It can be very easy to get stuck in your head and overthink things when buying a piece of art for your home but, in my opinion, there is just one question you should ask yourself.
If this is the first time you’ve visited my website, hello. I’m Kerri Awosile (pronounced Ah-woh-she-lay) and I’m a contemporary artist and creative based in Surrey, UK. I’m inspired by colour, light, shape, and texture – and how they interact with our emotions and the spaces we live in.
And the reason I’m mentioning this is because our emotions are the key to choosing the ‘right’ piece of art for our homes.
Obviously there are some logistical considerations whenever we buy art – from the wall-space we have available to our budget. But those questions can only help narrow down our choices. There are thousands, if not millions (or even billions), of pieces to art to choose from in the world. It’s almost impossible that only one piece of art matches our logistical criteria out of so many possibilities.
So, how do you make a decision? Your body already knows the answer…
Yes, I believe it is that simple.
The only question you should ask yourself when buying a piece of art for your home is: ‘does it make me smile?’.
Forget questioning whether or not it’s “good” art. All art is subjective. One person’s masterpiece will be another person’s trash. There’s also no point getting hung up on the details, or trying to understand the composition, because we can each interpret art differently.
And if the only way you can appreciate artwork is by it’s technical mastery or the kudos of the artist… you’re kind of missing the point of what art is all about.
Now, I’m making the assumption you would like a piece of art that makes you feel good.
For me, creativity is always about the joy. So, with my own contemporary paintings, I’m always hoping they will make you smile. Whether that’s a gentle smile from a place of calm and comfort, or a beaming grin of inspiration and excitement.
However, if, for whatever reason, you’re not wanting feel-good art (I don’t know… maybe you want something that makes you think deeply, allows you to feel sad, or gives you a powerful force inside) then you still only need to ask yourself one question. You just need to change the word ‘smile’ to something that captures what you’re looking for.
Does it make you reflect? Does it make you cry? Does it make you want to get up and punch the sky?
The point is… don’t overthink it. Buying art shouldn’t be that complicated – just look at the artwork and ask yourself that one (appropriate) question. If your body gives you the answer you’re looking for, then it’s the right piece of art for your home.