The Curated Walls of Erin Loechner

Little Paper Planes is a community comprised of artists and collectors alike, where the line is blurred between the collector and the collected. To celebrate our artists, patrons and well-decorated walls everywhere LPP created Curated Walls where we peek into peoples homes to see who, what, how and why people collect art.

In this edition of Curated Walls we look at the collection of Erin Loechner. Erin is a freelance writer and stylist based out of the Midwest. She founded the highly acclaimed design blog, Design for Mankind in 2007.

1. Name/Location/Occupation

Erin Loechner/ Midwest, USA/ Freelance Writer, Stylist

2. What is your experience in collecting art? When did you start? What did you start with?
I grew up in a super small town and to be honest, didn’t even notice art/design/aesthetic until I moved to Los Angeles after university and became enthralled with the culture. The first piece I ever purchased was an Alyson Fox print (in 2006 I believe?), and I still love it as if it were the newest member of my collection.

.3. What is important for you to feel in your space?
It’s important for me to feel calm, yet inspired. It’s actually quite a hard balance to achieve and I struggle often to achieve the perfect mix. I have to stop myself from hoarding art because I find it so fascinating. The result is a very eclectic collection, but it suits me because I love each piece for a different reason.

4. How do you choose your pieces and how do you arrange them? Is there a method or is it arbitrary?
It’s very arbitrary. Anything that grabs me (whether emotionally or strictly visually pleasing) can have a place on my wall. I do, however, like to arrange my art in the most temporary fashion. You’ll find expensive prints “framed” with washi tape or my favorite zines leaning against the art shelf I built with my husband. Nothing fussy or permanent works for me, because I love keeping my collection a living being that can change weekly.

5. Do you find the pieces begin to have a dialogue with one another? How do they interact with your space and one another?
You know, I really do see that. When I first arranged my art shelf, it took days to find the right mix so the patterns, colors and textures didn’t compete. Each piece is so different, but I like that they all complement each other well in terms of contrast and scale.

6. What does collecting art mean to you?
Everything. Art is so much more than a pretty picture. It can be a memory, a moment or a mark. I find it important to surround myself with those personal reminders.

7. Who/what are your favorites? Please highlight some key pieces from your collection.
My favorite artists displayed are Marieke Auer, Alyson Fox, Jacquie Bois, Leah Goren, Sarah McNeil, Michelle Arcila. I’m still saving my pennies for a few other mixed media favorites: Lulu Wolf, Elina Minn and Natalie Rognsoy.

Thanks Erin!