A phenomenal piece of artwork can find its home in any sort of space. Especially when its as beautiful as this one, Darzita by this months’ Featured Artist, Jennifer JL Jones.
Darzita means “to reveal” and I love how this abstract mixed media work informs the personality of each of these spaces in such a chameleon-like way!
It goes soft and serene in a monochromatic bedroom retreat..
Which is your favorite? Personally, I think it would look stunning in a little modern cabin in the mountains.. preferably one with my name on the welcome mat. 😉
If you’re in the Tulsa area, be sure to check out Jennifer’s latest exhibition opening on November 14th at Aberson Exhibits! Don’t miss out seeing her work in person!
Interior images linked above, art image via the artist.
Once upon a time, there was a rule that we all followed diligently– that art had to be centered on something. Whether it was centered above a piece of furniture or centered based on the wall on which it was hung, centering was very important. But I’m noticing a trend towards more casual, more interesting placement. Deliberately hanging artwork off-center. Justified waaaay to the right or way to the left.
Bold statement pieces often need another dramatic something to balance them out or your room may feel a bit lopsided. That scene stealing coffee table or pendant needs something to create a bit of harmonious tension, otherwise, he’s like that dinner party guest that just won’t shut up. We liked hearing his stories at first, but someone else, please say something!
Our eyes like triangles. Triangular compositions help our eyes travel and take in all that we see instead of zeroing in on one element. By hanging artwork off center, you can deliberately create your own triangular composition. So even if that painting is hanging in a place that at first seems off, once your eye takes in all the other elements in the room, it seems just right.
3 | Work your other angles
Angles aren’t just found in the architecture and furnishings surrounding a piece of art, but also in the artwork itself. Don’t forget about the compositional lines and angles in your artwork when thinking about how to hang it. The work should carry on a pleasing conversation with the furnishings around it. Like a first date that’s going really really well.
Hanging artwork off center doesn’t necessarily have to mean that the artwork isn’t centered on anything. Just maybe think about centering on an unexpected or secondary element in the room, like a chandelier or rug instead of the desk or dining table.
Rules tend to be created to make things easy and orderly. But art is neither of those things, so why should we live with it that way? Don’t be afraid to be a bit off center. Your art is crying out for it!
See more off centered artsiness in my Artsy Dwelling Pinterest board! Need some help finding just the right artwork for your space? I can help with that! More info here.
You know, there’s more than one way to skin a ca— I mean, hang artwork. I hope I proved that in our last foray into Artsy Dwelling! Be a rebel. Don’t hang that art at all! Go all crazy and casz.. just let it lean.
Leaning = layering. If you keep your artwork relegated to the walls, you’re holding it at a distance. You know, like that moldy fruit you found in the refrigerator. But living with art should be about living with it, having it truly be a part of the way we interact in our personal space. Leaning brings it in close. We can study it, pick it up and touch it, live with it in ways we can’t do when it’s nailed to a wall.
Check out some of my favorite ways to style leaning artwork–
Take advantage of those architectural details as a natural resting spot for artwork. It’s kind of Decorating 101 to put artwork above a fireplace, but leaning it on the mantle, especially when layered with other pieces creates a visually rich display that’s easy to change up with the seasons or just on a whim!
Same rules apply for furniture. Wait, forget that. There are no rules! Big art, small art, doesn’t matter, as long as it makes an interesting impact and puts a smile on your face. It all goes back to that layering thing. Leaning artwork connects itself better to the other objects in your vignette when it is sitting on the same surface. It’s like bringing your artwork into the half-time huddle. Now he feels included!
PS– If you’re gonna lean artwork on your headboard, might be a good idea to secure the back with a little 3M velcro, you know just in case things get a little, shall we say frisky? Oh come on, you know you were thinking it!
My favorite rule to break. Used to be, no art lover would dream of putting artwork, which let’s face it, we probably paid a lot of money for, even partly hidden behind a piece of furniture. But that little artsy game of peek-a-boo leaves me wanting more!
Maybe you have the perfect spot for a piece of artwork, but hanging just isn’t practical. Just lean that baby on the floor. The perfect solution especially for super oversized pieces of work that it would take an army to hang! Or for when we want a splash of color but don’t want to commit to holes in the wall.
Of course, it should be noted that leaning artwork, especially on the floor and behind furniture isn’t the idea solution if you have small children, rowdy teenagers ( ok, really any kids at all ) or clumsy husbands. 😉 Do you have any artwork leaning around your house? Share a photo over on the Artsy Forager Facebook page, I’d love to see!
There are certain artist’s work I seriously dream about owning. And if I can’t own one myself, why not daydream about how one might look in someone else’s home? Which brings me to the latest edition of Insert the Artsy. I’ve mentioned before how much I would love to own one of Susan Hall‘s paintings.. This piece, Veil of the Sky is particularly lovely and lyrical. Don’t you think it would be the perfect complement to this modern traditional room? It would add just the right amount of delicate visual interest and texture without competing with the beautiful architecture.
Look beyond the nail and picture hanger. There are so many unique ways to hang artwork, whether you’re hanging just one piece or grouping lots of work together. Here are a few of my favorite methods!
Create a bit of interest and drama by hanging your artwork by a thread, ‘er string. It’s a great way to add a bit more height to a piece that isn’t quite tall enough for your wall or to add just the right boho vibe.
Clip art takes on a whole new meaning! Use specialty art clips, gator clips, vintage pant hangers or even just an old fashioned clipboard to display work that isn’t terribly precious. ( Stay away from clips that might crimp for artwork you don’t want to damage ).
Artwork stands out– literally– when you hang it from a three dimensional grid. The grids add just the right amount of visual texture, creating an interesting juxtaposition and the added bonus of easily switched out work.
Maybe you’re lucky enough to have some fabulous architectural details already built into your home! Consider using those structures as a hanging surface for art– that’s what those vintage picture rails were for to begin with! I’m personally in love with the industrial vibe of the barn-door hanging above!
Perhaps the most fun of all the options– create an art mobile! These tiny clips are perfect for displaying artful photos, sketches, postcards, etc. You know when you’ve bought a little notecard of an artist’s work, knowing there’s no way on earth you could ever afford an original? Here’s the perfect way to display those treasures!
The ol’ thumbtack method was probably the very first way anyone hung your artwork. Or maybe your mom used refrigerator magnets instead. Raw, unstretched canvas pinned up in the corners with brass tacks looks absolutely divine in this nursery, doesn’t it?
Have a unique art hanging method you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below!
Gallery walls have been all the rage for a couple of years now. They are a fantastic way to showcase your art collection and so easy to change up! But sometimes, you want your art wall to make a bolder statement– why not make the wall itself the artsy focal point? Whether you paint your masterpiece directly on the wall’s surface, apply an artsy wallpaper, or a mural sized decal, there will be no shortage of artsiness on those walls! Here are just a few of my own faves from around the web–
Think I love the simplicity of the pink geometric design and the blue watercolor best. What do you think? Have you ever treated your walls as a truly blank canvas?
PS– Need help finding art for your walls? Check out the new services I’m offering! Click on Forager For Hire in the tool bar for more info!
I just love it when artists translate their work into functional design! So I was super excited to see New Orleans artist Amanda Stone Talley roll out a line of fabric based on her patterned paintings.
TigerlilyPrizeMohicanFalling PetalsRed Dust
Aren’t they delicious? I just want to eat one up. Or more practically, reupholster a chair. 😉 Tell me some of your favorite art-turned-design finds!
All fabrics are linen/cotton/canvas blend. All images via the artist’s website.
Design foraging isn’t always just about finding artfully designed wares. It’s also about finding those folk out there doing their thing with an artsy bent. In my art consulting days, I loved working with interior designers who had an appreciation and eye for artwork, incorporating well chosen work into their designs not just for aesthetic appreciation, but also to begin to create a personal collection for their client. Boston area’s Kristina Crestin Design knows how to work magic in a room through icing the cake with artwork. Check out some examples of Kristina’s art-centric designs!
[ I am completely in love with the bones of this house. Seriously my dream house. ]
Finally, Kristina has been working with a favorite Artsy Forager artist, Christina Baker, on a special artwork commission for a client. Here’s a sneak peak!
I can not wait to see Christina’s piece ( in love with that palette! ) installed in the finished space! I have no doubt it will add just the right touch of artsy pixie dust to Kristina Crestin’s design. Want to see more work from this artsy designer? Check out Kristina Crestin’s website. You can also follow her blog!
In my not so distant past, I worked as a Project Manager/Art Consultant for a gallery & art consulting firm. What does that mean exactly? It means I looked for artwork for clients. A LOT. Matching up the right art to fit the client’s space, budget, design, and taste was what I did and something I plan to start doing again ( keep your eye on this page! ). When I see a blank wall, instinct takes over and I immediately start thinking of what artist’s work would be perfect in that space!
When I saw the empty wall above this bed, the wheels immediately started turning.. Clean, modern bedframe, fabulous funky black Bertoia chair, graphic striped rug and bright green coverlet. So we want something with some texture and color but not too much.. enter this pair of abstract paintings by Casey Matthews!
Casey’s work feels fresh and young, but still sophisticated enough to add a grown up vibe to what could otherwise feel like a “starter” room. And I love putting a pair or series of work where a single large piece is the more expected choice. What do you think? What artwork might you place in this space?
Note: Out of respect for these artists, I’d like to set the record straight. This post is getting a lot of traffic from Pinterest and I’m happy, as I’m sure the artists would be, that they are inspiring so many, however the mirrors pictured here are most definitely NOT a DIY project made my myself. I have no idea how the DIY thing has been perpetuated around Pinterest, but these are incredible artisan crafted sculptural mirrors created by Seattle designers Tamara Codor and Sterling Voss AKA Codor Designs. Not in any way a homemade DIY. 😉
I admit, I have a thing for mirrors. I don’t think it has anything to do with vanity ( anyone who knows me will attest that can’t be it ). I think it’s more about how they have the power to be functional sculpture. An interesting mirror, like an intriguing piece of artwork, instantly elevates a room. As a painting does, a mirror can become a portal for imagination. This week, I spied the work of Seattle design duo, Tamara Codor and Sterling Voss of Codor Designs and immediately fell hard for their Objet Trouve series of sculptural mirrors.
Jabberwocky, 36×56Birds of Paradise, 35×61Mimsy, 22×34Snow Bird, 32×59Silver Birds ( sold )
I have no doubt one of these beauties would be stunning on a reclaimed wood wall in my beach house on the Oregon Coast. What? An artsy can dream, right?! To see more work from Codor Designs, be sure to check out the website full of gorgeously crafted furnishings.
