The word 'Art' is most commonly associated with pieces of work in a gallery or museum, whether it’s a painting from the Renaissance or a modern sculpture. However, there is so much more to art than what you see displayed in galleries.

The truth is, without being aware of it, we are surrounded by art and use it on a continual basis. Most people don’t realize how much of a role art plays in our lives and just how much we rely on art in all of its forms in our everyday lives.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

The Joy of Art

You may be wondering why all of these things are so important to our daily lives and that you could probably survive just fine with essential items that were non-artistic. That is just the reason why art is so valuable! While art may not be vital to fulfill our basic needs, it does make life joyful. When you look at a painting or poster you’ve chosen to hang on your living room wall, you feel happy. The sculpture or figurines on the kitchen windowsill create a sense of joy. These varieties of art forms that we are surrounded by all come together to create the atmosphere that we want to live in.

Art and Music

The importance of art in our daily lives is very similar to that of music. Just like art, music can make life extremely joyful and can have a huge effect on our mood. In the workplace in particular, music is something that can help people set the mood for what they are about to do. If you have something hard or difficult to work on or are feeling tired, an energetic song will likely wake you up and add some enthusiasm to the situation. Similarly, when stress is high, many people find that relaxing to calming music is something that eases the mind.

Inspirational Art

Inspirational art, such as posters are often found in work spaces to encourage employees to continue being productive. There is now an increasing amount of companies using art in their offices, as well as playing background music, as it is proven to actually work in making end results far better quality. There may be a piece of art that you own that you personally find motivational. Perhaps a print with a positive affirmation or quote beautifully scrolled on it or a painting of a picturesque scene of where you aim to travel to one day.

SOME REASONS WHY ORIGINAL ART IN THE HOME IS AS IMPORTANT AS A BED

1. Creates Mood
2. Adds Personal Character to the Home
3. Makes Memories
4. Provides a Colour Palette
5. Makes a Room Feel Finished
6. Inspires and Fosters Creativity
7. Conversation Starter
8. Supports Artists
9. It is an Investment
10. Creates a Livable Environment
11. Keeps the Brain Active
12. Relaxation
13. Curating Your Own Gallery is Fun!

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PROPOSAL GUIDELINES FOR WHC SYDNEY 2014

Details
Category: Arts Journal
Applications are now open for your performance, presentation, lecture, workshop or other proposals and ideas. All proposals must be submitted on-line and arrive by the deadline date. Please limit your applications to a total of three proposals per person.

Performance / Lecture presentation will comprise:
20 mins + 5 mins question time.
Proposals should be submitted in the form of a short written explanation (max 200 words) and audio file (max 10 mins).
Deadline for submission: June 15th 2013

Performance proposals:
Submit a short explanation (max 200 words) and an audio file (max 10 minutes of music), specifying if the work is solo, chamber music, harp and choir or other and the duration of the proposed performance.
Please specify if it is a New Music category performance application, and if so whether it is a world premiere. For new music, where the new work has not yet been performed, two short audio files would be preferable – one played by the performer, and a work/excerpt by the composer.
Deadline for submission: June 15th 2013

Academic Papers / Lectures will comprise:
20 min Lecture + 5 mins question time.
Proposals should be submitted in the form of an abstract (max 200 words).
Deadline for submission: 15th November 2013
Note below Short-listed applications will be required to submit a paper (max 4000 words)
Recommended length of full papers is 4 to 6 pages
Deadline for submission: 15th February 2014

Academic papers have an extended deadline of 15th November 2013, to encourage papers relevant to Congress repertoire. Congress programs will be notified as soon as possible to allow time for relevant academic papers to support the repertoire being performed.

Participation Workshops will be 45 mins. Proposals to lead a workshop should be in the form of a written description (max 200 words).
Proposals to present a workshop could include Jazz, Folk, other types of participatory learning sessions, as well as performers from mixed genres.
Deadline for submission: June 15th 2013

Other presentations:
Ideas should be presented in the form of a short explanation (max 200 words).
These could be technical & career-related presentations, relaxation and warm-up sessions etc. for either 20 or 45 mins sessions. If you have a suggestion for a panel discussion, this can also be submitted here.
Deadline for submission: June 15th 2013

There will be an early closing deadline for Concerto applications due to the advance administration and negotiation required for concerto performances.
Deadline for concerto applications: January 15th 2013

How to Arrange Art

  • "People have a tendency to hang art too high," says Linda Crisolo, Art.com director of merchandising. "The center of the image should be at eye level." In living rooms, people are usually sitting, so artwork should be lower. A good way to ensure you're placing artwork at the right height is to hang it one hand width above the sofa.
  • A common problem when hanging artwork above a sofa or sideboard is that it's not in scale. Having pieces that are too small or too large will make the whole arrangement look strange. "Make sure artwork is at least two-thirds the size of the sofa or sideboard," Crisolo says. "For example, a 9-foot-long sofa should have a 6-foot-wide expanse of art above it."
  • In the bedroom, choose personal art, such as family photographs or your own photography. If you're arranging the pieces in groupings, Crisolo recommends sticking with one color theme, either all black-and-white or all color photographs.
  • "Above a mantel or fireplace is the perfect place to layer pieces," Crisolo says. "A house looks like a home when you can see layers of artwork and accessories."
  • In the kitchen, hang art in a place where it won't get damaged by water or heat. Consider placing art above an office space, near the dining table, or above open counter space. Crisolo also recommends avoiding kitchen art in the kitchen. "I tend to shy away from pictures of asparagus in the kitchen," she says. "Vintage art with traditional frames works in a traditional kitchen. In a modern kitchen, try bright colors with stainless-steel frames."
  • A symmetrical arrangement creates a striking and simple focal point. All-white frames and mats unify this grouping. "I like to use the same frames to create homogeny," says Crisolo.
  • When deciding where to hang images in your home, consider the wall space available and the arrangement of the room. "Use small pieces between windows and doors," Crisolo says. "If small items are in a space too large, the pieces look lost. With larger pieces, allow room for people to step back and admire the work."
  • Artwork collaborates with other accessories and decor to create a visual story. Make sure images, moldings, and shelves all work together. "Hang artwork in front of a bookcase, on the face of the shelf," Crisolo says. "The shelves and ledges become part of a decorating story."
  • Make sure your arrangement matches your decorating style. "Symmetrical arrangements are more traditional or formal. Asymmetrical is modern," Crisolo says. "Also look at the image and style of the frame. For cottage-style rooms, stick with vintage images or botanicals. In modern rooms, choose large and abstract pieces."

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American Farmhouse Living

24 April 2024