Feng Shui and Artwork
Let's talk about the artwork in your home or office. How art affects you, the vibe you're going for, the memories your art can evoke and why art placement is important. From Catherine Dean, of Catherine Dean Feng Shui.
We use and display artwork in our homes and offices for different reasons. It can be our own creation that we are very proud of. It is often an expression of who we are, a depiction of the colors and themes we are drawn to. It can also be a reminder of events we've attended. Art adds depth and dimension to any room decor. We are drawn to artwork because we like it. But have you ever considered the effect your artwork has on you?
WHAT PROMPTS YOU...
Some questions or considerations to think of before making a purchase: What are you seeing when you look at art work? Why are you drawn to it? Would you want that particular piece in your home or office? Why or why not? It's important to be mindful when it comes to art!
WHAT'S THE VIBE YOU'RE GOING FOR...
Are you trying to endorse a happy, positive vibe? Look around you. Does your artwork reflect that? Do you find yourself feeling relaxed, happy and uplifted around your art, or do you find you're feeling more like the irritated young woman on the right? Not all of your art has to be happy per se, but it needs to reflect back to you meaningful and positive feelings.
WHAT DO THESE SAY TO YOU...
You know the expression beauty is in the eye of the beholder? I find that to be so true. When you look at these images, do you have a reaction? Does the still life on the left make you feel peaceful and calm, or make you bored and hungry because you're looking at another picture of food? The same with the masks on the right. Are you creeped out by the stillness of each face or does it remind you of the best vacation you ever had when you went to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? Art can be so personal!
WHERE YOUR ART IS DISPLAYED MATTERS...
During a consultation, my client was explaining her inability to sleep well during the full moon. I found it interesting that she was experiencing this most acutely during that phase of the lunar cycle. I asked to see her bedroom. Her spacious bedroom was set up perfectly - the bed in the command position, no clutter, stylish furniture reflecting who they are and the room was beautifully maintained. And then, I saw the artwork. The above picture of a crouching black panther, ready to strike and overpower its prey was hung on the opposite wall to the left of the foot of her bed. This was the side she slept on, and this big predatory cat was staring her down while she slept. Have you ever thought about how vulnerable we are when we're asleep?
I asked her, "The trouble you're having is during the full moon?" She said yes. Then I asked, "How bright is the night sky during the full moon? If you were this panther's prey, (which symbolically she was every night) would you be able to find a safe place to hide?" She acknowledged that no, she probably would not. And then of course, I asked the most pertinent question of all: "Why is this picture in your bedroom at all?"
She removed the picture and her sleeping improved.
KEEP YOUR AUDIENCE IN MIND...
Keep in mind the placement of your artwork and who's going to see it. The teddy bear on the left could be comforting to a child at the doctor's office when it's time for a shot. But, you probably wouldn't want it in your home because that would be a constant reminder of getting a shot which could evoke a strong emotional reaction from a young one in your home setting. Likewise, the picture on the right could be you in your favorite Halloween costume and you loved it! But now, you're the parent of a young child who is afraid of witches. Probably not a good option to display. Keep in mind the subject matter. A poster of a beaten up but victorious Rocky Balboa might be just the perfect finishing touch in a man cave, but most definitely should not be in a meditation room!
ALL THINGS CONSIDERED...
Although there is a lot more that can be said about artwork and Feng Shui, the point is that all things should be considered. How does the piece make you feel? What does it represent? It is something you just love? Is it a reminder of that time in your life you were on tour and the fans adored you and your music? Is it something you created on an exceptionally lovely day, or does it reflect you and your significant other? You want the artwork that surrounds you to evoke pleasant feelings or at the very least, leave you feeling pleasantly neutral.
ON THE OTHER HAND...
If you feel angry when you are looking at a piece of artwork, ask yourself why. Does it remind you of a certain someone, or an unpleasant event? Or, do you feel sad when remembering how you came about a certain piece? Did someone from your past give it to you or are you reminded of them? When artwork evokes negative feelings in you, it is time to address whether or not it's right to keep it. Remember that one person's donated items can be another person's newly found treasure. As always, you want your surroundings to support your well-being and if your artwork is taking away from that, it is time to take away the artwork.
Whether the art is from your own canvas, a photo you took, a ceramic you bought at a craft sale or a gifted creation from a very special someone, the art you surround yourself with affects you, your mood, your productivity and serenity. So be sure to display items and pictures that bring about good feelings and avoid those that are irritating or make you sad. What we surround ourselves with should be uplifting and if you find your art is working against you, take action so that your home can become your sanctuary! 🏠
This article first appeared in Catherine's newsletter, Feng Shui Tidbits E-Newsletter. Head over to her website to subscribe today.
Catherine Dean is a lifelong resident of Rochester New York. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Women's Studies from SUNY Brockport which she earned in 2010. In 2014 she became a Certified Professional Stager through CSP International Training Academy. Catherine has since become a BTB Certified Feng Shui Practitioner through Certified Feng Shui Professional Training with James and Helen Jay. To enhance her professional staging knowledge Catherine also underwent training in Feng Shui Staging through Certified Feng Shui Staging with James Jay. In 2020, Catherine completed the Navigate the Voyage program through the Wind & Water Center with Carole Hyder and Lisa Janusz.
You've learned more about art from Catherine...but what about other design or décor aspects in your home or office? Let's talk about clocks 🕰️ from Karen Rauch Carter.
