John Bell's Red Dot Newsletter Nov.08

Shawn Trujillo and Angie Katsanevas are decidedly modern, exquisitely fashionable and collectors of abstract contemporary art. They own and operate a string of highly successful Lunatic Fringe hair salons in Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah; named in Elle Magazine as one of the top salons in the United States. They have packaged their salon concept with a national franchise launch this past October and are key partners in several Paul Mitchell the School hair academy's including a school in Holladay, Utah. The business of beauty is booming. But that type of beauty is not the only kind they appreciate.

In 2000 their interest in contemporary art took hold. While driving past the now defunct Chroma Gallery in Sugarhouse owned by artist Darryl Erdmann, they spotted a piece of his art that caught their eye. Eventually they went back to purchase the work for $800, which would become their very first piece of original art. The price tag was very reasonable for the size and the prominence of Erdmann as a Utah artist. Although they always appreciated original art, as new business owners at the time, they thought it was a "luxury they couldn't afford", but it seems collecting art is now more about an emotional connection and beauty than a luxury they can't afford, but one they don't want to live without.

RD: What was the first piece of work you bought from John?
S/A: "Disintegration", 2004 (pictured below) - What is it about this painting that attracted you to it? "It is a connection to what the painting evokes, a passionate discussion, argument or debate" explains Shawn. For Angie it was an unintended image of what she interpreted to be an angel in the painting that provided her comfort after her grandmother's passing. They bought 3 more pieces of John's work that same year. And started what would become one of the biggest collections of John's work to date.

RD: Has owning original art changed your lives in anyway?
S/A: "Yes, by connecting to the beauty it surrounds us with everyday."

RD: What piece attracts the most attention?
S/A: Monolith #5, 2006 120"x 48"x 12"(pictured below and in article photo above) -The shear scale, color and dimension of this piece instantly catches people's eye when they come into the house."

RD: Have you ever been obsessed with a piece of art or artist?
S/A: Shawn without hesitation says Monolith #5 (pictured below) - The couple saw this piece during a visit to Bell's studio in late fall 2006. A few days later, Angie called and said she wanted to buy it as a surprise for Shawn's birthday. "We can't believe we own it." says Angie. "We love looking at it every day" "We'll sit and eat at the table facing it and see something different in it every time.

RD: How do you decide to buy a piece of art?
S/A: "It's like finding your husband or soul mate". "You know when it's the one." explains Angie.

RD: What is it about John's art that attracts you to it?
S/A: "We love the clean modern feel of John's work. The vivid colors and the three-dimensionality make John's art very unique". Shawn explains. The attraction to the work is also about the friendship between Shawn and John that gives every piece of his art special meaning.

RD: What is the most unusual place you have art hanging?
S/A: In the closet of Shawn's office hangs a 1989 Herb Ritts print of a photograph of the supermodel old guard of Stephanie, Cindy, Christy, Naomi and Tatjana.

RD: If you could own any one piece of art in the world what would it be?
S/A: Both agree it would be John's (re) defining space, #14 (see photo below) that Shawn has had his eye on for quite some time. "We love the freestanding sculptural aspect of these towers, the architectural lines, the coloration as well as the fact that you have 360 degrees of art." Shawn explains. And Angie adds that she would like to commission John for a personal family history piece created in the vein of his current, "Einstein's Dreams" series as a tribute to her love of family and Bell's artistic aesthetic.(also pictured below) from their collection "Life Dance", 2004 limited edition print.

"(re) defining space, 2004 "Life Dance", 2004 limited edition print