A simple life is an imaginative life. Sometimes, you have to make do with what you’ve got, and when that happens, you best give way to creativity lest you fail to maneuver a solution out of thin air. When it comes to decorating the home with artwork, I think that sticking with what you’ve already got is best, especially from a frugal standpoint.
Our perception of what constitutes as “good” art is lacking in credential. We’ve oft walked into a museum of curated work and commented to each other that a kindergartner can do the work. Obviously, this isn’t true. We definitely lack a certain appreciation of what professionals consider masterpieces. But I just can’t justify the expensive prices tacked onto most art pieces. Add this to my short span of appreciation for any piece of work and you’ve spelled out trouble for this art buyer.
So I stick to what works for me – that being simpler art solutions in the form of magazine clippings, posters, or in this case, printed work on a reused Aritzia bag. Free stuff, dorm room style. Transient things that I can throw away in the end without a worry. Things that I actually like hanging up on my walls.
This past weekend, our dear friends swung by to drop off a gift for my birthday – a pair of latte mugs and wooden coasters from GoodiesLA. It was wrapped in a reused Aritzia bag with a few bundles of tissue paper. The bag, however, had two different prints on either side on what I would consider quality paper. I decided to cut out both sides, leaving a white border around the image. In lieu of a picture frame, I taped the two images using paper tape with a leaf print on it.
Thus, new art hanging in our kitchen wall.
I know it seems a bit tacky for some. But I enjoy this way of decorating. I am able to spruce up the home without spending money or stressing about whether I’ve made the right choice. Let’s face it. Paying for pricey masterpieces leads met to a long trail of anxious thoughts. Did I make a worthy purchase? Does it match the space? Will I like it tomorrow? Am I a crazy person? (Mayhaps).
This is a happy life for me. Truth be told, there’s something about embracing what you lack. This life stage of mine where I can’t pull the trigger on an expensive art piece is how I’ve always lived – stuck in the perfectly imperfect. It’s nice to know that, even now, I’m still growing up, still tied to my early twenties somehow.
A good birthday gift all around.
