Featured Artist : Kathleen Olson GrumichNouveau Deco Inspirations

Inspiration for my hand-painted scarves is generally from live flowers and items from the early 20th century. My goal is to capture a detail or a mood and create a new artwork. Much of my subject matter is that which was popular during the art nouveau period: flowers, insects, birds, etc. Even my drawings from life have a stylized art nouveau or transition to art deco feel (Recently, though, I have been dragged, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century).

Each scarf is unique and one-of-a kind. I use pre-hemmed silk crepe de chine or flat crepe scarves in the 11" x 60" and 8" x 54" sizes. I paint using the serti technique, using the Pigment Dye System paints and black and gold Sennelier aqua guttas. Of course, I could not get by without the use of Synthrapol and Milsoft. I like Dharma's one-stop shopping experience for these items.

Self-taught, I have been producing professionally since 1995. I have resided in New Orleans since 1980. I am an exhibiting member of the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi. The Fashion Group Foundation of New Orleans has awarded me the ALPHA award in accessory design for the last three years.