Lia Burke Libaire’s creative evolution has led her to the intersection of nature, art, and design
Lia Burke Libaire learned to closely observe the world around her during an intense studio art program at St. Mark’s boarding school in Southborough, Massachusetts, where she spent hours in silence painting still lifes. After studying communications and psychology at the University of Denver, she used her artistic and observational skills working for furniture designer JANUS et Cie in New York. When Libaire moved to Charleston in 2016 after reconnecting with her now husband, she began creating art full time, finding inspiration in the Lowcountry’s natural surroundings and setting up a studio.
Her watercolor and ink works, featuring botanical motifs influenced by scientific illustrations, are a favorite among interior designers. She also cofounded the Brier & Byrd textile company with friend Georgia Tapert Howe, offering wallpapers with colorful artichoke vines, geraniums, and mushrooms, and other natural elements. Here, Libaire shares her creative process.
Lia Burke Libaire’s watercolor and ink works feature botanical and ocean-inspired motifs influenced by scientific illustrations; she recently collaborated with Beau Rush Ceramics (right).
Natural Inspiration: Charleston’s slower pace and beautiful, natural surroundings have had a huge influence on my work. Being here, I feel more inspired by nature in a way that wasn’t as easy to experience in New York. I’ve always been drawn to things that feel timeless, like the natural world. I don’t gravitate toward trends; I like things that will stand the test of time, things you’ll still appreciate in 20 years. I like the idea of creating something that evokes nostalgia and familiarity, a sense of connection that lasts.
Creative Process: Most of my work is created with ink and watercolor. I draw using a calligraphy nib, which isn’t very common for drawing. I make different versions of my core pieces, and I also love manipulating my travel photos and painting on them. I work quickly, always trying new mediums and experimenting with different techniques.
Designing Textiles: Brier & Byrd is a partnership with my friend Georgia Tapert Howe, a Los Angeles-based interior designer. We’ve known each other since high school. She approached me about creating a wallpaper line, and we launched it two and a half years ago during the Legends design event in LA. It’s been amazing working with her, and we’ve recently expanded to new markets, including Houston and Dallas at the Wells Abbott showrooms. Our designs are available in Hollywood at Home in LA, Temple Studio in New York, and Coleman & Rose in Charleston. We release new patterns every May.
Libaire often makes different versions of core pieces, such as her shells and mushrooms, which are popular with designers.
Looking Ahead: My designs are being licensed for Grateful Dead merchandise, which is launching soon. I’m also collaborating with Beau Rush Ceramics to create handmade plates and catchalls featuring my artwork. Additionally, I worked with Sephora this past holiday season to create custom stationery suites to gift to the editors they work with closely. And I’m thrilled about my ongoing partnerships with local brands such as Urban Electric and Nette.
Grateful Life: I am very appreciative of the fact that I am able to see my art and designs applied in a variety of ways. Whether it’s actual paintings, wallpaper designs adorning a room, or collaborations with brands that I admire, I am deeply grateful that I am able to share my art in so many different ways.
