Welcome
An introduction to this newsletter.
This newsletter will be home to opinion pieces, art history research, and interviews all dedicated to the question of what artists clothe and equip themselves with in order to create.
As a lifelong amateur painter and drawer, I’ve always admired the beautiful palettes, paint boxes, and smocks of artists from the 19th and early 20th century. I’ve often wished that I could wear the same cotton canvas smocks or find quality hardwood boxes for my brushes. Over the last year I’ve designed such pieces reimagined for the modern artist while staying true to the simplicity and beauty of these objects’ historical forms. In June of this year I launched my brand with a pop-up shop in the East Village of New York. As I continue to grow the brand and the products that I can create I wanted a space to document my curiosity.
I invite readers to join me in my journey to document antique art supplies and recreate quality made in America clothing and fine art supplies for today’s artists and artisans.
Supply Bag, 10 oz bull denim art supplies zippered bag with interior snap closure pocket.
Brand Statement:
Creissen Artistwear is a tailored workwear and fine art supplies brand by James Creissen.
I create high-quality garments and wares for professional and amateur artists. I believe in crafting these from natural and durable materials like cotton bull denim and cherry wood. My pieces are inspired by the clothes and tools used by artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The long smock was inspired by a photo of Matisse on a ladder in his studio painting in a long jacket. The artist suit was inspired by a photo of Monet at Giverny in a light-weight white suit. These pieces are made to be tough enough to stand up to the wear and tear of creating – whether that be painting, woodworking, or pottery. Yet, they’re also made to wear outside the studio. With age, paint splatters, stains, and creases, they’ll acquire the marks and memories of your creative process.
The art supplies are based on products found in antique stores across the country. The brush box design is based on one found outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the table easel is based on a vintage one bought in Hudson, New York. I believe that the creation of beauty begins with tools of exceptional utility and aesthetic value, which is why I’ve imbued the same care I bring to painting in sourcing inspiration and crafting these pieces.