Recently, Heather from The Avenue Gallery contacted us asking if we would authorize her sharing an old post of ours on their blog. She included a link to the original post from 2013 that Ivan had wrote for SNAP Magazine. Our initial thought was, ‘of course you can, thank you for the support!’; But then we thought about it some more and realized that while the advice was still sound, it could be fun to do a collaborative post updating some of the content and examples with the art pieces available right here in Victoria BC (and online for non-locals) at The Avenue Gallery!
So let’s get to it! Our revitalized throwback Thursday in collaboration with The Avenue Gallery:
Living with Art – In Collaboration with The Avenue Gallery
Often I think that the associations with the word “Art” can be too strong and misunderstood. Art does not only belong in museums, public buildings or city landscapes, it also belongs in your home, your bedroom, your bathroom, and your garden.
Blu Smith, The Monument’s Reflection, mixed media on canvas 54×54
In the past, when I have mentioned that we needed to consider some artistic pieces for the focal point of the room and other walls, clients have looked hesitant and said something along the lines of “But I can’t afford art in my space, art is so expensive! ” to which I always respond “it doesn’t need to be expensive; It only needs to speak to you and your surroundings”.
Blu Smith, Valley of the Sun, mixed media on canvas, 48×72
You can find really interesting pieces, even in second hand stores. When you bring art to a living environment you bring interest and a more sophisticated feel. Artwork impacts space in a very personal way. One’s artistic selections can reflect one’s mood, vibrancy, culture, and even one’s sense of humour in some cases. Art, for me, is a “stamp on your letter” (Spanish saying), or the “icing on the cake” for you Canadian people.
Kimberly Kiel, Fall For You I and II, oil on canvas
I have always been fortunate to be surrounded by art. I always thought that having artwork in your home was as common as having a dishwasher, or an iron; but this thought started changing when I realized that people often get intimidated by the word and by the art itself.
Bi Yuan Cheng, Keep Staying, acrylic on canvas 36×72
Art can be found in so many ways – Paintings, Sketches, Photographs, Etchings, Sculptures, Masks, Object d’Art, or even an item of nostalgic value. Art can be expensive (yes) , but it can also be inexpensive; a simple framed napkin with a sketch on it can be art in itself – I wish I could have a sketch by Frank Gehry for example! Why not frame the latest cover of Rolling Stone? or a black and white photograph from a Magazine? – Art can be social, and it can be political, but the most important thing is that it can be everywhere you are – you just need to find it and make it yours.
Patty Ripley, Journey Upstream, acrylic on canvas, 54×48
Looking for how to get some of these art pieces into your home affordably? Many galleries (including The Avenue Gallery) offers flexible options such as Leasing, and Layaway Payment Plans, and folks whom aren’t familiar with galleries are surprised to know that there are often a wide selection of gallery pieces that are under $ 1,000.00. Plus, you get to support a local business which is ALWAYS a plus in our minds.
Michael Hermesh, Standing Man, plaster and foamcore, 60x29x9
So get out there, find the art that speaks to you and don’t be shy, live with it!
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