Field Trip:: Kevin Fitzgerald's Studio

 

It's not often that you get to meet someone you really admire and it's a rare treat to get an invitation to a professional artist's studio. I recently had the fortune to do both when I spent the day with the incredibly talented painter, Kevin Fitzgerald. I've followed (and coveted) Kevin's work for years and several clients were lucky enough to add his paintings to their collections.

 

If you've ever seen Fitgerald's paintings then you know how talented he is (and if you haven't - go look right now). What you may not know is that he is also incredibly kind, affable and completely willing to talk about his passion and his process.

 

The paintings are compelling. Often large scale, the sense of calm, light and serenity draw you in. It's the suggestion of a path in the landscape or a wave breaking in a waterscape that evoke feelings of peace, thoughtfulness and excitement about what's just beyond the canvas.

It's the studio that really gives the sense of energy and personality. I love a good, unruly artist's studio. Piles of paint and discarded canvas, works in various states of completion...it's inspiration on top of inspiration.

A huge thank you to Mr. Fitzgerald for being so generous with his time. I love connecting with artists and creative people. In fact it's one of the best things about my job.I came home with a new sense of encouragement and energy. I will make time for my sketchbook and paints...I will make time...

To see more of Kevin's work in person please visit the Waters Edge Gallery in Berlin, The Main Street Gallery in Annapolis or on his web site here. There is also a great, short documetary film here which captures a glimpse into the work and the man.

 

Hope you find something that inspires you this week!

Field Trip: Oliver's Buy Sell Trade

It was back to Maryland Avenue in Annapolis last week to a great destination named Oliver's. This funky little shop offers womens and childrens clothing on a 'buy, sell, trade' basis. Owner, Kelly, has a great eye for clothes so the inventory is well-edited. Clothes are organized by color and the racks are not so jam-packed that you can't think. I secretly love the disco light that is always on!

Clothing is vintage and designer. I'm definitely inspired to do a little fall closet cleaning.

One of the reasons for my visit is that Oliver's carries a bright, new(to me) Annapolis deisgner, Kalivoda. The ultimate in recycling, the designer, Lacey, re-makes found fabrics and garments into gorgeous new pieces with high style. The line also includes some really cool macrame jewelry.

If your near Maryland Avenue, Oliver's is worth a look. You can find Kelly Wednesday through Sundays after noon. Check out her facebook page too. Happy shopping!

Field Trip: Maryland Avenue

One of my favorite parts of being a designer is the shopping. Not the actual slogging around, but the thrill when you find just the right thing or a new resource. In an effort to share all of the wonderful resources I find I've decided to add a new feature called "Field Trip". Hope you enjoy the first of the series.

In the last few weeks I've re-discovered Annapolis' own Maryland Avenue. This quaint street between the State House and the Naval Academy is known to Annapolitans as being the art and design district. I hadn't payed the shops much attention in a while (OK years) and I can't believe what I've been missing.

Today's post is about Natatlie Silitch Antiques. Natalie is famous in this area for her folk art but this lady has a killer eye for interior accessories! Her shop is one where you need to go through at least twice just to make sure that you see everything. Accessories are gathered from all over the globe and such a refreshing change from the chain stores. The store is a nice mix of fine antiques, accessories (both vintage and new), one-of-a-kind pieces, jewelry and gifts. Here's a peek.

These copper seahorse door pulls just had to come home with me. They are fabulously big and heavy. I have no idea where they will live but I'm currently thinking they may be towel hooks in the girl's Bath.

I adore these porcelain hands. Wouldn't they be cool as a soap dish?

I've been wanting this purple barnacle for a summer centerpiece. Going to be a guest at a friend's beach house this summer? Skip the flowers and give something really unique.

I'm a sucker for anything dog so the bookends caught my eye first but the really cool pieces are the metal roman numerals behind. They have little spikes that can be pressed into the ground and as a group they form a life-size sun dial. What a great garden feature!

This is just about the coolest door knocker ever!

I especially love the little carved, wooden dragon boat. The oars really move.

Old printing press number and letters. keep them in a bowl on your coffee table and let guests spell something fun.

If you find yourself in the market for interesting home accessories then Natalie Silitch Antiques is the place start. You can also read more about Natalie on her web site http://www.nataliesilitch.com/shop.php

Hope you discover something fun this weekend!