If you know me, then you know I'm not really a follower of tradition. It's not that I don't have respect for tradition, it's more that I want to make things my own. So last year when I was speaking with Clintel Steed at his studio in Brooklyn, I thought of a way to make a tradition my own - I asked him if he would paint our portrait.

The family portrait is an historical document, a moment in time captured for future generations. Painted from life in his studio, my daughters and I were allowed entry into the world of an artist. The method, the mannerism, the mechanics, the movement - we were the observers and the observed. After many sittings, many hours and many movies on his computer, I'm completely honored and totally psyched to share our portrait with you. Some of my friends will recognize the green jungle print jacket that I wear to most 'fancy' engagements. Seemed only fitting that I wore it for our portrait. This portrait is currently on view at the Sweet Lorraine Gallery in Red Hook, Brooklyn in a show called INTO VIEW until the 31st. I hope you'll visit the show to see Clintel's work as well as the work of several other incredibly talented artists. After the 31st, you'll have to come over to our apartment to see the painting. ;-) hkv

If you'll look closely, you'll see that there are two faces. One is the face you show to the world. And the other is the one that you show to yourself. Well, New York City artist Clintel Steed saw both when he painted my portrait about ten years ago.

I first met Clintel in the NYC gallery of Mark Borghi as he was one of my first picture frame clients when I moved to New York in 2002. Clintel had asked me if I would sit for a portrait I immediately felt complimented and challenged at the same time. Who would I be? What would he see? I figured, this is an incredible opportunity to find out. So I headed to Brooklyn and over the course of a couple days in his artist studio this oil painting was created. I can remember exactly how I felt. There was a mix of emotions and I can see them all in this painting. And as art is something we each can interpret with our own eyes, we will each see something different. Today this portrait hangs in my apartment. It is a reminder to stay true to who I am. Clintel is still a great friend to me and my family. As the years have gone by, we have collaborated on the Modern Look Book event where his work was hand selected by Michel Boyd for his room in the inaugural Southern Style Now show house and by designer Kelli Ellis for her High Point Market showroom. Also, I held an exhibition for him in Philadelphia and we continue to brainstorm ways to connect his art with a wider audience. I often encourage folks to connect with a contemporary artist and support their work. Get out there and make a connection today so you can buy art and support the
arts I have recently added another painting by Clintel to my personal collection as well as commissioned him for a project. This is history in the making and it is an honor to be part of it. ;-) hkv