Mr. Forager and I have been talking a lot lately about our eventual home. We have no idea where exactly it will be located, but we keep honing in on what our wants and needs will be. While we love the idea of building our own from scratch, so that we suit it precisely to our needs and desires, I can’t help but keep going back to the idea of reviving a home that has lost its luster. These paintings by Memphis artist Jared Small celebrate the past lives of decaying structures and perhaps give a nod to the potential sparkle still to be found.
Small uses light to great effect in showcasing these structures, using it to add emotionality and personality to each composition. In some, the houses recede into the darkness, shy and retreating, like a scared child hiding behind his mother’s legs. But for others, the houses are lit up and gleaming through the darkness like a beacon, letting us know that although the outside may seem run down, there is still hope and joy to be found therein.
To see more of Jared Small‘s work, please visit his website. If you happen to be in the Memphis area, you can see his work in person at the David Lusk Gallery.
Images via the artist’s website and the David Lusk Gallery website. Artist found via David Lusk Gallery.
Grace Cote
January 2, 2014 at 9:49 AMThese are gorgeous! I’m curious if you’ve ever seen the work of Nathan Ford? It’s very similar, less finished, more urban – http://seaofgray.wordpress.com/2012/07/26/the-art-of-incompletion-cityscapes-by-nathan-ford/ check him out!
Artsy Forager
January 2, 2014 at 10:25 AMGrace, you are introducing me to some fantastic artists today! Thank you!!
Frances Louise Rice
January 2, 2014 at 3:03 PMThe appeal/dream of designing one’s home is almost universal. I know I’ve often daydreamed about my own special place. Not to discourage you, the reality of actually doing it is a monumental task with thousands of decisions and roadblocks. On the otherhand, buying an existing home keeps open space open, and allows you the positive/smug feeling of “recycling/rejuvenating” an existing home! I also checked Nathan Ford’s paintings and I really enjoyed them as well as Jared Smalls.
Artsy Forager
January 2, 2014 at 4:26 PMMr. F is more in love with the idea of building than I am! We would be more than happy to rejuvenate and existing home, if we were able to find one the right fit. After so many years of travel, settling down will be a monumental task no matter what!