Studio Artwork
Little can compare to the impact of art in a home. Whether a piece inspires, soothes, energizes or conjures up a memory - putting something that you connect with on your walls can be powerful. One of our favorite parts of the design process is helping our clients find a piece that speaks to them. Whether it is commissioning a piece with an up-and-coming artist or browsing a national gallery, the search for art can be far and wide. We’ve found gems in vintage shops and on Etsy. We’ve helped our clients commission something special and unique to them. And, we’ve guided clients who browse, borrow, consider and select artwork from local galleries. In our new artist series, we’re excited to introduce you to a range of artists. Their approaches, techniques, and inspirations are all as unique as their art. In an effort to take some of the mystery out of art selection, we hope that by getting to know them a bit, you may see something that sparks a connection for you. To kick off our series, we start with an artist and friend who created a piece near and dear to us - a piece that hangs on the wall of our studio.
Encoded II
Rachel first met Marissa through mutual friends at a holiday party years ago. After learning about her work and process, she asked to borrow a piece for our studio. Our office at the time was in a commercial building and our suite was a very neutral shell. Adding her piece injected color and sophistication that greeted our clients with a moment of beauty that allowed the more utilitarian aspects of the space to fade. Fast forward a few years and Rachel bought the piece as a permanent installation and it now lives in our new studio, where it continues to bring her joy each time she passes it. With Marissa's work, we’re most inspired by the process she uses to create layers of color, infused with layers of meaning through her artist's process.
We chatted with Marissa about her work and are excited to share her insights and several of her beautiful pieces here.
1. How would you describe your style?
I am an abstract painter whose work reflects the Minimalist aesthetic. My compositions have a grid-like foundation making patterns the signature characteristic of my work.
Give Us Peace When We Are Torn
2. What inspires your work?
On a psychological level, my work is an expression of my current thoughts, hopes, desires and prayers. However, things of beauty, whether that be found in architecture, art, or in nature, inspire my color choices, shapes, and overall design. I’m currently inspired by my past travels, so the shapes found in ancient Greek art and architecture have captured my attention.
It’s All Poetry to Me
3. Can you tell us about your process?
I am an encaustic painter, which is to say that I paint using wax, resin and pigment. Unlike a handheld palette that oil, watercolor or acrylic painters use to mix paint, my palette is electric hotbox. The paints on the hotbox are heated to melting point. I use Japanese Hake brushes to paint onto wood panels and then employ a blow torch to melt and seal the layers of paint together. I often use methods of scraping, collage, stencil, and transfer to create a variegated surface.
To see more of Marissa’s process, check out her Instagram feed, here.
Quiet Spaces
New Every Morning
4. How long have you been an artist?
I have been working independently for 11 years and working with encaustic paints for 15 years. Prior to working independently as an artist, I was an art teacher for seven years.
Love at the Borders
5. When working on a commission, what helps you create something for someone specific?
The first questions I ask people who wish to have a commissioned work made is what style and what size. If someone can point me to a specific piece of artwork on my website and show me what they like, then we can work from there. I am always happy to accommodate color preferences and work with clients wishes.
Remnants II
6. Do you have a favorite piece?
I suppose I am always excited about the piece that I am currently working on. However, I put my heart into every work of art. Each piece reflects a process of learning, relearning and discovery so it’s hard for me to pin down a favorite.
