According to wikipedia: Art is the product or process of deliberately arranging items in a way that influences and affects ones senses and intellect. As I often say here on this blog, interiors done well equal a true lifestyle. And what is a lifestyle? A home that inspires and influences your mood!
My biggest arsenal when decorating: ART. I.love.art! I cannot tell you what makes a piece special, or why one costs more than another, but I can tell you that art, like a well lived life, influences your mood, and emotions. Nothing can make a home more personal or special than the art that you put in it.
Case in point: Three years ago my hair stylist went to Alabama for a weekend get away with her three sons. Before this trip her and I had many, many conversations about interior design and art. “Why oh why does art need to be so expensive?” she’d say. “And why oh why would someone pay thousands of dollars for it?” “I just don’t get it!” she’d screech.
Well on this particular trip she found herself immersed in the art district (thanks in part to her eldest) and like fate, she was whacked in her flabby dabs by a sculpture that made her weep. Never had she experienced such emotion over what she’d declare as “an absurd blob, deemed as art for a ridiculous price”. Her three sons, 17,19,and 22 years of age had never seen their tough, single mother cry in such a way over “an absurd blob…deemed as expensive art.” Those boys worked out a deal with the art dealer and saved for an entire year to buy that sculpture and gave Tracy (mom) an absurd blob on Mothers day 2010.
To this day when I tell a client that very story my eyes well up with emotion. Not only did the sculpture bring her to tears before she owned it, but now knowing how important it was for her sons to buy that art for her, it means ten thousand times more to her now. Those three gentlemen not only negotiated a deal with the art dealer to make payments for a year, but worked as a team to save up $3800 for their mama to have something extraordinary! How many young men do you know that would do that?
Art may seem like an absurd amount of money. Or it may be completely reasonable. But have you ever cried in the middle of a Target because a pillow or vase was just too much? Or screeched with laughter in the middle of a Costco because you were so moved by their Starving artist plate series? Probably not. Genuine art moves us in ways that cannot be explained. And each piece speaks to all of us differently. What peaks my interest may put you to sleep. What is important about art that speaks your language is that living in a home that screams authenticity rather than HGTV, allows you to live your best life.
Every time Tracy passes, “Three Sons” (her blob named after her sons) in the entrance of her home, she cannot help but smile from ear to ear. When she is having a bad day she sits with it, and on a good day she speaks her praises to it. Art transcends and transforms you. Just like Music, it can completely change your life. And sorry ladies, but plastic ivy from Michael’s, or a cheap vase from TJMAXX can’t do that!
Art by Carl Plansky
This beautiful piece of art (shown above) from Carl Plansky, compliments of, Young House Love, is a beautiful display of using art correctly. So many homeowners feel that they have to put tons of stuff in a hallway to make it pretty. Beautiful, large art is the perfect compliment to add a splash of color, and interest. And I don’t know about you, but this piece would definitely elevate my mood!
AB HOME, October showhouse
In our most recent show house, this painting by Marabeth Quinn, brought this antique console to life. Paired with modern, turned-wood lamps, and a mirrored bar tray, the homeowners loved it so much they bought it!
AB HOME, Living green in green hills Show house
Here, in the Living green in Green Hills show house I placed this beautiful piece of art in our hallway to add a wonderful splash of color, interest and whimsy. This painting was such a success, Marabeth, the artist, got more attention and acclaim than anything I did with the interior. The interior designer, whO?? But as luck would have it, Marabeth and I became wonderfully close and this past April she and her husband decided to move to Hawaii and as a gift to our friendship she gave me her most famous trademark piece,”Wonder”, that now hangs in my conference room:
AB HOME Interiors
For three years I would randomly call her up and tell her the studio had been robbed and the only thing they took were her paintings. Of course it was a cheap effort to get a piece of her magic, and a quick giggle amongst friends…..although I was tempted many times to take one home to see if she would notice. My efforts finally paid off and I swear I go into the conference area all the time with Harley just because it makes me so freakin’ HAPPY!!
Your home should influence and uplift your mood. It should breathe every interest you have and show you off. Nothing does that better than Art. It doesn’t matter if Suzy down the street doesn’t agree with your selection. If that piece of Art changes your mood for the better, your day will be more productive and in harmony with your intent. That my friends is a lifestyle!
Do you have a favorite artist, or painting that you love?
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images: Young house love, AB HOME Interiors, AB HOME Designs, Amanda Burdge
About Amanda Gates
That is just about one of the sweestest stories i have ever heard. I got teary eyed first thinking about how much seeing a certain piece of art moved her and how incredible that must have been and then for her beloved devoted three sons to save up to buy it for her! That is AMAZING….what a story. Do you think if I share it with MY three sons they might do the same:)
Wonderful story. My appreciation for art grows as I am getting older, I took a few art history classes and knew when I saw a pretty painting I liked but admittedly my knowledge was quite limited. I have started buying small paintings here and there, and we have a handful of signed art that is quite beautiful. My favorite type of art is probably impressionist paintings……..Renoir and Monet being my favorite artists.
I do believe this, Amanda. I think this is a great story to bring your point home. Not everyone is going to see what the person next to them might see in a piece of art.
Wonderful story!
I love Picasso and Van Gogh but many others as well.
Happy weekend to you! xoxo
Great story.
I really love the last painting. Perfect.
Have a nice weekend, Amanda.
Teresa
xoxo
I’ve never read a design blog post like this one. I think you’ve just reset the bar for yourself and all your colleagues. I am going to get myself to an art gallery today – thank you for such inspirational words!!
Thank you Amanda!! You have raised the bar for all of those interior designers who do not budget up front for wonderful original works of art! It is every bit , if not more important than the custom window treatments.
There are so many great artists out there. One does not need to invest in a Twombly, Rothko, Matisse, or any other museum pieces to own an amazing work of art.
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I have a New, very fashionable Giveaway on my site! Come and see!
i *love* this post, Amanda. I feel exactly the same way about art, and do my best to communicate that to my clients. The story of the boys saving to buy that piece for their mom is so incredibly special. What an amazing gift – not only of art, but of love!! xo!
Amanda, the art is gorgeous but what caught my eye was the zebra carpet! Wow! Lov’n it!
Wonderful! Have you ever heard the “They Must Be Giants” song, “The Statue Got Me High”???
Pretty much says it!!! Thank you for the post.
Great post Amanda. Speaks to everything that’s important in design. Authenticity, elements that inject soul into a design project. Original art does that like nothing else. As a painter I and artist I design with the heart of an artist. This article hits the nail on the head.