Jacquin: The production company Brynn Creative you work with sounds like a fantastic career. Can you share a a few details about your career as a producer? 

Dru: Production is such a specific field. We have all heard the word “producer” but not many know what it truly entails. I am the keeper of details, the coordinator, the problem solver and the executor of plans. I make sure all artists are confirmed for photo shoots, I handle location and/or studio details, work with the creative team on scheduling, and send out the shoot details. That is only a brief overview… since you guys don’t have all day to hear me babble, HA!

Production is such a specific field. We have all heard the word “producer” but not many know what it truly entails. I am the keeper of details, the coordinator, the problem solver and the executor of plans.

My absolute favorite shoot was the CHANEL story we shot in my home town of Idalou, Texas. Seeing my life come full circle at that moment was insane. I never in a million years thought I would get to do what I love in the middle of a cotton field where I grew up!

 

Shadow work, 2015, Watercolor on paper, 20″ x 28″

I’m exploring the artwork of Pacific Northwest artist Christiana Hedlund today. I really enjoyed learning about Christiana’s international travels in pursuit of advanced painting training. What interesting experiences! Read on to see how these travels are represented in Christiana’s works.

Jacquin: How does your local art scene in the Pacific Northwest inspire you? Do you have a community of artists locally that encourage and inspire you? What are your favorite sources for creative inspiration locally?

Christiana: I’ve found the NW has a really lovely community of artists that are diverse and open to sharing and collaborating. I went to art school here so I have many artist friends and mentors that are inspiring and encouraging me right in my own backyard. Here are some of my favorite sources for creative inspiration are: 

• The gallery: Nationale
• The artist: Elizabeth Malaska
• The artist: Samantha Wall
• The artist: Michelle Ross
• The organization: Signal Fire

Jacquin: What inspired you to pursue art full time?

Christiana: I think pursuing art full time is my ultimate goal. Included in that goal is to eventually live out in the country, with a pack of dogs, a garden, and an art studio with north facing sky lights and infinite time to make art. But the truth is for most artists, myself included, is that making art full time isn’t really an option when you have to make a living too. So, I do my best to create as often as I can. I’m committed to making art forever because being creative is necessary for me to stay balanced, happy, and curious.

Color Studies 1, 2015,  Acrylic gauche on paper, 14″ x 10″

Jacquin: What was the best thing about studying in France at the Studio Escalier? How was this educational experience different from your training in the United States? Is the process for teaching and developing one’s artistry any different in France in your opinion?

Christiana: I’ve studied intensively with my teachers in France off and on for three years. Both in Paris and at their school in the countryside of the Loire Valley. The experience of studying 7-8 hours a day, 5 days a week, from life is the most intensive way of educating myself I’ve ever experienced. The atelier (classical drawing/painting workshop) system is about diving fully into the study of life/ representational art- its intense, meditative, and reflective. Its not for everyone but I really thrive off of that kind of environment. My teachers are dedicated to their craft and exude so much knowledge and care in their presentation of concepts and techniques. The knowledge they’ve shared with me truly is a gift.

The contemporary art education I’ve had in the U.S. is much more of an expansive learning environment. Nothing is gone into deeply like in an atelier. It’s more akin to taking a more broad survey of art and relationship to it. You’re constantly introduced to new artists, new techniques, new trends, new teachers, and constantly have to meet deadlines and have your work critiqued. Both styles of learning have their benefits and their drawbacks. To be more symbolic- contemporary art school is looking outwardand an atelier is like going deeply inward.

Untangle, 2014, Watercolor and gauche on paper, 28″ x20″

Jacquin: Tell us about your process when painting. What is your average day like?

Christiana: I usually start my day rising with the sun, doing some cuddling with my dog, and then having some coffee with my partner. I’ll then spend some time at my desk writing in my journal. Beginning with writing helps me sort out my dreams from the prior evening, helps me clarify whats happening with  me internally/subconsciously, and gets me inspired for new ideas to paint.

Lately, I’ve been exploring more abstract ways of working and my process is very different than if I’m working realistically. Both methods of painting require me to be as present as possible. When I work from life I’m trying to absorb the essence of my sitter and translate that into the work. So I have to remain pretty quiet but “on,” and empathetic and open to what she/he is exuding. When I work abstractly I try to not let my mind interfere too much with my decision making and instead do my best to trust my intuitive direction.

Maribou, 2014, Graphite on paper, 22.5″ x 16″

Jacquin: Oaxaca sounds like a unique and colorful place to study! How was your experience doing a residency in Oaxaca, Mexico instrumental in your career? What did you work on? How did you decide to travel to Oaxaca? What was your favorite thing about this residency?

Christiana: Oaxaca is a very, very special place to me. I first heard of Oaxaca when I was in middle school Spanish class. I still remember what the page of my textbook looked like introducing the region to us. I remember it saying that Oaxaca was the cultural epicenter of Mexico. I knew that I needed to go there and the word “Oaxaca” kind of haunted me for years until I finally went.

A couple years back I made my first visit to Oaxaca for a month. Then my next visit I stayed for four months. And I’m guessing on my next visit I’ll never come back ;). While I was there I worked on large scale water color portraits of the women of Oaxaca. It began with a
portrait of a pregnant woman who later became my friend named Fatima. Then, it was Juanita an elderly Zapotec woman who sold beans and other dried goods at the local farmers markets outside of the city. And finally, of my friend Gloria a young woman who worked at the casa I stayed at.

I think my favorite thing about the residency was the experience of being so engaged and committed to the paintings I was making. I worked on those paintings for months and sometimes from dawn till dusk every day. Each of those paintings were real labors of love in an attempt to honor the women who sat for me.

Juanita, 2014, Watercolor on paper, 40″ x 34″

It began with a portrait of a pregnant woman who later became my friend named Fatima. Then, it was Juanita an elderly Zapotec woman who sold beans and other dried goods at the local farmers markets outside of the city. And finally, of my friend Gloria a young woman who worked at the casa I stayed at.

Jacquin: What are you most looking forward to as you continue to grow as a professional artist? What goals do you have for yourself as you continue?

Christiana: I’m looking forward to the paintings that haven’t been made yet. I’m looking forward to the next painting I make that leaves me with endless questions. I’m looking forward to being an old lady and passing on the knowledge that making art has taught me. I think making that full circle from student to teacher would be really gratifying/ rewarding. I’m looking forward to connecting with new people aesthetically. My goals right now are to keep being open to experimentation and to be okay with the not knowing.

Artist Christiana Hedlund

You can find Christian Hedlund’s latest works of art at her website here. 

A very popular look on the global interior design scene, Scandinavian and Nordic décor is characterized by minimal use of decorations, abundance of white and neutral tones, balance and stabilty, harmony with nature, and a strong emphasis on functional over aesthetic. This beautiful yet simple design style achieves a bright and minimalist look for those seeking more simplicity in life. 

The embodiment of sophistication, simplicity, and Nordic charm, Scandinavian interiors are furnished with neutral-colored furniture with clean, straight lines, and the decorative details are deployed in a pared-down way, usually have a purpose beyond sheer visual interest. To add a touch of minimalism to your life, try decorating with Scandinavian style. Here are 10 simple ways to add a Scandinavian feel to your home.

1. Clean and crisp white
Nordics paint their homes white from the walls to the ceilings, even utilizing white furnishings and white-washed floorboards to bring warmth to their homes, especially since they are in a location with long winters and limited hours of natural light. In addition to maximizing light reflection, white and neutral colors produce a sense of unity with the environment and reflect the Northerners’ no-nonsense attitude to life. This spring season, crisp white furniture and decorative accents will allow colorful fresh flowers to pop in your home. 

2. Ground it with wood 
Floors in Northern homes are usually made from hardwood such as oak, cherry, poplar, and other lighter woods. (Despite long winters, carpeting never really gained much popularity in this part of the world.) To achieve a well-grounded Scandinavian ambiance, pull back carpets and let your floorboards shine: this will also provide a subtle contrast with all-white walls and furnishings.

3. Let there be light 
To maximize natural light, Northerners often leave their windows bare or outfit them with plantation shutters to let in the sunshine. Blackout blinds are commonly found in Nordic homes as they provide an additional layer of insulation in the window area where heat leaks are typically greater than elsewhere on the premises.

5. Faux fur throw for a touch of warmth & glamour 
For a snug Scandinavian reading spot, grab an elegant faux fur throw and fold it over your favorite armchair. These faux fur throws will look great in your home year round, even in the warmer spring and summer months. You’ll never know when you need a throw blanket to warm up from the air conditioning. Faux fur throws are also evocative of forbidding Nordic winters and long nights by the fireplace, making a sheepskin, shaggy blanket, or a faux fur throw the perfect addition for a Scandinavian styled space.

7. A chic wooden element 
Wooden stools will coordinate well with hardwood flooring, exposed beams, and the rest of the Nordic décor. Low coffee tables in dark tones topped by a bunch of flowers can be deployed in the living room to create a focal point without the need for other aesthetic details.

1. Giesen leather chair – this handsome armchair will add style to any space!
2. LEAF floor lamp or table lamp – designed by Broberg & Ridderstrale
3. Faux fur “Shadow Fox” Dark Grey throw blanket

Simple, sleek, and above all functional, Scandinavian design does away with needless ornaments and ungainly clutter, focusing on the necessary and practical elements rather than multitude of colors and textures. That is what we all need in our lives now and again, after all: a return to the basics and a fresh outlook on décor, free of distractions and artificial charm.

Author bio: Zoe Clark is a journalist, freelance stylist and blogger. She is a visual storyteller and aesthetician by heart who often writes about decorating and DIY ideas. She loves sparking creativity in people and giving them ideas for their own space.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/InteriorsbyJacquin

Today I’ve collaborated with luxury fashion brand Recreo and its founder Michael Coleman to bring you a new edition of Fashion meets Interiors. In this series I feature designers, stylists, and fashion bloggers who style an outfit based on their interpretation of an inspirational interior design image. Today I’m pleased to introduce luxury fashion brand Recreo. Recreo is based in San Miguel, Mexico and they are known for their high-end outerwear and traditionally inspired ponchos. Recreo San Miguel has built an amazing following by re creating traditional garments (hence, the name “Recreo”) by updating items like the poncho, using luxurious fabrics and fashion-foward styling. 

Recreo’s unique “take” on outerwear has captured the admiration of the fashion press, having been featured in Vogue, W, Elle, the New York Times, Esquire, and even Architectural Digest, because their flagship store in San Miguel is so beautiful. I am pleased to present Recreo’s interpretation of this bold and tropical interior design. Michael Coleman and the Recreo team have worked together to style a chic outfit for their model inspired by this dramatic interior design. Their interpretation of this unique space is below. I hope you’ll find it as inspiring as I do.

FASHION MEETS INTERIORS

First of all, I’d like to thank Jacquin for inviting Recreo to interpret this interior design with stunning tropical refuge. We were immediately drawn to the room’s high-contrast and dramatic mix of intense, cool colors offset by punches of white and gold. The room combines formal elements like the traditional diamond patterned tile and classical composition, combined with more informal and lush tropical influences, coming from the casually-placed potted plants and fern-patterned accent pieces. The rich shades of green in this room really inspired our design. 

Image via Apartment Number 4

All of this led our team to put together an outfit that echoes many of these themes, creating an outfit that embodies the spirit of the room.

To anchor our outfit, we (unsurprisingly) chose a poncho from our own 2016 Recreo San Miguel collection. Handcrafted from a luxurious silk crêpe de chine, this poncho is flattering and flowing…just right for Spring through Summer and into the early days of Autumn. Like all Recreos, it features the beautiful brand logo in genuine sterling silver as a mark of authenticity. The garment, like the room that inspired it, features a contrast of dark greens and whites with a geometric pattern that is both structured and organic at the same time. This is a versatile piece that can be worn with or without a top; it can be paired with jeans, pants, or a mid-length skirt, so it’s perfect for today’s mix-and-match approach to dressing. And stylistically, it can go from uptown to downtown, from beach to cocktail party, to the theater.

To complement the Recreo poncho, our designer Julia Sloan selected a classic white culotte from Zara that combines perfectly with the poncho; both are loose, flowing, easy-to-wear and easy-to-pair. We love these kinds of pants – culottes, gauchos, palazzo pants and similar loose cropped trousers – they’re perfect to wear on a date, for a weekend brunch with friends, or even to work.

The Zara wraparound high-heel sandals we selected are – like all the other pieces – both casual and elegant at the same time, allowing for flexible styling while combined with the dramatic heel height.

Rounding out our outfit, we again turned to the dynamic interior design for inspiration, which showcases pops of gold. We selected wonderful gold-washed jewelry from the Armour collection, which features jewellery that is fresh, modern, and flattering.

When you put all the pieces together, you’ve got a pulled-together, cohesive look that we think you will look great in!

SHOP THE LOOK!

Each Recreo garment is artisanally made in small batches, so supplies of each garment are extremely limited, making each Recreo garment special and highly coveted.

1. Silk Crepe Chine Miguel Poncho from Recreo – Recreo offers several beautiful, high-quality ponchos in a range of colors and patterns. 
2. Culottes Trousers from Zara
3. Neutral colored strappy sandals from Zara 
4. Delicate tri-pendant necklace from Armour
5. 18 k gold bangles from Armour

All of us at Recreo San Miguel are delighted to share our thoughts on “inspired dressing” with you today and we hope you’ll check out our blog and website at www.RecreoSanMiguel.com. Please sign up for the Recreo newsletter on our website to stay up to date with our latest designs and collections. 

Credits: Photography by Marcus Jolly, Model: Mataya Winter

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve shared a home tour with you, so this edition of “Bloggers at Home” is right on time! I’m getting to know lifestyle blogger Tiffany Jones of 726 sqft blog and she’s been kind enough to show us around her Atlanta home. Tiffany’s blog shares tips for creating an authentic and inspired life and today she’s sharing a glimpse into her own minimalist, inspired lifestyle. She even shares how she created her own DIY floating desk, which is fantastic! Read on for more. Thanks Tiffany!

Jacquin: It’s so great to be chatting with you today! Can you share a little about your blog and your inspiration behind your blog 726 sqft?

Tiffany: Hi! I’m Tiffany Jones, the artist, photographer, designer and blogger for 726 SQFT lifestyle blog and design studio. I’m originally from Richmond, VA, but I now call Atlanta, GA home. 726 SQFT is about being limitless in limited spaces, stepping outside of your comfort zone every now and then, and truly living the life you want no matter what. Do the things you love and you’ll make yourself a better you! 

 

Jacquin: Tell us about your personal style. How is your personal style reflected in your home?

Tiffany: Recently I’ve slowly started transitioning all parts of my life to a more minimalistic style. I’ve purged my entire home, clothes and some furniture to start over with a clean slate. I believe less is more and prefer simple, clean styles. Neutral palettes are my favorite and give me a calming feeling.

Jacquin: Have you done any do-it yourself projects around your home that you’ve really been happy with?

Tiffany: I made the desk in my bedroom! Living in a one bedroom condo requires a bit of creativity in terms of fitting in a desk. I also wanted to save money since desks are so expensive, so I went the do it yourself route. It’s been such a great solution because this floating desks only requires two legs and is attached to the wall. Perfect space saver! I made this floating desk from pipes, a glass top and drawer knobs. Check out the stylish doornob details in the photo of my desk below. You can find the tutorial for my DIY floating desk on my blog here. 

Jacquin: I saw that you’re growing a potted lemon tree from a seed at home currently. What a great idea! I know the smell will be amazing, if it isn’t already. How is your lemon plant doing? Any tips you’ve learned about growing a lemon tree plant since you’ve started?

Tiffany: I’m winging it! I know absolutely nothing but to give it plenty of sun and water. It’s still very small, no lemons yet, I’m thinking it may take another year or so.

Jacquin: Studying fashion design sounds so exciting! How has attending school for Fashion Design prepared you for what you’re doing today?

Tiffany: I currently work for Spanx as a Technical Designer so my background in Fashion Design has helped me tremendously. I focus on the fit of the garment and pattern-making which is a huge part of what I learned in school. In terms of my own business I’ve learned to incorporate design into all aspects of my life from interior to personal style. It’s helped me to live a creative, inspired life.

Jacquin: What is inspiring you creatively right now?

Tiffany: I recently stumbled across Carol Erb’s “Animal Intentions” collection and was completely inspired. I love the unexpected mix of interiors with nature and the animals. She sticks to a relatively neutral palette but incorporates small pops of color from nature. Nature’s beauty is always inspiring, especially when incorporated into the home. You can see her work here.

Visit Tiffany’s lifestyle blog 726 sqft for chic fashion inspiration, recipes, and other great topics that I know you’ll love. You can also find Tiffany on Instagram here. Have a lovely week!

Welcome to Spring and Happy Friday! When it comes to personal style, hosting and entertaining is the perfect opportunity to showcase your own unique style. As a thoughtful (and stylish) hostess, I always take care to ensure that the food is excellent, the decor is fabulous, and the guest list is filled with amazing people at my events! It’s this level of care and style that I look forward to bringing you wonderful readers in my Entertaining with Style series.

Today I’m bringing you a colorful margarita party hosted by Shop Sweet Lulu, an online boutique specializing in high-quality & on-trend partyware sourced from around the globe. There are so many great ideas here! Enjoy!

 

Jacquin: I’ve interviewed Shop Sweet Lulu’s proprietress, Jesse Senese, to get the details on this fun fiesta! Hi Jessie!  Thanks for chatting with me today! What inspires your fun party decor creations at Shop Sweet Lulu? 

 

 Jacquin: I love that Sweet Lulu has thrown a margarita themed party!  I’ve been wanting to show that brightly colored parties with all of the fun decor can still work for an adult get together.  Sweet Lulu’s party is the perfect example! Share with us a bit about your inspiration for this particular party.  

Want to source Sweet Lulu’s colorful party supplies shown here? 

• Square Dessert Plates in Pink, Green, Orange, & Hot Pink
• Colorful Napkins in Pink, Orange, Hot Pink, & Green
• French Bistro Glasses – Set of 4
• Wooden Candy Sticks – Decorate these with colorful strips of fabric like Shop Sweet Lulu did!
• Swing Top Bottles – Love these! Serve you beverages with style!
• Corrugated Geometric Dishes – Perfect for individual food portions.
• Pretty Plastic Utensils in Shiny Gold – Shabby-chic at its finest!
• Unique Tissue Paper Streamers in Yellow, Pink, Teal, & Magenta

Brian Coleman is an American painter with an exciting style of painting. His works are becoming increasingly popular across the U.S., allowing Brian to land several coveted art commissions, in addition to recently being selected as one of 12 Artists You Need To Know in art journalism piece by Carrie Waller. Over the years, he developed his style by working with emotions and experiences in his artwork. By building layered surfaces, Brian Coleman creates environments where pieces either connect or drift away from one another, mirroring our surroundings and lives that are forever changing. I enjoyed the opportunity to interview Brian and learn more about his creative inspiration and dynamic career as an artist. 

Jacquin: How do architecture and interiors influence your work? 

Brian: Structure, textiles, angles, lines, form, furniture (chairs) has always been appealing to me. My work consists mostly of looser and structured form and color which go hand in hand with Architecture and interiors.

Jacquin: What inspired you to become a painter/artist? How did you start? 

Brian: It had to do with my mom exposing me to many materials like crayons, paper, paint and giving me a space in our Laundry room for me to create as a kid. From there i have always been drawn to creative activities from a young age until now. It became more and more
interesting in High School / College where I started to explore painting on a regular basis.

Brian: It’s hard to choose just one over another. They have all taught me something in one way or another throughout the years.

Jacquin: I love the geometric shapes in your artwork. How do these shapes represent your emotions? 

Brian: The forms and shapes geometric or organic are influenced by how I am feeling at the time. For instance one day i may be painting more structured geometric shapes and another day may be looser organic forms. Depends if things in life are more up in the air, chaotic or content.

Jacquin: I see that you studied graphic design initially. How does your graphic design knowledge come into play in your artwork? 

Brian: I have studied extensively the basic elements of art: color, form,
shape, texture, line, space and value while at The Art Institute which has given me a great foundation and allows me to just paint without thinking too much because of that understanding.

Layered Form 7, Brian Coleman, 2016, 30×24. Anne Irwin Fine Art.

Brian: It’s never easy, I work hard with and alongside my galleries I am in. You have to try and balance your personal life with studio time, replenishing work, building up pieces for shows, the business side, etc. I starting showing at some galleries on and off since High School. I have been fortunate with most of the galleries that I have worked with over the years to go pretty smoothly. I have a great business and personal relationship with both galleries I am represented by currently. The George Gallery, Charleston, SC and Anne Irwin Fine Art, Atlanta, GA.

Jacquin: What has been the most influential or memorable moment for you as an artist so far? 

Brian: July 2014 when I began to paint full time.

(Left) Brian Coleman standing next to one of his works of art. (Right) Brian’s son experiences his first art showing. 

• The 6 Most Luxurious First Class Airline Cabins – Architectural Digest
• Quick Asymmetrical Skirt – a pair & a spare

• 25 Reasons Why Turmeric Can Heal You – Mind Body Green (more info here) – This is why I like to take turmeric capsules and use a DIY turmeric face mask at home. 🙂

• The Museum of Modern Art Posts 65,000 Works of Art Online – Mental Floss (What a great resource!) 

And in case you missed it…

Interiors by Jacquin blog has been selected as one of 2016’s Top 90 Interior Design Blogs Worth Following as part of Marché Magazine’s new rankings. 

Marché Magazine is the publication affiliated with Trove Market, an online marketplace to buy and sell used furniture and decor. Marche Magazine combed through over 2,000 interior design blogs in their search to determine the top 90 interior design blog worth following this year. Interiors by Jacquin has been ranked #7! Yay! Head over to the website here to see the full rankings list for 2016.

Plus, a delicious dessert recipe! 

Try out this recipe for Key Lime Poundcake with Key Lime Cream Cheese Icing. Yum!!