Charleston SC is a southern hub for remarkable art and decadent style, so it’s no surprise that the two often intertwine in collaborative collusion.

When Cat+Cole Interior Design first saw my piece, “The Mask” on Instagram, they had a spark of inspiration for a client and brought the image to Mitchell Hill Gallery, where a selection of my art resides.

Original Photo “The Mask”

To achieve the desired work, I coordinated the project with professional photographer, Rick Rhodes, who ignited the process with a smaller test piece, which was the impetus for the final work. Rick Rhodes is a stellar Charleston SC photographer who produces incredible work of the Lowcountry and beyond. I was honored to collaborate with his talent.

To create what the interior designer envisioned, the image was blown to 40×48, and painted on top of the photograph, utilizing a variety of colors and textures – every Charleston abstract artists’ dream!

“Mask Test” 16×20 – the test piece to see if the paint would adhere to the photo canvas.

“The Mask” began as a digitally-enhanced original photograph, and transitioned to become a one-of-a-kind piece of abstract wall art that demands significance in an open space. It’s playful with a sense of dignity – a juxtaposition that lends on which mood you’re currently experiencing.

During the process I realized the more you take a step back and let something be what it has the potential to be, rather than what you force it to be, the more it surprises and pleases you.

Final Work as Shown in Client’s Home “Alter Ego” 40×48

The finished work now resides in the client’s Charleston SC home and is sure to be a striking conversation piece while entertaining.

I really enjoyed working on this project and it has lead to a whole new series with this image as the centerpiece.

For information about Charleston Commissioned art, please email Tom@TomPotocki.com or visit Mitchell Hill Gallery at 438 King Street Charleston SC, (843) 564-0034.