Anyone that knows me will know I’m a print addict, which turns out to be a very happy addiction indeed! It has been scientifically proven that looking at art can make you happy and that the mere sight of a piece of artwork produces the same reaction in the brain as being in love or taking recreational drugs. I have some pieces in my house that transport me to a different time, make me smile or stop and breathe. ⠀
Why not try to replicate those positive feelings in your own home (where, let’s face it, you’ll be spending a lot more time than you planned during this isolation period) with a natural (and legal) high, and hang some art on your walls.
Here you'll find some of my favourite prints and my top tips on how to start an art collection from your home.⠀
When creating a wall of prints on the stairs it’s a good idea to decide on the spacing between each print and the distance from the stairs before starting. I find it best to lay them all down on the floor first to get an idea how they fit together and then replicate this on the wall. Although I have to say, it’s very handing being married to a pro picture hanger (although I’m not sure he feels the same!) ⠀
It doesn’t have to be expensive, just buy items you love;
1. SEARCH INSTAGRAM
It’s a great place to find artists. A good place to start is by following art fairs, illustration groups or contemporary galleries and searching various hashtags.
2. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
It doesn’t have to be just prints and paintings hanging on the wall. You can create an interesting feature by using items you’ve collected such as postcards, Polaroid photos, retro posters, old maps or place prints on shelves with other items. The shelf above was made by two leather straps and a plank of wood.
3. GO TO BUDGET FRIENDLY GALLERIES, STUDIOS AND ART FAIRS
Some of my favourites to find new artists and beautiful prints are The London Illustration Fair, Pick Me Up London, Affordable Art Fair, Print Club London and Oxo Tower Wharf studios.
4. EXPLORE GALLERY AND MUSEUM SHOPS
One of my favourite artists is #robertrauschenberg and after visiting an exhibition at the Tate Modern I managed to get a huge framed print from @tateshops online and I love it!
5. FIND EDITIONS RATHER THAN ORIGINAL PRINTS
Places like @royalacademyartsSummer Exhibition sell originals along with more affordable editions. Artists often create a small number of editions that they number and sign, these are more affordable and just as beautiful. A great place to start is Print Club London.