of life this past year as a gallery owner had me running in all directions. It was exciting, I loved every minute and I had more energy that a team of energizer bunnies. I wore every hat. And then I wore myself out sustaining that energy. In the best of ways, it changed the way I feel about my work as an artist and as a business. I have a deep appreciation of galleries and the retail world.

Moving forward, I have been having a heartfelt discussion with myself about taking a meaningful and slow approach to life. This trend is happening all over and I am going to jump on that train.

 

“The Slow Movement asks consumers to
make conscious choices
about buying something that has been produced
with great care by people who are passionate
about what they do.
The world seems to be more open to moving away
from the ‘big name brand’ buying culture
and instead looking to more consciously-minded buying. 
Committed to creating products
that are lovingly hand-produced.”

I have a different energy towards my work and my business. One that feels focused on taking the time to breathe life in and find a new appreciation to live consciously. 

Through Andi-Le Aspen I want to to connect with people by telling the stories that will inspire a new way to look at their homes and environment and life in general. It is always the smallest of details that make the difference and that will inspire you to
"Live Creatively".
til next time,
     xx
Andrea

 

Let's Talk.... Studio Furniture

Studio Furniture centers on one of a kind or a small/limited production designed and built by craftspeople in a studio setting as opposed to a hi volume factory.
These pieces have a unique design,elements of functionality, and craftsmanship.
I have a closer association with sculptural elements. It must meet requirements of space, scale, materials, functionality and a personal expression. Starting with preliminary sketches and then fine tuning with the help of feedback and often brainstorming.

A Quick History: ( and my personal icons )

 

Contemporary studio furniture has deep roots in eastern PA, Wharton Esherick began building furniture for himself and developed quite a cliental. He let the natural imperfections of wood dictate the design. This was in great contrast to the Philadelphia  School of Furniture which dictated precise curves and structure.

 

Years later Sam Maloof, who I was so lucky to have crossed paths with at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass, CO, perfected and expanded Eshericks philosophy. He created simple and graceful pieces now sought out by museums nationwide.

 

and then there is Wendell Castle..... One of Sam's most prominent students. He is often credited to be the father of the art furniture movement. His work is sophisticatedly playful and I am star struck!!!

What makes it ART?

Studio furniture follows the same rules as fine art. Color theory, design, proportion and cultural and historic references, beyond that it needs to be functional. 

Not Settling, as well as, individuality over mass production is key. It is an opportunity to personalize your living environment. It is about blending artistic, sculptural forms with functionality.  Everyone needs a table. Why not one that is perfect in every way and have one that tells a story, has an inspiration and a soul.

"Live Creatively"

Til next time,
XX
Andrea

 

Change is in the Air/ New News

Ahhh! Spring has sprung.
Rebirth accompanied by optimism and gratitude.
As the saying goes, the only thing for sure is
"Things Change"
Otherwise there would be no growth.
i.e. experiences, lessons, etc, etc.

My year as a “gallerista” will come to and end
at the end of April.
It was an amazing year!
I thrive on learning, new experiences and challenges. 
That is why as an artist,
I must keep creating new pieces that take my craft to a higher level.

The business end of art is another form of creation.
I loved recreating my gallery with each new artist.
Being part of the Aspen retail world gave me another
passionate connection to this town,
and also elevated my sense of business. 
The new work and direct feedback
that I received from the exposure in my gallery
is sending me off with an excitement to create.

The inspiring commissions, I am working on right now
are the result of my gallery. 
I look forward to be able to give
all of my attention to my art,
with a new studio opening May 1st
(scroll down for details).

As a creator of Studio Furniture,
collaborating with designers, architect
and individual clients is my love.
Having the freedom to create from my heart
is my passion.

I am the luckiest EVER,
to have had the opportunity to have a gallery
to showcase my work in the center of Aspen
And....
it was made possible
by the dearest friends and their
commitment and faith in me.
I am forever grateful!
Thank you to the artists that
allowed me live with, show
and promote their work.
Thank you to my friends, new and old,
who supported my year with friendship
and overall enthusiasm
for my work and expression.
 

OTHER CHANGES

With the sale of our home/ranch,
 means a new studio space too!!

The Andi-Le Aspen Studio
will be up and operating May 1
just down the road in Basalt, CO. 

I will be excited to share new work
and new ideas from the new studio.
so until then,
"Live Creatively"
xx
Andrea

Lucrecia Waggoner's Porcelain Installations Elevate Traditional Ceramics

There is a calming sense of tranquility in the gallery.
Porcelain artist Lucrecia Waggoner's
dynamic installations, combining nature and porcelain,
elevate traditional ceramics to a new level,
as these installations float across the wall.

Beautifully finished wood limbs,
and delicate arrangements of porcelain shapes,
glazed and decorated with 22 K gold leaf
and other precious metals,
palladium, copper and sterling silver.

The sophistication of arrangements
and a new freedom of space,
creates a delicate and flowing energy.

Lucrecia Waggoner's work is beauty and art
at it's finest
and shows us another way
to "Live Creatively" 

Til Next Time,
xx
Andrea

For More information:
Andi-Le Aspen
529 E.Cooper in Aspen
or contact
andrea@andi-le.com
970-948-6359
 

Claudia Meyer, The Perfect Blend of Sculpture and Painting

Fragments

The work of Claudia Meyer is a true hybrid of sculpture and painting.
She bridges these two concepts masterfully. 
Her elegant, mostly abstract works, made from
wood, plexiglas, stainless steel, acrylic paint,
precious stones and sand.
The have a feminine quality and a fluid movement.

There is nothing else like this.
There are elements of nature, light space, matter and dimension.
You can follow the artist’s hand
through her reverse painting and surface painting. 

The gallery is alive with Claudia's dialog,
a myriad of  colors, transparency and shapes. 
By lighting the work from behind, another element of
dimensionality is created.
This work draws you in with the layers and textures.

Claudia is Swiss, has lived and studied in New York and
various parts of Europe, lives in Paris.
 and exhibits her works in Europe, Japan and the U.S.

Claudia Meyer's "Lights Quintessence"
will be on Exhibit thru March 12

 

For more information:
Andi-Le Aspen 970-710-2085
or email:
andrea@andi-le.com
or stop by the gallery:
529 East Cooper Ave. in Aspen