My First Piece of Original Art

It may be surprising given my profession that I haven’t delved into the world of original art for my own space until very recently. Even a small piece from a local artist can fetch a large sum in comparison pre-framed and printed pieces, so there should be a great deal of intentionality invested into the original pieces you choose. I try to be very careful about how I spend my money, and on top of the financial concern, your wall space is limited and valuable, especially in a smaller home like mine.

I purchased my first piece almost on a whim on my most recent trip to Vermont. I’ve spoken at length about the importance of travel in my design process, and this find only affirmed my belief that beauty is found in the unexpected an unfamiliar. I was waiting for my mocha with almond milk at a small Manchester coffee shop when my gaze was caught by a small 8x8 piece, a landscape that I felt truly and effectively captured the beauty of rural Vermont. The beautiful mountains and endless hiking trails have always offered a respite from the hubbub of daily life.

The piece captures the sense of peace that I’m overcome by when I spend time in the Vermont countryside. The rural beauty of the place speaks to a timelessness I seek to instill into every design I create. I love looking for art in places like bookstores and coffee shops to find pieces that you wouldn’t necessarily find in a gallery. I find that these places offer works of art that organically and authentically capture the essence of their origin.

I believe that there should be at least one element of art that holds a significant personal meaning in every design. Art is highly subjective, and a good piece should transport you to another place, and remind you of the integral atmosphere that makes your dwelling place a true home. To truly be considered as art, a piece needs to speak to you personally.

In the world of original art the $200 price tag was a bargain, despite the lack of a frame. I love the natural simplicity of the unframed canvas, as it adds to the naturalistic feel of the landscape. I may have it framed at some point, but for now the landscape feels complete all by itself.

I’ve found that the best pieces stick in your mind like a line from a favorite song. I just couldn’t get this humble piece out of my mind. I kept looking over to ponder it while I waited in line. I kept looking back at it, and it stayed with me after I left. While out on a hike, I decided that I’d return to the coffee shop. 2 days later I purchased it for my home. I knew the perfect spot for it, at the bottom of my staircase so it could greet me with pleasant memories of my happy place first thing in the morning to set a positive tone for the day.

There isn’t really a “golden rule” for choosing a piece of art. The right piece will speak to you regardless of color scheme or composition. Often the spontaneity of finding just the right piece for that blank spot on your wall will add a new dimension and greatly increase your appreciation for the work of art that you find. You don’t necessarily have to formulate an entire design around it. Fortunately, my home is painted a shade of bright white throughout, making it easy to balance with any piece that speaks to me.

When I’m unable to get a piece out of my head, I instinctively know that it’s right for me. Previously, my personal collection has been restricted to prints and photographs, elements that are beautiful but tend to be less expensive. Small quality pieces don’t have to be expensive: I purchased the bird print on my hanging shelf for a song! The sole exception was the large piece in my dining room. I initially found the piece at high point market, and recalled it 4 years later after searching in vain for months.

It was a little too big for the dining room of my home at the time, but I knew that I wanted it. There’s always room to be found for the right piece. While it appears oversized in the space, I balanced the room by refraining from hanging art on the adjoining wall, making the artwork the focal point of the room. It’s perfectly alright to bend or break the traditional guidelines of interior design for the right work of art! Pay attention to what sticks with you, and trust your instincts when it counts.

Happy Designing!