Looking back
So, while unpacking one of our many boxes of stuff I happened to come across a box of photos. Yes, actual photos that were shot on 35mm film! Relics from a bygone era. And it was so fun to find this particular batch of photos.
We did a little photo shoot for a brochure back when we launched our line of hand painted furniture and home accessories. It was months before we opened up our shopfront and we were doing mail order and wholesale. Having a furniture company was a whole lot of work. I remember at the end of our twenties both me and Aaron were like "wait a minute...I think we missed our twenties!"
We worked round the clock. Every single piece you see here was designed by us, built from scratch by my dad, and hand painted by me and Aaron. We had many more pieces in the collection but these show a pretty good cross section. I love whenever I get to see the work that certain artists were doing years ago...just to see the evolution...and the continuity in their style. So I thought it would be fun to show you guys this blast from the past. So many moments in life get forgotten...the past blurs and blends together. But with art, the work that you create becomes a timeline unto itself. I guess it has something to do with how much time gets put into your art. Me and Aar can remember what music was playing sometimes if we look at a painting we did a decade ago. The work captures a moment in time almost better than a polaroid does, or journal entry.
This piece was inspired by an one of a kind antique piece. You may remember from my little bedroom tour....it's my nightstand. We added some classic French scrolls and florals to our version. Built so sturdy and perfect by my super talented Dad.
The "Vintage Floral Cupboard"
We loved designing chunky cottage pieces like this coffee table. And those tiny little stools, which we called crickets. We sold sooo many of them!
The "Betsey" table...named after you guessed it! Betsey Johnson! :)
Forgive the awful blurry photo. This is our "Lola" table. Aaron is a master when it comes to hand painting faux leopard print!
The "GB & Co." bench
Our "Cottagefabulous" flower pots...we painted hundreds and hundreds of these!
And we also did so many hand painted paper mache boxes. We had so many mini collections that were so gorgeous but so insanely time consuming to paint. We were absolutely crazy and never ever slept. We loved painting pattern and then doing our signature roses on top of the pattern.
Ok, hope you liked our little trip down memory lane. Of course, whenever you look back you tend to scrutinize or criticize yourself...saying what you'd do different or better. I have to say that I'm pretty happy with a lot of this stuff...but man, I get tired just seeing it!
xo Jenny
That first table is amazing! I would love it in my house :) Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeletethose tables are so pretty!
ReplyDeleteand the fauz leopard is amazing! :)
Your work is amazing!! Loving your 'older' pieces!! GORGEOUS!!!
ReplyDeleteDearest sweet jenny, your work is jus gorgoeus!! I am really loving that beautiful vintage floral cupboard!! Your work is such an inspiration to my little projects in building my dolls a kitchen roombox. Have a beautiful week and love to you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful table, and your vintage rose cabinet is amazing! Hope your day is wonderful! xo Heather
ReplyDeleteYou handPAINTED those?! Wow!! I have to admit, while I am generally pretty crafty/creative, painting totally escapes me, so I am always extra impressed by people who have that ability. What a fun post! I love the Betsey table, of course. She's my fave. =)
ReplyDeleteI want the vintage floral cupboard. I must have it. smile. Wow you guys are good at everything!! smile...
ReplyDeleteHow does one ever pick a favorite!!? Fabulous job!! xoxo Molly
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, Jenny and Aaron! I especially love the tables and cupboards. Have a great week.
ReplyDeletexxxxxx
Tina
aurathentic@gmail.com
So many beautiful pieces! Do you wish you had kept some for yourselves? I had a little painting business of my own in that era. I never quite got to the level you were at, but can fully appreciate how much time you invested into creating heirloom pieces.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful! I especially love the vintage cupboard.
ReplyDeleteThese are so pretty!
ReplyDeleteOh, they're so pretty! You're really talented!
ReplyDeleteBecky
xx
http://www.beckybedbug.com