Abel in the loft of the Fortune Cookie before it was delivered to me. Photo by Erica Keeling.
When I love someone’s art, I give them artistic license when they are making something for me. There is something fantastic about seeing what someone is inspired to do, work with or create when you’re the subject (directly or indirectly). I feel that is how the best art happens, the artist totally gives you a piece of themselves.
As an example I gave Abel artistic license when building my house. Abel had given me a rough sketch of what the Fortune Cookie would look like. The minute I saw it, I knew I wanted it. I had a friend ask me about some of the features and what it was going to look like on the interior. I mentioned that I was not entirely positive. This friend then gawked at me and asked why I did not micro-manage more. I said, “He is building the house I intend to live in for the rest of my life. I trust his artistic eye, that is why I chose him as my builder. Why on earth would I not trust his judgement on the space he is creating for me? I want him to add the touches and nuances he feels would compliment the space, as I have seen his work and adore it.”
You have seen the pictures of my house. I do not regret giving him artistic license with my house. I have such a beautiful living space. Abel is a fantastic artist and craftsman. When he is over, you can tell how much he loves my house too. He will walk in and caress the walls and look a little wistful. He will comment that he wants to build a Fortune Cookie for himself some day. That love shows itself in every curve, nook, cranny and fixture in my house.
Suzi painting my kitchen cupboards.
I was supposed to get some more stock done tonight after business class, but my good friend Suzi came over today! I had asked her awhile ago if she would be willing to decorate portions of my house. She happily agreed. The day before yesterday she asked if it was okay if she popped by today to do so. So, she has been hard at work painting away. We were talking in the early stages of her painting my cupboards and were agreeing on how lovely stained glass is. I mentioned that I wanted stained glass in my house, but would have no idea where I would put it (all of my windows are handmade by Abel, and lovely).
Suzi was left to her own devices for about 5 hours and managed to get a lot done. I told her all the surfaces that she was allowed to paint and my kitchen cupboards is what she choose to start on. I came home to find that my cupboards are starting to have this BEAUTIFUL stained glass effect. I adore them, seriously. Really could not have asked for a more perfect design. I honestly did not think that she would get that detailed on this project, but I am happily surprised. Also, special thanks to Adam for letting me hijack his wife for a couple days.
One of my favorite colors is teal. Every so often when Suzi was living in Waikiki, she would text or Facebook me a picture of the ocean when it was at the perfect teal color. You know that paradise perfect teal, where the ocean is that perfect shade of green/blue, the sky is sky blue and the beach is that perfect paradise khaki color. Her message would always read, “Thinking of you.” I blame that for being part of the reason she succeeding in getting me to Hawaii. I wanted to see that in person. I appreciate her for knowing the colors that sing to me. That is evidenced in her color selection on my cupboards.
I have been feeding her tea to keep her motivated, and Eowyn has been feeding her otherwise. I love this woman and her art. She has a fantastic eye for color and textures. Feel free to go buy all of Suzi’s art on Etsy. She also takes commissions, in the off chance any of you fabulous people want her art in your tiny house (or wherever).
Suzi also started on a picture in my bathroom, but that one you will have to wait to see. She also plans to come back and paint some additions on my armoire. I cannot wait! However, there will not be time before the Fortune Cookie gets the photo shoot from Scott Haydon for the Lloyd Kahn book. My house is being beautified, and I am loving it. Thank you so much Suzi!
~Kera
i have always been a bit in awe of suzi‘s skills as an artist. her work is amazing
(as a side note dear readers, suzi is also the talent behind all of the logo and graphic work on this site)
-stone
Oh! Right! Yes! Suzi is also my logo artist. Obviously, I adore this woman’s art! Thanks for pointing that out dear!
Beautiful work and what an awesome idea to paint the art work right onto the house! No need to worry that a beautiful piece of framed art be knocked off the wall in the small space. That’s brilliant!
I can’t wait to show you all the finished work! I did want it painted onto my house, I have wanted to decorate (paint) pictures on my wall since I moved into the Fortune Cookie. So, I am really, really excited about the fact that she was able to do this.
Suzi and I also noted that with all the tiny houses we have seen, we haven’t noted anyone that actually painted the inside of the house or personalized it like this. So, it’s really kinda neat. Touches like this always make it more like home.