We are ready for a Monday full of energetic art as Caitlin Shirock will be introducing her first Well + Wonder collection! Caitlin is a Michigan native and Nashville local and often describes her paintings as whimsical, mysterious, energetic and dreamy. After earning a degree in fine art and working for large brands that included Abercrombie & Fitch, Betsey Johnson, and Oscar de la Renta, Caitlin began searching for a way to create art in a way where she could actually SEE the customer engage with the final product once it was completed. It was these experiences that inspired her to start her own company. Caitlin's primary goal is to create original artwork for people’s homes that will bring them joy. We've been following Caitlin's work for a while now and tomorrow release is only made more special because we are such fans of her work. Set those alarms for tomorrow at 10 am y'all won't want to miss this one!
What is currently on your nightstand?
A small jewelry box. David Hicks book, Tashen’s Guide to NYC, Everyday Oil (the best), and a Yeti water bottle.
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
My dad for his dedication to his art of manufacturing bronze (although much different medium than mine) I always recognized his attention to detail, craftsmanship and appreciation for beauty in the arts. Seeing that inspired me to take my art seriously too.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
Getting my very own professional art box and supplies at age 9. I still have the box. We picked out a handful of drawing pencils, chalks and a sketch pad and I felt like I was the luckiest girl in the world.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Soft pastels. I can express so much in just one stroke. Getting a new color is so exciting to me.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
We’re currently moving from one 1950’s house to another. We’re just about finished on the renovation and I have a feeling it’s going to be our new living room. Vaulted ceilings, a tall plaster fireplace, light floors, walls painted Pure White by Sherwin Williams (after much debate) and lots of natural light. We currently have zero furniture picked out for the space but I can’t wait to get in there, add art and dream up the new feel with the family.
What is your biggest score online?
I’m getting excited for warm weather! Today I bought thisbathing suit online from a store in Nashville called Happily Grey. It was impulsive but suits are hard so when I saw this one on her IG story, I had to try it!
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
To me it means you’re collecting from an emerging or established artist who is serious about their work and career. The collective has done the hard part and found the talent. Now you get to enjoy and shop it! I am honored to be here and love shopping from Well & Wonder myself.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
I did a lot of visiting old world art museums when I studied in Florence, Italy. So right now I’m loving modern art museums. I would go to the Lower East side in NYC and visit Perrotin. I saw Josh Sperling there last Spring and walking through it felt like a celebration of color!
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
The Siren in Detroit. Mainly for the pink bar in the back called Candy Bar. I’m proud of my home city and for its revival of beautiful places that they have been building back up.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
Clear. I try to get into lipstick, but simply cannot. I love color on others, but it’s clear all the way for me!
I can never get on a plane without….
Booking the window seat. I love looking at the clouds.
How did you get into the world of art?
My mom saw it in me from a young age and always encouraged me. I remember when I was in 5th grade I won the art contest for my schools yearbook cover. I could’t believe mine was chosen. After that I did art classes and I haven’t stopped painting since. High school, college, grad school and on — it’s always been art.
What do you do to relax?
Lounging with the family. Barre classes, walks in the neighborhood.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
Around any form of water— lake, ocean, stream, rain, shower (I think that’s why I love working with so much water). And my children constantly inspire me to love more and live more fully.
Prediction for the Color of 2024?
Bright blue.
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
Dinner at a relaxed, local spot is my favorite these days. On the other hand I love hitting the dance floor! It’s another way I self express, it’s just not all night anymore. But mama still moves! :) I need to get into a dance class in Nashville.
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
Aurora — Her deep maroons juxtaposed with the complimentary yellow is stunning. I love the detail in the middle and the water paths that lead different directions and surprise pastel marks. Something epic is happening on that canvas and I love being a part of it when I look at it.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Reach out to the artist. A fun part about collecting these days is that we can all share and talk about it. I always love hearing how the painting makes you feel. Even if it’s just one simple word. If you have a piece of mine, THANK YOU endlessly and I can’t wait to hear from you!
