Artist Spotlight Series: Paige Follmann

I’m drawn to designs that make a statement. I have several artistic influences: Kenneth Noland, Picasso, Matisse, Robert Motherwell, Hilma af Klint. I’m very inspired by color, pattern, and shape and I love showing a representation of something in a playful, expressive way so it leaves something for the viewer to interpret. I want people to get lost in their imagination for a moment.

What is your favorite piece?

Trip Around Town. It feels sophisticated and yet whimsical. I painted it while visualizing it in a beautiful room I saw in Elle Décor.

How has your area influenced your work?

I’ve lived most of my life in Highland Park, Dallas, and now in Atlanta and they both have a wonderful interior design presence. Being around such beautiful spaces has definitely influenced my tastes in art and design and I’ve developed a more sophisticated and contemporary eye.

What is your favorite restaurant in Atlanta?

Bar Margot in Midtown is really fantastic. It’s named after Gwyneth Paltrow’s character in The Royal Tenenbaums, the Wes Anderson film. It’s very chic and delicious and it reminds me of the movie in a way.

I also really love Venkman’s in Old Fourth Ward for the live music.

What is your favorite cocktail?

I’m on a white russian kick right now. I love them in the winter time…it’s like dessert.

How do you balance personal life and work?

I try to prioritize my projects and then schedule one thing to look forward to each day. It helps me push through the day’s work when I know I have something fun and relaxing to do later on. Usually, this involves cooking and watching something on Netflix.

Dream trip?

The coast of Spain and the South of France. Riding bikes, eating foreign food and exploring on foot…sounds dreamy! I would love to go back to Barcelona where I studied art, too.

Dream commission?

One with 6 zeros. Haha. 😉

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

I try to give something unique like maybe a small decorative item for their home. Some of my go-to’s are my hand painted ceramic vases, an ink drawing or a nursery print for my friends with children.

Who is your style icon?

Miroslava Duma. Her wardrobe is so artistic and she wears everything beautifully.

Your favorite up and coming artist?

Selena Beaudry. Her collages are amazing and soothing. I want one for my house.

I also love Brenda Bogart‘s work.

What is your most treasured possession?

My adopted pitbull mix, Duke. I rescued him from a kill shelter two years ago and he goes everywhere with me. Adopt don’t shop! He’s the best decision I’ve ever made.