In Conversation With: Domenica Marland

London and Wiltshire based art dealer Domenica Marland has curated the art on the walls in The Swan. She is passionate in advocating young and up-and-coming artists, all of whose works are all available to buy from our Art Menu.

We are very excited to have your curated art collection displayed (and available for our customers to buy!) at the Swan. What was the most enjoyable part of the curation process for these artwork and ceramics?

It has been very special to ask artists to create works especially for The Swan. When thinking about this project, I thought it was important to curate a selection of work that were inspired by Thyme and had a connection to the countryside and beautiful surroundings. After each artist sent a selection of workscreated especially for the pub, it was fun to then imagine what pieces would work best in the space. With an old building like The Swan, it was interesting to consider the shapes of the walls, nooks and crannies and how to make the pieces work in such a unique space. When thinking about how to advertise that the artwork is for sale, Milly came up with an idea of having an 'Art Menu' for customers to look at when they sit down. I feel this is an inviting and unique way to show off and learn more about the artworks we have presented in a relaxed way when sitting down having a drink with friends and family.

Do you have a favourite piece in the collection?

I love what each artist has created. A few favourites are Lucy Wayne’s dogs and her large flowers on a bright blue background. Ruby Bateman also created some very special pieces including Augustine & Bedioune that mirror each other. I also feel that the calmness of Georgia Beaumont’s vibrant work blends in with the aesthetic of Thyme and its surroundings.

What inspires you creatively?

When looking at our past exhibitions and the work sold on our online gallery, I suppose the common thread between the artworks is colour and uniqueness. When looking at art I am immediately drawn to the colours used whether bold and bright or pastel tones.

What is the most important quality you look for when collaborating with new artists?

Art is subjective, therefore when considering new artists I am constantly surprised by which different type of work speaks out to me. With this in mind, I am most interested in the individuality that the artist offers in their work and how it might suit the walls of someone’s home.

How do you get to be the first to hear of new up and coming artist?

Despite its occasional faults, I have Instagram to thank for what I do. It is a portal to discovering such wonderful and talented artists. When we announce our latest artists we launch a series of social media posts and newsletters to our followers. I love introducing such talented artists and hearing such wonderful feedback.

Is there a style of art that inspires you the most?

My background is in contemporary art however I also did a masters in Renaissance so my taste is incredibly eclectic. I am inspired by interesting narratives, beauty and colour.

Has art curation always been your calling?

I have always been attracted to objects of beauty, be it clothes, homeware, architecture and artworks, so when I began studying art history and conjured up an interest, it only felt right that I pursued a career in it. I feel so lucky that everyday I get to look and work with such beautiful pieces by such talented artists.

What is your favourite art museum to visit?

There are so many museums I love around the world. Especially the ones in Venice and Florence which I can go back to time and time again such as the Uffizi and Pitti Palace. In London I love the Renaissance section in the National Gallery including Botticelli's Venus & Mars and smaller galleries such as Tristan Hoare and Lyndsey Ingram always have great exhibitions. In Wiltshire where I grew up I always love visiting places like Roche Court, Messums and Hauser & Wirth Somerset for contemporary art.