Painting in a style that has been described as "Matisse meets Picasso", Paige Kalena Follmann's approach to reinventing classical art, is modern, imaginative, and her final product never disappoints. Working out of her home studio located in the eclectic neighborhood of Virginia Highlands in Atlanta, Georgia, Paige attempts to create a balanced and harmonious symphony through a thoughtful blending of color fields, geometric and ornamental forms, spiritual symbols, scenes found in nature, and representations of the human figure. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding nature, the human figure, and still life, resulting in work of stylized compositions. Her subjects, represented in a non-realistic manner, are whimsical yet sophisticated, and always piques the viewer's imagination. Seeing how Paige modernizes the art we read about in school has us itching to know more about the person behind the paintings…enjoy reading a bit more about this talented artist in Pardon Me, Paige Kalena Follmann!
What is currently on your nightstand?
Framed photos and a few books.
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
Both Picasso and Matisse. They are the greats! I love figurative work and I discovered that by experimenting with every other style of art. I missed drawing a subject and having that be a large element of the work.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
My childhood was great. I loved my school and the neighborhood we grew up in. Riding bikes and going to the pool were my favorite activities, and definitely playing with our Westie, Macbeth.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Ink. It’s so versatile!
What is your favorite room in your house?
Describe it. The den. It’s very dark and cozy – perfect for napping.
What is your biggest score online?
Hmmm I recently bought two giant pool floats that I’m pretty excited about. A pink flamingo and a golden goose. Can’t wait to get those in the pool!
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
People love the ease of shopping online. I think people want unique, original art for their home that speaks to them– they don’t always want to buy the reproduced stuff from the big box stores. You can always start small with buying original art and maybe work on creating a gallery wall of framed pieces. It adds so much character to your home and guests love to ask about it when they come over.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
Musee Picasso in Paris. I haven’t’ been yet!
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Barcelona, Spain. It has a rooftop pool and lounge that overlooks the city and it’s just picturesque.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
Pink, it’s subtle but enough to make a statement.
I can never get on a plane without….
warm and cozy clothes; I’m always freezing! And a good book or magazine.
How did you get into the world of art?
I started painting commissions for friends and eventually for clients, and then it just snowballed into building a website and creating a series of work, finding my own style, then submitting to galleries, and then getting representation. It took a lot of hard work – the art world is not easy to break into!
What do you do to relax?
I can relax the best when I get out of town, so I love trips to the mountains or the beach.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
At night. Maybe after a glass of wine ☺
Prediction for the Color of 2018?
Mimosa!
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
I would say typically dinner and a movie, but always good to throw a dance party in every once in a while. Keep it interesting.
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
I think my favorite painting to date is Riviera. I change my mind about that all the time, usually, my latest creation is my favorite and then I move onto something new.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Art is a very personal thing – so just buy what speaks to you!
