Meet our Spring Artist Collaborations!
Say hello to Tara Roma Gill, Jessica June Avrutin, and Shelby Monteverde - our Spring '25 Artist Collaborations!
Tara Roma Gill
How would you describe your personal style and how does this affect your work?
"More is more! My personal style would definitely fall under the “maximalist” umbrella. Lots of color and pattern mixing. When I was younger, I would joke that I was a collector of all things random. A chair at a vintage store in a beautiful floral fabric, a green chest of drawers just because it spoke to me. I never curated a full room at a time for my home, but rather collected things here and there that caught my eye and somehow fit them all together."
Describe your most memorable moment as an artist so far?
"It was last October. I was working on a new collection of Menagerie pieces in watercolor when midway through I changed directions. After I finished, I couldn’t get this idea of exploring doing random tiny portraits in acrylic of the Menagerie while combining them with my original still life work. I was so in love with them! When I was done, I essentially had three different series that I was trying to squeeze into one launch. Since I had been trying to be more organized with launches, I almost didn’t release them all. I toyed with the idea of splitting them into three separate collections but decided to go for it and release them all! A few hours into the launch, I received an email from a brand I love and respect so much asking to work together. That day I learned that one never knows what will come from an idea. But the most important thing as an artist or creator of any kind is to allow yourself to explore your ideas! You never know what great places they’ll lead!"
Shelby Monteverde
How did your collab with PC come about? How do you feel about seeing your prints on clothing?
"Pink Chicken found my art on Instagram and Stacey sent me a DM! We moved our conversation over to email where they sent me a little design mockup of what they had in mind with some berries and oranges I had painted. It was an immediate yes for me! I truly am so excited. I’ve seen a lot of artists I look up to with these kinds of opportunities, so I feel really honored to be asked to collaborate. I wasn’t sure how it would translate from painting into clothing, but I knew I could trust this brand to deliver. It’s already so fun seeing them online, but I can’t wait to see them in person!"
How would you describe your personal style, and how does this affect your work?
"I’ve actually been working on upping my personal style lately... and I’ve come to describe it as understated, easy, and relaxed. If it’s uncomfy, I won’t wear it. If it’s ruined if paint gets on it, I won’t wear it. If I don’t feel like myself in it, I won’t wear it! What my gut tells me to wear is usually the best choice, nothing too forced. And I think this plays a big part in how I paint as well. Sometimes the less you think about it, the better. Thoughtful and inspired, yes! But not venturing into the overthinking arena such as “will they like it”? Just ask “do I like it?” and that’s the most important thing and also who cares if “they” don’t! You can’t read other people’s minds, so stop trying to. It will only serve to hinder you."
Jessica June Avrutin
How did you come up with this print?
“I was trying to make a collection of animals that people could frame in their nurseries, and I loved the little pink dots on the frog, and just the silhouette of it in general. I have two little girls who have been wearing Pink Chicken for a long time and I know they’re going to be thrilled to wear these matching dresses!”
Is this the first time you’ve done a print collaboration?
“I’ve designed for different brands including baby brands, but this is the first time where it will be my specific artwork, with my name called out in a true collaboration, so I’m really excited! And Pink Chicken has been one of my favorite brands for so long, so it’s really exciting for me!”