Gina Garner

Gina Garner: I was born in a small fishing village by the Baltic Sea, in East Prussia (Germany).  During the war, my mother, sister and I were forced to flee our home and relocate to East Germany.  When my father was released from prison camp in Siberia, Russia, we planned our escape to West Germany.

I have painted since I was a small child, influenced by my father, a master woodcarver and watercolorist.  I would accompany him on painting expeditions to small farm villages in East Germany.  While living in East Germany I was trained as a topographic draftsman.  My first job, after escaping to West Germany, was hand painting greeting cards for a German card company.

After immigrating to the United States, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Utah, focusing on Anthropology, The Applied Arts, Art History, and in particular, the Italian Renaissance.   Each year, my husband and I, travel to various regions of the world, bringing back new ideas and many Old World techniques.  With the renewed interest in decorative painting finishes, I now devote much of my time teaching workshops at our local college and teaching classes to designers, professional painters and private individuals.

In 2004, I designed a kitchen for a local attorney.  When we searched for hand painted tiles they were not available.  Those from Europe were too expensive mostly because shipping had become prohibitive.  So I decided that I would learn and teach myself how to paint ceramic tiles.  It was not that difficult and with a ceramic shop willing to fire my tiles, owning a kiln was not so important.

I have since traveled to Italy, Holland, France and Belgium and I have made it a point to learn and paint ceramics with several fine maiolica (or majolica) painters of Europe.  For the past 4 years, I have painted with Professor Nicola Boccini and Maestro Romano Ranieri of Deruta, Italy, one of the major centers of Maiolica production.

My husband Gene and I live in a small artist/farming community of central Utah. After many years of travel to Italy and studying the work of Andrea Palladio and his country villas in the Veneto, Italy, we decided to build an Italian inspired small villa in the middle of an alfalfa field.  Here is where we tend our fields and gardens and take care of the many animals that have adopted us. We designed every phase and did a lot of the physical work, such as laying all of the marble and I did all of the wall finishes, including gilding and marbling.  Several years ago, a Hollywood film company filmed our house.  We were awarded first place in International Design an in addition, an award winning Magazine featured our house in a 13-page spread.

Central Hall

Front Facade

The incredible views along their pond.

Where do you see ceramic design heading in the future?

We traveled to Deruta, Italy, only a few months ago. Things have changed. No one was visiting Deruta, one of the major centers for hand painted ceramics.  Ceramics are expensive and because of their weight, shipping is very expensive. U.S. companies are not importing  for those same reasons. The more than 600-year-old ceramic industry of Italy is suffering. Artists are looking for solutions and they are also looking for employment in other industries. I’m afraid, that at least for now, a very old tradition is losing its fine artists.

What are some of your favorite color and/or product combinations you’ve seen?

I’m no Minimalist. I like living with  objects and art which we have acquired from our travels. I love color. Not garish colors. The kind of colors designer John Saladino chooses for his interiors…the lavender that is almost gray and the green that reminds one of the foaming ocean. The charming and warm interiors designed by Charles Faudree hold just about the right amount of  exuberance. I like classic designs and I love to mix the humble with the splendid. Too much is not enough has always been my motto.

What are some of the most wonderful materials you’ve come across?

Italian powder pigments, which I bring back from Italy, provide color and an intensity that is quite remarkable. While taking lessons in Belgium, I was introduced to a product, Peptapon. It is made in Germany and acts as a binder with ceramic powder pigments. It is a product that prevents the smearing of pigment.

What artist would you like to commission to create a work of art for your home?

That’s easy. An Italian artist and mural painter who lives in Calistoga, California by the name of Carlo Marchiori.

What one existing book or movie title describes your life?

Actually it is a piece of Music from an opera by Verdi, Nabucco, the Slave Chorus.  Not because I see myself as a slave but because the music has just the right amount of  highs and lows, which describes my life perfectly.

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Such an incredible life. Her artistry is sublime, no? Speaking of sublime, I’d also love to commission Carlo Marchiori! Interestingly enough, I found out via Art’s the Answer that the architects who designed Carlo Marchiori’s Ca’Toga also designed Gina’s home. Very nice! Gina does have a wonderful, refined and warm way about her — it truly reflects in her colorful work and in the blog posts she writes. She also sells her work via eBay and her Etsy shop, Maiolica, and explains that, “I have found a niche for a product that has not been imported in the last few years.  There are only a handful of  tile companies who will import special orders”. Every year, her town of Spring City, Utah is “open” to the public and they have several fine artists living in the small community with visitors coming from far and wide to purchase art. Sounds like an amazing way to live life!  Thank you, Gina, for sharing your life and artistry with us. Have a wonderful day, everyone!

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Annie Sloan

We’ve written about one of her books before as well as her popular Chalk Paint line.  Today, we spend time with the fun-loving woman behind the business.  “I was in art school for 7 years and then in a band for 2 and then I was a journalist for a year before deciding I wanted to paint paint paint. The band was pretty exciting and we did a lot of very cool things – we made a film in Berlin and performed with Roxy Music among others.  David Bowie used to love us and Mick Jagger came to see us perform.  But this is all a LONG time ago. My youngest Hugo is a singer and will be touring with his solo project, Chad Valley, this summer in the States.”  Intrigued?  Let’s learn more…

What are some of the best designed spaces you’ve seen in your travels?

I like organic growth very much so I do love the randomness of an English village or a Mediterranean town, with higgledy piggledy lanes and big and large houses pushed together on top of each other.  We also visited Seville a few years back and went to the Alcázar, the Moorish eleventh century palace.  That is one of the most relaxing and stunning places I’ve ever seen with a mix of Muslim and Christian design that is both breathtaking and inspiring.   It was great to see a culture that allowed both to flourish.

Where do you see decorative painting heading in the future?

I think it will become more integrated into the rest of interior decoration – there will be more interior decoration shops, vintage shops, more recycling, upcycling and repurposing.  Modern Country will be a new look – colours will be lighter and brighter and the French look will continue to be popular.  There will also be a lot more DIY.

Who are some of your inspirations?

Duncan Grant and the rest of the Bloomsbury group at the Charleston farmhouse in Sussex in the south  of England – a stroke of genius I think!  David Hicks, English decorator who was big in the 1960/70s – the ‘haute couleur’ of home décor!  Coco Chanel, too – simple classic sensitive style. No fuss chateau chic!

List five (5) hobbies that sound fun.

Gardening, orienteering,  singing, canoeing and  playing a musical instrument.

What one existing book or movie title describes your life?

Eyes Wide Shut.  Not the film itself, just love the title as it sort of describes how we go through life thinking we know what’s going on but….  Also, Sense and Sensibility would be how I hope I have lived my life…ha!

One of the sensibly beautiful techniques she teaches in her books.

Which artist would you like to commission to create a work of art for your home?

O goodness what a delight!  It would have to be David Hockney.

Any books on the design or art industry that you recommend for us to read?

Probably Charleston – a Bloomsbury House and Garden by Quentin Bell and Virginia Nicholson.  It is something well-known to British readers but not so well known to the US.

What’s the best piece of professional advice you have received?

There are enough things against you in life so make certain you stay friends with everyone in the industry. We need to work together not against each other.

What photo or picture really moves you?

So many pieces but the last piece I really was inspired by deeply was in the Picasso Museum in Paris – he worked with pink and browns yellow and purples – difficult weird colours and made them look splendid. He apparently found colour very difficult so it is inspiring how he worked first with neutrals then he worked through his blue and pink periods then with a mix of colours. I love his JOY of expression, too.

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I think Annie has a definite joy in expression as well — and you know I love the advice to work together, not against each other.  Please do take a moment to check out her informative website to learn more about her company, product and books.  She also has a Facebook page and a Twitter stream.  Did you find out something new about this industry icon?  I think her five chosen hobbies sounded pretty cool and I loved her suggestions…  Have a great weekend, dear Readers!

What are some of your personal favorite designs and styles?

Well the whole “modern movement” has been a bit rough for me because I’m a classics girl, all the way! There is SUCH a rich history of centuries of pattern that has been beautifully cataloged in design books, and I have tried to buy all of them!

A small portion of her bookshelf...

The classic forms and shapes of ornament that developed independently all over the world all come from nature and I believe that they speak to us at a deeper, more personal level and are a part of our collective creative souls. Other design trends come and go like fashion fads, but we keep coming back to the classics. You can see evidence of this in all the design magazines and blogs. Can I get an AMEN that the whole stripped-down, chilly modern look is fading away!  (Fauxology Note: AMEN!)

(above) Celestial Turkish Emblems, Tooled Leather, Fortuny Silk and Foiled Again (below)

The great thing about what we do is that we can recreate classic styles for artistic contemporary applications. I love using pattern as just one ingredient of surface decoration, and combining it with texture, patina, light reflection, color, etc. This is where we can really use our individual creativity and artistic exploration.

I am not so much into historical recreation…

…as historical reinterpretation.

When I am looking through classic pattern books or reference material, my eye sees an image of a pattern, but my mind is racing ahead to place it into a context that contains all the possible surface and combination of materials I might use to create a unique effect with it. I have always thought of stencils as just an ingenious means to and end; a simple tool to create a unique, artistic surface.

With my love of classic, European design, I am feeling super fortunate that I was approached this year by the licensing director for The Hearst Castle Collection to develop a series of Royal Design Studio stencils and Modello masking patterns from the extensive library of pattern and design that can be found at Hearst Castle. For me, this is like a beautiful gift! Hearst Castle is filled with exquisite antique ceilings rescued from palaces, villas, churches and monasteries from Spain and France, and I have access to the architectural drawings of the prolific Julia Morgan.

We will be offering both single layer and multi-layer (theorem-style) versions of the designs, as they lend themselves to some more intricate and ornate pattern work. I will be introducing these designs at the upcoming IDAL convention and also on my painting trip to Barcelona in June, where the students there will be the first to use them as we complete several complex panel samples during our stay in a former monastery just outside of the city.

I have also always loved Arabic and Moorish decoration and been heavily influenced by the 3 painting trips I have led to Marrakech, Morocco. To me, these are also classic patterns and I love the spiritual geometry behind the pattern development. The complex, interlacing designs have a special way of drawing you in, and they seem to have a universal appeal as well. I’ll be leading a fourth (and probably last) trip back to Marrakech this coming October.

Click here to view the embedded video.

It is a very special, inspiring place, especially for those who appreciate art and beauty the way that decorative artisans do. Being able to experience other countries and cultures with and through the eyes of fellow artists has been such a gift and blessing in my life that I am very grateful for.

Do you believe in destiny or choice?

Both. I believe that we are all here to serve and work towards a higher path and purpose, but WE make choices every hour of the day that affect how we travel quickly or with what degree of difficulty we travel on that path. Sometimes our choices lead us to detour and dead ends, but what we learn on those side trips helps guide us later on down the road. Or at least that’s the hope! I think the trick is to try to learn from our mistakes (which are really valuable lessons), but not to dwell on them. I try to live in the now but my focus is definitely always on what’s coming over the horizon!

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Good words to live by! I do hope you have enjoyed our two-part chat with Melanie Royals.  Please be sure to also check out her Facebook Fan page for Modello Designs and Royal Design Studio as well as her Twitter profile.  Her blog, Design Amour, is a fantastic read and she does posts videos frequently on her YouTube page.  A big Thank You! to Melanie for e-chatting with us and sharing her story, insights and more about her businesses.  I hope you’ve been inspired as you go into the weekend!

The above is the shortened bio of one of the most prolific artists in our industry.  Chances are high that you know the name Melanie Royals, or at the very least, her incredible businesses.  A few years ago, I met her when I took a class in her lovely studio.  We’ve kept in touch since then, from e-mailing to showcasing at trade shows to attending a blog conference together.  She has been blessed with an almost otherworldly creative sense as well as keen business and marketing insights — a rare combination.  In person?  Witty, insightful and a girl’s girl — plus, one of the most fun people you could possibly spend time with.  Seriously — I’ve had tears streaming down my eyes in laughter from her stories!  We had an e-chat recently for Fauxology and I hope you enjoy both her story and insights over the next two days. We start today with her beginnings and inspirations and conclude tomorrow with all that’s coming up for her (and for us!).  Let’s dig in…

It’s been said that all incredible journeys start with one step.  How did yours begin?

I actually started on this journey with a trip to New England in 1983. We went to some historic places, like Sturbridge Village where I saw examples of historic New England stenciling. It wasn’t until we hit the Boston Museum of Art, though, where I picked up the book The Art of Decorative Stenciling by Adele Bishop and Cile Lord that the whole thing clicked for me. That book was filled with stenciled images that made me HAVE to learn how to stencil!

There were some more simplistic designs for sure, but it was the photos of intricately detailed and shaded furniture and floor screens that I kept going back to. They just looked so magical to me! I discovered that they were achieved with “theorem-style” stencils, where different parts of the design are cut on different layers. When all of the layers are completed, you end up with an image that looks as if it could have been hand painted, because there are no bridges or broken areas in the design.

I poured over the book, and spent many hours at my dining room table drawing and redrawing designs and then cutting them by hand with a Stanley knife! Unfortunately, these amazing artistic and pioneering women worked long before the digital age, and all that I can now find about them online is a photo of a very “now” stenciled graphic floor by Cile Lord in a House Beautiful magazine spread from 1970 and Adele’s obituary from 1996. It’s sad to think that two women who truly had a great affect on the resurgence of stenciling in this country and a lot of what we do today are not being properly honored, remembered or respected as they deserve to be.

In the late 80’s I was contacted by a very eccentric retired interior designer who had just move from Connecticut, named Evelyn Tasch. Evelyn had actually worked quite a bit with Adele Bishop and Cile Lord (Bishop & Lord) on residential and commercial projects in and around New York City. She even had some of their original pieces in her home, which amazed and intimidated me to no end! She had a vision and style like no other, and working with her over two of her houses fortunately pushed me to think outside the box along with her. I think that the challenges she presented me with (and she WAS challenging) had a huge effect on shaping my approach to pattern to this day.

What are some misconceptions about stencils and stenciling that you encounter?

Ha! I could write a whole book on that subject alone. Sadly, it seems that classic, oft-repeated misconception about stencils (that it’s all about crafty ducks and bunnies) has existed for almost 30 years now. Seriously! Those types of designs were popular for about 1 year back in the 80’s and people either overlook, or don’t have the knowledge, that stencils have been used elegantly and artistically for 1,000’s of years by both primitive and advanced cultures all over the world! I wrote a blog post on Design Amour just recently about a wonderful new book, Walls: The Best of Decorative Treatments, by Florence de Dampierre. Amazingly, it has a WHOLE chapter devoted to the extensive history of decorative painting. I was thrilled to see the poor, lowly stencil get its just due, finally! I highly recommend it as required reading. Of course, the stenciling photos are divine as well.

Another misconception I’ve heard over the years is that using stencils is “cheating” somehow. As if it’s an art “test”?! Of course, there are all kinds of mechanical means for transferring pattern, such as pounce patterns (used by the Renaissance artists), tracing, and projecting. Stencils are just a different, friendly tool for pattern transferring-with benefits, as you can create the transfer with paint in one fell swoop, or swirl, of the brush.

I don’t think that misconception is as common now as it was back in the day before stencils and decorative finishes became as integrated as they are now. There WAS a time when people drew lines in the sand as to whether they were stencilers, faux finishers or muralists. I am really proud to have been involved in that line blurring. I took one of The Finishing School’s first classes here in San Diego using the “new” finishing line from Faux Effects back in the 90’s. I took my activated glaze samples home and applied my new Damask and Free Form Fruits stencils to them. When I took them back to class the next day everyone went crazy over them. Bob Marx then asked me to develop a class to teach at TFS in New York and Extraordinary Stenciled Effects was born! Some notable students from that first class were Sean Crosby and Randy Ingram. After that I traveled extensively, teaching stenciled finishes at Faux Effects schools until I finally developed The Extraordinary Stenciled Effects home study program of videos, technique manual, and recipe cards.

One special thing that I have seen over the years is that stencils can be a gateway for beginning budding artists to grow and blossom in their skills. Stenciling can help ignite a passion for color, form, pattern and design.  I have seen many decorative painters start with stencils, and then go on to become highly skilled trompe l’oeil or mural artists once they discover their own innate skills and enthusiasm for decorative art.

Where do you see pattern and design headed in the future?

Well, the good news is that pattern is currently BACK in a big way and a whole new generation of young, trend-setting decoristas are discovering stencils as the hottest, “newest” thing! Can decorative finishes be far behind? I see the whole “glaze craze”, crackled finishes, distressing, etc. cycling through again-but with twists!  I think that this is a really important time for our industry to seize the moment and the conversation in this amazing digital Web 2.0 environment.

Unfortunately, many decorative painters, companies and organizations are on their heels with their backs to the wall from the housing bust and the ongoing recession, but I think that there is going to be a lot of opportunity in the future for artisans and companies who are willing and able to hang on and to rethink, re-strategize, and reposition themselves.

Beyond stenciling and decorative painting, I am most pleased with what we have been able to accomplish and offer with the introduction of our Modello decorative masking patterns 8 years ago. Trying to convince people to consider a one-time-use, custom pattern over a reusable, mylar stencil was a super tough sell for several years, but they have now become an industry standard. It’s been really gratifying to see the amazing work, artistic work our customers have done with our patterns. It was such a thrill to be able to honor THEM with our two Modello by Design books.

From flooring to walls to ceilings…Modellos make an impact.  Artists (clockwise from top left): Utah’s Metamorphosis, Nancy Jones, Jason Lucas and Lynn Smith

(cont.)  I think where Modello patterns continue to shine is for taking complex patterns and making them “doable” in a way that is time efficient, yet allows for over the top artistry and execution. I think a great, classic painted ceiling or wood floor can be an “heirloom” that gets passed down through generations of homeowners. Heirloom decorative painting. Now, there’s a nice thought!

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Heirloom decorative painting — I’ll always like the sound of that!  I hope you’ve enjoyed Part 1 of our 2-part interview.  Tomorrow, we talk a bit more about her design leanings, her affinity for “historical reinterpretation” and see what is coming up (Hearst Castle, anyone?).  Please come back to read more — and of course, see more gorgeous images.  Have a wonderful day!

So, I’m listing all our regular series and features to let you know how to submit your artistry, your products, your studios…

1) Portrait of an Artist – This series focuses on artists around the world with extraordinary work. If you’d like a chance to share your story, please send 3 – 4 photos of your work and website link with the subject line: Portrait of an Artist. The two requirements are that you have a website and that you work professionally in the decorative painting industry.

2) Faux-cus on the Pros – This series focuses on anyone involved in the design industry who’d like to share their artistry, products and/or services. The two requirements are that you have a website and that you be involved within the design industry. Past profiles have included Interior Designers, Social Media Mavens, Wallcovering Artisans, Photographers, Product and Stencil Manufacturers. Let’s add you to the list! Please send your website link with the subject line: Faux-cus on the Pros.

3) Spotlight on Studios – This series focuses on showcasing innovative studios within the decorative painting industry. Have a super-cool class with finishes we must see? Incredible Master Artisans teaching at your place? Send your studio info along with the subject line Spotlight on Studios. The two requirements are that you have a website and that you have a current schedule of workshops available. [...and btw, do you know about the Faux Calendar? Very cool for you as well. Ok, moving along...]

4) The Deets – This brand-new series (debuting soon!) focuses on the innovative, wonderful products and tools in our industry. Do you have cool ones to share with our Readers? Please send your website and a quick synopsis of your product with the subject line: The Deets. This is not an interview series or to necessarily showcase an entire product line but rather a beautiful, quick way to share what a particular product is and what it does.

5) Blog Beat – Have a blog that you think is amazing? Let us know about it! It does need to be updated regularly (at least a few times per month) and be of interest to our readership — those are the requirements!  Subject line: Blog Beat.

6) Special Projects – Is there a special project you have that you know should be featured?  A restaurant, a hotel or an incredible room in a wonderful residence?  If it’s a gem of a commission, we want to know…and, of course, share your artistry and company with everyone.  Subject line: Special Projects.

The e-mail address is Submissions@Fauxology.com

Of course, you can always submit compliments — those are welcome, too! If you have a complaint, send that along with the subject line “You’re Gonna Need Some Coffee for This”. Please note that not all submissions will be chosen for publishing but I daresay you, dear Readers, will share many fantastic discoveries. These get booked up months in advance so I just want you to be aware of that, mmm-kay? An effort is made to respond to all e-mails but know that it might take a bit of time as well. Thank you — and have a great day!

Our Faux-cus on the Pros series profiles inspiring people in related design trades. As a fellow studio owner, I want to not only provide lovely design posts but also share valuable business advice as well. Today, both are accomplished as Leslie Carothers shares her background, talks about social media and relays a very special encounter of her own.

Leslie Carothers

How did you venture down this career path?

I have always loved furniture and design, but thought I was going to have a corporate career as my degree was in management. Once I graduated from college, I did become involved in a corporate career – first with Dun & Bradstreet, then within the securities industry and finally working as VP of Investor Relations for a large company in California. Due to a combination of factors, I found myself in Houston, TX. I went to work (for what I thought would be a short period of time until another Investor Relations job opened) at Roche Bobois. I loved working around such luxurious and beautiful furniture, though, and stayed 10 years! After this, I was recruited by Cantoni Design where I worked for 6 more years as their Senior Designer and was fortunate enough to design some of the finest residences in Houston and have my design work featured several times on TV and in the Houston Chronicle.

I had also always loved the Internet and was intensely curious about it. Even back this many years ago, I was sure it was going to change how furniture retailing worked. However, no one else believed me…then.

Along came Sept. 11, 2001. The day that changed my world and of so many others. I thought, “If I don’t start my own business now, it will be too late.” I wanted to sink or swim on my own so I formed The Kaleidoscope Partnership in July, 2002. I wrote a 64-page training manual about how to use design in the retail sales process and started out doing sales training for retailers, reps and manufacturers. I also made it my business to get to know every supplier or Internet-related service to the furniture industry. I trained for 36 retailers around the country and my business flourished. My clients were getting more and more interested in all things web and the questions about the Internet kept increasing over dinners!

With the advent of my father’s death in 2005, I regrouped and moved to Florida to be closer to my mother. I stopped traveling so much and stepped back to look through my personal kaleidoscope to see a fresh perspective. Sometimes you are in that spot of transformation or what seems like a holding pattern until your next move reveals itself. I knew for sure that my next step was going to be related to the web as that was my real passion. Not long after this came an offer related to the web that brought me to Minnesota. I ended up loving Minnesota and then came the perfect new tools and way of doing business that allowed me to use my management skills, my sales and sales training skills, my furniture and design knowledge: Social Media!

I have had the joy of working in social media now (and only within the furniture and design industries) and helping TKP’s clients understand how to use it to impact the bottom line of their businesses. It is the most fun I’ve ever had and I am so blessed that I am now able to use my skills in a way that can help connect the dots for the entire ecosystem of the industry in order to create opportunities not only for our clients, but for others, too.

What do you think is the best thing that’s happened to the furniture and design industry as a result of using social media?

The best thing that’s happened is collaboration, learning and the speed at which work can get done. The furniture and design industry for a very long time has been hyper competitive and none to keen on working together. That is changing. Retailers and manufacturers are learning how to work with bloggers. Bloggers are learning what retailers and manufacturers need from them. Designers are collaborating together because they are realizing how much they have to learn from each other and that they have complimentary skill sets. There is a huge mesh taking place between traditional media- magazines, newspapers, television and designers.

It’s all about listening and, for the first time, the tools are available that are able to help the different stakeholders in our industry listen to each other…and respond…in real time and fast. Learning is taking place much, much faster.

For instance, one of our clients is Cargill, the largest privately held company in the US. Their BiOH polyols division produces a soy polyol ingredient that replaces a portion of the all oil derived polyol currently used in flexible foam. When you see a cushion or mattress that contains soy, it is more than likely being made with BiOH polyols ingredient. In 2010, we implemented a very successful social media campaign for them called Project UDesign which was an international contest to crowdsource the first eco wing chair in the history of the furniture and design industry. The campaign involved 3 other partners, Savannah College of Art and Design, Century Furniture and Toray Ultrasuede. The campaign generated 4500 contest votes on the BiOH FB Page, 19 non-sponsored blogs were written, over 10 million impressions on the BiOH brand were created via Twitter and thanks to our Editorial PR partner, Leslie Newby, we had hundreds of pieces of media coverage. Ryland Quillen, the crowd’s winner, will receive royalties on every chair that is sold. He is now an official furniture designer for Century Furniture and his chair, Alifair, will become a permanent part of Century’s line up.

Are there any books you recommend for us — both business and design — to look into?

The book I recommend for understanding what is possible with social media is Engage by Brian Solis. The book I recommend for understanding what is possible with social media and furniture and design hasn’t been written – yet.

The best book I read in 2010 about furniture and design was Barbra Streisand’s book about her home building process,My Passion for Design. If every homeowner and designer read this, they would learn so much about what it takes to create an extraordinary interior. You may not like her taste, but that’s not the point. The book is FULL of very, very useful information. Finally, the most beautiful book on design in 2010 was, in my opinion, Carolyne Roehm’s A Passion for Interiors.

Leslie, tell me about your most cherished social media experience.

In early 2009, I met Kathy Ireland on Twitter and we struck up a conversation in 140 about the importance of social media to retailers. I was shocked that I was actually getting to tweet with Kathy in real time as she and I had had no previous contact . Shortly after that conversation, I was invited to Maui to speak to retailers attending the annual conference for the Western Home Furnishings Association about social media.

When Kathy found out I was going to Maui (because she saw my tweets about it !) this is what she did – which still amazes me to this day since we had never met in person and she just knew me from Twitter. She offered to have me picked up at my hotel in a limousine, treated to dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House (where I was personally waited on by a dear friend of hers that works there) and then taken back to my hotel in that same limousine. I felt like a princess and couldn’t believe that Twitter alone had brought this wonderful event into my life from someone as famous as Kathy! I was glowing for days afterwards that such a true kindness had been shown to me from someone I had never met face to face.

I ventured to think that maybe, just maybe, she might be willing to be my honored guest speaker later in 2009 when I was invited by World Market Center Las Vegas to be their featured speaker with respect to social media and retailers. I was nervous but I asked Kathy publicly via Twitter (she asks that all requests of her be made publicly and not via DM) if she would consider it. To my utter amazement and genuine delight she said *YES!*

It was a red letter day in my professional life when I had the honor of introducing Kathy to the delighted audience of retailers who hung on her every word when she shared her heartfelt story about her business and the role that Twitter and social media were playing in Kathy Ireland Worldwide.

I will never forget that Kathy Ireland, the most successful CEO in the furniture industry (she owns a 1.3 billion dollar company that she started from absolute scratch!) bent down to lift me up and help me in this manner with no expectations of anything in return. Her outreach and kindness were genuine, there was no ulterior motive (she didn’t ask for anything at all and she wasn’t then and isn’t now a client) and to this day I look up to her as an example of a business woman that understands the true meaning of the word Mentor.

All of this was created through 140 character tweets…yeah, those little sentences that have no value… where all people talk about is food and what movie they saw last night.

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Social Media is a force with a powerful reach, especially in our design industry. Knowing how to wrangle it can increase your business success exponentially. Please note that you can follow Leslie on Twitter and be sure to check both The Kaleidoscope Partnership website and its Facebook page. Leslie bridges her true passion with incredible personal gifts — a knack for bringing the world together, so to speak, and consistently providing wonderful information to that world. I’m glad to be a part of it. (…and I hope she does write that book on social media that hasn’t yet been written…) Thank you, Leslie…and much continued success to you.

They are also incredibly engaging — she is easily one of my favorite people to interact with on Twitter. (Why, oh why, didn’t we meet? Curses!) As we are wont to do, we talked online and that led to a chat about their company, their beautiful artistry and being inspired by your bills.

Megan and Gregg Deal of Modern Bird Studios

Modern Bird Studios — tell us about the awesomeness.

Megan: Modern Bird Studios started 4 years ago, but we didn’t even know it had started 4 years ago because we weren’t in a place to even consider it nor did the thought ever cross our minds. Gregg created a piece, Modern Bird style, of our daughter when she was a few months old that still hangs in our house. It has hung in our house ever since, and yet, never, at any moment, had we ever considered making the leap and creating a business around the concept. We launched in January of this year (2010) after my husband was laid off from his design job in September, 2009. We had nothing to lose so we put all of our chips in…for the WIN! Boom.

Gregg: This whole thing was bound to happen. I am an infinitely better artist than graphic designer. I’m happier like this too. I am more fulfilled doing this than anything else. More than that, my wife supports me. I mean, really supports me. Like, believes in me. We’re here because of circumstance, sure, but we’re also here because we support each other. So while it’s about standing up in a crap situation like losing your job and giving it the finger, its also about sharing something with your family in the best way possible. Love, support and broken dreams….on the mend.

What are some misconceptions about your industry that you encounter?

Megan: The biggest one is ‘oh, that’s a photoshop job.’ Yes, there is a digital step within the Modern Bird process, but I’m not aware of any function within photoshop that paints it onto wood for you. These aren’t printed out on canvas either. They are handmade, using a mask, very labor and time intensive, taking hours for each piece to be created and finished.

Gregg: Yeah, that is pretty frustrating to me sometimes. People say that all the time “I could do that” and the truth is, they haven’t. They’re not. The process is similar to other things, but it’s just not the same, and not what you think it is. To cheapen it with a broad statement like “I could do that” is insulting. I challenge anyone to try. The process that I’ve developed here is very in depth. My heart and soul is what you see when you see a final piece.

Megan: The other misconception is that art is a hobby and not something we can live off of. We are doing everything in our power not to be a starving artist family. Starving sucks. The economy proved to us that a more practical career path isn’t more practical than art.Thanks crap economy for helping the impractical become practical.

Gregg: What a trip, huh? Art, in our house, has gone from being a commodity to a necessity. It is literally the only way money comes into our house.

In the Studio

Sometimes it takes a lifetime to make something look effortless — and not listening to those who dismiss the work with the “I could do that”. Where do you see your artistry heading in the future?

Megan: I see Gregg pushing boundaries, using innovative and unexpected mediums, doing more shows, and getting his name on the artistic map. I see him creating controversy, ruffling feathers, maybe offending some. Yeah, it’s going to be fun.  Oh, and we’ll have a lot more money in the bank.

Gregg: I see hover boards, flying cars and shoes that lace up by themselves. Oh, and the stuff Meg said.

What jumpstarts your creativity or inspires you?

Megan: My biggest inspirations are my mortgage, my utility bills, all my other bills and my family. But mostly my family. That’s why we peddle hard around here! I love watching the whole evolution of each piece that Gregg creates. I’m not an artist, but I do have artsy tendencies, and it is cool to be able to brainstorm with Gregg about new ideas and directions we can take Modern Bird in. It’s cool that I’m not bored by it. THAT is inspiring right there.

Gregg: My wife is a realist. I’ve always been the dreamer. The guy trying to find new ways to eff stuff up in a successful way? That’s me. So, that said, I have a lot of inspirations. Contemporary artists like James Luna, Matthew Barney, Mike Giant, Banksy, Damien Hirst and such. But it’s also music, films, photography. I’m inspired and moved by everything. Lately, it’s been my kids. Particularly my daughter. It could be that I can get the girl to do anything I want, but she is just a great subject. I’m inspired by everything, motivated by my family. Word.

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Aren’t they great? I love how personal and fun their website is — a perfect reflection of their personalities. Megan and Gregg also have a Facebook Page as well as a very cool blog. Please be sure to visit their website, Modern Bird Studios, to see their beautiful modern sensibilities. Thank you both for your time — and I hope you’ve enjoyed this, dear Readers! See you tomorrow!

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Tracy Hiner

“I have no freaking idea how I started this career path, I stumbled into it ass backwards kind of,” she starts. “I started by studying fashion and textile design. I even studied for a year in Paris and I ended up with a short term job in Los Angeles doing textile designs for Jeremy Scott. He would use digitally printed designs so we weren’t always limited to repeating patterns. The amazingness of that didn’t really sink in at the time. I then worked a while in Fashion and soon found myself working for a Decorative Art company as a designer of the digital prints they sold. I worked with the VP of Sales and was given an overall crash course in business and manufacturing. I was given a lot of freedom and a lot of responsibility working with large clients. When that company decided to move out of state, I decided to find another job that gave me that same freedom — I would give it to myself! I took everything I had learned over the years and combined it with my obsession with everything I see and thought it would look a million times better HUGE and on a wall. It all just came together and I launched my company.”

Q: How do you go about creating new designs to offer?
A: Sometimes I see something while I’m out and it jumpstarts an idea. I try to write ideas down or sketch them in one of my notebooks. I can be inspired by anything from art to fashion to the way the sun is breaking through the clouds, really it can be anything. Usually I have kind of a mood I am trying to create rather than a specific design. I play around with shapes and colors and textures until it starts to take shape. Sometimes it doesn’t work and it’s a total flaming disaster, but when it does it usually is really cool.

Q: If you could have an alternate job for a month, what would it be?
A: I would like to work with Kelly Cutrone because that woman is a force like I have never seen. I’d like working with her, not the Reality TV type of working.

Q: Where do you see your industry heading in the future?
A: Technology is advancing so quickly in printing and software and I am super excited to see where it goes! I hope certain things get cheaper to produce so they are more affordable for the clients. There are a ton of things I can do, but they are a little too pricey for your average and even above average customers. One thing I have been dying to do with someone is we can print on wood (and it looks sooooo cool) and cut out around the shape of the design. I want to find someone that wants to do an install of these wood cutouts that will be so amazing and flowing across a wall. I want [it all] to be more accessible to everyone (even myself!).

Q: What have been some of the most positive and/or fulfilling projects you’ve been involved with?
A: I am donating wallpaper for the Downtown Women’s Center here in Los Angeles that is just amazing. They have small apartments for single women that are living in the roughest area of LA  skid row. They have day beds for women and serve 3 meals a day to women. They have a place to sleep to get off the streets and have a quiet place to rest. They also have job training programs and a free health center that not only does mental health and checkups but mammograms, too. I didn’t know how much they did for so many until after I started the project.  It just amazes me and I am so honored to be able to do anything for them.

Q: Do you have a personal design philosophy?
A: I wouldn’t say I have one that I have intellectually thought out and pondered my soul for, but just looking over my stuff I see a theme “bigger is better”! Haha!

Q: Is there a common denominator in your 5 favorite films?
A: They are a bit disturbing and heartbreaking. I tend to like movies that are depressing, powerful and a bit uncomfortable. Requiem For A Dream and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind are tied for my favorite movie ever.

Q: What are some of your favorite websites, blogs and/or message forums on the internet?
A: I will say I don’t like most design blogs because they just take it way too seriously, but I love Design Blahg and Decor Demon because they have the best sense of humor. I love love love Hyperbole and a Half and, of course, Cake Wrecks and other odd ball sites like Awkward Family Photos.

Q: Do you believe in destiny or choice?
A: I believe that certain people come into your life or certain things happen for a reason, but you have to take advantage of it and make the choice that is presented at the time. I don’t believe that every decision you make was already planned.

I believe the same — you’re given certain gifts when born and although you’ll receive help along the way, what you make of those gifts is all up to you. I think Tracy is doing amazing with that! Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed this interview — and isn’t her work incredible?! I thought it would be a fun, colorful way to introduce the weekend. Please be sure to visit the Black Crow Studios site and blog to see and read more. She is also on Twitter and Black Crow Studios has a Facebook Page. Tracy — many thanks for your time and sharing your rockin’ artistry. Have a great one, everybody!

Authentic Environments has won a slew of awards and been widely featured in the media.? Mr. Winget (below) actually traveled around the world as a freelance artist before he began his own company.? Through his travels, he was able to work in large aquariums, major theme parks, zoos and hotels.? He was kind enough to take a bit of time to sit down and chat.

Q: Well, this is not a business one stumbles into by accident.? How did it all begin?
A: There was a company building faux rockwork and one of my first jobs was mixing cement.? I met some good people, especially one man who became my friend and mentor.? He took me with him to do an internship for the next two years at the Mirage in Las Vegas.? He has since passed away.? I learned a lot from him and still miss him greatly.

Q: I’m so sorry to hear that.? You must have received some wonderful guidance and advice from him.
A: The best piece of advice I ever received was? ?Don?t be afraid to try new things.?? You have to push the envelope in this industry.? I would repeat that advice to anyone.

Q: What has been your most creative work?
A: My most creative act so far has been the reproduction of a Roman aqueduct. (See below)

Q: You must use so many tools for this type of work…
A: In a lot of instances, I will make my own tools to create a certain texture.? I have destroyed brooms, fish tape and various thickness of plastics to help me shape cement.? I once cut up a dog’s cone because the plastic was ?just right?.

Q: Any advice for anyone interested in this field?
A: All inspirations are from Nature.? Use references if you are trying to recreate a certain time period.? I refer to landscapes and old man-made ruins and waterfalls to name a few.? Research! Research! Research!

Well, I hope you enjoyed the Authentic Environments interview.? I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who fuses things together to come up with the perfect tool!? Please feel free to look into their informative website.? They even have a cool area where you can see videos of their various commissions.? Have a wonderful weekend!

Aaron: “About 25 years ago, before I moved to Seattle, I remember seeing this really shiny stuff a couple of guys were applying in the entry of a brownstone in Brooklyn. I was on a paint job and that was my first exposure to Venetian Plaster. I think these guys were getting something like $35 per square foot – they were flown in from Italy – and it was very exotic. Everyone was oohing and aahing.” He continues, “Jump forward 25 years. Now, you can buy a reasonable rendition of that shiny stuff at Home Depot. We, however, import lime plasters, shiny and otherwise, from a manufacturer in Italy. You should see the manufacturer’s face when he sees all the distressed finishes we do with his materials – he really can’t believe all the crazy stuff we Americans do with their materials. He’s somewhat horrified I think. It must have something to do with the fact there is so much old world look in their part of the world already. It doesn’t look fancy there, it just looks old and in disrepair.”

Q: What’s hot in plasters?
A: For us, Lime exteriors. Tadelakt showers. Low-sheen interior “Intonachino” lime finishes throughout homes and businesses as an alternative to gypsum and clay based materials. From a design perspective it seems that simpler contemporary finishes are becoming more in demand. I think the distressed look may have peaked a few years ago, though we still teach it and produce it when it’s desired.

Q: Intonachino? Is that a new product?
A: Intonachino is a uniformly rough lime plaster with slight variations in color. It is intended for either interior or exterior surfaces. It is highly breathable, naturally mildew resistant and has an excellent drying capacity.

Q: Why do you prefer lime plasters?
A: Lime plasters are naturally green. Their manufacture is carbon neutral and they contribute to a healthy interior environment. We’ve really been reaching out to the more traditional installers to show them the benefits of working with a lime-based material instead of acrylic or cementitious ones.

Here are some more pics, all courtesy of Stucco Italiano:

Mmmm, that tangerine plaster sample is definitely one of my faves. Aaron shared that they used to do installations but now focus solely on supply and training. Their core customers tend to be paint, plaster and stucco contractors, as well as decorative finishers. However, if you are a DIYer – they do have a one-day course called PIY: Plaster-It-Yourself. I regularly read their blog and follow their exploits on Twitter. One of my very favorite posts on their blog was Fact of Fiction: Five Things You’ve Probably Heard About Venetian Plaster. I hope you get a chance to peruse their informative and recently updated website, Stucco Italiano. Maybe you might even stumble onto their plastering videos. It’s a good site to get lost in. Below, you’ll find a wall in progress and a company pic. I hope you’ve enjoyed our latest Faux-cus on the Pros!

Full Link: www.stuccoitalianoinc.com

Tell us about how it all started, Helen.
My career was fashion, both wearing it and selling it. The Stencil Library was originally an idea that I formed with my husband, Chips. He designed stencils for screen printing and also used them in large scale to create the exciting interiors that were transforming the bar scene in our city nearly thirty years ago. He decorated our home with them in 1981. I did not really know what stencils were until he asked me to cut some for him. I realised how accessible the tool could be for home decoration and no one was making anything like it in the UK. I asked around to see if there might be an outlet for them. The two top interior companies in the city said they would like to sell our stencils. They never did, but their enthusiasm was enough to get us started. We chose mail order as our main sales method so that we could reach a wide audience and have few cash flow issues. Our stencils were hand cut to order and priced accordingly. To help people afford the less simple designs, we offered a hire service. When the stencil was returned promptly and in a suitable condition for re-hire, we would refund half its cost. Hence the name “The Stencil Library”. We started with 250 stencils and now offer four thousand. The collection that we are working on now is fabulous.

Four thousand, wow! Would you be able to pick a favorite design?
My favourite stencil designs are often the ones that we are working on at the moment, but if I had to choose my all time favourites they would be the Chinoiserie panels 1 to 4. They were inspired by handpainted wallpapers at the Royal Palace in Brighton England. We had special permission to visit and photograph the private rooms there. I have used this stencil to decorate one of my guest rooms. I used the same design for the British Interior Design Association show house some years ago. Armourcoat, a UK specialist plaster company stencilled it in polished plaster studded with hundreds of crystals. The effect was sparkly, carved marble and looked delicious. I am fond of the Larger than Life Designer Blossom. It’s a stick and dot design inspired by an Erte graphic from the 1930′s. We have some fabulous patterns formed around dots in our forthcoming collection and I have already chosen a new best friend amongst them.

I do love all the designs you’ve mentioned! What jumpstarts your inspiration?
Half a pint of cappucino with four shots of expresso!

Me, too, Helen! Professionally, who are some of your inspirations?
My inspirations last inspirations last year were fashion designers such as John Galliano and Alexander McQueen and photographer Tim Walker.

Here’s a pic of Helen on the left — wearing her stencilled designs on a mock cover made for her by her husband.? On the right, stencilling wrapping paper.? Her book and company’s DVD are pictured as well.

Are you excited about any cool items you’ve come across?
If we are talking just stencil related stuff, The Gridfinder by The Stencil Library and I’m quite taken by the Mushroom tool from Buon Fresco, the Vele mitt from Adicolor and oh I’m still a fan of The Woolie.

What are some misconceptions that you encounter about stencils?
Unfortunately prejudice against the stencil still exists amongst those that can not see past the gingham duck phase of the late eighties (in the UK the grapevine was ubiquitous). Stencils have been used to replicate pattern for two thousand years, some some of the most fabulous lavish interiors have been created all over the globe with them. Get over the decade of the duck! Vinyl stickers and transfers get mistaken for stencils. We get asked “Can I order my stencil in a different colour?” Another misconception is that the stencil can only be used once.

I’m going to have to use that getting over the duck decade motto, Helen! What other advice would you offer to our readers with regards to stencilling?
Stencils are a tool to help you create lettering and pattern easily. There is a myriad of paints and other mediums that you can use with a stencil to create a wealth of colours and textures. Since the beginning of this century a few pioneering stencil companies have become more daring and varied in their offerings, oversized pattern, bold designs, even graffiti style stencils are available now. Modello Designs has revolutionised the stencilled decoration of ceilings, always a tricky surface. They are doing amazing things with concrete, too. The Stencil Library launched the Big and Bold decorating masks and the Print Room range which combines stencilling and photocopies. I love to see photographs of our customers work as their imagination is inspiring. Magazine stylists come up with some fab applications too. Read blogs to see what is happening out there.

Speaking of blogs, what are some of your favourite websites, blogs or forums on the internet?
I love an evening free to surf blogs and forums. I’m probably just nosey but kid myself that I’m garnering insight into the zeitgeist. Blogs are now the fastest way of getting new stencil related news to an audience, if that is your interest. I would bookmarking some of them such as my own Design Inspiration, this one Fauxology which is one of may faves (and no, I’m not grovelling). I regularly enjoy Design Amour by Melanie Royals and both Stencil Talk and Painter Girl by Carol Leonesio. Carol tells me that she prints pages from these blogs to show to clients and it results in commissions for her. I have learned a lot from being a member of IDAL, not only visiting their annual convention but by conversing on their on line chapters. Thank goodness my TV rarely interests me.

I’d like to thank Helen for her wonderful interview and taking the time to share a bit of herself with us.? It’s a bit American but I’d like to let you know that You Rock!? Here are some pics using the amazing Stencil Library Line.

I LOVE reading blogs — especially design related ones like Design Inspiration. If you don’t read it regularly already, please check it out. The Stencilled Home was one of the very first stencil books I?purchased and still among the very best. I’m happy that they have released a DVD of The Stencilled Home, which includes a tour of their home.? Since?their home is constantly changing, it features designs that were not in the book. It’s the closest thing we have until we holiday in England and visit The Stencil Library shop! I hope you’ve enjoyed our chat with Helen and been inspired to create something magnificent with stencils!

Back then, they talked about their plans to expand that idea to include all artisans by providing a?beautiful and resourceful?website and an info-packed newsletter.? Those?plans have?come to fruition!? Their website has?Class Info, Recipes, Fauxplay Product Reviews, and…oh, just click in to see it all.? (Plus, I looooooooooooooove how on the home page you can click on their shadows and it brings up their bios.? They’re all wearing the same colors, too — very cool. Whoever thought of that idea: kudos!)? If you hurry, you can still enter to win?a beautiful Tapestry Portfauxlio Bag by signing up for their newsletter. The premiere issue?comes out on January 1, 2009…can’t wait to check it out.

I really enjoy being friends with women — I call them the Power Girls — who are all about entrepreneurship, breaking new ground and being forward-thinkers…and still being oh-so-chic and good to others every step of the way.? I find that balance of equal parts generosity and ambition to be very inspiring.? I hope you do, too!

[...although that may go out the door if it's between you and me for that paisley tapestry bag, LOL... =) ]

Reference Site: Sisters Hands -?www.sistershands.com

What is wonderful about Sisters Hands?is that they are planning to continue sharing their decorative painting knowledge.? Their website, recently launched, will soon feature great articles, recipes and a Q&A area.? A newsletter will also launch in the Fall. They will also have product reviews, fun stories and a few more surprises in mind for all.? How cool is that?!?? I’ll definitely be visiting often — I’m going to nominate myself as a long-lost cousin, LOL!

Here’s Part Two of our interview with the “sisters”…

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Professionally, who are some of your inspirations?

Patty Henning?says: Early in my career I was inspired by my first FE Instructor, Julie Robinson,?who opened my world to professional finishing products and just a hint of what could be created with them.? Where else do I find inspiration?? Other creative artists.? Being an avid web user, I have a natural tendency to seek resources there. With so many fellow artists on forums such as Murals Plus or Talk Faux, I find it a great source of inspiration to?see their work, be it a photo of a room just completed or a new finish in the creation phase.? Often, when I feel a connection with an artist’s style, I will check out their website or blog, bookmark it and revisit it in the future.? It’s a great way to get the creative juices flowing.? Professional businesses that offer new and exciting products, tools or design ideas,?such as Royal Design Studio, Modello Designs, and Faux by Kathy motivate me. Lastly, it’s not so much who as a what.?? I love looking through printed literature that focuses on home design and style.? My favorite author is Betty Lou Phillips.? Magazines and books are a great source of inspiration for me, and a great tool to help a client envision just what I can offer for their space.

What is the most positive/fulfilling project you have ever done??

Judy Norman?says: My most positive/fulfilling project I have ever done was working with a designer who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Denise and I had originally met at a local bible study and worked together for several years.? Her cancer had progressed and she had been extremely ill right before Thanksgiving two and one half years ago. I went to visit her when she came home from the hospital and I asked her if there was anything I could do for her thinking she would ask for meals, housecleaning, etc.. She said her 11 year old daughter wanted her room painted and would I have time to do that before Christmas.? I said we need to do something more than just paint and together Denise and I came up with a color scheme for her daughter. I pushed other work to later dates as I was convinced that she would not live?to see Christmas. I gathered the products and went to work painting neon green walls with large black bagged flowers and hot pink centers. I painted the ceiling fan hot pink and used the three colors to create some unusual patterns on the ceiling. Her daughter chose 3 designs from about 10 different samples I had made for her.? I also found a picture frame in hot pink and neon green so she could have a picture of her mom close by. It was such a bright room I imagined the little girl might having some trouble sleeping at night, but she was thrilled with how it turned out and said she sleeps well. Denise wanted to pay me for the room and I said absolutely not!? This is a gift to you and your daughter and it is my pleasure to do this for you. We visited quite a bit over the next 18 months?before Denise lost her battle with breast cancer. I can’t express how much joy she gave me in my life and this was such a small thing that I could do for her. Even though it isn’t a fancy high end finish, it is the most fulfilling project I have ever had.

What’s the best piece of professional advice you have received?

Elaine Castronovo?says: I chose to answer this question with somewhat of a twist.? Some of the best advice I have received about my career came from outside of the industry, from individuals and sources that were unexpected but welcome nonetheless.? Sometimes if you take a moment to really listen to what people have to say, it can change your course or keep your head above water. Before attending my first professional class, I ran into a neighbor/friend at a local grocery store.? We stopped to talk briefly.? I don’t know that she will ever know how much her words of wisdom affected me then and how they still ring true.? When I told her how I was second guessing everything, business decisions and dealing with the guilt of leaving my family to further my education she simply said to me:?”Being a Mom and staying home with children, making them your focus, your world becomes very small.? Go away to your class – you will never regret it.” And oh how right she was.? That first class lead to many more and a whole new me, and a much bigger world.?

Another piece of advice came from a meeting that my husband had at work that was meant to pump up the employees for the benefit of the company.? The man speaking to the audience made a simple statement that still makes me stop in my tracks and I remind myself of this all the time. He asked the audience, “What is the definition of insanity?”?His reply:?”Doing the same thing over and over…and expecting different results.”? This small statement keeps me in check every time I want to complain about work or the results I am getting.? And another is a quote from Connie Reeves, a cowgirl: “Always saddle your own horse.? Always know what you are doing.? Go in the direction that you are headed.”? To me,?these are words to live by.? Although none of these came from professionals within the industry, they have all been the best advice that has encouraged me to keep steady, not be afraid to grow and know that I will always be learning – thoughout my career and in my life.

What is the best thing that has happened to the faux industry in the last five years?

Julie Young?says: To me, the best thing that has happened to the faux industry is two-fold. The first being all of the cool, fun textures – whether it is a smooth Venetian Plaster, Marmorino, Versiplast or PlasterTex. No more sponging or ragging a colorwash to mimic texture. Most of our clients do not want to attempt a textured finish so we are in high demand. The textured finishes are so hands-on that they sell themselves… whether they are metallic or matte in color. Embossing with stencils or patterns is another asset in design. Small thin trowels are great tools for application for folks with petite hands.

The second most exciting thing to happen to the faux industry is the networking and camaraderie. You can go to any class and meet friendly willing partners in the industry. You can network thru message boards.? You can go to SALI/IDAL?conventions to find like minded souls. The creativeness in our industry brings people together to collaborate and it is an awesome accomplishment.

Where do you see faux finishing heading in the future?

Renee Holder?says: There are many professionals in our industry, including our group, that are making it a mission to educate the public and I believe that people are listening.? I believe that the awareness of faux and decorative painting is currently more acute than in any other time in our recent history.? I also believe that the client is more tolerant of prices now that decorative painting has become more popular and the fact that they are more educated in the time that it takes to not only apply these finishes, but all of the work that goes into a project prior to application.? Not only do we now have designers, architects and builders using our skills, we also have other trades who refer us to their clients as well, such as plumbers, electricians, tile, granite and flooring installers.? Look in any major publication and you most likely will see a decorative paint finish displayed somewhere, if not on walls, then on backdrops in advertising.? It’s basically everywhere!

For the past several years I’ve repeatedly heard that faux is on it’s way out and wallpaper is making a big comeback.? Although I keep hearing this, I’ve yet to see it happen. What I have noticed is that the wallpaper manufacturers are now trying to mimic the finishes that we apply to walls everyday.? Don’t get me wrong, I know that wallpaper will always be around, but I don’t believe it is a competitive worry.? The consumer would much rather prefer a certain look without the seams showing and the labor entailed with hanging and removing wallpaper.? They also take into consideration the fact that they can have custom color in their finishes, which is limited in the wallpaper selections. I truly believe that the future for our industry is going to continue to grow and be a strong influence in residential and commercial settings.?????????(End)

Well, I had a tear in my eye reading Judy’s story — what a tremendous opportunity to do something wonderful for Denise’s daughter! I bet it meant the world to her. Elaine said something really important as well: so many accomplished women never take the time to do something for themselves…when in actuality, it may be just what their own soul needs the most.??Well, it’s been a pleasure for me to transcribe this interview?– I hope it’s been an enjoyable read for you!? They reinforce?how?rewarding it is to reach out to your fellow artisans and create a group filled with trust, respect and friendship.? In fact, the group as a whole reminds me of that famous quote: “Sisters are different flowers from the same garden.”??Please be sure to check out their individual sites as well as their Sisters Hands site…it looks to become a wonderful resource!? Have a great?day!

In what was a first for our Faux-cus on the Pros series,?almost the?entire group?was involved in the interview and tackled specific questions.? Normally, I take about five interview questions but each answer was so touching and/or had such a great message, that I decided to leave them all in and create a double-header.? So, this is Part One of our interview with Sisters Hands.? Before we get into our interview, I want to take a moment to let you know who the ten members are (in abc order) and have the chance to get to know them better by?visiting their websites and seeing their outstanding work.

Susan Bickford of Singing Walls (Nashville, TN), Marti Carroll of Fauxscapes (Baton Rouge, LA), Elaine Castronovo of Creative Lane Finishing (Pittsburgh, PA), Cindy Everett of Designer Finishes Studio (Olive Branch, MS), Patty Henning of Fabulous Finishes (Detroit, MI), Renee Holder of Artistry in Faux (Little Rock, AR), Judy Norman of Decorative Illusions (Atlanta, GA), Krista Vind of Ufauxrea (Destin, FL), Cait Whitson of Carte Blanche (Scotland) and Julie Young of Julie Art (San Diego, CA).

Here we go!

How did you meet and begin this networking path?

Marti Carroll says: This question can be answered in many different ways depending on which sister the question is being directed to.? The answer is as diversified as the group members!? This has been an accumulation of friendships that has been formed over time. Our beginning was based on a personal desire.? I have never been one to be in the public eye, especially on public forums and I had no local finishers in which to network with.? Although I would?lurk on the public forums daily, I rarely posted.? What I was looking for were finishers who would be interested in a more personal setting in which to share ideas and support.? I had made many friends in the industry through classes and conventions and decided that it was time to reach out and try to design a support network that was more intimate than a public forum.? I called a couple of friends who are respected finishers that I would like to have join in on this idea and they were very excited about it.? I set up a private message board for us to chat on and we set down a few simple rules and that was the beginning.? We are usually in contact with the rest of our group on a daily basis, discussing everything from pricing projects to how to handle a kid crisis!? We love taking classes together or taking classes from members who are teachers!? We get together once a year for our annual “faux play”, which is a fun and exciting time to share ideas and play with new products!? And when we have a project that requires a few extra hands, we know that we have our group to help us out.? Over the last three years we have supported each other both personally and professionally

I really do love the Faux Finisher magazine.? Every time it appears in my mailbox, I do the happy dance all the way to my desk and sit down immediately to read it. ? It premiered in 1999 and it has kept?a great pulse on our amazing industry.? I thought it would be great to have Diane Capuano, the Executive Editor of the Faux Finisher, walk us through the creation of each issue with the bonus of getting to know her a little better.

Ms. Capuano has been with the magazine since its inception.? She also is the executive editor of a monthly magazine, Paint & Decorating Retailer, which is a retail trade magazine. Both magazines are published by the Paint & Decorating Retailers Association (PDRA). She writes many of the articles in the magazine (particularly the profiles of artists) and also works with the contributors in making assignments and editing the content.? Let’s start our e-chat with her…

Please describe your ideal issue for the Faux Finisher. ?How do you go about putting together?an issue?

My ideal issue is one in which I notice an overriding theme emerge and I can use that theme for the cover and my editor’s column. For instance, for the Summer 2008 issue, I profiled John Alan, who has done restoration work in churches and cathedrals, and Katt Ellis, who does natural and rustic-themed decorative art. We also had an article from?Melanie Royals, who had just returned from a trip to Morocco, where she had done work in keeping with the Moroccan culture. It occurred to me that all of these artists each had a different source of inspiration that contributed to their work. So, I was able to run with that theme and use the word “Inspiration!” on the cover in large type and then talk about the potential sources of inspiration in my column. That issue is fresh in my mind because I just completed it, but I really enjoyed the cohesiveness.

I also enjoy having a balance in each issue between what I would call the artistic articles, such as the ones described above, and the business/practical articles. Rebecca Parsons has been with us since the beginning, and she does a fabulous job every issue with her Faux Biz column. I also enjoy the Mike Cooper column, which is not only informative but fun and entertaining. Plus, the ideal issue also will have contributions from some of our regulars, such as?Melanie Royals, Victor DeMasi, Randy Ingram/Brian Townsend, Debbie Ellison, Ed Mattingly and Martin Alan Hirsch. If we have contributions from two or more of that core group of?talented artists or writers, in addition to the aforementioned columns, I consider it a successful issue.

How far in advance do you prepare the issues?

Since we are a quarterly, I can do a little bit at a time over a three-month period. Because I’m also the editor of a monthly magazine as well, the intensity of The Faux Finisher doesn’t start until about one month before production. At that point, I make sure I know who the featured artist(s) will be and arrange to do the interviews (usually over the phone), I send out reminders to all the columnists and regular contributors, and over the course of the next couple weeks, I do writing and arrange for photos. There is about a week of intensive writing, photo selection and page design. We have artists who do the feature layouts, and I then I do final edits and outstanding pages such as contents, product news pages and the editor’s column. Then, we do final checks on proofs and release the issue to our printer, at which point we start the cycle all over again!

One kind of interesting point: I work from home. I have a (very cluttered) home office, but thanks to the magic of email, cell phones, FTP sites, remote computer locations and fleet-footed courier services, I can work from home, get my job done and still be the chauffeur that my kids need me to be for all after-school activities!

How did you begin this career path?

I went to the University of Missouri School of Journalism and originally expected to be a newspaper reporter, and I did work on a couple different newspapers but on the copy editing desk. But it got to be a bit routine every day was the same as the one before unless a major story was breaking. Then, I discovered the world of trade magazines and liked the diversity of writing, interviewing, editorial planning and working with artists, photographers and other creative people.

Any industry books that you recommend for us to read?

Ina Brosseau and Alan Marx’s new “Furniture Restoration” book: great photos, well-written text…just perfect! They are an amazing couple, as nice and warm and genuine as can be!? I’m so thrilled that they recently contributed an article to The Faux Finisher on the subject of furniture restoration.? There is also a new book by Gary Lord on Mural Painting in which he has contributions from many of the top muralists in the industry. These are big, big names, so it was quite an achievement to put a book like that together. Of course, The House that Faux Built, another great collaborative effort. I’m also anxious to see the new book by Michel Nadai (it’s bilingual, French and English), and Pierre Finkelstein has one of the industry bibles with the “Art of Faux”.

What are some of the best spaces you’ve seen designed?

Now, that’s a loaded question, because there have been so many great artists that we have featured in the pages of The Faux Finisher. At the risk of leaving out someone whose work I’ve really enjoyed and then slapping myself on the forehead later for my forgetfulness, I will venture naming a few. I will just limit myself to the artists we have featured in the magazine and/or whom I have seen do demos in person.

I always enjoy the projects of Randy Ingram and Brian Townsend because the murals they design are just out of this world in terms of their scale and their detail. Mike Cooper has provided articles on some amazing mural projects as well a couple that involved overpasses or retaining walls along highways, so he gets extra points for having to paint while dodging traffic – well, not literally, but you get what I mean. If anyone could do Extreme Mural Painting and make it look easy, it’s Mike.

What also sticks in my mind are the fantastic murals designed by international muralist Gez Taylor. He’s done work for five-star hotels, palaces and mansions in many of the world’s most exotic locales. And the work of William Cochran, featuring some of the most realistic trompe l’oeil I’ve ever seen, just blows me away! Speaking of being blown away, I also recall a great project done by Dave and Pam Schmidt done with a lightweight concrete to create an unforgettable home theater room with a “Stargate” theme.

I’m also blown away by the great restorative work of George Zaffle (who has done work for movie stars and government officials). And I have been impressed by the classical themes used in the work of Cynthia Borman. I also have enjoyed the innovative wall and furniture finishes that Sandra Lassley can do with a bit of metallic paint and some imagination. Similarly, the fun embellishments that Ann Snipes adds to her furniture projects definitely make them memorable.

In person, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the artistry of such legends as Leonard Pardon, Sean Crosby, Michel Nadai, Pierre Finkelstein, Pascal Amblard and Nicola Vigini who have generously demo’d their skills at such industry events as SALI, Salon, The Faux Event, Meeting of the Masters, Fauxcademy, etc.

And I’d also like to give a nod to John Catalanotto and Greg Frohnapfel of Pro Faux, who allowed me to tag along on a couple of projects that they spearheaded at our PDRA headquarters building. Having worked for several years in an office that they Venetian plastered (not only the walls, but the desk to match), I’d like to heartily acknowledge that they made the concept of staring at the four walls around me (as I sought writing inspiration) a lot easier to take!

I really wish space permitted me to name more of the memorable spaces and projects, but we’ve been publishing for nearly 10 years, and that means we’ve probably profiled (or published articles from) about a hundred or more artists!

But what really excites me is that there is so much great work being done and so many great artists who I would still like to feature! We have a couple exciting artists who we expect to be profiling in upcoming issues, so stay tuned to future issues. That’s my one unadulterated plug!

What is the best thing that has happened to the faux industry in the last five years?

The Internet! Now, there are so many ways that artists can communicate with other artists online via forums, photo galleries, social websites, YouTube, etc. And what a great thing to be able to show a visual portfolio of your work merely by giving clients, colleagues, friends or whomever else your Web address! As an editor, I love it, because if someone is proposing an article to me, all I have to do is ask for his or her Web address, and I can immediately see the caliber of work they do. Sure beats snail mail!

Here’s a few pics of a some of the decorative painting?disciplines you can find covered in any issue: murals, faux finishes and furniture.

Furniture by Ann Snipes

Mural by Sean Crosby and Faux by Elaine Castronovo

It was very nice of Ms. Capuano to take the time to?”chat” with the Fauxology readers — thank you!??I hope you found it a?pleasure reading about the behind-the-scenes magic that happens with putting each issue together.? Please take?a bit of time to click on the links above and not only find out more about The Faux Finisher, but also have a beautiful stroll through the websites of some of the most talented artists alive today.?? Until next time!

Jason has worked to realize his vision of fashion infiltrating functional outdoor design through his line of furniture and outdoor accessories, Jason Champion OUTDOOR.??Prior to the company’s launch in 2006, Jason worked with design powerhouses?Stark Carpet and JANUS et Cie. His reconnection with the outdoors occurred when designing for the KOLO Collection, where he was inspired to push the envelope of outdoor product offerings. He single-handedly designs his own collections and also works as an independent designer for HANSEN, designing three collections to preview July 2008. His pieces can be found on the cover of the Frontgate May 2008 catalog as well as posh hot spots such as The Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego, Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas and The Grand Hyatt in Singapore. Jason has won awards such as DIFFA’s “Best in Show” in Atlanta, 2003, and a ADAC Design Excellence award. He has been featured on Trading Spaces as well as publications and radio such as The New York Times, SIRIUS Satellite – Martha Stewart, NY Post, Miami Home, Elle Decor and House Beautiful.

I’m?not surprised he has been so busy and well regarded.? I’m?glad he was able to take the time to do an interview for Fauxology and inspire us to?a higher creative level.? Enjoy!

Where do you see furniture design heading in the future? Versatility and durability. The lines of outdoor engineering are being blurred?for interior use.

What are some of your personal favorite design and/or finish styles? I love the?Circa 50 – Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia. I also love a life finish or patina on metal.

How do you go about creating a new piece of furniture? ?What jumpstarts your inspiration? 1) History, 2) My Interpretation; and?3) Follow thought.? Concepts also come from me not finding things I’ve wanted to use on projects for clients.

What are some of your favorite websites, blogs and/or message forums on the internet? Girl Meets Glamour and?Apartment Therapy.

How did you begin this career path? I have a degree in Applied Arts (Interior Design). I’ve worked with clients to develop the perfect space within their budget?that encompassed the entire house.? I fell in love with the outdoors, which?have no limitations in color, size or material.

Any interior design books and/or magazines?that you recommend for us to read?
Met Home, Dwell and Domino.

What’s the best piece of professional advice you have received? Get it in writing!? Contracts protect and lay out expectations for the clients.? When “selling” IP intellectual property, it must be clear on what the finished product will be.

What are some of the best outdoor spaces you’ve seen designed? WYNN Hotel – Vegas, Central Park New York — and of course mine!

What are some of the coolest items and/or products you

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