colour Archives - Page 2 of 3 - The Curated House

The Curated Collection | Jen Garrido

Abstraction nestled within the safe confines of natural form. That is how I would first attempt to describe the work of Jen Garrido. Other words come to mind as well: Layered. Exuberant. Colourful. Intuitive. Intentional. Unrestrained. Refined. Joyful.

I think you will see what I mean as you engage with her work.

There is a brilliant marriage here between chance and purpose; ambiguity and representation; dimension and colour. For me it feels as though all the sturm und drang of nature is revealed, uncovering the life and chaos, beauty and movement that exists just beneath the surface.

More than anything, there is for me a profound sense of being alive when I engage with Jen Garrido‘s arresting pieces.

What do Jen’s beautiful paintings awaken in you?

Wishing you an inspired Monday.

xo
s.

By Sarah Walker The Curated House|July 29th, 2013|1 Comment

The Art of Discovery: Anthropologie

I have a confession to make: I am an Anthro addict. This company seriously has my number. I discovered them years ago now on a trip to visit a friend in Seattle. We were wandering a lovely outdoor shopping mall and – like a moth to the flame – I found myself inexplicably drawn into the space. Once inside it was game over. The details, the artistry and the discovery of the experience had me lost in wonder. An hour flew by like it was 15 minutes. Since then I’ve always made it a point to find the closest Anthropologie store on any trip to the US, knowing that – even if my budget did not allow much take-home shopping – the experience and the eye candy would always be inspiring.

Oakville recently joined the ranks of a small but growing number of Canadian stores opened by Anthropologie. Part of the brilliance of the brand is found in the uniqueness of each of their locations, as there is always something new to discover with each store you visit. This is driven in large part by the artists-in-residence who work with tireless creativity to create a sensory experience that is filled with the joy of discovery at every turn. All of the displays you see are uniquely hand-crafted by these in-house artisans, and I think their work is nothing short of inspiring.

Remember last week’s post about the colour Tangerine Tango? These sail garlands – hand crafted out of reclaimed paper from old books and magazines – were painted in this succulent blood orange colour and then strung from the ceiling to create beautiful light-play with the sunlight pouring in from the massive windows. Wouldn’t this make a delightful installation behind a headboard in a bedroom? I’d forever be dreaming of sailing into the sunset…

One of my favourite displays can be seen right as you walk into the store. Hand-died cotton has been cut into wave patterns and then stitched into this engaging, textured backdrop to showcase the apparel and home furnishings at the front of the store. I feel as if I’m adrift on an azure sea just looking at it!

Wouldn’t this make a beautiful canvas somewhere in your home? I think we’ll have to attempt something like this for an upcoming Make Something Monday.

I just love how this art installation leads the eye to the texture study of this geometric-cut-fabric-backed settee at the front of the store.

This stunning, wood and tiled staircase leads upstairs, drawing you further into the curated bazaar of beautiful things awaiting your discovery.

Tomorrow I will share with you some of the delightfully unexpected furniture pieces I found there on a recent visit. Anthropologie really is a treasure-trove of opportunity and inspiration. Can’t wait to share more tomorrow!

xo
s.

By Sarah Walker The Curated House|June 25th, 2012|0 Comments

STITCHING TOGETHER HOPE

I love me a good redemptive story – the kind where someone is written off and then comes through as the hero at the end of it all, or where someone overcomes all the odds to find beauty and meaning in the midst of what everyone else just thought was hopeless. Those are the kinds of movies that leave me a weepy, happy mess. So when I heard about this amazing company and their beautiful products, I just knew I had to share them with you.

Sari Bari is a business that operates out of India, upcycling old saris in the most amazing and inspiring way. (Remember those incredible upcycled sari rugs I showed you last week? Sensing a theme?) The mission of Sari Bari is to offer freedom to women who are vulnerable to trafficking and trapped in the sex trade. They provide these women with employment in a safe, loving, restorative environment. They are then trained and treated as artisans, creating beautiful, truly one-of-a-kind, sustainable handmade products which are a profound metaphor for their own lives. Once discarded and treated as worthless, they are also being transformed back into something of great beauty and worth. Each piece is as unique as the amazing woman creating it.

Their technique comes from an ancient Bengali art form known as Kantha, meaning “old cloth.” In the traditional kantha style, five layers of used saris are sewn together with a single running stitch to make a quilted blanket. In Bengali tradition, such blankets are passed on as heirlooms to future generations.

Each woman has her own unique style and stitch, making each piece an original work of art. Of course – given the natural properties of silk – the blankets are also delightfully light, remarkably warm and incredibly soft. What a great way to infuse some inspiration into your home through the spectacular colours and patterns used! Once each blanket is finished, the women “sign” their pieces with their name, a mark of pride and identity. Now show me a product that is beautiful, functional and filled with a story of inspiration and hope and I’m IN! Hope you find yourselves inspired as well.

xo
s.

By Sarah Walker The Curated House|June 20th, 2012|1 Comment