Art Factoids

September 26, 2018 Melissa LuVisi

In my post last week about SF, I made a little art historical reference that may have been missed by some. One thing that is incredibly annoying about the artworld is it’s pretentious intellectual currency. There is an air the permeates these circles making it hard for commoners such as myself to break-in. I always have a hard time wrapping my head around it. Now that I officially do marketing and sales for a living I can’t help but wonder from a business and industry standpoint - don’t we want the masses to buy more art? Don’t we want people to become collectors so more artists can subsidize their lives and world becomes filled with more creative energy?!

A Quick S.F. Art-ineary

September 18, 2018 Melissa LuVisi

I remember I was working with a former friend, putting together an interview. We had asked the interviewee what her top interior design tips were. One of the answers was, spend money on having expensive or artistic staple pieces then save money on different items and build your design off those pieces. My former friend, scoffed, “So, obvious.”

I felt little. It wasn’t obvious to me. I thought her response was perfect...elegant, even. A major reason that friend is now a “former” friend, is because while this person taught me so much about the finer things in life...this person also never truly respected me and often said things which implied I was unworthy or not capable.

The fact is: I am unpolished! Does that mean I don’t deserve entry into the artistic spaces I desire? No! And it doesn’t mean you don’t either. We are the curators of our own lives and can design them as we see fit….

San Francisco Inspiration (I'm Back!)

September 17, 2018 Melissa LuVisi

After a two hour drive, running one red light and nearly hitting a pedestrian my colleagues and I arrived in San Francisco for a work convention. Standard operations, if you ask me. The hotel was one of those older hotel where the rooms are a quarter of the size you expect. The Marriott in New Orleans is like this. It had two twin beds, no gym, no frig and a toilet that never fully stopped running despite the, “We save water and are eco friendly” signs littered everywhere. Of course, there was a time I wouldn’t of even noticed any of this.

When you are young, everything is magical and new. The city of San Francisco has always had its hooks in this small town girl. For my first trip to S.F. I was only 18 years old….

Urban Baths + Artist Dates

January 22, 2018 Melissa LuVisi

I decided that my new year doesn't start until February 1st. Which works out nicely considering my birthday is in February... New year, new me! One of my New Year's resolutions is to meet more creatives and surround myself with people who inspire me. For example, last week I met with a local weaver and a photographer from instagram. In the spirit of getting to know more people, I also accepted an invitation to eat caucus tacos on a school bus turned tiny home with a man who climbs trees for living. I wrapped up the weekend enjoying Sacramento's urban baths, reconnecting with friends in between hot saunas and cold plunges. What is an urban bath you ask? Well, it's my latest find!

Curators Corner: Karen Sikie

January 3, 2018 Melissa LuVisi

Art is such a fickle thing. We need it in our lives yet, it is expensive and often misunderstood. There is such a vast range of art, I think people often get lost or misunderstand its purpose.

One thing I love about Karen Sikie’s work is how livable it is. You can easily imagine her work above a fireplace or in an entryway. Like a precious dessert, her works are easy to consume and carry a welcoming delicateness. Her work is soothing and intricate in a gentle nod to nature.