Month: November 2015

We’ve had the pleasure of working with artist Hillery Sproatt for some time now, and the results are never short of wonderful.

No matter the medium, her work is always unique, thoughtfully crafted, and marked by a dose of whimsy. In the end, her spirited pieces seem to invite smiles and brighten the mood of the home.

So we were delighted when Hillary invited us to take a peek around her own home. And we were fascinated when she shared a bit more about her background and inspiration as an artist. Take a listen:

Unison: What got you interested in designing goods for the home?

Hillery: My background is in fine art, with an emphasis in printmaking and drawing. I’ve always made work that is two-dimensional and often for the wall. So I am thrilled to be exploring art objects as well as functional textiles for the home. I spend much of my time at home and I want it to be a place I love and can love in. I hope my work brings a bit of joy into the lives of those who live with it.

Harvest Black Throw Pillow, Harvest Denim Throw Pillow, Harvest Peach Throw Pillow

Unison: With home being so important to you, how would you describe your own, personal style?

Hillery: I have a deep appreciation for many different aesthetics. Perhaps my personal style is simple and thoughtful, in so much as I enjoy functional things that are well designed and I like to have just enough without having too much. I enjoy things that have a history or a story to them.  I am very drawn to playful and colorful objects as well as pattern. Relationships or how things look next to one another has always been of great interest to me. I am definitely not concerned with matching and often steer clear of sets.

Unison: And when it’s time to get creative, what spurs you to create new work?

Hillery: I’ve always enjoyed making things. Perhaps it’s the surprise of seeing something into existence that excites me or quieting my mind a bit and letting my hands do the talking.

I draw inspiration from nearly everything I take in; places I’ve visited, conversations I’ve had, books I’m reading, or a flower by the side of the road. All of these things find their way into my work.

Unison: And once inspiration strikes, what is your artistic process typically like from there?

Hillery: When painting or drawing my art practice is intuitive. I almost never begin with a plan. When making my dolls and mobiles I am more exacting. I find I put my energy into being efficient with my process and thoughtful with my craft.

Unison: How about us? What has the experience of collaborating with Unison been like for you?

Hillery: I’ve enjoyed it immensely! It’s allowed me the opportunity to interpret my work into textiles, which has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.

In particular, I was very pleased with the way my Unison Rag Dolls turned out. Unison’s beautifully bright hand printed geometric fabrics lend themselves so well to being mixed and matched. I think these dolls are whimsical, lovable, and so special.

 

 

If you’re not drawn to the work of artist Matthew Hoffman, then you haven’t seen it yet.

His message-themed artwork is not only uplifting; it’s thoughtfully simple, frequently profound, and consistently true.

Known around the world for his You Are Beautiful project, Matthew’s work appears on billboards, stickers, and public installations in every corner of the globe.

When we met him at one of our store events, we were instantly hooked – and impressed with his wide range of collaborations, both large and small. So we went to his studio and workshop to get our heads together and develop unique, positive messages for the holidays (and beyond).

We love the finished pieces, which are all made right in his Chicago studio. But we also love the guy: Matthew is one of the nicest people around. Despite the fact that his work is so influential, he is humble and persistently creative. Check him out:

Unison: Do you have an overarching design philosophy?

Matthew: Keep it simple. Keep it positive. Make meaning by making things.

 

Unison: What do you find particularly important about your work/art? What drives you to continue creating?

Matthew: To me, it’s the interaction with people on a human level. I like to write phrases that I get something out of, and share those in the public. Where the viewer takes it is completely up to them. Hopefully, they get something out of it too.

I love that conversation with people through my art. It certainly keeps me going.

Unison: What’s special about the design community in Chicago?

Matthew: I love the art & design community in Chicago. It’s very collaborative, and everyone works really hard to help each other when they need it. I think this holiday catalogue is the perfect example of that – there are many outstanding Chicago designers & artists involved.

The collaboration with Alicia & Robert [of Unison] has been so rewarding. It was so great to brainstorm on what things could be, and run loose creating sample ideas. Their eye is very refined, and they did a great job curating down the collection into something really fantastic.

Unison: Well then, let’s talk specifics: any background on the Good Times Wall Piece?

Matthew: It’s all about having a good time.

Unison: Clearly. How about the silver pedestal?

Matthew: I love this little guy. I especially love how the text almost looks floating.

Unison: Agreed. And the You Are Beautiful silver wall piece is a favorite of ours, too.

Matthew: A classic reworked for the holidays.