FURNITURE ARTISTS COLLECTIVE MEMBER:

Erica Jane Walsh: Art Vision Cotswolds

I'm Erica, a professional furniture refinisher based in Lechlade in the beautiful Cotswolds.

My journey into furniture refinishing began many years ago when I was furnishing my first home on a next-to-nothing budget and seeking affordable furniture. Growing up surrounded by vintage and antique furniture, I always found myself drawn to similar pieces. The solidity and intricate details captured my interest in a way that cheap flat packs couldn't. In the early nineties, I discovered that people were often willing to give away such pieces, which worked to my advantage!

Over the years, my home evolved into an eclectic mix of old and new. I'd even spot forlorn furniture pieces on curbsides and ask if I could take them. People were always surprised that I'd want "a grotty old piece like that," but I could see the potential! I realised that repainting old pieces could instantly breathe new life into them and allow me to match them with my decor. It wasn't uncommon for furniture pieces to be "tried out" in every room of the house, repainted each time to give them a fresh look. But it was never just a job; I genuinely enjoyed it. In 2020, I officially launched my business, Art Vision Cotswolds, and turned my lifelong passion into my profession.

With an art background, I saw the opportunity to turn a blank canvas piece into a feast for the eyes while still celebrating and enhancing its beautiful details, wood grain, or unusual features.

Sustainable living has always been essential to me. Our planet needs futureproofing, and our "disposable" society is damaging our environment in significant ways. Restoring vintage furniture can help reduce waste in landfills. I don't want to see beautiful solid pieces piling up in landfills when they can be transformed into unique statement pieces. I see myself as a furniture rescuer and re-homer. I find old, neglected pieces, transform them, and then deliver them to delighted new owners.

Commissions are a significant part of my work, and transforming a furniture piece for a customer into a statement piece never fails to make me happy, especially when it's an heirloom piece that holds memories for my customer.

I love working with antique and vintage pieces and enjoy rising to the challenge of restoring a piece that may need substantial repairs. I work alongside my husband, whose fantastic carpentry skills I would be lost without. I'm a huge fan of dark gothic-style designs, but I also love florals and enjoy bringing a piece to life with subtle tones and delicate touches. Although I dabble a bit in decoupage, I prefer adding my own hand-painted touches to make a piece truly unique.

I'd love to see more people moving towards a sustainable world, and I'll be doing my bit, too, one furniture piece at a time.

Contact Erica via her website at Art Vision Cotswolds