Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Tharp.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have always been captivated with the power of architecture and design… to affect how we feel, interact, live and love. For me, the qualities of our surroundings and our actual quality of life are inextricably linked. I envisioned an interior design firm that would inspire well-being… that would beautifully support the lives our clients dream of leading. But I didn’t start there.
My career began producing what I cheekily call “art for commerce’s sake” —advertising and programming for brands like JELL-O, HBO and Time Life Video & Television. It took a hard right turn upon building our own home. I was hungry to learn and model best design/build practices, from custom craftsmanship, quality materials and local artistry to methods that are healthy for people and the planet. The thrill I felt in both designing and then inhabiting those spaces was something I wanted to share with others. Lisa Tharp Inc. was born.
I set an intention to honor each client’s own definition of luxury and well-being, whether that be formally entertaining a crowd or pure sunlit tranquility. This mission soon attracted like-minded talent, whose collective gifts have helped us realize far bigger goals than I first allowed myself to dream. Funny enough, not one of us has worked in a design firm before. Our diverse backgrounds provide fresh thinking and help us tailor every client experience, from furnishings projects to complete renovations.
We are humbled and grateful for the opportunities that have come our way, and for the daily inspiration from our Back Bay surroundings since recently moving our studio to Newbury Street.
Please tell us about your art.
For me, creating interiors is a form of art. Like a sculptor, we shape space, working from the building’s shell on in to the last furniture piece. Light, proportion, color, texture, scale… these are the tools of our craft, whether improving the flow between rooms, designing a kitchen, or selecting upholstery fabrics. Form and function are imperceptibly balanced to create spaces that just feel good. Yet, this art form is impure. It cannot flow strictly from the artist’s heart and mind. It must be inspired by, indeed driven by, deep listening… to client hopes, goals, dreams. I consider our work akin to a commissioned portrait, which captures the essence of a person in a setting that reflects their personality and lifestyle. We do not “decorate”. Rooms must have an authentic soul, which emanates directly from the architecture, a sense of place and from the beautiful individuality of the clients themselves.
Art makes the room — whether a painting, sculpture or a really well-crafted chair. I love designing custom furnishings, and am also occasionally inspired to make art for our clients. Courage and Grace, a large abstract painting, hangs in the home of a client who amazingly beat two types of cancer during our time together, in no small part due to her steadfastly positive attitude. To imbue that kind of meaning into a project, for me, is the greatest reward. We also love supporting local and emerging artists as we curate works here in Boston, New York City and beyond on behalf of our clients.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Our website includes a sampling of our portfolio. Magazines like Design New England (whose cover feature of our home helped launch the firm), New England Home, Boston Home and even some nationals, like House Beautiful, have kindly showcased our work as well.
Now that our studio is on Newbury Street, we are enjoying developing new relationships in the city as we continue to serve clients in New England and beyond. We invite interested folks to call or drop us a line at hello@lisatharp.com.
As an Artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success an artist?
As our “art” is commissioned, client satisfaction is the greatest measure of our success. We love hearing “I would never have thought of that, but it is perfect.” or “It feels incredibly good to be home.” or “We love hosting large gatherings now. We’re making memories here.” To that end, we constantly ask ourselves: “Have we delighted and surprised our clients? Have we created something fresh, yet timeless and enduring? Has the transformation journey been as enjoyable as the destination?”
In our work, success is a team sport. It is incumbent upon us to define a clear vision at the outset for all involved. This fosters inspired collaboration with our talented partners, from builders to upholsterers to artists, who pour their all into the making process.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Today is a world of extremes for artists. On the one hand, the internet has created endless possibilities to connect, share and promote work. Conversely, the marketplace is increasingly saturated. It has never been more important to stay true to yourself and your unique gifts, and to clarify your artistic purpose. In the book, Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Art-Making, authors David Bayles and Ted Orland remind us, “Only in those moments when we are truly working on our own work do we recover the fundamental connection we share with all makers of art… Your job is to draw a line from your art to your life that is straight and clear.”
We are proud to be part of Boston’s artistic community. Cities like ours can continue promoting creation and preservation of affordable live/work housing for artists, which returns benefits to all. Artists are able to remain in the urban neighborhoods they often help renew, thus avoiding the “SoHo Effect”. A thriving artistic community and cultural milieu increases the value and appeal of the city itself. Public art projects, youth education programs, and accessibility for all are other important goals.
Thank you for this opportunity to share our journey and thoughts with you.
Contact Info:
- Address: Lisa Tharp Interior Architecture + Design
125 Newbury Street
Third Floor
Boston, MA 02116 - Website: www.lisatharp.com
- Phone: 6173419900
- Email: hello@lisatharp.com
- Instagram: @lisa_tharp
Image Credit:
Photography by Michael J. Lee.
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