Joyful art for coastal homes
DESIGN FEATURE
Mist Gallery Owner and Artist Helen Otway explores the wonderful ways that art can enhance your home.
When you stand in front of art, you are standing in the space the artist stood. It’s the space where ideas manifest into art.
For many, the idea of buying art can be daunting. But that notion of art being exclusive is starting to diminish. Local galleries are helping to bridge the gap between artist and art buyers, and people can feel confident buying art that will enrich their home.
The greatest feedback I receive as an artist and gallery owner, is hearing that the art someone has purchased brings them joy each day.
When you listen to your favourite songs, watch a film or read a book, you can be drawn into that world. You look forward to hearing the song again and it gets you moving. The same can apply when you buy a special piece of art. Does it talk to you? Draw you in? Do you linger in front of it and find yourself coming back to it? When this happens, you know that it will continue to pique your interest. You walk past it and it grabs your attention.
Whilst colour, size and orientation of the artwork play an important role they shouldn’t be the only factors. Having said that, you can really create an impact with larger works for a large space or create a cosy nook with a few smaller pieces arranged in a salon hang. This could be a corner of a room, hallway or a bedroom.
The height of your ceilings and dimensions of your room can help guide your decisions in choosing the right piece as you don’t want the artwork to look ‘lost’ in the space or overwhelm the area. The context of the room and other features in the space can also influence you.
Coastal homes are usually surrounded by lots of light and lend themselves to a variety of artworks from coastal scenes to large abstracts, nature and earthy influences and natural palettes. Wanting to bring the outside in is what we often hear from buyers, that sense of creating open spaces. On the other hand, some enjoy a pop of colour to what may otherwise be a white space.
The use of art in-situ apps can help art buyers make informed decisions about selecting the right art. Galleries can use apps to show clients what the art will look like on their wall or even take the art to the home as part of their service.
Many buyers these days are talking more about art and the artists. They understand that artists are often influenced by the same things that interest them, whether it be the local environment, culture or events that have shaped our lives.
We are now seeing original art more and more in homes as a way to create unique and inviting spaces.
About Mist Gallery
Located in Cabarita Beach, Mist Gallery exhibits talented local and invited artists, and holds artist talks and workshops. It has become an important part of art culture in the Tweed Coast region.
To find out more about Mist Gallery visit Shop 1B/51 Tweed Coast Road, Cabarita Beach, mist-gallery.com.au or follow them on social media.
