Working with an Artist Representative - Spotlight on EDNA Contemporary
Written by Jordan Chesnut
Coordinating pieces by Daniel Phill
Many homeowners and designers don’t realize that the role of an artist representative is to connect and build relationships between the client, artists, and the artwork itself. Since purchasing a piece of art for a home is a deeply personal process, these connections are essential. “I am not a salesperson,” says Founding Director/Owner of EDNA Contemporary, Sheryl Daane Chesnut, “My goal is to introduce designers and collectors to artwork and artists that I feel will resonate with their personality and design aesthetics. There is never an obligation to purchase anything and I don't charge for time spent; I truly enjoy the process of researching and introducing artwork that both elevates the space and speaks to the designer and homeowners.”
Commissioned artwork by Sarah Winkler
Chesnut recently worked with Allen Construction and designer, Michelle Pelech Interiors on a large remodel project for homeowners that were from Colorado. The location was already replete with stunning, 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean visible through the bank of west-facing windows and double glass doors. “When I heard the homeowners were Colorado, I knew I had to introduce them to artist Sarah Winkler.” Winkler is known for her reconstructions of natural environments through a combination of poetic rendering and geological narrative. Chesnut arranged a visit for the homeowners at the artist’s studio in Colorado. “They had the opportunity to look through all of her preliminary collages, and commission a piece with the perfect dimensions and colors for their home office. Furthermore, the final piece combined regional elements of the Rocky Mountains and the Central Coast, which is very unifying for them.”
Colorful artwork by Gioi Tran brightens up the kitchen
Both pieces by local artist, Sheryl Daane
There is art for every budget, and artist representatives and galleries provide options. It is a misconception that representatives only promote the artists they carry. “Even when I’m not working, I am working. Of course, I would rather sell the artwork of my own artists, but I have relationships with hundreds of other artists,” says Chesnut. She explains that earlier is better when selecting artwork for a home so the final pieces are ready upon move-in. “I create digital renderings that virtually map-out options for artwork inside a home or business. This allows the client to consider the scale and pairings of art and decor, as well as the subtle factors like lighting and the overall presence of a piece of art. There is always a perfect match.”
Stunning photography artwork by Thea Schrack
Chesnut highlights that a piece of art is more than a visual and the relationship between the artist and client is equally as important. It is not solely artwork that is hanging on the wall, it is also the person who creates it and their story. In many ways, the home is a fresh slate, but it already tells the stories of place. A sense of belonging is reflected in the abstract landscape paintings of Sarah Winkler, and glassy, ethereal photography of Thea Schrack, among others that are now part of the remodeled oceanfront home.. Embedded in each of these pieces is the deep familiarity and interwovenness that transforms a house into a home.
Sheryl Daane Chesnut is the Owner and Founding Director of EDNA Contemporary Gallery. She earned a BFA in Fine Art from UC Santa Barbara and is a seasoned professional artist and designer. Represented artists and additional installation images can be found at EDNAContemporary.com.
