steve mckenzie art Archives | Page 2 of 3 |
Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday from our team here at steve mckenzie’s! May your Christmas be a meaningful celebration with family and friends and may you savor every wonderful moment.
Please see a reminder of our holiday hours below…
And if you find yourself wanting to take part in a little post-holiday retail therapy, we invite you to enjoy our improved shopping experience on the steve mckenzie’s website. We think you’ll find something you’ll love to treat yourself to after the holiday commotion has ended. 😉
We hope to see you in store after Christmas – and please keep steve mckenzie’s in mind as you plan your New Years celebrations. We have plenty of goodies to make your evening sparkle!
This year, we’re helping you cross off any and all recipients who may be remaining on your holiday gift list with our rundown of the top five gifts of 2016, currently available at steve mckenzie’s. No matter who they are, what they enjoy or what their age may be, there’s a fit for everyone on our 2016 top gifts list (and maybe a little something to gift yourself with as well :-))…
- PUZZLES! Y’all, who doesn’t love a puzzle?! And this one just happens to feature holiday highlights from across the United States. We think this finished puzzle would even make a fun piece of seasonal wall art! Not to mention all of the fun that’ll be had putting these 1,000 pieces together. It’ll give and give for hours on end!
- Acrylic Wine Glasses. We don’t have enough good things to say about these glasses! They’re gorgeous, first of all, and coming in at a close second is they’re virtually unbreakable AND dishwasher safe. While these glasses will add a beautifully refined touch to any celebration, we think the recipient on the other end of these glasses will be celebrating the glasses themselves!
- Catchall tray. These fun lacquer coated fabric trays are like small works of art for your flat surfaces… They feature a Steve McKenzie’s work of art in an indigo loop pattern and because of pattern placement are all a bit different. Put on an entryway table, on a bedside console, even a dining room buffet, there are endless uses for these fantastic trays!!
- Christmas serving plate and bowl set. Think Santa would mind enjoying a bit of crudité instead of cookies this year?? When served on this delightful set, we think not! Chips and dip, veggies and hummus, crackers and cheese and oh so much more will be thoroughly enjoyed this holiday season on such fun dishes!
- A beautifully packaged, lusciously scented candle. A green fresh cut grass herbaceous blend, topped with a fruity bouquet, of citrus, bamboo, lilac, rose, clove and musk notes. If that scent description doesn’t make you want to run into the showroom and pick up five or six for your go-to gift stash, we don’t know what will! Plus, there’s no need to know a recipient’s size for this gift and after filling their home with a scrumptious scent, it’ll disappear!
And there you have it – steve mckenzie’s Top Gifts for 2016. So, we need to know… Which of these items would top your gift list?!?
Don’t forget, we offer complimentary gift wrapping, so we literally are a one-stop-shop for all of your holiday gifts this season. We look forward to seeing you in the steve mckenzie’s showroom soon!
If you follow steve mckenzie’s on other social media sites, you may have seen us mention Michelle Workman, a phenomenal interior designer, based out of Los Angeles and Chattanooga. Steve was recently commissioned to custom paint the walls in her space for the Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles 2016 Holiday House and we’ve been fortunate enough to get to know Michelle and her work over the last year and she’s an absolute talent! We hope you enjoy getting to know Michelle in this latest installment of our Tastemaker series…
Born in Los Angeles, California, Michelle’s penchant for the craft was almost immediately apparent. Some of her fondest childhood memories were of her mother chauffeuring her about the neighborhoods to take in the endless array of visually arresting homes. As a budding young designer, Michelle frequently took pleasure in envisioning and fashioning her very own custom designed forts.
Described by those who know her as an “easygoing perfectionist,” Michelle’s philosophy is that interior design should embody the spirit and architectural style of the individual whose home is being transformed – literally, a physical manifestation of the client’s most inherent attributes. Michelle’s signature style is a mingling of the modern and vintage. And her engaging personality, calming demeanor and exquisite attention-to-detail continually instill confidence in her clients as she brings into being for them their one-of-a-kind dream home.
1. Three words that describe your aesthetic?
Elegant, Glamorous, Exuberant
2. Would you please share a little about your favorite space/project to date?
Hmmmm. Not sure I have a favorite, each project is so unique and a new adventure, they all have aspects to them that are favored!
3. What’s the source(s) of your inspiration?
Usually the client is the inspiration, but when I do a showhouse or exhibition I make up a person that I want as a client and I design for them.
4. Name three people (alive or dead) you’d invite to your dream dinner party…
Marie Antoinette, I have so many questions for her, politically, but also she was a revolutionary when it came to style. Ginger Rogers, she seems like not only talented but down to earth and bubbly and wise.. I bet she would have great stories about old Hollywood. Alexa Hampton, she’s a great designer but is also very well read and knows everything about design and design history, and she’s one of the funniest people in our industry. I think that would be a lively dinner party!
5. A piece of/type of furniture you couldn’t live without?
A chair. and another chair, and two more chairs, and then one more chair. I like chairs… oh and lamps too.
6. Do you follow a particular set of rules when mixing textures, finishes, etc. – how do they work for you?
I work very hard to bring disparate elements into harmony, the overriding rule is balance.
7. Trending… What is something you are currently “into” and something you are “over?”
Into… ART DECO. Over… gray and beige and taupe, drab, drab, drab.
8. How does artwork fit into your designs?
I try to use local and emerging artists. I love to get original pieces for clients even if they are not investment grade – I like to support young new artists this way.
9. What would be the one thing you would have if you were stranded on a deserted island?
A kindle with wifi.
10. Please share a piece of advice you’d offer to someone looking to break into the interior design industry.
Avail yourself of museums, and historic tours, and anything that will show you the finer things in life. Try to find things for your clients that are unique and one of a kind… not from big box stores.
Thank you Michelle! It’s been such a pleasure working with you and being a part of your outstanding designs!!
Right before Thanksgiving, we were fortunate enough to be treated to a media preview tour of the 2016 Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse and it was a stunner. Truly. Every detail at every corner of every space was just impeccable and totally inspirational!
Photo by David Christensen
We urge you to plan a visit if you haven’t done so already – it will instantly put you in the holiday spirit, and if you’re already feeling festive, then you’ll just be envisioning even more sugarplums this season.
But – we cannot keep you in total suspense. See some of our favorite highlights below…
Photo by David Christensen
Michelle Workman’s amazing space was an obvious favorite for us. After all, our own Steve McKenzie created her walls, which we happen to think are pretty spectacular.
Photo by David Christensen
Truly though, her bedroom design is absolutely transportive and welcoming all at the same time. Her mixing of patterns, colors and textiles is sensational.
Photo by David Christensen
The holiday house kitchen by Shaylyn Woodbery was glamorous, but absolutely welcoming. Her touches of gold and brass throughout are perfect for the holidays and beyond.
Photo by David Christensen
And you know we can’t pass up a fabulous table setting!
Photo by David Christensen
Musso Design Group created a master bedroom space we immediately felt right at home in. Its streamlined and modern, but fits right in with this classic home.
Finally, the home’s office by Heather Roberts, for Ivy and Vine, was an absolute show stopper. That chair caught our attention first, but what kept us coming back for more of this space was her use of color. The same blue hue on the walls, mouldings – even the ceiling.
There’s just a sampling of what you can expect with this spectacular holiday home for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, and as you can imagine, there’s so much more seasonal eye candy for you. We hope you enjoy the home as much as we did… Happy holidays!!
Tis’ the season, we suppose… And we’re only busier from here! See steve mckenzie’s allover Atlanta this month. We’re out and about sharing our fabulous home accessories, art, holiday decor and more – make plans to see us soon!
Sneak Peek at the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Home for the Holiday Show House, opens Nov. 18th!
But, the first stop is one you can make right now to a recent post, where you can learn our top tips for creating and sending holiday cards, effortlessly. Be sure to enter the giveaway, which ends at midnight tonight!!
Next stop, Decatur, for the Decatur Art Walk:
Find Steve and his art at Trinity Mercantile onFriday, Nov. 4th from 5-9pm.
116 East Trinity Place / Decatur, GA
Next up is the Holiday Gift Show:
NMP Holiday Gift Show
Unique home accessories, gifts and more at the NMP Holiday Gift Show
Friday, Nov. 11th, 9-4pm and Saturday, Nov. 12th, 9-4pm
Finally, we’re headed to West Elm Ponce City Market:
Meet Steve and see his NEW art prints and stationery
Sunday, Nov. 13th, 12-5pm
675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE
Phew! We already need a cocktail :-)) We’re so excited to be out and about through the month of November and hope to see you soon, wherever we may be!
We had such a blast creating some amazing paper lanterns for last year’s Atlanta Beltline lantern parade, we’ve decided to bring back our fun workshop in preparation for this year’s parade!!
photo by Christopher T Martin
The lantern parade takes place on September 10th at 7:30pm, and marks the beginning of the annual Art on the Atlanta beltline exhibition, the largest temporary art exhibition in the south!
The lantern making Creative Session will take place at steve mckenzie’s on Saturday, August 27th at 9:30am, and all materials – plus a bite to eat – will all be provided!
Our own paper expert (among other things), Xavier Neuner, will be leading this session and inspiring and encouraging the creativity of all!
Xavier Neuner
So, start to put your lantern designing thinking caps on and get ready for a great time! Attend as a group, or just yourself… We promise a fun morning!
We’re looking forward to lighting up the Atlanta Beltline with you!!
Buy tickets for this event here.
Get engaged over the holidays? First of all… Congrats! Second, where will you register?!? It’s a question you’ll hear a lot between now and the big day, and deservedly so. Your loved ones want to gift you with that something special, when each time you see it, you think of them.
We encourage you to give your loved ones an opportunity to gift you with items you’ll treasure forever, things you can’t find in a big box store – all while shopping small and local. Register with steve mckenzie’s!
Gien Pont aux Choux in Taupe
Why? Here are four reasons we think you’ll be just as head-over-heels for steve mckenzie’s wedding registry as you are with your fiance:
- Unique offerings – steve mckenzie’s carries items you won’t see at every chain store. Everything we offer is painstakingly selected by Steve and Jill McKenzie, our own husband and wife team with loads of homemaking and entertaining experience. An assortment of R. Wood Pottery, handmade in Athens, GA.
- People LOVE to give special gifts – We make it easy for you to select truly special items for your registry, which your guests will love gifting! steve mckenzie’s offers so much more than tableware – let your loved ones give something as unique as you and your fiance for your big celebration! A smaller-scale original work of art by Steve McKenzie – ideal for beginning your family’s collection.
- One of a kind art gifts – Our team spends a lot of time creating and curating original artworks that would help to make any house feel like a home. Pick pieces you’ll love forever and add them to your registry. Even small works of art can be the jumping off point for your home’s design. Give someone an opportunity to give your new family the gift of art.
- It’s easy! – Registering and shopping registries with steve mckenzie’s is so simple! You’ll work with our team, who will help guide you through the registry process, selecting items you’ll use – and possibly pass down for generations. When it’s time to shop, your guests are welcome to peruse our store, or simply call in to place an order. steve mckenzie’s offers complimentary gift wrapping, and has even been known to make hand deliveries. A classic mint julep cup by Match Pewter – use for cocktail hour, a petite vase, or even utensil holder for your buffet!
We hope you’ll consider working with our team to create a truly unique registry for your upcoming wedding celebration. Please contact us today with any questions or to get started!
Ruth Franklin is interested in painting, or to be more specific, the process of painting. “Paint is such a lovely medium, it’s a shame to ignore the possibilities that pushing it around can create. Recognizing the possibilities is the trick,” she says.
Ruth Franklin, working in her Decatur studio.
Steve and Jill were immediately taken with Ruth’s work – and soon after, Ruth herself – the first time they laid eyes on one of her pieces, years ago. Now, the friendship has come full circle, and we’re thrilled to share, steve mckenzie’s will be hosting “Painting Out Loud,” a show featuring Ruth’s works, in store, launching Friday, September 18th!
“Untitled” (#4049), 48×48 – by Ruth Franklin
A reception, taking place in the steve mckenzie’s showroom that evening, from 5-8pm, will be the kickoff to this fantastic show and you’re invited!
“Untitled” (#4344), 12×12 – by Ruth Franklin
Based out of Decatur, Ruth Franklin is a contemporary British artist, whose expressive paintings and drawings are exhibited and collected internationally.
“Untitled” (#4071), 48×48 – by Ruth Franklin
Ruth was born in Kent, England in 1964 and grew up in the picturesque and quintessentially English countryside of East Anglia. She studied at the Lowestoft College of Art before attending Brighton Art School, where she earned her BFA (Honours) in Painting. Ruth started showing & selling her work in the US a few years later.
“Untitled” (#4345), 12×12 – by Ruth Franklin
Ruth lived briefly in Barcelona and was duly inspired, creating a striking body of work in soft pastels which were exhibited in New York to enthusiastic collectors.
“Untitled” (#4041), 48×60 – by Ruth Franklin
Shortly thereafter, Ruth emigrated to the US and set up a home base and studio in Decatur, where she continues to live & work.
Ruth’s Decatur-based art studio
Her studio is a cave of cut out images, large art books, and photographs, piled amongst the giant coffee tins that she uses to hold her brushes and water. Sketches and drawings are push-pinned to the walls and lie on the tables – a constant reminder of possible paintings.
Works in progress in Ruth Franklin’s studio.
Last year, she was voted ‘Best Established Visual Artist’ in Atlanta, by the readers of Creative Loafing. Her work was most recently shown at the Harlem Fine Arts Show, RAW Art Fair in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and in the 2013 MoCA GA show: ‘Georgia Artists Selecting Georgia Artists’.
Ruth’s work on display.
When asked how she envisions people living with her art, she says “good art matches the sofa better than bad art.”
Ruth Franklin, at work.
Ha, we appreciate that last tidbit for sure! We’re so excited to celebrate this fabulous show featuring works by Ruth Franklin, with an art show reception Friday, September 18th from 5-8pm – we look forward to seeing you there! Please reach out to the team at steve mckenzie’s for additional information.
It’s “art you can touch” and it’s right in our own backyard! While taking a walk and exploring their new neighborhood, Steve, Jill and their youngest, Mimi, discovered Isamu Noguchi’s architectural playground! Mimi and Jill enjoying Noguchi Playground This was a wonderful surprise to learn of, as Noguchi is a big influence on Steve’s art and when visiting the museum dedicated to him in NYC, they discovered he had designed this wonderful playground in Piedmont Park. A view of Piedmont Park during the McKenzie’s evening walk. In addition to Noguchi providing great influence over Steve’s art, he and Jill also enjoy living with a Noguchi-designed coffee table… Noguchi is both an artist and an architect, a set of skills visible in the modern design of this children’s playground. Now that Steve has been properly surrounded by Noguchi’s designs here in Atlanta, he’s ready to visit his studio in Japan… A bucket list item indeed!
One of the biggest ways Steve finds inspiration for his own art is to view other artist’s work; after all, art is all about providing inspiration! Recently, he was in NYC for the opening of a show that featured two of his works and while there, took the day with his daughter, Molly, who lives in the city, to experience a bit of the city’s amazing art scene…
Their day started on the Upper East Side at the Gagosian Gallery on Madison Ave to see one of Steve’s favorite artists, Cy Twombly. The confidence and power Twombly exhibits is a constant source of inspiration for Steve. Though small, only 5 overscaled paintings and a few sculptures, the exhibit was beautiful.
“Cy Twombly” Installation View Artwork © Cy Twombly Foundation. Collection Cy Twombly Foundation. Photo by Rob McKeever “Cy Twombly” Installation View Artwork © Cy Twombly Foundation. Collection Cy Twombly Foundation. Photo by Rob McKeever
Next, it was off to the Museum of Modern Art, MOMA, to see the Bjork Retrospective. This was especially meaningful because Steve and Jill’s son-in-law, Jim, and the architectural firm he works for, The Living, designed and installed the space for the new performance piece by Bjork, Black Lake. The piece and the space were incredible, and it was a very proud moment for Steve when Jim’s name rolled by in the credits of the video:
Here is a trailer for the piece:
For Steve, a trip to MOMA would not be complete without visiting a couple of works of art that are perennial sources of inspiration.
Two of the combine series by Robert Rauschenberg created in the 50’s provide such a source of inspiration to create work without fear or limits.
Robert Rauschenberg combine “Canyon” 1959 Robert Rauschenberg “Bed” 1955
The Franz Klein Painting, “Chief,” exudes the raw energy and scale Steve seeks when he is in the studio…
Franz Klein “Chief” 1950
Chelsea was next on the list, to see the latest work by Richard Serra, “Equal,” at the David Zwirner Gallery. These monolithic heroic forged weather proof steel pieces confront the viewer and give you pause to contemplate your role in the bigger universe.
Here is a view of Molly beside a piece for scale:
When strolling through Chelsea, you are bound to see something through the window of a gallery you just must take in. This was the case with McCaffrey Fine Art and the Kazuo Shiraga monumental paintings.
The brush strokes were huge on these enormous paintings, which lead Steve yearning to know how they were created. He was astonished to learn they were painted with the artists feet swinging from a rope. Here is a brief video of the artist working:
The day closed with Steve feeling inspired and ready to return to the studio to create.
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