How do you color your shells?

The surf clams I use are all created naturally. I find gorgeous shells to use along the Nantucket seacoast mostly, and they range in color. Until they are sealed in the resin, they see very little sunlight. Their natural color makes each shell so unique, so depending on the decided design they are lightly enhanced with inks and paints. As you wear your shell charm, or as the Shell is displayed in your home, it will possibly tint or lighten over time from excessive sun exposure. To reduce this, display in partial or indirect sunlight. I personally love the natural marbling of the shells’ mineral color when I use it in my work, hope you will too!

What kind of materials do you use?

As of 2020, my paintings will be made freehand with a careful application of the following: graphite, acrylic, ink pens, and occasionally oil paint. Materials will be specified in the artwork description, since I practice with various mediums. Merging traditional techniques with mostly inventive ones. All materials are thoughtfully chosen to live in your home, safely :). Each shell is coated with specially chosen brand of epoxy resin. When fully cured, it is glossy as glass. Flexible as hard plastic to minimize breakage. With materials, the roster is always evolving towards the longest lifespan for the art and lowest toxicity levels/ negative environmental impact. ArtResin brand I use now is food safe.

Do you accept custom work?

Customs are not always available, so please inquire, but when I can I love making custom paintings, shells, and hangings for people! I just ask you to remember that I am a one woman operation and customs take time. I also don't have unlimited access to Atlantic surf clams, but will do my best to fulfill your wishes. I will say that the more creative liberty I am offered, the better the pieces will be ;). Custom shells range from $250-$750. Shipping is hard for larger pieces so please keep in mind it may cost $40-$80 to ship your special piece. Depending on the project, it may take quite some time to complete. Paintings may take a few months, while a shell or jewelry may take a few weeks. View my services pages to get started.

Do you offer wholesale?

I accept wholesale orders on a case by case basis with a minimum initial order of $1,500. Ideally simple, patterns, or single subject artworks.

Returns and refunds?

I do not accept returns or refunds, so please make sure you love a piece before ordering! You are welcome to request a video call or additional photos/videos to get a better sense of the piece before purchasing. If there is any issue with your piece, please contact me in a timely manner and I will try my best to accommodate you.

Uh oh! My piece broke!

Okay, firstly please send me an image / video / description of the damage. You may text the phone number listed on the contact page. With paintings, a canvas can normally be repaired without problem. The shells are one solid piece, I can try to repair the breakage but it will never look quite the same. It’s just not how it works, unfortunately. The cracks will be gold leafed and the piece securely resealed, adding to its history.  So, depending on how elaborate the damage is, there may be a small fee- but usually I'm happy to fix them for free, if you pay the shipping!

Domestic Shipping

I ship nearly everything through UPS, sometimes USPS. All pre-made orders are shipped within 3 days of purchase. Shells and jewelry usually only take a couple of days after shipping to arrive, wall hangings / paintings take a week or two, domestically. Shipping costs have unfortunately, gone up quite a bit and I've covered as much as I can, but keep in mind that the larger the piece the more it will cost to ship. I only hope that you'll love the art enough so as to not mind covering the shipping costs. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate your support.

International Shipping

Larger paintings and certain elaborate pieces, I will not ship internationally. There is just too much risk of the piece acquiring damage and it will cost us both an arm and a leg. I am more than happy to ship paintings sized below 24”x24”, shells, and jewelry internationally. Overseas can take 3-5 weeks at times to arrive depending of the country.

COVID-19

As uncertainty persists, surely we are all doing what we can to keep others and ourselves safe. The only difference you may notice are shipping speeds. Post Offices at the moment are not guaranteeing any ETA’s, instead they give an approximate date for arrival. Which is sometimes accurate- sometimes not :(. My art production continues as normal, studio is cleaned regularly, yet interior home murals and embellishments have been put on pause. Indoor businesses with minimal foot traffic may receive mural work during off hours. My online shop, here, is my primary way of art income as gallery adaptations also bring in-person sales online. As I wear gloves and mask, each Shell is washed for 20sec, boxed up, then package is doused in Lysol before it’s brought to the post office. The paintings do not get washed, but they do receive same sterile packing care. The art must go on.