“Natural Selection” Insect Decor Series @ ArtExpoNYC

If you’ve been following my Instagram you may have noticed something is buggin at Garrott Designs Decor studio. I’ve been busy painting my commercial interior  series “Natural Selection” for the upcoming ArtExpoNYC exhibit at Pier 94 in April. I’d love if you came so I’m posting this invitation and a link where you can learn more and get tickets. I’ll be at [SOLO] booth S504. Stop by and see what’s hanging.

You may be wondering why in heck I’d be painting bugs. To which I can only say to you, why in heck not?! Framed insects and natural curiosities have been an element of decor and a sign of academia in design since, well, since a long time. Have you ever spent time at the Museum of Natural History and wished you could take home a fossil or Triceratops skull? I sure have. Even Banksy hung a glass-encased beetle modified with jet fighter wings, missiles and a satellite dish at the the Museum of Natural History. Clearly he was very excited to say something artistic with bugs. Well, I get you Banksy.

Artist Magnus Gjoen created this gorgeous piece of modern art which I would love to add to my office or studio decor. It’s even on my Ironic and Arty Home Goods Pinterest board.

I’m not the only decorator using insects to create colorful spaces. Check out this space from the new Virgin Hotel in Chicago.

In the home, this more traditional display of insect illustrations brightens and delights the space.

My own collection of specimens is extensive but I wanted to say more about the beauty of these natural wonders. I wanted to create them in colors that compliment and delight the experiential space. So I started sketching “quickies” in my Moleskin with watercolor and gouache, using the Burton Silverman painting technique. Staying fresh, expressive and colorful, I wanted to tell the story of these intricate creatures with joy, exuberance and playfulness. Then I went painting BIG, because scale is fun.

   

 As you can see, adding a touch of quirk and the unexpected in a variety of spaces, even a Victorian Bed and Breakfast, makes for an unforgettable experience. These large and small scale bugs offer an opportunity to add color to a space with delight and surprise.

 

Mixed with some of my other decor series, you can see they go with just about anything. Canvas prints are available at affordable prices as well as original art in both large and small sizes. Check out my Garrott Decor store to see what you can mix and match to bring fun and interest to your designed space. Better yet, come to Art Expo NYC April 14-th 17th and pick out an original large-scale bug for yourself.  Your place is your own blank canvas…

Create your Space. Design yourself.