Upon Waking by Catherine Lucky Chang

Some Luck by Luke Chiswell

What inspires you to collect the work of emerging artists?

You are getting something that isn’t on everyone else’s wall already. As artists in other parts of the industry, we believe wholeheartedly in supporting the dream of others. Especially those early in their rise. Art is also something that holds value, and can only go up. Collecting art is something you should never ignore.

What is your earliest memory of art, and what led you to start collecting it?

Sabina was raised in a very large, and close family. With two aunts that are painters. Each of their families’ homes are full of paintings from both of them through the years. Tyler was obsessed with painting, drawing, and all forms of art from a very young age. We just recently started collecting with a purpose though. Intentional art only, moving forward.

How has the sentimentality of your collection evolved over time?

We are just beginning our collection, but already know we are going to be so proud as friends and family walk through our halls looking at our pieces.

Is there a particular type or style of art you collect?

Tyler is mostly drawn toward mixed media, collages, and on the darker, moody side. Sabina is mostly into the same, but also prints and paintings, all on the more neutral side.

Where and when do you feel the most creative?

Usually in nature. Or really early in the morning or late at night when the rest of the world is asleep.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

From everything in life. Conversations I overhear in coffee shops, or bars. Personal experiences, past or present. Experiences other friends are going through. From movies, poems, art. There are ideas all around us at all times, if you open your mind to finding them.

For new collectors, do you have any advice you wish to impart; Do you have a collecting ethos or philosophy that you want to share?

In all stages of art, I believe you know whether something is right or wrong within the first few seconds. If you have to talk yourself into liking something, then you wont like it later. If you love something but think you’ll have to defend yourself to people or explain it too much, get that, because it speaks to YOU. And that’s what art is supposed to do.

Describe your collection in three words.

Neutral, Reminiscent, Progressive.

Why would you recommend Tappan to someone looking for artwork?

Tappan immediately showed us that art isn’t just different versions of the same products you see everywhere. There is true individuality and unique pieces that can speak to anyone on this site, and it’s from emerging artists.

“When I came across Catherine Lucky Chang’s work, it immediately made me smile. Her work is mixed media on handmade abaca paper, and it reminds me of when I was little. I used to go to the science museum with my family and make handmade paper, and ever since I’ve gravitated to this type of paper. I even look for it when choosing a journal. This piece will be in my office, a space where I go to feel inspired, where I go to be productive, and where I go to meditate. It feels very meant to be, and I can’t wait to have it in our home.” – Sabina

On Catherine Lucky Chang's Upon Waking

“There’s something about these worn out boards, that Luke Chiswell calls trophies, that I couldn’t wait to put up in the house. After a board serves its purpose, it really is a trophy, displaying the hard work and sweat you shared with it. “Some Luck” makes me think… is it really “some luck that guys got”, or did he put in the work to get where he’s at? I want to put three of these up in our house, side by side.” – Tyler

On Luke Chiswell's Some Luck

“This is such a simple piece, but instantly draws you in. We love that Luis Figallo made this from reclaimed wood, and then finished in plaster. We have a mantle, and console, both built by Tyler using reclaimed Red Oak, with a plaster finish around the fireplace stone. So, putting these on another wall in the same room, could subtly tie everything perfectly.” – Sabina

On Luis Ignacio Figallo's Triptych No. 4 - Linen

“Beverly Hills will forever have such a piece of our heart. Our first apartment together was in Beverly Hills. We spent the first year of Covid in this apartment, and this hotel was just a short walk up the hill. Having this piece in our Nashville home, would feel like we had a piece of our beginning on the wall.” – Sabina

On Claire Salvo's Beverly Hills Hotel

“Is there anything that screams “west coast” more than an In-N-Out wrapper? This might not resonate with Sabina, but I was raised in California, and when you found an In-N-Out on the highway, it was a luxury. There’s something classic, clean, and grungy about this crumbled up wrapper, and I love how much it reminds me of home.” – Tyler

On Claire Salvo's Double Double