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. 

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.

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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

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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.

Color Inspiration: Living Coral Pantone Color of the Year 2019

Color Inspiration: Living Coral
Pantone® Color Of The Year 2019

“Colours are the smiles of nature.” ~ James Henry Leigh Hunt

With each new year comes the anticipated announcement of Pantones new color of the year. Much like waiting to open new presents during the holidays… in early December the color trend forecast is made. To our excitement the 2019 Color of the Year is Living Coral 16-1546. As a global influencer in color systems Pantone sets color trend standards in multiple industries for fashion, home furnishings, industrial design, as well as product, packaging and graphic design.

A vivid color inspiration choice that mesmerizes the eye and mind with an optimistic fresh and cheerful presence. Durived from marine and sea life as well as present in our daily digital imagery. This warm, peachy color with golden undertones nurtures and supports other colors in it’s midst and fulfills the desire for playful expression. It also happens to be one of our favorite colors… so adding this “it” color into our clients interior projects is a welcomed second nature.

Annie Selke

Taelor Fisher Painting

Here are a few sources that we love who embody this color in their product lines. A visionary designer – Annie Selke has offered quality Dash & Albert rugs and luxurious Pine Cone Hill sheets and bedding for over 25 years. Providing happy colorways to fill your home with joy, the herringbone and striped area rugs and throw blanket are the right pop of this color. The ‘Farm Girl’ painting done by the well studied Taelor Fisher is full of this fresh Living Coral “Color of the Year”. A prime example of the way this color attracts your eye as well as creating harmony with other colors.

In a recently designed clients living room we included this bright color in the shown color palette. You can see some of the ways we balanced the room out with fabrics, furnishings and wallcovering. As the ivory and blue in the geometric wallcovering and sofa compliment the backdrop of the sand linen color in the area rug. The coral and green colors in the chair upholstery and throw pillow fabrics add a playful vibrance giving the space liveliness and balance.

Color Palette

We are delighted to introduce this new color inspiration to you and hope you enjoy the examples we’ve shared. We hope you find special ways to incorporate the Pantone Color of the Year 2019 - Living Coral in your interiors and surroundings this year.

Cheers!

Melissa Mathe

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

Melissa Mathe Interior Design: A Year In Review

Melissa Mathe Interior Design
– A Year In Review –

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” ~ Audrey Hepburn

We’re taking a look back at 2018 and the many projects we’ve had the pleasure of working on with our wonderful clients. Just like each new year a new project has it’s hopes and expectations and most often times the finished result is even better than envisioned. We love talking with our clients about how they wish to use a new space and how they want it to feel. While each project has it’s new adventures and obstacles to overcome we cherish the laughs and victories along the way. Whether a client wants to show a more stylish side of themselves or simply have more functioning light and flow in their space. We guide them on a journey helping to make their interior design dreams and visions come true. Here’s a look inside the highlights of 2018

We started the year out showing design concepts to work on furnishing a new custom built home with large spaces to be filled. Beautifully coffered ceilings and a blank slate were outfitted with a light palette in mink and muted blue. The before and after of the entryway show it’s grand nature, with neutral tones and clean finishes to make an elegant statement.

As the construction was complete in the spring we were ready to start installing. In the dining room the accent color painted in the tray ceiling along with a paint-style patterned custom drapery fabric give the space an uplifted serenity.

This past spring the Mathe Design team attended High Point Market taking in new inspiring finds for the season. Connecting with other designers and meeting with our manufacturer reps to see more details about whats available to designers.

Spring Market is a highlight of the year as designers enjoy time amongst others in our industry… as you can see we have our fair share of fun there too. Shortly after spring market we wrapped up a kitchen remodel that had been in conception since the previous fall. This refreshed crisp classic kitchen is now equipped with brand new custom built cabinetry and an updated dining space.

Photography by Ansel Olson

Along with several client installs this year we have had a pretty large project that’s been underway since May 2018. This project is a home renovation that includes eighty percent of the home. A full master bathroom and master closet area renovation is a major part of the project. Most of the other rooms with exception to the kitchen have new lighting, furnishing and rugs. As we come to the completion of a few of these projects into 2019 we’ll get house tour images up to show you.

While we had been serving our clients Melissa Mathe Interior Design also entered into a presentation for a room design at the Richmond Symphony Orchestra League Designer House 2018. To our excitement we were selected to design a bedroom upstairs in the recently restored historical victorian mansion – Holly Lawn. This started the adventure of bringing together the classic contemporary black and white room design to show during the event. We were more then ecstatic to have the honor of working alongside other esteemed Virginia designers at this charitable event, a definite highlight of 2018.

We’re also excited to share the honorable mentions Melissa Mathe Interior Design humbly received in 2018 press with you.

a new face in the mathe design office

This fall Charlie, the Mathe family’s new puppy, joined the shenanigans in design. Wrapping up a project filled 2018!

A warm thank you to our wonderful clients, vendors, reps, crew and design team for helping us to make 2018 a big success.  Melissa Mathe Interior Design appreciates all of your support and warm friendships.

From our office to you have a safe and Happy Holiday – Cheers to 2019!

Melissa Mathe

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