How to choose Art?

Posted on 24 May 2013 by IAC| 0 comment

The penchant for possessing art works has increased in recent years. This can be attributed mainly to TV coverage and newspaper columns which have focused on art and sculptures. However, getting information on art is one thing and knowing what to buy is something quite different. The latter is not so easy, considering that it is not every day that we buy an art work. Hence, it is paramount that to make a beginning in building up a portfolio, certain crucial factors should be kept in mind, especially to cherish the first experience of being the proud owner of an artistic piece.

Reflects your personality – It is very important that the work that you choose not only enhances the look of your room but is also is a mirror image of your personality. For example, if you are the traditional types, opt for a watercolor landscape of a garden or a beach scene. Those with a romantic outlook can look for impressionist-style portraits, or photographs of couples. Photography is a great choice for the trendy minimalist. For something modern and eclectic, pick pieces with bold colors and shapes.

Decide the Space: Once you have decided upon the type of art that you want for your home, you have to decide on the space where it will be the focus of attention. If you are looking for a piece or pieces of hanging art you have to ensure that it will harmonize well with the interiors. Sculptures can be more difficult to place in a room. Art comes in a multitude of forms and styles and you can always find a niche for it that will perfectly complement the décor of your room. This aspect should always be kept in mind. A big Renaissance period oil painting or a huge abstract wall hanging, though impressive, would definitely look out of place in a modern and simple living room.

Deciding on a budget: This is the most challenging aspect of buying art. It is very easy to get influenced by an impressive piece and spend far more than you originally intended to. Hence, it is always advisable to consult the gallery owner and inform him your financial range so that they can help you find the perfect piece accordingly. You may start with investing in small pieces and graduate to larger ones. However, whatever be it, small or big, for the buyer who is the proud owner, each piece is special, priceless and unique in its own way.

Your artistic levels and desires will play an important part in your decision making. Be sure of what you want to hang on your walls both from the point of aesthetics and value for money. Keep in mind that an expensive art work need not necessarily satiate your senses. Keep a balance between your head and heart and you will be on your way to become a revered art collector.

PATACHITRA

Posted on 13 May 2013 by IAC| 0 comment

Episodes from mythology, religious themes and Gods painted on a piece of cloth make this form of art totally unique. The tradition of making Patachitra paintings goes back to the 8th century A.D. Practiced mostly among the tribes of Orissa, the origin of these paintings is linked with the famous Jagannath Temple. This style was kept alive by its huge demand from all over the world by the devotees of Lord Jagannath of Puri. Colorful pallets of the artists, strokes of red, white, yellow, and blue were all derived from natural elements without the use of toxic chemicals and paints, thus making this practice completely harmonious with nature,. Stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the eternal bonding of Radha and Krishna are not only confined to treated textiles, popularly called the Patta. These illustrations are also portrayed on bottles, bowls and outer husks of coconuts. Intricate detailing and exquisite artistry is what makes this unique and stand out in its own right. Traditionally, only male Chitrakars used to practice this art form but in later years, women artists also joined in and slowly carved a niche for themselves. Patachitra painting in India is highly extolled by art critics for the depiction of extraordinary and unbelievable pictorial conceptions. Added to the glory of Patachitra paintings are the distinctive and pictorial conventions and the wayward color schemes they possess.

CHINESE CERAMICS

Posted on 26 April 2013 by IAC| 0 comment

Chinese ceramics has been famous through the ages as one of the most significant forms of Chinese art. Artistic refinement, innovative art and diversity make this type of art flawless and extraordinaire. Chinese Ceramics range from construction materials such as bricks and tiles, hand-made pottery vessels fired in bonfires or kilns to the sophisticated Chinese porcelain wares made especially for the imperial court. Chinese contribution to ceramic art is worth mentioning and their porcelain pots, bowls and dishes all have a unique story to narrate. Decorated with scenes from Chinese novels, these dishes are prominent for their unique designs and color schemes. The first type of ceramics was made during the Palaeolithic era. The global impact of this art has been very strong. From simple pottery, it has transformed itself to a precious and much prized collector’s item and has often been handed down over the ages as family heirlooms.

Etching

Posted on 19 April 2013 by IAC| 0 comment

Etching is a form of printing that along with engraving comes under the category of Intaglio. The techniques of etching and engraving are believed to have originated in medieval times for decorating armour and metal. Images printed (etchings) by this process are the result of ink being forced out of the incised lines on zinc or copper plate using a heavy press. This results in slightly raised ink on the paper and a characteristic plate mark showing the edges of the plate. The incised lines would often be filled to darken them and from this it would have been a short step to transferring the image to cloth or paper. This process has withstood the ravages of time and is still practised widely all over the world.