Spotlight On: BravinLee Editions
New York, New York
John Lee and Meredith Rosenberg, co-founder of Bravinlee Editions, may be new to the rug industry, but they’re certainly not new to the art business. Meredith, who comes from an art-oriented family, studied art history and the business of art. John, with his wife Karin Bravin, run Bravinlee Programs, a company that does cultural production. The inclusion of hand knotted, limited edition rugs seemed a natural addition to their slate of projects and joining GoodWeave™, an organization that mirrors their philosophy, followed almost immediately.The mission of New York-based Bravinlee Editions is driven by the founding duo’s love and knowledge of the fine arts and a desire to bring the somewhat rarified world of high art to a new public. To this end, Bravinlee Editions seeks out artists working in other media such as photography, painting and drawing and introduces them to the medium of rugs. As John explains, “We are interested in the artist becoming part of the discourse of everyday living. Entering into the rug industry accomplishes that.”
Working with artists such as photographer James Welling and painters Nina Bovasso and James Siena, Bravinlee Editions creates rugs in limited editions of fifteen with two artist’s proofs, much as printmakers might do. Speaking of James Siena’s “Global Key 2nd Version,” an all-wool piece in a palette of burgundy, tan and burnt sienna, Meredith says that on seeing the first images of the rug, “We were simply astonished at the weavers’ work.” So apparently are the art collectors who are buying Bravinlee Editions rugs. Though collectors make up a part of their market demographic, Meredith says they have a broader goal. “Making rugs is a way to reach people not familiar with the gallery world.”
For Meredith Rosenberg and John Lee, joining GoodWeave was an imperative. “Being ethical in business and being part of a global community was always important to us,” says John. But until they heard someone speak about the issue of child labor at an event hosted by the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, they were unaware of the extent of the problem. “It makes us feel good that commerce can be done in a way that is not hurtful to others.” The company’s affiliation with GoodWeave, they say, makes their customers happy too. Says John Lee, “It is a dream for Meredith and for me to be able to tell people our rugs have the GoodWeave label.”
To learn more about BravinLee editions, visit www.bravinlee.com.
