Walls without pictures are naked. Counters, consoles, and bookcases without tchochtkes are barren. Visual art pulls a place, whether home or office, together and gives it that unique touch. Because I am not a visual artist myself I need other people's art in my life.
Art adds color, art adds interest, art adds meaning, art adds creativity. Art doesn't have to be expensive, and it sure doesn't have to be from someone famous. As a matter of fact I like to know the people whose art I hang up or display, and I like to know their stories - I get more meaning out of that than I would from an expensive piece whose maker I don't know.
I have saved the best of my children's art from their elementary school years and framed it. A friend's young son made a piece of book art which I cherish and display together with some super heavy candle sticks a friend made from farm implements and a tree study we got from a painter friend. And I love my daughter's African inspired gazelle head made from a plastic gallon jug. They are all beautiful pieces that make the room around them look more special, and each piece has a story. This type of art surrounds me with beauty and meaning.
