THE
LOADED TRUNK A collection of inspiration for a life well lived.
PARK CITY
WHAT’S INSIDE? Mood Board Cozy up in a snowy mountain cabin, light some candles, sip something warm and settle into the winter peace
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Flight Plan I take you to Park City, Utah, where I share some of my favorite places to eat, shop and explore
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Inspired By Nature Snowshoe in a winter wonderland
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In The Workshop With... Levi Wilson of Hammerton & Park City artist Bridgette Meinhold
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Bring It Home From Park City
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The Loaded Trunk My latest finds inspired by the mountains
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Playlist Music evoking winter stillness in the snowy landscape
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What’s Brewing In my mug this winter
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Taste This Alpine Cheese Fondue
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Copyright © 2021 Jonna Robison LLC All rights reserved
NOTE FROM JONNA
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Cradled in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, Park City is inspiring on so many levels. It attracts adventure-seekers from all over the world who love to play and live in the great outdoors. Since moving to Utah more than six years ago, I’ve been fortunate to explore these mountains and I’ve become inspired by the abundant nature and beauty in the changing seasons, as well as by the talented artisans and small business owners who call Park City home. I hope you feel inspired by the people, places and images within these pages!
F PL AN I G H T
PARK CITY
Perched at an elevation of 7,000 feet, Park City is bordered by the ski mountains of Park City Mountain Resort (the largest ski resort in the country) and Deer Valley, with the beautiful Uintas beyond. But long before people flocked here to ski these beautiful mountains and enjoy all the area has to offer, the Transcontinental Railroad was constructed in 1870, and miners were drawn to these mountains to mine silver. Many made their fortunes here, including George Hearst (the father of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst), who purchased the famed Ontario Mine, which produced over $50 million during its operation.
In 1884, Park City was incorporated. It grew as a silver mining town, with miner’s cottages and places of business popping up as the population steadily grew. Many of the old miner houses remain today in the town’s historic center. I’m renovating one at the moment! In the 1930’s-40’s there was a drop in mineral prices and the silver industry began to wane. At about same time, there was an increased interest in winter recreation, particularly skiing. A ski lift was finally constructed in the late 1940’s, around the same time as the mining industry had mostly shut down.
The Park City Museum is an interesting place to learn more about the history of this intriguing town. They offer interesting tours around town as well. https://parkcityhistory.org/ Winter outdoor activities are plentiful, including alpine and cross country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and dog sledding. Utah Olympic Park, which was built for the Utah Olympic Games (held in 2002), serves as an Olympic training site.
Every year at the end of January (in a non-Covid 19 year!) people swarm to Park City to attend the Sundance Film Festival. In February, Deer Valley hosts freestyle ski events (World Championships or World Cup events). Soldier Hollow, another beautiful Olympic venue, situated in Midway, hosts a variety of winter Nordic ski races and other activities. There are approximately 20 miles of cross country ski trails open to the public.
shops Image credit: Lauren Bennett
New West Knifeworks & MTN MAN Toy Shop This small company, headquartered in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has incredibly talented artisans. In two shops under one roof, they display their culinary collection: Hand forged kitchen knives, knife blocks and magnets (art works in and of themselves), restored antique cleavers, gorgeous wooden cutting boards inlaid with turquoise and recycled metal cooking discs. On the other side of the shop is MTN MAN Toy Shop, where you can pick up a collection of “Dangerous Toys for Big Boys,” such as one-of-a-kind pocket knives, Damascus steel hunting knives, hatchets and tomahawks for axe throwing. It’s all STUNNING.
675 Main Street (New West Knifeworks and MTN MAN Toy Shop) https://www.newwestknifeworks.com/
Burns Cowboy Shop Founded in 1876, this is the oldest same family owned western retail business in the world! They sell an array of beautifully handcrafted cowboy boots, belts, hats, saddles and more. I’m smitten with a pair of navy blue suede and crocodile boots. 363 Main St https://burns1876.com/
PC Mercantile Self-described “general store for the modern minded,” this fresh Scandi-inspired shop stocks a nice selection of textiles, chopping boards and other kitchen items, candles and body products, many of them by local Utah brands. 523 Main St https://www.facebook.com/parkcitymercantile/
Overland Sheepskin Co. Situated on Main Street for 12 years, Overland sells sumptuous sheepskin and leather coats, hats, gloves, slippers and boots. They also have luxurious sheepskin rugs that add cozy texture and warmth to a home. 545B Main St https://www.overland.com/ Garden Boutique Situated next to the Park City Nursery and Flower Barn, the Garden Boutique sells lovely plants, dried flower wreaths, baskets, home goods, body products and a delightful collection of children’s books. They have plans to open a coffee shop on the property in the spring. 4459 N Highway 224 http://www.parkcitynursery.com/
Norsk A fixture in Park City for 45 years, this shop offers leather and fur clothing and coats, some by local designers. Small, sweet collection of locally crafted jewelry and other accessories.. 605 Main St Dolly’s Bookstore A wonderful independent bookshop opened since 1972. Pick up a caramel apple when you leave at the attached Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. 510 Main St https://www.dollysbookstore.com/
Park City’s Main Street is dotted up and down with art galleries selling art works from local and regional artists. There are always interesting exhibits on display. Here are a few of my favorites: Meyer Gallery In business since 1965, this lovely gallery focuses on the fine art of contemporary and eclectic artists from the intermountain west. The gallery space is charming and the exhibits are fabulous. 305 Main St https://www.meyergallery.com/
Timbre Art Loft Assortment of affordable nature-inspired prints, as well as unique, textured pottery by local artist, Joshua Flicker. 608 Main St https://www.timbreartloft.com/
galleries Mountain Trails Gallery With locations in Park City and Jackson Hole, this premier fine art gallery features quite a bit of art leaning to the western, wildlife and landscape genres. They have a fairly large breadth of artists showcased in this warm and rustic space. 301 Main St http://mountaintrailsgalleries.com/ Gallery Mar Owner Maren Mullin has assembled a marvelous collection of fine artists to showcase in her superb 2-story gallery. The all-female staff is helpful, knowledgeable and truly fantastic to work with. I love to source art for my clients here. 436 Main Street https://www.gallerymar.com/
Riverhorse An iconic gem on Main Street, in what used to be the old Masonic Hall, Riverhorse is lauded as one of Utah’s best restaurants, and the service is impeccable. Their menu is inventive and the food is exquisite, rotating seasonally throughout the year. 540 Main St https://www.riverhorseparkcity.com/
Goldener Hirsch Nestled at the base of the ski slopes in Deer Valley sits this gorgeous boutique hotel, a three-time award winner for best ski boutique hotel in the US. The lovely European-style restaurant serves distinctive alpine cooking for Aprés-ski or dinner, including cheese fondue, Wiener schnitzel and spaetzle, along with meats and seafood. 7570 Royal St https://www.goldenerhirschinn.com/
Fletcher’s Featuring a farm-to-table menu, great grass-fed steaks and organic chicken. Really delicious. 562 Main St http://www.fletcherspc.com/
Butcher’s Chophouse A varied menu of tasty meats, salads and sides. Reserve an Alpenglobe if you want to dine in a “snowglobe.” 751 Main St https://www.butcherschophouse.com/
Firewood I love the ambience of this beautiful restaurant. The 14-foot-long wood stove cooks up delicious meals and the ingredients come from local farms and purveyors. 306 Main St https://firewoodonmain.com/
High West Saloon Café Terigo Terrific Italian cuisine. Lunch and dinner selections are hearty and scrumptious. The appetizers are really tasty as well. 424 Main St https://cafeterigo.com/
Located in an historic livery stable and garage, High West serves delicious, alpine-inspired fare as well as their award winning whiskey, distilled on site as well as at their distillery in Wanship. 703 Park Ave https://www.highwest.com/saloon.php
PARK CITY BITES
My very favorite breakfast joint, where the food is almost too beautiful to eat! The owners, hailing from Australia, focus on healthy, flavorful, locally sourced and seasonally fresh ingredients. Everything is FABULOUS and the place is always full. 1600 Snow Creek Drive https://www.five5eeds.com/
Images credit: Britt Chudleigh
five5eeds
harvest
A sweet little eatery with flavor-packed plates. Again, a focus on local ingredients and fresh flavors. I love their Nourish Toast, Buddha Bowls, and their Chicken Laksa Noodle Soup, which I tried to copy at home, but couldn’t get quite right. They have a yummy hot drinks menu as well. 820 Park Ave http://harvestparkcity.com/
Images credit: Aubrie Cornelius
OUTSIDE OF TOWN
WOODLAND BISCUIT CO. Laurel Bartmess was a school teacher in Park City, who left her career to follow her dream and open this charming café. Biscuits and gravy, in many variations, are the specialty here. The delectable cinnamon roll biscuits are out of this world and sell out in the morning. I usually call ahead to reserve one or two… the blueberry & lemon zest cinnamon roll biscuits are my favorite. In summer, Laurel makes homemade blueberry jam to enjoy with her fluffy biscuits. Check for opening hours, as they fluctuate through the year. 2734 E State Road, Woodland http://www.woodlandbiscuitcompany.com/
Back 40 Ranch House Grill Always buzzing with hungry diners and those who might enjoy watching a game on the TV, Back 40 has an expansive, tasty menu cooked with locally sourced ingredients. I always come when I’m hungry and in the mood for a steak. Yum! 1223 US-40, Heber City https://www.back40utah.com/
Lola’s Street Kitchen What started out as a food truck expanded to a brick & mortar restaurant offering burgers, sandwiches and melts, chicken nuggets, salads and more. We love this place! 24 E Main St, Midway http://lolasstreetkitchen.com/
Blue Boar Inn A pretty, European style inn located in the charming Swiss enclave of Midway. The fine dining restaurant consistently wins Best of State awards for its delicious European cuisine. The pub, Truffle Hollow, makes you feel like you’re in a charming local pub in the Alps. 1235 Warm Springs Rd, Midway https://theblueboarinn.com/
Afterword Globally inspired dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients and mouth-watering selections, including a tasting menu and wine pairing. 98 S Main St, Heber City The Corner A great place to bring the whole family for upscale comfort food. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and their famous house made pies. It’s delicious! 195 Main St, Midway https://midwaycorner.com/
Road Island Diner Your typical diner food. But what makes this place special is the fact that this dining car was manufactured in New Jersey in 1939 and displayed in the New York World’s Fair the same year. The green Italian marble counters, Tiffany windows and tiled floors take you right back to the glory days of diner cars. This diner was run by several gereations of a Greek family in Massachusetts until it was transported to Oakley, Utah in 2007. A true piece of Americana! 981 W Weber Canyon Rd, Oakley https://roadislanddiner.com/
Mountain Town Olive Oil
Samak Smokehouse & Country Store
Park City Creamery
Heber Valley Artisan Cheese
Samak Smoke House
Caputo’s
Red Bicycle Breadworks
L O a L cat r T eS Caputo’s Market & Deli With three locations in the Salt Lake City area, Caputo’s houses a marvelous inventory of cave-aged cheeses, European specialty foods, bean-to-bar chocolate bars sourced from all over the world, and more culinary delights. It’s a great place to stop for a sandwich or pick up something ready-made to eat at home. The staff is knowledgable and helpful in selecting just the right item. They also offer classes, ranging from tasting, cooking and local brew classes to online chocolate and cheese classes. https://caputos.com/
Park City Creamery “Cheese Made With Altitude.” These award-winning European style cheeses are divine. I’m partial to the “Treasure” Brie-style cheese, which literally melts in your mouth as you ooh and ahh. You can visit the creamery in Heber or pick up a few rounds at local grocers. https://parkcitycreamery.com/
Pink Elephant Coffee Roasters
Heber Valley Artisan Cheese
Small-batch artisan coffee, roasted locally. Available in a few locations in town, as well as online. They have a small coffee shop located on the top floor of Prospect (509 Main St) and sell it at Ritual Chocolate Café as well. https://pinkelephantcoffee.com/
This family-run dairy produces a whole line-up of tasty cheeses. I love the sharp and tasty Snake Creek 6-year-old aged cheddar. They will make grilled cheese sandwiches on the spot with several cheese options. Wasatch Back Jack is great in a sandwich. I can’t help from buying their fudge, made in-house. The cows roam on site in the pasture. www.hebervalleyartisancheese.com
Mountain Town Olive Oil A plethora of delicious olive oils and balsamic vinegars. They have excellent pairing suggestions, and every time I walk through the door I leave with several bottles. Favorite pairings include Roasted French Walnut oil + Gravenstein Apple balsamic vinegar, Blood Orange olive oil + Aged Maple balsamic vinegar. The Sicilian Lemon balsamic vinegar is divine on practically everything and the fig balsamic makes a piquant vinaigrette, as well as the Cranberry Pear Balsamic vinegar. One of my favorite treats is vanilla ice cream sprinkled with fresh strawberries, a drizzling of strawberry balsamic vinegar and honey, then finished with freshly ground black pepper. The shop has a fantastic cookbook available to purchase with recipes using a vast sampling of the oils and vinegars so you can be guided in how to incorporate these wonderful flavors into your cooking.
Red Bicycle Breadworks At 10:30 am the olive oil sticks (aka “crack bread”) come out of the oven at The Market grocery store. It is fantastic and addictive. 1500 Snow Drive, Park City http://www.redbicyclebreadworks.com/
Samak Smoke House & Country Store Cherry wood smoked trout from the Snake River, smoked salmon, jerky and a variety of flavorful smoked cheese. 1937 UT-150 (Mirror Lake Highway), Kamas https://samaksmokehouse.com/
Ritual Chocolate This wonderful and impressive company focuses on sustainability, from the cacao beans they source all the way to the pretty packaging in which they envelop their delicious chocolate bars. Each wrapper is artfully and beautifully designed. Their hot chocolate is fabulous as well. There are two locations: The Park City shop is expanding into a café and the Heber location is a nice, new facility, housing the chocolate factory and café. They will be offering factory tours, chocolate tasting and other events post-Covid. 1105 Iron Horse Drive, Park City 2175 W 3000 S, Suite 100, Heber https://www.ritualchocolate.com/
Ritual Chocolate is made in small batches, using Old World methods, in Heber, Utah.
SUNDANCE
Sundance is a very special place. In 1969, Robert Redford purchased the land upon which it now sits, nestled at the base of Mt Timpanogos. He began to slowly build and realize his dream for the place, one in which people can enjoy and appreciate nature, recreation and the arts, where conservation is paramount. There are nature trails and, in winter, alpine and cross country skiing, snowboarding and a winter zip line tour (with epic views of the mountains). The cabins and homes are rustic, yet refined, and there is a soothing spa in which to unwind. The general store offers a curated selection of home goods, clothing, and artisan-crafted jewelry. Dine at the Foundry Grill or Tree Room, where meals are prepared using locally-sourced ingredients. The Owl Bar, founded as the Rosewood Bar in Thermopolis, Wyoming in 1890 and frequented by Butch Cassidy and his Hole in the Wall Gang, was restored and moved to Sundance. The Deli is a good place to grab a quick sandwich. There is an art studio, where you can take a variety of classes. There’s even a glassblowing studio! Summer is a time for outdoor music and theater as well as all sorts of activities in nature. The Sundance Institute was founded by Redford in 1981. Today it operates offices in Park City, Los Angeles and New York. It organizes labs, national and worldwide events, as well as the annual Sundance Film Festival in Park City. https://www.sundanceresort.com/
Image credit: Sundance Mountain Resort
Image credit: Sundance Mountain Resort
Image credit: Cody Booth
INSPIRED BY NATURE Park City offers an abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy nature in the mountains, including alpine, backcountry and cross country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling and even dog sledding. One of my favorite ways to enjoy a beautiful winter’s day is snowshoeing or winter hiking. It’s such a lovely way to appreciate the beauty of the mountains and forest in complete serenity. You can rent snowshoes at various ski rental shops around town. If you are interested in booking a guided tour, contact White Pine Touring, and join a tour on local trails or in the backcountry (Uintas), a moonlight tour (fabulous under a full moon!) or a historic tour in town.
For even more fun, pick up a sled at Jans. The best sleds in the world are Merikan Missiles! They’re similar to Swiss Bob sleds, and they cruise down a snowy trail at the speed of lightning! Lightweight and easy to carry, I strap them onto my back with adjustable straps purchased at REI so I can have handsfree hiking. My favorite trail for hiking up and sledding down is Iron Mountain (in the Thaynes neighborhood of Park City). https://www.jans.com/
In the workshop with...
LEVI of WILSON Hammerton
One of my favorite companies to utilize in my design work is created entirely from an idea to a finished product at Hammerton, a high-end lighting company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. What impresses me deeply is the fact that Hammerton fabricates both the metal work AND the glasswork all under one roof. The company employs 20 glass artisans (mouth blown glass as well as cast glass and kiln glass), 20 metal fabricators and 20-30 experts in paint and finish. Each piece is made by hand in their Salt Lake factory. It’s an amazing process and the artisans are extremely talented. Hammerton designs three collections: 1) Studio Collection (a predetermined set of fixtures with a selection of finishes/options), 2) Signature Collection (fixtures are customized where anything is possible) and 3) Contract (fixtures for hospitality/commercial projects). It was an absolute delight to sit down with Utah native Levi Wilson and learn about his fascinating background and how he came to be Cofounder of Hammerton. He currently serves as Vice President of Design and is the creative flame behind the many gorgeous fixtures shining in beautiful residences and commercial spaces all over the world. Wilson’s office is captivating, with beautifully rendered sketches everywhere (he draws them by hand, the old-school way), as well as elements of designs in process for new creations in the works. I loved getting a sneak peak of new fixtures coming soon! Touring the factory is also inspiring, with artisans at work fabricating metal and blowing glass. It is a hive of activity and production, and the results are exquisite!
During our discussion, we completely lost track of time, caught up in the lively, inspiring conversation that occurs when two rights brains go down the rabbit hole in the design world. We both returned to our homes with our creative brains swirling and found it difficult to fall asleep!
All images credit: Hammerton
Wilson grew up in a home where the creative arts were prevalent. His father was an ornamental iron craftsman and his mother was a seamstress. He worked as a youth in his father’s shop and learned to make his own clothes at age 6 or 7. He says, “I was exposed to two different worlds: The brute force needed for blacksmithing and the complete opposite… the finesse, detail and softness associated with sewing clothes.”
Wilson’s unique background and formative years, immersed in craft and design from a very young age, developed his creative mind and honed his attention to detail, shaping his career path. After high school, Wilson began studying at the University of Utah, with the plan to study architecture. He went to Europe to study abroad and, while traveling in France and Italy, he was deeply impressed and informed by the ornamental iron works and architectural details that are so prevalent and took so long to create. “I came back with much more of an appreciation for metal work and what could be done, as well as for design and architecture in general.” Upon returning to the US, Wilson and a friend took a long road trip up the west coast. They visited the historic Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood, Oregon, where he noticed the beautiful, handcrafted iron lighting fixtures. He says, “The beginning of Hammerton was actually that visit to Mt Hood. Coming from Europe, and a very decadent society, to Timberline Lodge, which was built in more of a wild west era, and seeing the duality between the two different constructions methods was a very good visual contrast for a case study. I loved how, at the lodge, the design was very crude… rawhide stitched with thick lacing, so raw and bold. That crude workmanship was the core principle of frontiering the West.” Wilson and a friend started a business called Mountain Moose Design. They fabricated roof racks and bumpers for SUV’s, which led to building mailboxes, fireplace screens, candlesticks and fixtures for second home clients. The timing was ideal, as the Olympics Games in Salt Lake were approaching and there was an increase in construction in Park City, as well as a growing second home market. Hammerton was born in 1995.
WHAT IS THE INVISIBLE PART OF THIS WORK? CAN YOU DESCRIBE IT? All the mistakes that occur in getting to the point of completion. All the things we don’t see. Consider a good symphony, or a song that we like. If we don’t know how to write a song and if we don’t know the principles of music, all we can judge it by is whether or not we like it, but we can’t explain why. A musician can say why it’s good. In design, the same principle applies. People look at it and, using their intuition, respond positively or negatively, but can’t necessarily tell you why it works or not. So, for me, the invisible work is all of those mistakes leading up to that point… all the things I tried that didn’t work. I look at it and it doesn’t feel right, so I’d better try something else. This is what goes on behind the scenes that people aren’t thinking about.
WHAT DOES GOOD DESIGN MEAN TO YOU? I look at it the same way I view fine art at a museum. The first and core principle to me is will it last for generations? Will someone want to hold on to that item? First and foremost, and without hesitation, it has to be generational for a good design to work. If it can be a throw-away item or substituted, it’s not good design. Good design could and should be valued for multiple lifetimes. I always get absorbed in objects and things that we use, and I try to think about what is involved in their creation… the art and craftsmanship. I think it’s probably helped in my design process because I know the back end of what’s required to go out and weld it, hammer it, forge it and do all of the artisan work. But, from a design standpoint, I’m looking at it from the fashion industry. Really good fashion is all about the really fine details. Take a beautiful handbag, for instance. It comes down to the essence of the stitching; the buckle and which sheen it is… high gloss, satin or matte? Then, the quality and feel of the leather. Every detail matters.
WHO AND WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES? My parents, who gave me the raw tools to do what I do. I certainly appreciate and give respect to good design, whether in my own industry or other industries. I value something that looks like it took time and energy to create, rather than something that looks as if it was quickly put together. I find inspiration everywhere I look, in the products I come across. But, honestly, my greatest inspiration is nature. If we start boiling certain designs down or look closely at the way certain products were built… if we dive deep enough to look at the purpose and function of an item and why it was created in the first place, it all comes back to nature. Why was a piece of clothing designed… a wool jacket, for example? Because it was cold. Then you have an itchy neck, which leads to the creation of a soft scarf. The purpose and function of an item is as important as the visual aspect. No matter how beautiful we make things, as human beings, it doesn’t take very long when we spend time in a beautiful place in nature to feel inspired in what we do and create. An example of how nature inspires my work is the Element chandelier. I’m fascinated with the nature in what we don’t see. There is a whole other world that exists beyond the naked eye. When I was researching for the design of the Element, I asked myself, “What do I want to design? What’s really inspiring me?” I dove into science and started looking at quartz crystals… how they are formed and what the structure looks like. It’s interesting to learn about the term “chirality”in nature. A quartz crystal starts out symmetrical, but as soon as it begins to grow, it becomes asymmetrical. So, when you look at the structure of a molecule and Element fixture, you’ll be able to identify the design inspiration for that product.
This fixture was inspired by a snowflake
DESCRIBE A MOST MEMORABLE PROJECT A residence in Vail, Colorado, which had an unlimited budget that allowed me to design completely one-of-a kind and unconventional custom lighting fixtures, but with architectural constraints, as well as the request for fixtures that would be gorgeous, but not compete with an incredible Dale Chilhuly glass sculpture in the stairway. This project is what initiated our foray into glass work at Hammerton, just 4-5 years ago. My inspiration for one of the fixtures was a glass stone. The design I came up with meant many months of experimentation, trial and error. We worked the glass designs in clay sculpture, then in 3D on the computer. Then we transformed those drawings to laser-cut parts to weld back together as a steel mold. That allowed us to blow the glass in a specific form. All the mistakes resulted in a whole new way of glass blowing that I had not seen before anywhere in the marketplace. That project yielded the Gem Collection and most of what we see in the Studio Collection today.
I had this fixture custom made by Hammerton for a Park City home, in hopes the glass would resemble shards of ice.
WHAT DESIGN TRENDS DO YOU PREDICT FOR THE NEXT DECADE, AS IT RELATES TO HIGH END DESIGN? What is luxury in the next decade? To me, luxury will be natural materials. Products that look, feel and actually are handmade and will look handmade. I think we will start to see more demand for products that have that story, which is the material needs to be authentic or the craftsmanship needs to be authentic, and you need to be able to SEE it, rather than read about it. We, as a human race, have become so good at making things perfect. Hammerton is available to the trade. https://www.hammerton.com/ Follow Hammerton on Instagram: @hammertonlighting
In the workshop with...
BRIDGETTE MEINHOLD
The breathtaking mountains and forests of the Park City area are captured beautifully in the art work of encaustic artist Bridgette Meinhold. She layers inky trees and mountain landscapes with milk paints and diaphanous coats of beeswax and pigment, creating ethereal and moody landscapes with visual depth. It is mesmerizing to gaze at her work, sinking into each quiet scene as if you are there, enveloped in the peace and serenity every image exudes. One can almost feel the gauzy mist or evening stillness among the forest and peaks. While she enjoyed dabbling in art in her youth, Meinhold’s journey to becoming an artist was atypical. Rather than attending art school, she chose the academic route at university, earning two degrees in engineering; a BS in Mechanical Engineering from San Diego State University and an MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford. Originally from Oklahoma, she wanted to experience living in a ski town. So, after living in Europe for a bit and while waiting to hear from grad schools, she landed in Park City in 2004.
Image credit: Bridgette Meinhold
The mountains took hold of Meinhold and, many years later, Park City remains her home. Prior to becoming an artist, she spent time working as a sustainability consultant, writer, private chef and author. She met her husband, Matt, here, and the couple lives in an aspen grove just outside town in a little A-frame cabin, accessible only by snowmobile in winter. Meinhold paints full time in her studio (a shipping container beside her home) and spends her free time immersed in the mountains. In winter she skis from her doorstep into the backcountry and in the milder seasons she mountain bikes, hikes and fills her sketchbook with the surrounding scenery. She enjoys creating her own inks from flora and fauna which she collects from the landscape. Meinhold is also a writer and has written two books; Urgent Architecture (about sustainable housing solutions) and Down Deso (a book in artistic, journal-like format detailing her rafting trip down the Green River through Desolation Canyon, Utah, where her journey in becoming an artist unfolded). Meinhold is a self-described naturalist and lover of nature. “The weather, trees, the mountains and the natural world are my influencers,” she says. That is clearly evident in her evocative work.
In Park City, Meinhold’s work is available for sale at Gallery Mar: Gallery Mar Her art can also be purchased through the Sundance Catalog, which sought a collaboration with the artist: Sundance Catalog Learn more about Bridgette Meinhold: www.bridgettemeinhold.com
Images credit: Bridgette Meinhold
Meinhold en route to the gallery with paintings
Follow the artist on Instagram: @bridgette-meinhold
Meinhold’s art studio and cabin
HOW DID YOU DEVELOPED YOUR CAREER AS AN ARTIST & CONTINUE TO GROW IN THIS AREA? I often dabbled in art and entered my work in a couple of shows several years ago, before exhibiting regularly at galleries and painting full time. I continue to practice and paint a lot to improve the skills I already have and to develop new ones I want. I take a class or workshop at least once a year in some form of art to learn skills and learn from other teachers. But mostly it’s just consistent practice and time spent making.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE ENCAUSTIC MEDIUM YOU LOVE?
HOW DID YOU COME TO FOCUS PRIMARILY ON ENCAUSTIC ART?
WHAT DOES YOUR WORK AIM TO SAY?
After taking a workshop in encaustic back in 2009, I really enjoyed the medium, so I kept playing with it and practicing with it until I hit upon a style that I enjoyed and resonated with other people. I’ve been painting with encaustic for over 10 years now.
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM PROJECT? I’d like to someday be the artist on an outdoor research expedition.
I really enjoy the organic look and feel of the encaustic, but primarily why I use it is because the wax acts the part of the atmosphere in my paintings and helps me achieve the look that I am going for.
I am trying to share my love of the natural world with viewers of my work and if I can either help them also to appreciate nature or at least enjoy a few moments of stillness, then I consider my job well done.
WHAT KEEPS YOU INSPIRED? Spending time in nature is my biggest source of inspiration, otherwise, I like experimenting, practicing and learning new skills.
Overland Sheepskin Co Overland Sheepskin Co has been a fixture on Park City’s Main Street for 12 years The sheepskin rugs are thick and extremely cozy underfoot. They come in all sorts of sizes and neutral colors, and shipping is free. I love to use them in bedrooms. Their sheepskin coats are fabulous and really warm… a treat to wear! I love the gloves and hats as well. 545B Main Street, Park City https://www.overland.com/
BRING IT HOME New West Knifeworks New West Knifeworks are hand-forged a few hours north in Victor, Idaho. The company is based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and has a shop on Main Street in Park City. This is a company I am excited about!! These knives are truly works of art, as well as the stunning, one-of-a-kind knife blocks and artful magnets. The ergonomic handles are crafted from either epoxy & fiberglass in beautiful color palettes, ironwood or found antlers. The blades are forged from S35vn steel, the best steel in the world and, thus, the best knives available. These knives are receiving kudos from numerous chefs and culinary publications. They are the ultimate fusion of art, function and performance. And they’ll ship them home for you! 675 Main Street, Park City https://www.newwestknifeworks.com/
THE LOADED TRUNK
I’ve been collecting vintage paint-by-numbers and original antique prints, engravings, lithographs, chromolithographs and sheet music, as of late. I’m particularly fond of those with a winter theme. I love having them framed to add a touch of charm and coziness to homes in the mountains. Etsy is a great resource. These are just a few recent additions, with several more on the way!
Playli! “Winter Song” Leslie Odom Jr
“End of the Earth” Lord Huron
“All The Stars”
“Lazy Snow”
The Wailin’Jennys
Down Like Silver
“Through Winter Panes” Ann Sweeten
“Time Is Cold (Coffee House Version)” Jeffrey East
“White Winter Hymnal” Fleet Floxes
“Alps” Novo Amor
“Out of the Woods”
“Wintersong” Sarah McLachlan
“Song For A Winter’s Night” The Pines
“World Spins Madly On” The Weepies, Deb Talan, Steve Tannen
“Spirit Cold” Tall Heights
“Winter Prayers”
......... Nickel Creek
Iron & Wine
Cozy up by a crackling fire with a mug of hot chocolate, snuggled in a fuzzy blanket, and let the music transport you to a snowy, winter landscape.
Listen to this on spotify!
WHAT’S BREWING in my mug this winter
I am a connoisseur of hot chocolate and tend to sip quite a bit of it… more than I probably should. I enjoy experimenting with various concoctions, using a variety of high quality chocolate. You can make the best hot chocolate at home in just a few moments. One of my favorite hot drinks this winter is hot white chocolate chai. Frothy goodness in a mug. Use the best white chocolate you can find. I prefer a good Belgian chocolate, such as Callebaut white chocolate callets. My preferred chai at the moment is “Firefly Chai” by Mountain Rose Herbs. It is a delicious loose-leaf organic rooibos chai.
INSTRUCTIONS 1/2 cup very strong chai: Steep 2 Tbsp loose leaf chai in 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp boiled water for 20 minutes (keep covered so it remains hot while steeping). Strain or use a coffee press. After the tea absorbs some of the water there should be approximately ½ cup remaining. Heat 1 cup whole milk on the stove to desired temperature and whisk in 3-4 Tbsp white chocolate (callets or chopped) and 1 tsp pure maple syrup. If you have a frother (the Breville Milk Café works wonderfully, or an inversion blender), whip the hot milk & chocolate together, then whisk in the tea. Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream, a toasted marshmallow and sprinkle with cinnamon or stir in a cinnamon stick. Enjoy this cozy, decadent drink!
TASTE THIS Fondue on a chilly winter’s night is just the ticket. Served with a variety of dippers, it is quite warming and filling. We love to drink sparkling apple cider along with it, as it reminds us of favorite winter holidays in France and Switzerland.
CHEESE FONDUE Serves 6 1.5 lbs melting cheese (1/2 Gruyere and 1/2 Emmenthal) 3 Tbsp cornstarch 1 garlic clove, halved lengthwise 1-1/2 c dry white wine 1 Tbsp Kirsch Pinch dry mustard Pinch nutmeg Freshly ground black pepper
Grate cheese and place in bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch and toss to coat the cheese evenly. Rub cut side of garlic along inside of fondue pot, then discard. Place pot over medium heat and add the wine. When bubbles begin to rise to the surface, gradually add cheese, one handful at a time, while stirring constantly, allowing each handful to melt before adding another (this ensures a smooth fondue). When cheese is melted, stir in Kirsch, mustard, nutmeg and pepper. Serve with dippers of your choice. We like bread cubes, green apples, cocktail onions, mini sweet pickles, roasted broccoli, roasted fingerling potatoes, and roasted sausages (such as bratwurst).
www.jonnarobison.com
Concept by Jonna Robison Produced by Sophie Robison Authored by Jonna Robison All photographs (except where noted) by Jonna Robison
