Designer style on the home front has never been so big. Karen McLauchlan, of the Journal, met the North-East company which is helping house hunters and home owners sample original art for themselves.
Few of us can claim to own a masterpiece. But original artwork for your home is less expensive and more available than you think and Northumberland online gallery Art Evolution has even brought original art to some of the region's newest homes.
Victoria Anderson, managing director of the Felton-based gallery, has recently worked with Yuill Homes to develop original art for two of the house builder's North-East developments.
The Buckleigh showhome at Whitworth Park, Spennymoor, not only shows off the latest interior trends and building style - it also features bespoke pieces of original art.
Hartlepool-based Yuill Homes worked with Art Evolution to create the look for its show home. Artist Emma Picton was commissioned by the developers to create a number of bespoke pieces of glass artwork combining the greens, browns and golds of the then proposed showhome with striking results.
Yuill Homes met the artist to discuss the concept for the showhome and discuss designs. In addition the house builder commissioned 10 abstract paintings by Northumberland-based artist Sally Thompson.
These have been housed throughout the stunning showhome.
Artwork by three other regional artists, Hugh Harris, Wyn Barnes and Mark Taylor, were also selected to add the final touches to the children's bedrooms within the Buckleigh.
Since then the firm has worked at Yuill's High View development in Blaydon. It has just completed work on two showhomes at the site featuring original work by artists Sally Thompson and Dennis Wood.
"We have really enjoyed working with Yuill Homes, said Victoria. "Using original art works so well in the showhomes really sets them apart from the competition.
"The interior design team are full of exciting design ideas, which incorporate bold colours, and have a bold approach to their showhomes."
Victoria says the perception of art has changed dramatically in recent years. "Art is becoming part of everyday society, whether that be in our homes or through the fantastic public art that has swept the region over the past decade. We work very hard to show people that original pieces are also affordable and attainable."
Art Evolution's online gallery -
www.artevolution.co.uk - has more than 1,500 pieces, ranging in price from £25 to £3,500.
And from just a few pounds a month customers can also rent a piece of work.
Its collection includes original paintings, photographs, and sculptures. One-off commissions are also available. The perception of buying artwork can seem intimidating to some people, but Art Evolution's team brings the art to your home rather than getting the customer to visit a gallery.
Victoria has also joined forces with two local interior designers to launch Staging by Art Evolution - a house-staging service using artwork by North-East artists.
Victoria, Rachel Poad, of Creative Interior Design, and Roz Gaskell, of RozG Interiors, have pooled their creative skills to ensure property for sale or rent is presented in the best light with maximum `wow factor' for any potential buyer or tenant.
"It's important for someone selling or letting a property for the place to look its very best," explained Victoria.
"The interior appearance of a property is what really clinches that top-level sale for the vendor. Artwork is an essential part of that interior.
"A well chosen piece or two can make real visual impact - and make all the difference to a home."
Art Evolution has customers across the country from the south-east to Scotland - with strong client numbers in the North-East.
Work has been sent to Spain, Italy and Israel.
Almost all of the work available is by North-East artists, or artists with a strong connection with the region.
Art Evolution also works with commercial clients - bringing original art work to offices and other firms such as luxury self-catering holiday cottage company Coastal Retreats Northumberland.
"People are wanting more and more from their home interiors," said Victoria.
"And rather than having something mass produced, they can have something original in their home - which is affordable."
She added: "Some people can be nervous about purchasing a piece of original art, which is why the rental scheme is so good.
"People can have a piece in their home but are able to change it a few months later - or have something new when they redecorate. They just return the piece to us.
"Art Evolution is a simple concept.
"We help artists market their work widely and easily, allowing them do what they love - create new art.
"We then make it easy for customers to enjoy fantastic, original work for themselves."
March 29, 2007 11:22am
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