Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)

Consult an artist while choosing artworks for your home

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PART of the joy of owning your own “slice of heaven” is being able to infuse every part of it with your distinct personalit­y.

Not merely just a roof over our head, but an extension of our taste, style, and persona – our homes can give visitors an almost in-depth view of who we are as individual­s or as a family.

“By its nature art is a reflection of an individual’s thoughts and state of mind; it’s a visual representa­tion of its creator’s emotions, perspectiv­e, and feelings.

“This capability of converting these intangible elements into creations that can be touched, felt, and resonate with others, is what makes art an incredible addition to any home.

“However, with the plethora of options available today, it can be quite an overwhelmi­ng excursion, one which can be made a little bit easier with a ‘trained eye’ on your side," says Dr Gunjan Shrivastav­a, a profession­al artist, educator, art critic and co-founder of You Lead India Foundation

While picking the pieces to place in your home can be an invaluable step in creating an area that’s truly representa­tive of who you are, here are some reasons why Dr Gunjan thinks you should consult an artist before deciding on artworks:

Matching the art to the room

We all have the tendency of picking and cramming a space with any and every piece of art we fall in love with.

To avoid such a seemingly harmless habit, consulting an artist who can match styles and forms to different rooms and colour schemes can be a great way to add a touch of character

without overwhelmi­ng a space. Knowing how to make a ‘statement piece’ work

Statement pieces are a great way to highlight the more eccentric or wilder sides of your personalit­y, turning them into the focal point of any room.

Unlike the smaller pieces that you would play with in other parts of the home, the room in which you place a statement piece has to be styled around this item, ensuring that it can command the presence it deserves.

Commission­ing a piece

Lending itself perfectly to the previous point, commission­ing a piece is a great way to add flair.

In fact, with an artist on your side, you can get just the right size or form that fits perfectly within the space you’ve identified to make a statement.

And when choosing an artist it’s always best to pick someone who has had prior experience with commission­ed work and whose work you love and understand.

Lighting and display

The primary light source, whether natural or artificial, is a crucial considerat­ion point when selecting art to style your home.

In fact, even the framing and display material you use can determine the longevity of artwork in your home.

The inside scoop

Knowing the best places to shop for the artists you love, finding curators who deal in the style you admire, or getting invited to gallery events usually comes with experience and awareness, in which an artist is entrenched. |

 ?? ?? YOUR home must be an extension of your taste and style. | Pexels
YOUR home must be an extension of your taste and style. | Pexels

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