Artist Spotlight: Liza Pruitt, Art Dealer

Artist Spotlight: Liza Pruitt
– Art Dealer –

“Art is something that makes you breathe with a different kind of happiness.” ~ Anni Albers"

Melissa Mathe Interior Design works with multiple artists to find the right piece of art for a space. Whether it be a piece from an artists collection or a commissioned piece, there are lots of options for finding the right piece of art which can feel overwhelming. Not only do we have relationships with artists, but also we work with art dealers to procure these pieces. One of our local art dealers is Liza Pruitt. This week we have spoken with Liza to bring you a little more insight to what an art dealer is and how are they helpful in finding the right piece of art for your space.

Liza is a Savannah-born, Richmonder who works with artists to ensure designers and clients find the perfect piece for their space. She represents an ever-growing artist collective full of talent. It’s easy to see why the LP collection is taking off, Liza has a passion for collecting art as well as a passion for “connecting people with the art that speaks their language”.

TELL US MORE! We’ve interviewed Liza and have a lot of fun things to share…

1- When did you first know you had a love and passion for Art Work?
I grew up among authentic, original artwork my whole life. My mother and my grandmother both had an eye for beautiful artwork. Therefore, my appreciation started at a young age, but it wasn’t until my husband and I bought our first house 7 years ago that I started to collect artwork. I knew then that surrounding our walls with art made me feel right at home. 

2- What do you look for in Artists you represent and how do you find their artwork? 
I primarily work with emerging artists whose artwork speaks to me. The artists I work with I am passionate about and proud to call friends. The collective has become a community of strong women + men. An artist’s story just as an important to me. I discover artists from my travels, word of mouth, and of course social media!

3- Tell us more about your framing options…are their any framing trends you’ve seen for 2019?
Frame of Mind – in Richmond, Va is my go to framing guru. Inge and Miranda always have the best frames and suggestions. Right now I love floating paper pieces on linen with a classic gold or silver frame depending on the artwork colors. With canvas - I love a simple floating frame.

4- Do you have a personal collection of artwork you could share more about with us… what is your style influenced by.
Yes! I have filled my walls with artists I work with but also artists I have met throughout the years. To name a few: Renee Bouchon, Elaine Burge, Raven Roxanne, Blakely Little, Anna Vaughn Kincheloe (yes I own 8 of her pieces :)), Claiborne Riley, Theodora Miller, Caroline Pinney plus more. I believe art gives a voice to the walls we surround ourselves with. Each and every piece I have collected has a story and meaning to me. 

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Elaine Burge Art: commissioned painting of Liza’s sweet dog Huntley

5- Are there any upcoming events on the calendar this Spring/Summer to showcase artists you represent and their work?
I am heading to High Point Market this weekend. In celebration of the gallery’s debut, I have collaborated with Pearson Furniture Company, Kim Scodro Interiors, and Kerry Hays Art to curate 16 pieces that will fill the walls of a beautiful showroom at this Spring’s High Point Market (April 6- 10). As one of Liza Pruitt Collective’s represented artists, Kerry Hays worked with me to create custom artwork that coordinates with Kim Scodro’s exclusive collection with Pearson Furniture Company. 
I will also be showcasing 6 of my artists in Norfolk Academy’s Annual Art Show later this month/May. 
https://www.norfolkacademy.org/support/field-day/art-gallery

6- Who would be a dream client of yours? 
I love working and meeting all different kinds of people/styles. My job is to source a piece that meets my client’s needs. Therefore, every client I have worked with has given me a challenge to find the perfect piece and I love the feeling of presenting a piece that truly speaks to them! 

7- What is your favorite travel destination?
Hope Town, Elbow Cays, Bahamas or Jackson Hole, WY. Both hold dear memories close to my heart. 

8- Are there any particular art museums around the world you’ve been to that are a favorite to revisit?
I love more connecting with the artists and visiting their studios. Learning about the process and their story. This has created more of a connection for me. But other galleries that I truly admire and love is Anne Irwin Gallery and Greg Irby Gallery both located in Atlanta, Ga. They represent some amazing artists.

the artist collective

Original art in all of its authenticity – featuring a selection of talent represented by LP.

TAELOR FISHER

MEREDITH STEELE

ANNA VAUGHN KINCHELOE

KELLIE LAWLER

EMMA MORTEMOUSQUE

JENNIFER PINO

To read more about these amazing artists and see a bigger picture of Liza Pruitts Collective… CLICK THIS LINK

Cheers to the magic behind beautiful spaces adorned with beautiful art work!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for all your Interior Design needs.

Artist Spotlight: Jill Seale

Artist Spotlight: Jill Seale

The creative process is captivating! One must leap off the cliff of “what is”, into a flight of fancy of “what could be.” ~ Jill Seale

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We are excited to share an Artist Spotlight on the blog featuring the talented product and textile designer Jill Seale. Bringing her love for design and creativity to the world from her studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. Launching her product offerings at the Hight Point Market in 2017. Since then the Jill Seale Design Studio has won numerous awards and praise in the gifting and home decor industry. Her goal in sharing her designs is to uplift others and inspire with lively patterns and colors expressed through a journey in learning the historic art form of marbling.

Jill Seale products are sold world-wide through manufacturers, fine boutiques and leading retailers. You can see Jill at work and more about her behind the scenes marbling technique here. Melissa Mathe Interior Design has had the pleasure of collaborating with Jill Seale in our room design at the Richmond RSOL Designer House of 2018 and in our client projects.

Here are some of the product offerings in the Jill Seale Design Studio.

We’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Jill Seale and asking her some questions to share with you.

1) How did you get your start in textile design?
Seale: My background is in product design where textiles was a minor part and I've always wanted to design textiles for home. It may be genetic...my mom studied textile design at the Cleveland Institute of Art but got married and that was the end of that! We joke she outsourced it to me. When I studied my passion of paper marbling in Florence I felt I found my unique voice in textiles.

2) We know you traveled to Italy and were inspired to create marbling which led to many of your designs.
What is your favorite part of Italy and why? How often do you get to travel back to Italy?   
Seale: While I love all of Italy, Florence owns me. I can't say why exactly but I feel a deep resonance with SOUL. That's the only word I can come up with to describe the feeling. It's the birthplace of the Renaissance and every inch of the city and buildings and art carry an imprint of someone who created, carved, painted, architecturally designed, and built it.  I am especially enamored with the tiny ateliers where artisans create and sell their work. In Italy art is given the proper time it takes to be created with care and craftsmanship. There truly is something about Italian-made quality and it reinforces my belief to honor the care and time good design deserves.  I do an annual pilgrimage to immerse in that way of life and refresh my artist soul. 

3) What do you love most about creating textiles?
Seale: I love: the process of exploration in creating art,  the chance that is involved with that and being present to identify what would make a good design. I love hand-creating a repeat pattern, seeing a pattern come to life in other products such as wallcovering, trays, lampshades, tabletop. I love seeing how designers, furniture, rug, apparel and gift manufacturers envision uses for my designs, and I love bringing the ancient art of marbling and the human element of hand illustration and painting into the home in a prominent way. In other "word", EVERYTHING. 

 4) What do you find to be challenging and also rewarding about textile design?
Seale: I don't even recognize 'challenging' because everything is just part of the process and I roll. If I HAD to say, it's paring down the final selections for each release. Rewarding? By far the relationships with the wonderful people I've met in this industry. It's also rewarding to witness the delight in those who embrace my work and being able to work directly with designers and manufacturers to provide (sometimes custom) uplifting designs and solutions that people live with.  It's extremely rewarding to be able to share this journey with my Mom, as her textile design ambassador!

5) Do you have a favorite pattern that you have created in your designs?
Seale: Each design was selected because I love something special about it, but a design that is extra special to me is Tuscan Sunset which was created in Florence and was my first design selected for my foray into furniture with Wesley Hall Furniture. 

6) What major events do you love to attend to share your products?
Seale: High Point Market has been my launch pad and with two shows a year, it keeps me busy. It is the only show I currently do other than the occasional small gift show. 

 7) Do you have any new products on the horizon that you can share? (Melissa loves her pair of Banksy patterned pants)  Seale: Go Banksy! With my product design background I can't help but always be thinking of new applications (spots on this leopard!) I'm deepening my home decor offerings and have some things in the works for outside of home! Stay tuned!

 8) Any words of advice for designers who are just starting out in textiles?
Seale: Find your own voice. Tell your own story. Don't pay attention to trends - they come, they go.  Everyone appreciates an original vision. Listen to what designers are asking for, but give the unexpected right along with it. 

High Point Market 2018

High Point Market 2018

High Point Market 2018

High Point Market 2018

In developing the room design at the RSOL Designer House 2018 Melissa Mathe wanted to incorporate designs from local and east coast artists and designers. Having been introduced to Jill Seale at High Point Market she was over the moon excited about using the “Banksy” design to help complete her black and white classic contemporary room design. Having custom made roman shades and duvets to outfit the windows and beds. A high topic of conversation during the event room tours.

Using a belgium cotton fabric for the window draperies in the “Mixed Metals” design was the perfect pairing to create interest in our clients office space in their newly constructed custom built home. A lovely balance in the combination of neutral decor and contemporary design.

At the 2019 Las Vegas Market, Jill Seale and Company C launched the preview of the new Jill Seale rug designs introduced in their line. Along with a demo of her technique to show market attendees. An exciting addition to Jill’s home decor product designs.

Company C and Jill Seale at Las Vegas Market 2019

Company C and Jill Seale at Las Vegas Market 2019

Company C and Jill Seale at Las Vegas Market 2019

Company C and Jill Seale at Las Vegas Market 2019

We love sharing the special talents and products from designers close to our area and close to our heart. It has been a special treat to develop our relationship with Jill Seale. We hope you enjoy learning more about her designs and why we love them so much.

Cheers,

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for all your Interior Design needs.