The internet is awash with images depicting stunning interiors styled with exotic rugs, rich textiles, and tempting furnishings - each item meticulously curated. Yet frequently, what is displayed on the walls seems to fall short. Whether this is due to a modest budget, a shortage of time, conservative tastes and an aversion to risk, a lack of knowledge regarding where to begin, or even an insufficient interest in art, when it comes to selecting pieces to hang the results sometimes underwhelm.
Sourcing art demands something quite different of people than buying decorative pillows or throw blankets; though many perhaps think of art as just another accessory within a room, one that is easily swapped out when tastes change and trends shift. So in order to facilitate this flexibility, they select unadventurous prints from high street stores. Yet art should be distinct from its surroundings. It should be suggestive, formidable, challenging... it should stand alone not just blend in. The most interesting art has a presence and a strength to it.
Since it can be difficult to find art that is a) unique, b) affordable, and c) suits your tastes; below are a few suggestions of where you might want to start.
i. ETSY
While at first glance Etsy may seem like it only caters to those looking for crafty knickknacks or inspirational poster prints (Keep Calm and Carry On, anyone?), once you dig a little deeper you'll find many talented artists selling unique pieces of original art. The initial searches might be discouraging (99% of Etsy shops offer merchandise that doesn't appeal to me), but carry on, as one shop you like often leads to another (viewing a seller's 'favourited' items is a good starting point). Below are a few Etsy shops that consistently feature work I'm fond of:
Paintbox: Canadian artist Harry Stooshinoff's original landscape paintings depict the rural countryside of Southern Ontario. His pieces are small-scale (approx 10" x 10") and thus affordable, often under $100 each. New pieces are added weekly.
Joël Penkman: UK-based artist and graphic designer Joël Penkman paints intimate still-life studies of food, with collections grouped by regional themes - 'British Sweets,' 'Taste of America,' and '100 Teacups' are a few of his recent series. While his Etsy shop predominantly sells prints, originals are also available and reasonably priced (around $400).
William White: An artist with an unconventional resume; William White is the former Head of Product Innovation at Dyson turned printmaker and jewellery designer. His original hand-pulled etchings are available only in limited runs (some as small as 12), which means each edition retains its quality in the printing process and its value over time.
Vintage Art Room: Elaine Stolt has curated a wonderful collection of mid-century vintage paintings by Scandinavian artists, many of whom are represented in museums across Sweden. She has an eye for quality execution and a penchant for loose, bold brush strokes, and her listings often include brief artist bios when possible.
ii. AUCTION HOUSES
Lesser known auction houses are often an under-utilized resource for affordable vintage fine art. Many have developed extensive online catalogues, allowing website visitors to bid remotely on listings (most will also ship items internationally). They are also a good starting point if you're seeking larger - yet still affordable - pieces. Lunds is a fantastic auction house in Victoria, British Columbia that frequently offers a broad selection of fine art. Occasionally even pieces by world renowned artists will emerge - I may never forgive myself for missing out on this drawing by Gustav Klimt. A David Hockney lithograph appeared earlier this year at Waddington's - completely out of my price range yet still undervalued compared to the European art market.*
iii. LIVE AUCTIONEERS
I can't figure out why eBay is a household name, yet so few people have heard of Live Auctioneers. This is the motherlode of auctions, providing an online platform for thousands of real time auctions around the world. Website visitors can receive live updates of an auction hosted in Germany from the comfort of their Manhattan apartment, bidding remotely against anyone that's physically at the auction house holding a paddle (all items are translated into your language and currency of choice). The Live Auctioneers co-founder describes the site as "the best-kept secret among treasure-seekers", so perhaps the covert nature of the platform is part of its overall appeal.
iv. SAATCHI ART
Saatchi Art is a vast database of contemporary art with an unparalleled selection of paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, you name it, from over 40,000 artists around the world. The collection is so extensive they even offer a complimentary curating service, where they tailor select pieces to suit your needs, style, and space. Prices range.
iv. SAATCHI ART
Saatchi Art is a vast database of contemporary art with an unparalleled selection of paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, you name it, from over 40,000 artists around the world. The collection is so extensive they even offer a complimentary curating service, where they tailor select pieces to suit your needs, style, and space. Prices range.
*Remember to beware of forgeries when buying work by well known artists!
