making art work for you

From the studio of Sara Everett

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Sara Everett’s paintings include a distinct process of destruction; she cuts and tears her paintings apart.  The destroyed painting then becomes the fabric of something new, which is literally mended into sewn collages of endangered animals, plants or landscapes.

With canvas or paper, the sutures holding these pieces together have repaired the damage, but the mending is visible. Her pieces act as totems for species and places that are barely hanging on by a thread.

UEVE-102, Growing Mending 21.3

Everett’s work has been shown in Seattle galleries and internationally in Ireland, Finland and Monaco. She has been an awardee of the Vermont Studio Center Artist Fellowship and a printmaking residency in Co. Donegal, Ireland.

As well as being a working painter, she also consults as a curator for real estate development in the Seattle area, and serves on the Board of Directors of Seattle’s Uptown Arts District.

UEVE-115, Mending Blueprints
UEVE-100, Growing Mending 21.1

What do you first do when you get to the studio?

Turn on the tunes! Music is an important part of my process.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

2-3, depending on where I am in my multi-layered process. A color play abstract painting usually later becomes parts of several pieces. And I’ll often create my compositions in batches of three or four. But I can only stitch one piece at a time when it comes to the finish.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on? 

A large scale, permanent installation for a public space and be paid for the insane amount of work something like that actually is.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be? 

Georgia O’Keefe.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration? 

Travel – Pacific Northwest near or beyond. My favorite way to get to know a new landscape is to sketch it in watercolor pencil. These watercolor gestures often become larger works once back to the studio.

How has your art evolved over time?

I used to be a hyper-realist painter but kept getting inspired by abstraction. I would spend countless hours painting feathers and animal fur for portraits but my sketchbooks would tell a story all of abstract washes and line gestures. Eventually I found a way to find union between my muses by tearing paintings in order to create a composite landscape background, which grew into fully formed pieces from there.

Knowing the intent is to tear or cut my paintings allows me to let go of the outcome of each painting session and just enjoy the process. I love the unpredictability of experimentation and then taking those experiments beyond their chaotic beginnings back into something recognizable, while still maintaining a playful nature.

What do you like most about your work? 

The process I’ve created for myself. Between all the different stages my work goes through before it becomes a finished piece I’m continually reinspired. I also love connecting viewers to that process when talking about my work, and seeing them light up with their own inspirations.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Colorful.

Is there an idea you would like to explore? 

I want to research and create a series around keystone endangered plants.

What is your favorite time of day to paint? 

Whenever I can! But I seem to find the most “flow” from afternoon to early evening.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? 

Simple – swap to a different piece or different phase of my process! If I’m stuck in a painting I’ll swap to making collage studies, or stitching. It’s all very creatively sustainable for me. My primary problem has always been that there never seems to be enough time for all the ideas.

What is up next on your easel? 

I’ve been working on a large-scale piece of the Perito Moreno glacier (10’ h x 8’ish) for a few months now involving time-based painting with cyanotype to achieve four different tones. It’s been the most ambitious piece I’ve tackled to date in process and scale and I’m loving how it is starting to come together. I’ll have my fill of blue when it’s done though, and am looking forward to getting back to the full spectrum of colors!

Click here to see more of Sara’s work!


From The Studio of Lynette Reed

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Lynette Reed’s paintings are direct reflections of the life she has lived, her environment both past and present. Each of her vibrant pieces are snapshots in time and expressions of deep emotion, embodiments of her viewpoint, and a reaction to her intense fear of death. When Lynette paints, she infuses each work with an indescribable love of being alive.

Opera 14 ©2024 Lynette Reed

For Lynette, creating a painting is a journey of discovery, an interplay between colour, light, and emotion. Each conception is different – the piece tells her how to begin. Sometimes she is moved to use colour, other times she needs more control and opts for sketch and line.

Lynette began painting in March of 2020 when Italy went into lockdown. It was a terrifying time, and as she has always created, she knew the best way to keep the anxiety from taking control was to find something to do with her hands. What she didn’t realize was that painting would open an amazing world to her and become her obsession and path.

Lynette’s small town in Italy is visible in her work: the gorgeous, saturated colours, the peeling paint, cobblestone streets and hidden passageways, old frescos poking through slowly chipping concrete, the blue green colour of the river that runs past my window, the deep red brown of the historic bridge, the vegetation along the riverbanks, the hills that lead to the Alps and the the glorious Mediterranean light.

“In stark contrast I also see my past, New York City in the 1980’s where I spent a decade as a model. I see Zurich, Tokyo, Milan, traveling around the world to film television commercials and shoot ad campaigns. Life was fast and full of colour! Although my work is abstract, I see it and feel it all, the life and passion surrounds me and is always a part of me.”

Lynette attended the Parsons School of Design in New York City from 1986-1988. Her paintings have been exhibited in the U.S. and internationally, in Italy, the U.K. and Belgium. Her works are also collected in numerous public and private collections.

What do you first do when you get to the studio?

Clean up and organize from the previous days session.  Then stare at what I’m working on before diving into it.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

Usually at least 2-3 and as many as 6.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on? 

I love working on large canvases and doing them for the wall behind the bed (very large). My dream would be to do all the rooms in a hotel.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be? 

This is interesting because I really like painting alone.  But I did an artist collaboration series with Caitlin Flood-Molyneux and it was a fantastic time!

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration? 

I very much work in the moment by being present and working completely intuitively.

How has your art evolved over time?

It continues to change and grow, and sometimes there are elements of early work that reappear. 

 What do you like most about your work? 

The energy and the color.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Four words – energetic, happy, colorful, lively!

Is there an idea you would like to explore? 

If I have an idea to explore I just do it!

What is your favorite time of day to paint? 

It depends on the day and how I’m feeling in the moment!

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? 

Every once in a while, and the way I handle it is to do something super-drastic.  I usually do something that is in contrast to what I did previously; so usually something that is in stark contrast and bold to shift the energy of the piece.

What is up next on your easel? 

A big blank canvas that is dying to play!


Click here to see more of Lynette’s work!

Hospitality and Healthcare Design Trends

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Over the last couple of years, hospitality interiors have had to adjust their accommodations to meet new and growing needs in the industry, so it’s no surprise that designing for flexibility is one of the biggest trends in hospitality spaces. Similarly, healthcare interiors have had to adapt to new expectations and demands in the field. From creating cozy and inviting spaces outside of the home to tailoring rooms to fit unique needs, bringing comfort and wellness to hospitality and healthcare interiors has become a priority. With the importance of design and decor being recognized in these spaces, design trends are blending more than ever to bring personality and warmth to these interiors.

Having experienced a shift in how and where we work, live, and vacation, hotel spaces have had to provide accommodations for guests that want it all. The lines between home and hospitality are blurring, and hotel design has become even more focused on creating a home-away-from-home. Function meets comfort in hotel design, as spaces are made to feel cozy and less formal but also adapt to the needs of their guests. Multi-use spaces that can be transformed from a conference room to an intimate lounge are becoming necessities, empowering guests to use spaces as they choose. With design features such as spa-like bathrooms, thematic restaurants, local art, and plant decor, hotels are creating unique and memorable experiences for guests. Emphasizing wellness, comfort, and creating a joyful atmosphere, hospitality design trends focus on decorating in earth tones, warm woods and natural materials, blending the indoors and outdoors, and going bold with their decor. Making a lasting impression, both in design and experience, is key in hotel design.

In healthcare design, creating spaces that improve the lives of patients and staff is at the top of mind. Fostering an inviting and serene environment is so important when choosing the decor for spaces like hospitals and senior living centers. For this reason, trends that include soothing blues and greens, botanical decor, and fun abstract art are often used. But more than just creating a look or feel of a space, these designs need to consider the care of patients and the function of the space. In decor for senior living centers, fostering an inviting and serene environment is so important. Although there is no one-size fits-all in healthcare design, choosing the right wall decor can provide a calming atmosphere and support overwhelmed patients, providers, and caretakers. Soft tones, transitional artwork, natural light, and personal touches are creating more comforting healthcare spaces, proving that design can help heal.

Designing meaningful and comfortable spaces that people can enjoy outside of the home has never felt so important, especially in hospitality and healthcare interiors. Decorating in soothing color palettes, adding organic and bespoke details, and incorporating a connection to the outdoors lends itself to warmth and character in a space. Hospitality and healthcare design is rising to meet the unique needs of those using the spaces, and bringing a connection to wellness that we can all use.

What To Read Next…

The images featured above are available in our Print-On-Demand collection.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

From The Studio of Life Arts Designs

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Lois & Fanelle

Life Arts Designs is the collaboration of artists Lois Eder and Fanelle White.  Lois and Fanelle have known each other since 2007, when Fanelle’s daughter was a student in Lois’ Special Needs class and Fanelle was an art teacher at the same school.  They shared a common interest in the arts and Lois would visit Fanelle’s art classroom during her off periods, becoming inspired by her teaching and engagement.  It was inevitable that they would become close friends. More than ten years later, they began to talk about retirement and a collaborative art adventure, and Life Arts Designs was created. 

“Colorful Beach

What do you do first when you get to the studio?

Lois: I like to go up to my studio that has large windows which let in wonderful sunlight and put on peaceful music to help calm my brain and inspire creativity.

Fanelle: I set up all my art supplies I will need for my vision of the artwork. I am very methodical in my art approach.  

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

Lois: I put in all of my energy into a single painting so that I can continue on a single focus path.

Fanelle: I am blessed with being a very focused artist. Thus allows me to create a work in a timely manner which allows me to work quickly and focus on one piece at a time. 

Dogs Allowed

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

Lois: Abstract work that includes a multi-media approach has always fascinated me. I visualize a large work with many ways that the viewer can connect to my work through texture, composition and color.

Fanelle: I am so fortunate that I have worked on so many projects both individually, in a teaching setting, and in group setting that I feel I have satisfied my need to dream. That said, I am always experimenting with new ideas and new collaborations. 

featuring “Subtle Beach”

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

Lois: Georgia O’Keeffe because I have loved her since high school!

Fanelle: Wow, what a question! I am humbled to work with any artist whether it is an ex-student or working established artist. It’s all wonderful. 

 

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

Lois: I talk to everyone wherever there is any form of art and compartmentalize all this information in different areas of my brain. My friends are always blown away by my ability to pull out any needed information and use it for inspiration in my artwork and sales of artwork.

Fanelle: I am so lucky to have a brilliant business partner, Lois, who has inspired and encouraged my professional art making career. 

How has your art evolved over time?

Lois: In one word “age”. Age has its advantages with combining old experiences with new ones. I have learned from old mistakes and discovered new mediums which has helped me to grow as an artist.

Fanelle: Looking back on work I did years ago compared to what I am doing now shows a difference in genre, but not talent (hope that doesn’t sound boastful). I taught art for many years and before that I was an industrial designer. All that time I created for someone else’s purpose, not my own. Now I create beach scenes and am a new resident of the Jersey shore which reflects my happiness in beach life. 

What do you like most about your work?

Lois: I am never quite sure of the exact outcome, and I love the resulting energy that seems to take on a life of its own.

Fanelle: I love to look back on my work and find myself smiling. I try to place many small stories within each work. This way, each time someone looks at the work they see something new.  

“Fenlo

What is one word that best describes your style?

Lois: Unexpected

Fanelle: Whimsical  

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

Lois: I love the early morning light and am a very early riser with loads of creative energy.

Fanelle: I am not a morning person (coffee first before all else). That said, the best light to paint is late morning to early afternoon when the natural light helps me see all flaws and wonderful blend of colors.  

“Endless Horizons

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

Lois: Taking a break from work is always helpful. I live near the beach and a long walk along the shore with salty air filling my lungs clears the blockage and helps me to refocus.

Fanelle: Oh my goodness, yes! I put the piece away for a while and think about what is bothering me for a day or two. Hopefully after I have come to a conclusion, I retry and apply my solution.  

“Candy Bowl Prussian Blue

What is up next on your easel?

Lois: I like to work in series with a nautical or beach theme. The most recent series I completed was a sea life theme and I am now thinking about exploring landscapes inspired by my upcoming trip to the Alaskan wilderness.

Fanelle: I so want to play with a new concept of playing with a combination of perspective, color and light!  

What To Read Next…

The images featured above are available in our Print-On-Demand collection.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

From The Lens of Thomas Tepstad Berge

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Thomas Tepstad Berge is a photographer based in Stavanger, Norway, where he lives with his wife and 4 kids on the west coast of Southern Norway.

While he was given a disposable camera every summer when he was young to document his summer holidays, it was not until Thomas was 18 that he started filling his spare-time with capturing moments. Thomas started out making films, then gradually moved into timelapse photography before he settled down within still photography. He is a self-taught photographer who’s learned techniques and approaches to framing both the hard way and by reading books and articles, watching YouTube videos, etc. Thomas’ portfolio mainly consists of the landscape that you find along the west coast of Norway with deep fjords and steep mountains, long beaches and farmland, and surfing action in the waves. The common denominator for all his images is that he tries to capture the right light, whether it be the soft sunset light in a cloudscape, the powerful Northern lights on the night-sky, or the strong daylight illuminating the actions taking place on a surfboard. Every image brings Thomas back to that moment when he captured them, and if some of those feelings can be transferred to others who view them then he considers the image to be successful.

How would you describe your photography style?

I would describe my landscape and cloudscape photography as “dreamy”, as both the smooth style and the locations themselves are typically not your everyday view, but rather somewhere you would day-dream about visiting.

What are your typical photography subjects?

My typical photography objects would be landscapes, night sky, and surfers. What makes this interesting is the big span from well planned landscape shots to the very in-the-moment action photos in surfing, where both the equipment and approach is completely different.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

Landscape photography in Iceland or the Azores would be amazing. I would then sleep during the day so that I could capture the light during sunsets, night, and sunrise.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

While I do use planning tools to some extent, I actually prefer to go to a site and find the inspiration there and then through the camera lens. I find that the best angles and views are usually not the ones you think prior to being at the location, and often foreground elements like flowers, trees, and animals provide you with that missing ingredient for the perfect shot.

How has your photography evolved over time?

When starting out with photography, I was more centered around the classical sunset shots without many other elements playing together with the light to fulfill the image. Today I always have “something more” than a pretty sunset. I also very much enjoy the more difficult conditions (snow, rain, fog, etc.) as they often create more interesting images.

What do you like most about your work?

What I like most about my work is the joy that it gives me. I love to be outside with my camera, I love to process my images on the desktop, and I love to see the final images and share them with others.

What is your favorite time of day to shoot?

My favorite time is the sunset period (afternoon in the winter, almost midnight in the summer) as the light itself can make a dull scene become the most interesting of all.

What To Read Next…

The images featured above are available in our Print-On-Demand collection.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.