Eries Interiors Shines a Spotlight on 5 Remarkable Local Female Artists
Art is emotional and complex, it’s individual, reminding us of a moment, a phase, an introduction, a feeling. It speaks to a mood, a transition, a passion – something that strikes you at first glance – and you know you have to have it. It stays with you, becoming a part of your personal landscape.
When I first envisioned Eries Interiors, I knew that I wanted the art on our walls to cultivate these feelings, and I wanted to achieve this through the work of local artists. Elena’s work was my first point of inspiration and is foundational to our store. Elena Rall, co-owner of Eries, is an established, deeply talented artist with a wide range, but her passion is figurative art. Her realistic and abstract figures are not only stunning, but they evoke a broad spectrum of emotions with their celebration of the complexity and beauty of women and the human form.
Elena, the daughter and granddaughter of artists, was exposed to art and had her own passions and talents fostered from a young age. She has done the same for her daughter, Mila Aida, a fourth generation artist and junior at Alexandria City High School. Mila’s watercolor florals have been a staple at Eries since we opened. She is, of course, extra special to us, but her art stands on its own. She pours her heart into her work, and it shows in every piece.
We have three additional women artists at Eries, all of whom live in and love this area as much as we do. Kate O’Conor is an artist and calligrapher who specializes in creating art that celebrates the family, home, and community. We met Kate last May before we even had keys to the door and were taken by her lettering and custom work. She is the creator of our beloved matchbox design - an idea I threw out just days before open, and Kate produced perfectly - as well as all of our custom greeting and holiday cards.
Kate O’Conor
Jennifer Van Oss, a lifelong artist and full-time mom who paints during naptime, works with acrylic on raw canvas and specializes in blending abstract and realism in her landscapes. I came across Jenn’s work on Instagram and immediately knew that we needed her to be a part of Eries. Her pieces aim to bring the outdoors in and evoke a sense of peace and adventure, with a side of “wow”.
Jennifer Van Oss
Our most recent addition came by way of her shopping at Eries. Renée Rouleau is a fine arts photographer who seeks to reveal the little moments and details of life that are often hidden or left unnoticed. Her depictions of nature are moving and emotional, they force you to see beauty where you didn’t know beauty even existed. Her work will make you cry—this is from experience.
Renee Rouleau
All of the artists in our store produce incredible, one-of-a-kind work, but they are also really beautiful people, and that is what I love most about having them be a part of Eries. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to share their work with the people in our community and those passing through.
Mila once described to me how she feels about creating by saying, “Every piece of art is like a fingerprint,” and I absolutely love this description of art. I love that each piece you leave Eries with has its own unique story, not only for the artist who created it but also for the person who is taking it home.
Come browse our walls and shelves at Eries Interiors at 101 S. St. Asaph Street and find what speaks to you.
*All photos by Paige Fremder
SEE ALSO: Street Style: Meet Jess Moak and Elena Rall of Eries Interiors
