Artful Storytelling in Your Home
“Art is in the eye of the beholder and everyone will have their own interpretation.”
I love how the archway to this dining room creates another frame, of sort. Artist: Vesela Baker - Commissioned multi-media pieces for a lake home dining room. Interior Design: Wanda S. Horton Photography: Dustin Peck (Image Copyrighted)
In the beginning . . .
For many years, the consideration of original art being obtainable fell along the lines of appreciating a well-designed interior . . . often out-of-touch and out-of-reach. Galleries, in major metropolitan areas, catered to seasoned collectors and with the assumption these originals would be an investment purchase, potentially increasing in value like stock. If you lived in a different world, such as a smaller city or a rural location, the concept of art probably came from a very different point of reference. Framed prints of mass production filled the void of empty walls. Sometimes, if fortunate enough, you might have been gifted or inherited a piece of art generated by a talented family member or friend. (And thank goodness, my parents didn’t give away a piece of primitive folk art from a great uncle. What a treasure it’s become!)
As a designer I noticed a trend, especially during the late 90’s and into the early 2000’s, when decoration took a turn towards larger and more elaborate European influences. There was increasing interest in owning big oil paintings as statement pieces because the expanded homes’ scale dictated it. Even in houses without the increased square footage, there was a desire to imply a certain status, via this style. “Old World” was at the top of the list. Lots of faux was to be found in everything, including the art sources. Paintings of subjects, already in existence, came via places like the shops in Dafen Village, an overseas mecca for replicating paintings by Old World masters. Almost every style from the Impressionists to abstract to contemporary can be still be found there.
Though created by hand, they were mass-produced and in not so wonderful conditions for the artists who painted them. (I do say artists because they trained in the techniques needed to produce the canvases.) If you’re so inclined, here is a more recent article written about the state of their factories and a pivot away from so much reproduction work.
An art site’s reproduction of Claude Monet’s Red Water Lilies. Monet’s works have realized prices of over 20 million dollars at auction. This is listed at under $200 in a small size. Is it really a “bargain”, though? Perhaps a placeholder? With the investment of framing; however, I would consider a local art source.
Artists: Michelle Rivera - Large Floral Basket on board. Kathy Cousart - Little Blessings abstracts on linen. Interior Design: Wanda S. Horton Photography: Dustin Peck (Image Copyrighted)
The present . . . .
My current projects have included more original art than ever. I think it’s a pivot from the past in that I’ve developed relationships with artists and a wonderful framer who make the process so pleasant. Most importantly, my clients are open to and are seeking interiors, personalized above and beyond the norm. They’re willing to level-up from their old comfort zones, mostly born from not knowing other options.
I’ve also grown more confident in servicing this category. It’s one that I actually used to dread because art can be such a subjective selection. Art is about a feeling, an interpretation, and it speaks to something fundamental within us; from the days our early ancestors used to tell stories through their illustrations to our modern day abstracts. Finding artists, who offer the opportunity to collaborate with varied styles, also allow us to layer in pieces as our clients and their projects are ready.
Tawna Allred, an amazing artist and interior designer, located in Wyoming, has worked with me to create custom pieces for several spaces in our lake home project. Being that she understands the interiors process makes for great communication, especially when I send fabrics and photos of the space, along with dimensions. I’ll share more about her talents in an upcoming artist series post. We’re excited about installing these in the owner’s suite.
Sometimes art replicates life, as in a tablescape we created after installing our clients’ dining room interiors. They had an upcoming dinner party and after considering the theme with the blue and white vases and the citrus fruit, an aha moment ensued! Being observant is part of having the artist’s eye.
Artist Kathy Cousart took our tablescape concept and created a pair of lovely florals for framing. One is seen in the background. Interior Design: Wanda S. Horton Photography: Wanda S. Horton (Image Copyrighted)
Aside from inspired subject matter, when we’re having art pieces commissioned, to frame or not to frame is an important question. Though it may seem to be a given when a medium requires protection under glass, if using oils and acrylics on canvas or boards, we want to know if the subject is to be wrapped around the edges. It’s a more casual look so it depends on the space where this treatment will be used. Depth or thickness of the canvas can also dictate the type of framing, if choosing to move in that direction. It’s a good practice to see what the artist typically uses and also check in with your framer to see what’s available before placing an order.
There are areas, other than walls, where art can be displayed. When a TV takes over the mantel space, look for opportunities to create some visual excitement nearby. Shelves are a wonderful location for making a statement.
In this bookshelf, we used a combination of framed pieces and some smaller, canvas-wrapped oils. Notice how we expanded the matting to create a larger, focal piece to the left? The small pieces have been grouped as a collection.
Though personally meeting an artist can be meaningful, at least learn a bit more about their inspirations and their passion for what they create. Many of us do love to share stories about our homes and how we came to select certain pieces. These stories are about our experiences. Where we were, what we saw, who we were with, and how something touched us. It’s like providing a mini biographical account and connects us all as humans.
Vesela Baker and part of her family. She has a special process, born from frustration with a painting, and that has now become part of her signature look. (Hint - A spritz of water revealed a lovely texture.)
Of course, art extends beyond painting or wall elements. There are many types. I like to think of interior design as a form of it and that I create with an artful eye, in every project. Design also includes quite a bit of project management and digital detailing - which is great for clients as we handle that aspect for them. I’ll confess, I miss some of the old, hands-on aspect where I used to render my visions. There’s an expectation for the process to move a bit faster, these days. I do find myself longing for a different pace where creating can be savored and honored.
The future . . .
To fill this longing, I’m excited to share I’m taking a week to participate in one of my favorite artist’s workshops! The eternal student in me is both giddy and nervous about this challenge. Somehow I think I’ll have some great stories to share - and if my efforts aren’t too embarrassing, I’ll share some progress shots along the way. If nothing else, I’ll come away with an even greater appreciation for the process. Angela Nesbit, the artist and our instructor, has assured me all will be fine!
I’ll be participating in Angela Nesbit’s workshop, February 26th - March 1st. I’ve got my paint supplies ready! Artist: Angela Nesbit - Marsh Interpretation
If you’re feeling a bit perplexed about how to begin the process of curating a collection, arrangements, or have some pieces you’d like to update with new framing, this is one of my favorite consulting services to offer! I promise you it can take a beige/greige room to a wow! (Well, that and a few other artful accents.)
Contact us here for more information.
All my best! ~ Wanda