For art's sake

Replica of a Victorian roof finial, a
gift from my husband

 A carved wooden shelf.

Art is such a personal matter and can cover nearly every subject under the sun. 

Wikepedia defines art as-- "the product or process of deliberately arranging items (often with symbolic significance) in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions, and intellect. It encompasses a diverse range of human activities, creations, and modes of expression, including music, literature, film, photography, sculpture, and paintings." 

I think everyone should have some form of art in their life. You should always surround yourself with things you love. Some people purchase art objects for the investment opportunity. Others for the emotional connection.

I fall in the latter category. And looking around my house the majority of my collectibles or objets d'art (haha-I feel fancy for writing in French) have a common factor of nature. Whether it be the subject or an interpretation via texture, shape or color. I LOVE pictures of landscapes, birds and botanical's. I also tend to favor the colors found in nature. I like the texture rocks, wood and metals. I also try to use plants in every room. 

My design style, including my art and collectibles, is completely different than today than it was 10 years ago. I have grown and changed. My design and art aesthetic reflects this. I like my displays to look collected over time--not picked out of a catalog. I am constantly editing and re-arranging things. Change is good! 

Art, collectibles or chtatkes (as referred by some) should be grouped in a manner, as to set a tone for a room.

I bought these cute (and cheap) little prints up at Walmart. They look like vintage postcards.

   

These items are nice on their own, but grouped together they begin to tell a story.

This display is in my dining room.

Some objects provide a sense of whimsy.

I love this little, metal folk art bird.

It's a bird! It's a watering can! It's cute! 

Others foster a sense of contemplation.

My favorite art.

Others make you feel at home.

Plants, home sign, birds and a vintage postcard vibe. love!

These are but a few of my favorite things. What kind of art and collectibles do you have?

My dream creative space

I was trolling the web for inspiration and came across The Inspired Room blog and she posed the question of what would you want in your dream creative space. Well I immediately began daydreaming.....

My dream creative space would be more than the 3X 6 ft. windowless closet I currently occupy. If money were no option, I would be to finish the attic space above my garage. Pop the roof for more head room (or install dormers at the least), install salvaged barn wood floors with all of their lovely patina (sealed with a satin urethane for easy clean up), have windows facing south and skylights for maximum light.  Install french doors on the east exposure opening out to diminutive balcony that overlooks my yard, gardens and creek-- with room enough for a chair and small table to enjoy a cup of tea while resting from all the creative hard work!

As for color–I envision zones traveling through the room. Cooler colors gradiating to warmer colors as the orientation of room changes from a west to east exposure. Shades water, earth and sky–after all mother nature is a prolific artist.

These photos are NOT my space but is similar to what I envision...

Organization is a must! Lots of bookcases to hold my many books and reference materials. Cubbies for bins. Shelves for storage boxes. Also some peg, bulletin and magnetic boards. A must for inspirations boards. From the center beam I would install 3 fabulous and funky chandeliers salvaged from local thrift stores. After all what girl doesn't want a chandelier?!




A super comfy chair  and ottoman with a good reading light, when I need to research and find inspiration. Several large work tables (1 standard height and 1 bar height). Of course it would be outfitted with AC for the sweltering humid summer days and a nice little pot-belly would stove for those frigid winter days. And a mini fridge because a girl can’t be bothered to schlep ALLLL the way down the stairs and in the house when she is on a creative roll. Light, bright and beautiful…Can’t you just picture it?