An Art-filled Spring: Living with Art

Finch mug, on right, by Rebekah Strickland
Forged copper band by Thomas Clarkson

One of the joys of having art and, let's call them 'interesting objects', is displaying it in such a way that you can enjoy it on a daily basis. So, with that goal in mind, I've been shuffling paintings and art objects around the house and trying out different things.

One of the things I've learned in the process is that while I dislike the idea of a 'tablescape' , the reality is that combining smaller objects in a grouping can be a great way to get a bigger impact.

Finch mug, on right, by Rebekah Strickland

Forged copper band by Thomas Clarkson

Detail, Forged copper band by Thomas Clarkson

Some time last year, Smithy bought this 3D piece (below) at a small art show. The theme of the show was using old vinyl records in new ways; I read this piece as a torso, made from melted records. The piece has kinda grown on me as we've had it, and having a three dimensional piece really enlivens the corner of the room.

I hadn't realized it, but apparently I've also renewed my interest in ceramics lately. One of the great things about my old house is that each of the rooms has an old fireplace with a deep mantel, perfect for displaying things. So, given that, what kitchen doesn't need a primitive ceramic owl and a couple of Southern folk art face jugs here and there?!

Red owl and small face jug by

Grace Nell Hewell, Southern potter

Keeping up the theme of earth tones brightened with red, I added a couple of my own old painting above the secretary - elephants!

And, inspired by the March cover of Elle Decor with a framed piece of fabric used as art, I'm trying to decide how to use this piece of Thomas Paul fabric. I'm toying with the idea of framing pieces of it, and displaying it on either side of this print on the big blank wall above the sofa. I'll just have to decide whether to emphasize the birds or the flowers if I cut it up....

More information about Grace Hewell and the Hewell Pottery in North Georgia HERE.

The history of southern pottery face jugs HERE.
Framed Reindeer print by Scott Dupree.