Case Study #3 | Sonya Yong James for Lyla Lila

November 2, 2020 Amy Parry

Our third Case Study gives a little more detail about the custom indigo spoon installation that APP commissioned last year for Atlanta restaurant Lyla Lila. Created by local artist Sonya Yong James, this piece perfectly complements the passion of Chef Craig Richards and the interior design by Smith Hanes Studio.

It all started with a bit of synergy - the kind that only occurs during a great studio visit.

Please flip through the Case Study below, or review our initial overview of the project here.

Case Study #2 | AMLI Lenox Conference Room Installation, Atlanta, GA

September 21, 2020 Amy Parry

This is the second Case Study we are sharing in hopes of giving you a glimpse into our process and hands-on approach to creating custom pieces of art for hospitality projects.

At the beginning of this year, we wrapped up work on an art package for the new AMLI Lenox in Atlanta. This fantastic apartment complex needed unique art to complement its exciting, high quality amenities and shared spaces. We provided art for the Coffee Lounge, the VIP Clubroom, the Wine Bar, the Makerspace and Theatre Room. Perhaps our favorite piece, however, was the sculptural installation that was created for AMLI's Conference Room, outlined below.

Please let us know if you have any questions or an upcoming project in need of our ideas! We would love to work with you.

Sonya Yong James | Lyla Lila (ATL)

December 16, 2019 Amy Parry

Christmas came early for Atlanta foodies when Chef Craig Richards’ newest concept, Lyla Lila opened to the public on December 6th. The midtown restaurant is the result of many months of exploration into Richard’s passions - Southern European (leaning Italian) cuisine, experimental jazz and an interest in creating a comfortable, approachable dining experience.

When Chef approached Amy Parry Projects to consult on a statement piece for the Restaurant’s main dining room, everyone was initially imagining a textile piece - in the interest of southern charm; one that spoke to the passing down of craft. Naturally, Atlanta artist Sonya Yong James came to mind. A studio visit was scheduled between Chef and Sonya (recently represented by Whitespace Gallery) and a delightful shift in direction happened en studio.

Hanging from a pot rack in Sonya’s space within the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center was a large, old wooden spoon that she used in her hand-dyed textile work. Richards saw the spoon and was struck by it’s natural beauty. As Sonya and Chef connected over music and other “ties that bind,” the spoon became the story. Sonya embarked on creating a textile hanging work from a collection of indigo dyed spoons.

Sonya Yong James, indigo dyed wooden spoons, metal armature, 7 x 5 feet

A custom armature was made, spoons (new and old) were gathered, Sonya switched studios (and was awarded the prestigious Artadia Award on the heels of three back to back exhibitions) and the piece was installed as the Restaurant prepared for it’s first round of guests - friends and family of Chef and his Lyla Lila business partner Billy Streck.

Sonya’s spoons are a beautiful complement to the Restaurant’s beautiful, eclectic interior which was designed by Atlanta’s Smith Hanes Studio. If you are in Atlanta, please make a point to enjoy both the food and design of this new, great space.

Recent article from Atlanta Magazine here.