Our Family Story Turned Into Art

Since our move last fall I’d been on the lookout for a large signature art piece for our front room. Something that fit our style and had meaning. Angela Hancock-Reavis, a local artist I’ve known for a few years recently earned a degree in studio art and began a new venture creating mixed media pieces on wood panels using personal mementos.

I’ve always admired her unique style so I didn’t hesitate to commission her for a piece and couldn’t wait to see what she would create. I handed over photos, kids’ artwork, and a handful of materials that had meaning and told the story of our life right now. She knows our house and style pretty well – I wanted the piece to have both modern and vintage elements and fit in with our color palette {but have some pop}. And I gave her free reign to do whatever she wanted with the materials I gave her.

A few weeks later she gave me a preview of the work in progress and was really blown away. She captured us. I love the layering and textures and the way she pulled out elements from our home to make it blend. From the reflection of the dining room chandelier to the leaves off our fireplace.

She delivered it last weekend and we immediately hung it in the dining room. Each time I pass by I stop to stare and discover a part I hadn’t noticed before:

One of my favorite parts – the guitar patch off Carson’s old shirt. One that I was very sad to see him outgrow. But now I see it everyday (rather than sitting in a Rubbermaid bin in the basement) and am reminded of his toddler dance parties and love for music.

She took some of the kids’ artwork and created these flowers that seem to float off the canvas and play off of Hadley’s signature coat {which I couldn’t bear to cut up but provided a scan).

To find out more about Angela, attend a gallery show or view her work (although photos do not do the art justice) visit her web site.