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Sizes matter
Oversized is also of interest among buyers who choose the work of artist Brandon Luther of Southern Bit. Luther specializes in detailed, oversized images of farm animals. Taken with a camera, they’re mounted on hardwood frames, embellished with his own artistic touches, and sealed in resin. One commercial installation measured six by ten feet, and while most of his works meant
for residential spaces are smaller, he says he is getting many requests for pieces that measure 5-plus feet in height or width.
And for his animal portraits, the large scale works. “I like to be able to blow them up even larger than life,” says Luther. “I try
to capture the feeling of the horse, the expression on their faces, the look in their eyes.”
That’s not to say that bigger is always better ... or that paintings belong on a wall. At Sweet Gumball, Karen Olney says, “There is a huge trend in placing smaller sized art on bookshelves, mantles or desks.” She adds that gallery walls—multiple pieces of smaller art arranged on one wall to create a larger presence—are still
in vogue.
“Art completes the look of any design space, and in retail it offers a great way to use all the real estate that you are paying for,” says Olney. Sweet Gumball is known for its handmade rustic art that fits a modern farmhouse or coastal living vibe.
Eye of the beholders
Artist Austin James thinks the Millennial generation has driven growth in the art category. “Millennials crave original content,” he says. “The emerging generation trends towards unique, handmade items offered at reasonable price points.”
James’ work is characterized by its serene, tranquil style.
The abstract works often resemble waterscapes. What’s gaining traction, he says, is original art on paper, framed in a slim, conservative frame. “Clients love the polished look of framed paper, and they love knowing that it’s one of a kind,” he says.
For customers looking for an alternative to traditional framed paintings, Sectis Design offers innovative “wall sculptures.”
From panels of bamboo with cutout designs to acrylic boxes to mirrored acrylic shapes, this décor is contemporary and fun and innovative. “People are tired of prints and posters,” says Ricardo Neumann, founder. “They want something new and different.
We mix acrylic colors and mirrors with cool, funky designs for pieces that are a little more edgy than what’s typically out there.”
TEMPORARIES
There’s no doubt that the market for artwork is growing, due to
a number of factors, including the housing market. “Home building is booming, necessitating more product both for staging as well as the end user,” says Kelly O’Neal of Design Legacy. Savvy interior designers and home furnishings retailers who incorporate unique art into their offerings, whether it’s original art or reproductions, will be able to help their customers put that special finishing touch on their homes. >
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