YOU are the final ingredient in abstract art

The best part of creating abstract art is what the viewers bring to each piece. Abstraction leaves space for each person’s own interpretation, allowing them to bring their own story, memories or dreams, and meets them exactly where they are.

Take this painting for example: someone might be reminded of a spring day in the mountains, or perhaps a hand reaching for candy, another person might see a pair of snakes, while someone else could see a city skyline and circuitous streets. And that is exactly the point. What comes up for you is the final ingredient and is the reason I’m so in love with abstraction. I love how it allows me to share a little bit about me and bring out a little bit about you.

Your art collection is way more than the finishing touch.

I've been thinking a lot lately about how designers talk about sourcing art for clients, and the consistency of their advice is striking. Across studios and styles, a few themes keep surfacing. So here's what the professionals are actually saying boiled down to a few important points:

what a designer would tell you:

1. The artwork in your home sets the tone and tells a story. Let it be layered, curated, interesting, quirky, and multifaceted- just like you.

2. Budget for art! Many people only budget for couches and chairs and don’t even think about the art until those things are in place. A room will not feel complete without art. Can you leave some walls blank? Yes, to let the fab art you selected on the other walls shine.

3. Building a collection takes time and patience. Don’t settle for that trendy piece just because you need something. Wait until you find work that makes you do a double take.

4. Scale Up. A bigger work of art has much more impact than a collection of smaller pieces.

To quote interior designer and art consultant Kassandra von Etzdorf:

“I firmly believe every space needs at least one unexpected piece—something a little strange, a little bold, something that sparks conversation and keeps things interesting. Art doesn't have to be intimidating or crazy expensive, either! There is so much out there and available at all price points. If you love the art, go for it. You can make anything work in your space as long as you love it. 

When I was little, we moved a few times, but our art was always the constant. Placing those pieces in a new home is what made it feel grounded and familiar—like everything else could shift, but the essence stayed the same.”

Abstraction Side By Sides: the place and its painting.

Examples of how borrowing colors, patterns, shapes and mood, can inspire an abstract painting that represents not only how a place looks, but also how it feels. An abstract work leaves space for another key ingredient: the viewer’s own experience, memories and interpretation. Check out the examples below to see a place and its painting, all while giving you space to find whatever you are looking for.

Shem Creek

Blue Ridge Mountains

Paris, France

Pitt Street Bridge

Iceland

Because Artful Spaces Just Live Better

Artful spaces live better. They naturally foster creativity, acceptance, decrease stress and improve mood. Art can take you to another place- like a vacation on your wall, or it can help you feel grounded and present while you notice various details and follow your eye around the composition.

A curated space shares your story, personality and style before you even walk into the room.

#1 - Serena & Lily by Sissy Yellen

#2 - Catherine O’ Design, Photography by Minette Hand

#3 - Private Collection - Chicago, IL.

#2 - Becca Jones Interiors, Photography by Margaret Wright

Social Anxiety? Try this party trick:

Ask your host about a piece of art in their home. It is the perfect amount of personal without being intrusive. Asking about their art is a great way to bypass small talk and get right into some meaningful conversations.

You never know what you might learn about someone through what they hang on their wall. I promise you will learn something new and it will easily lead into conversations that are not about the weather.

Collect Like A Pro - How To Build Your Art Collection

• Buy what you love. Don’t worry about the color of the year or if the art matches your couch. Those things come and go, but a thoughtful art collection will stay with you forever. If a piece moves you, makes you feel something, and asks for you to come back again and again, you should probably get it. 

• It is OK to ask an artist if you can set up a payment plan. Paying in installments is a great way to collect a piece you love and support an artist’s studio practice. (win-win!) 

• Attend auctions, openings and events to continually be exposed to new artists and different types of work. The more you see, the more you understand what you do and don’t love. Cultivating your eye is a fun part of the journey. 

• Many artist’s work will evolve over time. If you like their work, story, creative vibe but aren’t seeing “the one”, join their email list and follow their socials. Stay tuned because there is always more work to come and your support means the world. 

• Take some time to hang your collection. Move it to different spaces, notice the scale in relation to your furniture. Allow breathing room. Enjoy the impact it has on your space and don’t be afraid to rearrange again and again. Art has an incredible ability to refresh spaces and your perspective.