Front Porch the
autumn 2014
wichita
The Art of Cultivating Simple Pleasures and Living Well
Artscaping A
Art, as subject, is arguably one of the most intimidating things around. Perhaps it’s because we believe we need a grounding in art history to have a relationship with art, but that’s just an urban legend or modern fallacy. The most important thing is whether or not you like a particular piece. Maybe it has colors you love, maybe the subject is something you adore, maybe it’s that you just plain like it. One thing is certain: Art has restorative, transformative power. It can amuse, uplift, arouse, relax, inspire. While a piece of art can be the decorative touch that pulls a diverse space together, it’s just as true that beautiful furnishings alone do not a home, a nook, a room, or an office make. That heavy lift calls out for art. As proof, just look at how various works of art transform some of Wichita’s interiors. Continued on page 10.
Favorite foods for harvest celebrations take on a new twist. See page 14 for recipes.
Clockwise from upper left: 1] A Kitchen & Bath Gallery remodel opened up space for these homeowners’ stunning collection of original wildlife-inspired etchings by regionally renowned artists Sandy Scott and Mark Thompson. These limited editions span multiple subjects; the homeowners began collecting Scott’s etchings years ago, then discovered Mark Thompson and began collecting him as well. The handsome cast-stone fireplace serves as more than a striking focal point for Roses, by artist Allen Lund. 2] Art can shine in groupings or as the star of the show. A striking portrait of Pamela Jones, owner of Interiors by Pamela, was commissioned by her husband and created by internationally acclaimed artist Andy Baird, whose art is evocative of the drip paintings made famous by the late Jackson Pollock. But in a quirky feat of trompe l’oeil, the original oil painting reveals a clever sleight of hand: LivingSound installed a picture lift mechanism over a 60-inch HDTV, and Artworks constructed the jaw-dropping stacked frame–in reality, six frames stacked eight inches wide. LivingSound installed speakers that are hidden in the rock wall, but the art lift is the real star. 3] Inspiration can come from anywhere. Working with the homeowner and decorator Mitzi Beach, local artist Joey Pohl—who specializes in such areas as unique painting styles, faux finishes, and murals—was inspired by a piece of fabric, which became his acrylic Tree of Life in the garden room.
number 21 2 Noteworthy: small works of art reveal a winsome glow 2 Peaceable Kingdom: fostering service pets benefits all 4 Shades of Green: local shops restore merry to the holidays 6 On The Porch: carved doors complete a handsome porch