Artist Spotlight: Alanna Cavanagh
I am always impressed by artists. I find it fascinating how someone can be
inspired by the world around us, notice the simple things, and translate that
into a piece of art that "speaks to me". You know that feeling that you get
when you look at a work of art, be it a painting, photograph, sculpture or any
other form, and instantly it connects to something deep inside you and invokes
an emotional reaction? I love that feeling.
One such artist whose work speaks to me is illustrator
Alanna Cavanagh. Her work is
light-hearted and whimsical with a retro vibe. Looking at her art makes me
think of women in fitted sweaters and cat's eye glasses, housewives in aprons,
and men in dapper suits.
I especially love her
silk screen prints. I'm not sure where I first saw Alanna's Big Scissors print, but it really
caught my attention. My mom used to sew us clothes and she had a pair of
orange-handled scissors just like this so no wonder I find the print
appealing.
Then I saw these images of chef & TV personality Trish Magwood's home in
my fave House & Home magazine and it literally stopped me in my tracks.
The combination of Trish's beautiful, family-friendly, light and airy home
paired with Alanna's colourful artwork really did me in. I had to have a
piece Alanna's art of my very own.
And this is what I got...
and this lovely, complete with coffee stains.
Would you believe that I've actually planned a special wall in
the basement reno to feature this print? Because I have,
that's how much I love it so. Its being framed right now (yay
for Michael's 60% off custom framing!). Can't wait to show it
to you back in my home.
All photos courtesy of
Alanna Cavanagh.
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