we caught up with the artist and mom, Lia Burke Libaire, at her studio in Charleston, South Carolina to chat about her career and the limited-edition artwork collection she created exclusively for minnow with Liberty Fabrics.
tell us about yourself! where you're located, about your beautiful life, family and career.
i live here in Charleston in the Hampton Park area with my husband and two children.
you have such an inspiring career. what led you to become an artist?
i always loved to paint and draw. i went to a boarding school that had a very intensive art program. we had to stand and draw still lifes for hours, without talking. when i graduated i was sort of burnt out on it all and took a long pause. then, after a big life change about 10 years ago, my passion for it got reignited. i was living in New York City at the time, and took some classes at the New School to improve and learn more. i started selling some pieces on the side and taking small commissions before making the leap to becoming an artist full time.
as an artist, where do you find inspiration?
so many places! nature is my biggest inspiration, also interior design, fashion, movies…
tell us about the pieces you created for minnow:
i love that minnow is working with the classic and recognizable prints from Liberty Fabrics! i was able to source the exact patterns and used them to create artwork that compliments each design. it felt right to create pieces based around springtime and the sea for both myself and minnow!
describe your personal style in three words.
classic, comfortable, chic
now, in the spirit of our spring collection and warm-weather getaways, we have a few travel-related questions…
my go-to in-flight beverage is:
water. and a vodka soda.
my go-to travel uniform is:
High Sport pants, a button down and a big Hermès cashmere scarf that can double as a wrap while traveling.
my biggest piece of advice when traveling with children:
more snacks!
aisle or window:
aisle.
my favorite souvenir:
something that is unique to the area! a small piece of art, clothing or jewelry from a local brand or maker.
my room service order is:
salad and a cocktail for me, pasta with butter for the kids if they have come along.
my bucket list destination:
Maldives
my favorite destination for family travel:
Mustique
my favorite vacation memory:
seeing The Dead at The Sphere last year.