I'd like to introduce a new project I'm heading up called Work/Spaces. Featuring artists and designer's work environments, Work/Spaces seeks to catch a glimpse into the inspiration that drives their creative process.
First in the Work/Spaces series is Chelsea Lawler of A Lovely, Little Shop. I've been a longtime fan of Chelsea's colorful, dynamic work, and I love how her space reflects that same design aesthetic. I could go on, but I think Chelsea could say it better...
Hi everyone! My name is Chelsea Lawler, I'm 24, and I run a small business entitled A Lovely, Little Shop. Originally, I began to sell photographs on Etsy in June of 2009, which did not pan out very well, so I took a break from Etsy. In March of 2010, while on Spring break at home, I began talking to my parents about wanting to pursue something creative, to make something, anything, to sell. My parents and siblings were throwing around ideas, and then we started talking about jewelry. I was kind of hesitant because there is so much jewelry on Etsy, so I wasn't sure if it would be a good idea. But, after much thought, I thought it would be a fun idea to at least try. So, I began to think of what inspired me and how I could make my work different from everyone else's.
I grew up in a rural mountainside location, in a very old house, with no neighbors, so my siblings and I spent all of our time outside exploring our property. My parents would take us on walks around our property, which was once used by settlers and Native Americans, and I would find arrowheads, pottery, and quartz. Upon the long stretches of road around our property, my dad in particular, would be sure to tell me about each object I came across and its history behind it. I think that's where my obsession with history, rocks, and minerals, began.
My mom has this natural eye for color and textiles, so she is a major influence on my work. After thinking about my family and my childhood, I began to create pieces using modern, vintage, and natural elements and I'm currently incorporating wooden beads, vintage glass beads, Peacock Ore, opal chips, metals, and other minerals into my work. I like a clean, simple, aesthetic in my work and this also translates into my workspace.
I'm super organized and my space is decorated in a minimal fashion, with brightly colored art prints and a simple banner on my wall. I love color and unique art, so whenever I feel as if I'm in a rut, I'll just look up at those pretty pieces of art and become inspired. I love my little space; it's fresh and bright, with its white walls and lovely sunlight from its many windows. My desk is simple too, with my ol' vintage cursive typewriter, which I adore, treasures and photographs, and a few of the projects I am currently working on.
I've begun to sew accesssories and soon, I will be doing a collaboration with my friend Kristen Solecki, who is an illustrator, in which we will combine apparel with illustration. I'm really excited to branch out into other creative fields and take A Lovely, Little Shop to a different level!
