ABOUT SHE HANGS LA,

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FIRST STEPS - CONSULTATION & SCHEDULING

When talking with a new (or repeat) client, I first like to get a sense of what the project entails, and what final expectations are. That includes the number of pieces, estimate of their sizing, and any wall or ceiling site information, such as gallery wall in the living room with plaster walls, or Television mounting above the credenza, or large painting installation on the second-story stairwell overhang. This can be done off-site via phone or video-call, or through photo referencing. For more in depth installations, an in-person consultation may be necessary.  After consultations, we schedule and confirm rate expectations.

SECOND STEPS - ON-SITE WALK THROUGH & INSTALLATION

When I arrive, I start with a walk-through of the space and discuss the day's project.  That can look like the client walking us through the space, pointing out their art, and their intentions with it, whether they've chosen placement or arrangement, or if that is left to my discretion.

I work closely with my clients to understand their unique needs and preferences, and to create custom installations that tend to exceed their expectations. It's one thing to see your work leaning against the wall, ready to be hung, but the magic happens when it's in it's home, and you take a step back, see the collection of family photos, a recently framed signed print from your favorite artist, the large antique mirror above the fireplace, the painted doodle from a child proudly framed, or a master work sheltered in acrylic to be admired.

While I specialize in gallery walls and precision installation (think grids, or outdoor signage with specific measurements and architectural site-specific placement, I haven't met a project I haven't been able to install.

No two installs are ever the same!  Oftentimes, in applicable spaces, we discuss furniture placement, and potential rearrangements to maximize the space for aesthetics, flow and function. From initial concept to final outcome, I'm committed to delivering exceptional results. While I stand by my reasoning for design, I install to my client's preferences with an undamaged ego. 

FINAL STEPS - INSTALLATION DOCUMENTATION

I photograph every installation, big and small. I always give client’s the freedom to allow photographs to be used or not, as their privacy is held in the highest regard. Additionally, client information is always kept private, unless permission was previously given. 

When I started art installing nearly 10 years ago,  I began with a less-than-average drill and a small Dewalt tool bag which housed various supplies that I had used in the gallery I owned beforehand, One One Six Two, in Echo Park, Los Angeles, California.  It was in that space that I honed my installation skills, having produced and presented over 40 exhibitions, over 25 pop-up shows, and a multitude of performances in under two years.  Needless to say, I had become very acclimated to installing art and doctoring walls between shows.  The gallery demanded an extraordinary amount of my time, sometimes reaching 80-90+ hours a week.

After shuttering the doors in 2018 in seeking a better live-work balance, I began installing professionally, as I had found a true love and passion for the craft.

She Hangs LA now has an intensely dedicated following, with loyal clientele whom I adore. Not only have I deleveoped relationships with my clients, but with their art as well.  It has been a gift to see many clients move into new spaces, sometimes two and three and four times since we began working together.  I've seen clients through maternity, and now with multiple children; marriages, and the the coming together of collections and furnishings.  It has been a joy to affect those I install for.  Art does that, it affects us, and I get to be that person to make it happen.  It's one thing to have a great piece or collection of art, but the installation is just as important.  It's the bass in a song- you notice if it's off, but when it hits, it grabs you and carries. 

 This isn't a job, it is a joy.  

 Colette von "I firmly believe art and design inspire and transform, not only our environments, but our emotional experiences within spaces. I started She Hangs LA to utilize my talents in design, exhibition, fabrication, and spacial awareness to bring creative vision to peoples lives.  What surprises people the most, is my visual disability. I have Cone-Rod Dystrophy, and have deteriorating vision. When I'm not at work, I use a blind cane. My clients are always shocked, and can't believe I'm in such a visual field. It has yet to impact my installation, but my legal blindness has created a world where I pay a LOT of attention to detail, and in this industry it is an asset to be a perfectionist."