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Category archives: art

People Of Kennett Square–Beth Secor

November 30, 2015 art, artist, farm, life, painting, people, photography, portrait, Story

My daughter took a drawing and painting class at Y. After finished the classes, she showed me her paintings, I was amazed by her work and the way the teacher was teaching. I had a chance to meet the teacher–Beth, an artist who loves doing animals portraits and teaching art to children. I went to her house, she showed me all the fun things in her studio , and activities at the farm. I felt her love of animals , and passion for painting and teaching.

1.What’s your life like when you were a kid?

We had a Ton of fun,brought up on a 99 acre horse farm with horses and dogs and a lot of people.We worked hard on ponies and horses to re sell,or train for other people.My mother was a big hearted free spirit who stressed honesty and to treat other people the way you want to be treated.We got up early and worked hard,then got to do fun active activities all together with out many rules,but you gave it your all in spirit!

2.When and how did you start painting?

I always doodled and loved looking at Art…When I was 16,I had a serious back operation,they said no riding horses for a while!!!..That was my life,Mom said ..whow what are you going to do…I thought if she doesn’t know..it is up to me..I said I’m going to Art School,,,,where one door shuts another one opens!!!My Art has given me so much pleasure and others!!

3. Why do you like to paint animals?

I LOVE animals and feel I intrinsically..intuitively..connect to them,so to paint them enhances these feelings,plus it is a challenge!! I like being able to paint peoples animals so they have a piece of the love forever,it is such a deep feeling…I love painting them!!!!!!

4.What animal do you like most? why?

Horses and Dogs and Big lions….They are free,,atheletic and pick who they trust,then are very loyal..and the partnership grows!!

5.Can you talk a little bit about your last trip to Africa?

My last trip to Africa was magical,I did a lot of sketching..being outside in nature focusing on such beauty of the land the animals and my connection with them was surreal…I wrote in my book…I am revolving with the Universe..which was all beauty and possibility for me!!! I felt totally centered and as if the Dear Lord was whispering in my ear,I’m Proud of you Beth,I do well with those Real Feelings,,I can’t wait to go back!!!

You can check Beth’s work here: http://www.bethsecor.com/

People of Kennett Square–Bri-Arden & James

July 22, 2015 art, artist, business, Fashion, handmade, leather, organic, people, photography, portrait, raw, Story, Style

I knew Bri through Instagram. I have been followed her on Instagram long time. She is the designer-maker and owner of Arden and James. I love her beautiful handcrafted bags. Finally I had a chance to do a photo shoot with her. I arrived her house, her younger son was sleeping, and the older boy was tired but won’t take a nap. He stayed with us whole time, during the photo shoot I saw how she balanced her work with kids. Her studio is stylish, bright and organized. She showed me her new work, and also the first bag she made. She is such a talented artist and wonderful mom.

Where did the name Arden & James come from?

Arden is a little utopian arts community in Delaware. It was designed to demonstrate the values of the Arts + Crafts movement at the turn of the century. Many artists, musicians, actors, and craftsmen live there. There are walking paths through the woods connecting all of the homes and shared community facilities. Such a dream. They have an annual Arden Fair, which is in its 108th year. As a kid, my grandparents’ house was closeby, and we would go to the Fair. It’s a magical place, and it has inspired me all my life.

James is my older son. I started the company when he was old enough to sit on his own and I got my hands back :). My husband is also a James. He is an artist as well – a musician.

What is your design process?

The materials themselves drive my process. I only use materials I love: organic woven linen, locally milled waxed canvas, vegetable tanned leather, and pure copper. I see a natural material that inspires me and then decide what I can make that would highlight its best qualities. It’s sort of a backwards design process – not how I was trained in design school! I think that good design allows the materials to be themselves.

I love getting feedback from customers and friends. When designing something as personal as a handbag, I have to know how people will use it. I want my bags to be a reliable wardrobe staple and hopefully an heirloom, so the details need to be just right.

What currently inspires you and which other artists do you admire and why?

Wharton Esherick. He was a sculptor and painter who resided in Paoli. His home and workshop are open to the public, and they are an endless source of inspiration for me. I hope to shoot my Fall lookbook there this year. It’s funny, but when I make something, I ask myself – would this look good at Wharton’s house? It’s a “handcrafted modern” look. His work has no straight lines. It is informed by the materials and has a perfect organic feel. It’s just too good to put into words – you gotta see it.

What would you most like to make that you haven’t made so far?

Clothing. My sister, Britt, is amazing with styling, colors, and patterns – so it would be a collaborative line where I could choose the materials. My dream is to work with her every day (and our dogs and kids).

How did your parents influence your career?

My parents always wanted us to do what made us happy. Just to be our true selves. My Dad was always working with wood, and my mom was a painter. My mom always said that I was an artist, and wanted me to pursue art as my career, but I never believed in myself enough to think that I could pull it off. After getting my degree in Industrial Design, I apprenticed for other artists, worked in food marketing, and organized community events to earn money. It wasn’t until after my mom passed away – five years ago – and I was pregnant with my first son, that I felt the drive to make things. I could feel my mom’s confidence in me pushing me along. Since then I am always inspired and can’t wait to make more. I feel that my mom is sending these things to me so that I can live my dream. Everything falls into place as long as I focus and do my best. People have responded so passionately to my work – and it’s so flattering – because it’s me being completely honest and putting my true self out there. My work is a reflection of me, and the relationships I have built from that are so authentic and rewarding.

You are busy mom for two boys, how do you balance your work and kids?

The balance day-to-day is so hard, but overall, things work out. I am always going from one thing to the next, running around like a crazy person. But that’s how I work best. I am at home with the boys, so my attention has to be on them first. My boys are 2 and 4, so we don’t have any schedule – I just work in my home workshop when I can – mostly in 10 minute bursts throughout the day (on a good day). I use my iPhone for everything. I am never able to sit at the computer. The boys would be jumping all over me! I plan my work so that I can do handwork such as weaving in the car (while James is driving :)) or outside with the kids while they play. When the kids are both in school things will be easier. I had never imagined my business would grow so quickly – but I’m so proud that it has! The challenge keeps growing, but I’m still hanging in there!

To learn more about Bri and her work go to the website:Arden and James

People of Kennett Square–Meredith Langer

March 27, 2015 art, artist, business, Calligraphy, people, photography, portrait, Story, Style

I found Meredith through Instagram. She is an amazing multitalented artist. We met at her house in town, it’s a place full of her design elements. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. She showed me her work, and her unique tea dye business card. I absolutely love her work!!! We talked about everything, travel, art, cat, camera, food …etc. She has the most beautiful smile and great personality. I borrowed these words from her Instagram’s profile:” |sign maker | freelance calligrapher & artist | yarn spinner | dreamer |photographic documenter | proudly Pennsylvanian”.

What was your dream job as a child?

As far as I can remember, I always wanted to be a teacher. When I was little I had my own pretend classroom with a giant chalkboard & would talk to imaginary students for hours. Funny that now I’m still writing on chalkboards!

Were you always interested in art? how did you start the calligraphy?

I always had a huge respect for all different forms of art. I started calligraphy out of necessity; I had to make some signs for a client through terrain. Terrain is one of those places where you don’t say no to clients…you create what they want, even if it is out of your comfort zone. This project was painting names on 5 foot canvas for a wedding. Than the next project was a seating chart that was painted on glass. After that I loved analyzing each stroke of a letter & how to make them better.

How did you start become known for your work?

I really have to thank Instagram. I have found countless amount of jobs through word of mouth//friend of a friend that saw something I did on Instagram. I actually have to thank this application for a lot of things: I have found clients, made new friends, workshop attendees, & most recently found a new roommate through Instagram. I wouldn’t be having this conversation right now if it wasn’t for Jie finding me through Instagram.

What do you dream of doing in the future?

I definitely want to travel more! Traveling always helps me to shift my inspiration. I would also love to have an online shop where I sell custom products: stamps, wood burnings, cards…

What would be your best advice to aspiring calligrapher?

Play & have fun! Do not feel like every move is permeant or right/wrong…every stroke has a purpose. Also, get inspired! Find something that you admire & try to copy it with your own spin on it.

Check her website for more information: www.merelymere.com

People of Kennett Square–Demian Rivera

March 25, 2015 art, artist, people, photography, portrait, Story, street, Uncategorized

Demian is a tattoo artist. He works for a Tattoo shop in town. Except the tattoo shop , he has another happy place–his garage, where he spends his free time fixing his motorcycle.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Don’t know I think the first thing that I wanted to be when I grew up would be like my dad. He is a cool guy with cool friends . That’s what i still want to be.

Why do you like tattoos?

Always have like them. Remember being fascinated when i saw somebody that had one .

How are your tattoos represent your personality?

I don’t know I get (tattooed) stuff that I like and that is kind of what makes me and my personality.

Does every tattoo has a story or meaning?

No, not everything has a meaning.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to people?

Find what you love and let it kill you.

People of Kennett Square–Zvezdana Scott

March 19, 2015 art, artist, business, people, photography, portrait, Story, street, Style, Uncategorized

Zvezdana, people also call her Stella. She is the owner of Mala Galleria. I like her gallery. It gives some fresh air to this little town. The first time I went there, I asked her to be part of my “people of kennett square”‘s project. The next day I got a email from her, she said she wanted do a exhibit about my project. I was thrilled!!! I couldn’t believe I could have my first exhibit here. Thank you! Stella, I’m so grateful for this opportunity.

What did you do before you open Mala Galleria?

I ran a Washington DC based humanitarian non- profit organization dealing with the post-war consequences, post- flood needs and soup kitchens in Serbia. I also organized many events, exhibits, film festivals etc. I still do all of that.

What made you decide to open a gallery?

I always wanted to do that. Where I come from, art is everywhere. I grew up with art, music, theater…I was somehow always surrounded by artists and I saw myself in this world.

How do you choose your artists?

I visit lots of art shows, find artists online, sometimes someone recommends them to me, or artists see the gallery and they visit because they like the work I exhibit. I exhibit 27 local artists at the moment, and several international.

Why did you choose Kennett square?

I always searched for the perfect little town to open the gallery in. When we moved to the area 4 years ago and I saw the downtown Kennett Square, I knew I found it. Beautiful, historic downtown with nice people. It was perfect!

What was the most memorable piece you have ever sold?

My first piece I sold, on the first day I opened the gallery. It was an antique, by Julien Celos (1884-1953), a Belgian visual artist. It was a good luck charm!

Learn more about Mala Galleria, check the website here: http://www.malagalleria.com/

People of Kennett Square–Jan Geddes

March 16, 2015 art, business, people, photography, portrait, Story, Style, Uncategorized

Let’s meet Jan, she is the owner of Brick Garage/Pack rats Place, It currently houses a selection of antiques, furniture, accessories and design elements.

The first time I went to Jan’s shop was at Halloween last year. She decorated her shop as ” haunted house” , It was creative, scary and fun!

I love her collections, her shop looks like a mini museum. If you ever come to Kennett Square, you have to check her store, it’s a must see place.

When did you start collecting?

Have always treasured things I love that bring fond memories. Started shopping

estate sales around 1990 to find great quality items at better prices to decorate

my home. Found them and more until my storage was overflowing. I needed a

better way to share my bargains and thus” Pack Rats Place” was born so I could

pass my bargains on to my friends.

When and how did you open the shop?

In 2003 saw a unique brick garage in the charming Borough of Kennett Square

which was originally built in 1934 as Young’s Garage and then was George’s

Plumbing for 37 years. Here I saw an opportunity to create a perfect space to

share my finds.

As I had spent over 20 years doing construction projects for myself, I tackled the

shop renovation and preservation of its place in Kennett’s history with a helper

and codes supervision.

During that progress, there occurred some personal tragedies over a period of

time that caused a several year delay in opening the shop, but having the “Brick

Garage”, gave me the incentive to persevere.

Where did the name “Pack Rats Place” come from?

Well, the condensed definition of pack rat is: “…noted for its habit of collecting

bright, shiny objects….and stores the objects it collects to decorate it’s nest…”. It

fits me and all the other pack rats out there to a tee!

Why did you pick Kennett Square?

It was the wonderful brickwork of the building, charm of the location, potential

for economic development and proximity to the major visitor attraction of

Longwood Gardens.

Is there any interesting story about your items?

All the things in the shop have interesting stories. The patina of time enhances so

many things in different ways. Most people have cherished things over the years

and in reality want those items to find a home with someone who will love them

as much as they had. The Brick Garage/Pack Rats Place creates that ambiance for

those items with its eclectic feel. Enchanting Estate Finds, Tantalizing Treasures,

Antiques, Wonderful Whatevers and Odd Objects and Such, etc. are combined

in a rabbit warren of rooms, grounded by a roaring fireplace in the “inside-outside

room” to give those heirlooms a place to shine until they move on to create new

memories. The setting is the main attraction and the inventory of recycled/reused

items changes through time. There are several events to attract people to the

shop, since once they visit they usually return, such as the annual Brick Garage

Haunted House and this past year, the KSQ Candlelight Holiday Home Tour.

Thrilled to be able to share the experience of the shop with others and participate

in Kennett Square community activities!

Find more information about Brick Garage/Pack Rats Place here: http://www.thebrickgarage.com/

People of Kennett Square–Tara Dugan

March 7, 2015 art, business, people, photography, portrait, Story, Style

This is Tara –owner of Scout and Annie Vintage Furniture and accessories shop. After I moved to Kennett Square, her shop is one of my hangout place, I like to go there check everything that she collected.I love her style, and dream one day my home will full of her furniture.

What did you do before you open Scout &Annie?

Before Scout & Annie, I was an attorney. I loved it, but I meet much friendlier people now.

How you got into this business? and what’s the meaning of Scout & Annie?

I started off by doing shows like Clover Market and the Brooklyn Flea Market. I did well and was having fun, so took space in the West End Garage in Cape May. That was a great experience, and I was inspired to go further and open a permanent shop. Kennett Square is home, and it also happens to be a great downtown, so opening Scout & Annie on State Street was the obvious choice. I have been open in Kennett Square since summer 2011.

Scout & Annie are the family dogs. People sometimes ask if Scout & Annie are my kids, or call my husband “Scott” and me “Annie”. And we answer to it.

Where do you find your stuff?

The furniture and accessories in the shop come from many different sources, mostly people who contact me when they or a family member are downsizing. I also have great relationships with other dealers who feed mid century modern gems to me.

What do you love most about vintage furniture?

I love the timeless nature of vintage furniture, particularly mid century and Danish modern styles. Clean lines, great materials, innovative design and quality construction mean that these pieces retain their classic appeal and live in your home as stylishly as they did half a century ago. I think the recent recession reminded everyone about the importance of quality pieces that retain their value and usefulness. There is a whole new generation moving into their own homes that has fallen in love with classic modern design, and they want vintage, not new. Makes sense, as the milennials have been raised “green”, and vintage is a far more ecologically sound choice than new. Just like restaurants with local menus, I make it a point to source as much as possible locally, which means no shipping or manufacturing resources/waste. And not only is it perfect re-use, using vintage and salvage in your decor means your can put your unique stamp on your home.

Can you give some tips about how to choose vintage furniture?

You can find great vintage in so many places – thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets. I recommend heading out early and carrying cash. You can politely negotiate, particularly if you are buying more than one item. If you see something you love, don’t hesitate – it probably won’t be there when you return after “thinking about it”. If you love an upholstered frame but hate the fabric, consider investing in professional reupholstery. Costly, but a relative steal for a customized, quality piece. And this is quirky but you’ll thank me later : SMELL the piece. Yes, open the drawer and stick your head in there and ignore the funny looks. Good wood smells nice or not at all, but avoid anything musty or reeking of cigarettes – this will not “air out”. This is especially important at an outdoor market where stink may be harder to detect in the fresh air.

Photography exhibit: People of Kennett Square

February 27, 2015 art, people, photography, portrait, Story

I’m so excited for my upcoming photography exhibit. Please come and join me. I will have 20 photographs showing at Mala Galleria. The opening is on March 6th from 6:00 to 9:00. I hope to see you there.

People of Kennett Square–Robert C. Jackson

January 3, 2015 art, artist, people, photography, portrait, still life, Story

I wrote an email to Bob about the photo shoot and interview. I also forwarded a link of my website. He said “Sure – you do a good job with those!Funny but looking at the pictures, you did one on the steps of my studio. I remember working away and hearing people talking on my step and peeked out the window and saw you taking a photo and thought nothing of it until I looked at your site. ” That was my first story of Humans of Kennett Square with Bridget. What a coincidence! At that time I didn’t know that’s his studio.

When did you first realize you are an artist? and how did you make your dream come true?

Back when I was an Engineer I remember walking to the Kennedy Center in DC with a man involved in arts management. He asked what I did and I said that I was an Engineer but wanted to be an artist someday. He exclaimed, ” if you are making art, you are an artist! ” I was kind of shocked and apologetic, hemming and hawing, saying” Not really.” But he wouldn’t let it die, and explained that most artists don’t make a living from their work and if you have that impulse that you have to make something then you are an artist. I guess I am rather fortunate that I do actually make my living this way now.

As for making the dream come true – no one is “discovered”-it takes a heck of a lot of hustle.

What famous artists have influenced you and how?

You saw my art books, I am a junkie for looking at art. I walk to lunch every day with an art book that I thumb through. So, the influences are wide, varied, and too countless to mention. There is a little to learn from everyone.

But, when all is said and done, you need to look like yourself.

What inspires you to create art and how do you keep motivated when things get tough in the studio?

Hmmm… Geez, it is something that is so ingrained in me that it is tough not to think about it now. This is my passion so it is hard for me to step out of it. I try to keep way head of myself with ideas. There is nothing worse than staring at a blank canvas wondering what to do, so I don’t let myself get there . I have countless sketchbooks lying around in which I write down ideas continuously. That way, when I need a new one, I can just thumb through any of these books.

What is it about still life that keeps you painting them and what are you working on at the moment?

I’ve always loved still life. It lets me pick objects, set them up much like a sculptor, and then immortalize them on canvas. I like working with these placid models that will allow me to work with them hours on end painting from life.

Presently I am working on a commission for a client of a bunch of balloon dogs lined up at a makeshift bar make of my crates. Often my work is kind of hard for me to explain but I think you took some photos of me in progress on this one!

How have you handle the business side of being an artist?

Out of necessity! I have 3 kids, 2 that are in college right now. So, I have to make it work. Many artists complain about the gallery system, and giving them so much money. For me, I have loved it and it has worked. I need as many people as possible helping me to get me work out there. Handing your career professionally goes a long way. Keep deadlines, have organized presentations, answer correspondence, etc… Artists are notoriously bad at that.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?

Don’t neglect the business side. No matter how well crafted your work, it has to get out there and work hard at it.