We recently took a trip to the curious world of Natural Curiosities. Set in Echo Park’s converted Jensen Recreation Center, the studio itself is an ode to the ever-evolving and fantastical nature of art. Once an Ancient Egyptian-themed bowling alley, it’s now an inspiring space for creating oversized prints, silkscreening, metallic leafing, and other artistic techniques.
With Natural Curiosities pieces being spotted everywhere these days, with notable appearances in Elle Decor, Vogue.com, House Beautiful, and Stylebeat, among many others, it was refreshing to see that owner Christopher Wilcox and his team remain close to their hands-on roots. Beyond the inventive design of the space itself – high ceilings, exposed brick, and other thoughtful remnants of the original Jensen Rec Center – the art house is filled with beautiful finished pieces hung floor to ceiling as well as large tables for aging prints, drying racks filled with delightful new pieces, printing screens and inks, and sustainably sourced natural specimens awaiting their close-ups.
Despite their popularity, Natural Curiosities has managed to retain the feeling of an intimate artists’ co-op. This comes through in each of their whimsical collections, which they take care to keep from overproduction, retaining the integrity of the art.
Natural Curiosities silkscreen and metallic-leaf pieces, like the Rumana Seahorses, are stunning. See how these incredible techniques are used: Metallic Leaf and Silkscreen
We also love the uniqueness of hand-colored prints like Noah’s Ark. Take a look at the process: Hand Watercoloring
Photographs from Natural Curiosities carry a nostalgic and magical feel, while remaining chic and modern design statements.
Their sculptures breathe new life and beauty into objects we’ve seen many times before.
Prints come in a variety of styles with something for any room. The Lord Bodner Triptych speaks to Natural Curiosities’ octopus fascination.
Finally, we think their specimen art, like Fallen Feathers, is right on trend in the art world with clever ideas we’ve never seen before.
For more art from Natural Curiosities, visit GraciousStyle.com. And don’t forget to take a look at our entire Art section.
Like this post? Sign up for our email list to get news and special offers!