What is Art?

Quite often, people declare that they need a “piece of art” to complete their room. That they are looking for the perfect painting to hang over a sofa, or above a fireplace. They don’t want a print, because it is too generic; they want something original, which often translates to something that they have not yet found, and, even if they did find it, it would probably be too expensive for their current budget.

So, they wait. The room is never finished, and the painting is never found. Eventually, something odd finds its way there, but it doesn’t quite fit, and no-one really likes it, but it seems to fill the space (sort of).

Art isn’t complicated; it is simply a visual expression of creativity, and can be represented in almost any way that you want it to be.  If you like looking at it, then it could be defined as Art, therefore,  couldn’t you put almost anything you want on your wall?

The world is filled with amazing things, so don’t let conventional thoughts prevent you from taking full advantage of what you enjoy. Whatever your design style, or need, you could definitely find something other than a normal painting to express your personality and decorate your home.

- Bicycles.

- Words and numbers.

- A favorite photograph (or several) – enlarged to poster size.

- Hats, handbags, and accessories hung on beautiful (or unusual) hooks.

- Vintage air vents.

- Wooden signs and shapes.

- Frame dried tree branches, or attach a small tree from floor to ceiling.

- Maps.

- Homemade art.

- Plates, tea cups and kitchen collectibles.

- Boxes and baskets.

- Old license plates, record or book covers.

- Windows, mirrors and glass.

- Almost anything else you can think of.

(p.s. Although still a painting, the Bacon and Eggs are not at all your typical piece of art; they are a delightful, whimsical creation of  Simple Mom).

Memories Of Us

I remember visiting my Grandad in the nursing home. A beautifully restored house, with spectacular grounds, and a garden that looked like it had just been freshly painted. It was the most idyllic setting anyone could imagine.

Once upon a time, my Grandad was a Master Gardener, and he would have loved this place; he would have trimmed the roses, dug the straightest garden edges, and definitely found a small patch of his own to grow the finest fresh vegetables for the kitchen.

But his memory was going, and he couldn't remember. People and places were confusing, and all he knew was that he was in a different place, without his wife, being shuffled from room to room like an inconvenient child; told where to sit, and when to eat, by strangers. When we visited, my heart broke; and I know that this happens, and I know that they are cared for, but why doesn't that make it feel any better?

The best treatment for Grandad was to see people who loved him, and knew him; people who smiled and talked, and reminded him of what had been, and what was going on at the moment. No matter how little he understood, there were still grains of recognition, and a comfort in things that were vaguely familiar. I want to believe that every visitor he had were like pennies in a jar, allowing him to save happy thoughts for when his days were not quite as full.

Of course, we can't control the future, but we can try to preserve memories for when we (and others) may need them later on. When we find it difficult to process our thoughts, we become grateful for simplicity; we need to go back to our childhood, recreating a more tactile world where life was easier, and explanations were brief.

Photographs are one of the simplest things to take on a visit. Lots and lots of photographs. In small albums, so they don't get scattered on the floor, but are still easy to hold. I like to write the names of the people and places underneath, and a brief description of who they are (eg. Sara, daughter of Jessica (your niece) Age 17 at Seaside Heights). This way, a caregiver, or another visitor, can also read it to them, and the interaction will make the pictures more meaningful. If you can, include photographs of them at all different ages, so that they can see that where they are is just a tiny part of their story. Show them that they mean something, and they have done things. That they have lived, and are loved. (Wedding photographs are particularly good, because they usually show several generations, and they always provoke happy memories and lots of storytelling).

Most care centers will let you hang things on the wall, so why not make a collage of photographs, or create a vision board of their favorite hobbies, or dreams. Buy a poster of their favorite vacation spot, band or movie that they used to enjoy. Take a few CD's and a small, portable player for them if they like music. Print out meaningful words, or names, and tape these to the walls. Find a treasured childhood toy for them to keep, and cuddle.

The list goes on, but really, it is so easy, and means so much. Next time you hesitate to visit someone, remember that they are still there, they just need you to help them remember...

p.s. The photograph above is of my Grandparents at Hever Castle. My Nana was just starting to show signs of dementia, and she jumped up on the edge of the fountain without warning. Grandad caught her just before she fell, and I shot this wonderful photograph.

Simply Summer

This week is my newsletter, filled with lots of ideas on how to enjoy those gorgeous, lazy, simple days of Summer.....(Click here to read).

Inside goes Outside

For many of you, the outside is just another place to sit; a place to soak up the sun, have your morning coffee, or take a break from the everyday. But for some, it is an extension of your home, somewhere that demands a little bit of personality before it can be fully appreciated.

Last weekend, I spent some time decorating my patio. I planted some flowers, moved some furniture around, and tried to figure out how I wanted it to feel. When I was done, I knew it wasn't right. It needed a piece of furniture. From inside.

A dresser, a mirror, a trunk - something that added warmth to the outdoor bits and pieces that were already there. As I searched my garage and cellar for that certain something, I knew it was impractical. Mirrors would craze, furniture would warp, and fabric would absorb the rain giving us all soggy bottoms when we sank into the cushions. But there was something about it that appealed to me.

I am not suggesting that you take your antique dining buffet and place it the garden, but I do think you should consider looking for something different that would add character to your outdoor space.

We often get caught in the land of "should"; we shop for garden furniture in the garden center, or the outdoor section of a retail store, just because that is where we think we should go. But, what about all the other possibilities? Flea markets, garage sales, and even your home, will often have items that are inexpensive, unique, useful, and unused. If you rescue old furniture and accessories, why not take them outside to be enjoyed?

Dangle a broken light fixture from a tree (pull out the wiring, stick a candle in it, or wrap it with LED fairy lights), cuddle up on a red, squishy sofa, and fill an old dresser with BBQ equipment, plates and utensils. Hang a mirror to capture more light, brighten a table with a coat of paint (even the most boring plant will look more interesting sitting on it), and don't even get me started on the absolute beauty of an old Persian rug casually placed on a concrete patio...

Bringing indoor "stuff" outside, makes a space feel comfortable and cared about. Inexpensive options are everywhere; they should be enjoyed, and they are already absolutely less than perfect (in the best possible way...).

Gorgeous photograph from Tori and Dean's Shabby Chic Wedding