Intersect Aspen Selections: Laura Smith Sweeney of LSS Art Advisory and Alex Klumb of CCY Architects

Following their onsite conversation, "Art and Architecture: Tips for Designing your Dream Home," at this year's Intersect Aspen, art advisor Laura Smith Sweeney and architect Alex Klumb select their favorite works from the fair. If you missed it in-person, watch the full Laura and Alex's full conversation here, and read on for their selections.

Alex Klumb's Selections

Having been introduced to the work of this artist by a client and friend, Young-il Ahn's 'Water SQYG'enchants with its vivid hues and delicate, organic structure, appealing to both analytical thought and artistic sensibility. The artwork beautifully resonates with the precision and creativity inherent in architecture

Intriguing and thought-provoking, Laurie Simmons' "Pushing Lipstick" skillfully captures the imagination by pairing the innocence of childhood represented by the doll with the dynamic interplay of color and theatrical lighting. There’s an edgy nostalgia which I find appealing.

The ‘HUH’ moment: A thought provoking instant which occurs at least once each day, causing me to reconsider any number preconceived assumptions–a favorite moment! What was your HUH moment today?

I found myself drawn into Chun Kwang Young's "Aggregation 20" at Intersect Aspen–it caught my attention from a distance, inviting me to explore and take a closer look. This piece has a commanding presence thanks to its overt texture and dance of subtle colors. The interplay between these elements is visually strong and serves as both a captivating focal point and an irresistible invitation to discover its texture and shadow play

Laura Sweeney's Selections

When building an art collection, we consistently encourage our clients to explore new mediums, particularly three-dimensional works. The sculptural piece by Beverly Fishman immediately captured my attention, thanks to its striking color contrasts and minimalist composition. Her adept use of neon paint gives the work the illusion of being backlit, resulting in a powerful in-person presence.

This expressive landscape immediately caught my attention due to its sophisticated colors and elegant composition. While Sally Avery is currently recognized primarily as the wife of the acclaimed American artist Milton Avery, one can only hope that her own talent will be reexamined in the years to come.

I grew up in Los Angeles, and palm trees always evoke a strong sense of nostalgia for me. These works by Charles Gaines fuse the whimsy of these iconic trees, plotted by the artist against a precise mathematical grid. Gaines’ sculptural wall works shine in a domestic setting as they invite us to contemplate the difference between order and chaos, and even between art and architecture.

I have been closely following Whitney Bedford’s career for several years, and her latest Veduta series stands out as her most compelling work to date. In the piece featured above, she draws inspiration from the landscape paintings of Swiss Expressionist Cuno Amiet (1868-1961), infusing them with a contemporary grasp of color that provides a potent commentary on our planet's degradation.

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Alex Klumb, AIA | Principal-CCY Architects

Alex believes architecture should elevate human experience, transcending pragmatic expectations into an art form. Among a family of painters and sculptors, architects and designers, his architectural vision stems from an upbringing rooted strongly in the visual arts.

As a Partner of CCY Architects, Alex brings a refined sense of craft to his work, resulting in some of CCY’s most notable clients and award-winning projects. Ranging in location from Aspen to Lake Tahoe; North Carolina to the Eastern Caribbean, his design sensibilities have shaped many of the firm's most important residential as well as large-scale community projects.

Having earned his Architectural degree from Syracuse University, Alex pairs his education with several years of practical experience and a strong background in the visual arts to yield unique design solutions to all aspects of his work.