River City Blue by Emily Swift Jones The Journey we go on with our Clients and Artists
We installed two new artwork commissions for one of our interior design clients yesterday. The journey we take our clients on, with our artists, is a truly collaborative effort.
Firstly, based on the current or proposed interior design scheme, we engage with our clients to understand the style of art that would be most impactful for them. Once we have ascertained this information, we will then suggest the right artists that we feel can help achieve the clients desired outcome. We then arrange for an art consultation which takes place at our client’s home with the artist. The artist will make their suggestions based on our guidance and pre-requisites. We then look at physical samples of artwork pieces for the client to decide what their preferences are with regards to textures, media and colour.
Ultimately at this meeting the client and artist can begin to form an understanding of the best approach – as this can be a very personal experience. As interior designers it is crucial we are also there to help guide the conversation to ensure all aspects of design are considered. For example, in the artwork “River City Blue” (as seen above) we suggested to bring the colour of foliage in the garden into the artwork to provide some connection to the outside world. The client then picked out a Japanese Acer tree as her inspiration and therefore a russet hue was then introduced into the artwork, grounding the painting into its new setting. We act as the conduit between the artist and client from the first art consultation through to the final installation.
One of our favourite parts of this particular installation was when our client referenced the bronze glaze on “The Point of Least Resistance” – which reminded her of a building she loved when her family lived in Munich. At the outset of the project last October the client mentioned they would like references around their home of the countries and cities they have lived in, so whilst this wasn’t entirely intentional since we did not know of this building; it was thoroughly enjoyable to observe the client make an instant connection with the artwork.
The Point of Least Resistance by Emily Swift Jones Q & A with Emily
We took some time to delve a little deeper into the inspiration and processes Emily undertakes in her artwork.
Canvas preparation 
Adding texture Q: How long have you been a professional artist?
A: For 10 years, before that I was a specialist paint finisher and guilder for interiors.
Applying the leaf Q: What inspires your work – is it something in nature that inspires you?
A: Yes, generally it’s nature. For that first piece, the vision in my head was crystals bursting out of rock, which was combined with something else I have a passion for, modernist, organic jewellery from the 60s and 70s. I’ve got a number of pieces of this jewellery and it’s amazing.. but I just thought it needs to be ten times bigger and on the wall!
Detail: Adding the russet hue 
Detail: Surface texture Q: What is your favourite medium to work with, and why?
A: That’s tricky …it’ll be a combination really. The texture is the most important thing to me, I like using plaster and I use resins to make it tougher. I like the way it has a mind of it’s own, the little imperfections become the standout features when used in art, especially when you gild it. And that’s the second thing I use in a lot of my pieces – gilding makes all the textures just look doubly amazing.
After gilding 
Inter-grating the mid-ground 
Creating the template Q: How long does the entire process take on average?
A: It can take 2-3 weeks, much of this is drying times which have to be carefully planned and accounted for.
Applying the template before the plaster Q: How do you start out when working on a commission, are there certain questions you have for a client?
A: Initially I try to show them the works I’ve done in the past to find out what it is about my work that has piqued their interest. Whether it’s the texture, and if so what kinds of texture, the organic nature, what kinds of metal leaf, whether they like it shiny or antique – there are infinite directions it can go in. With a recent consultation with one of your clients an interesting factor was when she picked up on the russet colours from her maple trees in the garden and that was the final touches we agreed to include in the final stages of the piece – that was great, that the client has such an impactful contribution to what is a very personal piece of art created so personally.
“The Point of Least Resistance” by Emily Swift Jones Q: Where do you see yourself going directionally as an artist, are there certain avenues you are looking to pursue? What can we expect from you in the future?
A: I’d really like to start working on sculpture, starting with some small bronze table sculptures and working up to some bigger pieces, ultimately, I’d like to work on garden sculptures. A range of Emily’s exquisite pieces can be viewed at our showroom on Berkhamsted High Street, or if you are interested in a commission please call us on 01442 818122.
22nd September, 2025
14th March, 2025
