Gallery Highlight- BlueStone Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

My sculptures alongside the many wonderful artists BlueStone represents

One of the many pleasures I enjoy as an artist are the relationships I have become a part of in the gallery world.  Pam Regan of BlueStone Gallery has become a friend and art confidant.  She offers complete professionalism and represents my work with enthusiasm.  Please see her comments below about how she started her gallery and what the gallery means to her as a business owner.  I delight in showing my work with such a person.  

Left to Right- Pam Regan, Erin Humphreys of Philadelpha Style Magazine and myself

Pam Regan, BlueStone Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

'I got started in the art gallery business soon after my sister lost a short 18 month fight with breast cancer.  My sister, Martha and I were very close.  We were both school teachers and after she died, I didn’t want to return to the classroom.  So, starting the gallery was actually my husband’s idea.  We have a few original works of art, and I’ve always kept a list of artists that I would like to add to my collection. 

I started by looking for a gallery location in Old City, Philadelphia.  Old City is where we came regularly to visit galleries.  Once I found the right location, I started contacting artists from my wish list.  In my eyes, it was kind of like contacting celebrities.  However, everyone was so welcoming and supportive. 

While all of this foundation was in the works, I read everything I could about running a art gallery.  It is a known fact that 85% of all new galleries don’t celebrate a two year anniversary.  Our two year anniversary is May 2013. 

My gallery is best known for being approachable.  We strive to have a warm environment with artwork at numerous price points.  We work with the established collector to the first time buyer. 

Bluestone opened during an already well established economic slump.  I knew that the art world was hurting financially.  My plan has been to learn and establish my gallery during this slow period.  So when the economy turns around, I’ll know my stuff and be ready to fully represent the artist who has joined me on this journey.

One thing that I find discouraging in the art world is that many people don’t value original art.  They will buy $100 pair of jeans, but not a $100 painting.  They will buy a 1.5 million dollar house, hire an interior decorator, and fill it with wall hangings from the local discount store.  Artwork, like jewelry or fine china can be handed down from generation to generation. 

Shelly, the comments I receive about your sculptures are always amazing.  People are very open with their thoughts on if a work of art is good or not.  And, I’ve never heard a discouraging word about your sculptures.  I think this is because your sculptures are like nothing they have seen.'  

Hanging Sculptures?!

I am often asked about where people should display their sculptures.  Sometimes people have a hard time imagining where a 3 dimensional piece should go.  So I thought I would try something new.  Always fun to go down a different path for a bit, stretch your mind some.  I have created a form for a half sculpture, one that will hang on a wall as a 2 dimensional piece of artwork.  However, mine have 'relief'.  They actually come off the wall as if the 3 dimensional sculpture were cut down the middle or center.  Photos below show my first attempt with four pieces currently available from BlueStone Gallery in Philadelphia (267) 773-8114.  Thank you Pam for allowing me the freedom in your space to try something new!

'Reese' 17 H x 6 W, $1600

'Miss Morris' 17 H x 8 W, $1600

'Miss Stewart' 17 H x 8 W, $1600

'Miss Tiffany' 17 H x 8 W, $1600

'Where Should I Put My Sculptures?'

'Miss Victoria 2' and 'Black Rose' enjoying the spectacular decor at the Dancing Bear Aspen

On a recent trip to Bermuda, I had a chance to sit down with the great team responsible for selling my sculptures at the Rosewood Tuckers Point Hotel.  We visited about the busy summer that had just past and reminisced about all the sculptures that went flying out the door!  In an effort to better understand the people who are collecting my work, after all- I don't get to always meet them, I asked Sherry Alvarado to share with me the questions she gets from collectors.  While some guests are interested in reading my bio and others simply ask who I am; many, many of them are looking for suggestions on where to place their sculpture once they get it home.  As some of you know, I have been doing a 'Fantasy Decorating' series in my blog where I pair sculptures with designer decorated interiors to spark ideas on where my sculptures would look best.  (scroll down to see recent posts)  In today's post, I share images of where my sculptures have been placed with other designers and collectors.  Suggestions include: entry hall table, sofa table, coffee table, bedside table, dressing room, bathroom/bedroom vanity, kitchen island, desk..............  What are you suggestions- I would love to hear your thoughts!

'Miss Roselyn' in her new home gracing the bedside table of this elegant bedroom.

'Miss Royal 2' adorns this entertainment bureau.

'Miss Royale' & 'Miss Olivia Rose' enjoy each other's company and the view!  I love these two paired together.

'All Ruffled 2' & 'Saturday in May' act as unique centerpieces.

'Blue Belle' on a cocktail table and 'Rumor' decorating the bar at the Viceroy Snowmass.

Show Opening at Rosewood Tucker's Point Hotel, Bermuda

Upon arrival, I paired each base with the pre-broken tile and china I planned to use.

I have just returned from a whirlwind trip to Bermuda.  While this may sound exotic to most, I was working.  I have a great relationship with Rosewood Tucker's Point and this trip represented my 3rd annual working sojourn to the island.  I spend about 10 days creating sculptures for the hotel to display and sell in their lobby shop, Regali.  The hotel provides me with a studio space to work in.  

How did this come about?  I was a resident on the island for 17 years, married to a Bermudian.  We had our three children on the island and are still very connected to friends and colleagues.  During the Grand Opening Celebration of the hotel, I was invited to display my sculptures.  They were so well received, the hotel invited me to keep a few on hand to sell.  I now sell more sculptures from the hotel than all my galleries combined.  

When we moved to Colorado almost 3 years ago, I had to figure out a way to keep showing my work on the island with out paying enormous shipping costs and incurring customs fees on completed pieces.  Simple math is that it is cheaper for me to fly over, take my materials and create the pieces on site.

Sculptures with completed mosaics, ready to grout.

 You may ask how I can spend only 10 days and create so much work? These days are just the time I spend doing the mosaic and the grouting.  In advance of my trip, I spend time gathering delicate china from antique dealers, auction houses and flea markets.   I attend bead shows to select strands from around the world.  I source  tile from Italy and Mexico.  I spent over six months designing the unique Styrofoam structures, created especially for me, and used as the bases for my sculptures.  I source dress inspirations throughout the year.  I translate dress designs into tile. In advance of my travels, I break the tiles, cut all the china and cover the Styrofoam bases with fiberglass and several layers of concrete, allowing me to hit the ground running when I arrive.  Once on the island, I throw open the doors of the studio, let the fresh air and sun shine in, and get to work! 

To see images of the completed pieces and from the night of the Opening, please click here.  I am interested in securing another hotel venue to replicate a similar arrangement with my sculptures.  Please email me if you or someone you know would be open to having a conversation.

  

Fantasy Decorating with Aspen Snowmass Dream Home!

Sometimes the best surprises are in our own backyard!  Terry Rogers is a Real Estate Agent here in Aspen, CO.  Terry has a unique philanthropy program with her buyers.  When a home is sold, she donates 5% of the sale to any charity of the buyer's choice.  A long list of all the charities Terry and her clients have contributed to as well as a more full description of the program can be seen here.  I thought it would be fun to do a Fantasy Decorating post with one of the houses Terry currently has listed.  Details and additional photos can be seen here. Good luck Terry, I would love to hear where the charity $$ for this house ends up.

Loving the dark woods in this living space.
'Miss Enchantment 2' would fit right in on the table behind the sofa.

'Miss Enchantment 2'  22 H x 12 W
$3500
Bluestone Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

How luxurious is this bathroom!?!
'Life of the Party' belongs in between the two master sinks.

'Life of the Party'  22 H x 12 W
$3500
Visions West Gallery, Denver, CO

This bedroom would truly be a pleasure to sleep in.
'Eve' could rest perfectly on the side table.

'Eve' 22 H x 16 W
$3500
Carson Art Gallery, Dallas, TX

Fantasy Decorating- Another Round!

I am eager to feature sculptures that are ready to ship for Christmas!  As we doll up our houses for the holidays, here are some Fantasy Decorating pairings that show pieces available from Rosewood Tuckers Point Hotel & Spa in Bermuda and BlueStone Gallery in Philadelphia.  Imagine having these beauties to enjoy all the year through!

'Miss Olivia Rose'    22 H x 12 W
$2500.00
Available from Rosewood Tuckers Point Hotel & Spa, Bermuda

'Natalia'  12 H x 6 W
$1250.00
Available from Rosewood Tuckers Point Hotel & Spa, Bermuda

'Miss Enchantment 2'  22 H x 12 W
$3500.00
Available from BlueStone Gallery, Philadelphia 

Veranda Magazine Inspiration- Take Two!

I return to one of my favorite decorators, John Saladino, featured here in Veranda Magazine.  John has a way with making any room look fresh and yet 'lived in'.  I never feel as though his designs are stuffy and I always feel like I could walk right in and sit down.  He has a painterly way with decorating and the lighting is  dramatic, as if in a film.  Veranda Magazine often features John Saladino designs and I truly treasure each issue.  Here are three room designs paired with my sculptures.  Scrumptious!

Veranda Magazine, Design by John Saladino

'Miss Enchantment', 22H x 12W
Artwork by Shelly Hamill
Available from Embler Gallery

Veranda Magazine, Design by John Saladino

'Life of the Party', 22H x 10W
Artwork by Shelly Hamill
Available from Visions West Gallery, Denver
Photography by Brooke Casillas

Veranda Magazine, Design by John Saladino

'Miss Avalon', 22H x 14W
Artwork by Shelly Hamill
Available from Visions West Gallery, Denver

As I continue with my Fantasy Decorating Series, I look to Country Living Magazine.  I am in love with Modern Country.  I sometimes pretend when I am sleuthing at a flea market that the person next to me is a secret editor from Country Living!  I wish I had more rooms to decorate in my own home with all the finds and inspiration from this magazine.  Check out which sculptures I would place in each of these rooms....

Country Living Magazine

'Miss Congeniality'  17 H x 12 W

Country Living Magazine

'Inauguration' 26 H x 12 W
In the Collection of Clive and Lyndy Thatcher, Bermuda
Photography by Sacha Blackburn

Country Living Magazine

'Miss Ginny' 22 H x 10 W
Private Collection
Photography by Amanda Temple

Country Living Magazine

'Miss Soleil' 22 H x 12 W
In the Collection of Joe Gibbons, Bermuda
Photography by Amanda Temple

Fantasy Decorating - In the Pink!

I'm feeling a little 'In the Pink' today.  Here are some wonderful photographs from House Beautiful Magazine continuing my Fantasy Decorating Series, I think HB agrees with me today!

House Beautiful

'Midnight Rose' 17 H x 12 W
Available from BlueStone Gallery, Philadelphia

House Beautiful

Commission for Donna Mastran

House Beautiful

'Miss Victoria'  22 H x 12 W
Photography by Amanda Temple
Available from Rosewood Tuckers Point Hotel & Spa
Bermuda

Artwork and the Hotel Guest

A recent article in the NYTimes, ‘Hospitality Boutiques’, by Terry Trucco, August 8, 2011; points to how hotels are recognizing the opportunities they have for revenue in enlarging their hotel gift shop offerings to include high end merchandise and art.  “With occupancy rates and the number of travelers on the rise, industry experts predict growth in high-concept hotel shops.  Shops are one of the remaining opportunities hotels have for people to say ‘This place is different, better, cleverer and more exciting than I expected,’ ” said Bjorn Hanson, New York University. 

When a guest stays at a hotel for a few days, think of the numerous opportunities for retail.  “If it’s done right, retailing is another layer that makes the overall experience more engaging,” said Alex Calderwood, of the Ace Hotel in New York.  Hotels have long been selling their bathrobes and linens and guests have long been stealing toiletries.  The same applies for artwork in the Boutique Hotel setting.  Rather than taking home a robe, guests are opting for the artwork in the lobby for their own homes.  Alex continues, “You want guests to find things they may not see everywhere else.” 

Artwork by Shelly Hamill
Photography by Amanda Temple
Rosewood Tuckers Point Hotel & Spa
Bermuda

Guests in the leisure hotel market must pass the lobby artwork on their way to breakfast, lunch and dinner; on their way to the pool, beach, golf and tennis- for several days in a row.  The image of the artwork is repeated and reinforced multiple times in any given day.  An emotional connection is made with the artwork and in the experience of a hotel, the convenience and ease of charging that artwork to their account makes it all the more compelling.   

Artwork by Shelly Hamill
Photography by Amanda Temple
Rosewood Tuckers Point Hotel & Spa
Bermuda

Good interior design also plays an important role.  Good design allows guests to actually see what a particular piece of artwork will look like in their own home setting.  Decorating a hotel lobby with beautiful artwork and interiors makes it easy on the collector.  The collector does not have to guess what a piece will look like with a sofa and a lamp, the concept already exists. 

Artwork by Shelly Hamill
Photography by Amanda Temple
Rosewood Tuckers Point Hotel & Spa
Bermuda

Honestly, what it really comes down to is we want that vacation feeling to continue once we get home.  We can think fondly of our time in XYZ every time we see the piece of artwork and we can share our love of XYZ every time a guest in our home expresses interest in the piece- no need to pull out the slide projector.  

Miss Bermuda Rose

Meet 'Miss Bermuda Rose'.  'Miss Bermuda Rose' is 22 inches tall and has a lovely rose pattern on the china plate.  I used coordinating pink beads at the neckline and pink tiles through out the piece.  She is very dainty and feminine.  I was a little worried that the sea foam pearl green tiles along with the pink would look too much like it belonged in a baby's nursery.  But actually, she is delicate and sophisticated at the same time.  As she was destined to continue her journey in Bermuda, I titled her 'Miss Bermuda Rose', I miss the old Bermuda roses.  They too are dainty and feminine.  

I am still loving this halter neckline.  I forget each time I attempt it, that I must then complete the piece with the concrete and this neckline is more difficult to accomplish.  I usually get irritated with myself in the middle of doing it, but then I am happy with the results at the end!  'Miss Bermuda Rose' is gracing the lobby of the Rosewood Tuckers Point Hotel & Spa in Bermuda.