It all began with vintage Airstream travel trailers. I became enamored with the pure design, the iconic history and the freedom that they represented.
Then I found myself taken with paintings of sterling silver decorative objects-teapots in particular. I began to photograph silver objects while combining them with natural elements to echo design motifs and provide organic contrast to the metal shapes. As a designer, I found that these images seamlessly integrate into spaces without distracting or adding visual noise. The mirror-like quality of photographs of sterling silver adds a dynamic element of light to spaces and is stylistically neutral. They also evoke an emotional response recalling a slower-paced time just as Airstreams evoke a sense of nostalgia and adventure. My goal is to create images that are as pure as the Airstream aesthetic and capture craftsmanship and natural beauty. I also hope to build on the Southern tradition of incorporating sterling silver in the home. However, with these artful photographs, no polishing is necessary!
I guess my design journey can be best represented by a quote by Wally Byam, the founder of Airstream:
“Keep your eyes on the stars, and the stars in your eyes…see if you can find out what’s over the next hill, and the next one after that.”
Wishing you Happy Travels!
Christie Bogrette
Education:
M.S. Historic Preservation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
B.F.A. Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia, PA
Kenyon College, Gambier, OH
