Where Do You Hang Your Art??? ™

February 17, 2004--
Where Do You Hang Your Art???
Well, for me as a child it was on the walls. Many, many, paintings covered the many, many walls of a Grand Estate just outside the rolling hills of Napa Valley, California. Actually, to be exact it was a Mansion: Twenty-five rooms, four stories, 10,500 square feet and carved from solid Granite Stone taken from a nearby quarry. This very "HUGE HOUSE" was constructed by Samuel Martin, in 1861, after he struck Gold. Years later, in 1929, "First Woman" Architect Julia Morgan (who designed the famous "The Hearst Castle") re-designed the Samuel Martin Estate. She christened the palace and named it "Stonedene": A home rich in history and with enough tales to fill a book of its own. But, the story I wish to share is that of my 20 years there….

Now, hopefully you have the feel for this great and massive structure. Now, picture it abandoned, run down and nearly hidden behind over-growth and debris that was once the garden. Accidentally and amazingly this forgotten property was discovered by a young couple, in the early '70's, who saw its beauty and potential. This lucky couple just happens to be my parents. Yes, I was only 2 years old but I remember it all very well, when they bought the property and its 3 1/2 acres of land. Working vigorously, both my parents and with lots of money (and about a gazillion painters, hired workers and their local Home Depot) re-stored it to its original, Castle like, appearance. Then in 1976 it was declared a "National Historical Monument" and put on the prestigious "National Register of Historic Places", all "thanks" to my mother and her relentless efforts. Her vision for the remarkable structure developed much from her respect for its timeless craftsmanship. The massive blocks of stone were four foot square and weighed tons. How could it have been built so perfectly in an Era with so little technology and even-less tools? An ancient secret and a wonder we shall never know about or understand (much like that of the great Pyramids of Egypt or the Great Wall of China). I believe it was around that time when my mother and my father (a Doctor) began to collect Art and Antiques. I guess it was only fitting to fill (to over-flowing) the Historical Manor with the same items it probably displayed in its "Glory-Days". It took on a very personable approach by my mother. She worked day and night from beginning to end on the enormous project of re-decorating the Mansion, transforming it into our home and show place. A single woman without any magic or a wand to wave took this ghost and brought it to life. Armed with only her imagination, dreams and with her very original sense of style and décor the Great Mansion now stood proudly once again and shone like never had it done before, in all its 110+ years, I am sure. Her lavish and exceptional choices would be fit for a King & Queen. And like any royal couple should, they hosted numerous great and large parties, many fund-raisers, tours, and more for their well-known friends and associates. Who all "oohed and aahed" in amazement of her final achievement.

Sotheby's, Christie's, Butterfield's and many more fine sales and auctions (from sea to sea) fueled their drive to collect the finer things in life. Though, in no time at all, this passionate hobby became a serious and lucrative career. My parents were always reading and researching the history of fine Art, Antiques and the Artists that brought them to life. There was even a time during their "Hey-Days" when my mother wrote for a few of the well-known National Art & Antiques magazines. Her articles informed the rest of the world about those well and not-so-well-known geniuses behind their crafts, their artifacts, and their talents. There is such wonderment to the incredible taste and perfect inner eye of my mother. Our home, "Stonedene" was then later deemed "Stonedene Mansion Gallery", by my parents. The Mansion and our home co-habited with their newly founded business. Though, none of this seemed any different to me at the time. I had always felt very fortunate for my mystical childhood. Recognizing how hard both my parents worked. Even at such a young age I was drawn in and mesmerized by their accomplishments, such things you wouldn't expect a child to notice, but I did. And I think that anyone who knew us felt the same. Yet, awkward at times was the contentious response we got from outsiders. Especially, once you added the "Rags to Riches" life stories of both my parents, it's not so hard to understand many of the responses from outsiders (plainly noted as good old-fashioned jealousy). But, this was mostly because (as I think looking back) my world was that of which most people only dream about! Yet, no matter who you were or where you came from, one thing you knew was that my family had style. With my mother's class, sense of design and vision of colors our home, the Mansion, came alive. The aristocratic gene and intuition of one woman managed to achieve it and a designers challenge became her masterpiece.

Now, as I reflect, I remember and think of how much I admire my mother and I can only wish to be like her. With an independent soul a talented, successful and beautiful woman, with also, an unforgettable presence that en-circles her and makes her very special and unique. Putting my childhood perceptions into adult perspective I now see this beam of light that shines from the past to the present. Revealing a loving grandmother, now in her Golden-Years, who has a new "Palace" and new "Visions"! Leading the way and raising the bar she alone with her imagination, creativity and ageless sense of appeal has designed and created (and now sets loose on the world) the most beautiful "One-Of-A-Kind" - "Handmade Beaded Jewelry". Like my childhood was a dream come true, so is the vision and sense of style my mother the emerging Artisan Designer embraces. These, original creations, are matched by no one! The phenomenon of her talent has been envied and appreciated locally by many lifelong Jewelry Designers. What is mind-blowing and amazing, though, is the short time it has taken her to master her craft. But, I think it's hard for most people to believe that the real Fairy-Tale truly begins only after you have kissed your prince. Most of us believe that finding that prince completes the dream. When actually finding the prince marks only the beginning of a lifetime-of-riches. Which explains why my mother took a lifetime exploring these riches before her true destiny was revealed. She is like a writer who spent years reading before mastering the skills of a successful Author. For my mother her passion and talent as a Jewelry Designer represents a lifetime of experiences and seized opportunities. She has always liked the idea of designing and creating fashion(s) ever since she was a very young-child. Though, her real craving and talent lay dormant for many years. Like a "Sleeper" work of art, she awaits her discovery and her admission into the World of Wearable Art Jewelry and its collectors who will buy, wear and proudly treasure her work(s) for years to come. Yet, convinced I am, like anyone else who sees her designs, she is the "Picasso" of "Gemstone Arrangement"! It is almost a "Reckless Challenge" for those who dare to compete. Hence...her revelation and the introduction to the world of "THE RECKLESS NECKLACE"™ by: Kitty C. of Oklahoma City, featured by; A-OK ARTIQUES, the new generation of our family owned Art & Antique Gallery. It is no wonder that after a lifetime surrounded by fine Art that she would be the one to give re-birth to "Wearable Art Jewelry", an old concept with a whole new meaning. With herself as her canvas she takes the Gallery and Museum on a field trip through everyday life. Wear and display her necklaces like you would hang the Mona Lisa on the walls of your home. Let her Jewelry hang on your personal walls of fashion and proudly let your sense of style reign? Don't bother to ask why? The only question to ask is, why not? The attention that you will receive will make you feel as good, as you will look!!!

For instance, we all know that Home and Garden can help you enhance your style at home. But, not everyone you see or meet along the way will visit your home. Then horribly your sense of style could go forever unknown. Except that now the opportunity exists to display your taste, style and sense of fashion outside the home and beyond four walls. So, now you tell me….

"Where do you hang your art???" ™
Be Reckless… Dare to Wear ... Wearable Art!!!

To find out how you can purchase these fabulous designs and much more; all you need to do is visit our web-site…www.therecklessnecklace.net...from there you can call or write us if you'd like anymore information. We look forward to the opportunity to help you shine like the stars.

Written By:
Kitty-O Curry-Whitt ‘04





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