Naples , FL March 2019

MARCH 2019

LifestylePubs.com/Naples

Spring!

HEATHER SERRANO ON TRANSFORMING PLACES AND SPACES

DOWNTOWN NAPLES’ BEST HAPPY HOUR HOT SPOTS

SOLVED: SOLUTIONS TO YOUR NEED FOR SPEED

MEET PATOU, THE ARTIST

LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2019 PUBLISHER

Les Baker | les.baker@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Alison Holmes | alison.holmes@lifestylepubs.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Alexia Marcin | info@balancedimages.com

Spring Is in the Air! WHILE THE ADVENT OF SPRING HERE IN NAPLES DOES NOT COME WITH THE

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Alison Holmes CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Alexia Marcin, Balanced Images

SAME LEVEL OF EXCITEMENT IT DOES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY, WHERE COLDER CLIMES ARE THE NORM, THE SEASON HERE, TOO, BRINGS MUCH TO CELEBRATE. There’s theater, music, art, markets and museum exhibits galore—check our Around Town listings—and don’t miss a visit to the Botanical Gardens this month to see Reflections on Glass: Fräbel in the Garden (one of the pieces is on our front cover) before it closes on March 31. This collection of whimsical glass sculptures and installations by the flameworking glass artist Hans Godo Fräbel features botanical pieces, playful figures and ornate, geometric shapes. So, if you, like me, have never been to the gardens before, now’s the time to go. There are even a few select pieces for sale in the shop—one-of-a-kind collectors’ items—but hurry!

I always have a spring in my step when March comes along. There's so much going on around town that taking it all in proves to be a real challenge. Of course, I'm not as nimble as the glass jesters on our front cover, but we've covered a fair few of the

CORPORATE TEAM

happenings around town lately in our Good Times section, mostly featuring the arts,

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

music and theater. We'll diversify a little next month when we'll look at animals, boats

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

and—cheers!—wine.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Speaking of "something stronger," check out our recommendations in this issue of the

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

best happy hour hot spots on Fifth Avenue and on Third Street. We've also covered a South Florida Design home, a Marino, in our Open House feature; and focused on those who make our homes happier, specifically Heather Serrano of Heather Serrano Designs; and a feature on one of Naples' celebrated artists, Patou.

EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTORS John Newman | Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Beauty comes in many different ways, you will agree, and we were happy to wander around Naples Classic Car showroom on Davis Boulevard recently and ooh and aah at all the power and speed within the four walls. So, if you’re at all inclined, you may want to go for a test drive someday. But meanwhile, read on...

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Les Baker, Publisher ON THE COVER One of Hans Godo Fräbel’s pieces from his Reflections on Glass collection at the Naples Botanical Gardens 4

Naples Lifestyle | March 2019

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6

LifestylePubs.com/Naples

Naples Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Naples areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Naples Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2019

FEATURES 16 A Need for Speed?

Naples Classic Cars Showcases Legends

20 Happy Hour: Naples’ Top 10 Eat, Drink and Be Merry

28 Heather Serrano’s Story She’ll Turn the Ordinary into the Original—without a Wand

28 20

32 Meet Patou, the Artist Originally from Monaco, She Has, for Years, Called Naples Home

16

32 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

10

Good Times

14

Around Town

16

Driver’s Notebook

24 Open House 28 Local Limelight 32 Artist’s Palette

GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

Naples Art District – Art Alive! Jan. 2 Through June, the Naples Art District hosts a series of "open house" evenings in the art district, allowing visitors to wander in and out of working artist galleries and meet the artists themselves in what can only be described as a very colorful event! We caught up with just a few. So much talent in town—it’s staggering! NaplesArtDistrict.com

4.

5.

6.

1. Diane and Jim Whiting pose in front of their respective artwork. Diane’s paintings are inspired by the hues of sea, sky and stone. 6260 Shirley St., Suite 604 | 2. The Sweet Art Gallery’s a great place to mingle amidst beauty and design; creative types flock here day and night. | 3. His smile is infectious, as is his love of art. Even if you don’t share his penchant for colorful garb, a visit to Joel Shapses’ Sculpture Studio & Gallery is a must | 4. Interested in a watercolor of your home? Artist Richard Diedrich at Shapses’ Gallery takes commissions. | 5. Posing with her personal favorite, a Floridian bird, is Michaela of Art Work by Michaela, located at 6240 Shirley St., Suite 103. | 6. Holly Manneck’s got her finger on the pulse of pop art. The movement took place in the U.S. and the UK, as reflected in her stunning pieces. ManneckArt.com

1.

2.

3.

The Naples Players: Opening Night of Don't Dress for Dinner Jan. 16 witnessed the opening night of The Naples Players comedy Don't Dress for Dinner at the Sugden Theater on Fifth Avenue, sponsored by Gulf Coast International Properties. Official Red Carpet partners are Riptide Brewery, Fairways Wine Vault, The Spice & Tea The Spice & Tea Exchange of Naples, Emillions Art Gallery and Mercedes-Benz of Naples. Photography by Neubek Photographers

4.

1. Patrons were greeted on the Baker Stage Red Carpet. | 2. Patrons pose in front of the digital Neubooth Photo Booth. | 3. Custom Don’t Dress for Dinner painting by local artist Jacqueline Boucher Morelisse | 4. Live music by Love Hunter 10

Naples Lifestyle | March 2019

CUSTOM FINISHES

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Rock Solid Quality & Service

3D DESIGN IN HOUSE

InfinitePoolFinishes.com

GOOD TIMES

Annual Naples New Year's Art Show: Jan 5–6 For the 23rd year running, 250 artists came to town. Art in every form was on display: jewelry, arts, crafts...even some living art in the form of pets (not for sale). The folks at the Naples Art Association deserve a lot of appreciation for tirelessly staging this and many more fantastic events year in and year out. NaplesArt.org

The Naples Big Band in Cambier Park The Naples Big Band delighted audiences recently at a free concert on a Sunday in Cambier Park. There’ll be more; just bring a folding chair and a cooler. Donations help offset performance costs as well as build the band’s annual High School Music Education Program fund which helps to support music education in local schools. NaplesBigBand.com

12

Naples Lifestyle | March 2019

Creating Signature Spaces INSPIRED BY OUR CLIENTS

BEFORE

Schedule a Consultation • 239.325.9794 • serranodesigns.net

AROUND TOWN

GUYS & DOLLS: THE NAPLES PLAYERS AT SUGDEN COMMUNITY THEATRE March 6 to April 7

GULF COAST BIG BAND TO PERFORM SUNDAY, MARCH 17 Concerts are performed at 2 p.m. on Sunday

Masterful and unforgettable, Guys & Dolls is

afternoons at the Cambier Park Bandshell located

considered one of the greatest musicals of all time

on Eighth Street, just south of Fifth Avenue South.

filled with some of the most wonderful show tunes

Bring your own lawn chairs.

ever, including “Luck Be a Lady,” “I’ve Never Been

The music comes from a large variety of jazz

in Love Before” and the irrepressible anthem “Sit

greats including Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Woody

Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Guys & Dolls will

Herman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Dizzy

put a spring in your step and a smile on your face

Gillespie, Tadd Dameron, Stan Kenton, Sonny

and remind you how much fun it is to see a revival

Rollins and Thelonious Monk.

of a classic American musical! NaplesPlayers.org

All of the musicians play without compensation for the love of music in order to raise scholarship funds for local high school students.

GulfCoastBigBand.com

NAPLES BAY RESORT AND MARINA, TRIBUTE BANDS AT THE POINTE On Sunday evenings in March (except March 17), you can enjoy the surroundings and weather while listening to terrific tribute bands in this gorgeous waterfront setting. Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin kick off the month, followed by Journey and Bon Jovi, the Blues Brothers and Tina Turner and The Eagles. Concerts start at 6 p.m.

NaplesBayResorts.com/concerts

TAI CHI CLASSES IN THE NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN

14

HOLMES AND WATSON: GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE March 23 to April 21

Here's a chance to exercise and reflect in beau-

It’s been three years since Sherlock Holmes

tiful, serene surroundings. Instructor Karen McNeil

plunged to his death off Reichenbach Falls…or so

hosts this energy-flow exercise on the Performance

the world believed. When Dr. John Watson receives

Lawn of the Garden on Tuesdays and Thursdays at

a mysterious telegram from a doctor who states

9:30 a.m. through April 30. NaplesGardens.org

that three men claiming to be Sherlock Holmes are

Naples Lifestyle | March 2019

in his care, it is up to Watson, now filled with hope his companion may yet live, to determine which of these three might be the real Sherlock Holmes. As Watson investigates the mystery, a web of intrigue, murder and suspense begins to unravel which may reveal the truth of Sherlock Holmes’ fate.

GulfShorePlayhouse.org

Carefully curated value-driven wines from small-production, artisan, family-owned wineries.

We ensure your selection is the perfect wine to match your palate and purse.

California Tasting Room Wine Education Center Private Event Venue

ISABELLE DE BORCHGRAVE AT THE BAKER MUSEUM Fashioning Art from Paper February – May 2019 The exhibition celebrates the diversity of Isabelle de Borchgrave’s work since the mid-1990s, organized by Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Society of the

Wine Storage Cellar Management Delivery Service

Four Arts, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Frick Art and Historical Center and Artis.

Above image: Inspired by the costume designed

by Léon Bakst for La Belle au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty) in 1921. Mixed media, primarily acrylic, ink, metallic powder and adhesive.

Collection of the artist © CidB ArtisNaples.org

We are always accepting submissions for announcements you’d like to see included in our Around Town section. Submissions are accepted via the Contact Us tab at LifestylePubs.com/Naples.

Open Monday-Saturday at 11 am The Wine Store 1200 Central Avenue Naples, Fl. 34102 (239) 234-6625 Info@TheWineStoreNaples.com

www.TheWineStoreNaples.com March 2019 | Naples Lifestyle

15

DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK

A need for speed?

Beauty all around inside the showroom

NAPLES CLASSIC CARS SHOWCASES LEGENDS

ARTICLE ALISON HOLMES | PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIA MARCIN, BALANCED IMAGES

16

Naples Lifestyle | March 2019

Al (in red) and his team in the workshop

IF YOU’VE EVER READ PINOCCHIO, YOU’LL KNOW THAT GEPETTO’S WORKSHOP WAS A VERY BUSY PLACE; BEHIND THE STREETSIDE SHOWROOM, NAPLES CLASSIC CARS IS TOO, ALTHOUGH THERE’S MORE THAN ONE CRAFTSMAN HERE AT WORK ON ANY GIVEN DAY. Vehicle restoration is a passion, and to achieve this caliber of workmanship—starting from the raw nuts and bolts to the polished and gleaming catwalk reveal—takes a lot more than dedication and precise workmanship; it takes devotion and a whole lot of love.

Al Ieradi fell in love long ago—in Brooklyn, to be precise. His life so far has been all about cars, the finest at that. Eventually, he made his way down to Florida and to Naples, where he started by buying and operating several car wash facilities. If you’ve ever been to AutoSpa, you’ll know he takes cars and their maintenance seriously.

Cornering the luxury car wash market in Naples left Al open to other pursuits, so he went back to his roots, his first love— restoring cars back to their original days of glory. “An original wrench turner” as Naples Classic Car’s general manager, Fabio Ruiz, calls him, Al had the knowledge and the vision to create what is essentially a rejuvenation facility for classic, low-mileage exotic cars. Cars that once they are restored to their former glory, are sold to customers all over the USA and abroad.

Says Al when asked if Naples is recognized for this type of facility and such precise work, “Well no, of course, traditionally California was the place for automobile restoration, but slowly we’re getting our name out there, making inroads as our cars are

A rebirth in progress

seen in shows and collectors’ clubs all over the country.”

Hard work pays off.

With six full-time employees in the front of the house and

Precision and perfection is what it's all about.

behind the scenes, a top-of-the-line Garmat downdraft paint booth, more tools of the trade than you’ve ever seen outside an Ace Hardware store, and a great place to hang around and talk all things automotive, customers and petrol heads alike are usually seen here gathering around the Porsches, Ferraris and the odd Lamborghini or Alpha Romeo talking shop.

There’s no price tag on one special masterpiece, however.

In a special section of the showroom, cordoned off, sits a 1973 Azzuro Metallic blue Ferrari Dino 308 GT4, the first V8 Ferrari ever made, used as the model prototype for the entire production of Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 vehicles thereafter. Al expects to be invited to show the car at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance for 1973 vehicles someday soon. How exciting is that? NaplesClassicCars.com March 2019 | Naples Lifestyle

17

In life, restraint is wise.

In living spaces, it’s debatable.

Naples Square as you’ve never seen it

Downtown Naples from $1.3m Model Center Open Daily

Is speaking loudly such a bad thing? Because with 7 open-concept floor plans from 2,300 to 3,800 total square feet, Quattro at Naples Square is saying something quite refreshing.

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECT STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS BY THE DEVELOPER, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTE, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. Price subject to change without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity.

1030 3rd Avenue South #101 NaplesSquare.com I 239.228.5800 Perfecting Development

ARTICLE ALISON HOLMES | PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIA MARCIN, BALANCED IMAGES

HAPPY

HOU R:

NA PLES’

TOP

10

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY GENERALLY SPEAKING, FOR THOSE WHO AREN’T AVERSE TO A TIPPLE OR TWO BEFORE 6 P.M., HAPPY HOUR—THE WORD “HOUR” IS A DEFINITE MISNOMER— IN NAPLES IS WELL WORTH EXPLORING. And not just because the drinks and nib-

Bar Tulia’s Chef Vincenzo slices the finest prosciutto; oysters are $1.50.

₁

bles are half price (or more) at establishments taking part in the exercise, but also due to the fact that the ambiance and camaraderie with other “early birds” while the sun still shines is really special.

Admittedly, I thoroughly enjoyed this assignment (self-assigned to me, by me, as editor); it gave me the chance to tear myself away from the keyboard at an early hour on several occasions and join in the fun, in Old Naples on this occasion. More locations, rest assured, will follow.

FIFTH

AVENUE

BAR TULIA 462 Fifth Ave. S

And so here, in no specific order, are Naples Lifestyle's top suggestions.

BarTulia.com Hours: 4-6 p.m.

HOB NOB KITCHEN & BAR 720 Fifth Ave. S HobNobNaples.com Hours: 3:30-6 p.m.

BICE RISTORANTE

₃ ₂

Hob Nob Kitchen & Bar has a memorable mushroom pizza on its happy hour menu.

300 Fifth Ave. S BiCe’s main menu items are 50 percent off from 3-5 p.m. every day, plus wine, liquor and beer specials.

BiCE-Naples.com Hours: 3-5 p.m.

OCEAN PRIME 699 Fifth Ave. S OceanPrime.com

₄ Ocean Prime has the most elegant menu and setting of all

Hours: 4-7 p.m.

THE FRENCH 365 Fifth Ave. S TheFrenchNaples.com Hours: 2:30-5 p.m.

20

Naples Lifestyle | March 2019

ON/OFF

THIRD

STREET

THE CONTINENTAL 1205 Third St. S DamicosContinental.com Hours: 3-6 p.m.

SEA SALT

₇

1186 Third St. S SeaSaltNaples.com Hours: 3-6 p.m.

₆

TOMMY BAHAMA 1220 Third St. S

One of the patrons at Sea Salt asked us not to include the venue: "We like to be able to get a chair here!" he says.

The Continental's outside bar is the best in the city.

TommyBahama.com Hours: 4-6 p.m.

Great if you're running late; Tommy Bahama's has valet parking.

THE BEVY

₈

360 12th Ave. S NaplesBevy.com Hours: 3-6 p.m.

RIDGWAY BAR & GRILL Third Street S and 13th Street RidgwayNaples.com Hours: 3:30-5:30 p.m.

₉

The Bevy's cocktail menu is sure to entice.

The bar fills up as the evening progresses, so come early to get a seat at Ridgway's Bar & Grill.

₅ HERE

IN

TOWN

AFTERNOON

IN

IT ALL

₁₀

The French's La Vie en Rose cocktail is an all-time favorite.

SHOULD

BE

TRUTH—AND

CALLED CHEERS

HAPPY TO

THAT! March 2019 | Naples Lifestyle

21

See what we’ve done, and imagine what we can do... for you.

everlasting.

SARASOTA

|

D E L R AY B E A C H

S T O F F T C O O N E Y. C O M

|

NAPLES

OPEN HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN BAILEY, CONTEXT MEDIA DEVELOPMENT

INTRODUCING T H E M A R I N O, South Florida Design's Newest House Plan A CUSTOM HOME BUILD IN THE CITY OF NAPLES

WE'RE LOVING THIS GORGEOUS 3,765-SQUARE-FOOT

The private master bedroom suite includes two walk-in closets,

LIVING SPACE COASTAL CONTEMPORARY HOME DESIGN

dual sinks, a luxurious tub and a walk-through shower. Should

FEATURING FOUR BEDROOMS, FOUR BATHROOMS, TWO

you wish, the plans can be modified to suit your needs, but as

HALF BATHS, AND A THREE-CAR GARAGE. Premier developer

is, the home has been created to allow occupants the benefit

Danison Homes collaborated with Refined Builders & Construction

of enjoying all a Florida lifestyle has to offer. Better yet, the out-

LLC on this new product. The open floor plan, vaulted and coffer

door living space enhances every aspect of the home's serenity,

ceilings, and the gorgeous views of the outdoors beyond all con-

and a fully functional outdoor kitchen and dining area ensure

tribute to creating a spacious and inviting space.

that dining alfresco will be a delight.

24

Naples Lifestyle | March 2019

INTERIOR + 4 bedrooms + 4 bathrooms + 4 half baths + Three-car garage + Open floor plan + Island kitchen with large walk-in pantry + Luxurious master bedroom suite + Private study + Coffer and vaulted ceilings + 3,765 square feet of air-conditioned space

EXTERIOR + Outdoor living space with kitchen and fireplace + Pool bath

CONCRETE BLOCK WALLS + Stucco exterior finish + Cement tile roof + 5,566 square feet under roof

ARCHITECTÂ South Florida Architecture

SFDesignInc.com

March 2019 | Naples Lifestyle

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Naples Lifestyle | March 2019

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT

HEATHER SERRANO'S STORY SHE’LL TURN THE ORDINARY INTO THE ORIGINAL—WITHOUT A WAND

ARTICLE ALISON HOLMES | PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIA MARCIN

WHEN YOU MEET HEATHER SERRANO, YOU WON’T BE SURPRISED TO LEARN, A LITTLE INTO THE CONVERSATION, THAT SHE WAS ONCE A PROFESSIONAL BALLROOM DANCER. She moves with poise and grace, and you can expect the spaces she designs, creates and then outfits will, when she’s finished with them, boast the same elegant style.

She’s quick to point out that she’s not specifically an interior designer but rather a structural designer, whose job it is to work with engineers and architects to create sketches and computerized designs of buildings, new or old. Ensuring they are safe, functional, dazzling sometimes and interesting, she will then start work on the interior design—if that final finish is what’s required or requested.

Here in Naples, she maintains a commercial client base—the Plaza Walk Shopping Center and Victoria Square are some of her achievements—working with builders and developers alike, but her heart is in the residential work because she relishes the one-onone client connection, she’ll confess.

And yet, although she’s a people person with a seemingly glamorous career today, she paid her dues in the early years, working in elevator shafts to refurbish them, to be precise. Donning a different wardrobe than what she wears to work these days, she had to get down into the shaft itself on occasion to hold up lights and pass tools up and down in a dumb-waiter-style basket to those

“ T h e s pa c e s h o u l d n ’ t l o o k l i k e I was e v e r e v e n t h e r e ” , s h e says — s h e e n c o u r a g e s c l i e n ts to b e b o l d e r a n d b r av e r t h a n t h e y m ay h av e ever dreamed of being. Her fav o r i t e r e a ct i o n f r o m a n yo n e i s a c o m m e n t a l o n g the lines of: “I would never h av e i m a g i n e d d o i n g t h at, but I love it!”

working below. Elevators, however, were not to be her calling.

In fact, she leans more toward nature and botany as a source of inspiration in the places she designs.

“I aim to bring the outside indoors in everything I do,” she says.

Growing up in Syracuse, N.Y., she was drawn to the tropical flora and fauna of Florida and slowly made her way down the coast, eventually settling in Naples. She runs a tight ship here, so her popularity and prominence have grown quickly.

Clients know they’re in good hands, and she remains in constant communication with them from start to finish of the project. And while she encourages their involvement from the get-go—“The space shouldn’t look like I was ever even there,” she says—she encourages clients to be bolder and braver than they may have ever dreamed of being. Her favorite reaction from anyone is a comment along the lines of: “I would never have imagined doing that, but I love it!”

So yes, transforming space is what Heather does best. If you meet her, you’ll agree she’s well-versed on how to do so: she radiates confidence and prowess.

“There’s a lot of dated stuff out there,” she says, referring to the cookie-cutter homes and condos built several years ago in Naples. “I just hope I live long enough to see it all redesigned and reborn again.”

So do we–Heather-style.

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Naples Lifestyle | March 2019

March 2019 | Naples Lifestyle

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B A L A N C E D I M A G E S

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My business is an extension of me. I work with my clients to capture moments of their lives, passions, and personalities so that we can create meaningful art together.”

...

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30

Naples Lifestyle | March 2019

SWEET ART GALLERY CONTEMPORARY FINE ART

Channeling The Love 36x36 acrylic Phyllis Heller

Tree Of Life 36x36 acrylic Brenda Belfield

Allegria 48X60 acrylic on canvas Ingrid Cohen

2100-A TRADE CENTER WAY I NAPLES, FL 34109 I 239-597-2110 I WWW.THESWEETARTGALLERY.COM SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S LARGEST CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY Gallery Event I Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 I 5pm-8pm I Art Alive!

Open Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm I Saturday 10 am-1 pm

ARTIST’S PALETTE

meet patou, the artist ORIGINALLY FROM MONACO, SHE HAS, FOR YEARS, CALLED NAPLES HOME ARTICLE ALISON HOLMES PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIA MARCIN, BALANCED IMAGES

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS AN ARTIST?

felt so much closer to where the vision of my work told me I

I am an abstract artist, although, in truth, my paintings do

should go. I surrendered—it was a huge step—and an intense

not feel abstract to me. I use oil on canvas to create a work

freedom in my creativity was born that day.

of art which becomes like a family member to me. With so much love and devotion poured into a piece, how can it not?

My work is my identity, my integrity; I’m a reflection of my art.

EXPLAIN WHAT YOU DO IN 20 TO 50 WORDS. I challenge myself every single day! My goal is to find some colors, shapes, movements and balance in a canvas

WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO?

that I haven’t yet experimented with after 37 years of work.

I paint because I don’t know how to do otherwise. I was

In essence, I still seek to surprise myself all the time. The

born an artist, and I believe I was very fortunate because

truth is, my work is my life; I will only stop painting the day

I don’t consider painting work but a passion. It’s a disci-

I don’t feel that surge of passion when I enter my studio

plined life—every Monday through Friday, through daylight

first thing in the morning.

hours, I’m alone in my studio.

My day starts with a routine. Each morning I create multiple

HOW HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED OVER TIME?

color palettes, which takes a long time, but the use of color

I evolved through the simple act of living life—and the

is so important to my work: it’s my “signature.” I use spatulas

journey getting here at this moment. The pressure and

of all sizes and use only oil, which gives me the best results

demands of my work also helped shape my style, and vision

with the texture it provides. Once I’m all set up, I let myself go

for that matter, of what life is all about.

and my imagination wander, daring to explore all kinds of new paths in my search for truth through my work.

WHAT THEMES DO YOU PURSUE? I am moved by a theme, inspiration or idea, and I take it

WHAT’S INTEGRAL TO THE WORK OF AN ARTIST?

from there.

Work, work, work and integrity.

DESCRIBE A REAL-LIFE SITUATION THAT INSPIRED YOU. WHAT ROLE DO YOU THINK THE ARTIST HAS IN SOCIETY? An artist needs to provide patrons and anyone seeing

Human relationships, emotions, the beauty of nature and animals.

their work with a little moment to think, daydream or escape everyday life.

WHAT MEMORABLE RESPONSES HAVE YOU HAD TO YOUR WORK?

WHAT HAS BEEN A SEMINAL EXPERIENCE?

One that moved me the most was from three different sto-

I have two. The first, I was 7 years old and flipping through

ries by three different widows on three different occasions.

an art book at home on Van Gogh. When I closed the tome, I

Each told me that seeing my artwork every morning on their

was literally bewitched by so much beauty. I knew at that very

wall gave them warm, happy feelings every day, helping them

moment that I wanted to become an artist.

overcome their individual feelings of loss. Another was when

The second was the first time I used spatulas on canvas, leaving behind my brushes. It was an amazing moment as I 32

Naples Lifestyle | March 2019

two very young kids asked me if they could buy a piece of my work. On every occasion, I was so touched.

CONTINUED >

March 2019 | Naples Lifestyle

33

ARTIST’S PALETTE

(CON TI N U ED)

NAME THREE ARTISTS YOU’D LIKE TO BE COMPARED TO. Zao Wou-Ki, Joan Mitchell, Robert Motherwell FAVORITE OR MOST INSPIRATIONAL PLACE (IN NAPLES)?

Walking along the beach during sunrise or sunset.

WHAT WOULDN’T YOU DO WITHOUT? Art in all its forms. I enjoy writing whenever I have the time, and I grab other creative opportunities whenever I get the chance: charitable work, helping animals in need, analyzing life with

“A r t i s m a g i c a l — w e l c o m e t o m y w o r l d .”

friends and family.

EXHIBITIONS

» Galerie du Metropole, Monte Carlo, 1996 » Chateau de Cap d’Ail, France, 1997 » Galerie du Park Palace, Monte Carlo, 1998 » Galerie St. Honore, Paris, France, 1999 » Temple Gallery, Philadelphia, Pa., 2000 » Kidder Smith Gallery, Boston, Mass., 2001 » Trajan Gallery, Carmel by the Sea, Calif., 2002

» Joyce Robins Gallery, Santa Fe, N.M., 2003 » Charles Campbell Gallery, San Francisco, Calif., 2004

» Patou Fine Art, DCOTA 2004 » St. Thomas University, Miami, Fla., 2005 » Patou Fine Art, Coral Gables, Fla., 2005 » Joyce Robins Gallery, Santa Fe, N.M., 2005

» Fredrick Clement Gallery, New York, N.Y., 2006

» Art Expo, New York, N.Y., 2006 » ArtMiami, Miami, Fla., 2007 » Art Basel, Miami, Fla., 2008 » Art Expo, New York, N.Y., 2009 » Art Basel, Miami, Fla., 2009 34

Naples Lifestyle | March 2019