"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time."
– Thomas merton
One of the things Michael and I have come to adore over the past few years is collecting art that truly speaks to us—pieces that capture a feeling, tell a story, or simply evoke a moment. Art is so deeply personal, and I love how it offers a window into the soul, revealing the things that make us who we are. It evolves with us, changing and growing in ways we sometimes don’t even notice until we look back. My style tends to mirror my personality, gravitating toward pieces with a touch of romanticism, whether it’s vintage photography or a playful twist on portraiture. I want the art in my home to stir something inside me. I want it to evoke an emotion – something that makes me feel, makes me think, makes me want to linger a little longer, remember a little harder because it tugs on that specific special string inside of my chest. It doesn’t matter if it’s ten dollar street art or a commissioned piece, if it speaks to you then it’s yours.
1. josh young design house
I found Josh Young Designs on Instagram years ago and fell into an immediate love for his creative style and aesthetic, purchasing our first piece of his portrait art, with a wish list of his other pieces a mile long. Josh Young, the creative mind behind the Design House, is an artist and designer celebrated for his ability to marry timeless elegance with a daring, modern twist. Drawing inspiration from classical art, history, and contemporary aesthetics, his work reimagines traditional portraiture with unexpected, captivating details. Known for his striking monochromatic palettes accented with bold, dramatic touches, Josh creates pieces that exude sophistication and individuality. His talent for blending the old with the new has enchanted the design world, transforming interiors into spaces that feel both richly storied and refreshingly original. With every creation, Josh Young redefines what it means to be truly timeless.
2. James cook art
“A picture worth a thousand words.” Take a look at James Cook website, like a really close, zoomed in look, and tell me your mind isn’t blown. James Cook is an incredibly talented artist who transforms the ordinary typewriter into a vessel of extraordinary creativity. With an unmatched precision and a flair for innovation, he meticulously types thousands of characters to compose stunning portraits, intricate landscapes, and breathtaking architectural scenes. Each piece is a testament to his technical mastery and his ability to breathe new life into a tool of the past, turning it into a canvas for modern artistry. By blending nostalgia with ingenuity, James Cook’s work captivates the imagination, offering a fresh perspective on the intersection of tradition and creativity. His art is more than a visual marvel—it’s a celebration of reinvention and the beauty of the unexpected. The planning, the forethought, the process – it blows my mind.
3. arti b. vanderpool
Probably best known, in my world at least, for his whimsically enchanting “Lizzie” portraiture, Arti B. Vanderpool is a visionary artist whose work effortlessly blends vibrant imagination with profound emotion, creating pieces that resonate deeply. So deeply, in fact, that many (myself included) stalk his Instagram account on a weekly basis just in case there is a new color combination or iteration that they simply can’t live without. Known for his dynamic use of color and intricate compositions, his art captures the beauty of human experience, infusing each piece with a sense of wonder and storytelling. Whether through abstract explorations or vivid depictions of a life, Vanderpool’s creations evoke both thought and feeling, drawing viewers into his unique perspective. His ability to weave creativity and authenticity into every stroke has solidified his place as an artist who inspires and captivates with each masterpiece.
4. virginia chamlee art
If you haven’t picked up on it by now, your girl loves words, quotes, cheeky one-liners. A song lyric? Even better. Pair it with physical art? Take my money. Virigina Chamlee’s art is all of the above and much more. With a delightfully defined aesthetic, full of wit and whimsy, her pieces exude unmatched personality and unique character. You can find her original art and prints available on Chairish and Artfully Walls.
5. my father's daughter designs
“Art is our weapon against forgetting.” I first came across Tess’s work about two years ago, and from the moment I read her origin story, I knew I’d be a fan for life. She created My Father’s Daughter Designs as a heartfelt tribute to her late father, who passed away from Alzheimer’s. In her pieces, she weaves together found objects and keepsakes as tokens of remembrance, each one carefully curated to bring to mind a person, a place, a moment, or an experience. Her creations are not only visually enchanting but also evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and connection, making you feel as if you’ve stumbled upon something truly priceless.
