Kim & Charlie
THERE ARE SO MANY EMERGING ARTISTS TO GET EXCITED ABOUT! SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTS THAT GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD ARE ON THE RISE. NOW THIS IS A TREND I HAVE ALWAYS BACKED UP!
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want to start this “At Home” section in a rather unconventional way; by telling you a story.
Meet Charlie, a sweet man that picked me up at the airport, in New York City, as I headed to the Architectural Digest Show to see the latest design trends. He had Willie Nelson blaring over the radio as we drove through the concrete jungle. The windows were down and the sun was glaring; all the elements to make this southern heart feel right at home in the big city. Charlie told me he was put into foster care at the age of 13. He had just lost his wife of nearly 41 years and was still carrying a laminated card of her from the funeral. In short, he told me how he has found strength and survived it all, while still wearing a smile. What’s the moral of the story? Everyone has a story. You might be wondering how does this relate to design? Well, I say the products we place in our home should also have a story. How would home décor have a story to tell? It all starts with the artist. Just before I hopped on the flight for NYC, I ventured to the Renegade Craft BS CENEMAG .C O M
Fair in Austin, Texas to see the latest on the homemade fashion front. Innovation, creativity and passion overflowed from the exhibitors there! I love supporting small business, and always prefer buying from local artists over the big retailers. I just think there is something so special when a product is handmade with love by another human being. An editor of the magazine, Hand Eye, once wrote, “Our hands are made to make things to please the eye.” Stop and think about that for a second. When someone gives you a gift, isn’t it so much more special when they made it? Do you not cherish the gift so much more? (I do.) Why would the things we surround ourselves with at home be any different? There are so many emerging artists to get excited about! Socially responsible products that give back to communities around the world are on the rise. Now this is a trend I have always backed up! From art to ceramics to tableware, check out these super talented artisans and companies I’ve met in my wandering about. A P RIL 2014 No. 75