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| My Room, Untouched |
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| Mission Accomplished! |
It was opening night at the show house. I am standing next
to four people who worked their proverbial asses off for me. We were being
interviewed to document the process of the show house. It was through this
on-camera interaction, that I realized how lucky I was to be part of this
project.
I sit down at my computer today, not to talk about color and
texture, but about lessons and relationships.
For the Artfull Living Show House, I had no client directing
me. This project sprouted purely from my own imagination and the suppliers and
artists I worked with were my partners in bringing it to life. Each person used
their expertise for their craft to make my ideas far better.
Two heads work better than one.
I've always said that my vendors are the life-line of my
business. During this project old relationships were strengthened and new ones forged.
On February 29th of this year, all the designers were given
a list of about 40 local artists to work with. Our goal was to include as many
of them as possible in our designs and to complete our rooms in time for the
press opening on May 9th.
Mind you, most custom pieces take about 12 weeks. We had
about eight.
I spent the first week or two developing my concept and
meeting with artists and artisans. This project definitely pushed some of them
out of their comfort zone as they looked at me with a raised eyebrow. They were
hesitant. Uncertain. "Who is this crazy woman that wants brass bugs
crawling everywhere?"
Now we have a much better understanding of each other and
there's lots of mutual respect floating around.
The ArtFull Living Show House, put artists and designers
together that may have not met otherwise. It also, put designers in touch with
one another. For me, as the youngin' in the group, I appreciate this. All my
cohorts stem from my city days. I now have a handful of friends, locally, that
I can turn to for information or even good old fashioned advice.
Bill Miller kept saying, "after this, your next show
house will be a breeze." Eight weeks to create something totally amazing,
with lots of custom pieces and as little money as possible--ummm yeah--now I am
thinkin, "after this, any project will be a breeze!"
Mary Ann Syrek said "you'll be a seasoned designer after
this show house." She was right in the sense that there were times this
project tested me. Recently, I had a friend comment on how flexible I am. I was
on a deadline, he was helping me and a table I needed wouldn't fit in my car. I
forget what my solution was, but I certainly didn't freak. He was impressed.
I've opened two retail stores and worked on a handful of
other large projects. I've always known that I am resourceful. If something
doesn't work, I find a way to make it work. The show house really put that trait
under a magnifying glass and I have to say, that I am pleased with what I saw.
Yes, at times I could have definitely handled things better.
One lesson I learned is that I am really just an editor. Yes, I may be putting
my name on this, but with all the egos floating around a show house, I grounded
myself with "it's not about me, it's about the design." Which led me
to my next lesson: I can definitely grab hold of the reigns a little tighter. I
absolutely CAN control the outcome of a piece without taking away the
fabricator's artistic freedom. If I'm not clear on what I want, how does someone
create a piece that works for the space?
I did learn and experience so much on this project. I am
beyond grateful for the opportunity.
To my suppliers who gave it their all, to the artists who
took a leap of faith, I don't know where I am going, but I am most certainly
taking you with me. Thank you.
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