Bay Head Artist Karen La Du Launches PillowTalk Exhibit in Hoboken

Karen La Du, fine artist/educator, Bay Head, NJ, in collaboration with Joseph Macaya, designer/owner @ Decorative Philosophy, New York City, are thrilled to announce their new mixed-media exhibit, “PillowTalk: from LA to NJ.”

La Du and Macaya will unveil PillowTalk at the Hoboken Artists’ Studio Tour, 1317 Willow Street, Studio #1. The pre-reception opening is Saturday, November 8, from 7-9 p.m., while the art exhibit event is Sunday, November 9, from noon to 6 p.m.

PillowTalk will include limited-edition framed prints of original sketches, limited-edition prints of hand-painted pillows, and a selection of pillows – some in shadow boxes, others in hand-crafted bamboo frames. At the Saturday opening, patrons can enjoy dessert and wine with the artists. The Sunday exhibit will include interactive art, music, and snacks as well as the opportunity to purchase prints, pillows, and original art.

The PillowTalk exhibit incorporates four sections: Las Brisas, Colorful CA Pillows, B/W Palms, and Les Poissons (the fishes). Creations were inspired by a restaurant in Laguna Beach and sites throughout the Los Angles and San Diego area. The artists have represented the often overlooked variations of palm tree trunks and, with Les Poissons, reworked a favorite image that La Du created prior to the trip to California. PillowTalk translates images from an artist’s canvas to pillows, usable art, and variations that can be hung on a wall.

“PillowTalk was inspired by the wonder of natural beauty,” La Du explains. “Our exhibit includes original sketches, limited-edition dye sublimation prints in frames, and one-of-a-kind painted pillows. With dye sublimation, the image looks like a painting and not a run-of-the-mill poster.

“Some of our creations are framed in natural bamboo,” Macaya continues. “Others are embellished with embroidery. And of course, other pieces spring to life while the PillowTalk exhibit is being pulled together!”

Karen La Du is a fine artist, designer, and educator whose expertise includes visual and interior design services, visual art production, workshop design and presentation, project management, fine arts instruction, and curriculum development. She is proud to be a working artist who earned a bachelor’s degree in art and a master’s degree in fine arts education. La Du meticulously restored her Bay Head art studio after it was damaged severely (along with her home) by Superstorm Sandy. As an artist and educator, La Du shares her fascination with the multiple layers and minutiae of the natural world.

As the designer/owner of Decorative Philosophy, Joseph Macaya tackles new construction and renovation projects, from concept to completion. He creates unique spaces and personalizes design solutions. Macaya’s specialties include color consultation, faux finishing, wallpaper, painting, marble installation, cabinetry, and lighting/set design. Macaya offers alternative ideas for creative solutions and implements his vision with the care and consistency of old-world craftsmanship.

The Hoboken Artists’ Studio Tour also will showcase visual artist Peggy Masse and Move ‘N Art (www.movenart.com). Move ‘N Art is an innovative way to stream fine art and music on a flat-screen TV. By adding ambience and beauty to homes and workspaces, Move ‘N Art serves as an ever-changing piece of art and a decorative solution to a blank screen.

For a preview of “PillowTalk: from LA to NJ,” please visit www.decorativephilosophy.com, www.ladumacaya.blogspot.com, “Decorative Philosophy” on Houzz.com, or “Yoga: Art in Motion” on Facebook. Online purchases of PillowTalk items can be made at these locations. For additional details, please contact Karen La Du at khladu@comcast.net.

The Hoboken Artists’ Studio Tour is a free, city-wide, self-guided walking tour of artists’ studios, galleries, and group exhibitions. The event features more than 100 local artists. A complete listing is available at www.hobokennj.org/artists-studio-tour.

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