I graduated from the University of the South with a BA in Fine Arts with a focus in painting.  I also studied art abroad in Cortona, Italy through the University of Georgia during my college years.

What inspires you and your designs?  

My surroundings most definitely inspire my designs.  I live at the beach, what more could you need for inspiration!  There are also so many creatives here in Charleston, it’s hard not to constantly be inspired by them!  

I would have to say my favorite piece was the collaboration piece that my good friend,  Lauren Lail, and I came up with for her Spring/Summer 2013 vintage inspired collection, Library by Lauren Lail.  She had a vision and I was able to make that vision become a reality by putting the paintbrush to paper!  She was able to translate my painting onto fabric and had the “Waties” skirt made as part of her Library by Lauren Lail line.  It was a turning point for both of us creatively seeing how we could bring our two businesses together.  This was one of the cool outcomes of working under the same roof and  being able to bounce those crazy ideas off of one another.  That crazy idea turned into a success!!!  We look forward to creating and collaborating in the future!  

How has the your area influenced your work?  

There are so many creatives living here in Charleston that you can’t help but be inspired and influenced!  There is a lot of positive energy and I find that also to be true in my work environment in particular.  I am lucky to share a studio workspace,  Novel, with several of my closest friends.  It’s  a place where we share ideas and boost each other creatively.  

Liza Cleveland (Bon Vivant), Wayway Allen (Bluechickadee),

Sidney Wagner (Eclectic Interior Design Group), Jane Pope (Jane Pope Jewelry)

What is your favorite restaurant in Charleston? 

FIG of course is always a favorite but

I’m also loving a relatively new Italian spot called INDACO in Downtown Charleston.

A Greyhound from The Belmont in downtown Charleston

How do you balance personal life and work?  

It is tough and by no means do I have it mastered!  My boys are still young but they are in school everyday this year for the first time.  That certainly helps and I have a sitter one day to give me a full day a week in the studio-other days are half days.  I have had to learn to “let go” a little  with the household duties.  Not everything will be in perfect order all the time and I’m becoming ok with that.  I think it’s also called “Life with BOYS!!!” 

Dream trip?

Sailing the Greek Isles with my hubby and a dozen of our closest friends!

 Dream commission?

On a few rare occasions I have had clients tell me to just go for it!  They trust my style and know they will like whatever I paint!  Now that’s a dream commission!!!  I usually ask for color preference and to see the space the painting will be going in before I get started.  The reaction is priceless!!!!

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?  

Fresh Flowers from the yard when in season.

Who is your style icon?

Of our generation it would be Gwyneth Paltrow.  She is such a  beautiful person inside and out and of course with impeccable style!

Your favorite up and coming artist?  

Teil Duncan is such a talent living right here in Charleston.  Still admiring Katie Long Stevenson and Sally King Benedict’s work and lucky enough to call them friends!  In awe of all of these girls and what they have accomplished!!!   

What is your most treasured possession?

My boys of course!  I would not be where I am without them!

What are you reading?

On my bedside table: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

as well as The Well Behaved Child by John Rosemond 

What are you listening to?

Mumford and Sons, James Morrison, and Passenger