Hi there! If you've been reading this blog for a while, then you know that I'm an art lover -- and I always push my clients to invest in original art. Art evokes emotion. Original art (when selected correctly) gains monetary value. It is a legacy that can be passed on through your family. Art is a conversation starter, a memory maker, and the icing on the cake in interior design. So, now I want to share a brief story with you:
In the Fall of 2009, while walking through the halls of my sons' high school, I became intrigued by a female student's art on display on the walls of the main entry to the school.
The artist's work was colorful and vibrant. Seeing her work impacted my mood, (it made me feel happy!) and I was drawn to the joyful content of her pieces -- flowers and animals. Guess what? The student was Bridgette Thornton. :)
Flash forward to the Fall of 2016, when I had the opportunity to open my own interior design studio and expand my interior design business. I wanted to fill my new work space with colorful art that brings joy. Bridgette's art was top of mind. I found out she had gone to art school and was working in LA and painting part time. Serena & Lily had just picked up a few of her pieces to sell online. She flew up to meet me, and I gave her my design scheme for the studio and asked her to paint me pieces that would work well in the space.
We've had a wonderful collaborative year, and what follows is a little interview session that we recently did. Get to know this girl because she is going places. She's 26 years old and is now working full time as an artist. Following her passion. Art has impacted her life..her art has impacted mine. We should all be so lucky!
Meet Bridgette Thornton! (..in my studio...sitting beneath her gorgeous art!)
Photography by Terry Riggins.
How did you get started? / What is your education? / When and how/where did you start participating in art programs in our area? Other programs outside of school? My first formal art class in Moraga was a clay class called Critters and Clay at the Hacienda, I must have been in about 4th grade at the time. I also always loved the art classes at my elementary school. I started taking art seriously in 8th grade. It was a very difficult year for me both socially and academically; that class was the one thing I looked forward to every day. In High School I enrolled in Art all four years, eventually taking AP Art my senior year. I also took photography my junior and senior year. Another great art resource for me was Pre College at California College of the Arts in Oakland. The college offers programs for high school students during the summer; you get college credit…I highly recommend it for anyone interested in design or fine art. This program was also a great way for me to get the feeling of what it would be like to go to “art school.”
Where did you go to college and did you study art there? I went to California College of the Arts. I majored in Painting and Drawing and minored in Visual Studies. I was actually a Graphic Design major through middle of my junior year. I am so happy that I was able to take graphic design classes; they really helped me understand the “business” aspect of being an artist. Before deciding on CCA I looked mainly at state schools and private schools for college. I learned that these types of schools really limit the amount of art classes you are able to take. Also, most state schools are impacted making the program to receive a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Art) take five years. I looked into the class planning to receive a BFA from a state college and was shocked to find that in most cases you also do not even start taking art classes until your third or fourth year. At CCA each class is tailored to artists. So even though you are learning about math, history and science etc. the projects are created to enhance an artists practice and perspective.
What is your favorite subject matter? Flowers, portraits, animals! I love getting inspiration for my subject matter and color pallette from fashion magazines.
What do you love most about painting? I love painting because it allows me the freedom to create my own schedule and income. I have always looked up to female business owners and art was the way I saw myself being able to do that. For me, painting was something unique that I could do that made me different from my friends.
What are your favorite colors? Light Pink, Turquoise, Red. They are always changing though! I love using bright colors in my paintings.
What do you do in your spare time? I love to be with my friends and family. When I have free time, I love hiking and rollerblading. My painting practice requires me to be at home alone for many hours so when I have free time I like to be outdoors with other people. When I am not painting I try and do things that will provide new content for Bridgette’s Blog and my Instagram account Paint & Petals: I recently visited the Carlsbad flower fields in San Diego, Joshua Tree and the Broad Museum.
My artwork is currently available at the following locations:
Overall my advice to young artists is: make as much work as you can! The book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell totally formed my work ethic and thoughts about what success means as an artist, it is a must read. Lastly, do not be afraid to get your artwork out there. If you have a favorite clothing store or café don’t hesitate, ask the manager if you can hang your work up for sale and invite your family and friends to check it out.
Thanks Bridgette! You are an inspiration!!
For more information about how to add art into your interiors....Contact Price Style and Design. I'd love to help you!