The Gift of Art

My birthday was this past Sunday, and I had spent it in Miami at a bk charity event. During the event, one of my clients asked me what was the best gift I’ve ever been given, and a very large smile quickly took over my whole face.

Although this was not a birthday present, but rather  a Christmas gift that I was given about two years ago, it is still the most thoughtful gift I have ever received.

To truly grasp how special this gift truly is, It is necessary to give you the a brief backstory. About four years ago, I was visiting Chicago for a technical conference and we stayed at the gorgeous Kimpton Hotel Allegro. This Art Deco inspired hotel transforms you back to an era of glamour and excess! The hotel showcases ornate chandeliers, cobalt-blue sofas, and ethereal painted feathers on the ceiling of the private dining room. It is a must see and must stay for anyone who loves a one of a kind hotel experience. 

Image credits: hotelallegro)

Aside from the interesting architecture and Art Deco wallpaper this hotel has a unique statement piece that instantly made my heart flutter! “Lady Lucent of Awakening” 

I have always enjoyed looking at  art but collecting it was never high on my priority list. To be honest most of the art that I owned was from HomeGoods or Kirkland’s, and what wasn’t we’re paintings i had done myself based off of ones i had seen in those stores... I had never felt compelled to spend hundreds - to thousands of dollars on art (partly because I was broke and living in an apartment). 

However, when I saw this painting it was like I was hypnotized. It was like an image projected from my soul and i just couldn’t stop thinking about it. 

Prior to my departure, I had taken a few photos of the painting with my phone to show my mom and boyfriend. I told them how much I was in love with this painting and how badly I wished i could have it, but being a broke 20-something left no possibility to afford such a masterpiece....

Flash forward to Christmas 2017, Rob and I had finally moved into our home and after renovating it for almost a year, we were finally able to spend our first Christmas in the house. It had been a rough year, and because of all the added expenses I did not expect anything big for Christmas. 

But Rob had other plans. He had gone above and beyond and managed to remember the painting i had dreamed of hanging in our home. He had contacted the hotel in Chicago, who gave him the contact information for the artist who then agreed to create the first and only Lithograph of “Lady Lucent of Awakening” 

I have never been more shocked or grateful for such an amazing gift.