Duende With Gabi Hutchison

Thoughtful expressions at home in Augusta, Georgia.

One of the reasons that I chose the name Duende — for both my business and this new bimonthly series — is that it means a quality of passion and inspiration. I’ve also read it defined as “the mysterious power of art to deeply move a person.” Our homes often include people, plants and pets, and hold profound emotion and expression. They can be chaotic or sparse, warm or cold, animated or idle. The things that surround us are not simply functional, beautiful, or aspirational, but encompass a soul and presence all their own.

With this feature, we celebrate and honor our most meaningful possessions that go far beyond the physical — They preserve memories. They tell stories of a world view. They shape identity. They embody experiences and loved ones. They encourage ritual. They bring us joy.

Gabi Hutchison is truly one of the most stylish people that I follow online. From her impeccable sartorial choices (B Sides jeans, Babaa sweaters, Caron Callahan dresses) to quiet, sun-dappled glimpses of her cozy 1936 bungalow, she never ceases to inspire. As a bookstore owner and artist, Gabi values thoughtful, handmade and artisan-crafted pieces. She evokes a gentle sense of warmth, authenticity, wonder and awe, and effortlessly blends high taste with both comfort and ease. Below, Gabi shares a handful of personal favorite pieces from her home and the stories behind them. Welcome to Duende.

Find Gabi elsewhere:
Instagram
NOIHSAF

Love,
Elise

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1. Elizabeth Moretz Britt, Untitled, 2018

   Supporting local artists is important to me, and Elizabeth is an artist I’ve known and admired for years. My husband and I purchased this painting from a favorite local shop, Art on Broad, because it, strangely and wonderfully, reminded us of every dog we’ve ever had. All rescues and all very different, but somehow a piece of each of them is represented. It’s very calming, perhaps because of the dog’s expression, or the blue and green color palette. Not only that, but I look at it and feel comforted because it embodies animals that we’ve loved and lost. 

2. Areaware, Enny Kirby Vase

   I don’t buy fresh flowers nearly as often as I might like, but it’s nice to have an interesting vase on hand when I do. I tend to see objects in ways that don’t make sense or might be contradicting. This vase, for example, is weird and fun, but also understated. And perhaps that’s why I love it — it’s quietly beautiful on its own even when empty. My husband told me he looks at it and sees a fluffy pair of pantaloons and, delightfully, now I can’t unsee it.

3. Claire Resnick, Lidded Ceramic Pitcher

   This pitcher was my most recent ceramic purchase. I love to support artists on Instagram as well and Claire’s work drew me in immediately. I have an affinity for weird, lumpy, rough-around-the-edges pieces. Even beyond the clay itself, the pitcher has an earthy, unfinished quality to it that really spoke to me. For me, functional art pieces like this are what really make a space feel homey. 

4. Mellow, Striped Ceramic Vessel

   I feel like I’m in my stripes era. Most items added to my closet lately have been stripes, and I’ve been collecting striped ceramics for years. In the past I've used this magical piece (I think of it as a whimsical upside down top hat) as a planter to house the most lush and prolific Chinese evergreen, but I think I prefer it on its own. In my home it sits atop a very large stone pedestal, serving no purpose other than that it brings me joy to look at.

5. Andrea Clark, Textured Brown Stoneware Vessel

   Another local piece, this one from artist Andrea Clark. It’s so substantial, so sturdy and commanding, and I could just tell it would fit in perfectly with the rest of my collection. Though not quite the same, it reminds me of a Dalek from Doctor Who, which I have very fond memories of watching with my husband in the early part of our marriage. He sweetly tried to secretly buy this piece for me as a Christmas present, but I accidentally ruined the surprise. Something I seem to do regularly!

6. Martino Gamper, Arnold Circus Stool, 2006

   The Arnold Circus Stool is another one of those weirdly classic but also playful pieces. Stool, side table, even a storage bin if you flip it over — I love its versatility. I have 3 different colors in 3 different rooms, but the sunny cheerful yellow is definitely my favorite. They can be hard to find in the States, so I’m glad I snatched mine up when I could. I first heard of the Arnold Circus Stool from a now-closed shop in Portland, Maine called More & Co. This shop is what put Portland on my radar as a gorgeous travel destination. My husband and I finally got to visit last September for a belated 15 year anniversary trip. We drove all the way up from Georgia with our dog, Kai, and it was one of the most magical trips we’ve ever taken.

7. BZIPPY, Tall Saucer Vase

   I have a passion for ceramics and always have my eye out for unique pieces. I ask myself, is this like anything else I have? Is the texture unique? Is the shape unique? What about the color? How do these qualities complement another piece I have? My collection feels like a conversation in that sense, it flows. It feels uniquely tailored to me. It feels special. I’ve been a longtime fan of BZIPPY, and this vase checked so many of the right boxes. The tall form was unlike anything else I had, and the color was striking. Whenever I don’t know why a room feels off, it’s usually because there’s no pop of blue anywhere. It’s become my signature. 

8. Rose Greenberg, Cow Comb Pillow
   This pillow was on my wishlist for years and I only recently made the purchase. I kept coming back to it again and again so I knew it wasn’t just a fleeting desire. The comb shape and the print were proof to me that neutrals can be fun too. The cow print is one of those patterns that feels like it should clash with the rest of the room but somehow ties everything together. Is it a pillow I’ll rest my head on often? Probably not. But it’s a little piece of art for my bed and I love that.

9. Antique Rag Rug

   I found this rug at an antique store in Kentucky on a trip to visit my younger sister, so when I see it I think of her. It has these nice geometric properties without being too rigorous or austere. It’s orderly but also feels organic, and the nubbly bits are endearing to me. I knew right away I wanted it to hang on the wall to be more of a focal point. 

10. Sister Ceramics, Magick Sage Orb

    I got this jar specifically to store dog treats by the front door so I wouldn’t forget them on walks. The curve of the lid fits my hand, with its absurdly long fingers, perfectly. I love that beautiful things can be used for completely ordinary things. It makes me think of a flying saucer which brings a smile to my face.

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Photo Credit: Duende custom collage designed by Meg Towle, featuring pieces from the home of Gabi Hutchison.