Painting in NYC with Meg Indy
Creativity is at the heart of everything we do here at L&J so we love nothing more then getting to know other curious, crazy and creative individuals. Meg Indy has long been someone who's beautiful, ethereal floral artworks we have admired from afar, but recently we got the opportunity to catch up with her and delve a little deeper into the girl behind the magnolias.
Can you share a bit about your journey as an artist in NYC? What inspired you to pursue this path?
Creativity and change have been omnipresent since my childhood. Before settling down in Augusta, my family moved from state to state with the military, and my craft box followed along as a constant companion. With every change of address, my creativity met me at the dining room table to paint, scribble, and process my evolving world.
After pursuing my art full time as an adult, I had been living in Atlanta for a few years and found myself craving the exhilarating emotions that come with uprooting your life and starting anew. New York City seemed like the exact change of pace my spirit was seeking, so my husband and I packed our things and settled into a four-story walk up near SoHo.
I enjoy walking around the many neighbourhoods here with my husband, noting the colorways and storylines as I go, and returning to my studio to paint the joy of it all!
How does living in NYC influence your art and style choices?
This city has a way of pulling curiosity out of you. Everywhere you look, there is something that will catch your eye, inviting you to take a closer look - a poem on the subway, a sublime smell wafting from the corner bakery, a familiar tune whistled by a nearby biker, a bodega cat purring for pets, and my personal favourite, an infinite amount of colorways existing along the streets.
Whether I am adding an unexpected stroke or donning a statement piece of jewelry I have come to lean into the curiosities, finding fun ways to welcome passersby to take a second look.
Why magnolias? What made you focus on this flower?
Growing up in the small town of Augusta, I was raised alongside magnolias in my front yard and was married with them in hand in my backyard. Similar to the expression ‘be where your feet are’, these brilliantly white blossoms feel like a wave from my younger self, reminding me to bloom boldly wherever I am planted.
For now, I am rooted in New York City. But the South will always be home!
What does a day in the life of Meg look like?
I am an early bird, especially when the sky is a perfect shade of cerulean blue (New York has a lot of days like this!). I most often start my mornings with a long walk, and then I mosey down Mott Street to pop into the old church for quiet time and then into Elk for a cinnamon latte (my favorite!). Then one of two things happens: one, my day will either unfold with my inbox, or two, it will be consumed with the creation of a collection! During the latter, I will put a pin in the day to day busy work that comes with running a business and allow myself to get lost in painting. The studio is littered with works in progress, I don the same pair of acrylic-splattered pyjamas for days on end, the dishes pile up in the sink, and I paint and paint and paint until the work feels done. The ebb and flow of my routines may seem extreme, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
What are your favourite places in NYC for artistic inspiration?
Elizabeth Street Garden is teeming with inspiration. Cascading flowers, assorted statues posing throughout, and endless conversations of the garden-goers around you. In many ways, this garden is my muse - a beautiful place that invites beautiful ideas to walk freely across your path.
Can you describe your go-to summer style in the city?
The best way to beat the heat in the summer is to keep it breezy. I love billowy blouses and oversized dresses paired with structured accessories. A colourful cross-body bag or a stack of bracelets is my favourite addition to add visual interest to a look without the added layers.
How do you incorporate your L&J pieces into your summer outfits?
The L&J Boyfriend Mini Elevate Watch in mixed metal is a left-wrist, summer staple. The silver and gold combination makes it versatile and I especially like that the watch band is adjustable. I keep it nice and loose so it moves with the other bracelets I pair with it (I’m currently wearing the Nova!)
What are your top tips for styling jewellery with summer dresses?
I like to consider the amount of the fabric I’m wearing and inversely pair it with the visual weight of my jewelry. Dainty pieces will lift a look that has a lot of fabric, whereas chunkier pieces ground airier outfits.
How do you balance practicality and style when choosing accessories for the summer heat in the city?
The beautiful thing about accessories is that you rarely have to decide between them or comfort in the heat of the summer. Apart from swapping out scarves with twillies and exchanging shoes for sandals, when it comes to donning your favourite jewels, nothing truly has to change!
That’s what I love most about heirloom pieces - they can stick with you even as the seasons change!
Can you share a few key pieces that you think are must-haves for this summer?
I am all for a daily bracelet stack, and recently I am sporting the Iben bracelet (the dainty pearls are precious!), the Gold Cuff (a true classic), and the Boyfriend Mini Lumous Watch (function meets beauty here). If I’m feeling especially vivacious, I’ll also slip on the Viveca bracelet. She’s a show stopper!
You can’t go wrong with any of the L&J pairings, but these are certainly my favourites!
How does your artistic background influence your fashion and accessory choices?
If my art practice has taught me anything over the years, it is to be true to yourself in every decision. From painting aesthetics to closet choices, I tend to side step (most) trends and lean into investment pieces that align with my spirit and, in doing so, stand the test of time.
What’s your favourite summer accessory trend right now?
The Cape Cod bracelets have been making a comeback on TikTok, and I am here for it! More so than the bracelet design itself, I really like the idea of wearing a piece of jewelry for decades at a time. It allows the piece to become a part of your signature style, which is why I gravitate towards L&J style. Everything is simplistic enough for daily wear but crafted in a way that allows it to be dressy as well. Timeless!
Any trend predictions for the future?
Ooh I would love for sunglass chains to become a thing! Imagine your favourite pair of sunnies resting around your neck with your choice of decorated, gold (or silver!) chain? Add some charms et voilà - function meets beauty!
Where can we find you this year? Any shows, collabs or exciting bits to look out for?
I am proud to say that I am headed to Round Top, Texas, this fall for my first designer showcase! You will find me there alongside hundreds of talented artists and antique dealers sharing my passion for colour & Southern magnolias. And if you can’t make the trip, I’d love to cross paths with you on socials. Wave hello over at @meg_indy on Instagram and TikTok! xx
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