We are in need of a mid week pick-me-up. Anyone else? After a week at Round Top and an exciting Monday release we couldn't help but think that our Wednesday needed a bit of excitement. Our solution? Introducing the latest artist to join Well + Wonder, Eden Flora! Eden grew up in Mobile, AL, and received a BFA in Fabric Design from the University of Georgia and an MPS in Art Therapy and Creativity Development from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, her favorite city. She currently resides in Oxford, MS where she is a Registered Art Therapist and paints from her home studio overlooking her backyard filled with all the little boy toys. We were able to steal some of Eden's time for our rapid-fire Q&A Pardon Me, Eden Flora. Continue reading to step inside Eden's studio and brain on the eve of her Well + Wonder debut!
What is currently on your nightstand?
Nina Totenberg’s new book Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir of the Power of Friendships (it’s great) and Le Labo Hinoki lotion which I highly recommend.
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
Matisse. I’ll never get enough of his color combinations.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
It was filled with art making. I’ll never forget my years of artmaking with my teacher, Mrs Shaw.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Holbein Acryla Gouache. I guess I’d be stuck painting with my fingers, but I’d never want to give up the vibrancy of color it offers.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
My bedroom. It’s calm and cool.
What is your biggest score online?
A Mary Ball Painting.
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
In a collective, there is a curated variety available for you to help develop your preferences. Buy the one that brings you delight.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
I’m going to be real with you. I love art museums, but I’m going to max out at 2-3 hours due to being tired or hungry. With that out of the way, I’d pick the MOMA in New York because there is something for every mood.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
Pink. Everyone needs a little color. But not too much.
I can never get on a plane without….
A book and chapstick.
How did you get into the world of art?
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t making art. I’ve loved it since childhood and my family encouraged me in it since I was a little girl.
What do you do to relax?
I read.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
When I’m rested.
Prediction for the Color of 2024?
Cerulean…everyone’s favorite crayon.
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
My husband, Gray, makes everything better. If he’s there, I’m down, but I do love a long, slow dinner.
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
I cannot pick a favorite child. But I can say, I love taking a concept I want to teach about and making a visual representation of it. I’m so grateful that I’ve been given the gift to do that.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
If you love it, buy it. You’ll always find a place for something that lights you up.
