After my post a couple of weeks ago about being in a creative slump (kind of like writer’s block for a design blogger, I guess), I made myself get out some paint and a canvas while the kids were at school and do something about it. And, then I rearranged some things on our living room wall. Even though I was happy enough with the way it looked before, sometimes different just feels better—even if no one notices but me.
I like that the new art brings some fresh color to our living room. It feels a little more like Spring to me.
I once got an email from someone who pointed out that I’m actually making “home décor” instead of art. Maybe so. But, I’ve always thought of home décor as being one of those mass-produced pieces you can buy at a home accessory chain store. Chances are, I’ll never sell any of my masterpieces—and I’m okay with that. I think art is often less about skill and more about how it makes you feel. And, the great thing about inexpensive/free art is there’s no commitment to live with a piece you feel so-so about for the rest of your life. Change it up without guilt.
Some of my favorite pieces on our walls came from flea markets or thrift stores for a couple of dollars. I don’t know anything about them. I just like them. I think that’s a good rule of thumb for your whole house, actually. Don’t worry about what you think you should have on your walls, or on your sofa, or on your coffee table. . . Just go with what makes you feel happy to be in your home. And, for me, making little changes to a big wall and rearranging a few frames is a good start.
Have you made any little changes lately that have you made you feel happier about your home?
Looks like art to me!
Art is art to me! It looks happy!
I agree with the above comments! Art is subjective and should never be criticized!! I happen to love your art and think it’s very warm and pretty on your walls. I also love to move things around and make little changes. I call it’shopping around my home’ when I switch things from room to room! :)
Don’t you love when you find something that you already have and it works better somewhere else? One of my favorite things :)
I think that is kind of rude. It is art if you made it.
Your art looks awesome!
Just an aside – is there a reason why the text on your site is in such a light grey? While it makes for a lovely cohesive look (which is probably the reason), it makes it a smidge difficult to read in certain lighting/screens.
Susan, I had my blog designer darken it, but I do notice that if my screen is tilted a certain way, it will show up pretty light. If I look at it straight on, it seems to be okay. Do you notice that, too?
Emily, your home looks fabulous I love everything you do sometimes when I make something art or décor (tomato-tomato) I worry it will be judged but if I like it and it’s my home who cares at 51 years old, I need to know it is how I feel about myself or home not what everyone else feels. but as they say haters gonna hate. Keep on bloggin you are inspiring thanks, K Sunday
Great job…I’d say you’ve come out of your slump! Your gallery wall is such a huge inspiration. That watercolor tree picture is my favorite every time I see your wall. I’ve got to go back and find where you got that one! I might *need* it too! :)
It was a print I ordered from Zazzle. If I search, I can probably find the name. Email me if you want me to :)
Thanks! I’ll start there and see if I can find it on my own.
Found it, love it, buying it! :)
Sorry but I don’t think a piece you painted would be called home decor, it’s art, just like kids artwork is art, (not that I’m comparing you’re artwork with children’s!) I’m with you home decor is mass produced artwork and for some reason the word home decor just sounds depressing to me!! lol. The weather has gotten to me too, I actually added some teal blue accessories in my living room to help lift my spirits a bit!! I’m ready for spring too!
I actually think the kids’ “art” is better than mine, but thanks. Ha!
Love your art and your art wall!! I think I may go make some art for my art wall now! Of course it it art–who the heck does that women think she is? And I would rather have a one of a kind piece of art done from the heart–it means so much more. I still love our children’s art and now we place our Grandchildren’s art front and center…
Create On! I’ve been trying out Ranger Alcohol Ink on Yupo paper, gorgeous colors, and Citrasolv on National Geographic pages (citrasolv is a household cleaning agent!), to make my own papers (see this how-to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FskgfDxI__M )
So fun to experiment and let go of the critical voice from the Met!
I love your art! When we create our own art I think it enhances our homes and customizes them. I just made a silhouette portrait of our daughter and hung it above her bed- it was fun and turned out cute.
I love the new art! Did it get the creative juices flowing again? I love inexpensive art and because we move often and collections of large objects aren’t very practical, I buy art. I have pieces from everywhere we have lived or traveled. I am not an art snob though. I am with you, I buy art on the street, at thrift shops, co-op galleries, at flea markets and I even have a few really amazing pieces from garage sales. My only requirement is that it makes me smile! Might be my next post…Garage Sale Art Curated…
Seriously????? Someone had the nerve to say that? Gahhhhhh!
You make art, honey. When you put a brush to paper or canvas you are making art.
Ok – I got that off my chest, I feel better.
And, you know my love of gallery walls with a little of this and a little of that!
xo~Jill
How do you like those gray ikea chairs? I’m trying to convince my husband to buy a pair!
I like it. I wouldn’t say it’s “cushy” but it’s my favorite place to sit in the mornings and drink my coffee (the rare times I get that pleasure!).
Ugh, what a snobby comment! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and so many great artists were only recognized until posthumously. I know that isn’t the heart of this post but that comment kinda irritated me.
That’ll be my luck. I’ll be world famous and rich after I kick the bucket!
I think you addressed the comment about your “art” in a very gracious way!! :) Love your art!! :)
I love your wall, and I love that it is unique. Some of my favorite pieces are the ones I’ve made myself (these are also some of the ones I hate the most)!
The arrogance of some people. I’ll bet that emailer is the kind of person that never framed their kid’s art. But then he/she probably wouldn’t consider that art either.
A very talented writer friend, whose work has appeared in The Washington Post and The New York Times, to name a couple, was recently told she wasn’t a journalist. So you’re in good company.
I think your new art looks wonderful.
Love Love Love the gallery wall! And I have to ask, where did you find the lamps on either side of the tv?
I ordered them from Home Decorators and gave them some paint and trim:
https://emilyaclark.com/2013/03/wall-lamps-for-our-living-room.html
I am an artist, and, after working at Michael’s for 4+ years back in college, I’ll admit I tend to mentally distinguish between “art” and “craft projects.” That said, snobbery has always been a weakness of mine, and I would never contradict someone’s opinion of her own work. Art is way too personal for that!
You have excellent taste, and I think it is awesome that you are experimenting and displaying your own artwork. My son and I both revel in displaying our art throughout our home!
Is that a Janet Hill I see??
Yes, she’s one of my favorites!
Oh puleese…..art is art whether it cost 1000.00 or pennies and just because some are more talented than others should not make a difference! Love your gallery wall so take that hula hoop!
I’m officially going to start saying “take that hula hoop!” in any and all situations where it applies.
Well said, Emily! Art is subjective and creative, no matter who it comes from. And aren’t our homes a canvas, too? Love the fresh look – you’ve inspired me to change up a wall or two around here.
Xoxo, Heidi
I have been in a slump as well lately! This inspired me to repaint an old picture frame though and i am starting to feel much better :)
I love the color and composition of this wall, Emily. You know how to bring together a grouping! I have always found that a little piece of “art” (my kids, my own attempts or even a postcard) look so much more substantial when I mat them. All of a sudden the piece becomes something special, do you notice that too? Such an easy way to elevate art.
I am an art advisor and I truly believe that you are making artwork if you intend for it be art. It’s not about the skill, or if it is being sold or not, etc. It’s about intention. Love your gallery wall and your arrangement.