Art is all around us. In our modern lives we are surrounded by attractive visuals, many of them simply serving the purpose of utilitarian beautification of the objects we use in our daily lives. We want these items that we have look at and use every day to feel magical and have the luxury of being able to choose things that serve a distinct purpose and are also well designed. Think about a flower vase, candle, or that pretty serving set you have tucked away for holidays and celebrations. We are surrounded by patterns and designs of our choosing on the surfaces of our pillows, sheets, and even the clothes we wear, all of which were at one point in the process designed and drafted by an artist. And, of course, there’s advertising. Images and videos that have been perfectly designed to appeal, often bursting with colors, patterns, and sound. With all this visual noise surrounding us at all hours, you are bound to ponder: why bother with art?
If you are decorating your home, there are certainly easier options out there. Head to the shopping center in the suburbs to visit discounted home goods shops and buy what catches your eye. Now, there’s nothing wrong with this. The printed and framed canvases sold in box stores are beautiful. They have been designed to integrate with trending design aesthetics, so when we encounter them, naturally we fall in love and bring them home. These pieces are beautiful, in a simple almost effortless way with just enough intrigue, maybe some glimmer and glam. They are designed to be universally appealing, and most importantly, unoffensive. Charming, cute, and on trend, most folks who come into your home or office will enjoy them and likely comment on how lovely they are. So, if this is your goal, go for it.
Gerald K. Geerlings, Scenes That Pass In The Night
But, I’m here to pitch a second option, perhaps a little more daring, and decidedly more interesting: fine art. If we look at the history of human evolution, making art predates words and writing. Art captures the basal expressive tendencies of humans by encompassing raw emotions and sentiments that could never be fully described in words or translated across languages. Art is human experience. Each piece made by an artist captures their singular interpretation of an essence of their existence, in a specific moment of time. It is the ultimate form of unique expression. And while you might not be an artist, you can appreciate another person’s capture and add depth and meaning to their piece through your own interpretation and feelings that arise in response to the work.
So, take a risk and add depth to your spaces with unique artwork. Pick something that makes your heart sing. It doesn’t matter if it’s bright and cheery or dark and moody, as long as it’s you. And notice comes from every neighbor, college, or friend that encounters your piece. Appreciate the similarities in your experiences and celebrate the differences. The beauty is in discovering how this one small, shared experience can mean so much to each of us. Go ahead and choose the conversation starter! Pick something with character. Choose fine art, especially vintage.