With so many different types of art being sold today, it's sometimes hard to grasp what each type of art is, and how it will fit into your space. Additionally, mass produced pieces of decor art found in home furnishing stores for low prices make finding something original feel like a task, if you do not know where to look. It is not uncommon to walk into someone’s home and find that they have the same painting hanging on their wall that you do in yours (thanks, Ikea). 

Local artists and makers pride themselves on being able to produce high quality, original pieces for people to enjoy in their homes. If you are looking for something original, search for local artists and view their gallery of work. You may find that one artist's style speaks to you more than others, or you may enjoy a variety of different pieces from different artists you find. To help you on your journey to decorate your home with beautiful, original pieces, here is a breakdown of different types of art to use as decor in your home. 

 

Pottery

Pottery is a type of art that refers to containers (or a “pot”) made from clay. The individual craftsperson or potter pushes and sculpts as they throw clay onto a wheel, slowly forming original and unique creations. Production potters on the other hand, can typically throw more clay and make larger quantities of the same item in a short amount of time. You can purchase different types of pottery, including commercial pottery, which is made in a factory, or studio pottery, which is made by an individual or craftsperson that often sells their work locally. Items can be displayed as a sculpture, or used for its function depending on the buyers personal style.

 

Ceramics

Ceramics is a type of art where the artist produces a piece made of clay, and heats it so that it can not dissolve if placed in water. The piece is typically then painted and used inside for decoration. 

 

Photography 

Photography has been not only a great journalistic tool to document history as it occurs, but with the advancements that have occurred with this technology, photographers have new ways to express themselves and showcase their art. Not everyone can take a picture that makes you stop in awe, just like how not everyone can paint a canvas or sculpt a figure. With how photography has transformed, these artists can now manipulate the outcome of an image by choosing from a variety of lenses, film, framing, timing, filters, lighting, developing processes, and digital enhancement. It is one snapshot that could be an image of your family, or a second stopped in time, capturing a moment that will never happen again. 

 

Original or Fine Art

Fine art is unique, original, and is not mass produced, which is what makes its value much higher. They can often be made custom, and the pieces generally evoke emotion. Each artist has their own style, and produces their own work which is what makes it so special. The work that goes into each piece is extensive, raw and meaningful. 

 

Print/Reproduction

Prints differ from fine arts, in that they are replicas of the original works. An easy way to tell if a piece of work is a print or reproduction is to look or feel for the original paint strokes. An artist does not typically paint so evenly that you can feel the cloth of the canvas right through the painting. Prints can be put on a canvas, on paper for framing, or in poster form, and still look amazing as decor in your home.