This past Thursday, I attended the CB2 preview event for their new store opening in Santa Monica. The brand director of CB2, Marta Calle, gave me a tour, showed me the product line and in particular, told me about CB2's artwork and the "One of a Finds" goods. The conversation changed some of my ideas about purchasing art from a larger presence furniture store.
In the past, I have hesitated to purchase art from certain stores in fear that friends may have the same piece in their place, and while this is always a possibility, Marta pointed out that the art that they carry is purchased from the artist in limited quantities. After the specific quantity is created, the artwork is retired and never made again. The CB2 buyers travel all over the country to find original art and artists to bring inspiration into the homes of their consumers.
Similar to the artwork, CB2 has a line of products called "One of a Finds," which are original art or decor items created from artisans all over the world. The hand-crafted pieces in limited quantity make each creation unique and special.
Top Row (Artwork):
- Night Light Print: The photographer, Charles Shotwell, produced the nighttime imagery using a digital camera and a flashlight. $199.00
- Escape Print: Chicago artist Ben Holiday created this one-time-only limited edition print originally using oil and metallic paint and a grasscloth facade. It is reproduced on a UV-protected canvas with his signature on the front and bio on the back. $199.00
- Rose Colored Lens Print: Brooklyn artist Katherine Duclos produced a fantasy piece as an escape to the urban environment. $159.00
- Nova Scotia Print: You would have never guessed that artist Parvez Taj's image originally started as a capture of nature's rain, sky, and water. The photo was blurred into small pixelated squares to create the current piece. $199.00
- Making Change Print: Artist Jordan Carlyle makes light of money and our free market economy. The art includes blue, white, back, and gold ink on canvas. $189.00
Bottom Row ("One of a Finds"):
- Trinetra Candleholder: A local Indian artisan created a piece inspired by the third eye of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. The candleholder includes handcrafted brass pods, a marble tealight holder, and suspended brass rods. $99.95
- Wagon Wheel Mirror: The mirror's frame is an actual wagon wheel from the 1930s. Because of its recycled element, each mirror is unique. $249.00
Images: CB2
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Anyone else think this picture screams "Don't go down this road!" It's very creepy but I kind of like it.
I'm diggin' the art work of number 4, as well as the great display of furniture
I have the wagon wheel mirror. It's a very interesting piece and I get compliments for it. Quite expensive, but this is one hefty mirror. The "wheel" is actually comprised of different wheels that are bolted together so each item is probably unique in design.
Not so different than what WestElm did about a couple years or so ago...
"Marta pointed out that the art that they carry is purchased from the artist in limited quantities."
And just how "Limited" is that?
10000? 1000? 100?
Unless it's a numbered piece - There really is no telling, is there?
Ansela - you could still probably do it for less than $75. Using Spoonflower to print the image on fabric, and then stretching it onto a canvas frame... you'd only need 1 yard of fabric and the four stretcher bars. And you wouldn't have to frame it, either.
I agree, bepsf, though it really doesn't bother me that much. We have a mix of limited edition prints and mass produced stuff. Generally anything you buy off etsy is extremely limited, even if it isn't numbered. We have a few Urban Outfitters art pieces that we really liked and purchased even though they were more mass produced because at least we know who the artists are, and it's not like we'd ever be able to afford their original pieces anyway.
I just purchased the pink/orange/yellow rhino print from cb2. it was really intense and beautiful when i saw it in person at store. Plus it worked great with my Mod Lodge feel i have going. I lucked out, it was on sale for $119.