Because of its everlasting influence on fashion, art has been a continuous and favorite theme at HonestlyWTF. So you can imagine how ecstatic we are whenever those two worlds collide, like today, with our friends at Loeffler Randall having joined forces with Tappan Collective for the ultimate giveaway. If you aren’t already in the know, Tappan is an über cool online platform where art enthusiasts at every level can go to discover and collect pieces from talented, emerging artists. And like art, Loeffler Randall accessories are best loved for their thoughtful, directional point of view and a timeless quality. Art, shoes and handbags . . . together, it makes perfect sense. I mean, wouldn’t you want a chance to fill your closet by winning a $1000 gift card to Loeffler Randall and your walls with a $1000 gift card to Tappan Collective?! Find out how easy it is to enter the giveaway after the jump but in the meantime, get to know these three amazingly talented, California-based artists and check out the art they created, inspired by pieces from Loeffler Randall’s spring 2016 collection.

LOLA ROSE THOMPSON: By way of sculpture, watercolor and three dimensional installations, Lola Rose Thompson is interested in the idea that objects can receive and transmit information that may be stored but difficult to see. Much of her work is accompanied by descriptive and lengthy titles, full of literary devices.

How does living in California and the mystic of the California girl play into your art?

I love living in California – there’s so much to see and do here, incredible nature, lots of culture and diversity, and of course the ocean.  I was born in the summer, and have always loved to swim…and hang out with other ocean loving California girls….aka mermaids. (In the last few years, I’ve made both paintings and sculptures of mermaids).  I think growing up here has of course influenced both my personality and my art practice. I am definitely a California girl – I love nature, I love getting out of the city, and I love working outside! One thing I really appreciate about watercolors is that they are convenient to bring with me anywhere – I adore painting ‘en plein air’ – and I always bring a set of watercolors and some paper with me when I travel, so I can paint at the top of a mountain after a hike, or on the beach, by a pool, etc. I am definitely inspired by the beauty and expansiveness of the California landscape and I think thats reflected both in my paintings as well as my sculptures.  I’m also inspired by another element of life in California – Hollywood. I’m interested in the power of stardom, pop stars and celebrity culture and the strange contradictions of Los Angeles – a city which is both shallow and deep – where people are obsessed by fame and beauty and plastic surgery, as well as new age fads, and various forms of spirituality and mysticism.

What does medium mean to you? 

I work in different mediums depending on what I’m interested in at the time. I make paintings, primarily watercolors and oil paintings, and I make sculptures and installations, using various different materials, from neon, to ceramics, to found objects.  For me the medium of an artwork is just a tool for expressing an idea  – so whether I am working with paint or with neon, I am still just trying to explore an idea.  The titles of my works are really important – I think that titles can add so much to a work of art – and I’m really interested in the relationship between the story of the image and the story of the title.  For me the title is an opportunity to give the viewer more information, which may not be visible in the artwork itself.  I like to play with our expectations for how we understand a work of art – instead of telling a story pictorially, with images alone, I use the title to create add to or create a new narrative that may or may not exist in the image.

How would you describe your personal style?

I’m a bit of a tomboy…and because I work in my studio so much I generally wear overalls or jeans and soft t-shirts or mens button-ups with a front pocket.  Pockets are crucial for me.  Of course I also like dressing up occasionally, and I love elegant clothes.  For a night out on the town, you’re just as likely to find me in a three piece suit as a dress.  I love socks, suspenders, and hats.  When I shop, I rarely do the forever 21 thing, I prefer to buy really classic slightly more expensive things that I know will last a long time. I think you end up saving money that way – buy something special that you’ll keep forever rather than a hundred cheap things that you’ll throw away in a year or two.

Why do you love Loeffler Randall?

I love that they make so many great, interesting, elegant flat shoes  – I love a good pair of heels but for me it’s really a pretty rare occurrence.  I only own 2 or 3 pairs of heels.  I’m always looking for cool and comfortable flats and LR has so many great options with interesting fabrics and really unique styles.  Everything is really high quality and feels like it will last for the rest of your life – the bags are all incredible – classic and modern at the same time – and they are all super functional and very well made.

EMILY KNECHT: Photographer Emily Knecht explores vulnerability, sexuality and perception of reality in her work by exploring the female body, capturing the casual magic of everyday, and occasionally turning the camera on herself.

How would you describe your work?

My stock answer is naked girls and barren landscapes, but that’s pretty vague lol. I think as I’ve been getting older, I’ve started to connect more to being a women, and what that actually means. My newest obsession is pregnancy and motherhood.  My friends are starting to become mothers right now and documenting those moments is really special for me.  I am starting a project based on that to turn into a show/book.  Maybe it’s the hormones, but I’m just really affected by it.

Are you inspired by a subject or an emotion/feeling?

Both.  You can’t create something that’s not there. It’s about finding the emotion or feeling within the subject that’s in front of you at that very moment. You can’t superimpose a feeling on a person or place that isn’t there.  But you can see the emotion/feelings that a person is feeling in that moment and go from there.

How would you describe your personal style?

Mine changes.  I like simple.  But sometimes I want to go a little crazy.  The idea in general is good if you’re not so rigid with it, you have to be open to change.  People get stuck I think.

Why do you love Loeffler Randall?

I love the simple designs.

JENNY SHARAF: Multidisciplinary artist Jenny Sharaf explores the mythology of the California girl, and it’s relationship to femininity, with an array of mediums. Her process toggles between analog and digital with brightly painted painted canvas and abstract collages.

How would you describe your work?

Primarily I’m a painter, but my practice incorporates installation, printmaking, digital collage, and public events. Much of the work seeks to explore femaleness, counter culture, our current media moment and the mythology of California.

What inspires you?

Modernist chairs. Tarot cards, crystals, vintage fabrics, swimming pools, museum dates.

How does living in California and the mystic of the California girl play into your art?

California is a part of me and seems to come through in the work. My mother and both grandmothers were these archetypical California girls and that definitely informs my aesthetic. The mystic of the CA girl is forever young, complicated and sun kissed.

How would you describe your personal style?

Style informs the world of who you are, and it should always be personal. My personal style is a mix of old and new. Lots of retro pieces and classic basics. It’s hard not to get paint on everything I own.

Why do you love Loeffler Randall?

Loeffler Randall is feminine without being too girly.

Enter to win a $1000 gift card to Tappan Collective, as well as $1000 gift card to Loeffler Randall by entering your email address HERE. Winners will be announced April 11^th by Loeffler Randall through a random drawing.