ARTWORKS

If you love contemporary design (as I do) you will probably be tired of the same old framed prints you see at the traditional decorating shops and professional framing companies.
Don’t get me wrong, it is not that I do not like prints, I have bought and displayed these in homes before at clients’ requests, there is just something that is more inspiring about original artworks. I find that you can almost always tell the difference between a print and an original, there is just more depth in a genuine artwork and for reasons I cannot explain, they capture and hold your attention much more than a print.


I think many people out there feel that original artwork is just too expensive and therefore they go straight to a supplier of prints and get these framed.


However I am here to tell you that if you look around and keep am eye open at markets, furniture retailers, designer showrooms, even some restaurants and coffee shops display artworks to sell, then you will find something right up your street, whether it is contemporary or traditional that you are after.

 Here are some examples of contemporary artworks that I have displayed at the moment. The first one is actually a mass produced oil painting from @ Home. This might not be what everyone has in mind when I say “original” artwork but it is an oil painting (not a print) that has depth due to the thickness of the oil on the canvas. The only draw back here is that each one at the retailer looks identical to the next one, but unless all your friends shop at the same shop as you, you will probably get away with this and no one will know the difference (also this shop is continually changing stock).

The next artwork is a photograph that has been produced onto photo-board. This one does not have depth in terms of paint on canvas, but the colours are so vivid and move across the canvas to create a vibrant and totally original piece. This artwork was purchased from a furniture retailer in Johannesburg.

And finally there is a true original artwork which is a combination of watercolour and oil on the canvas. This one I had commissioned for my daughters bedroom. The artists go by the name AHHA, and they will come to your home and see the room where the artwork is to be hung. They bring with their colour fandeck and choose the colours on site so that the artwork will work in that space. You give them the concept that you have in mind or you can visit their website and get inspiration from their previous works www.ahha.co.za. I have used AHHA many times on the various homes and commercial spaces that Jossi Design has designed and decorated and I have been thrilled with the artwork every time.

The best thing about all 3 examples above, they are affordable. If you look around at all the retailers and establishments already mentioned and cannot find something that grabs you consider contacting someone to create the artwork for you as AHHA does, and they are not the only ones out there.

Take it from me, a print might seem to be inexpensive, but by the time you have had it professionally framed it has cost you the same as one of the above mentioned artworks.

All I am saying is don’t go straight for the prints, explore other options and then if you go back to the prints at least you know that you are sure about your purchase.