Friday, June 24, 2011

Life's Inspirations

Life has often been my inspiration for my creativity.

perspective

Being a designer of a brand I have evolved but remained consistent with signature qualities and characteristics. But I do pride myself with being an authentic designer, not one who pulls ideas from trends and forecasts. Sometimes I take a creative license and bring into my world ideas that may step out of what is expected. But ultimately there is a common thread of beauty, comfort, and function.

expressive

I have created a signature for myself, of pastel colors, soft vintage fabrics and crackly paints. In recent years I have become more open to seeing and blending other aesthetics to perhaps inspire me or to accept "as is". My malibu cottage and my Liliput Lodge (at The Prairie by Rachel Ashwell), satisfies two very diverse rhythms of nature.

signature

I have posted many painting of Laurence Amelie. Her tutus and flowers are such a perfect fit for Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture stores, and I took no risk in clearing wall space for her.

laurence

However, along with Laurence, is her lovely boyfriend Umbaldo. He is an artist in his own right. I see him as the masculine side of Laurence. His work is masculine and abstract. I would understand if not everyone understands where this work sits in my world, but I find peace in the abstract.

umbaldo

For me as an artist, I think it is most important to just be open to letting life guide us to what we need to create. And in that innocence I think wonderful things come.

inspiration

PS...

Exciting peek.

We will be opening a Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture store at The Prairie in September.

shop

truck

There would have been a day when a dark blue floral print (albeit wonderfully vintagy), would not have made it into my palette, but Texas has opened me up to a whole new world of color........as I have said before.....Marie Antoinette goes to Texas is a perfect vision for the marriage of my aesthetic and that of Texas. It may take awhile to see how to blend it all, as we know, art is not a science, but life, as we see it.

mabel

This is country through and through. But will sit happily in the California sun, a loft in New York or in an old townhouse in London.

The more I step outside of what I know, the more mistakes I will make. But always it will be true.

34 comments:

  1. What a lovely inspiring post,as always. I hope someday to visit "The Prairie". We once had a 100 year old Farmhouse on Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands that we were turning into a B&B. But couldn't quite make it all happen and had to give it up.
    You are living a dream of mine.
    ox~Cathleen

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  2. Lovely! I have enjoyed this post very much! Thank you for being a constant inspiration in my life! Have a wonderful day! Lots of hugs Lulu

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  3. ............and in turn your amazing creativity has inspired us! Rachel, you have changed the entire meaning of 'decorating' a home over the years since starting 'Shabby Chic'. You brightened and lightened the dull world of brown wood and plaid polyester, bringing the romantic beauty of flowers, pastels, and white into our homes. Thank you so much - I have little bits of you all around my home, they sure make me happy!

    I'm planning to get to the Prairie some day - it looks so beautiful.

    Loved the pic of Jake and the car.......and of your children and you in earlier years.

    Have a great week.
    Mary - A Breath of Fresh Air

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  4. I love your poetic mind.. the way you express your thoughts, gentle, poetic, yet definite. They allow for expansion, and also mistakes (as you said) and I do believe although emotions can stay the same, they can be driven and inspired by ever evolving form.
    Caroline, NZ

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  5. I am so excited as I will be able to drive from Fort Worth and go shopping at a Shabby Chic Couture store. I have to say I love the fact you are turning a 1900 house into a Couture store! This news blows me away..........I do hope the Grand Opening day will be announced in time for people to make travel arrangements. I am there!!
    Sherry

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  6. I grew up in an artist abtract world, and I'm glad to see that abstract is entering the Shabby Chic world ! it fit's so perfectly well ! I love Laurence paintings and I just discover her boyfriend's painting that i really love !
    Have a great week !

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  7. Rachel-you truly are my inspiration and have been for the past 11 years. Your designs speaks to my soul and fills me with joy. Thanks so much for you being you. LOVE LOVE, Mariann

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  8. Love seeing the pictures of you and your children
    So adorable
    Can't wait to visit the new store
    xxoo

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  9. OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! I am so happy to hear that you're opening one of your shops at The Prairie!!! I will be in Round Top selling this fall and I will definitely visit!!!
    I'M SO EXCITED!!!
    I LOVE your family photos :)) Especially the one of your daughter Lily up to her elbows and knees in mud (I think it is)!!! I to am VERY thankful for slipcovers!! I was extra thankful this morning when I found my grandson had poured his fruit smoothie over his head covered the floor, on little sister, and my white slipcovers, lol!! All this while in his highchair!! But thankfully everything is washable and no damage done :))
    Thank you for being an inspiration in my life!! Sincerely!!
    LOVE FROM TEXAS!!!
    ~~Michella~~
    www.michellamarie.com

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  10. Wonderful to see your slipcover inspirations! You look lovely as a brunette too!

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  11. A shop so near is a dangerous thing to hear, but it pleases me greatly. I'll be there as soon as it opens I am sure!! I just love it that you have become a Texan. Welcome!!!!

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  12. I will be visiting soon, Texas is the closet state for me to visit, and now with a Store!!!!! I cannot resist.. You are my inspiration !!!

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  13. It all looks gorgeous, as always. I love the fabric on the Mabel chair. The new store sounds very exciting. Liz xxx

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  14. What precious photos of you and your babies!! Always love to know what inspires you to create all your lovely things. The art by Laurence and Umbaldo very much compliments each other, each so beautiful, powerful. Love all the images from the Prairie, so peaceful.....

    Lisa xo

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  15. Ahhh Rachel, you just get better and better. Lots of love xxxx

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  16. I LOVE your story about slipcovers ~ How perfectly sweet!
    I am hoping to go to The Prairie for my birthday in July ~ that would just be the best!! How exciting that you are going to have a shop there too!!!
    YAYYYY!!!

    xoxo
    Lori

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  17. You have been an inspiration to me, too. Helped me to think outside of the box.

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  18. I totally get Umbaldo's painting and see how it works in the Shabby Chic world. This one is almost like a Monet with water being depicted in an abstact way. That's what I see anyway! I love the colors being more masculine and it would go nicely with a light brown velvet chair or a dark brown chesterfield sofa - "Shabby Chic For Him" if you will. You brought this side of Shabby into my life and I thank you for letting me see how timeless and elegant it can be without being too foo-foo or too man-cave like. Just the perfect balance to the prettiness of whites and pastels. For those of us with shabby chic homes and with men (sons and/or husbands)these two sides of Shabby Chic are a perfect match made in heaven so THANK YOU!!!

    Fan request: could you touch on this subject on a future blog?

    Luv ya'
    Ray

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  19. I stayed at The Prarie with my hubby this weekend and I cannot tell you how fabulous it was! Lisa and Danny are precious and I have never felt more at home, away from home, than I did at The Prarie. I cannot wait to return and see your shop.
    Many blessings!!!
    Jenn

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  20. I'm in love with your book!
    Cant wait to get my hands on your new one!!


    Pearl

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  21. I love reading all your posts & dream of visiting your special shabby Prarie..your spirit always shines true in all you do. xo Laura

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  22. Simply beautiful as always. Looking forward to seeing the new shop this fall when we go to Round Top! Can't wait, have only visited your shop via the internet, can't wait to see it in person!! So happy and excited for you. Hope you have some early copies of the new book at the shop.....
    Julie
    Victoria, TX

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  23. Rachel, I am a HUGE fan of yours! I remember watching your show on Style back in the day. I was smitted the 1st time I caught an episode. I now adopt the "shabby chic" lifestyle into my decorating. I own several of the pieces you did for Targe. (can't afford the more exp. stuff yet) I also have all of your books & look forward to reading the next one you put out. Obviously, you now have a new blog subscriber! I'd love for you to check mine out if you ever have a bit of free time in your busy life. I do some beauty product reviews but I also do a lot of posts on personal things I've been through. I became disabled 10 years ago (at 19) so I do posts that follow my health "adventures". I find it theraputic to put a lot of the things I struggle with out there for the rest of the world to see. It makes me feel vulnerable & empowered all at once! If you'd
    like to check my page out (& become a follower ;) the address is:
    http://beautyandthedisability.blogspot.com/. Take care! Looking
    forward to keeping up w/ your blog!

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  24. Wow, such an inspirational post!
    -Jessica & Holly
    Etsy.com/shop/chezjolly
    <3

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  25. Beautiful. I love the picture of the "born" slipcover.
    That is what happened with my family too. And now I have six kids! People always freaked out seeing my white slipcovers. And I Luv them! So easy to wash and care for. No Care at all actually.
    Decided today to start reading your blog. I love it.

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  26. I always love seeing new posts ~ thank you so much for all of the inspiration you give us~ Hugs, Rachel Noelle

    www.shabbyfrenchforme.blogspot.com

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  27. G'day Miss RA~I so hope you enjoy your time of rest and fun in the sun!
    I have enjoyed watching you go through your journey and reinventing yourself over and over again.A self-made women is simply inspiring in many different ways to many women.
    I am happy to see you pulled through your hard times and struggles and have overcome them with much grace I must say.
    I am looking forward to your new Book this fall and I believe it to be the best ever.The cover simply "Rocks"
    I wish you had an online shop though for those of us that aren't in the area to shop at your stores.
    I would buy soy candles myself and I would like to know how much the paintings are to see if I could afford one myself.Just Fabulous! Easy on the eye for sure.~Cheers Kim

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  28. You are such an inspiration to me. I have loved your style from the very beginning. The photos you have always taken give me a unique way to look at color and objects. You are the best of the best. Looking forward to all your wonderful shabby chic designs...Love all your books too!

    Love, Jody
    rootedinthyme.blogspot.com
    thymeforhome.blogspot.com

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  29. Simply...you have given us, Heaven On Earth.

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  30. Excellent piece of writing using really useful tips… Thanks you for putting the idea together…

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  31. Laurence Amelie is a amazing artist. Your lucky to have some of her paintings.

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