Katy Degroot | Collector Profile

Featured artwork by Ali Enache

Step inside the vision of founder and social media icon Katy Degroot. After over a decade as an innovator in the beauty space, Katy transitioned into entrepreneurship and launched her fashion brand, Thirty Years, in 2021. With recent additions to her collection from Tappan artists Ali Enache and Hannah Carrick, we invite you to take a peak inside her stunning home and her ideas around collecting.

Artwork by Hannah Carrick

"Emerging artists often bring fresh perspectives and experimental approaches, which keeps art collections dynamic and personal”

Artwork by Hannah Carrick

Q&A:

Why would you recommend Tappan to someone looking for art?

I’d recommend Tappan to anyone looking for art because it’s an approachable way to discover amazing new pieces. They have a great selection of emerging artists from all over, and the styles are diverse so there’s something for everyone.

What inspires you to collect the work of emerging artists?

Emerging artists often bring fresh perspectives and experimental approaches, which keeps art collections dynamic and personal.

What is your earliest memory of art, and what led you to start collecting it?

My earliest memory of art is from going antiquing and discovering these amazing, old oil paintings. I was struck by the way the colors looked against the antique frames—it was beautiful and mysterious. I’d find myself wondering about the stories behind each piece and imagining their histories.

How has the sentimentality of your collection evolved over time?

Each piece I collect feels like a snapshot of where I was and how I felt at the time I acquired it. As my collection grows, it’s becoming a window into my past. I hope that, as it continues to expand, it will feel like a scrapbook of emotions and memories gathered throughout my life.

Is there a particular type of art you collect?

Currently I’m collecting paintings, I would love to explore sculptural pieces in the future.

Where and when do you feel the most creative?

I feel most creative the day after I've been out and about, whether it's with friends or on my own. That change of scenery and social interaction gives me a burst of energy and inspiration, and by the next day, I’m ready to dive into creative work with a fresh perspective.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I love being around different settings and environments – it keeps my perspective fresh and gives me new ideas to explore.

For new collectors, do you have any advice you wish to impart? Do you have a collecting ethos or philosophy that you want to share?

Don’t overthink it, if something speaks to you there’s a reason for it.

Describe your collection in three words.

Relaxing, fresh, inspiring.

Share three people in the creative space who are inspiring you right now.

I'm constantly inspired by unique interiors, especially the work of Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn from House of Rolison, who design truly one-of-a-kind homes. Their creativity has motivated me to be bolder with design and patterns. Aimee Song inspires me with her fashion sense, especially how she effortlessly combines different pieces to create unique looks.

Katy Degroot's Favorites

“Ali Enache’s work is truly captivating to me. I find myself completely enamored with how beautifully the colors blend together, and her pieces bring a sense of peace whenever life feels chaotic.”

On You're Beautiful in the Cold by Ali Enache

“I find this piece absolutely stunning. I love the multiple shades of red and how they’re layered. While red is a bold color, I find this piece evokes a sense of comfort and relaxation.”

On Opuntia by Marleigh Culver

“When I saw this piece, I was mesmerized by the organic lines and shapes. The colors and forms evoke a sense of both water and earth, creating a beautiful harmony.”

On Wild Petals N.3 by Chala Toprak