Art Talk with Hillary Sorrentino

Our Zodiac Collection has been marinating for years. The iconography associated with the Zodiac is interesting and varied and, often, colorful that Katie knew it could be a great fit for our print collections. When it came to finally bringing it to life, she knew she needed to find the perfect artist. Hillary Sorrentino used her expertise in illustrations, watercolor, and Adobe software to perfectly craft each zodiac sign.

On Art

How long have you been making art professionally, what kind of art do you make and for whom?

I have been making art professionally for over 20 years!  But it wasn't always in the capacity I am now!  I have been painting and drawing all my life but wasn't sure how to approach art as a career. I did go to art school (RISD), and graduated with a degree in fashion design. I worked full-time as a swim/ fashion and print designer in NYC for many years. After having my first son, I decided to go back to my roots with painting and drawing via a freelance route. Thankfully many of the connections I made in the fashion industry became my first clients. I create original custom textile prints for so many clients in the fashion, home and tabletop space. My most requested artwork styles are toile de jouy prints, florals, and sophisticated conversational prints. I also hand paint all my work, or pen and ink is also a preferred medium.

If I am painting for myself (when i have time with two young boys) I have been experimenting with expressionist work using gel & sand textures on wood panels.  That work is purely for myself which is quite freeing creatively!

How did you approach this particular project? What is special about it?

When I began the Katie Kime project I started by doing a ton of research! I keep a large library of art and design books that I constantly reference. I have also been interested in the zodiac, tarot, and astrology for a long time.  So along with Katie’s input, we pulled together visual references of what the aesthetic of the project should be.  From there, I painted all the signs and also worked on a very oversized more loose painterly layout for the signs to be placed in. This project was so very special to me as it was my first zodiac print, and also that I spent alot of time creating it so it was just right. I was aiming to create something unique, sophisticated and artistic.

What rituals do you have around creating? Anything that gets you in your most creative headspace?

My rituals around creating are based heavily on my space. I have a large, sun filled home studio where I can surround myself with my plants, library and materials.  

I usually light a candle or some Palo Santo to set the mood as well.  

What does an artful life mean to you?

Having an artful life is so rewarding.  Like so many people, I wear many hats. I have two young boys, a husband and an energetic dog. My freelance projects allow me to keep in touch with my creative side and paint every day.  (what a joy!) Making art is so integrated into my home and family life, I am so grateful that I am able to live this life!

On Travel

Where is your favorite place to be?

It is so hard to decide where my favorite place to be is!  Like so many, I love being outdoors, the beach of course!  But my family and I moved to Colorado two years ago, and I am loving the mountains and ski slopes too! I also really enjoy going back to NYC, and soaking up the food and culture there. I recently also went to Santa Fe, and seeing the southwest made me want to see even more!

Are you someone who prefers the comfort of returning to the same places again and again or are you always thinking of your next destination? What are those places? 

I prefer returning to places repeatedly if my kids are involved lol. I think travel with kids maybe makes me a bit less adventurous. If its travel with friends or my husband, I am open to going anywhere!

What kind of souvenirs do you bring back from your travels?

If I bring back souvenirs from a trip its usually a small piece of jewelry, or something for tabletop or my kitchen.   If I can manage to find some local shop or artisan thats a jackpot!

Which destination is at the top of your bucket list right now?

My current bucket list fluctuates!  I do love a carribean beach, but I have never been to Spain and I’d love to visit.  I tend to want to visit places that check all the boxes, beautiful landscape, great food, interesting culture.   Besides NYC, I tend to want to skip major cities.

On Entrepreneurship

What is a skill that you are currently working on?

As an entrepreneur I think its important to keep learning, growing and challenging yourself.  Currently, I am spending more time on my social media content.  It really is such an important part of your business and outward facing image.  There are times when I laugh realizing that now I am also a photographer and video editor!   But it really is so important since your instagram is like constantly updating portfolio!  I am also making an effort to be more personal and create on-camera footage.  It has not been easy to feel comfortable with that, but I am working on it!

What is the last book you read?

I wish I had time to read more- but I do keep up by listening to audiobooks!  I probably listen to 4 or 5 a month!  Luckily I am one of those people who can work and listen to a book at the same time.  I try to have one fiction and one non-fiction going at a time.   One of my recent favorites was Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker and currently I am listening to Didion and Babitz by Lili Anolik.

On Design

Which objects in your home have deep significance to you?

The most personally significant objects in my home have been collected thru the years!  I have a pair of vintage pendleton wrapped chairs that my husband and I bought in Portland Maine, when we were first married that have alot of meaning to us.   I also still have my college art school application!  It was required to submit three drawings; a bicycle, a still life, and a choice.  They had to be simple graphite pencil on paper.  I find it so meaningful to look at those and reflect on my journey to today.  

Who/What inspires you right now?

I am inspired by women of the past and present!  Some of my favorite artists of the past are Tamara de Lempicka, Sonia Delunay, Georgia O’Keefe.   I also love being introduced to new artists' work on instagram.  I think Anna Weyant’s work is so interesting thematically and I admire her painting technique.  Kelly Beeman is also so talented and I love seeing her work as well.  I am also a big fan of old Hollywood from the 30’s and film noir.  I love seeing the intersection of fashion/ style and art!