Art versus whitewashed signs!

Are the whitewashed wood signs with black script lettering commanding you to “Eat”, considered art? Signs and sayings used as wall art have been around for years (think Egyptian pyramid wall symbols) but after 2010 the trend took off and you saw them everywhere. Sometimes when you don’t feel “live, laugh, love” seeing it on your wall each day, can act as a mantra. When times are difficult, these signs can give help to remind you of those things you strive to be. If you are a fan of this decoration style, then flying those sayings loud and proud is absolutely the right move for you! However, there are alternative solutions, such as art that is actually created from the mind and spirit of another person.

Fine or decorative art is defined as an outward, tangible expression of an individual's creativity. This output can be made in larger batches, for example: open prints, limited-edition prints, prints done in multiple series or hand-blown glassware sets. And this output can be found at all price points. But regardless of how many of these are created or priced, they are still expressions of the mind and spirit of an individual and are designed to highlight their point of view. Letters and word signs are they type of decorations which are mass designed, without that creativity or point of view. Their goal is to help fill empty spaces in homes and businesses. They are created to be visuals without impact. The viewer is not engaged with the image, in either a positive or negative way. No viewer passion is elicited when viewing a wooden, white-washed back lettered image telling you to "think creatively".

Another purpose of finding and living with actual art is to express YOUR point of view. These items make your home, yours. They tell others your story, your point of view. As Marie Kondo purports the items around you should "spark joy". When you opt to surround yourself with only word signs, you limit the likelihood that your environment will really represent the person you are. As we are all spending more time inside, having your surroundings speak to and of you will go a long way towards being in your happy place. And when we all start gathering regularly again, that art will encourage dialogue, which is a great way to get and keep the party started.

So why have we as a culture adopted these signs so readily? Along with the idea they can support your belief system there are a few other common thoughts as to why word art images are so common. There is a belief they are a quick way to dress up a blank wall, available everywhere and cheap. Is actual art commonly available? Absolutely, you can purchase pieces online, at local sales, or you can use a piece you have created. What about costs? The piece shown at the top of this blog costs over $70.00 before shipping and handling. Other word art pieces can range from around $20.00 to hundreds of dollars. These prices are exactly the same as many pieces from smaller artists. How quickly can you cover a wall if you look for art? While some folks quickly find the pieces which are their voice, sometimes that wall can take time to find that perfect fit. The search is part of the journey and part of that great party story you can share.

Another commonly held belief is these signs are a key wall element which defines the decorating style of "country chic, or farmhouse chic". The interesting counter point to this thought, is watching many of the YouTube videos in which varied designers share their top 10 decorating faux pas, word signs, always consistently have a place on their lists. What do they recommend in their place? Supporting smaller artists!

There was also the fact that when realtors "stage" a home, they want items on the walls which will not "turn off" buyers but will help the home feel that it can be lived in. As more of us take on cheaper interest rates and look for different housing, we see word signs in many homes, and internalize that this is the "normal" way everyone decorates.

We are nearly out of January 2022 as this blog is posted. Many of our resolutions have seen a few missed opportunities. Here is a chance to start a new resolution for the year, we should all try to start replacing our wooden word art, with wonderful pieces from artists. After all, art is for all!