The early years

When we first got married, I copied the interiors around me—older women I admired and whatever culture was saying (anyone remember mustard yellow and red…or shabby chic?). I probably spent too much time at Target buying trendy things. That’s okay. It was part of my story then.
Now,Im older andeverything that comes into our home has intention and meaning.

What changed

Getting older—and raising a family—helped me know and become more myself. Now I’m careful about the story our rooms tell. Beauty matters to me. Even when the kids were toddlers, I felt beauty was invitational and calming. When that beauty also carries our family’s memory, it’s a real win.

Our simple traditions

• A painting per trip. When we travel, we try to bring home one original work. If a painting isn’t possible, we buy a Christmas ornament instead. I love that our christmas tree tells our family story every year.

• Place on the walls. I love looking up and seeing Yellowstone bison, the Narrows in Utah, the coast of Spain, France, Hawaii, and Colorado. My kids see those pieces and remember. I do too.

• Photos everywhere. I’m voracious about family photos. One whole wall in our bedroom is just pictures—no frames. Tape and push pins. Honest and alive and fun.

How we keep it calm (not cluttered)

• One strong voice in the room. Let one piece lead; let the rest support.

• Just hang it. When I come home from a trip, I hang the painting. I don’t wait to have a whole collection on a wall. Hopefully the wall will be full when I’m 90. When you hang what you love, it works.

• Start at eye level. ~57" center works for most rooms. 

• Leave air. Give at least 2" between frames so the art can breathe...although I have totally broken this rule and its fine.

What to collect (so the story reads clearly)

• Anchors. One statement piece per main room—a painting you love that holds meaning.

• Memory pieces. Small works tied to a place, a trip, a moment. Rocks are often our memory.

• Be creative. On our latest trip to Switzerland, I didn’t buy a painting. I bought an antique cowbell because every village had that sound. It’s perfect for us.

• Cultivate what’s precious. If it doesn’t say anything about your life, it’s filler. Skip it.

   

  The first image is of our rocks-they line my fireplace mantle. If we buy them, I leave the price on to remind myself.

  Second image, taxidermy from a canoe trip in Wisconsin. We have taken exactly ONE canoe trip with our five kids.

  Third image, Collection of paintings, most from trips-some collected from artists I adore. Middle bottom is one of the many vintage paint by numbers I collect. 

   

    

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If you want help

I paint in a modern cloisonnist language—bold lines and layered color—because I seem to believe boundaries help stories sit side by side without noise AND i love line work. If you’re building a home that sounds like your life- I’d love to help you choose a piece or plan a commission.
Next steps: see my work in person at The District Gallery or reach out and come to my studio · commissions welcomed · join the newsletter for first looks.

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