For many, figuring out what to hang on their walls can be a perplexing situation. Are you sometimes unclear on what is the “right” kind of art to hang at home? Do you have trouble figuring out what works well – and what doesn’t – in a particular space? Or, have you ever moved into a new place and felt overwhelmed at all the walls you think you need to fill up? Whatever the reason, the art dilemma is very real for so many people, including my own design clients. So I’m taking the dilemma to a number of experts in this series “The Art Dilemma, Solved.” I’ve got questions and, today, Evie Kemp, a New Zealand-based creative and maker with a home that makes me salivate, has the answers.
“Having art you love in your home is what makes it a home and not just a house, and it doesn’t have to make anyone happy but you.” – Evie Kemp
Q. What are the biggest challenges you think people have when it comes to deciding on artwork for their homes? A. I think they worry too much about what other people will think, or what they think they “should” like. Everyone has opinions on art, and the thought of being judged puts people off! We really shouldn’t care, but it’s only human. Having art you love in your home is what makes it a home and not just a house, and it doesn’t have to make anyone happy but you. Trust your instincts and ignore trends.
Evie Kemp’s entry / Photo by Jane Ussher for NZ House & Garden
Q. Do you think people struggle with the concept of art?
A. Definitely, I think people think “real art” has to be a certain price, and a certain type of art. When really art is whatever you want it to be and you can put whatever you want on the walls of your own home! I have paintings, but I also have postcards I’ve picked up for free that I love just as much.
Q. When adding artwork to your own home, what has been your thought process?
A. It depends if I have fallen in love with an artwork, or if I’ve got a new space to fill! If I’ve fallen in love with something I’ll find a way to make it work, sometimes it means they sit in a corner for a while until I make space for them. If I have a space to fill because I’ve changed a room around, my first consideration is always size and shape – whether it needs two things, a gallery wall type situation, one large art work, if it would be best portrait or landscape. Next, I tend to think about colour or style, I try and keep an open mind but I usually get an idea of the kind of thing I want (something typographical, or a photograph, or a collection of paintings or prints). With those main things in my mind I start looking and keeping an eye out for something that will work. Or I’ll create something myself.
Q. How do you know when something works and something doesn’t?
A. For me I just feel if I like it, or if it needs something more (or occasionally less). I like to switch things around and try out different pieces from other parts of the house, even if it’s not the final piece for that spot, sometimes just getting an idea can lead you to know what is going to be right. If you need fresh eyes, I find it helpful to take a photo and look at the composition through that. It’s kind of like stepping back and that will make it far more obvious if something is too small, or too bright, or too dark for the spot.
Evie’s sunken lounge / Photo by Helen Bankers
Q. Can you name any favorite art sources?
A. My #1 art source these days is definitely Instagram. I’ve found lots of wonderful artists and galleries on there that then lead me to discover more and more. Some of my favourite ones on Instagram include Unlimited Gallery, Print Club London, and Odd One Out in Hong Kong. I’m a huge fan of photographers Jenny O Jens, and locally (New Zealand) I love the selection of Seed Gallery. For big selections, I love checking out new art on Chairish (though, sadly, they don’t ship here), which includes pieces by artists I love, like Angela Chrusciaki Blehm [editor’s note, she is also featured in “The Art Dilemma, Solved” series, here].
Q. What are some of the best tips you’ve heard on bringing art into the home?
A. Just do it! Don’t wait until you can afford this or that piece, get the pieces you have up on your wall now. They can be easily moved when something new comes along but art is for enjoying and it should be seen. I have a blog post on that here.
Evie’s kitchen / Photo by Helen Bankers
Q. Anything else you’d like to add?
A. Collecting and displaying art is such an expressive and rewarding thing that doesn’t need to cost the earth. Have fun with it, don’t worry what other people think, and, if cost is an issue, framing yourself with ready-made frames makes it a lot more affordable.
Thank you, Evie, for helping solve the art dilemma! To see how she handles art in her own home, follow her on Instagram here. To hear more from experts in “The Art Dilemma, Solved” series, visit here.
