Welcome ~ One of the greatest rewards for myself as an artist is when I am able to forge a connection with others through my work. Of course I love the creative process itself, the fluid act of painting, getting lost in the moment when taking photos, styling atmospheres of beauty, and carefully choosing words to convey a mood and a story. As the owner of a gallery/boutique and a regular contributor to publications such as Canadian House & Home Magazine, these are my job descriptions and my passions. But it is when I have evoked a powerful emotion or a tender moment of reflection in another, that I myself am so moved and grateful for that shared experience and find the true meaning in what I do.
This leads me to my next exciting endeavor, to publish a book, The Natural Eclectic™ and this corresponding blog about the process as it unfolds! I deem myself to be a natural eclectic as I feel this perfectly captures my innate aesthetic, vision and way of life. As a natural eclectic I am drawn to so many elements, materials and themes not just in design but also the natural world. My boutique Heather Ross [ in house ] is a mix of evocative art, antiques and simple bespoke items, layered throughout with natural treasures. Through inviting vignettes, mindful placing & compelling juxtapositions of new & old, I strive to create unexpected beauty that inspires, intrigues and informs both the senses and the soul. I love to use found objects, personalized belongings and great finds with patina and age to imbue a space with texture, character and authenticity. When brought together with simple organic forms and areas of quiet to rest the eye upon, the result can be quite captivating and alluring. Through having my boutique I have learned that while many people are drawn to this natural eclectic look, not everyone knows how to put it together themselves. This form of eclectic is more subtle and complex than just mixing 18th century with mid century modern, and there are no formal rules to follow, so it does require some restraint and a mindful eye to prevent it from looking cluttered or chaotic.
The book will shed some light on how to strike the right balance, and will encourage others to trust their instincts and attune their senses so they can develop a sense of place that is personalized and peaceful. Just as nature seems to effortlessly unfold with raw beauty and harmony, when something is approached ‘naturally’ and allowed to unfold with ease it just seems to impart so much more elegance then when it is forced or contrived.
In my experience nature, and all it’s ever changing poetic mystery, is the greatest teacher. I hope to encourage others to cultivate a life that is nuanced with integrity, beauty and grace by staying connected to their surroundings and the rhythms of the natural world.
Please stay tuned as The Natural Eclectic™ and this process of discovery unfolds…….in the meantime you can also visit my website www.heatherrossinhouse.com or Heather Ross [in house] Facebook page
The Natural Eclectic™ words and images not to be used without written permission copyright Heather Ross 2011
It’s beautiful Heather! I think you have grace and talent…good wishes my friend
Michelle
Heather, you are an inspiration and a personal hero to me already, for more than just your material talent…your inner loveliness and depth seeps out in everything you do!
xo Terri
I don’t have words to describe how much I love your store, how envious I am of your talent and how much I like this new blog.
Heather… you’ve been an inspiration to me since I first met you 25 years ago. To be honest, I idolized your innate organic style that seemed to come so effortlessly to you. Your ability to see the beauty in everything that you come across is truly a gift – it could be a knarlled piece of wood lying in a ditch or a person who was different looking – you would find the beauty in both! I attribute my hunting for beach glass, shells and unusal organic treasures to your influence in my life… I’ve taught my daughter the beauty in these finds since she could walk and now at twelve she still is enthusiastic and I do believe that she will be for life… the other weekend she hauled a big piece of bark that looked like a canoe from Light House Park and uses it to house her shells and unique findings… She always blurts out excitedly “Auntie Heather” would love this mom!
I do believe that I am one of the lucky few who has learnt from Heather how to mix the new, old and organic objects together to make my home more unique and authentic. It is very easy to decorate your space quicly through the generic offerings out there but it takes a little more effort to make your house an authentic home and believe me it is worth the effort.
I am very excited for Heather to put her vision down in words/pictures.
your book will be a guideline to the soul and inspire us to create…brava
So proud of your accomplishments!