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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Evening Program

Details
Category: Arts Journal

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
Meet in Sydney: Chinese Konghou and World Harp
A Special evening at Taronga Zoo, hosted by The International Konghou Harp Association & World Harp Congress. 


Depart from Circular Quay at 6.30pm on a private Harp cruise, the ‘Rocket Freedom’ to Taronga Zoo.  Entertainment on board by the wonderful Paraguayan Harpist Sixto.  A private reception will take place in the Harbour View Terrace at Taronga Zoo where beverages and canapés will be served from 19.30 until 21.30.  A very special Chinese Konghou performance will take place in the Harbour View Terrace overlooking the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

 

This special evening is limited to 180 and all registered delegates will be emailed with the option to add this to their registration.

Costs: AUD$50 per person + 10% GST

 

Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Vergrugghen – Monday 21st July 2014
Contemporary Harp
Canto Ostinato Audio Visual is a performance with harp, electronica and visuals, based on the groundbreaking composition ‘Canto Ostinato’. Gwyneth Wentink (harp), Wouter Snoei (electronica) and Arnout Hulskamp (visuals) respond to each other on stage using their instruments and self-developed software, determining who takes the lead according to the codes of ‘Canto Ostinato’.


Canto Ostinato Audio Visual takes place on the fascinating intersection between music, visual art and technology, and provides a unique experience for all the senses. Interaction and improvisation are the foundation of the composition; every performance is different.
Harp player Gwyneth Wentink, electronica specialist Wouter Snoei and video artist Arnout Hulskamp will bring this arrangement of Canto Ostinato to exceeding stages worldwide.


This revolutionary arrangement of Canto is an ode to the famous Dutch composer of minimal music, Simeon ten Holt who passed away in November 2012, at the age of 89.


Duo Attema-Haring and dancer Rodrigo Alves’ will perform ‘The Aeon of Horus’, created by Florian Maier and Sanja Hasagic. This is another innovative and lively contemporary ensemble from The Netherlands, with harpist Astrid Haring and trombonist Brandt Attema.


Duo Stasa Grujic (Serbia) and Sirin Pancaroglu (Turkey) perform traditional orthodox Easter European music with a contemporary feel, accompanied by the Bonnyrig Serbian dancers.

 

Sydney Town Hall – Sunday 20th July 2014
Gala Opening Concert
Harpists from Five Continents
Australia’s Seven Harp Ensemble performing the World Premiere of a work by Ross Edwards, with guest artist William Barton, Didgeridoo with an International line-up including Ugandan Kiganda, Celtic wire strung, Paraguayan and Classical harp soloists.

(SGS OR State Theatre) – Monday 21st July 2014
Contemporary harp
Stasa Mirkovic Grujic (Serbia) / Sirin Pancaroglu (Turkey), harp duo with percussion and traditional dance
Duo AttemaHaring & dancer (Netherlands) Astrid Harring, harp / Brandt Attema, bass trombone / Rodrigo Alves, dance
Canto Ostinato Audio Visual
Gwyneth Wentink / Wouter Snoei / Arnout Hulskamp

City Recital Hall Angel Place – Tuesday 22nd July 2014
Harp chamber extraveganza
Naoko Yoshino (Japan) Solo Recital
Isabelle Moretti (France) / Australia Ensemble
French Chamber Music including Ravel Introduction & Allegro Philippe Hersant Choral
Alisa Sadikova (Russia) Bernard Andrés: 'Le Barde Muet'
Catriona McKay, harp / Christopher Stout, fiddle (UK) / Australian Metropolitan Musicians
Sally Beamish: Seavaigers

City Recital Hall Angel Place – Thursday 24th July 2014
Early Harp
Orchestra of the Antipodes
Maria Christina Cleary (Ireland/Netherlands) - Krumpholtz Concerto
Andrew Lawrence-King (UK)
El maestro del norte: Spanish & New World dances

Sydney Opera House – Friday 25th July 2014
Sydney Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Simone Young
Rodrigo: Concierto Serenata - Sivan Magen (Israel)
Bracegirdle: Legends of the Old Castle - Louise Johnson (Australia)
Zemlinsky: The Mermaid / Liszt: Orpheus with multiple harps

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