A New ‘Old’ Idea For Your Walls

The Art of Photography

by Doris Pontieri

From Tammy Hoy 'Portals' exhibit at Akasha Art Projects Toronto

Decorating your home with art can bring character to a room. If you choose a work that touches you on an emotional and personal level, then the character reflected will be inherently you. As you choose art for your walls, take your time and look for a piece that really means something to you that possibly evokes a feeling, or a memory and as you show the piece you will have so much more to say than “I like the colour”.

Growing up in the 1960’s, when families seemed to maintain the style they chose to decorate their homes for decades, art played a major role as it stayed on the walls for at least as long as the furniture stayed in the house. Back then much of the artwork adorning the walls of my families and many of my neighbours’ homes was framed photography. A great sunset photo taken by Uncle Bill became a conversation piece at every house party my parents hosted.

Photography – new life

Today, the art of photography has taken on a new life. Avant garde photographers are taking the time-honoured tradition of meaningful photography, and honing the skill of turning that picture into a masterpiece, just waiting to make a statement on a wall.

I’ve visited many galleries of late and have seen remarkable transformations including photography on canvas or metal and pictures that have been altered by light and textures. This art form can be subtle and diminutive, or cosmopolitan and contemporary.

When shopping for the right piece, I suggest visiting a gallery that may specialize in the art of photography, such as Akasha Art Projects (www.akashaart.com). Suggestions include, choosing a piece with smaller editions, and looking for emerging artists, as the price point will not be as high.

Another important thing to consider when framing photography is to go to a professional who will always use archival products and UV glass to protect your piece from deterioration and damage over time. Keeping the piece out of direct sunlight will also help to preserve your investment.

We all have pictures of our kids, family portraits and the like. Why not consider taking those old pictures and re-framing them with a bold new look? Each year, hundreds of new moulding lines are introduced with new finishes and textures. I recently saw a ten inch thick frame that had an actual slate veneer covering the form. And I thought slate was just for flooring…very innovative. That is just one example of some fresh new ideas to turn your old pictures into new works of art.

Let the framing experts show you some examples that you would have never thought of. That is why we call them experts!

Surprise yourself, and your walls, by bringing an old tradition back.

Doris added: “I was fortunate enough to take in a new photography show currently running at Akasha called ‘Portals, Images of Forgotten Spaces’, by Tammy Hoy. As I have attended so many openings, I am not often surprised, but I must say that these photographs not only touched me, but I found myself getting lost in the imagery, lingering in front of them for long periods of time, yet seemingly not long enough. Ms. Hoy has managed to see and photograph spaces through the eyes of the soul. Definitely a MUST see.”

Spice Up Your Space

Highlighting art

by Doris Pontieri

The days of living in the same house, working at the same job and settling for a mundane everyday life are long over. We are constantly re-inventing ourselves. This is also true of the space that we choose to call our home. An ever changing living environment goes hand in hand with the fast pace and abundance of choices we experience in today’s lifestyle.

Instead of painting your walls if you are tired of your space, bring in a new piece of art to your life. A new colour may bring a certain fresh feel to the home you are used to looking at, but a new piece of art will bring life into that home, because a life created that piece. It came from the hand of someone expressing themselves, conveying their inner most feelings to you through the canvas. Three dimensional art, such as a sculpture, can do more for a room than a new piece of furniture.

Sculpture – always unique

I recently purchased a sculpture by the famous Canadian sculptor ABRAHAM ANGHIK RUBEN, represented by the Kipling Gallery Mr. Ruben regularly visits the gallery from his home in Vancouver and I was lucky enough to be there on a day he was present.

He told me the story of the piece I was going to purchase named ‘Raven Dancer’ sculpted in Brazilian soapstone. As he spoke, I became lost in his words and the history of the Raven. The piece was transformed for me from a beautiful work of art, to a remarkable part of Canadian history and Inuit legacy. Each sculpture carries with it a story of strength, struggle, compassion and yes, history.

Art is much more than decor

We often think of art as something that is merely decoration…must have the same tone of green that is in our cushions. I think it is time to understand that art is so much more than decor. If you find a piece that you fall in love with, it will stand alone, on its own merit. In fact it becomes a statement in your home, a statement telling as much about you as of the artist themselves.

I attend many functions and art auctions, and although my home is completely filled with works that I have fallen in love with, my heart holds a special place for each piece. With many of these works, I have had the great pleasure of meeting the artist and asking questions of them. Some of the answers have surprised me, shocked me and even made me brim over with emotion, just adding to the absolute beauty of the creation.

I encourage you to take a second look at your home, add a piece of art, and you will revel in the new life the space will embody. Find out if the artist will be visiting the gallery and take the time to go back to meet them. The work will take on a new meaning with the artist showing you their most vulnerable side, the emotion behind the art.

UPDATE: See “Shaman’s Dreams” whalebone and Brazilian soapstone sculpture collection by Abraham Anghik Ruben at the AGM – Art Gallery of Mississauga. Opening Reception 6pm November 4th, runs to December 23, 2010. www.artgalleryofmississauga.com

Doris Pontieri is a top-selling artist, inspirational art teacher, writes about art, and is part of the Tempo Toronto team. She is one of the top featured artists at the McMichael Annual Art Show & Sale at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection October 22-24.