Meet Eva Gallant of Y-Knot-Creations

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eva Gallant.

As an American raised and educated in Europe, Eva Gallant knew at a young age that she had a talent for expressing herself by bringing colors together in unique ways and creating surroundings and environments which truly reflect the wants and needs of her clients. Her keen eye, vision and ideas have no boundaries and have proven to truly reflect client individuality.

Creating fascinating decorative finishes from a broad pallet of colors, Eva transforms walls and cabinets into personalized masterpieces. Once completed, walls may appear to have multidimensional surfaces, and cabinets…whether in the raw or ready for a make-over, will be totally transformed to complement surroundings and decor. The creative possibilities are endless and besides her dedication toward exquisite craftsmanship, Eva’s strength lies within truly listening and ultimately creating that which reflects her clients wishes.

Eva is a member of the International Decorative Artisan League (IDAL) and has had the opportunity to learn from a select few world renowned decorative artisans. She has been recognized and certified by IDAL as a Certified Stencil Artisan (CSA) having demonstrated superior ability and competency in stenciling excellence. Her work has been juried by the leaders in the decorative painting field, where only truly outstanding work passes the scrutiny of the Stenciling Certification Review Committee. Eva has also been trained and certified in many of the most popular Faux and Decorative Painting Techniques, including Faux Effects, Modern Masters, Golden and Decorative Concrete.

Besides all of these mediums, Eva has also created her very own unique line of wall finishes inspired by real life events, people and places. Whether it is the sunset in Montana (Remains of the Day), the art deco interior of a famous restaurant in Paris (Bofinger), or the rainforest in South America (Mission – a dedication to her late father), Eva has found inspiration and been able to artfully extract from those places and impressions with all of her finishes and especially, her flagship Aurora Collection.

Driven to new levels of creative interest inspired by recent trips to Africa and the Antarctica and recognizing the abundance of possibilities within the Decorative Concrete field, Eva has also recently incorporated Bas Relief into her repertoire as her newest and perhaps most striking artistic medium yet.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No smooth path here. From when I was little I wanted to pursue a creative career… But my parents urged me to get a “real job” first. I went to professional college and worked for the US military.

In 1991 my endeavors took me to the US and I worked in another capacity, always keeping my dream alive though of one day really doing what I love: CREATE.

By the age of 36 I had done many projects for my own environment, received a great deal of compliments and was encouraged by others to pursue my craft professionally.

However, I was in a very abusive marriage then and breaking out of that circumstance forced me to start over once again.

After my divorce, in 2008 I moved to the DFW Metroplex permanently and whilst maintaining work in another capacity I took a ton of decorative painting classes, schools from masters all around the world to refine my craft. I spent every penny to learn new techniques and I incorporated other mediums, joined IDAL and ultimately got my studio in Hurst, Texas.

It was not easy.

Coming to DFW as a “new kid in town “, during the recession in 2008 was the worst possible time.

As a decorative artist you sell “luxury”. Many of us did not survive the recession. It was very hard to make a living.

Feast or famine sometimes is the name of the game here and one has to be very disciplined in spending and making good decisions.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Y-Knot-Creations story. Tell us more about the business.
I do decorative painting.

I am decorative artist who specializes in creating entire environments. I am basically the designer and executrix at the same time. Because I do Wall Finishes, Cabinet Finishes and I am a Vertical Concrete Artisan.

I do reliefs. So between my walls and painting furniture and creating a “concrete” tree I basically can bring it all together and not have to outsource certain parts of a new room/ home.

May I say what sets me apart is that I actually listen to my clients and try to create their “dream”, I make recommendations and render ideas but it is in truly listening and not imposing my ideas that sets me apart. Often, I manage to inspire the client as well. I relate what can be done and open their eyes to all the creative possibilities.

I am very fortunate to have been schooled in many techniques and old crafts. Being extremely well connected with other artisans and resources thru IDAL and many forums is also very beneficial.

While I am proud to be a US citizen, I also take great pride in my German heritage. The Germans are known for their quality products and engineering and I pride myself in the same. For me it is not “get in, get out, get paid” but rather that the outcome is excellent.

I do not skimp on materials, nor do I go out and try something “new” at the client’s expense.

Everything is field tested and whilst I am not the “cheapest”, nor the “most expensive “artisan,” you get what you pay for, QUALITY.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Both: bad and good….

I have had a lot of bad luck and nothing came easy, that made me tougher….

Good Luck, that in the end, I get to do what I LOVE: CREATE.

Not many of us get to make a living with what we truly love to do.

May I quote the late Ernest Shackleton: By endurance we conquer….

I had so many stones thrown in my way, yet … here I am… doing what I love …

Contact Info:

• Address: 1235 Cavender Dr.,
  Suite 210 Hurst, TX 76053
• Website: y-knot-creations.com
• Phone: 817-614-8386
• Email: eva@y-knot-creations.com

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.