Instagram can be a tool for procrastination, but it can also be a tool for inspiration. Enter: Inslee Fariss (@inslee), one of our favorite people to follow for design inspo. She's an artist who uses bold colors and a distinct style to bring a unique spin to life's big and little moments. She makes everything from wedding portraits to covetable sandals to prints that'll brighten up any room and most recently, she did a beautiful watercolor illustration for our India Amory collab. Here, she tells us about her day-to-day, travel tips, and her favorite feeds to scroll.
Tell us a little about yourself!
My name is Inslee Fariss and I am an artist living in Raleigh, North Carolina. I paint everything from bridal portraits to floral patterns on leather sandals and everything in between. My family and I are adjusting to the south after spending the better part of the last decade in NYC. Our 2 year old son, Jackson, and Ophelia, our miniature dachshund, are especially excited about life with a backyard!
How do you make sure you are enjoying your stay on the daily?
I am a big #enjoythestay-er on all levels - my most favorite, learned from my mother - when I travel I do not live out of my suitcase. I move into my room as if I were staying for a year even if it is just a weekend away and then I hide the suitcase under the bed or somewhere I won't see it at all. There is something so nice (and luxurious) about having your clothes organized into drawers as they would be at home, and seeing a curated closet hung with just the pieces you picked for your trip with intentionality, instead of feeling jumbled and temporary as you dig through a half packed suitcase day after day.
What's something most people don't know about you?
In my quest to become even more invested in the #enjoythestay life I just learned how to iron this week! I know some people hate it but I am finding it very satisfying to do it myself!
Current brand crush?
Obviously, my girl Julia's beautiful India Amory! As a first-timer with an actual dining room after life in NYC, I can't wait to have a dinner party with her linens.
Favorite interior designer Instagram right now?
Any of the great fabric houses - Bennison, Pierre Frey, Schumacher... also @tat.london is a new discovery that is so much more eclectic and weathered than my own comfort level but very cool!
What's one piece of advice you'd give your younger self (other than invest in luxury bath towels ;) )?
Sunscreen.
Last show you binge-watched, last book you read, or last podcast episode you really loved?
Just finished My Year of Rest and Relaxation - unsettling, thought-provoking and so, so good. A work of art!
What fun projects do you have coming up?
Painting a blue and white chinoiserie-inspired chintz for a swimsuit line... coming in spring!
Ok, tell us about your towel time!
Quick no nonsense! / long and lingering
With Music / in peaceful silence!
With cell phone! / with book
Morning / evening!
Face mask / clean face!
Please read all these responses through the lens of the mother of a 2 year old... I hope my answers change someday! Ha!
