Project Profiles

The first is a white on white, unique sculptural painting. It contributes texture, energy and interest without overpowering the dining area with too much color. He loves the work!

Almost a year later, he was ready to work on the primary living area wall. He spends a lot of time facing this wall while relaxing and therefore wanted a piece that would always hold his attention… One he would never tire of. From a design point of view, the piece should contribute color without forcing things off balance.

We spent time with several works. Each equally strong and interesting and each shaping the space in different way. Ultimately, he chose this vibrant, but understated textile-like painting. He loves the illustrative details, the layers and the color. The shape and scale is also intriguing.

Its been a pleasure to work with client to help realize his dream space.

During the two+ year process of development and acquisition, we would present a selection of images at each meeting which spurred dialogue between all of the parties. We all shared opinions and insights about the art and its relationship to the architecture and experience of the home. Over time, relationships took shape and design themes and elements emerged which informed subsequent rounds of images and the selection of each piece of art.

With the architects holding the overarching vision – both inside and out, us bringing a range of thoughtful art considerations and fresh perspective and, of course, the clients informing the process with their taste and emotional responses to the work, it was a truly collaborative process. The result a stunning collection representing a diverse group of artists.

The largest and focal point piece, “Confrontation with Nature” by Jose Parla, was imported from his Italian studio, while “Wrestling with the Riddle no. 6″, a Madrone Burl-wood sculpture, is by German artist Christian Burchard who resides in Oregon. Cobi Cockburn’s “Riverline” was found at Portland’s own Bullseye Glass Gallery, although the artist is Australia. Other pieces collected include NY artist, George Boorujy’s illustrative work, “Salton Basin”, and Sarah Smith’s “In Metal”.

Rob and Kia knew they wanted to own a Hensley piece, so we began by considering a selection of his works. “White Out”, a distressed steel and enamel piece with finely carved rusted illustrations was a perfect juxtaposition against the classic black baby grand piano. The work is captivating from a distance, and also offers the experience of discovery when you come close to examine the detailed cityscape along the bottom.

Throughout the home, we considered the views of nature & architectural woodwork as primary focal points we wanted to complement without over-shadowing. In the bedroom we expounded on the relation with nature with limited edition macro image of a locally found iris pedals. Mounted behind plexi, the piece is clean and elegant. It almost acts as another window in to the forest.

Fused glass works they fell in love with by another local artist play with the natural light in the entryway and bring life to the powder room in the middle of the house.

The works brings energy and the family’s personality into the gorgeous space.

She knew she would know the right piece when she saw it, so we began putting thoughtfully selected works in front of her. We looked at many images and pieces in person and in the space.

A piece entitled “Untitled Green (He Dreamed of Strawberry Figs)” turned out to he the perfect coming together of everything she desired. There was only one problem – the diptych did not have the width to hold the space.

We approached the artist, who was inspired & receptive to creating a third panel which would evolve the 30 x 48″ piece in to a 72″ wide triptych.

Things moved quickly from there and we were able to install the completed work in time for a previously scheduled party. The Johnsons are very happy with the beautiful new addition to the room.

We were asked to address an open sitting area in the center of space where clients are encouraged to spend time relaxing. With a low hanging light and an off-center furniture arrangement the area invited an innovative solution.

We learned that Dr. Laila loves raw, natural, tactile materials. She also saw wood as an element of the solution. Other characteristics she sought were “soft, unique, minimal, textural and warm.”

We introduced Dr. Laila to several artistic voices. The work of an emerging local artist resonated strongly so we engaged the her in designing a piece for the space that excited her as a creator, as well as contributed to Dr. Laila’s vision in an inspiring way.

The installation took shape over the course of several design & material direction meetings with the client. The wood and string elements are hand-crafted by the artist who composed and installed them on site. The work travels over several walls, bring balance to the room and defining the open space.

Our process for identifying and/or creating original artwork for over 300 potential spots that had been earmarked in the floor plans was dynamic and inclusive. There were a multiple stakeholder groups informing the art selection process, including the Developers, Architecture and interior teams, on-site project managers and, of course, the future residents.

The architecture and design group saw the art as having a nature theme, which would reinforce the buildings green Platnium LEED certification standing and relate with the lush South Waterfront location. All parties aligned on the vision to create a sophisticated, yet light-hearted experience when visiting, working or living in the building community.

We designed a series of meetings which engaged the future residents, including initial art ‘talks’ and feedback sessions and also included studio visits and an art tour with some of the artists contributing to the project.

During these sessions we learned that they wanted their retirement community to be luxurious, the did not want it to feel stuffy or static. They wanted the art to be as alive and engaging as they are. We used the list of key qualities and feedback gained from the talks to inform the artist and artwork selection.

From there, we worked with the interiors team and narrowed the talent down to a collection of 12 artists on whom we focused.  Many artists were commissioned to create site specific or custom works inspired by the over-arching themes & vision. Working with a cohesive them and talent pool resulted in continuity throughout the building, as well as more meaningful artwork since many of the artists developed a personal relationship with the project, the area and the residents themselves.

The artists engaged were in various stages of their careers, which enabled us to help cultivate and include emerging talent as well as established, recognizable names. It also helped us stretch the art budget from the highly trafficked parking level up to the penthouse elevator lobbies.

The outcome of this unique and innovative approach is a lifestyle building that is filled with art, energy & stories. The permanent collection includes over 200 pieces of thoughtfully placed, authentically created original art.

It is quite suiting that computer science major, now sculptor’s whimsical, graphic dioramas turned out to be their perfect art match when President Steve Rosenbaum came to us for work in the reception area of their SW Alder office.

Steve connected with a series the artist created for a solo gallery show in Istanbul. The body of work compliments the wall text and bold colors found throughout the office, and reinforce Pop Art’s catchy brand and innovative personality.

The collection of 3d pieces now greets Pop Art’s clients and employees coming and going each day.

Steve Rosenbaum
“Heidi helped us find works by a local artist that we absolutely love. From listening to our requirements, to brining pieces to our office, to supervising the installation, every aspect of working with Heidi was a pleasure.”

The den is cozy and intimate, as well as elegant; we wanted to find a piece they both truly loved and wanted to spend quality time with. It needed to relate with and contribute energetically and visually.

At the gallery we took Ernest and Scott through a range of works through a wide selection of works; from totally abstract to more graphic and/or figurative. During the process, a particular piece jumped out to them as the clear choice. “Take Flight”, a tryptic, is a particularly special painting to it’s creator Flora Bowley. They picked up on those quality and connected deeply with the work. Back at Ernest and Scott’s we confirmed it was a beautiful match. Amy also endorsed the rich, luminous painting and the room was complete.

Ernest described it best when he said, “(the) Flora in the den is fabulous wonderful terrific.”

While viewing works for the den, a second painting made a particularly strong impression on Ernest. He was still thinking about the photorealistic oil painting the next day. He says “Central Valley Siding” evokes memories and puts him at peace. It was a piece he did not want to live without.

Ernest now owns the painting, which he engages with daily while he works at his home office desk. Equally special is the artist’s memoir about the work, which we shared with it’s delighted new owner.

Collectively, we found that two paintings by Flora Bowley and one wax and oil piece by Molly Cliff-Hilts filled the walls and pleased the partners, as well as the extended staff. The works are memorable and set the right tone for clients. They also bring an element of joy and help distinguish the culture and personality of the firm amongst others.

The feedback received at their open house reception affirmed the art selections. The matches are a success.

“Attained by Bewilderment” by Tamara English set the perfect tone and was an ideal palette for the space. It even carried out the French country theme. The oil painting on canvas became the jumping point from which we commissioned the artist to create two complimentary works that would all hang on the primary wall and join the two dining sections.

The three original paintings replaced the commercial prints that previously hung there, bringing new energy to the space. Tamara’s works inspire conversation and contribute to a pleasurable experience for diners. They also communicate Springridge’s distinctive style & luxurious living to prospective residents.

We had the artist come install the piece personally. While there, he shared his memories travel and experiences that inspired the piece.

We also introduced a second piece to Rob and Michelle’s living area and art collection. An fresh, spring-like botanical work by painter Karen Silve. Full of energy and color, the work sets a happy tone to their home, where they are surrounded by meaningful art.

Rob Billingsley
“Heidi is a pleasure to work with. Her ability to key into a clients needs as well as her design sense make her the best at what she does. A true professional.”

We helped Sam grow his personal collection with pieces by Gabriel Fernandez, a PNCA grad with a painting career on the rise, as well as a work by the talented, prolific Michael Hensley.

Sam fell for both of the artists’ work, and we found just the right spots in his home. The detailed Hensley piece is over his desk, where he discovers new elements all the time, and the Fernandez works pop with color and personality in his bedroom and living areas. They work in concert with his previously existing pieces and design style to make his home a very cool pad.

Among the selections were pieces we helped identify and acquire from other galleries around the country. We also oversaw the creation and installation of two sight-based works created locally, as well as the procurement, composition and installation of an existing work called “Little Universe (Terra)” by artist Katy Stone. Her gestures in paint on transparent Duralar hang independently in composition on the bedroom walls. The translucent material casts wonderful shadows which transform with the natural light over the course of the day.

A modern graphic installation by Justin Gorman and Caleb Freese developed as the solution to deep niches on either side of the fireplace and as a focal point of the living room. The vision was for a three-dimensional interpretation of their paint and dye collaborations on paper.

A design direction and color palette were chosen first, followed by engineering and fabrication, hand silk screening color fields, patterns and details. Custom hardware helps ‘float’ these graphic acrylic forms that vary in opacity and scale. The result is a stunning composition of engaging and dynamic forms.

Artists Andi Kovel and Justin Parker of Esque, in collaboration with us, Andee and Ryan, designed, blew and built an innovative glow-in-the-dark glass installation in the entryway niche. The work was in response to Andee’s inspiration idea – Superman’s icehouse, the ‘Fortress of Solitude’. Nearly impossible to photograph, the completed stalactite / stalagmite piece makes a memorable first impression.

Finished pieces of original artwork can also be explored throughout the home; including an over-sized painting by Marty Schnapf that brings color and energy to the intimate media room.

An article on Andee Hess and the project was featured in Portland Monthly.

As story-tellers and creative problem solvers in their own business, the Daylight guys liked the idea of letting the art literally ‘speak’ to who they are. They were excited about a personalized piece that integrated their culture and personalities.

Chris Haberman, a mixed media artist who thrives on research, input and set themes as inspiration for his custom work, was a great match. His artistic language also includes iconography, figures and visual narratives, which all come in to his work given the right set of circumstances. Daylight responded to his spontaneous, bold style.

Once we identified Chris as the ‘author’ of their piece, we took them through a collaborative creative development process.

We worked with Allisen to choose a color palette, while the Daylight crew produced a list of key words, icons and symbols that represent their personality and unique offerings. They even provided a list of their own personal hobbies, interests and images of their kids. The artist used all of this fodder for the creation of the original painting that now hangs in their active, growing office.

The crew is very happy with the finished work on reclaimed planks of wood.

Allisen Larson :
“Heidi has the capacity and vision to work closely with artists and clients to create custom pieces that successfully communicate the client’s brand while still honoring the artist’s creative license and medium. She is also skilled at assembling a portfolio of artists and existing works which further tell the story of a project.

I have collaborated with Heidi on numerous projects, and value her practical business sense and simultaneous ability for creative ideation and input. She is highly intelligent, well-networked in the art community, and her charisma and passion for original art makes working with her a genuine thrill.”

The first was a large wall with an off-center fireplace. Niki had already looked around at finished works, but she was not finding anything large enough or quite the right shape for the awkward wall. The flat-faced fireplace was also a challenge when she considered paintings with any significant depth. She wasn’t sure how to tackle the space.

A vertical niche in her spacious entry area was the other priority spot where Niki wanted help with art.

We introduced Niki to works and voices by a wide breath of artists. As a sewer who loves fashion, fabric, texture, Helen Hiebert’s handmade abaca paper with linen thread really stood out for her. A great match for the niche, Helen was thrilled to create a smaller-scale version “Hydrogen Bond”, a 26 foot installation that was presented originally by Reed College’s Cooley Gallery.

A playful mural by Jennifer Mercede, who’s colorful and organic painting style resonated with Niki, brought dimension and life into the central part of her home. The painting pulls the design elements of the room together and integrates with the fireplace.

Kelsey loves urban street art and connected with Caleb and Justin’s graphic, layered designs on first sight. Out of the existing digital thumbnails we presented she found her perfect piece. “A Thousand Good Names” related with the lines her building and the views of the community below. She loved the graphics and clean lines, and appreciated the opportunity to break up the grid pattern of her windows with free shapes.

The artistic duo tailored the complex thumbnail image to meet Kelsey’s budgetary goals and to suit the space. She was given several color palettes to choose from – all presented against her background wall paint color.

The artists worked day and night to install the mural – which included freehand and silkscreened application on the wall.

The work turned out “super cool”… It even came together in time for Kelsey’s holiday party. She was “stoked” to share her truly original artwork with her friends.

One target space was CJs two-story open stairwell. There were views from downstairs and upstairs, so selecting work that held the wall from multiple vantage areas was key.

CJ loved the work we showed her by artist Dana Lynn Louis, whose unexpected use of materials and tactile, organic forms felt comfortable and engaging. She chose a unique installation-based piece composed of 19 delicate gouache and ink painted cut shapes. At The Art Gym at Marylhurst University, the piece had debuted in a diamond-shaped composition, however CJs wall called for a more open arrangement. We had the artist to her home to re-compose and install the forms.

Hovering just off the wall, the pieces that make up “Heat” cast interesting shadows and are even a bit kinetic. CJ gets comments from guests all of the time and she enjoys the work throughout every day.

Other original art pieces were chosen also for her bedroom, den and formal dining area.
CJ is so happy with her collection and the uplifting experience she is having living with artwork that called to her.

We asked about the intension of the space and the characteristics unique to this Marriott property and learned that managers are encouraging guests to spend more time relaxing and enjoying the common areas. They wanted the lobby to feel more like a living room, however the cold stone and brass finishes throughout the main floor were working against them when it came to creating a comfortable space. White walls and florescent lighting could also seem uninviting.

With a remodel slated in the near future, they needed a piece that would contribute to the space as is and also be relevant in the updated version of the lobby they anticipated.

An oversized wax painting, with oil and gold leaf, by Portland artist Molly Cliff-Hilts, was a perfect match. The warm and inviting deep red piece is brings texture and richness to the space. Its unique, yet work that everyone seems to love. “Tribute” also brought a soft visual focal point.

The painting is refined and impressive, while also being inviting and comfortable. It did much more than fill a blank wall, it reinforced the message that guests are welcome to make themselves at home while staying at the Marriott.

Sung was thinking of a 2d painting, however was open to another concept. After learning he personally loves glass, we focused on an installation that would be soft on the eye and also travel between the adjacent walls, creating multiple angles of appreciation. A free-form design with rounded sculptural elements also complimented the droplights and broke up the angular space in a pleasing way.

We engaged Andi Kovel and Justin Parker who came up with the abstract cherry blossom theme that plays off Le Hana’s logo design. The color palette was drawn from the flowers themselves. Each element was individually hand blown and composition was created on site and installed by the artists.

Sung and his partner could not have been happier with the outcome.