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.

Thursday, November 21, 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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Masterclass applications

Details
Category: Arts Journal
We are honoured and excited to announce that Susann McDonald will be presenting a Master Class on the works of Henriette Renié: Legende, Lutins, Piece Symphonique. Contemplation, Ballade Fantastique, Concerto

To participate in one of the Congress masterclasses, please follow the application procedure detailed below. Repertoire must be selected from the following:

Susann McDonald – Renié (Legende, Lutins, Piece Symphonique. Contemplation, Ballade Fantastique, Concerto)
Heidi Lehwalder – Salzedo (any piece)
Bernard Andrés – Andrés (Absidioles, Parvis, Élégie, Préludes, Lamento)
Maria-Luisa Rayan-Forero – Grandjany (Rhapsodie, Theme and Variations on Haydn, Bach Etudes etc) or Renié.


You will need to submit the piece you would like to present in the masterclass in .mp3 file format. Maximum duration is 10 mins, though it can be an excerpt of a longer piece. You may submit several pieces for different masterclasses, with a maximum of three applications.

There is no age limit. Application deadline has been extended from: 30 January 2014 to 30 March 2014

Master Class Application Procedure

  • 1.Send an email to Carolyn Mills at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register your intention to apply.
  • 2. You will receive an invitation and a unique link to join ShareFile WHC. This is the website to which you must upload your files. It may take a day or two to receive your invitation. All emails received on or before the deadline of 30 January 2014 will be accepted, even if your invitation link has not been sent to you yet.
  • 3. When you receive the email from ShareFile, click on the link in the email. This will take you to your own unique ShareFile folder. Please follow instructions on how to upload files from your computer. You can browse files or you can drag and drop. Make sure you have selected all .mp3 files, biography, three letters of recommendation, and photograph. (Please Note: your files MUST all be clearly named with your name. You must also include the composer’s name for all .mp3 files). You do not need to upload the same support documentation for multiple applications.
  • 4.When you have added all the files to the list, click the “upload” button.
  • 5.Your application has been completed.

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

21 November 2024