Here it is!

While most of my creative expression is expressed through paintings, I sometimes like to extend my reach into other mediums. Back in 2009, I started developing a series of vases inspired by the layers of an onion. I had no idea that this design would gain global recognition and go on to win the most prestigous awards in it’s field.
The “Blooming Onion” series won ASFD’s Pinnacle Award a few months back and it just received a Gold Medal Adex Award from Design Journal.
I hope this doesn’t sound like I am bragging. I am very honored and almost uncomfortable by the success.
Making the world a little more beautiful to live in is what fuels my soul.

Adex Gold Medal Award

On October 19th, the American Society of Furniture Designers announced their winners for 2009′s Pinnacle Awards. It is a great honor to be the recipient of this years Pinnacle Award for Best Home Accessory. The product that won was my Bloomin’ Onion Vase that I designed exclusively for The Phillips Collection.

Fellow artist and design prodigy, Jason Phillips was honored the other night at the Veranda Art of Design Awards. At only 25 years old, he has accomplished more than most designers accomplish in a lifetime and beyond. He is one of the artists that I truly enjoy collaborating with because we share a similar aesthetic and a deep respect for the arts.

You can view his work at: http://jasonphillipsdesign.com/

While I am primarily a fine artist, I find myself sculpting on occasions when I am up in my Woodstock studio. The natural setting of the mountains inspires me to work with my hands. The Phillips Collection has exhibited my sculptures and it is now a finalist for the most prestigious award in design & decor industry.

2009 Pinnacle Awards Finalists Announced

The 2009 Pinnacle Awards judges met in June at High Point University to select the finalists for the 14th Annual ASFD Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards. The finalists in each Pinnacle Category include:

• Occasional Tables: Lexicon Drink Table, Shaun Melvin, ASFD for Baker Furniture; Milan Crescent Base Side Table, William Faber for Century Furniture; Palomar Round Bunching Cocktail, Berry & Clark Design Associates for Bernhardt Furniture.
• Occasional Storage: Lexicon Tower Etagere, Shaun Melvin, ASFD for Baker Furniture; Loft Table & Pot/Plate Rack, Pamela Merritt and Donna Dill for DesignSolutions, Inc.; Metro Black, Valerie Schmieder, ASFD and Matthew Maher, ASFD for LOFT 102 For the Home.
• Youth Furniture: Artsycraftsy! Arlette Mulford, ASFD, Jonah Staw, Arielle Eckstut for Powell Company, Inc.; Base Camp, Mike Warren, ASFD and Shannon Lookabill for Stanley Furniture Company; Reflections, Abigail Eaton, ASFD and W. Dudley Moore, Jr. for Lea Industries.
• Casual Dining: Bonita, Michael Wolk, ASFD for Allan Copley; Lexicon Guild Arm and Side Chair, Shaun Melvin, ASFD for Baker Furniture; Veer, John Caldwell, ASFD for Tropitone Furniture Company.
• Formal Dining: Alston, Tim L. Annas, ASFD for Kincaid Furniture Co., Inc.; Milan Dining, William Faber for Century Furniture; Palomar Dining, Berry & Clark Design Associates for Bernhardt Furniture.
• Motion Upholstery: Aurora, Rick Lee for American Leather; Gilbert, Michael Wolk, ASFD for American Leather; Sogno DreamWave, Toshiyuki Kita for Inada USA.
• Stationary Upholstery: Bergen II Chair, Joe Ruggiero for Miles Talbott Furniture; Cooper Lounge Chair & Chaise, Michael Wolk, ASFD for Della Robbia; Giselle Sectional, Michael Wolk, ASFD for Carter.
• Leather Upholstery: Bamboo/Rattan Chair, Glenn Yelvington and Joel Cadampog for Maitland-Smith; Grisham Sofa, Amy Archer for American Leather; Springfield Sofa & Chair, Amy Archer for American Leather.
• Accessories: Birch Forest Wall Decor, Allan H. Palecek for Palecek; Bloomin’ Onion Vase, Jeremy Penn for The Phillips Collection; Galvanized Wall Circles, Jason Phillips, ASFD and Julie Phillips for The Phillips Collection.
• Lighting: Formae Contemporary, George Chandler, ASFD; David Martin, ASFD; Charles Camacho, ASFD for Hubbardton Forge; Hallie Wall Sconce, Pasquale Miranda for Murray Feiss; Ikebana Sphere Lamp, Allan H. Palecek for Palecek.
• Home Office: Adagio, Ken Levi, ASFD and Andy Nielsen, ASFD for aspenhome; Milan Writing Desk, William Faber for Century Furniture; Ventura, Mike Warren, ASFD and Shannon Lookabill for Loft 102 For the Home.
• Entertainment Centers/Home Theater: Bamboo T.V. Cabinet, Paul Fihn and Manee Meepanya for The Phillips Collection; Metro Black, Valerie Schmieder, ASFD and Matthew Maher, ASFD for Loft 102 For the Home; Young Classics Tailor, Ken Levi, ASFD and Andy Nielsen, ASFD for aspenhome.
• Summer/Casual: Latour Lounge Chair, Shaun Sweeney, ASFD for Woodard Furniture; Luxe 30 Club Chair, Paul E. Rogers for O.W. Lee Co.; Sirocco, Richard Holbrook for Brown Jordan.
• Bedroom: Bonita, Michael Wolk, ASFD for Allan Copley; Grove Collection, Curt Christian for Martin Home Furnishings; Kemperton Envision, Mark Tucker III, ASFD for Hooker Furniture.
• Major Collections: Black Ice, Troy Hollis, ASFD for Lexington Home Brands; Destination, Jena Hall, ASFD; Brent Camfferman, ASFD and aspenhome Design Team for aspenhome; Paula Deen Home, Otto & Moore, Inc. Design Team for Universal Furniture

All finalists will be honored and winners announced at the 2009 Pinnacle Awards banquet, to be held at the International Home Furnishings Center (IHFC) ballroom on Monday, October 19, during the Fall High Point Market.