RISD Grad Student Designs Card Line for Condolence
Saturday, March 03, 2012
RISD student Jonathan Frioux's restrained, heartfelt art makes sending condolence easier and more beautiful.
RISD grad student Jonathan Frioux applied his artist's sensibility to the task, and has designed a striking line of stationery and cards for Hawthorne & Wren, a new online retailer that specializes in upscale, meaningful gifts for sensitive times as well as celebratory ones.
Frioux's designs are subtle and elegant, emphasizing botanical and other natural images that echo eternal themes. GoLocal caught up with the young artist to find out how he got involved with Hawthorne & Wren.
How did you get involved with H&W?
It just so happens that my mother is the creative director.
Were these stationery designs created by you with their special mission of outreach over grief, intentional? Or had they spotted your work and thought it was a good fit?
The stationery was created specifically with the H&W mission in mind. The designers came up with the still life subject matter on each of the stationery cards. My charge was to make illustrations where the viewer would feel as if they had made a little discovery, something fresh and renewing. I have made similar illustrative paintings in the past and the designers knew that I would be a good fit.
How do you feel about your work being used in this way?
I am thrilled. The little experience I have had with H&W has been good. Those I have worked with at H&W are sincere about this company and it's positive energy. Each of them in some way or another have a personal tie to the H&W mission. It is good for me to be a part of that in my small way.
What other kinds of work do you currently do?
I've currently been making abstract sculptures in my studio from which I use the forms to make paintings. That process allows me to be expressive and explore different space possibilities in a painting. I have also been getting out of the studio to enjoy the Ocean State and to make small videos. The videos are a way for me to gather my ideas and to record my physical reaction to the landscapes.
To see or order Frioux's work as well as other Hawthorne & Wren products, go here.
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