We first became aware of Lily Chambers, and her fabulous art, many months ago and ever since we've been dreaming about her bright, happy, textile-inspired paintings. So, it is our greatest pleasure to introduce y'all to Lily because she is officially joining the Well + Wonder team this tomorrow! Lily is a textile designer and fine artist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Inspired by her time spent at her grandparent’s home on the outskirts of Charlotte, Lily began to create work that reflected the nostalgia and comfort those memories brought her. Her recent work explores traditional Southern folk art and quilting motifs and the preservation of these designs through painting. She is passionate about capturing colors and creating work that brings others joy - and wait until y'all see her debut collection. It is SO joyful! We are launching her inaugural collection of eleven paintings tomorrow but until then get to know Lily by reading her responses to our rapid fire Q&A! See y'all tomorrow at 11 am Eastern time!
What is currently on your nightstand?
An NYC trinket dish that holds my jewelry and a silk eye mask
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
I have always been a huge fan of Lulie Wallace. I love her playful style and how thoughtfully designed her textiles are. She was the first artist I had seen that was both an artist and textile designer, which excited me. It was around this time that I had decided to go to SCAD, and her work inspired me to study fibers!
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
My childhood was spent obsessing over horses and playing outside in the woods. My favorite memories are of the snow days we had here in Charlotte. Everything would shut down, and we would spend all day outside playing and sledding.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
White acrylic gouache. I go through SO much of it.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
My favorite room is my room! I have a pink velvet couch and fun Anthropologie bedding to match. My studio is off the side of my bedroom & I love being able to start creating whenever I feel inspired. My studio has this big, white wooden table my parents had made for me a while back, and it has been the perfect place to create.
What is your biggest score online?
The first thing that comes to mind is a pair of Ganni chelsea boots I found for, like, 75% off. They're my favorite fall/winter shoes!
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
I think it’s so fun to see a collection of artists of all different styles grouped together when buying. It’s helpful to see a range of colors and subjects when investing in art for your home. For buying original art, I recommend buying what you love and connect with. And when you learn more about the artist and their inspiration, you might connect with their story as well!
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
The MET! When I lived in NYC I was a few blocks from the MET, so it holds a special place in my heart. I still havent seen everything inside, but I could spend hours wandering through. I especially love all the exhibitions the costume institute has had.
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
My favorite would have to be the Perry Lane Hotel in Savannah, GA. My parents would stay here when visiting me at school and I loved having a staycation there. It is so well designed and decorated while also being so cozy. They also have an awesome rooftop bar!
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
Definitely a shade of pink in a lip stain or gloss! I love a pink/coral lip. I can never get on a plane without…. Headphones & a good movie downloaded and ready to watch.
How did you get into the world of art?
Growing up, I always enjoyed drawing and painting, although at the time it was mostly only horses. I continued creating art throughout school and ended up going to art school for college without any idea of what I truly wanted to do! I then decided to study textile design and started my career doing so. While working in corporate fashion design, I needed a creative outlet outside of my professional career, so I started to paint after work and released my first small collection early this year!
What do you do to relax?
Watching one of my comfort shows, most likely Gilmore Girls, preferably in bed with a snack. I am, without a doubt, Team Jess.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
Traveling! Some of my favorite work I’ve done was a result of exploring new places. My favorite trip was to Italy a few years back and I still look back at photos for inspiration.
Prediction for the Color of 2024?
I’m thinking of a pink or an orange!
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
If I could go anywhere my ideal date night is for sure a beach picnic at sunset. But here in Charlotte, dinner, and a walk around town, preferably with a stop for ice cream would be really fun.
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
My favorite painting right now is The Eleanor, which is currently listed on my website. It was my first larger piece after starting my series of mini Olive Jane paintings and I love how it turned out!
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Buy what makes you happy! Buy something that you can’t help but look at & it will always fit in your space.
