I recently commissioned one of Hilary’s Couples pieces and I wanted to describe the experience… -Stephanie Todhunter
-My husband and I both filled out her questionnaire independently, which was fun (we tend to be more snarky and less sentimental, so our answers were definitely more on the sarcastic side of things). We got to read each other’s answers (and,no, I don’t leave my reading glasses EVERYWHERE). If you were giving this as a surprise gift, Hilary could also base the painting on one questionnaire. You could also do one for a mother/daughter relationship, siblings, etc… Anyway, it was fun to take some time to think about what it’s like to be together for so long, soooo soooo long, so very long…
-Hilary took our questionnaires and created a painting that incorporated our answers into a deeply symbolic abstract piece. I love the fact that the painting contains hidden messages about our relationship… The only clues I’ll give you about the piece she created for us (see above) is that we have four kids, and when I was much younger I did have a strange love of target practice.
You can contact Hilary directly about commissioning a painting or stop by this weekend to see some of her work in person and sign up for a painting. She can take on six custom pieces before the holidays (she can take more commissions for other holidays as well, like birthdays, mother’s day, valentine’s day etc).
Here are some sample questions (the questionnaires are specific to they type of relationship- ours was romantic, but she makes ones for siblings, friends, children, parents etc… and they are all customized for each couple):
How long have you two been together? How long were you dating before you got married and how long have you been married?
How did you meet?
What were your first impressions about one another?
What were you first attracted to about each other?
If you were friends before dating how you did make the transition? Did one person initiate it?
How did you decide to get married?
How did you know each other was the one you wanted to spend the rest of your lives with?
What are some of the most important things you have in common with each other? Now and when you first met.
What do you find most attractive about each other now?
In three words how would you each describe your relationship?
What are some specific things you two enjoy doing together?