In thinking about my design for the window, there was always the delicate balance between reality and theatre. While I did aim to create a space—and a story—for a "real" woman living in New York…
I also wanted to do something bold enough to stop traffic—literally. This was, after all, 60th and Lexington in Manhattan! But to do that, choosing a statement piece of art would be absolutely critical. Now that the window's done, you can see that from the street looking in, your eyes are drawn immediately to the art, then up and out to the rest of the room.
While the search for artwork began back in November, it didn't end until just a few weeks ago during the framing event we did with Larson-Juhl in Atlanta. Here I am with Jaithan and our good friend Steve McKenzie, president and CEO of the company.
While most of you probably know Larson-Juhl for their quality frames, there's another part of the company called Artaissance, a great online source for affordable art. Every piece is printed-to-order, so whatever space you're working with, it's almost fully customizable. Now I'm the first to admit that art can be such a personal experience, but what I like about Artaissance is that it provides a venue for those artists that want their art more accessible. Take, for example, Tasmanian artist Campbell Laird.
Searching the database at Artaissance, both Jaithan and I were immediately drawn to this pigment ink print, titled Cirsk #1. Like most of Laird's work, it explores relationships between line, shape and color. But of all of his images, I loved this one for its bold color and geometry. It was modern to the core and exactly what a wall with traditional moldings would need to bring the room to life!
Paired with the Hinson splatter wallpaper in tonal blues, the Laird image popped immediately. Now to frame it, I worked closely with the experts at Larson-Juhl, including Steve himself! He's the one who taught me years ago as an editor at House Beautiful about the power of layering moldings to achieve depth. Choosing a frame for art can be intimidating, I know, but that's where you get to have fun! The mixing, matching, adding and subtracting until you come up with something that sings! Here I chose a combination of three elements: an outer white frame to bring in the wallpaper, a brown one in the same wood finish as our required piece from Bloomingdale's, and a gold fillet to bring in the brass antiques. Finally, I chose to separate the frame from the image itself by several inches of white space, just to give the eye some rest between the wallpaper and the art. Immediately, production began for a piece printed and framed just for my window!
In its original form, I imagine the Laird piece to be inked on paper, so to give the print a more authentic, handmade look, i had the edges deckled (or feathered), then floated the work for added depth.
Here's Laurie, one of the many talented framers with Larson-Juhl, securing the image to the frame.
And here it is all finished, just before it was overnighted to New York…
and to its new digs on Lexington Avenue! I especially love the squares of the art with the squares of the rug from Bloomingdale's. It feels bold, outspoken and full of joy, just like the woman who lives here!
A huge thank you to Steve, Lynn, Arlynn, Meg and all the talented folks at Larson-Juhl and Artaissance for partnering with us in our window for ELLE DECOR. Alright now, everyone…enough of the back story for now…go on and vote for us here, then text 1 to 89800!
It’s fabulous. This story really lets you see how large the space is. It’s unbelievable through the window.
Eddie–thanks for sharing these insights into the selection & framing of this piece. It really brings the space to life.
This is so interesting! Two weeks ago, I picked up a print I bought from John Matthew Moore (there’s a photo in your portfolio with a painting of a blue, speckled egg by him in it) and he had the same thing done. The feathered edges and the floating mount (we put it over linen) have led a few people have assume I have an original (I wish!).
I’ve already done some clicking around on the Artaissance website. What a great resource. Thanks for the link.
Eddie, this is a great post! I loved learning about the framing process and now it makes me want to go out and use Larsen Juhl AND the Hinson splatter wallpaper…does it come in different color ways?? Beautiful job!! xoxo Tobi
I love your window and the print makes the room! I voted for you too!!
I love that art piece, nice!
Eddie, a fantastic journey you have taken us on…love the mix of color and prints…great job.
Eddie,
Thanks for letting us be part of the project. You brought Campbell Lairds art and our Larson-Juhl Frames to life with your vision. It is an honor to be part of the Big Window Challenge! Now let’s just get everyone to vote.
What a showstopper look! I love how the print plays off the geometric grid above the window. Giving it a deckled edge and floating the piece was a smart decision…it does look like an original!! Great post.
I always love a back story and this one didn’t disappoint! And, the art did exactly what you described-made you focus then look up and out. I remember that experience the first time I viewed the window on my computer screen. Boy do I wish I could see it in person!
This is my favorite part of your blog, seeing the studio’s of the artists you work with.
Knowing where and how a piece gets to it final destination is part of the fun of what you do.
XOXOXO
Beautiful! I love the layered frames. And I love the shot of the full window from across the street!
i love the tip about the floating the art.
also just wanted to say that I love your personal style – the waistcoat and jeans are perfection!
Hi Eddie, I love hearing about all the details and the thinking process you go through. Love the deckled edge, I am glad you pointed that out. I can not be seen in a photograph and I think that gives the piece more impact. I will put that little pointer in my memory bank. Off to vote!! Hugs Kathysue
This is what I like to see the most; what goes on behind the scenes and how you get the enormous amount of work done. Really it’s amazing how much you two accomplish! Thanks for this post, I really enjoyed reading it this Sunday morning with my coffee…Good luck!
What nice,
I love the work in progress pictures.
Very nice result!!!
David
Hi Eddie! Thanks for stopping by “The Bedlam”. LOVE the window! And y’all got my vote/s!!! 🙂 Well done!
YAY, Eddie! You’re kicking some butt over there. I’m voting every day! 🙂 xoxo
bravo…. such hard work but i am sure it feels incredible!
my vote has been cast…. x pam
Eddie,
Your window is a big WOW! I’ll be voting everyday! Enjoyed the background on how this art was created.
Cathy
It looks so great! Love all the colors and the art. Miss being at 72nd and 3rd to walk by!
Go Eddie Get your grove on….Go Eddie! Bow Chica Wow Wow! You knocked their socks off! It’s yours all the way!
Groove that is! Fell free to correct my spelling, as I was sooo excited for you!
The Larson*Juhl team really knows how to do it right. They are so talented and really opened my eyes to the value of stacked framing, great matting, fillets, and Museum Glass! It can certainly be more expensive than the art, it is worth it though and completes the imagery!
Hey Eddie
Thanks for using my Artwork Cirsk #1 in your groovy design. It really does Rock! Hope to get over to the party in NYC. Have asked all my collectors and Fans to cast a vote for the”1″ design! http://www.facebook.com/Campbell.Laird.Studio
all the best
Campbell
Larson-Juhl (and their amazing folks) and EddieRoss.com are an unbeatable combination. One’s home is unpolished without the properly framed art.
Go Eddie + Jaithan! xoxo,P
Wow, great artwork!
Eddie & Jaithan
Is that cute little brass “bamboo” round drinks tray on the coffee table from Lauren at Pure Style Home? If not, it looks just like the one she showed on her blog a little while back. Beautiful room by the way, it’s grown on me!!!
Angela xoxo
The art of framing – I love art, but framing it always makes me nervous. This is a wonderful example of how to be creative during the framing process. Love it!