Litchfield resident Lauren P. Della Monica’s Painted Landscapes: Contemporary Views (Schiffer, 2013) explores the historic roots of American landscape painting and profiles 60 artists with a range of styles from traditional realism to abstract art. $49.99, Barnes & Noble, Norwalk, 203-866-2213, bn.com.
With backgrounds in printmaking, ceramics, textiles and tile-making, Stonington’s Esther and Paul Halferty founded Lilywork. Inspired by architecture and cultures across Europe and the Near East, they create one-of-a-kind handcrafted tiles with layers of texture and color. Ravenna Listello (shown here), $50 per linear foot, through Greenwich Tile & Marble, Greenwich, 203-869-1709, greenwichtileandmarblect.com, lilywork.com.
In a nod to the romantic legacy of Berlin iron jewelry, the Berlin Gothic collection by Jessica Kagan Cushman is a bold, modern interpretation of a unique tradition. 14K yellow gold and oxidized sterling silver earrings with pink tourmalines (shown here), $1,700, Jessica Kagan Cushman Studio, Georgetown, 203-938-7441, jessicacushman.com.
Architectural and interior designer Ron Norsworthy’s hand-gilded inkblots invite a closer look, revealing images of stags. As statement pieces, these prints make for great conversation starters and are perfect for the eclectic collector. Available in four designs. $295 each, J. Seitz, New Preston, 860-868-0119, jseitz.com.
Connecticut ceramic artist Frances Palmer collaborated with Chad Jacobs of Bone Simple Design to create the Brancusi lamp. It is handcrafted of white earthenware and topped with a woven rope shade, a design that elevates a simple table lamp to an intricate art form. $3,600, Frances Palmer Pottery, Weston, 203-227-7204, francespalmerpottery.com, bonesimple.com.
Local artist Lisa Bagley creates custom Petsonality pet portraits that capture your furry friend’s unique traits. Sure to make you smile, her whimsical style brings out your pet’s best features. Prices vary, $350 for this 18-by-24-inch portrait, Milford, 203-980-8976, lisabagleyartist.com.
Inspired by original club fenders of the Georgian and Victorian era, New England fireplace benches bring back a time-honored tradition. Enjoy a warm, cozy atmosphere this autumn with these handsome pieces made of wrought iron, fine leather and hardwood accents. Corner sets (shown here) start at $1,450, Club Fender LLC, New Canaan, 203-966-8733, clubfenders.us.
These stylish, eco-friendly JoBird Carryall yoga bags are designed to hold everything. The new Brushworks series features original art from Connecticut artists such as Elizabeth MacDonald’s rich geometric maze, Autumn Mosaic (shown here), $169, JoBird’s Nest, jobirds.com, elizabethmacdonald.com.
Montage (MOderN vinTAGE) showcases the new Elements bench constructed from bleached ash wood with a simple yet sophisticated design. $950, Montage Modern Vintage, Westport, 203-349-5859, montagemodern.com.
This article appears in the September 2013 issue of CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens).