The latest Artist Spotlight Series feature is another southern talent that I was introduced to through late night Instagram stalking.  

I also have seen and shared her incredible design work on the One Room Challenge.

Enjoy getting to know this marvelous blogger and multi-talented artist. 

Angela Chrusciaki Blehm

Georgia and Asheville, NC 

What is your training?

I have a BFA in Studio Arts Painting from University of Houston

What inspires you and your designs?

Fabric, pattern, architecture, history.

What is your favorite piece?

An older painting called Eve that I did during a charmed time in our life—I had a little studio on the side of the mountain where I could hear the rushing creek while I painted, pregnant with our third child. Technically speaking this painting bridges a gap from the more representational work I had been doing to the more abstract of my current work—I like seeing that transition at work.

How has the your area influenced your work?

We live in the Appalachian Foothills and an hour from the mountains—it is a gorgeous region full of inspiration. I think mainly the natural beauty feeds my soul in a way that prepares me for creative work.

What is your favorite restaurant in your hometown?

We split our time between Georgia and Asheville, North Carolina. My favorite restaurant anywhere is Plant in Asheville, a 100% vegan restaurant.

What is your favorite cocktail?

I’ll take a freshly-squeezed limonada anytime— anything to feel like I’m in Mexico.

How do you balance personal life and work?

I try to get all my work done in the home studio before our three kids come back from school, with my evenings and weekends for family time. But, honestly, my headspace is always full of arty schemes that there is no real distinction between personal time and work.

Dream trip?

It would be to time travel throughout all of time and place. But my very first stop would be Dallas, Texas, in the 1950s to see my grandparents as young parents but specifically my grandmother as a mid-century homemaker.

Dream commission?

A series of huge canvases to hang in the Palace of Versailles, if I’m dreaming.

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

Flowers, always.

Who is your style icon?

That’s hard! Vintage always tempts me, although I have costumey tendencies. Because of my love of vintage, I enjoy following the fun, youthful vibe of Jane Aldridge of Sea of Shoes.

Your favorite up and coming artist?

My 10-year-old daughter! She inspires me in so many ways with her use of color and pattern.

What is your most treasured possession?

Wedding rings from my parents’ marriage that are now my own wedding rings.

What are you reading?

I like to flip and re-flip through the books on my living room shelves—these days it’s Miriam Shapiro,

Basquiat, Diana Vreeland, and the quilts of Gee’s Bend.

What are you listening to?

Some of my favorite painting music: Beatles, Mozart, Debussy, Chopin, Two Door Cinema Club, Metric

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

I’m really on Instagram more than anything! I’m always excited when rosie.case posts a pic of her home.

And, it’s a good day when Domino, ElleDecor, House Beautiful, or Veranda shows up in my mailbox.

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I first saw Angela’s design work and art with this incredible dining room from her inspiring instagram…