ON THE SUBJECT OF IKAT.......

"Some people thought that perhaps Frances had taken the Ikat trend a bit too far...."

(click on image for larger view)

CLICK HERE TO BUY!

As much as I love art, design and decoration are very close, if not equal, contenders for my passions. After all - what is design anyway -but art applied to function? For as long as I can remember, I have loved to pore over design and shelter magazines, examining every detail, trying to absorb all the elements of the rooms. I was probably the only teenager ever who looked forward to Dee Hardie's column in House Beautiful. Sister Parish was a hero. I even had my own file of decorating tear sheets, the way most teens collect posters on their walls. Yes, I was and AM a decorating nerd. So this original illustration is dedicated to all of my designer friends and design blogging buddies. Those people who are insanely into decoration and cannot wait for their issue of House Beautiful, Southern Accents, Veranda or Elle Decor to arrive so they can be the first to post the choicest photos on their blog!

IKAT GET YOU OUTTA MY HEAD.....

I remember reading a while ago how Ikat patterns were passe` and on their way out..........

hand-woven Ikat fabric cushions from Table Tonic

I beg to differ, as I am seeing them alive and well everywhere, from every home design magazine to the fashion runways. These cushions above are from an amazing Australian-based company run by a very gifted fellow blogger, Louise. She describes their offerings as "Global treasures for the modern Bohemian". Conveniently, she offers worldwide shipping. Her new blog happens to be one of my favorite reads these days. She is a former design director for several major design publications and boy, does she know her stuff! She is a big fan of color, a girl after my own heart.

If you haven't discovered her blog and shop (both called Table Tonic) you don't know what you're missing!

Louise Bell

I am also digging her brightly hued Moroccan leather poufs and these feather Juju headresses....great eclectic touches for the home. Check it all out here!

WAIT, THERE'S MORE......

Courtney Barnes Chair

Small framed versions of both the Ikat Chair and Courtney Barnes Chair, here double-matted in new beveled style black frame. Other prints are available also, feel free to ask me if you have a custom combination in mind.

Now available, the LARGE Courtney Barnes Chair print framed in white here.

VIBRANT BUYS AT VIVRE

In case you haven't noticed, I have a thing for orange, especially when it happens to be this classic kind of Hermes-like shade. I am like a monkey - shiny objects grab my attention. Lacquer is so appealing and the black banding adds a nice contrast along the edges. How's this for a tasteful tschotcke that offers storage solutions while punching up the color quota?

Vibrant colored glassware by Threseinthal - what fantastic hues!

I may not have my finger on the pulse of what's hot, because I am still really digging coral and shell motifs. Always have and always will. Hey, when you live in Florida, it's a perennial fit. I love this silver-plated flatware by Siecle. Very unique and looks to be so heavy, you can tone your arms while employing your utensils!

And last but not least, I thought this was a great accent piece by Ankasa. Perfect for a little extra seating. The orange Ikat pattern and great shape really grabbed me. However, if you have pets or kids, it might not be such a great fit, because at $2,800, you probably don't want it getting clawed or stained. MEEEEOOOOWWWW. All items available at Vivre.

MY WORK IN "NEW VIEWS" SHOW AT BENNETT GALLERIES

My "Aqua Interior" original painting is one of my pieces being featured for sale in the "New Views" exhibit at Nashville's Bennett Galleries from now until July.

Palm Beach Chair - Anne Harwell 2007

Many of my original paintings, as well as some prints, are for sale as part of this exhibit of new and emerging artist's work on paper at Bennettt Galleries. It is called "New Views:Photographs, Prints and Illustrations". The exhibit features the art of several different artists and runs from April through July. It is the first exhibit of this kind and will be a rotating exhibit that changes artists every 3 months. Bennett Galleries, a well established and upscale gallery in Nashville, TN specializes in contemporary fine art. It is family-owned and has been in business for over 30 years.

Boston Vase - gouache/ink on paper

This is another of the smaller original works being featured.

Ikat Cartoon - 2008 This original gouache/ink sketch is also in the show.

This original hand-cut paper collage is a new work I created for the show.

Bennett Galleries - hours are Monday-Friday 9:30-5:30 and Saturday 9:30-5:00

Bennett Galleries carries the work of many well-established as well as emerging artists. It's located at 2104 Crestmoor Road in Nashville, right in the heart of Green Hills.

I sent over 20 pieces for the show, so if you live in or near Nashville, please come by and check out "New Views" exhibit at Bennett Galleries.

IKAT CHAIR

Ikat/Courtney Barnes Chair Notecards (set includes 4 Ikat chair cards and 4 Courtney Barnes Chair cards and 8 envelopes)

Gouache and acrylic on paper

New design now available as a print or notecards

CLICK HERE TO BUY!

Last week, while I was reading StyleCourt, I noticed a post Courtney Barnes did on a vintage chair that designer Jen West had rehabilitated. Knowing I have a thing for chairs, Courtney suggested that I needed to paint it. I thought it was a great idea and didn't need my arm twisted, so here it is! It's now available as an 8x10 print or in a set of notecards along with the Cortney Barnes Chair on my Etsy site. As you can see, Jen painted it a crisp white and then reupholstered it in a beautiful Ikat fabric. You can read the post from Monday on StyleCourt. Thanks for the post, Courtney! Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving, and for those around the world who don't celebrate Thanksgiving, a great day! I am thankful for so much, not least of which my readers and fellow bloggers who have added so much to my life. Thank you!