Notes from the Studio

More Than Decoration: The Case for Original Art

4/15/2025

Have you ever thought about bringing a truly special piece of art into your home? While prominent museums and esteemed galleries often define our initial perception of art, showcasing significant and often costly works by established figures, the realm of original art extends far beyond these institutions. It is a vibrant and accessible world for anyone with an appreciation for creative expression.
These days, art is readily available, waiting to be discovered. Independent galleries and artist-run cooperatives champion local talent. Regional museums and art societies host regular exhibitions with a diverse range of talent (sometimes even from around the world!), and exciting art fairs where you can even meet the artists themselves. And of course, the internet opens up a global marketplace of artwork right at your fingertips. Given this accessibility, a thoughtful art enthusiast might consider the distinct advantages of acquiring original artwork over mass-produced reproductions.

1. Original Art Personalizes Your Environment:
Similar to carefully chosen furniture, art adds a unique decorative element and a real sense of your personality to your home. Your home should reflect what you love and what's important to you. The artwork you choose can bring visual excitement to a room with its colors and style, create a specific mood, or add a captivating touch to a more subtle space. Take your time to explore what truly resonates with you, and you'll enjoy it for years to come.

2. Art Enriches Beyond the Aesthetic:
Think of art as a gift that keeps on giving. While ephemeral pleasures like a morning coffee or those new shoes might bring immediate satisfaction, they won't last forever. The artwork you discover in a local gallery or on your social media feed can bring you lasting pleasure once it's hanging in your home. Always choose what you genuinely love and what fits your budget. You might be surprised to find that a beautiful limited edition print or even an original painting can be within your reach. And while there are no guarantees, your art could even increase in value over time! But even if it doesn't, the daily connection you have with a piece you love is priceless.

3. Discover a Story That Speaks to You:
Each artwork has its own unique story, capable of eliciting a singular and personal response. Whether this story manifests as a clear narrative or simply evokes an emotional connection, you'll react to the individual qualities of the piece. Once you bring a piece of art into your home, its story expands with your own feelings and the context of your living space. You might even find multiple layers of meaning over time. Perhaps you discovered the piece during a memorable vacation, or maybe you're simply drawn to its colors and style. You gain a truly special piece that resonates with you.

4. Direct Support for Creative Professionals:
Individual artists are essentially small business owners, and every purchase you make directly sustains their creative endeavors. Consequently, you'll often experience attentive customer service. Galleries and artists prioritize ensuring buyer contentment and fostering trust, aiming to cultivate long-term client relationships. You might even have the wonderful opportunity to meet the artist and learn more about their inspiration and their journey. This kind of personal connection can deepen your appreciation for the artwork for years to come.

5. Original Art as a Sustainable Choice:
While the convenience and apparent cost-effectiveness of mass-produced prints from large retailers or museum shops may be appealing, these items often carry hidden ecological costs. Manufactured in large quantities in overseas factories, they can involve lower-quality materials, and their extensive production and transportation contribute to environmental impact. These items are also likely to be found in countless homes and offices, emphasizing mass appeal over individual connection. If a mass-produced item attracts your attention, consider the underlying reasons for this appeal and then explore your local art scene. You might even discover artists who use recycled and repurposed materials in their work. Choosing a more unique and personal piece of art could speak to you on a deeper level, and you might even get the added bonus of meeting the artist.

Acquiring original artwork might feel intimidating at first, but it is ultimately a personal journey accessible to anyone. A diverse range of styles and price points exists to accommodate individual preferences and budgets. Simply take the time to browse and discover what truly speaks to you. If you fall in love with a piece that's a little outside your current budget, don't hesitate to ask about alternatives. There might be smaller works or limited edition prints available. Ultimately the choice is yours. Select art you personally love, and you will continue to enjoy and connect with it for many years to come.

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Things I Learned Last Year

3/6/2025

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While I tend to be introspective, I have never formally set about this task. In order to set my course for 2025, I have been reflecting on the past year snd considering my next steps. It has been almost a year since I began to focus solely on painting. As I look around my studio, I can see visible gains. Here are three things I learned in January...

1. Steady work yields results. As a person who can easily self-sabotage, my commitment in March of 2024 was to treat painting like a job. I would (and did!) show up in the studio at least five days a week, 9-5. I credit this practice for the improvements in my painting skills and to a continued flow of ideas.

2. It's ok to start small and simple. I started in late March, so the emerging plants provided potential subject matter. I wanted to work with something interesting, and the idea of flower "portraits" provided a good format. I could focus on a subject's form and color, leaving the background simple.

3. Immersing myself in work can yield a variety of results. As the year progressed, I began to look at a broad variety of artwork, including contemporary artists. In doing this I discovered podcasts and interviews. I often listen to these as I work or prepare dinner. I often hear someone articulate an idea that I have been struggling to clarify in my own mind. Another happy result was that, by autumn, ideas of how to approach a problem would pop into my mind, quite often outside my studio hours.

As I reflect on my success, I realize that what seemed like a huge goal - to treat my painting like a profession - boiled down to showing up and putting brush to surface consistently. I have often heard that winning can breed more wins. With that in mind, I am working on goals for 2025.

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