We had the good fortune of connecting with Brenda Salamone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenda, what role has risk played in your life or career?

To be honest, risk terrifies me, and I’ve let it paralyze me in the past. However, in the last five years I’ve embraced it and in doing so, I’ve opened up my life to some amazing things. It started with quitting a steady job to pursue art full time, a risk that is only just beginning to pay off! In late November, 2020, I took a huge leap of faith and leased a semi-permanent vendor space in Carlsbad, inside the Adore Boutique in Carlsbad Village. I set up a shop called Loft & Lair. As a collection of “Eclectic Essentials for Unique Lifestyles,” Loft & Lair presents my rescued and revitalized furniture, Salamone Fine Art paintings, fun vintage items I’ve discovered, and my handcrafted papier-mâché bowls and small decor pretties for your Loft or Lair. Adore Boutique and Loft & Lair are located at 2744 Carlsbad Blvd #106, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

For me, this is one of the biggest risks I’ve ever undertaken; my signature is on that contract, and my artwork and creations have to make that space work.  

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve reached where I am as a professional artist by constantly painting, learning, and experimenting with new techniques, reaching out to new venues and opportunities, and taking big risks where my art is concerned. I’m very proud to be part of Laguna Art-A-Fair, the Pasadena Art Society, and Artlita Artists Collective, and I’m very excited about my new venture of Loft & Lair, which showcases my art and creations and even some of my writing. None of it has been easy, but if I am not moving forward, I am stagnating. I’ve overcome each challenge because I’ve had to. To give in has never been an option. If something doesn’t work, I move on, and try something else. 

What I’d like the world to know about Salamone Fine Art and Loft & Lair is that my work is bold, unique, vibrant, and makes the world a more beautiful place. The Geomorphic Abstractions series is about the importance of digging deeper and seeing beyond the superficial. The beautiful minerals that inspire my work are often hidden deep within a matrix of dull grey stone, and it isn’t until what’s inside is revealed that their true beauty shows. My work strives to express the inward significance of our true selves. Human beings are visual creatures, and it is in our nature to make judgments based on outward appearances. The matrix of stone on the outside of a geode may be drab and uninteresting, just a rock that looks like thousands of others around it, but when the treasure inside is exposed and polished, the dazzling results are breathtaking and priceless. The dull exterior of a geode rock had become a metaphor for my life and art. By breaking free and escaping the matrix, my true colors and artistry are able to shine.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love the natural areas of the city – the L.A. Arboretum in Arcadia, Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, Descanso Gardens, Topanga Canyon, and the northern Malibu beaches that aren’t as crowded. I also really enjoy the old Art Deco buildings scattered around the city. A favorite art excursion is the bi-yearly art walk at the Brewery, and I look forward to when we are able to gather again and enjoy the arts.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Dean, deserves a huge amount of credit for where I am today. His belief in my art and his dedication to helping me in every aspect of this journey is invaluable! Likewise, my best friend, Cleo, has been helping me realize my dreams for twenty years, and her enthusiasm for all things Salamone Fine Art has kept my spirits high even when I felt like it was all a waste of time. Last and certainly not least, my family has always supported my dreams, and I couldn’t have gotten anywhere without them.

Website: www.salamonefineart.com
Instagram: @salamonefineart
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendasalamone/
Twitter: @salamonefineart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salamonefineart
Other: https://artlita.com/artists/brenda-salamone/ https://www.art-a-fair.com/exhibitors#/brenda-salamone/

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