Last week I visited New York during fashion week. From meetings with talented and inspired designers to visits to museums and great food of all kinds, to chance encounters with interesting and passionate people, it was nearly a week of filling my creative cup and the discovery of many beautiful things to bring back to the shop.

Viewing art is always on the calendar and visiting the new Ruth Asawa exhibit at The Whitney Museum, incredible sculptures at The Noguchi Museum and the astounding collection of art and antiquities at The Met, were definite highlights. However, the number of talented artists and artisans who sell their work on the street, or use it as their canvas or their stage was equally as inspiring and reinforced the idea that championing the work of artists and creatives today, particularly in your own backyard, is a role to take seriously. One idea that rang true to me was part of the Ruth Asawa exhibit. It read that Asawa “believed that art is not a series of techniques, but an approach to learning, to questioning and to sharing.”

Look forward to discovering wonderful new items in the coming months including gorgeous expertly crocheted baby booties by recent immigrant Mira who spoke only Albanian, handmade jewelry by lovely Oz from Turkey, and swoon-worthy clothing by talented and passionate designers from around the world- all at domecíl.

discovering art

that truly resonates with you is a joy. Native Californian, Jenna Gibson is a talented artist and teacher at The ArtCenter College of Design. I have known Jenna for fourteen years and am always a little in awe of how she approaches everything with a sense of ease, humor, curiosity and openness. She is a talented artist and teacher at Art Center College.

Whether they are her pen and ink line drawings, charcoal portraits or oil paintings, her work takes the viewer well beyond the portrait of the subject into an atmospheric, abstract other-world. I asked her a couple of questions about life from an artist’s perspective.

What keeps you inspired or motivated to keep creating your art?

Motivation or inspiration for me comes from the magic that being in nature provides. It’s free, and all around us., even in the smallest form. It calms me and that’s when I do my best work.

How did you decide to become an artist or make that your primary activity. Was it a difficult decision?

I decided as a young child, probably because it felt so natura , and I wanted to do something that would make me feel successful, but I wanted professional training that only an art school could give me. Just like any college education, I knew if I worked hard, I would leave school with enough knowledge and skills to achieve my artistic goals. I started working as a professional artist and teacher before I even graduated which made it much easier to break Into it and be where I am today.

What’s your favorite thing about your life as an artist and teacher?

My favorite thing is definitely the constant change and evolution of creating for a living. I’m always adding and improving my teaching skills, and learning everyday from my students which is an absolute treat - everyday inspiration.

Do you have a favorite saying or idea that you live by?

I live by the Golden Rule. Pure and Simple.

One year ago this week domecíl opened its doors. It was my hope to create a place that offered a sense of discovery and community that would inspire and delight anyone who walked through the door. Although the days of robust retail have been iffy at best, one year on I feel secure in the idea that brick and mortar shops still hold the magic that people seek in their communities. I’ve seen that magic happen time and again through the many connections that are made here in the shop.

Whether it’s people connecting with an object made by another person that speaks to them or connecting with a new idea or perhaps people connecting with other people - though chance encounters, classes, pop ups, poetry readings and live music - we are happy to play a part in bringing good things and good people together.

We hope you will join us this Thursday evening as we celebrate one year at the shop. You will find many wonderful items on sale as well as many new items that have just arrived. Stop by and enjoy some delicious cake and grab a glass and toast with us. Our friend Kellen Meyer will be showcasing some of her gorgeous art and our friends Francesca and Jennifer of The Lazy Potters will be selling their one-of-a-kind ceramics.

Whether you know domecíl from years ago when it was only about aprons or you just discovered us last week, I’d like to thank you for your support and hope to connect again soon.

With gratitude,

Stephanie