I was delighted to receive a commission from my mother and creative colaborator Linda Meeks.  She is co-hosting the 2012 Slipcover Summit in June at the Hickory Furniture Mart and wanted an artwork inspired by her parsons chair slipcover (which placed second in a nationwide contest sponsored by the Slipcover Network!) to accompany her display.  I had so much fun incorporating the fabric and austrian crystals from the actual slipcover.  Generally commissioned works prove difficult to mediate between personal style and the desires of the client, but having lived with her for my first 18 years made this one easy!

Katherine Meeks
Student, Teaching Fellow at Appalachian State University
Studying Art Education and Studio Art

What better way to kick off March than showcasing slipcovers?   Today's trade show was sponsored by Unity in Design, the premier event of the High Point Design Center.  www.highpointdesigncenter.com 

On my travel adventures I always expect to meet great folks, and today was no exception.  My trade show neighbor was none other than Todd Zagaroli, master designer and builder of heirloom quality leather furniture.  Todd's booth was quite a draw as he was showing luxury products from Edelman Leather.  I learned to appreciate the knowledge and skill required to work in leather long ago in my experience building  prototypes of wearable computers for product development firms.

Todd's knowledge of leather was impressive and his sign was really cool.  The Edelman Leather logo was designed by Andy Warhol.  Andy Warhol!  Seems Andy worked for the Edelman's in the late 50's and 60's as their graphic designer.  The marketing piece shown below is definitely a keeper.  And I will need to get my hands on some of that luxury leather in the near future to create my very own luxury leather chair.    http://www.edelmanleather.com 

I wish I had time to tell you about all the other great folks  I met today in High Point but I'll just say my imagination runs wild and this is why designers must come together to share ideas and resources and attend events like Unity in Design.