The Craft of Expression.
“For my selection of artworks, I was inspired by the concepts of craft and the decorative arts. These themes resonate deeply with me, both as an interior designer and on a more personal level. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and harsh, I find comfort in the themes of home, a slower pace, and the meditative process of creating with one’s hands. Additionally, I prefer artworks with a sense of playfulness and joy, almost as if they are winking at us; I like the spaces I live in and the spaces I design, not to take themselves too seriously.
From a dinner plate by Picasso, whose ceramics I fell in love with while visiting Barcelona at 22, to Ann Conner’s woodblock print that evokes the spirit of an American quilt, the works I’ve chosen reflect a sense of tradition while also carving out something new.
In my design practice, I am deeply influenced by history and tradition, drawing inspiration from the past, reflecting on it, and reinterpreting it. In crafting home environments for my clients, I believe including art makes a space feel more human. It’s an opportunity to express a feeling or provide levity. As individuality becomes an increasingly brave act, art plays a critical role in self-expression.
In this way, CoCollect is pivotal to that exploration by allowing members to live with pieces for a while—adopting them into their permanent collections if they feel right or swapping them out as we inevitably grow and change. CoCollect is also an incredible tool for me as a designer because, oftentimes, clients have trouble ‘seeing it’ or understanding why I would place a certain piece in a particular room. Being able to experiment with things in a space and improvise without the commitment of ownership allows me to demonstrate theory in real time, bridging the gap between maybe and yes and building trust along the way.”
Avery’s Edit:
“This modern interpretation of a traditional landscape feels totally fresh in its simplicity of form and tonal approach. The artist’s hand is present in the thick application of paint and the way the scene is flattened feels almost like patchwork.”
Claire Rosen’s Gray Cockatiel No. 7905
“Set against the pattern of a decorative, traditional wallpaper, this portrait of a cockatiel feels plucked from a whimsical fantasy world. Both cheeky and glamorous, this imaginative approach to portraiture evokes the charm of a bygone era.”
“This beautiful mixed media piece feels rooted in folk art tradition, and its composition reminds me of a vintage postage stamp or a quilting square. The charming patterning of the tablecloth mixed with the detailed border and simple rendering of a flower feels familiar and sweet while its scale adds an edge.”
Christy Matson‘s Overshot Variation V
“Christy Matson’s incredible textile work at once feels modern and ancient. The soft palette and featured central design hint at a traditional Swedish pattern, yet she adds her own mark with a tapestry of angular color fields weaving over top and behind. Brilliant!”
“The way this pattern lays reminds me of quilt work evoking themes of comfort, warmth, and home. Awash in an energizing nectarine hue the artist utilizes the ancient craft of woodblock printing to leave the viewer feeling ebullient as achieved through playful shapes, joyful color, and repetition.”
Picasso’s Service Visage Noir (AR 40)
“With rosy cheeks and cute little horns, this joyful mischief maker steals the show. Picasso renders this figure with simplicity and a confident line- the result is an absolute pleasure! I love everything about this, the color, the irreverence, and the break with tradition using tradition itself.”
Sarah Ingraham’s Wilting Bodega Roses with Two Pears
“This joyful painting depicts a lively tabletop scene- energizing the viewer with color and pattern and drawing on the warmth and comfort of domesticity. I love the inclusion and detail of the traditional pottery mixed with the patterned tablecloth. It feels deep and grounded, allowing the joyful tones to rise to the top.”
America Martin’s Woman Weaves Basket from Reeds I
“Tonally subtle, I’m struck by the contrast between this powerful larger-than-life woman and the softness in which she is rendered; her domestic task vs her powerful form. I love this piece for its scale, softness, and its undercurrent of strength. Much like the basket the subject weaves, the artist combines individually soft elements to create something strong.”
More of Avery Cox’s designs seen below:
For more information follow Avery Cox on Instagram. To work with Avery Cox Design or view her portfolio, visit her website.
