Word of Mouth is a series that recaps real services for a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration that goes into each project—just to give you a better sense of how this whole thing actually works. Our photographer friend Parker recently commissioned our artist friend Sarah to commemorate an epic party in a single piece of art resulting in a pen, ink, and acrylic piece depicting a 1950s apres-ski party with friends. Here’s how it came together from their POV.
Parker: Two years ago, I threw a 1950s apres ski party with martinis and shotskis. I host a lot of themed parties and always knew I wanted an abstract sketch that depicted my friends as fun characters in their costumes. So, I reached out to Sarah for a commission and she immediately understood the vision.
Sarah: Above all else, I was so excited that Parker came to me with a really imaginative and unusual commission request that was unlike anything I’ve done before: a playful atmospheric scene with mixed angle perspective. I also love hosting parties myself and one of my favorite subject matters is people gathering and socializing!
Parker: Sarah was so passionate and excited about the inspiration I shared that I knew this project was in the right hands. The process was so collaborative—I shared images from my own party, plus a few Slim Aarons ski photographs and some photos I had taken at an apres in Idaho.
Sarah: Looking at Parker’s gallery of images, I started thinking about the different phases of a party. I ended up building the scene one vignette at a time, constantly referring to the photos while also adding in aspects of my own dream party and mixing pen, ink, and acrylic to create an unexpected atmosphere within the piece.
Parker: We’re so thrilled with the final product! It’s exactly what I envisioned and more. Each element was executed to perfection and in such a timely manner. Truly, we are over the moon!
Sarah: Parker wasn’t looking for a literal depiction of one room or space from her past celebrations with friends, but instead a rolling scene that emphasized certain elements and people from her life alongside characters from my imagination, like the woman skiing while serving cocktails. I loved getting creative with the layout and perspective to capture the energy!