We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Austin Kerr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Austin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I have always been passionate about all I do whether it’s art or custom finishes/ restoration on furniture but around 7 years ago I had a transformative experience spiritually that helped me have a more meaningful mission with my work. I wanted to redirect my efforts from self-serving work to work aimed at bring peace, healing and a better quality of life to those around my work. An example of this for my art, growing up creating antique reproduction finishes on furniture I quickly realized the comfort old and vintage pieces give. Could be an old worn out chair or even a pair of pants, they are familiar and comfortable, you an be yourself in them.., this ease and comfort is translated to be felt in my artworks. They are often neutral but even when with bright colors I give them washes of color to soften them visually. The abstract nature gives the viewer a contemplative space to gaze and process life’s highs and lows, ultimately helping us live happier and healthier.

With furniture, I have restored more than a thousand pieces but over the past 5-6 years I’ve been focusing on studio craft collective design. These pieces are typically one off or in very limited quantities and usually vintage like Nakashima, Perriand, Prouvé or Chapo but contemporary too like Haas Brothers or Marc Newson.

Restoring pieces like these are preserving history and in return allowing us to enjoy them for many years longer.

I’m a go to furniture medic for wonderful galleries like Carpenters Workshop Gallery, R & Comapny, Invisible Collection and designers/ homeowners as well.

After 25 years in this field, I’ve recognized that my best work comes when I am doing what I truly love and I have found comfort in dedicating my knowledge and willingness to helping those in need.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I grew up in a home where my father was a talented furniture designer and artist/painter whose passion was shared with the entire family. My father Allen, my older brothers, and my mother Adele have been part of the Kerr Collection company, which has been in business for over 40 years. With 25 years of experience working with the best interior designers and furniture manufacturers. In 2009, I launched my own company, Detailed Finishes by Austin Kerr, serving designers with high-end finishes. I offer a one-stop shop for all your finishing, repair, and restoration needs. My main focus is on studio craft collectable furniture restoration and new furniture repairs for ultra luxury manufacturers. One thing I want all my clients to feel is trust when working with me and to know I always have their interests at heart. Developing solid and honest relationships are very important to me.

Life’s most challenging moments compelled me to produce spiritual art. As a form of healing and cultivating a meditative space, my artwork became a nexus for contemplative art, each unique story, and himself connected deeply to God. Each collection showcases spiritual inspiration and transformation. I feel blessed that God’s redemption affords me a medium to incorporate and appreciate the transience and imperfection of things, people, and places. The artworks on board are created with Venetian plaster and acrylic and the works on paper are made with antique books, their parts and acrylic.

The Works on Paper series (2020-2021) exposes the predictability of our pre-pandemic routines, like a book we know cover to cover. These works give language to the feelings of hope we may struggle to find and remind us of how we have grown. Now, inside is a new story using pops of color that uplift and symbolize brighter days ahead. The artist hopes that we remain positive while reflecting inward and not burning through this time but soak it in, grow from it, and have these pieces be a reminder that hope begins in the dark. The works on paper, as of May 9th are now exhibited at Hugomento gallery in SF. Instagram- @Hugomentosf

My artworks have been showcased throughout the United States in diverse residential and commercial luxury communities, and abroad by Amelie Maison d’art in Paris. In addition, my works have been featured in show-houses like Kips Bay Palm Beach and published in magazines, including AD & Veranda.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The past few years have been incredibly busy and business is better than ever but I found myself so focused on my projects that I was unable to plan for my future. Concerned about important life decisions both in and outside of my career, my very supportive wife Rebeca and I decided to make a shift in lifestyle. We decided to remove ourselves from the day to day craziness, get out of Miami and rented a wonderful home in the center of Florence for 3 months this summer. We wanted some time in a place where we can have long quiet walks and weigh out fully some of the decisions we were unable to in Miami. Doing this in a very inspiring city, I hope will inspire a new art collection. While I won’t be “working” in the typical sense I will be making time to connect with my international clients around Europe and apprenticing for some furniture makers and going to all the art and design fairs around Europe like Design Miami, Salone del Mobile and Biennale.

Coming home with a more clear plan of our future and ways to better my clients experience working with me is our goal. Follow some of the behind the scenes of makers I interact with and the fairs on my IG stories!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

The world is changing so rapidly especially in the way products are seen and purchased and the algorithms, while in some ways helpful, in other ways make it extremely difficult for artists. I’m sure many artist have seen the rapid and steep drop in engagement on Instagram. Commenting, sharing (and giving credit!) goes a long way to help artists work be seen. I have taken courses on how to get the most from IG and have seen how IG shows your content to only 10% of your followers and IF you get many shares, comments and likes they will show your work to a small percentage more incrementally. If you like an artists work, share, mention a friend or gallery or anyone who may enjoy the work in the comments.

I contend we don’t have to stress inward on ourselves when we are all supporting each other.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://austinkerr.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinkerrart/
• Other: Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/AustinKerrArt/_created/