 |
Once upon a time and long before modernism was invented, gentle people embellished their homes with fanciful objects of art…. And so the story begins.
With two active children and an expanding home accessories company, Dana Gibson’s mission remains the same; offering items that will lighten, brighten and ultimately, transform the home. A ceramics designer for fifteen years creating beautiful lamps and vases inspired by European porcelain, Dana has recently branched out into pillows and tole painted wastebaskets. “I’m excited about these new product lines because they are allowing me to explore my interest in and my love for pattern, as well as add exciting accents to today’s home.”
She began sculpting clay in her basement when she found her self in between careers. Her plan from the beginning was to offer something truly unlike anything else out there. Her vases were embellished with bees and birds. Tureens were encrusted with riotous Zinnias. She became known for her use of cutting garden colors which sat well with her well heeled clientele. Henri Bendel’s was the first to place an order. Saks, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus followed. The retailer on the hunt for an original and fresh look struck gold.
In the past several years, Dana has concentrated on designing items that she then has reproduced overseas. Her once expensive, one of a kind and hand made designs are now more available and more affordable for today.
A distinctly Southern sensibility lies at the heart of what she does. She was born in Virginia and influenced by a large, extended family. “I grew up visiting a farm in Albemarle where my cousins and sisters and brother ran a bit wild. At the center was the house my father grew up in, 2 story columns, marbled hall and portraits everywhere.” The house could have been decorated in the style of Nancy Lancaster, a great aunt of Dana’s and many of the portraits attributable to her great grandfather, Charles Dana Gibson. Flanking portraits on mantels were Staffordshire figurines. The couch was covered in thread bare chintz and in the library, there was a felt backed zebra skin brought back from a Safari.
Dana’s influences are varied but her love for what she does show through. Her pieces are designed to mix discretely with antiques or stand as works of art in a Spartan room. Her pillows will add dash and her lamps, drama to any corner of a room. Expect the unexpected or merely a new twist on good taste. “I want my designs to always elicit either a reaction of delight or pleasure. I like surprises.” And so do we all. |
|
|
|
|
