I’ve been very lucky lately to have been visiting the inspiring accommodations of some really talented artisans, crafters and designers. So I’m turning these visits – some live and in person, some via flickr, into a weekly feature, Unexpected Guests. That way, ya’ll will get to pop in behind the scenes, homes and studios of the talented artists we may have a curiosity about. I always wonder what space a designer likes to work in, or even where they like to plop down with a good book, host dinner parties, or brew a pot of coffee and hang out with their partners and pets.

This week, I bring you the lovely and talented painter, Marci Washington. I met Marci briefly at the Rare Device opening the other night and was quite taken with her sweet demeanor and surprised that someone this amazingly talented was so young.

She has so much more to share with us as her story evolves. Marci says in her bio, ” Currently I am interested in building a fictional narrative with connections to history as well as to the present. It’s like I’m illustrating a novel that doesn’t exist. If it did, it would probably be a lot like Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, or Bleak House – novels which function as social commentary as well as beautiful romantic epics. ”

To see more of Marci’s hauntingly beautiful work, you can visit her website here, as well as the online gallery, The Beholder. For now, we’re going to take a look at how Marci lives, works and thinks. I asked her a few questions, because, well, inquiring minds usually want to know. And I thought it would be fun to be James Lipton for a little while…

Who is your favorite artist?
I don’t have just one favorite, I have a long list of true loves.

What’s your favorite food?
Lasagna and fried chicken, not together of course.

What is your most treasured belonging?
My grandmother’s charm bracelet.

Favorite color?
Olive green.

If you could photograph anyone in the world, who might that be?
An apparition.

What do you despise?
People who are mean to animals.

What’s your favorite word?
Right now it’s ‘craggy’.

Who would you like to sit down to tea with?
Angela Carter and Nick Cave.

What’s the last great book you read?
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Bad pop music and instant mac and cheese.