Art for You. Art for Me.

Art is a mirror which reflects as well as shape our values culture, beliefs, hopes and fears. When I look at art that inspires or moves me there are common elements that reflect different aspects of my personality. I am particularly drawn to portraits, masks, and portrayals of human interaction such as family occasions or market scenes. I love ethnic art (African, Asian (Far East and Southeast Asian) and Middle Eastern art. This reflects my nature – an emotional and outgoing person as well as my multicultural upbringing.

Another of my passions in life - animals and nature. I love dogs, dophins, whales and elephants. Photographs, sculptures, paintings as well as jewellery of animals, landscapes, flowers appeal to my love of all things natural. I have a fondness for pottery and everyday objects that are handmade. Handmade objects such as pottery or furniture are special because they absorb the energy or soul of the artist. They also have more character than mass produced items.

My love of vibrant colors is rooted in my Indian heritage so I tend to respond to architecture, art and design that incorporates bold colors. I think mosaic tiled walls and fountains are beautiful. Moroccan and Mexcian artists use vivid colors for pottery, arts and crafts and building materials. I own several Indian tapestries with rich bead work in jewel tones. These tapestries are hand crafted and feature images of animals, geometric and floral designs.

The slideshow contains examples of art that have transformed me and continue to impact my world.

What art moves you?

Seeing not looking

While I love books and am comfortable with the written word, I have always been in awe of and somewhat intimidated buy artists and painters. For many years I would ‘look’ at paintings but not really ‘see’ them. This weeks readings have expanded my understanding of the multifacted nature of artists and the art they produce. As an interior design student I have also begun to develop a new appreciation of the visual arts and understand the importance of making art and design accessible to all.

Just like Flemish painters used everyday objects to convey meaning many artists today especially those who are environmentally conscious recycle or re-purpose objects as functional and works of art. Interior designers who practise the concept of 'green design' incorporate products that are environmntally sustainable into interiors. These products can be sculptural, decorative and a work of art. Terrazzo (made from recycled glass) can be used to create dramatic surfaces such as floors, countertops, etc. Old Newspapers and magazines can be repurposed into household objects that serve as a conversation piece but are also functional.

Common objects can also be used in an innovative fashion. One of my favorite artists, Salvador Dali took ordinary objects and made them extraordinary. A Surrealist painter, Dali used everyday objects such as watches, fruit and animals but portrayed them in unique and provocative perspectives. I have always been fascinated by Dali’s paintings because everytime you look at one of his paintings you see something new – a different truth is revealed.