Favorite artwork can transform any space into ‘home’
My partner and I admit to being intimidated by art — what’s supposed to be good and how to hang it. We have eclectic tastes and simply fill our walls any way that fits. Have you any tips?
Our collections reflect our journey through life. They change and grow as we do; they are special and worthy of celebration.
Favorite artwork and pictures transform any space into a home the minute you hang them up. It may be an object that you discovered long ago that connects you with happy thoughts, a concert poster, a series of seasonal sketches, a breathtaking photograph or all of the above.
I am often asked how to hang these collections: What goes with what? Do they have to match? Do they need frames? It can be daunting to face a bare wall and envision how to exhibit your treasures.
I was particularly intrigued by salonart exhibits and how so many pictures could hang together and not overwhelm each other. I visited with Tammy Yiu, co-founder of Partial Gallery, to learn more about this skill, and her advice was encouraging.
“There are no rules, or if there are, they are meant to be broken,” she admitted. “You are putting together a large puzzle, a mega-picture. And the intrigue and fun are how you braid unexpected pieces together.” Helpful hints: • Pick a theme, and make a statement. It could be seasonal, sports-related, a particular color, a specific subject or, as Yiu has done in the photo shown here, a collection of what interests you or things that you love at the moment.
• Incorporate family heirlooms, photos or artwork into the grouping.
• Pay attention to framing — it shows respect for the picture. Framing can be expensive, but it is worth it.
The dining-room wall shown here illustrates the many-layered appeal of the salon display style. Each of these elements could stand (or hang) on its own, but there is a special magic in the mix.
To the left is a series of three works by Anahita Azrahimi from her series #collagediet, collage and ink on paper. They are float-mounted. Drift, a bold oil on canvas by Emal J. De Lanerolle, is the centerpiece, albeit not centered. We are seeing many large canvas paintings that are gallery-wrapped (the canvas wraps around a wood frame rather than adding a frame outside the picture). An archival print on fine art paper by Adria Mirabelli gives way to abstract shapes and mono shades, strong enough to balance with Drift. And then, on a very personal note, Yiu has mounted and framed a Chinese Poem to Granddaughter she received from her grandfather. Her sense of style and whimsy continues with the final piece in her mega-picture, a steel sculpture, which is, in fact, a laundry hanger.
The art on your wall tells a story about who you are. If you are looking for a special piece of art but are reluctant to buy, Partial Gallery is an art rental and sales service. The online catalog, found at www.
partial.gallery, is filled with wonderful art by contemporary artists. Rental gives you the chance to live with the art for three, six or nine months, then decide if you want to buy it.
Wherever you live, check your local art store for rental services such as this. Show off your personality; celebrate your passions.
Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow Debbie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ debbie_travis, or visit her website, www. debbietravis.com.
Pick a theme, and make a statement. It could be seasonal, sports-related, a particular color, a speci c subject or a collection of what interests you or things that you love at the moment.”