#2 Austin Tondini
I met Austin years ago, when I had just arrived at Atelier Hauteville—almost ten years ago now. She came to my first exhibition there with her associate, Violette. They had that enthusiasm and good energy you rarely find in guys—it was incredibly refreshing.
They built a decorative painting studio in Paris for private mansions, restaurants, and interior architects, developing a seriously classy style that plays with atmospheres and impressions—a bit like Monet at the end of his life, except they don’t have cataracts! And she definitely shut me up about acrylics—she’s managed to make it express a depth, through layer upon layer, that has the richness of oil paint. But to achieve that, you need absolute mastery, which they have down to perfection at the studio.
Austin is someone brilliant, highly sensitive, and intuitive, with a mindset that’s a breath of fresh air. They’re completely swamped with work right now, so I think this break at Blase House did her good. But I’m really happy for them—it’s great to see things working out so well.
And she’s not lacking in assets—her partner, Merri, is a truly funny and unique guy. Together, they make an amazing Bonnie and Clyde duo, a real joy to be around.
See you soon, my friends!
