May 19, 2021

Let's Meet Some Amazing Artists

May 19, 2021/ Meryl

I’m often asked for my ART sources especially since #saynotoemptywalls is my hashtag - so this month instead of an interview I’m sharing the amazing creatives who’s works grace the Chalet. Even though the images are mine I’ve linked to the artists. Enjoy!

The main gallery wall in the Upstairs Hall here in the Chalet. Below is a close up of two works

Renee Gibson

Anna Nord

When I saw this piece by Anna Nord - it immediately struck me - reminding me of Liam and I. Anna is a delight and worked with me to get this piece to me in New Jersey from Sweden having never shipped internationally before. When I opened the package she had sweetly included the floral that’s on the upstairs gallery wall.

I love this photograph for all the reasons - the subject - the age- the color!

Erisha

Erisha of A Thing Created has many beautiful watercolors in a range of subjects and products. I have a custom notepad with a lady on it who looks like me! I’ve also given them as gifts 1/2 a dozen times!

This nude form from Mariana is fabulous I love it. It’s most recent acquisition.

I gifted my husband this on of a kind tree ring work by Erik Linton. He loves trees. I enjoy how this is a featured statement piece in our hall.

Allison Ford

Allison Ford’s collage and painting are masterful works of color. I adore them - not hanging either allows me the freedom of moving about the Chalet.

I purchased two pieces from Duane Keiser one a gift - a terrific whiskey glass and this water with lemon which my son chose. His works makes the ordinary soar!

My sweet friend Aileen Grodzinsky creates these delightful doodles. I love mine!

I love this piece I purchased in support of Eva Love Sherbondy through her mom Lindsay’s business. Eva had a freak accident in August 2019 which resulted in a traumatic brain injury. I say a pray for her whenever this piece calls out to me.

Elena S. Boiardi

Elena S. Boiardi is a ray of sunshine. Her shagreen ceramics are a source of happiness. I have a memory of us chatting about Grey Gardens a few summers ago and me telling her yes indeed - I was ordering a pretty pink box! My first piece holds a special place in my heart but, I treasure all her marvelous creations.

The stars Stephanie Savage Flynn creates add a festive touch all year long!

Leigh Viner

Leigh Viner is a multi-talented illustrator, photographer and painter. I keep building my collection of her glorious works. The Hermes Store front (2nd image left) is a one of kind - I am gaga to own! I also have a 4 x 6 of Figure 4 - Fashion Illustration. All her works completely draw me in.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about the works here in the Chalet and being connected with the creatives behind them. Thanks so much for being here I truly appreciate it. Til next time stay well.

May 12, 2021

It's All About The Mix!

May 12, 2021/ Meryl

This week I thought I would take a deep dive and share the resources for a vignette I receive a ton of queries about every time I share it on my Instagram feed.

Left to Right:

The lamp is one of a pair from Home Sense. I do have a penchant for Green Lamps. I will admit I am tossing around the idea of upgrading the shades - we’ll see.

I spied this portrait in the Ever Dwell space inside the Middletown Peddlers Mall in Louisville, KY. Lindsay Stivers was lovely enough to ship him. We all refer to him as Mr. Nelson - due to fact Nelson is written on the top right of the art.

The candle holders were my Mothers. I love how they look with the Maple Branch Beeswax Candles from Larger Cross.

The landscape is thrifted from Lindsey McCord.

The clock is from Target at least 15+ years ago.

The Stag - I picked up while on a comp shopping trip 5 years ago at Ross Stores.

The hanging photograph of a painter was thrifted at the Olde Engine Works in Stroudsburg, PA. The piece is floating on a matte board in a Michaels frame.

The brass tiger is a thrifted find from the Cape May Antiques Center.

The leather tiger is another piece I thrifted from Lindsey McCord.

The tortoise shagreen egg is a one of a kind work by ceramist Elena Boiardi.

The loin one of the first pieces I thrifted through Instagram. The seller is no more.

The small brass pitcher I picked up at a garage sale.

There is a small modern blue metal dish under the pitcher of hydrangeas - I found in the Coxsackie Antique Center - my sister and I bailed off the New York State Thruway on our way home from a weekend in Vermont.

This showstopper vase was birthday gift from my dear late Uncle - it was something he found at an Art Event and thought of me! It was like nothing he had ever given me… not like the Royal Doulton, crystal or local history artwork but, this blew me away and I loved it the minute I saw it and I treasure it still years later.

The time-frame for these items in my possession span a few months to 35 years for the candle holders. The leather tiger, the lion, the landscape have some age to them, as does Mr. Nelson and I know the photograph of the painter is from the 1960’s. I do wonder about where they’ve lived before and I’m thrilled to have them here in the Chalet.

For me it’s about how pieces tell a story. The story changes because pieces are constantly shifted. I will say this vignette has changed very little since the leather tiger joined - I just love having him and the brass one together - I joke about it but, I am a cat person. So I’ll be keeping an eye out for more tigers to add but, I won’t seek items out. I won’t dive into Etsy, Amazon or Ebay and troll for items. I prefer to let my collections evolve by being in the right place at the right time.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about these pieces origins.

Til next time friends stay safe!

May 05, 2021

Art Inclined

May 05, 2021/ Meryl

I was struck while watching an Instagram reels the other day by my friend Gladys Tay with her gently leaning this small piece of unframed art against a stack of books and I thought I’ve been leaning art against books, windowsills and well just about anywhere my whole life.

ARE YOU ART INCLINED???

This practice does not come from indecisiveness regarding where to hang said art - I genuinely like the layering and flexibility propped art offers and today I’m sharing friends who do as well. Enjoy! Click image for sources and please check them out!

The Chalet Porch prior to it’s incarnation into remote 4th grade

My friend Tracy Bilello has a private account so I’m unable to link But, i’m thrilled she shared this cool shot of her bar

Do you lean art? I love how many places there are to. I especially wish I had room at the Chalet to set aside a chair to showcase art and of course a book or two!

Til next time friends stay well!