Why Original Art Matters
Whether you’re young and have moved into a new house with a lot of walls to fill or you’re an empty nester looking for art for your new condo, the search for art can be meaningful, and with a little extra thought, your purchases can turn into a collection, and perhaps an investment. This is not always the reality, there can be an air of entitlement or superiority when someone thinks about original art – almost a bit of intimidation (is this really for me). Original art comes in all forms and prices and has had a significant impact and influence in ways you may not have thought about. Hopefully you will explore new venues to support Local Artists in the 614 to potentially enhance your home and more importantly…our society. Here are just a few reasons I am a big fan of Original Art/Artists:
1. Original Art communicates emotion/passion/purpose before you can form the words “You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus” – Mark Twain
a. Original art has a knack of communicating – speaking in ways that is both powerful and insightful. Art tells a story using imagery, symbols and color creating an “expanded language” allowing us to think in abstractions and feel things we cannot clearly say (often times before our other senses can understand).
b. At times, we all struggle trying to articulate how we feel, or what is really happening (in our heads) – art has a way of bridging this gap (visually) by bringing a creative voice (the art) to what resides deep within our souls.
c. There are a ton of studies and research on how art helps children articulate what is really going on inside of them. The popular: House / Tree / Person test has been used with both children and adults alike since the early 50’s. I understand there is a fair bit of debate on how best to interpret the results – but, I still find this test fascinating in re. to helping children/adults communicate what they are feeling (many times w/o words) – see HERE for more.
2. Original Art (the artist) can drive economic growth & turn-around
a. You may not have thought or experienced this point (depending on where you live), but we had the chance to see the impact of art in Cleveland, OH. There is a small community, just outside of Cleveland called North Collinwood (see Waterloo Arts District for more info HERE).
b. What I love about the story of Collinwood and its dramatic turn-around, is the group of people that lead this revitalization…were artists! The artists had the vision and capability to “see” what Collinwood could become and they became the stability and glue as “early adopters” in the fabric of change. Obviously, there were a number of institutions that helped fund (non-profit, public and private) this venture – but artists were the ones that took the leap and begin to build a vibrant community.
c. The Kresge Foundation documented the North Collinwood turn-around in their Case Study about “deliberate integration of arts, culture and community-engaged design into comprehensive community development” – see the story of Collinwood HERE
d. Great venues in Collinwood: Beachland Ballroom & Tavern / Citizen Pie / Stay: Airbnb / Six Shooter Coffee
3. Original Art can be the catalyst to help others understand a need or draw attention to cultural insensitivity
a. TomGirl Studio is attempting to do just that in her most recent series @ Sarah Gormley Art Gallery (see HERE for info on this Short North Gallery) – this show will open on Friday, January 31 from 6:00-9:00pm!
b. This new collection by TomGirl Studio is titled: “WILDFLOWER”, features a number of portrait/figure paintings depicting women. This series is honoring women who influence and impact society.
c. A percentage of the proceeds from this show will go directly to the non-profit: She Has A Name - A strong community in Columbus, OH that exists to fight human trafficking through education, collaboration and survivor care.
4. Viewing Original artwork can cleanse your soul – The role of art and living an artful life, is significant in a world in search of meaning and beauty. Novelist and sci-fi writer Ursula K. Le Guin suggest that art is one of the ways we break routine thinking and allow our perceptions to be cleansed: “The daily routine of most adults is heavy and artificial - we are closed off from much of the world. We have to do this in order to get our work done. I think one purpose of art is to get us out of those routines. When we hear music or poetry or stories, the world opens up again.”
a. I love this quote and believe it to be true for many of us – Art does have a way of drawing us out, slowing us down and giving us a perspective…as we struggle to put our feelings into words.
If you get a chance (hopefully you will make space) – get out, visit one of the great local galleries in the 614 (if you are looking for an event: Sarah Gormley’s OPENING on 1.31.2020 by TomGirl Studio) and see how Original Art is influencing both people, culture and economic development.
