Art and Your Home

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Tips from the Experts

Although “Art” is most often associated with galleries or museums, throughout each day you are exposed to art at work, at home, and most places in between. Art can have a powerful influence on your mood, spirit, and sense of happiness, affecting your mental health and well-being. By surrounding yourself with art, you build atmosphere and create an identity within your home or place of work. As an artist, part of my role is to help clients transcend their home décor experience. And, as a former practicing psychologist, having studied the effects of color, space, and shapes on the human condition, I know that art can often be comforting and inspirational, as well as, invigorating to the viewer. Edgar Degas expressed what the role of the artist was to the patron when he said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”

In choosing art for your home or office, there are some questions and thoughts to consider. First, what style of art is most pleasing to you? Are you drawn more to abstract shapes, geometrics, or figures? Artistic styles can range from the very abstract to impressionism to realism. And, like music, not everyone appreciates the same type of art.

For the most part, my work offers an eclectic approach to creative expression, and pieces range from total abstraction to semi-abstraction to impressionism. Abstract art leaves the total interpretation to the viewer who sees what is stimulated from within. “Transported” conveys atmosphere and mood but not a particular subject, so it is up to the viewer to see what they want to see and feel.

Sometimes abstract art can be misunderstood. Depending on the viewer's interpretation, an abstract piece might appear as simply a wild splash of paint or a mass of blue or red color; to other observers, the painting may create a sense of energy or feeling of calm and tranquility. It all depends on the viewer's interpretation. Abstract art is a great solution to enhance the atmosphere of a particular space in your home by unifying the elements in a room creating harmony and consistency.

It’s also important to consider what your home means to you and what you want it to convey to your guests. Think about this for a moment. What do you want to say to people who come to your house? It is important to think about who you are and how you want to express yourself. Do you want your home to reflect beauty? Power? Happiness? Safety? Love? Nature? To help bring your expression to reality, works of art can be a great place to start.

The semi-abstract piece I’ve called “Nature in Abstraction” creates possible illusions of nature, like ripples of water on a pond or floating lily pads. The colors and subject of the painting can help stimulate the viewer's fond memories of a hike through the woods or a picnic with a loved one. In this way, semi-abstraction and color can work to build a sense of tranquility in your own home.

Does size matter? Naturally, a large canvas can have a very dynamic effect on the viewer. If you want to create a "wow factor" in the home, size is something to consider. A large canvas is often the first thing you see when you enter a room because it creates a focal point. A significant piece of art makes an impression on visitors to your home, and original work stimulates questions and adds value to the décor.

The placement of art in your home will have an impact on you every day. You will see it when you get up in the morning, when you are walking around the house during the day, when guests come over, and at night when you are relaxing before bed. A painting can change your mood to peaceful and positive thoughts, or its effect might energize you with happy feelings.

Much of my work has a hint or image of a particular subject surrounded by abstraction. My painting “Blue Heron” is a good example. Birds tend to promote stress-free environments. My art patrons often like my bird images, and there is no mystery as to why. Birds are non-controversial. Their colors, posture, and facial features can be pleasing to the eye. Thoughts of birds singing in the wild can give us hope and peace. The blue heron is very territorial and hence is a common subject in many backyards and ponds in our area. People often feel safe when viewing something familiar.

In selecting art, you need to think about color. It is not only important to consider colors that work with the décor in your home, but how can color enhance how you feel? In “Blue Heron,” there are soft blues and splashes of yellow and gray. Blues can promote tranquility and reds excitement. Yellows exude a sense of something coming, expectation, or anticipation.

Art is one of the most dynamic sources of non-verbal communication. You can live in a home with just the essentials, but adding art to your décor makes life more joyful. It creates an atmosphere that is interesting and instantly adds a splash of personality. Color, subject, size, and style are important factors that will influence your selection. The piece you choose should give you a good "vibe" since you will see it every day.

A wealth of art in a wide variety of styles and media is available in several galleries on St. Simons Island. Gallery owners can help you with the exciting journey of selecting just the right piece for that special place. Art patrons are invited to browse my working studio and gallery during open hours. I paint at my easel daily and enjoy answering questions about my work. Commissions are welcome and a good way to help the homeowner get what exactly they want.

Wallin Studio and Gallery - 3600 Frederica Rd., Suite 13 - Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - 912.222.6073 - ken@wallinfineart.com - wallinfineart.com