Art has always held a special place in my heart. Whether I'm creating it, teaching it, or simply admiring it, the world of art captivates me. As someone with a design background, I am frequently asked for my best piece of design advice. Well, the answer to that question has remained unchanged for as long as I can remember:
Invest in what you truly LOVE!
Whether it's an exquisite antique chest, a stunningly beautiful rug, or an original piece of art, these treasures have the power to transform a mere house into a beloved home, and they will endure for generations to come. When you genuinely love a piece, it seamlessly integrates into your living space, becoming an integral part of your personal sanctuary.
In these blog posts, I aim to share a glimpse into the things I cherish and the elements that truly make our house a home. Let's begin this journey by exploring the captivating world of ART (specifically my art collection). Over the years, I've amassed an extensive collection of original artworks, and in my opinion, there's no such thing as too much art (although my husband might beg to differ on this particular point). If you come across a piece of art that stirs emotions within you—and your budget allows for it—don't hesitate, BUY IT!
There have been instances where I regret not acquiring certain pieces, and to this day, I find myself pondering what might have been. Such experiences have only reinforced the importance of following one's passion and seizing the opportunities that arise. Allow me to share a glimpse of the artistic treasures that adorn our family collection:
Middle Left: "Cake" by Annie Richardson - one of my very favorites - the artist is a dear friend of mine and the painting was a gift from my mom.
Middle right: "She Skips to Her Own Beat" by Amanda Norman - this one was a gift from Matt.
Bottom right: "Amen Corner" by Elaine Burge - a super special piece to me because of our families' ties to the Masters' Golf Tournament, Amen Corner was one of my dad's favorite spots on Augusta National.
Top: "Moss Hills" by Susan Woodard Kelly - a dear artist friend and also a super talented portrait artist
Middle: "Atticus" a gift painted by my sister of our past pup
Bottom: "Homestead Barn" by Patricia Tait Jones - i bought this piece years ago at a fundraising event because I admired Patricia's work - now I have the privilege to call her a dear, dear friend.
"End Of Summer Cocktails" by Kate Comen - as soon as I discovered Kate's work several year's back, I knew I needed a piece of her work - her use of color is always just right and her pieces are so fun!
"Stale Fish Grab" by Joey Slaughter - I have admired Joey's work for as long as I can remember - he is a super talented artist and professor at our local university. I was lucky enough to snag this at a local fundraiser to build a Skate Park for the Community! I love it!
My aspiration is that someday, these artworks will find their rightful place on the walls of my sons' homes, carrying as much sentimental and intrinsic value for their families as they do for me.
Stay tuned for the next installment of this blog where we will explore one of my favorite commission from this year.