One of the greatest things about NYC is that there is art everywhere you look. I haven't been back to the city for a few weeks now, so today I was amazed how quickly things change here. Even the 6 train has new art, a very cool surreal translation of Grand Central.
Illustration by Marcos Chin
Get your head out of your book or phone, and look up every once in a while.
RB.
This month, Design 101 has been all about Art. There are limitless options to how you can display your collection. Right now we're digging gallery walls. Below are some gallery walls we find inspiring.
An eclectic gallery wall to match an eclectic interior.
Image from Skona Hem.
Adding sculptural elements to a gallery wall.
Keeping a room fresh and fun with a kid's art gallery wall.
Image from Style at Home.com
Keeping order by displaying a gallery on a wall mounted shelf.
Image from Melanie Turner
An art gallery adds a pop of color.
How will you display your art collection? Send us your ideas!
RB.
A lot of visitors commented on our Atlas art in the bathroom at the DC Design House. Making it was simple: we cut up a couple of vintage road atlases, grabbed the glue stick, and framed them in IKEA.
Atlas Art by Regan Billingsley Interiors
We have blogged about using maps as art before, and love the idea of using a needle and thread to capture road trip or vacation memories. We also like the idea of cutting up newspapers to remember special events or moments in history.
We always like to incorporate kid's art into a family home, as we did at the DC Design House.
Closet by Regan Billingsley Interiors
Create a hip kid's art gallery wall anywhere in the house with the right framing.
Last year, at the Rehoboth Beach VIA Show House, our shell wall got a lot of admirers. The idea was that house guests would find a shell on the beach, glue it to a card, and write their names and dates as a way to capture beach memories.
Shell Art wall by Regan Billingsley Interiors
You don't have to be at the beach to try your hand at a collage wall. Make use of spare buttons, vintage brooches, or stamps!
Happy Weekend!
RB.
Andy Warhol's Four Marilyns (1962) is on view at Phillips de Pury today until 4pm in preparation for tonight's Contemporary Art Evening in NYC.
Four Marilyns, Andy Warhol
Phillips de Pury
450 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
RB.
This month, Design 101 is all about Art!
Last week we posted tips for working with an art consultant. If you're not quite ready to dive into the world of working with professionals, there are valuable online sources that can help you start your collection at your own pace.
Some retailers you may already be familiar with offer well curated art collections. Below are our some of our favorite online sources.
Large Coral Kingdom Wonky Pot, Vanja Bazdulj; Roses, Jean Claude Hautin (Both from Anthropologie)
Anthropologie offers "One of a Kind" furniture, art, and home decor by emerging artists.
Stob Green, Jeremy Thornton; Taurus, Michelle Armas (Both from Serena & Lily)
Serena & Lily's art collection promotes artists through feature exhibits and artist's spotlights.
Breathless, The Art of Adam Juresko; Sweet Connections, Louise Art Studio; Porcelain Urchin Bowls; Element Clay Studio (All from Etsy)
We routinely scour Etsy for one of a kind, reproductions, prints, and vintage pieces from around the globe.
There are also some great online galleries that have popped up over the last few years. Many of them are run for artists, by artists. Below are our "go-to" online galleries.
Orange Grove Boulevard, Alexander Brattell; Vermillion Light, Jacky Tsai; Cape Town, Jonathan de Villiers (All from Eyestorm)
Eyestorm publishes and sells limited editions of contemporary art, by both established and emerging artists.
Lakeside Car Wash, Marc Shur; Lambda Color Photograph by Dierk Maass (Both from LUMAS)
Founded in Berlin in 2003, LUMAS specializes in photography.
Stacked Chairs, Jodie Mohr (From Mammoth & Company)
Mammoth & Company, founded by photographer Troy Moth, employs a team of artists to represent other artists.
Lotus, Nick Lu; Bear Fight, Daniaelle Simonsen (Both from The Working Proof)
The Working Proof promotes art, along with social responsibility, by donating 15% of the sales of each print to a charity of the artist's choice.
Speedy Motorcycle; Keith Greiman (From Tiny Showcase)
Tiny Showcase was started in 2004 to give Jon Buonaccorsi and Shea'la Finch a way to showcase the art of their friends and has since grown into a large online art community.
Temporary Insanity, Pinaree Sanpitak; Striped, Georganna Lenssen (From Zatista and the Zatista blog)
Zatista offers the opportunity to buy original art within a wide variety of pricing.
20 x 200
Hmmm...we love Jen Bekman's site, founded in 2007, but learned recently that it is taking a break. We hope to see the return of her fantastic eye and affordable art prints!
Happy Collecting.
RB.
Up next week - How to Hang Art!
A lot of people commented on "Walrus Man", by John Keddie, in my room at the DC Design House. We think he's so cool.
Walrus Man, John Keddie
Keddie has a great sense of humor, as shown in the pieces below.
Classy Tiger, John Keddie
Goldfish, John Keddie
We have a thing for animal heads on people. So we thought we'd share some of our favorites.
Islid Tray, Rachel Convers
Sea Otter, Berkley Illustration
Photographs by Maxine Helman
RB.
This month, Design 101 is all about Art. So when one of our readers wrote in about an art dilemma, we had to share!
ED wanted to incorporate art into her rental apartment, but she wasn't sure how. She also had a dilemma with color – the existing space is dark and muted. ED is energetic, outgoing, and hip, so why shouldn’t her apartment be too?
Below are images of her existing space
Where to start? ED has two pieces of art that she adores, so we think they make the perfect launching point!
ED has spent most of her life on one coast or another, so she is drawn towards coastal landscapes. Our goal was to develop her décor to support her love of the sea and enhance the artwork.
We started by finding inspiration images.
We like the way this space balances a loft look, similar to ED’s apartment, with natural elements.
Images from House of Turquiose
This space also incorporates natural elements, and we are drawn towards the ocean blues. The pop of yellow as an accent color is a cheery contrast.
Through color and light, we could enhance the space by adding visual interest and brightness. Better yet, we could use those elements to let ED’s artwork, and her personality, shine.
Below are our finds!
Resin coral from Outer Banks Trading Corp; Pillow from Pottery Barn
The dining area is one of the first things you see when you walk into the space, and it is very dark. We suggest adding a nautically inspired centerpiece, like this resin coral sculpture. Lumbar pillows, in a soft blue, on the dining chairs will also make the space more inviting. They'll also add a little cushion for late night entertaining!
Accessories from Anthropologie
Keep dining accessories handy by adding glass candle votives to the bookshelves sitting adjacent to the dining table. The glass will reflect light, offering a little sparkle to the dark shelves. Colorful frames also offer a nice pop of color in a dark space.
Pillows from Caitlin Wilson Textiles and West Elm
Pillows are a terrific way to breathe a little life into a dark brown corduroy sofa. The light blue reflects the artwork, while the navy blue bridges the art with the existing rug. A pop of bright yellow adds a bit of unexpected personality.
Lamp from Ballard Designs; Coffee table from West Elm
We suggest swapping the existing floor lamp out for a celadon table lamp. This will clear up floor space while also adding a soft color that is reflective of the artwork. Swapping out the existing urban coffee table for a carved wood coffee table from Jaipur adds a tropical coastal feel.
Mirrors from Z Gallerie
A row of simple mirrors above the kitchen pass-thru will bounce light to that side of the room.
Dog wall decals from Circle Line Studio on Etsy
Don't forget the dog! ED loves this dog centered sentiment. As a wall decal, this will be easy to remove when the lease is up. We suggest going with a color already in the space - green or blue.
Dog bed from Maison Boutique on Etsy
In an apartment, a dog bed can feel like another piece of furniture. Why not play it up with a custom dog bed to match your decor?
Frames from IKEA
When we create photo collages, we often use white mats and white frames to let the photographs speak for themselves.
Hope this helps, ED! Thanks for reaching out!
RB.
This weekend is your last chance to see the 2013 DC Design House. Many of the designers will be in their rooms on Saturday and Sunday, so don't miss your chance to speak with them in person.
Friday: 10am - 3pm
Saturday & Sunday: 12pm - 5pm
See you there!
RB.
If you’re serious about starting an art collection, but you’re unsure where to start, you may want to consider hiring an art consultant.
Michael Carson, Beach Stripes; Eric Alley, Girl with Blue Hat; Bruce Goold, Pituri Eater
What is an art consultant?
A consultant selects, acquires, and presents pieces of art for clients. Some art consultants specialize in either commercial or personal art collecting, so you’ll want to ensure you find a consultant that is the right fit for your needs.
How do you find an art consultant?
Many consultants collaborate with architects and designers to create spaces that are compatible with displaying art, so you can start there if you’re working with design professionals. Art consultants often work out of galleries, or curate special exhibitions, so you could also look to local gallery spaces and art events.
Developing a good working relationship with your art consultant is key to finding the right piece of art for your home or building your collection. Consider your goals and schedule an in-person meeting or studio visit to ensure you and your art consultant will collaborate well. You can also ask for references. Don’t be afraid to tell them you haven’t worked with a consultant before – your honestly will help you determine whether or not you trust the other person. Don’t forget to ask them how they charge for their services!
Quen, Inked II; Taylor, Sonoran Storm; both pieces available through Merritt Gallery
Merritt Gallery & Renaissance Fine Arts, with locations in Maryland and Philadelphia, offers the following advice:
“Art is a reflection of you. The pieces you hang on your walls tell your story and reflect your personal style. When you think about how to build an art collection, it is important to buy art you are drawn to, art you love, art that speaks to you.”
Below are their top tips for starting your collection:
1. Love it: Buy what you love, not just what “matches the room.” Art evokes emotion; embrace it as you build your art collection.
2. Optimal Acquisition: Buy the best piece or pieces your budget will allow.
3. Push your Boundaries: If you tend to like a particular style or genre, perhaps you find that you already have those pieces in your collection, explore! Open your mind to something new.
4. Mix it Up: Don’t be afraid to mix it up. Your collection can be diverse: comprised of pieces of varying styles and genres.
5. Trust: Work with a gallery you know and trust. The gallery should have the experience to guide you through the process of acquiring art. You will also benefit from their long standing relationships with the artists they represent.
6. An Experience to Enjoy: Buying art is an experience to revel in. Venture into this process of experiencing, selecting and ultimately buying with enthusiasm. Allow yourself to journey into a different world – even if just for a bit.
To learn more about Merritt Gallery and their services, visit their website or join their mailing list.
Ampersand Design Studio, Ampersand Screen Print; Yeitland, invaders!; Natural Curiousities, Tylinek Zebra
Other Important Things to Know
How do you know if you’re buying “good” art?
We suggest you trust your instincts and select pieces you love. You’ll find value in buying something you love rather than buying art for pure investment, because it’s a deal, or because it’s trendy.
How do you know if an artwork is authentic?
Authentic art is typically signed or numbered by the artist. If a signature is not visible, you can request a signed artist authenticity statement. Ask your art consultant or dealer for records indicating the date of creation, the title, the dimensions, and other details. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, and carefully consider the authenticity of the pieces you are purchasing.
What is the difference between original art, reproductions, and prints?
Original pieces of art are unique and one-of-a-kind. Reproductions are typically mass-produced copies of the originals. A reproduction can sometimes alter the original image and weaken its impact. A print, often made by the artist, has the intention of preserving the original piece. If you see a piece you like, but are unsure if it’s an original, reproduction, or print, we suggest asking a professional to protect your investment.
Should I only buy from famous artists?
Works from famous artists can be a valuable addition to your collection, but if that’s out of your price range you could consider focusing on emerging artists or lesser-known artists. Purchasing pieces from up-and-coming artists is exciting because it gives you the sense that you are contributing to their growth as an artist. Many emerging artists will show their appreciation for your support by sharing new works with you as they continue to grow in their careers.
Tune in next week – we’re blogging about buying art on a budget!
Happy Collecting.
RB.
Have you seen Piet and Ludwig in our room at the DC Design House? If not, they'll be there all week to welcome you into the space.
Don't miss out - the DC Design House closes this Sunday!
Piet by Paul Lange
Ludwig by Paul Lange
"Piet" and "Ludwig" are part of the "Fowl Portraits" Series by Paul Lange. Find out more about Paul Lange's Fowl Portraits on his website.
Pip by Paul Lange
Alice by Paul Lange
Paul Lange is an amazingly talented photographer. Below are images from his "Big Blooms" series and "Into the Blue".
Elsa by Paul Lange
Bette by Paul Lange
Into the Blue #3 by Paul Lange
Paul Lange's photographs have been featured in magazines such as Vogue and the New York Times. He was a fashion photographer in NYC for 25 years, when he photographed many recognizable names. We were honored to be able to use his work in our DC Design House room!
See Paul Lange
DC Design House Hours:
Thursday & Friday: 10am - 3pm
Saturday & Sunday: 12pm - 5pm
See you there!
RB.
The DC Design House is in it's final week, so if you haven't stopped by our room to see Francis Minien's "City Cowboy", you have until Sunday to do so!
Don't miss out!
City Cowboy by Francis Minien
Visitors have raved about Minien's sense of humor and clever eye. To see more of his "Where Did My Toy's Go?" series and learn more about his creative process, visit his website.
Big Wednesday by Francis Minien
Big Town Little Soldier by Francis Minien
Horse Town by Francis Minien
Huffington Post Home posted "10 Cool Crafts That Give Your Kitchen Personality". Check it out for simple and stylish DIY projects to add a little pizzaz to your kitchen!
Thanks, Huff Post!
RB.
Painted Magnets
Living Spice Rack
Painted Utensils
Intersections, by Jeanne Silverthorne, was an unexpected surprise at The Phillips Collection last night. Silverthorne explores the exchange between traditional and contemporary methods for creating art, using mediums such as rubber. Her exhibit got me thinking about other furniture out there made from unusual materials. Below are some of our favorites!
DNA Candelabra (showing the beginning genetic sequences for depression, anxiety, addiction, anger, and panic) on rubber crate, Jeanne Silverthorne, 2007; McKee Gallery, New York, and an office chair from Office Depot.
Happy Material Series chair, by Pini Leibovich, made from balloons.
Tide chandelier, by Stuart Haygarth, made from debris washed ashore in Kent.
Is your mailbox crammed with magazines too? Make use of them with the Hockenheimer Adjustable stool by NJU Studio.
Clutch Chair Project, by Scott Jarvie, made from 10,000 drinking straws.
Lollipop tables! Tables made from hard boiled sweets, by Lanzavecchia + Wai.
Furniture made from real candy too much for you? Jellio makes furniture and lighting to look like your favorite sweets including Gummi Lights, an Ice Cream Sandwich Bench, and a Gummi Chandelier.
Have you seen any cool furniture or accessories made from unexpected materials? Or perhaps you've tried your hand at making something unusual? Let us know - we love to see what our readers are up to!
Happy Weekend!
RB.
Where: Merritt Gallery in Chevy Chase
5/2 - 5/6: Vintage Poster Show
Time travel. A simple more elegant age. Let Merritt Gallery transport you back to to an era of craftsmanship, artistry and beauty. Over 500 exquisite vintage posters on display. Subjects range from travel, food, liquor, transportation and more. The extraordinary collection of original posters are all available for purchase at extraordinary prices. (from Merritt Gallery)
5445 Wisconsin Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Thursday, May 2: 10am - 8pm
Friday, May 3: 10am - 6pm
Saturday, May 4: 10am - 5pm
Sunday, May 5: noon - 4pm
Monday, May 6: 10 - 6pm
See you there!
RB.
Phillips after 5: Hamptons Getaway
Jackson Pollock and Alfonso Ossorio lived in the Hamptons in New York, helping to shape its rich cultural heritage. Taste exhibition-inspired frozen custard creations from Shake Shack, sip a cocktail in a white party-themed tent, and view an animated short paying homage to Jackson Pollock. Phillips after 5 attendees receive a discount of $12 off admission to the after party at ArtJamz.
5-8:30PM
Collaborate on a Pollock-inspired group splatter painting at the Phillips, then bring your Phillips after 5 flyer to ArtJamz after the event for one hour of free studio time ($12 value; studio open until 11:30 pm, last entry 10:30 pm).
5:15-8PM
Music: Marshall Keys Quartet
The quartet performs popular jazz favorites and original compositions.
6 & 7PM
Gallery Talk
Cradle of Abstract Expressionism: Pollock and Ossorio in East Hampton
East Hampton’s reputation as an artist’s colony began with Jackson Pollock, who completed many of his most famous works in a converted barn on his property. Discover connections between the works produced by Pollock and Ossorio in this environment of intense creativity.
(from The Phillips Collection)
See you there!
RB.
Jackson Pollock, Number 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist), 1950, National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
Alfonso Ossorio, The Helpful Angels, 1950, Michael Rosenfeld Gallery LLC, New York
Miss our Home Front chat with Jura Koncius and The Washington Post?
You can find it in today's Local Living section or online.
RB.
We’re back with Design 101 (we’ve missed you all!) and we’re kicking it off with Art!
Many of the visitors to our room at the DC Design House have asked us how we developed the art collection for the room. We also got a few art related questions last week during our Home Front chat with The Washington Post. We’re thrilled that our readers are taking such an interest in art, so this month we’ll be covering everything you need to know about building your own art collection.
Up this week: ART - Where to Start
Henry Taylor, Untitled, 2011; Thomas Rome, Long Island, 2005; Amy Sillman, Psychology Today, 2006
Step One: Find your Style
Start by exposing yourself to as much art as you can. Search online, visit galleries and museums, and read art books. When viewing art, trust your gut. Art can bring back memories, evoke emotions, or be something you simply just like looking at.
We suggest starting an art notebook by gathering images of things you like. Don’t worry if you don’t always know who the artist is. Chances are, you’ll notice patterns start to evolve that will help you determine your style preferences.
You can also work with a professional to determine what kind of art you are drawn to.
Step Two: Decorating vs Collecting
Designers approach art in different ways. Many will develop a design concept, and then search for art that is complementary. Years ago I bought a t-shirt that said, “good art won’t match your sofa”, which is a philosophy I have adopted towards art. Art is individual, and can breath new life and personality into a space. We often start with art first, so that we can develop a space around it. For example, if you have a piece of art that you love, you can highlight it with lighting and a background paint color.
That said, if you’re stumped about what art will work with your space, it’s fine if it does match your couch. As long as it’s a piece of art that you like! Think about colors, patterns, and textures that you can live with, rather than selecting a piece of art you dislike just because it matches your décor.
Anna Magruder, Coast, available on Etsy; Juan Chavarria, Jr., Artemis, available on Mammoth and Company
Step Three: Look Deeper
Art is a reflection of your personal style, so enhance your collection by knowing a bit more about the story behind it. You can find information about most artists on his or her website that will help you understand the artist’s philosophy and history. If you’ve found art while traveling, there’s probably a story behind it as well.
Ultimately, art is open to interpretation. So if you see a piece of art differently than what the artist intended, don’t fret. Your interpretation only adds to the story!
Step Four: Determine your Art Budget
There’s that word again, budget! Earlier in Design 101 we discussed developing a Decoration Budget. Art can be included in your decorative budget so you allow yourself room to add the finishing touches to your home.
If you are hoping to make an investment in art, we suggest consulting a professional for guidance. But art doesn’t have to be valuable. We use plenty of cheap n’ chic art just because it makes us happy!
Step Five: Dive In
As with furniture, don’t feel like you have to rush in and buy everything at once. Take time to find art you truly love. If you’ve found a piece that stays with you long after you’ve seen it, chances are it’s something you’ll enjoy having in your home.
If you’ve found a particular style you love, go for it and start collecting. Trust yourself. Not everyone is going to understand your art, so the most important thing is that it speaks to you personally.
Happy Collecting.
RB.
If you have questions about art collecting, installation, or anything else, please shoot us an email. We love to hear from you!
Up Next Week: Working with an Art Consultant!
Join us at 11am EST, Thursday, April 25th for a Live Podcast with The Washington Post!
We'll be talking all things Interior Design and the DC Design House. Submit your questions now!
Brought to you by Jura Koncius:
"Every week, Jura Koncius helps you in your quest to achieve domestic bliss. Got a question about decorating? She's happy to whip out her paint chips and suggest the perfect hue, call a retailer to help track down a hard-to-find accent piece or offer some do-it-yourself. Built on years of reporting experience, Home Front is an online conversation about the best way to feather the nest. We invite you to submit questions and share you own great tips, ideas and, yes, the occasional complaint."
Tune in to Home Front
Follow @jurakoncius or @RBHomeDesign on Twitter.
Thanks to Leah Moss and Apartment Therapy for featuring our room on their blog: A Peek Into the 2013 DC Design House.
Thank you to Proper Hunt for featuring our room in the DC Design House!
Proper Hunt follows the journey of blogger Christina Han as she navigates the world of home decorating, filling here home with unique and fantastic finds.
As her motto tells us, she offers "A Daily Fix on Anything & Everything in Home Decor". Christina Has a great eye for detail, including pieces such as this rope bowl that she featured as "What I'm Fancying".
White Rope Bowl from Waiting on Martha
Join us in following Proper Hunt to be in the know for everything from DIY decor, design trends, and hot new items.
RB.
