Studio Notes

From Paintbrush to Purpose: How My Creative Journey Evolved Into Something Entirely My Own

Summer Savin
From Paintbrush to Purpose: How My Creative Journey Evolved Into Something Entirely My Own
Where It All Began  My creative spark was simple: I wanted to give people something beautiful and hand-painted - something intentional. I was always drawn to the architectural elegance of ceiling details. Form Meets Function  From the inspiration, I started playing with shape. I was obsessed with creating something sculptural - bold, architectural medallions that could truly transform a ceiling. The Very First Medallion: Vision Meets Reality  The first medallion I made was from MDF - a radiant starburst shape. It didn't have the shine I was after and was too heavy for simple installation. But this was my 'aha' moment. Creating Finishes by Hand  Each finish was a hand-mixed recipe. I wrote them down like a chef and tested them on chips. I was learning how to reverse-paint on LUCiTE, controlling flow and opacity to create the look I imagined. Naming the Muses  As the designs evolved, I began naming each medallion after a woman in my life who shaped me - each one a tribute, a story. They became more than products. Backplates Take Center Stage From Paintbrush to Purpose: How My Creative Journey Evolved Into Something Entirely My Own  Backplates began as supporting details but quickly took the lead. Their scale and versatility caught attention. Paired with tassels, knobs, or hooks, they became dynamic tools for transformation. Art Is How We Evolve  This journey taught me that nothing new happens without someone willing to explore the unknown. Creativity is rarely tidy, but it's always vital.
The very first medallion, cut from MDF and painted by hand.
The very first medallion, cut from MDF and painted by hand.
Early experimentation painting in reverse on LUCiTE.
Early experimentation painting in reverse on LUCiTE.
Learning how movement and opacity behave on LUCiTE.
Learning how movement and opacity behave on LUCiTE.
Refining color blending and layering in reverse on clear acrylic.
Refining color blending and layering in reverse on clear acrylic.
Another early shape that explored negative space as part of the design.
Another early shape that explored negative space as part of the design.
Showcasing interchangeable backplates on a Facebook Marketplace dresser.
Showcasing interchangeable backplates on a Facebook Marketplace dresser.
Categories: Studio Notes