Paige Barnes Dorsey
Of The Moment: Paige Barnes Dorsey
A vision among the vines. Paige Dorsey wearing our Allie tee, Ressie blazer, and Ivy pants. Photo by Mary Kathryn Carpenter.
Currently entering: A spring awakening of jaw droppingly unexpected art by mixed-media sculptor, self-proclaimed snake charmer, creator of modern heirlooms, and mother to two darling girls–Paige Barnes Dorsey.
Paige is a self-taught mixed media artist inspired by her childhood surroundings of nature and Southern tradition–particularly the timelessness of her grandmother’s china.
Paige takes traditional elements and marries them with unexpected whimsy as she explores the dichotomy of the two. Each piece is hand-crafted from start to finish, meaning no two masterpieces are alike.
We caught up with Paige at her residency at the Chairish gallery at Bergdorf Goodman and discussed her process, the best part of her job, why she’s drawn to snakes, and more, below.
Modern heirlooms inspired by the beauty and timelessness of Paige’s grandmother. Photo by Mary Kathryn Carpenter.
Name:
Paige Barnes Dorsey
Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Profession:
Mixed-Media Sculptor and Artist
Why Are You Drawn To Snakes?
You know, I think about this a lot- because I'm asked about it all the time. And every time I come back to the same conclusion: it isn't really about snakes at all. It's about the ability to make people see things with a new perspective. I love taking this creature that's been feared for millenia and making it approachable. People are always reaching out and saying, "I'm terrified of snakes, but I love yours." And that's a feeling I can't put into words. If I can do that-make someone shift their perspective to see something with fresh eyes, to relate to it, then maybe that carries over into other parts of their lives too. And perhaps that's my legacy, to play the devil's advocate in hopes that we all see the beauty in each other.
A shift of perspective. Paige’s home is a lesson in unexpected whimsy. Photo by Mary Kathryn Carpenter.
The Best Part Of Your Job:
The freedom to play! I'm a grown up kid, in a world of my own making when I step into my studio. I leave everything else at the door and I disappear into a space where time doesn't exist. It sounds cliché but I think everyone knows that place regardless of what takes you to it. Call it meditation, a prayer, being in the flow...it's all the same thing.
Regal gilded Easter eggs. Photo by Mary Kathryn Carpenter.
When I Need Inspiration I…
Let it find me. I learned long ago that REAL inspiration comes when it isn't forced. And when it does I can't act fast enough! There will be zero rest until I get the idea from my head and into a tangible thing. So often that happens late at night when the rest of the world is quiet, and I find myself too excited to wait until the morning to start.
Wag your tail. The chicest chinoiserie best friends. Photo by Mary Kathryn Carpenter.
Must-have Interior Pieces:
I graduated in Interior Design, but no matter how well-designed an interior is it will never have soul unless you can sense the presence of the hand. No space is complete without art or pieces that have a story or life of their own. Perfection is boring and predictable....give me the weird stuff, I have questions, let's talk about it.
Best Piece Of Advice I Ever Received:
You don't have to ask for permission. That statement alone changed my entire life. Owning that was freedom.
A garden of snakes by the snake charmer herself. Photo by Mary Kathryn Carpenter.
Never Did I Think:
I'd be making snakes for a living. Fun fact: I don't like real snakes, at all. My mama likes to say, "Every snake is deadly because they can all give you a heart attack." And I have to agree with her. Or maybe I'm just trying to prove her wrong.... and isn't that just like a daughter.
