If you’ve been following along for awhile, you’ll know I love contemporary art (see post here with favorite artists). So when I first saw Jamie Sawicki’s artwork, I seriously swooned. It totally embodies everything I love about art. We re-connected recently via email (she’s my high school friend April’s mom!), and then she came over to our house two weeks ago to have some of her pieces photographed and to discuss a fun styling project. I was so excited when she agreed to be a part of my #GIRLBOSS series!
Jamie is a ball of happy energy. Seriously! I love her. And not to mention her talent! We unloaded eight paintings from her car, and each one was like: “Ohh, love that one. It’s my favorite.” “Wait, no, that one is.” “Never mind, that one.” You’ll see what I’m talking about as you scroll down. Also, she doesn’t just do paintings – she’s an interior designer as well (which you’ll see in the next post we do together!).
Jamie is new to Instagram (follow her here!), but will be sharing more of her pieces on that platform. If you’re interested in getting your hands on a piece of her work, you can email her directly to discuss a custom piece (or buy one of her existing beauties!).
I loved reading Jamie’s interview answers (especially her favorite emoji – we must be soul sisters).
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. My dad was transferred to Houston in 1964, and now I live in Katy.
WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR BUSINESS?
Jamie Sawicki Art and Interiors
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN YOUR FIELD, AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LAUNCH YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Well, I’ve always enjoyed drawing and painting, and started out as an art major in college. At that time, about all you could do with an art degree was teach, so I switched my major to interior design. I worked in the design department of a large furniture store for a few years but gave up that full-time career to focus on my kiddos. My business started out by selling my hand-painted t-shirts in craft shows. Finding a sales rep turned my little venture into a successful way to contribute financially while being home with the kids. As they got older, I gradually started doing design work again. It’s been fun, also, to be able to do a painting for a client when we can’t find just the right thing to finish a project. The upstairs game room in my “empty nest” has become the most awesome, crazy mess of a studio where I can leave my art supplies, fabrics, etc out all the time. My favorite place to be (other than with my grandbabies) is up there with some great tunes and a paintbrush in hand.
WHO IN YOUR INDUSTRY INSPIRES YOU THE MOST?
I’ve always been inspired by the work of Mario Buatta and Charles Faudree. I have also been a huge fan of Mary Kaiser and was thrilled to be able to meet her this summer and hear about how she started her business. And… she’s become a good friend! How great is that?!
Something else that inspires me is the opportunity that the internet has given creative people to earn money!! I am continually amazed by things I see on Etsy, Pinterest, and the myriads of blogs out there!
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST PART ABOUT OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS? THE MOST CHALLENGING?
Best part? Being able to do what you want to do when you want to do it! The most challenging to me is administrative — not so much fun, but a necessity!
WHAT PIECE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
Probably a painting of my daughter, April. It was inspired by one of her bridal portraits and purchased by a woman who had told me it reminded her of one of her own wedding portraits from about thirty years ago. The best art purchase I have made is a painting by Joyce Stolaroff in Taos. It is a very stark portrait of a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to the women in my family–sisters, mom, and even a little bit like my son! I LOVE it!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER WOMEN WHO ARE INTERESTED IN STARTING THEIR OWN BUSINESS?
Just start small and keep at it!
JAMIE’S FAVORITES
BOOK? To Kill a Mockingbird, The Snow Goose, The Life of Pi and Bridget Jones’ Diary.
MOVIE? To Kill a Mockingbird, Bridget Jones’ Diary, Say Anything, Dear Frankie, Sliding Doors, the list goes on. I compiled a list of about 75 movies several years ago!
RESTAURANT? Nino’s. Trendy new restaurants are fun. Nino’s never disappoints.
JEWELRY DESIGNER? Jes Maharry, Rebecca Lankford – both of whose pieces are found in the Sundance catalog, among other places!
CLOTHING STORE? Anthropologie, J. Crew. The treasure hunting side of me loves a great resale shop, and the Last Chance store in Phoenix. The BEST.
DESSERT? Raspberry tart from Nino’s.
EMOJI? the little face with one eye opened really wide and tongue sticking out!
CUPCAKE FLAVOR? The coconut cupcake at Tammy Coe Cakes in Phoenix.
Follow Jamie on Instagram | Email | You can also see some of her work on the Renovate (local interior design store) blog here!
1 Comment
Amazing paintings!