Teal Intentions

We acquired a cozy new sofa, which meant our living room had to be reconfigured, leaving us with one very large, very blank wall staring back at me.

I knew I wanted something bright, cohesive and sentimental – a collection of pieces that meant something, but also visually stimulating. So I started where I always start: my personal image library, a curated collection of everything that inspires me. I pulled from what I already had, then added with intention a few specific pieces that I modified to make them my own. From there, I opened Illustrator and planned the layout before a single nail was hammered.

The result is eight canvas prints, each chosen for a reason. The abstract drip painting in the top left came first – a print I already loved that set the entire color palette in motion. Everything else followed its lead.

A single stalk of wheat against pale blue – a quiet nod to the wheat state we love to call home. A geometric triangle pattern – my favorite shape. A lush oversized floral in teal and cream that anchors the whole wall. An iridescent close-up of an abalone shell that takes me straight back to my grandparents' backyard fence in California, lined with shells from their excursions. A typewriter with the words "I Love You More" – our family's favorite thing to argue about. And then, on the bottom left – my favorite: a black and white photo I shot years ago when the boys' feet were much smaller.

The video below starts by showing some of my work in Illustrator, where it all came together on screen – then transitions to the finished wall installation, in all its glory.