Blog Archives
A Balanced Life: Interview with Susan Colwell
In a house full of green plants and neutral landscape paintings of her own and her artist contemporaries as well as the sound of water trickling from her pool waterfall, Susan Colwell’s home exudes feelings of natural stillness and quietude. However, upon greeting me at her door, I was not received by the pensive person I thought I was about to meet. Susan is energetic and full of life, stories and questions. She began painting early in her life and left her conservative family for college in the pre-hippy days where she and her fellow classmates posed nude for each other in attempts to master the challenging painting skill of foreshortening. From there, Susan traveled, married and had children and grandchildren. Leading an exciting and fast-paced life, the balance Susan aims to achieve with her slower more serene art began to make sense. With a cheese platter in between us and a glass of milk for herself, Susan and I talked about her home, life path and artistic inspiration.
To see more of Susan’s work, visit us in the gallery or shop her works on our website.
Lost and Now Found
From Modern, Traditional, Contemporary and Arts and Crafts, we appreciate all eras and design aesthetics here at Mitchell Hill. Constantly on the hunt for the beautiful and exciting, we are thrilled when we come across artists and craftsmen who have a talent for finding the old and abandoned, and creating new and refined pieces of art. Not only is the re-usable process environmentally sustainable, the results are some of the most innovative and fascinating. Without having to search through a flea market or go through the burden of restoring a vintage item, we’ve curated a selection of “found goods” that still give off that one-of-a-kind, artisan feel.
Cast Iron Bells, $98-123
Shooting for Galaxies by Hirona Matsuda; mixed media, 12 x 10; $500
Recycled Tire Drink Table
“Baby Goat” by Jonathan Bowling, $250
Cast Iron Stick Leg Table
“Mitchell” Fish by Stevie Palmer, $1,995
Antique Camel Pots, $198-240
“Key Cook” by Jonathan Bowling, $75
Vintage Indian Locks; $198-248
Brutal Opposition of all Systems by Philip Durst; law books, packaging, wallpaper paste 38. 5 x 32.5 framed; $2500
“Jack Rabbit” by Jonathan Bowling, $200
To see more amazing art from Michael Mitchell artists go to https://michaelmitchellcharleston.com/artists/
To shop items seen in this post visit shopmitchellhill.com or give us a call at 843-564-0034
Weekend Recap
And its a wrap! This weekend was a busy one indeed. We love playing a role in the bustling Charleston social scene. Friday night’s event, “Semblance,” was a huge hit. We caught up with artists, clients, friends and King St. strollers who were lured into the cocktail party atmosphere of our brightly lit and decorated space. After a late closing Friday, we got some shut eye and opened the gallery bright and early Saturday morning for Susan Colwell’s live painting demonstration! Peering over Susan’s shoulder and witnessing her process kept many enamored clients (and employees) waiting for the next stroke! We found it interesting how Colwell used a palette knife as her go-to tool to add texture and a paintbrush to blend the chosen hues. Two large paintings were brought to life on Saturday… Come see them for yourself! Finally, on Saturday afternoon we attended a fundraiser for the Lowcountry Food Bank at Biergarten. We donated one of our famed piggy banks which alone, raised $150 by raffle ticket bidders for the cause.
Our featured artists, Timothy Pakron and Lisa Shimko at Friday’s event:
Timothy popping champagne in celebration of his successful night! 
Susan Colwell impressing us with a live painting:
Some lucky fellow took home this metallic pig at Saturday’s fundraiser:
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Semblance: Lisa Shimko & Timothy Pakron
This Friday, Michael Mitchell will be hosting an opening reception to debut the newest works by artists Lisa Shimko and Timothy Pakron. Differing in medium, style, color and form, these artists share one commonality- the exploration of the idea of outward “semblance.” Lisa’s paintings appear clear and concise, yet hold the possibility of generating subjective meanings and stories. Timothy’s photographs capture a temporary moment of time- a period in which seized energy creates illusions and second glances. Aesthetic aside, both artists give the viewer liberty to indulge in their own interpretations.
Please join us Friday from 6-8pm to enjoy a light snack, meet the artists and learn more about their unique works.
Lisa Shimko
Caroline Wren Painting Spring; acrylic on wood 18 x 14; $650
Red Bark Canopy II; acrylic on canvas 12 x 12; $175
Bulls Eye; acrylic on wood 5 x 7; $150
Timothy Pakron
New Direction; archival inkjet print 40 x 40; $2200, edition of 5
Untitled; archival inkjet print 40 x 40; $2200, edition of 5
Lazy Blue Eyes; archival inkjet print 40 x 40; $2200, edition of 5
To see more amazing art from Michael Mitchell artists go to https://michaelmitchellcharleston.com/artists/
To shop items seen in this post visit shopmitchellhill.com or give us a call at 843-564-0034
When Art and Fashion Collide
The Fall 2015 runway season debuted countless beautiful handbags that strayed far from the safe and ordinary. Experimental shapes, sizes, textures and colors were seen everywhere. From the hip and alternative Kenzo show to the more classic and refined Fendi collection, designers were fearless in innovative designs and experimental techniques. Many art pieces from our gallery show attributes from the Fall 2015 takeaways. Rest assured that our artists definitely don’t follow or constrict themselves to fashion trends – but it is interesting to draw parallels between the two different art forms.
Kenzo Fall 2015
Summer Drips by Emily Brown; mixed media on canvas 30 x 20; $1100
Chloe Fall 2015
I Dream of Venice by Alicia Leeke; acrylic on paper – framed 11 x 11 $125
Fendi Fall 2015
Vaporized by Mike Ryon; oil on canvas, framed 36 x 36; $3400
Proenza Schouler Fall 2015
Red Tide II & III by Stephen Elliott Webb; 40 x 30 mixed media on canvas, framed $3400 each
Chanel Fall 2015
Foxfire- Tom Potocki; acrylic on canvas 40 x 48; $2400
Loewe Fall 2015
Unique Opportunity by Jamie Blackburn; 16 x 16 acrylic on canvas $385
Alexander McQueen Fall 2015
Quietude II by Susan Colwell; oil on canvas 36 x 24 $2800
To see more amazing art from Michael Mitchell artists go to https://michaelmitchellcharleston.com/artists/
To shop items seen in this post visit shopmitchellhill.com or give us a call at 843-564-0034
Roundup!
This weekend was more equestrian-oriented than usual…
Saturday marked the 82nd Annual Carolina Cup- an elite race in which the Lily Pulitzer fashion overload and “college park” tailgating often overshadow the actual horses. Friday night’s event however, was all about celebrating the majestic animals. Mitchell Hill Gallery hosted an opening reception for the ever-popular works of Karen Keene Day. Spending half of the year in Colorado, Karen’s artistic inspiration is derived from wild horses that she spends time with at nearby reservation. Her fluid strokes and modern style create striking masterpieces. Hearing Karen speak to each different horse she paints as an individual character with unique personality brings even more meaning and significance into her paintings. As if there weren’t enough reasons to fall in love with them already.
The show has been a success, with four selling thus far ! Karen donates 3% of every sale to the National Mustang Association, which goes towards preserving these beautiful creatures and their home.
A guest enjoying Karen’s work:
Majesty will hang for the next few weeks, so stop in and see these beauties in person!
To see more amazing art from Michael Mitchell artists go to https://michaelmitchellcharleston.com/artists/
To shop items seen in this post visit shopmitchellhill.com or give us a call at 843-564-0034
Lucky You
Happy St. Patty’s Day to all of you leprechauns out there. At the end of the rainbow lies Mitchell Hill Gallery, of course. Feeling lucky? Stop in this week and you might just take home one of our unique pieces below, that would make anyone green with envy!
Begin Again- Dixie Purvis
mixed media on panel 48 x 60
Knot: Clear Citron 
14686, Palmetto Island- John Duckworth: photograph on canvas 60 x 40*
Malachite Curve Tray
Abstract Core #0332014- Jim Victor
oil on canvas 24 x 20
Moss Green Snakeskin Boxes
To see more amazing art from Michael Mitchell artists go to https://michaelmitchellcharleston.com/artists/
To shop items seen in this post visit shopmitchellhill.com or give us a call at 843-564-0034
Fashion Month Recap
New York- London- Milan- Paris. Whew! Fashion Month has finally come to a close and the Fall 2015 trends have been identified. Earthy colors reminiscent of the 1970’s were a huge take-away. Burnt Orange evokes warm, natural (Dazed and Confused?) impressions that were articulated in many designers collections. At Mitchell Hill, many of our artists are feeling the nostalgia, and have been incorporating the color into their art. From your outfit to home walls, burnt orange is stylistically relevant- then, now and in the future.
You Breathed Life into Me- Betty Foy Botts
mixed media on panel 72 x 60
Sunset over Sea Creek Bay- Stephen St. Claire
mixed media on panel 18 x 24
$1175
My Heart Belongs to You- Betty Foy Botts
mixed media on panel – diptych 54 x 72
Abstract Core #0262013- Jim Victor
oil on canvas 40 x 30
Mass Attraction- Dixie Purvis
mixed media on panel – diptych 40 x 40 each
Abstract Core #0342013- Jim Victor
oil on canvas 48 x 40
To see more amazing art from Michael Mitchell artists go to https://michaelmitchellcharleston.com/artists/
To shop items seen in this post visit shopmitchellhill.com or give us a call at 843-564-0034
Artist Interview: Meet Emily Brown
Humble and camera-shy, Emily Brown is not only an incredibly talented painter, but balances mothering three kids, caring for a blind dog and finding time to enjoy her own hobbies and interests. A multi-tasker extraordinaire, Emily fills her canvas’ with neutral undertones and pops of color- creating optimistic yet calming expressions. Graciously welcoming me into her home despite her insanely busy schedule, Emily and I sat down for a little Q/A session.
Q. What is inspiring you recently?
A. Approaching Spring- the weather getting warmer, spring colors and more daylight!
Q. Do you have any rituals to get in the mindset of art making?
A. I feel like my mind is always making art, but I definitely need my surroundings to be organized in order to really get my ideas out.
Q. What is your favorite thing about Charleston?
A. I am not sure I can pick just one thing. The history, the food, the beach, the art…in my mind Charleston is the perfect place.
Q. What do you like to do when you are not painting?
A. Cooking is one of my favorite things to do- alone or with my kids. Somehow we are always in the kitchen “creating” something. I also enjoy reading and yoga.
Stop by Mitchell Hill to see more of Emily’s work!
To see more amazing art from Michael Mitchell artists go to https://michaelmitchellcharleston.com/artists/
To shop items seen in this post visit shopmitchellhill.com or give us a call at 843-564-0034
Artist Spotlight: Hirona Matsuda
In celebration of Hirona Matsuda’s birthday on Monday, now is the perfect time to highlight the works of this very unique artist. Taking found goods that catch her eye from the streets of Charleston, Hirona manipulates them into collages that convey visual messages. Her pieces combine the worlds of art and engineering as many of her works have functioning and moving parts. Hirona’s ability to find beauty in the disposable and forgotten is a part of what makes her so talented, and inspirational. Hirona’s framed contraptions invite us inside the miniature world she has created, or encourage us to decipher meaning for ourselves.
The World As It Is To Me; mixed media, 12 x 12; $750
Underneath it All; mixed media, 9.5 x 14, $350
Piano; assemblage on panel 33 x 48, $3400
Tree House in Pieces; mixed media sculpture 21 x 10, $575
To see more amazing art from Michael Mitchell artists go to https://michaelmitchellcharleston.com/artists/
To shop items seen in this post visit shopmitchellhill.com or give us a call at 843-564-0034
