Scale and Scale

The relationship between an object and the space
is critical in design.

The relationship between the object (my work)
and the human body (mine) can be daunting at times.

Painting murals on huge walls in hotels and restaurants
in the 80’s was freedom.
Creating large steel sculptures in the 90’s
and 10ft totemic pieces in the 2000’s
felt like power and an accomplishment given my size and frame.
But I loved the physicality!

I’ll never forget a 3-week intensive class with the prolific sculptor
James Surls (now a friend and always an inspiration)
at Anderson Ranch Arts Center,
in which James made a random comment
about how much easier is it is to create things that
“fit into a FedEx box”.
Coming from someone who works with a crane,
and the nature of the class, we all had a good laugh.
I think of that comment more times than you can imagine.

I often go out of my new studio, which is in an industrial area,
and have to “find a man”.
Muscling my work around, involves more and more Motrin. 

This is a peak at the finished piece. Waiting for the upholstered headboard, bed and night tables.

Today was installation day for a metal piece
that weighed in around 350 lbs.

Yesterday it took 4 men to get it upstairs to the master bedroom
(which had to clear the ½” glass plate railings
and the Venetian plastered walls).
And this morning,
another 4 men to lift it to the ginormous steel,
French cleat that attached it to the wall. 
Lots of high fives and fist bumps went around.
It takes a village,
and I am so grateful for the care and patience of all involved.

As for the scale, it fits the space perfectly
and the enormousness fades to the background of the whole.

Til next time,
"LIVE CREATIVELY"
xx
Andrea

This Week in the Studio

"What did you do today?"

A typical question my husband asks me at dinner...
"Oh, a little carving, sanding, grinding and burning."
But....words just don't convey my day.
I am working on a bench for the Forre Gallery in Aspen.
The finish will be layers and layers of reds with iron legs.
Click below for a peak into my days.

Til next time,
"Live Creatively"
xx
Andrea

Remember to Play!

Drawing was my first love.
I began as an illustration major.
 I started my career painting murals, commercial and residential,
fabric, furniture, pillows, upholstered chairs and sofas,
Nothing was safe from my paint brush.
But....the pencil was just for me.

I started "playing" this summer.
15-20 minutes a day is my allotted time.
I am really rusty, but having fun because..... 
I love to draw! 
Side benefits include: 
Focus, slowing down, re-energizing,
exercising the right side of my brain, eye-hand coordination,
remembering where it all began.
 

Til next time,
Find some playtime
and

"Live Creatively"
xx
Andrea
 

From the Sketch to Completion

It all starts with a sketch.
___________

After meeting with a client the ideas flow! 
I LOVE
pulling together the design elements of the space,
combining them with the clients personality,
then, mixing it up with my aesthetic.

This console was done in conjunction
with a custom bench which I designed first,
and would be sitting adjacent.
The scale had to be right, but I don't go for
the matchy matchy thing.

The clients needed a drawer for keys and sunglasses,
which was customized to accommodate
that size and work seamlessly into the design.

I love the floating console idea. 
It lightens up the space,
and create a contemporary attitude. 

 

A few modifications and the spaces are carved.
Lots of finish samples are done.

And there you have it!
Art and Function.... A great combination!

Until next time,
"LIVE CREATIVELY"
xx
Andrea
 

Ride, Work, Breath and Enjoy!

With a new home and a new studio,
my next chapter is settling in beautifully.
Social media has taken a backseat this summer
with a few random posts.
Enjoying my days by riding my horse on the most stunning trails,
and working on commissions that I am especially proud of.
Ending the day with dinner, al fresco,
with our incredible view of Mt Sopris is the icing.
The tempo of my life has taken a slower pace,
breathing it all in and enjoying the Rocky Mountain summer.

The Forre and Co Gallery in Aspen
has many of my pieces on display and has had great success.
A true gift!
Commissions and pieces were installed in Bozeman, Montana,
outside of Columbus, Ohio, Los Angeles, California,
as well as a few in Aspen, CO.

In the Studio now are several commissions in the works.
I am especially excited to start one for Brewster Mcleod Architects,
a metal headboard installation for an Aspen client.
My MIG is ready to go.
One of the other pieces that is going to a Scottsdale client
will have a zinc inlay on a custom table,
that will add another layer
to their incredible art collection.
Stay tuned for process and progress in the studio.

Until Next time,
LIVE CREATIVELY!
xx
Andrea