Artist Alexandra Grant has officially launched her new wine brand, LOVEwine, influenced by both her artistic endeavours and cherished memories from her youth in Paris. The unveiling of LOVEwine took place at a lively event in Los Angeles, where Grant reflected on her journey as both a creator and partner to renowned actor Keanu Reeves.
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At 53, Grant has established herself as a prominent visual artist, particularly known for her collaborations with Reeves, who is 61. The pair’s artistic partnership blossomed with the book “Ode to Happiness,” which came to life through Reeves’ words and Grant’s illustrations. The duo later co-founded a publishing house, further intertwining their professional lives before going public with their romantic relationship in 2021.
During the launch event for LOVEwine, Grant provided insights into how she and Reeves navigate their creative processes along with their personal relationship. She described their dynamic as one rooted in mutual respect, particularly when it comes to providing feedback on each other’s work. “He’s always so appreciative, so he’s always cautious, I think, with feedback, and I would say the same,” Grant explained to PEOPLE.
Their collaborative approach is marbled with an understanding that sometimes silence is necessary for creativity. “You want to always be respectful and leave the other person to bake their cake,” she quipped, emphasizing the importance of giving one another space to explore their individual artistic journeys. Such communication allows them to balance their shared and separate efforts, highlighting their belief in the autonomy of each project they undertake.
Grant elaborated that both she and Reeves view their artistic pursuits as personal play. She noted the significance of belief in the projects they embark on, saying, “Every project has its own autonomy, its own team, its own sort of rules, and it has a beginning, middle and end.” This perspective is crucial as they pursue diverse artistic paths, be it Grant’s painting or Reeves’ performance art in roles like John Wick and Neo from “The Matrix.”
The new wine brand LOVEwine is a thoughtful fusion of Grant’s design initiative, grantLOVE, and the expertise of California’s J Vineyards and Winery. The collection channels the iconic LOVE symbol frequently seen in her artwork, establishing a direct connection between her visual identity and the wine venture.
In a personal account, Grant reminisced about how her fascination with wine began long ago during a summer spent in Paris with her mother, an American diplomat. It was a formative experience, marked by living in a cramped hotel room and embarking on spontaneous adventures through the city. “I am the only child of a single mom,” she reflected, recalling how the duo navigated their time in France without a fixed agenda.
One particular dining experience stands out in her memory. When they dined out, Grant had expressed interest in trying a glass of wine, only for a waitress to insist on serving her a drink, much to her mother’s surprise. “My mom said, you know, she’s only 12. Can you give her a Coca-Cola or water?” Grant recounted, laughing at the server’s insistence on the cultural immaturity of serving underage patrons soft beverages.
This humorous incident serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of experiences that shaped her interest in wine long before she ventured into the world of viticulture. It also illustrates how deeply personal stories can intertwine with professional ambitions, culminating in the creation of LOVEwine.
Grant’s artwork has found homes in galleries and museums across the United States, including the renowned Los Angeles County Museum of Art. With LOVEwine, she is not merely adding a new line to her portfolio but nurturing a passion that intertwines art, culture, and community, drawing on the wisdom and memories of her formative years to influence her latest venture.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Grant maintains a clear vision of her and Reeves’ artistic collaboration, grounded in respect and a shared belief in playful creativity. With LOVEwine, she invites others to share in the joy of exploration and creativity that has characterised her life and work, proving that art can flourish in all its forms, whether on canvas or in a glass.