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The Beauty of Details

1/25/2023

 
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An Interview with Archway Artist Joan Laughlin

Where are you from and how does that influence your work?
I was born in the Midwest but have mostly lived in Houston since I was 2 years old. Though Houston is a very new, urban environment filled with lots of concrete and tall, modern buildings, I am attracted to the wild beauty of the natural world that still grows in and around the city, in the cracks and in-between spaces. Although it was not intentional, this interest could probably be seen metaphorically. My mother grew up in the country in a tiny farming community, but due to the circumstances of her time, she ended up, not in the country as a farmer’s wife, but in the modern city of Houston married to an oil executive. Despite the influence of modern life, we can’t be completely domesticated or modernized. There is something feral or wild that still exists.

Describe your work.
I am an oil painter. I taught myself how to paint after I moved back to Houston from Los Angeles in 2002 after attending an MFA program in New Genres where the concentration was mostly on Conceptual Art and Critical Theory. Today, I mostly paint small-ish paintings of flowers, plants and trees, sometimes roots. They range in size from 8x10 inches to 18 x 24 inches. I use photos taken from my walks as source material. 
How do you work?
I mostly work from photos that I take. Sometimes, I will try to work from life. But that can be difficult. I have a full-time job in a field completely unrelated to art, so I have to paint around my work schedule and working from photos is more convenient. 
How has your work changed over time?  
For about 10 years (from 2010-2020), I mostly painted monochromatic landscapes in a color similar to Van Dyke brown. Many people commented that these paintings looked like black and white photos. I showed and sold many of those works, but I got tired of making them, they took forever to do, as they were very detailed. I was still teaching Drawing at this time and every semester when we got to the lessons on Color Theory, I would realize how much I really loved color. I’m drawn to artists who are great colorists. The David Hockney show at the MFAH comes to mind. And, I love the work of local artists Michael Golden and Cary Reeder mostly because they are such great colorists. When I was making that monochromatic work, I was thinking a lot about death and dying. My Dad had Alzheimer’s then and I spent much of my time caring for him. Those days, I would go to the art store and look through the beautiful colors made by Williamsburg Oils and sometimes would just buy a tube of a gorgeous color like Egyptian Violet, knowing I wasn’t going to use it, but it was so beautiful I had to have it. These tubes of gorgeous colors were like precious gemstones to me then. I knew that one day I’d work with color again. And, now I am!
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration on my walks through the Heights where I have lived for 18 plus years. I love looking at the gardens. I also find inspiration in the the wild brush and flowers that I see on the side of the road while driving.
What motivates you to create?
I believe in Beauty, with a capital “B.” During the most difficult times in my life, I have turned to art and nature for solace, hope and direction. I believe that Beauty can save the world. And, that we can find it in our simple everyday environments that we often overlook during our busy, stressful lives.    
What are you most proud of to date?  
Artwise, my one-person show at Galveston Arts Center in 2017 curated by the wonderful Dennis Nance. 
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What is your dream project?
I’m trying to work on that now. I’ve been thinking about the ideas of cycles and seasons and change as seen in our natural world. I’m going through a lot of change in my personal life right now. And, collectively, our society is experiencing change, too. I’m trying to do 12 paintings that reflect the changes seen in the natural world each month. I’m hoping that these will be in my show at Archway in April 2024.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
Yes. Painting and Drawing force you to slow down and really look at things. I think this helps me to be more observant of details in other areas of my life. When I taught at HCC, I would always have students who would tell me at the end of the semester that they had become so much more observant of the world around them. This is why we need artists. Artists notice the small things that are really important that most people miss. 

​Do you have a network of other artists, and how do they support you?
Well, I’m a member of Archway Gallery which fosters a spirit of support for all of its members.  Every month during the monthly gallery rehang, I feel inspired to keep making  newer and better work after seeing the new work that the other gallery members have made.  Aside from that, my parents always supported and encouraged my art education and activities. I’m the only one in the family to be involved in the arts. It seems that this interest was important for my parents, too. My mom always tells me how much she learns about Art History by visiting the museums with with me. I have visited countless museums with my parents. It’s one of my favorite things to do. They created their own personal docent by funding my art education! For the past 3 years, I have worked in a field completely unrelated to art, and, in a weird way, this has made my practice more important to me. The little extra time and energy that I have is devoted to my art practice. I really need it, don’t know what I’d do without it.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
I don’t know. I probably didn’t listen to it. I’m not good at taking advice from people. I tend to listen to my gut and do my own thing, which has sometimes gotten me into trouble. I have several notebooks full of quotes that I collect for inspiration. I mostly get “advice” from reading the words of wise, interesting people, many long dead. I’m currently pondering these two gems, which are on my refrigerator:

“Strength comes from flexibility and inaction.” Lao Tzu

and

“ To live content with small means - to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion, to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich - to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly, to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart - to bear all cheerfully - do all bravely, await occasions - never hurry; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony.” William Ellery Channing
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Collecting Art from the Heart

12/21/2022

 
by Liz Conces Spencer
(this article was originally featured in 365 Things To Do In Houston)

True Confession: I’m an art junkie. If I had unlimited dollars or gold, I would spend them on Cheetos, chocolate and art, not necessarily in that order. And if you’ve ever been to my house or studio, you know it’s not a décor addiction; I really could care less about this season’s colors or that hot new trend.  I buy from the heart.
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​How Art Can Call to You
One of my favorite pieces is a largish black-and-white photograph by Fikry Botros. It depicts a dead sheep, tongue extruded, eyes barely closed. Its eerie beauty speaks to me of the fragility and finality of earthly life. I passed by it for at least two months while it was in the print bin at Archway Gallery, and each time it stopped me in my tracks. Captivated and moved by this image, I finally bought it, knowing it would likely disturb the lovely man I live with, but confident that I would over the years encounter the same hard rock of universal understanding that moved me the first time I saw it. It’s in my studio, a treasured inspiration.
​Connecting Personally with Art: Ideas, Images & Objects
Surrounding ourselves with meaning—with ideas, images and objects that move us—comes about easily to some people. Many of us have inherited objects or furniture or artwork from family members; it’s evocative and stirs memories or connections with our past. Saving a dining room set, or an armoire, or footstool, or photos is more common than we think. Memories are attached. The same can be said of inherited artwork, which evokes a sense of place and of people we may have grown up with. These pieces can be a gift, or a burden as it is not for everyone a pleasant connection. Indeed, severing ties with an inherited past can be cathartic. Buying someone else’s treasure via antique or thrift stores can be fun; these treasures have a past and may bring spirits. That’s another story, for sure. When it comes to art that is acquired, as one begins to collect outside the hand-me-downs and inherited items, a sense of intention can direct the ethic and activity… and this can happen like lightning. Finding that special item can be unexpected and sometimes casual in that at times you find things where you least expect them. Conversely, you can also expect to find treasures where you most expect them—galleries, festivals, auction houses, etc.  
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Three Frequent Intentions When Collecting Art
Being a member of a friendly artist-owned gallery for many years, I’ve encountered a lot of people who browse and shop for different reasons. I’ve noticed the casual browsers, as well as those who are shopping with a purpose… those shopping for décor, those shopping for investment, and those shopping from the heart.  It’s great when the first two reasons are informed by the third. I treasure my fellow artists and the soul-expanding wealth of their work. In our gallery, I rarely see work that is completed as a “commodity.” It is instead reflective of each artist’s inner workings, a way to communicate to me and other viewers a piece of mind.

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​An Art Collection as a Personal Legacy
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I buy art that knocks me over or touches my heart. It can be ceramic, steel, paint, or collage. I find personal meaning in works by others that send me on an internal journey of understanding and connection. My children and grandchildren will have first dibs on a wonderful collection if they survive me, and I hope I have raised them to collect with the same fire and passion.
I wonder who will end up with the dead sheep.

The Value of Owning Original Art

12/12/2022

 
PictureArchway artist donna e perkins creates an orginal work of art.
by donna e perkins
(this article was originally featured in 365 Things To Do In Houston)
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Why Surround Yourself with Local Art?
Let me tell you why I love living with my collection of original art. Before I get up in the morning, I enjoy seeing the morning sun, as it rises, play across three artworks on my bedroom wall. One is a cast of a torso covered in strips of musical notes, one is an oil painting of a woman bound by a string of Christmas lights, and one is an explosive abstract with lots of energy and texture. In another area of my living space, the large electrical box located near my front door is covered by a joyful young nude with a tattoo proclaiming, “Happiness is Free.” This image always lifts my mood. All these works have their own emotive energy.  All carry memories. I live in a work/live studio which has fewer walls than a house, but my celling is extremely high. So, in the area I’ve designated as my sitting room, I’ve hung works salon-style, fitting paintings, drawings, prints, and photos together like puzzle pieces far higher than I can reach. My furniture supports the sculptures in my collection.


It’s a Pleasure to Live with Original Art
Every painting, drawing, print, photograph, and sculpture that embellishes my environment brings me pleasure. Each one has emotional content. Each one has a story; a story about when and where I first saw the piece, and what attracted me to it. I enjoy remembering what I know about the artist, and the artist’s story. I’m fascinated with how everything is made. I have all sorts of questions about how the artist created the piece, so it’s a bonus to meet the artist and learn more about the specific artwork. 

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Body Music
How Do You Determine the Value of a Collection of Original Art?
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I’ve lived with some of my collection for decades while some artworks are newly acquired. When I moved to my new place, during the bleakness of the COVID-19 lockdown, I was so overwhelmed and isolated. But once I had some of my art on the walls, this strange space began to feel like home. Being surrounded by my collected art made me feel less isolated as these artworks are my friends. The value my collection has for me is that it makes my life incredibility richer. 
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Abstract by Becky Soria
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"Bound" by John Slaby
The Pursuit of Specific Works, or the Work by a Particular Artist, May Suit You Some people invest in art for a future financial profit. For this to be successful, it takes more money than I have. It takes a lot of knowledge about the art market. It often takes working with an art consultant who keeps up with what is currently available or coming up for auction. If you can play that game, good for you. To me it sounds like as much fun as actually reading all those reports my mutual funds send.  
How Do You Want to Invest Your Time, Your Energy & Your Money? What makes sense for you? Did the pandemic change how you feel about your home? Were the walls closing in on you? A seascape might remind you of being at the beach. A landscape may enlarge the feel of a room, acting like an added window. Perhaps, you would prefer some totally abstract artwork that adds color and motion and energy to your space. What emotive experience do you desire? What objects do you want to see as you let your mind and eyes wander? You may find, as I have, that by adding original art to your environment, you enrich your life.

How to Start an Art Collection for a Loved One

12/9/2022

 
PictureArchway artist Harold Joiner with his work "Bonito by Air"
by Harold Joiner
(this article was originally featured in 365 Things To Do In Houston)

Looking for a unique holiday gift for that person on your list who might not appreciate a new pair of socks or a new kitchen gadget?
Among all the gift ideas you’ll read about this holiday season, here is one that’s an absolute stand-out: gift them a starter piece for an art collection.

Everyone appreciates art of some kind, so don’t give any thought to the idea that this is not practical or that it’s risky. Embrace the idea that it’s a unique gift that no one else will give!

How to Choose an Art Gift for a Loved One
Having made the decision to gift an art collection starter, here are a few points that will make the shopping easier. First, draw on what you know about your gift recipient’s interests and passions. Do they like fashion, interior design, or cooking? Do they like the outdoors, carpentry, or photography? For the first, the best art gift might be a drawing of the human figure, an abstract painting, or a beautiful piece of pottery. For the second, it may be an animal sculpture, a landscape painting, or a work made from wood. Now, consider what you know about your love one’s home, and how your purchase will fit into it. Maybe you have an idea where it will look best or the space you’re looking to fill. Consider how much you are willing to spend and let this guide you to the places to start your search. Set a price range, but be flexible so you can find the perfect collection starter. Lastly, think about your recipient’s ability—financial or otherwise—to continue collecting this kind of work. As you present your gift, make the point that it is intended as a starter; something to build upon. You may even include a short personal note to this effect and indicate your desire to know about future additions to the collection.

Where to Find & Buy an Art Gift
You might ask yourself, “There are so many galleries and other venues selling art, where do I start?” It’s a reasonable question, so survey the local galleries online first to see which ones sell the kind of works you’re seeking.  Art-collecting.com is a good place to browse art gallery websites. Most art galleries do not list artwork prices online, but you can usually inquire about the price via the website. Beyond that, look for venues that do have published price—including our own Archway Gallery. Art gallery websites that sell directly make it easier for you to see how the available works fit within your price range and to make the purchase the very moment you spot the right piece. That said, it’s also a good idea to see the artwork in person before purchasing. That allows you to see it in its frame, for example, or to view all angles if it’s a three-dimensional piece like a sculpture.

Giving Authentically
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Keeping in mind that this is an original work of art, you should insist on a Certificate of Authenticity with your purchase. Indicate to the gallery that it will be a gift, so that the price will not appear on the Certificate. Presenting the Certificate with your gift underlines its unique nature and the depth of your feelings for its recipient.
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Work by artist Silvia PintoSouza
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Work by artist Carol Berger
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Work by artist Terry Crump

How to Build an Art Collection Like a Pro

12/9/2022

 
 by Barbara Able
(this article was originally featured in 365 Things To Do In Houston)

Passion… Not the first word that comes to mind when considering collecting art. Most serious collectors surveyed said they did it for the love of the genre and not financial reasons. Most started collecting early in life. “It is said that collecting is a disease; I think I had it from childhood,” said Ima Hogg in 1973. “In Austin, the streets were not paved and were covered with beautiful pebbles. When wet, they sparkled like jewels… pebbles and flowers formed my first collection.”

Dive In & Get Started
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Obviously, the best way to learn any business is to get into that business. You may not want to jump in by opening a gallery, but you have a myriad of choices in Houston, the third-largest art market in the U.S. Do your homework. Talk to everyone and find out everything you can. Go to galleries and get on their mailing lists. Attend artists’ talks at galleries and museums. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston has a vibrant docent group, so sign up for a tour.
Find a Focus that Speaks to You
Secondly, establish a focus for your art. Concentrate on a few artists or a genre such as landscape or photography. Use your personal preferences as your guide. Think like an artist. This is going to be your unique collection, and it should reflect you. Build and read a library of books on the type of work you are interested in. Buy only what you love, what moves you. In the beginning, it helps to narrow your focus. As an example, my collection contains about 75% paintings and 25% photography. In my painting collection, I have mostly figurative work, and in my photography collection, I have landscapes.
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"Flood" by John Slaby from Barbara's personal collection.
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"The Greek Goddess" by Barbara Able
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Artist Barbara Able creates an original work.
Create a Budget
Set an annual budget or decide how much you will pay for an individual piece. But know that even the most assiduous collectors admit to going over budget. According to one, who owns a large collection of Texas art, “Everything I bought required a sacrifice.” But fear not, some very rich collectors are also bargain hunters. Joseph H. Hirschhorn, a uranium magnate whose collection formed the basis of the Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington D.C., liked to buy groups of subjects at large discounts. Many galleries offer at least 10% off just for asking—it’s called a “collector’s discount.”

Make a Purchase
Your next step is actually buying a work of art. Know what to look for. The visual and emotional impact the work has on you, as well as the composition, quality and condition of the work, and reputation of the artist should all be considered as you evaluate the price. Buy from a reputable gallery. Houston has dozens of excellent galleries: Moody, Inman, Hooks-Epstein, Anya Tish, Barbara Davis, McClain, David Shelton, Archway Gallery, and many more have all been around for decades! 
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Get on the Houston Art Gallery Association’s mailing list. Visit Glasstire’s list of exhibitions and look for those that interest you. When you visit a gallery, sign the guest book, and ask to be on their mailing list—most will email you details about their upcoming shows. Like their pages and accounts on social media. And if you find something you like, keep in mind that most galleries will let you make payments over time. Some will even allow you to take the work home to see how it looks on your wall. 
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Document Your Collection
Keep a record of your art collection. Include all the pertinent data about the piece, including title, date, medium, size, place of purchase, and price. This is for insurance purposes, but it’s helpful over time. Look into a rider on your homeowner’s insurance to cover your art collection.
It’s also important to maintain your collection. Research art restorers in case a piece gets damaged. Sarah Balinskas Fine Framing and Art Preservation is an excellent source. 

​Keep in mind that it is very difficult to resell artwork unless the artist is nationally or internationally known. There are very few galleries who resell art (known as the secondary market); Heidi Vaughan Fine Art is a reputable one.
Take Your Time & Have Fun
Finally, take your time building the collection. A good goal would be to have a certain number of pieces in five years. Then, after five years, you may want to change your direction or increase the amount you are willing to spend. Enjoy the process! Regular contact with artists, art dealers, and fellow collectors often lead to friendships with people of different personalities and backgrounds.  Most collectors still own the first work of art they bought and can recall the circumstances of that purchase—such is the emotion associated with collecting. So, congratulations are in order. You are taking the first step on a lifelong journey that will enrich your home and your life. Follow a few basic guidelines, and you will be on your way to creating your collection.
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"Pioneer Pass" by Larry Garmezy from Barbara's private collection.

Where to Find Affordable Local Art

12/8/2022

 
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Tracey Meyer creates an original work of art.
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Archway gallery
 by Tracey Meyer
(this article was originally featured in 365 Things To Do In Houston)

Houston has long been known as a great art city—literally and figuratively. Not only are there the big-name art galleries on Colquitt and Montrose, but there are lots of other places to find truly spectacular and au courant art. And of course, 
Archway Gallery is at the top of that list in my opinion.
If you haven’t heard of Archway Gallery, it is the longest-running artist-owned and operated gallery in Texas. It is special because it showcases 34 varied artists who work in all sorts of media. These gallery artists come from all over the world—Australia, Bolivia, Colombia, France, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, Scotland, as well as the USA. Additionally, many of these artists have lived and worked all over the world. What gives Archway an advantage in terms of affordability to the buyer is that overheads are low in comparison to the big-name galleries, allowing the artists to pass that advantage on to you! It also means you are buying directly from the artist. The other thing to note is that each month there is an opening reception for the current featured exhibition usually taking place on the first Saturday of the month; newly installed paintings and sculptures each month means that there’s constantly something new to see.
PictureBayou City Art Festival
Art Markets, Shows & More Events Around Houston
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In addition to art galleries, Houston provides lots of events for art lovers to buy local art. For example, there are great outdoor festivals like the twice-a-year Bayou City Art Festival which showcases a wide variety of artists displaying their work. Also, once a month or so, there are various studio complexes all over the greater-Houston area which host Open Studio events; artists open their doors and welcome the public into their individual studios. These events are great because you not only meet the artists, but you learn about their art and what inspires their creativity. You can buy directly from the artist, which is special. There’s nothing like forming a bond with the artist whose work adorns your walls! White Linen Night in the Heights is another art event which is fun; this street festival takes place in August each year. At this event everyone wears white and comes to see all sorts of things including artists showing their work, live music, and street performers.

In addition to the art festivals and special events, there are various exhibitions sponsored by local Houston art associations such as Visual Arts Alliance, which hold juried shows once or twice a year. The art in these exhibitions is high quality and usually for sale. Sometimes you may even see artwork displayed in cafes and bars; these works of art are also reasonably priced. One more place to find affordable art is the Glassell School of Art’s student show which takes place in December. Student participation is approved by professors to ensure quality and the variety of work is astounding. The variety of work is plentiful —something for everybody’s taste.

While there are a multitude of options to find that special piece of artwork, you don’t have to wait for a specific event to see and experience good quality art at reasonable prices; consider visiting Archway Gallery. The gallery is open six days a week, as well as by appointment; so, call today or go online to immerse yourself in the painting, photography, prints, ceramics, fiber, found objects, glass, metal work, and more you will find awaiting you. In addition, you will meet one of the artists each time you visit… who knows, perhaps, I’ll see you there!

How to Choose Art for Each Room in Your Home

12/4/2022

 
PictureVisual Artist Cecilia Villanueva
 by Cecilia Villanueva
(this article was originally featured in 365 Things To Do In Houston)

Greetings art enthusiasts! If you are planning to buy art to decorate your home and you are not sure if it should match the couch… here are a few tips to guide you. We do not experience art only through color. We experience art mostly because of its content, even if the painting or sculpture is abstract. So, it is mostly about choosing what emotions, memories, or thoughts the art evokes in us due to its colors, shapes, theme, or rhythm. Art inhabits a house with great force, and it is the second most interesting thing in a home… humans being the first. Pick your art thinking of yourself rather than the furniture (and pick your humans well also). It is easy and fun to include art in every room if we understand basic design fundamentals. Once you learn them, I am sure you will feel more confident and will soon become an ace in choosing art for yourself, your family, and friends.
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Three Components of Every Room
Every room has essentially three components.
  • Verticals – Doors and walls
  • Horizontals – Floors and ceilings
  • Furniture –Tables, chairs, lamps and other accessories
And what about art? Most of the time, art pieces are verticals. If the art piece is hanging from the ceiling; it’s a vertical. If it is a sculpture on a pedestal in the middle of a room; it’s a vertical. If it is a painting; it’s a vertical. The only time art becomes a horizontal is when it is attached, or semi-attached, to a horizontal. For example, a mural painted on the floor or the ceiling, a structure such as a shallow pool, or an art piece meant to be walked on. With this knowledge, you can be confident in following a simple design rule.

One Simple Rule of Thumb
Simply put—pair verticals with verticals and horizontals with horizontals. Furniture does not have to pair with anything, whether it be the horizontals or verticals. Breathe deep; most of the time, art is a vertical. So, when buying art for a specific room, think how one piece of art will converse with another. Art does not have to match art, but a painting will certainly influence a sculpture nearby, or vice versa. Choose art pieces that can become friends and harmonize—like different instruments in a concert playing together to make a statement or to quietly flow with no sound.

Troubleshooting Tips with Colors, Textures & Spaces
It can sometimes get tricky if your doors or walls are colorful (red, purple, yellow, green, blue, and the like) rather than neutral. Remember that black, gray, brown, and white are neutrals; wood is a texture, but we will classify it as a neutral just for this case. Design for doors and walls can also be easy to tackle if you consider the following: 
  • A vividly-colored door will strongly influence an artwork nearby.
  • Drapery, no matter the color, is an accessory. So we do not need to take it into account for art acquisition.
  • A colorful wall or wallpaper will become the painting’s frame.
As for actual, physical frames, try to harmonize the frames used in the same room or area. For example, use black frames for the art that hangs in the library or home office space, no frames for the dining room, Victorian frames for the master bedroom, and chunky frames for the kitchen. Also, if your space is small, check this counterintuitive rule: A big painting will make a small space look bigger.

Trust Your Emotions
Ultimately, what has worked best for me is to acquire art that resonates with me. My collection matches myself, my world, and my humanity; I try to use this same philosophy with my clients. Dear friends, I hope that with this simple advice you feel confident to plunge into the deep waters of the art world. Above all, I hope you enjoy collecting and surrounding yourself with artwork you love! But… if after reading this article you are still in doubt and want more advice, just call Archway Gallery at 713-522-2409 to find out when I will be there so that you can come chat with me about design questions you may have. No costs involved… but you can bring donuts, if you want.

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Archway Gallery patrons explore work created by local artists.
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An Art-Formed Life: Looking at the Many Forms of Visual Art

11/18/2022

 
PictureArchway member artist Annette Palmer
by Annette Palmer
(this article was originally featured in 365 Things To Do In Houston)

Whether it’s the robust brushstroke of oil on canvas or the gleaming glaze of a ceramic masterpiece, these artistic nuances captivate and mesmerize us, drawing us in to the essence of why we love art. It comes in countless forms, from the ancient, organic, and traditional, to the ever increasing experimental and intangible sorts that we are experiencing today; everything is relevant, and everything is art.
Art is lifestyle… How, what, and where we eat, our clothing and appearance, home décor, entertainment… It’s infinite, indulgent, and immersive, and what a privilege we allow ourselves to live in this manner!

Understanding the Artform & How Art Can Form Our Lives
The term “artform” is an interesting one. When it comes to the visual arts, “art” begins every time in a completely different form and the artist is the magician who transforms it into another. Tubes of paint and rolls of cloth become paintings. Clay, stone, wood, and metal transform into sculptural treasures. The charred wood of charcoal and pencil become drawings on paper. Discarded items become “found objects” and the artist repurposes and breathes new life into what would otherwise become landfill. Archway Gallery is home to 34 artists, each one working and creating with different forms of two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) art. Below you’ll find examples of how a few of Archway Gallery’s artists express themselves through various artforms.

Sculpture: Building Art from Mass in 3-D
Three-dimensional metal artists Jim Adams and Joe Haden create sculptures which respect our industrial heritage. While both artists give the metal a new purpose and life to be enjoyed in a new form, each artist approaches the upcycled artform from a different perspective. Adams uses the existing formations of heavy metal outmoded objects to create sculpture by configuring, coupling, and fusing found pieces. He reintroduces us to their shapes and forms, while making us view them as art instead of functional components of heavy industry. ​
PictureWork by Jim Adams
Haden, on the other hand, takes discarded metal cannisters, oil cans, and scrap metal which he “makes pretty” by cutting freeform delicate filigree designs through their surfaces creating natural organic patterns and shapes in which the shadows are just as important as the positive and negative spaces in the design. He completely reinvents these thrown-away items giving them a new life as works of art by exploring the rhythm of nature and the environment.

Picture
Work by Joe Haden
A Single Plane: Giving Depth to a Surface in 2-D
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Two-dimensional art is also approached in a variety of different ways; it’s not just about drawing with a pencil or painting with a brush. Laura Viada is a 2-D fiber artist who “paints” with natural fibers such as silk, linen, and cotton, into which she incorporates metallic threads. Organic, natural materials are woven by hand to create linear geometric works which are inspired by a process called optical mixing. Viada’s current body of work is an exploration of the way the human eyes and brain perceive and interpret light waves as a specific color, and how they blend color. Inspired by blueprints, Cecilia Villanueva’s oil paintings explore buildings, perspective, and architecture, using a signature blue palette, these fascinating detailed works question the stories contained in the buildings, as well as that of the lives and the events which have taken place there. Since architecture is also an artform, this means that these paintings are one form of art borne from another. Developing and acknowledging the past and recreating for today is something inherent for many artists; it is evolution at its finest.
PictureWork by Denise Giordano

​Digital art is one of our newer artforms where images can be manipulated and adjusted by computer wizardry to create art with effects which would otherwise be near impossible to construct. Artist 
Denise Giordano fabricates her original mixed media works by developing their digital imagery to create completely new pieces in digital format, this results in a soft ethereal, other worldly beauty, which could not be achieved in any other way.

Picture
Work by Laura Viada
Picture
Work by Cecilia Villanueva
Visual Art‘s Ever Evolving Landscape
The art world is ever changing and so are our tastes, as well as our choices in art and its many forms. Regular visits to galleries keep us inspired, questioning, and informed of what’s new. It’s exciting and it’s the future… Enjoy!

Why Local Art Matters

11/16/2022

 
PictureArt by local artists at Archway Gallery.
by John Slaby
(this article was originally featured in 365 Things To Do In Houston)

Many people find going to art galleries intimidating. There is a general feeling that one must be well-educated in art and have the ‘right’ opinions or be snubbed. This is understandable. But in truth, most galleries are welcoming spaces. They are not dissimilar to restaurants: you can find places where you may be berated for not using the right fork, but most are casual and inviting. I know this. I have been a member of the local art community and a collector for many years. When I first started out, I was intimidated and hesitant. But as I got to know the people of the community I began to feel more at ease.



​Getting to Know the Artists Down the Street
​
If you are willing to venture out, you will find there’s art of great beauty and high craftsmanship created by your neighbors and available at local galleries, studios, and art fairs. These talented local artists are as diverse as our city. They range in all education levels. Some were educated at Houston’s fine art schools and may have advanced degrees. Some, like myself, are self-taught. All have been honing their skills through the years and following their own path of artistic development, growing, and influencing each other. Houston has a wide range of all art types, providing something for everyone. If you have not immersed yourself in this community, you’re missing out on some very fine art. Meeting these artists is a positive experience. Being fellow Houstonians, they are friendly and more than willing to share their motivations, techniques, and the history of their work. This really enhances the art experience—understanding the artists and their work makes the art more valuable. It attaches a story and a memory to the work, as well as deepens the emotional attachment. ​

PictureArchway Artist John Slaby.
Local Art Brings Local Connection & Reflection
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Supporting local artists supports local businesses: you are helping our community. But local art transcends this purely transactional effect. Art is a deep reflection of who we are as a people and culture. These artists live and work in our community and are deeply influenced by it. The Houston experience shows up in the work itself: the good—like our modern architecture and beautiful parks—and the not so good—like our turbulent weather and traffic. Only a local artist can understand our home because it is their home, too. Only a local artist can truly speak for us. 

Local Art Creates a Legacy
I have worked on my own art collection over the years, gathering works of my artist friends and colleagues. These pieces grace my home. I don’t expect them to increase in value; that’s not why I bought them. Instead, each time I look upon my collection I feel a surge of joy and satisfaction from having these beautiful works in my home, from my recollections of the artist, from my connection to the subject matter, and from knowing I have supported a core element of our city. That’s the best return on investment I could ask for.

But one of the most significant aspects of supporting local art is that this will become our legacy. The work that is produced here and makes its way into private and public collections will live on long after we and these artists have passed. This is how we will be remembered, just as we, looking at work produced centuries ago, can see into the lives of those distant generations. These simple actions, made by individuals, resulted in an enormous artistic gift to the future for all to enjoy. Now we have such an opportunity. The art is out there waiting for you. ​



Weaving In Iceland?

10/3/2022

 
by Blaine Davis


​As Blaine Davis, printmaker and weaver, was perusing sites listing Opportunities for Artists, he came across this adventurous residency… And his journey began:
 
“It was near midnight on a late August night in 2017, and I was sitting in a departure lounge at Newark airport, waiting for a flight to Reykjavik, Iceland, wondering what I had gotten myself into this time. I was going to spend the month of September in a small town on the west coast at a place called the Icelandic Textile Institute where I would weave tapestry. The “Institute” was housed in a former women’s  college in Blondous. There were dorm rooms, a kitchen, two large studios, several antique looms, and a large upright tapestry loom that was to be my focus for the month. 
 
​There were nine of us staying for September; I was the only man. The average age was about 22, with the group consisting mostly of young women who had just finished their education or were preparing to continue onto higher education. They were from the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Sweden; it was a good international group. 
 
Since we had been told to bring our own supplies because the local grocery store had a “limited supply,” I had an extra suitcase filled with yarns. As it turned out, the store had enough wool yarn to fill a whole wall in the place. Iceland is a knitting culture. I went home with a lot more yarn than I’d brought. I also had brought a small loom to do samples on and I started with that, then moved on to a larger one. My weaving samples consisted of several smaller pieces and one large tapestry. It takes a long time to do a tapestry of any size, so I was spending more time on the loom, and there were a few late nights. In addition to my own weaving, I also ended up doing a little teaching.
 
It was nice in the morning to look out at the river and mountain in the distance, drink coffee and eat, then start weaving. I’d usually go for a walk in the afternoon, or go the town’s swimming complex, which had a heated pool and hot tubs of varying temperatures.  
 
All in all, it was a wonderful experience, one that I’d like to do again; maybe somewhere else, or maybe just back to Iceland… sitting at the large upright loom, looking at the river and mountains. I came to the realization that what I had gotten myself into was something nice."
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