Julia Black: For nearly 18 years, Art Interiors in Toronto has been shining a light on emerging and established artists. What started in their parents’ basements has since grown to become one of the most influential galleries in Toronto, if not Canada. Owners, long-time friends (and busy working moms), Lisa Diamond Katz and Shira Wood continue to bring us accessible, enlightening art, and kindly shared their expertise with me in a quick chat, as well as let me in on the art of buying art.
Julia: Art Interiors is so welcoming to those of us who aren’t art collectors and who frankly, know very little about art. Do you find people are intimidated by art?
Lisa: Absolutely! Huge intimidation factor with art! People fear judgment for what they put up on their walls- they feel it’s a reflection of them, which it sort of does, but hey, you have to be who you are, and like what you like- you have to live with the artwork, so it should appeal to you! We try to encourage people to buy what they respond to, not what matches the room or fits the space necessarily.
J: Do you feel there are any rules to follow, or to break, when it comes to blending artwork, or different styles and mediums?
Shira: No rules! Buy what you like and it will all work together. We encourage an eclectic grouping involving many different artists work, styles, genres, and mediums. It shows your personality and shows confidence. Mix up your frame choices as well! Too much of the same can be dull and boring!
J: Are there any areas in a home that aren' appropriate to hang art, or build a gallery wall?
L: No way! You can put artwork up in the laundry room! The only caveat is a small steamy bathroom- works on paper or on canvas can get damaged by the humidity. But you can hang smaller works that won’t buckle or crack. Just ask when you buy it.
J: Finally, for all of us who are looking at introducing art into their lives, any words of wisdom?
S: Don’t be intimidated when buying art, original art is for everyone and is easily accessible through local art fairs, community centres and hey, our gallery! Educate yourself and ask questions when buying what you like. Starting small is an easy way to begin.
S: And Canadian artists are so undervalued! They are the best deal in town!
GIVEAWAY: Aaron Emerson Jones Glory (Revisited)
California native, Aaron Emerson Jones, came to Canada to study Fine Arts at Queen’s University, and over the years has exhibited in New York, Miami, Los Angeles and throughout Canada. His passion rests in creating dreamy landscapes, composed of layers of paint and photographic images suspended in multiple pours of high-gloss resin. This young artist is undoubtedly one to watch for - Read more about Aaron on Julia's blog here.
Prize: One grand prize of Glory (Revisited) by Aaron Emerson Jones. The 24" x 24" artwork is valued at $550 and is pictured in the last image below.
1. Just 'Like' Art Interiors on Facebook here before Thursday March 24th, 2011, at 12pm EST, for a chance to win. The contest is also open to all Facebook peeps who have already 'Liked' Art Interiors.
2. One grand prize winner will be chosen by a random number generator and will be announced via Facebook and as an update to this post on the morning of Friday March 25th, 2011, at 9am EST. Good Luck!
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY Void where prohibited. Odds depend on number of applicants who participate. Participants may enter the contest by following the steps mentioned above by Thurs March 24th, 2011, at 12pm EST. Applicants must be of the age of majority in his/her province, territory or state of residence or older at the time of entry to participate and win. Contest open to residents of the US and Canada, excluding residents of Quebec.
Aaaaand we have a winner! Congrats to Lindsey Pippard who (as far as I can tell) lives in sunny Calgary, Alberta!