Artful Admirations: Jesse Ryan Photography

Working with true kindred spirits doesn’t happen often, but when it does, the results are magical.

I wrote this sentence yesterday and believed every word because it happened to me.  Last month I had the extreme joy of working with a group of artists I am proud to call friends and colleagues.  Jesse Ryan captured a collaboration between myself and Caroline of Paloma’s Nest and I am so grateful to have been introduced to his work.  Given about a week’s notice to come on board our little project, Jesse was ready and willing to get involved.  His enthusiasm floored me.  Opportunity presents itself in difficult ways too often but it is our enthusiasm and willingness to simply jump in and get involved, that creates amazing adventures.  You can see from his work, that Jesse believes in opportunity.  The opportunity to capture a hidden grin or a beam of sunshine trickling through the trees.  Jesse Ryan is all about being there, taking the opportunity and the enchanting moments that result.

Clean and clear, vibrant and spiritual is how I would describe his photographs.  He seems to capture his subjects’ heart and soul with the help of a sharp eye for perspective and composition.

Light and shadow also play a huge role in the drama of Jesse’s work. The shots above seem to paint a canvas of light.

Thank you Jesse for your incredible talent and kindness.   Your light-a-fire approach to life is obvious in each shot.  I cannot wait to see more.

“The person who gets the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore.”
–Dale Carnegie

Artful Admirations – Daniel Lanton and Central Park Flowers

I have been waiting patiently to share this shoot with you in addition to two of my favorite wedding artists whose work I enjoy endlessly.  So this is how the story goes…

Last year while searching for a makeup artist in my region I stumbled upon the website of Daniel Lanton.  His hauntingly beautiful images jumped from the screen and I instantly felt as if I had found a kindred spirit.  All of this, I derived from seeing just a few of his photos.

I immediately hired Daniel to capture shots of myself and The Momental Girls last June and then again in August.  His style is dramatic and edgy with a vintage edge and intense sense of color.

In October Daniel and I had the chance to truly collaborate as artists.  After spending a day away from the studio I visioned a crazy idea to lead my very own tabletop shoot.  A call to Daniel was the very next step and the rest was history.   Take a look here, here, here and here for more on our shoot.

Enter Central Park Flowers…. I first met Dorian at a wedding show and the timing could not have been more perfect.  I was searching for a floral artist to collaborate on my shoot and after seeing Dorian’s work, I knew he was the perfect choice.

Recently Daniel and Dorian came together to produce the loveliness below.  The snow IS real, the vision is breathtaking, the results…enchanting.

Daniel and Dorian, thank you for your artistry and vision.  I am priveleged to know you as artists and honored to work with you as friends.

An Artful Life/Artful Admirations – Stephanie Elizabeth Designs

Today’s post is a combination of An Artful Life and Artful Admirations.    Through a look into my home I would like to introduce you to the work of the artist behind one of my most prized art collections.  Years ago when I first began my business I traveled to Art shows locally selling my stationery.  I met wonderful artists in my travels,  many of whom I still see today.   One of these artists is Stephanie Elizabeth whose forte is painting found objects with her signature style.  I adore Stephanie’s snowmen as evidenced by my Holiday entryway decor.  Join me for a tour…

My father’s vintage Victrola is the centerpiece in this corner but this time of year the snowmen take over.  A vintage sled, completely painted from top to bottom is perhaps my favorite piece in the collection.  A pair of antique skates is the newest addition this year.
Stephanie’s very painterly, rich style of brushstroke combined with whimsical color palettes are central to her style.

In addition to painted pieces, Stephanie creates assemblage sculptures – this one makes my laugh each time I pass by – I love the button legs!

The focal point of the foyer is the staircase adorned with lit greens.  For years I have added Stephanie’s painted wooden bowls to my collection.  I finally acquired so many of these lovelies that I decided to hang them from the evergreen swags.

Take a look at the level of detail on these pieces.  After years of collecting  and creating art myself  I have found that pieces which reveal something new each time you look are those with the most impact.  This is precisely why Stephanie’s snowmen are so beloved.  From the inquisitive expressions, masterful shading and color use to the thoughtful text she uses, Stephanie’s art is truly dimensional in idea and application.  She brings to life the joy of fresh fallen snow, the crispness in the air as you build the first snowman of the year and the warmth you feel when sipping hot chocolate on a freezing winter afternoon.