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I know I haven't blogged in a coon's age but hopefully I will get in a more regular routine with that here soon (that should please the two of you that still read this blog lol). Recently I attended The Southern Coterie Summit on Jekyll Island and I would be remiss if I didn't take the time to talk about it!

Jekyll Island Club

Unfortunately the weather was like this the entire time...

First of all, The Southern Coterie is an online community produced by two amazing ladies, Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long who were childhood friends that came together again in adulthood on St. Simmons Island and decided to start the community based around their love of all things Southern. Members of The Southern Coterie come together to create discussions, discover other Southern bloggers, ask questions on all kinds of topics including lifestyle, food, design and so much more! Go check it out now!

Secondly, The Southern C Summit I attended a couple months back was the inaugural event that these two aforementioned ladies created to bring together all these Southern creatives in one spot to talk about our various businesses, discuss social media and network with one another. The entire thing was sponsored by Southern Living and several of the editors spoke which was amazing as I have always been a huge fan of the magazine! There were some really interesting presentations by several Southern powerhouses like Charleston's own Libba Osborne and Jackie Tyler Thompson of Leapfrog PR and Courtney Rowson and Amy Pastre of Stitch Design Co., introduced by Haskell Harris (a contributing editor to Southern Living, owner of Haskell Harris Creative and creator of the blog Magpie Lovely); Amy Flurry author of the book Recipe for Press (I have just started reading this and it is SUPER helpful!) spoke about the proper way to pitch your ideas to media; Holly Hollingsworth Phillips of the popular design blog The English Room and Chassity Evans of Look Linger Love both talked about their rise in the blogging community. Those are just a few of the talented presenters! And I cannot forget to mention my personal fav, Aidan, of Aidan Cares. PLEASE take a second to go to his website! He rocked my world. In addition to all the fabulous speakers, it was great to connect with fellow creatives across the South and learn what they do, how they got their start, operate their businesses, etc. Really great experience!

Carrie Morey of Callie's Biscuits, Melissa Blanchard of Val Jean, Libba Osborne and Jackie Tyler Thompson of Leapfrog PR, Courtney Rowson and Amy Pastre of Stitch Design Co.

My boy Aidan!

They had this cool screen that displayed any #tscsummit tweet on a continuous feed!

I had to capture this moment at lunch of Haskell Harris and Carrie Morey...
I mean, we were at a social media conference after all!

It wasn't ALL work...we managed to get out and have some fun too...maybe a bit too much some might say.

Yep, that is a Georgia State Trooper's car behind us but don't worry, there was no tom-foolery. Well...maybe some. We were on the hunt for Will Ferrel, Paul Rudd and Steve Carrel who were in town filming Anchorman Two. No luck I'm incredibly sad to say.

Shortly after attending The Southern C Summit, my new buds were super sweet to feature me on The Southern Coterie as their Coterie Crush in their Designer Series. Major thanks to them for that!

And good news...there is another SUMMIT already planned! And it is in Athens, GA starting August 1st. Now as a University of Georgia grad, I can attest that if you have never been to Athens, Georgia then you should take this opportunity...fantastic town! Here is the link to sign up for The Southern C Summit! I HIGHLY recommend it!

From The Front Porch of Shannon Smith
Artist

Join me as I sit down with local artist Shannon Smith and have a lil' chat...

So how did you get started painting? I was born and raised into a family of artists. My Mom, my twin sister, and I are all oil painters and my triplet brother is a photographer.

How has growing up in a family of artists shaped you as an artist? Life as a triplet and an artist have made to be a fun and interesting one! How unique to be able to share a close sibling bond as well as all sharing the same artistic talents. My Mom was a full time mother of three, but she started painting once we got out of the house and started going to school. I was exposed to art at a young age through her works, attending art shows, and our family travels almost always included visits to art museums. I have fond memories of dabbling in watercolors in Mom's studio.
1979, Age 7

So did you always know that you wanted to be an artist? Wanted to be an artist, yes. I always had a love of drawing and painting and grew up wishing to be an artist like my mom but didn't believe I could do it professionally. So I did not become serious about painting until college. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Clemson University with my focus on oil painting. After graduating I was unsure about being able to support myself and making a career out of my art. While at Clemson, I broke my leg skiing and had to undergo knee surgery and months of physical therapy. That unfortunate experience sparked my interest in the field of health therapies, mostly physical and occupational therapy. I moved back to Charleston and went back to school for a year to fulfill the health and science prerequisites needed to apply to MUSC's graduate program of Occupational Therapy. However, I was not accepted and although disappointed at the time, I quickly realized it was a blessing in disguise!

Had you ever shown your work before? I had exhibited in Spoleto's outdoor art show in the past with my college art and decided to paint for that year's upcoming festival in May. I painted 25 oils for the show and sold over half! I was thrilled beyond words at my success. It was the boost of confidence that I needed to follow my passion as an artist! I also give tremendous credit to my mom and her artist friends, watching them achieve established roles in the art community, both locally and nationally, truly gave me the courage to follow my passion and follow in their footsteps! I am now a full time professional artist of 15 years, showing in galleries and museums, and have not looked back since that May of 1996!

Where do you show your work? This year we celebrate the 10 year Anniversary of the opening of our family gallery, Smith Killian Fine Art on 9 Queen St downtown Charleston. [Shannon also show's her work at the following galleries: The Well's Gallery at Kiawah Island, South Carolina; Anne Irwin Fine Art in Atlanta, Georgia; Parker Gallery in St. Simons Island, Georgia and the City Art Gallery in Greenville, North Carolina.

Where do you paint? My painting studio is in the upstairs of my home in Mount Pleasant, but I also take my "studio" outside and paint en plein-air when nice weather and great travel opportunities permit.

Shannon in her home studio.

Shannon plein-air painting in the misty rain on Shem Creek.

Also she is a Signature Member of the Plein-Air Painters of the Southeast.

How would you describe your paintings? My subject matter varies between landscape, still life, and figures while all sharing the common theme of dramatic use of light. I consider my style to be somewhat impressionistic and representational, with strong emphasis on color and light.

Here are some examples of her latest work.

"Cortona Light"
40x30 Oil on Linen

"Lowcountry Roots"
36x60 Oil on Linen

"Summer House II"
30x30 Oil on Linen

"The Waiter"
30x40 Oil on Linen

"Pink and Pewter"
16x20 Oil on Linen

Shannon has a wall in her studio she calls her "Travel Wall" where she creates paintings from all the places she travels. In the photo, you can see one of her two Himalayan cats, Ollie (other is Rufus). Ollie likes to sit on the sofa and watch Shannon paint. In fact, sometimes Ollie gets a little too close as he had green paint all over his beautiful white fur! Just one of the hazards of being the cat of an artist I suppose.

Shannon will be teaching a painting workshop along with fellow artist Laurie Meyer in Italy in April of 2012.

Since I am an interior designer, you know I am going to ask you about your home!

Your house is adorable! How long have you lived here? It will be 6 years this Thanksgiving. I bought it during the construction phase so I was able to customize some of the elements to my particular taste. What really drew me to it was the Nantucket cottage feel it had.

What is your favorite spot in your home and why? My back screened in porch without a doubt! I grew up always having a porch where our family shared meals and time together. It is my "happy place" where I unwind and truly relax, whether it be with my morning coffee or evening glass of wine. I just love being outside close to nature... watching the birds at my bird feeders and enjoying the critters that frequent the pond behind my backyard, ie. ducks, herons, egrets, turtles, snakes, and the occasional visiting gator! All while listening to water trickle from my fountain, I also take in the fast changing colors and clouds of evening light which soon become a beautiful night sky of moon and stars. I am also fortunate to have a front porch...now that is where I go to rock in my rockers and be more social with the close-by neighbors!

Name one item in your home that you are most proud of? I am most proud of my art collection...mostly oils and a few etchings and photographs. Of course they are all original pieces! While some are my own works, several pieces were traded with my family and artist friends, and some I have purchased through art galleries. I treasure each and every one for their meaning and inspiration to me and my life as an artist. I am out of wall space...time for a bigger house to continue my art collection!!

What is the first item you bought for your home? Afghan and Turkish hand made rugs from Zinn Rug Gallery. Most of my wall colors and furniture are shades of white and neutrals, therefore the rugs and artwork are a chance for a pop of color.

If you could update one aspect of your home what would it be and why? My light fixtures. When completing this house, I chose things that fit in with the traditional coastal cottage style. I now wish I had meshed more contemporary modern with the current cottage theme. I like the idea of new and modern mixed with antique and cottage...keeps it interesting! I am not at all a fan of "matching" decorating, color wise or furniture wise! I think changing out light fixtures, ie. my pendants over the kitchen bar and chandelier over the breakfast table, would be an easy way to update my home, giving it more of a modern twist without a lot of fuss.

It has been great getting to know you better, thanks for taking the time to sit with me Shannon!

[From The Front Porch Of ___ will become a regular post I will be doing for all of us to get to know local artists, business owners and craftsman in the Charleston area that are in some way "home" related. I hope you enjoy getting to know these folks as much I do!]

Charleston native Shannon Brown Wood grew up among the marsh grass, tidal creeks, waters and wide skies of the Lowcountry. The constantly changing light and hues of the marsh water create an infinite supply of inspiration and surprise for artist and audience alike. Wood earned a BFA in graphic design from the University of Georgia and spent six years as a designer for Gil Shuler Graphic Design in Charleston. In 2005, she volunteered at Redux Contemporary Art Center as a resident artist, and in 2006, her work was included at a Charleston City Gallery emerging artist exhibit, Under the Radar. Her work, focused on the marshes and waterways she still calls home, invites the viewer to revel in the possibilities that live just beyond the horizon. Often incorporating natural elements, reeds or grasses hand-sewn into the canvas, wood juxtaposes tactile touches of the real with her own response to a moment of light, color and wonder-beautifully suspended-and forever captured-in time. For more on Shannon and her work visit The Charleston Artist Collective or her website shannonwoodart.com.

Is there anyone you credit with gifting you your artistic ability and/or teaching you your skills? Or did you just pick up a brush one day and get lucky?
My mom was a huge influence. She was an art history major at the College of Charleston so she has always had an appreciation for art. She always had me in private art lessons outside of school and really nurtured my talent.

Since it varies for each artist, we want to know what inspires you?
I would say that the most important inspiration for me is nature. Having grown up in Charleston, I have a love for everything coastal: the water, the smells, the textures. It’s inspiring just being surrounded by it. I also love finding things at the beach and by the marsh and often incorporate them into my paintings.

Do you hang your own work in your home?
Yes I do. I love to collect other artist work as well.

Is there a specific artist/work that you covet? Robert Rauschenberg. I ‘ve seen many of his paintings in museums and they have such an amazing textural quality. They just lure me in.

If you were not an artist, what career do you think you’d have?
Archaeologistor chef. I love to cook! It’s a lot like being a painter—but instead of paint you are mixing ingredients together to create a beautiful dish.

Rapid fire…
Favorite city to travel to? Cortona, Itlay
Guilty pleasure? Wine
Favorite restaurant in Charleston? Coda Del Pesce on Isle of Plams
Saturday activity: beach, shopping, museum, festival or sofa?
Beach---Museum being a close second.
Three words to describe yourself: Sarcastic, easygoing, dreamer

If you are interested in purchasing any of Shannon's art please stop by Eclectic, call us at 843.388.7002 or email sidney@eclecticcharleston.com. Remember, these will only be available during the month of October and yes we will ship for an additional charge!

Eclectic is a Charleston, South Carolina based full-service boutique interior design firm in specializing in the design of residential projects including entire homes and the styling of individual rooms. We also offer virtual e-design services. Please email sidney@eclecticcharleston.com for additional information.

Eclectic is a retail shop/design studio located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina (just over the bridge from downtown Charleston) selling an array of vintage mid-century pieces, repurposed items, new products and locally made creations with a fresh Modern meets Coastal aesthetic.

Interior designer and University of Georgia alum (holla!), Lindsey Coral Harper, left South Georgia for The Big Apple and has been kicking the design world's ass ever since. Her resume includes an internship with Ralph Lauren in London, eight years working under famed designer Richard Langham and freelance work for Dorothy Draper, Inc. just to name a few! Images of her New York apartment have been blowing up the design websites/blogs and she was set to be featured in Domino just as the magazine folded...wa wa wa. But don't feel too sorry for her, when you are as talented as she is, you are bound to recover.

Lindsey Harper's NY Apartment

Lindsey's sister and my sister-in-law are bff's so we have been hearing about each other for years but have yet to meet. I finally emailed her introducing myself and she was nice enough to take the time to answer some questions. So here goes...

After years of residing in NY (and abroad), do you think your southern roots have any influence in your designs? If so, in what ways?
ABSOLUTELY! I am Southern to the core, ask anyone who knows me...or ask me a question and you can hear it as I still have the accent. Or as my grandfather used to say, "we don't have an accent, the rest of the world does". One of the things I love about this city is that there is a huge southern contingency and we stick together. I actually have a large group of southern decorating friends and we refer to ourselves (and so do others) as the Southern Mafia. I do think being southern has had a huge influence on my life, the way I live and the way I design and decorate. I am big on comfort and I like most southerner's I love to entertain! I really try to get to know the client and figure out who they are and how they live so that I can make their house or apartment a welcoming and comfortable environment they really love to be in all the time. In the end it's really about lifestyle!

You have such talent for accessorizing and creating eye catching tablescapes. Any advice or rules of thumb you live by?
Why thank you! I do love my accessories. If anything I'm a maximalist not a minimalist. I love shopping, antiquing, flea markets, and junk stores. If an object catches my eye whether it's a great color or a wonderful shape, a bit odd or makes me laugh, I will usually buy it. A great accessory doesn't have to be expensive or "important". It just has to mean something to you. I also love to travel so I bring things home with me typically in my carry-on (I do not check my luggage) and then I have a little reminder of that place and that trip. Most of my accessories are really wonderful memories.

You clearly are not afraid of color! Where does your color inspiration come from? And are there any colors that you refuse to work with?
I certainly love color. Not sure why, but it just makes me happy. And if you think my apartment is colorful, you should see my closet!! Maybe because I'm a redhead, I had to deal with pairing colors and getting colors right from an early age. I also think my color confidence comes from working with RKL. He too admired color and wasn't afraid to use it. He trusted me to pick paint colors for him on several jobs in the beginning of my career there. A few years later I was specifying all the colors for all of my clients and big jobs, no questions asked. He was a huge risk taker and pushed me to think outside of the box. I also like to try new things and new colors!! There are so many great colors, textiles and color combinations out there...why do the same thing over and over?! The only color I'm really adverse to is white! I rarely do white walls. Unless you have a KILLER art collection, you are going to have to really beg me to give you white walls. If I do white walls look closely, they are probably a textured paper and will definitely be paired with an amazing hi-gloss colored ceiling! Don't you just love when a really well done hi-gloss ceiling looks like glass!

Some of Lindsey Harper's Design Projects

Palm Beach

New York

This busy designer is currently working on several projects from Vermont to New York to Palm Beach. Click here to see LCH Interiors full portfolio.

Lindsey also has an online shop, called Lamshop, with her bestie and business partner, Maggie Currey, which offers custom furniture, art and one-of-a-kind treasures. Lindsey said they are working on some new pieces incorporating fun elements like Shagreen, Tortoise, Malachite, and Faux Bois as well as some new jewel-inspired tables that are "very glam." I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!!!

Although she has been at Eclectic for a few months, I would like to officially welcome Molly! She is not only adorable but she also has amazing taste, she is an extremely hard worker and she is a University of Georgia grad (Go Dawgs!) so she is OBVIOUSLY super smart. So happy to have you at Eclectic! Thanks for keeping me organized and on top of things. Our clients/customers will be lucky to work with you!

Molly Rumph
Design Assistant

Eclectic is a Charleston, South Carolina based full-service boutique interior design firm in specializing in the design of residential projects including entire homes and the styling of individual rooms. We also offer virtual e-design services. Please email sidney@eclectic-idg.com for additional information.

Eclectic is a retail shop/design studio located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina (just over the bridge from downtown Charleston, South Carolina) selling an array of vintage mid-century pieces, repurposed items, new products and locally made art with a fresh Modern meets Coastal aesthetic.

I can't believe my oldest nephew is turning 11 today! Where does the time go??? Just yesterday I was driving to Atlanta for his baby shower all excited to be an aunt for the first time. Now he's all "tough guy." He texted me (yes we text) the other night to remind me it was his birthday this week. At first I got all excited he was thinking about me and then I realized he had an ulterior motive. His texts were brief as I attempted to keep him talking until I asked him what he wanted for his birthday, then I got the lost Harry Potter novel. I must admit I was shocked by half the things he asked for...but had to laugh when he followed them up with "my dad said it was ok!" His birthday wishlist made me want to run out and buy him a football or hand-made blocks or perhaps a puzzle we could work on together. I'm not ready for him to get older (sad face).

This is one of my favorite pics of him...drooling over my cousin's groomsmen cake! If he was taller he'd be licking it I'm certain.

And while we are on the subject of University of Georgia, oh we weren't? Well I'll throw this one in there anyway...my nephews with Matt Stafford.

Here is Finn with (possibly) his first baseball trophy. First of MANY! He is a phenomenal athlete! And that is not just a biased aunt talkin'.

See...

That's a signature Wagner move to stick out your tongue. Makes you play better.

Alright, enough pictures. I can't wait to see you in person and give you a big hug! Hope you will still let me now that you are all "tough guy."

Happy Birthday Buddy!
Love you move than you will ever know.
xo

I was so excited to see that the work of Lindsey Coral Harper made the cover of House Beautiful February 2012! I know I have shamelessly dropped her name before (her sister and my sister-in-law are bff's). We have never met but since we both are interior designers and both went to University of Georgia I hear about her career and accomplishments all the time as if we are living parallel lives (bhaaa, no comparison)...her career is moving at a breaking speed! And I am so happy for her! If you aren't familiar with her yet, well shame on you! I demand you to go look at her website immediately.

I love the Charlotte home she designed that is featured in House Beautiful so let's take a closer look...

And click here for more details from Lindsey about the project. Bravo girl!

So I have mentioned many times that red is not my favorite color. [Thank God my dad doesn't read my blog because he would disown me seeing as how we are a HUGE University of Georgia family!] I think it stems from the fact that a) I am a summer...I mean my coloring so blues and greens and purples look better on me and therefore I gravitate towards those cool colors. Seriously, there is an annual charity event here called the RED Party and I have to go out and by something because I literally have no red in my closet. And b) I live in Charleston and I absolutely love the coast so this (I'm sure) influences the color pallet that I gravitate towards. Makes sense, right? Sooo...I feel the need to give some red love out because I do not hate the color red. Promise. I have decorated with it for clients many, many times. And since we have been seeing so much red on the red carpets I am thinking that this color will be showing up more and more in the decor world very soon. Don't ya think?

I especially like it done in small splashes so it doesn't overwhelm the room or make it feel heavy.

House Beautiful

Domino

House Beautiful

Elle Decor

Elle Decor

Southern Living

I will go on record however saying that their ain't nothin' like a Georgia boy in a pair of red pants! Go Dawgs! [That was for you dad.]