Over the past year, I’ve been adjusting to a new chapter of life and, for a long time, I resisted turning my house into a home.
It’s taken me nearly a year to feel comfortable here. At times, the rental felt empty—a fresh slate, yes, but also a constant reminder of what was missing. Not to sound too dramatic, but the space mirrored the void of my loss, making it hard to settle in. About three months ago, I decided to change that. I started to pour love into my home, hoping to fill the emptiness with warmth and meaning, just as I wanted it to reflect that same love back to me.
I began returning to the Downtown Flower Mart, picking up fresh florals to bring warmth into my home—something I did often in my previous homes. Another shift I made was cooking more, not just for my kids, but for friends and family too. Hosting had been on pause for a while, but I’ve slowly started opening my doors again, just as I’ve begun opening my heart more and more toward the future.
The canvas of my home felt like a blank slate, a fresh start. With the more subdued, natural tones I chose for most of my furnishings—many of which I brought from my previous home—I saw this neutral space as an opportunity to express myself through art. My inspiration to start collecting art came after my trip to Japan in April, where I was deeply moved by the beauty and serenity I encountered.
After taking a poll on social media, many of you suggested Tappan Collective as a great starting place for my collection. The Tappan Collective team made me feel so welcome, going above and beyond to help me curate a beautiful collection for my new home. As a newcomer to the art world, they made the process feel comfortable and easy, guiding me through each step as I embraced something new
I was first turned on to the feeling that art can evoke within us when I was passed down some pieces that my grandmother had painted. You can explore these pieces and read more about my art journey today’s feature by Tappan Collective. The art I’ve chosen from Tappan Collective speaks to that journey and I am so excited to finally share a few corners of my new home with you today.
The abstract piece above the couch, called “Deep Into the Gardens,” with its layers and texture, reflects the complex but vibrant emotions I’ve experienced throughout the last 2 years. I felt emotional the first time I saw this piece by Petra Schott and I knew I had to have it.
To me, this abstract piece, with its soft, earthy greens and layered textures, embodies the concept of growth. The central green mass symbolizes new life or an idea in its early stages, still developing and shifting. The muted background allows the vibrant greens to stand out, symbolizing growth amid uncertainty or chaos. This painting captures the often messy, unpredictable process of growth, where clarity and form are still unfolding.
The moment I was introduced to Caroline Pinney’s work I fell in love. Not only is she a fellow Texan, but I really feel myself in her work. I absolutely love this piece, called “Doomsday.”
This abstract piece has earthy tones and fluid forms and evokes a sense of movement and transformation. The blend of warm and cool tones symbolizes a balance of forces, perhaps reflecting themes of growth, change, and emotional depth. The layered composition invites introspection, making it a fitting addition to a space focused on personal reflection and evolution. The main draw to this piece for me was the three figures, representing past, present and future.
Last but not least, the beautiful photographs above the piano that were taken by The Heidies. The Heidies is a collaboration between photographer Pascaline Dargant and artist and dancer Caroline Denervaud. Conceived in Paris during an impromptu photoshoot in 2014, Dargant began photographing Denervaud rehearsing choreography, giving rise to a new artistic practice for the pair.
I love how these photos feel extremely feminine but also raw and vulnerable. To me, they represent movement and transformation in life. The movement feels fluid, uncertain, but undeniably beautiful—reminding me that even when life shifts unexpectedly, there’s grace in the process.
Thank you so much Tappan Collective for being a part of my journey.
