Many disregard the importance of art in daily life, questioning its necessity, saying that too many resources are used to create it, to transform your home, or even that art “isn’t a real job”.

This age-old manta has shaped artists’ lives for generations, even though many believe there’s no need for it. It’s not like art is fresh air, food, or water, so that means you can survive without it.

In fact, this mentality is sometimes used to justify reducing or even eliminating funding for the arts and cultural programs, as lawmakers believe the money should be used in other areas, and to transform your home using art in daily life.

These efforts and beliefs are decidedly misguided, given the importance of art and artistic expression throughout human history. Prehistoric cave paintings and carved figurines date back tens of thousands of years, offering a glimpse into the lives and skills of the people who lived several centuries ago.

During ancient times, the Sumerians, Persians, Akkadians, Hittites, Neo-Assyrians, Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks, and Romans decorated palaces, everyday objects, and tombs with art. Different styles developed across cultures worldwide, with themes and materials varying between areas. 

Things haven’t changed nowadays. People don’t work to cover their basic expenses —food, housing, and utility bills. Everyone wants beauty and entertainment in their lives, but the ways this looks differ between individuals. Games, films, TV series, music, fashion, reading, knitting, theatre, and photography are all art forms.

Even sports, which are not art forms in and of themselves, can have artistic elements, with rhythmic gymnastics and ballet among the most obvious examples. When you consider all that, it almost seems like a pity not to bring more art into your home. 

The advantages of art in daily life

When you bring art into your home, you don’t just purchase an object; you find a place for it on a shelf. You have to look through many online pages of fine art prints for sale, visit art galleries and shows, browse through endless selections in second-hand stores, visit fairs, thrift stores, flea markets, and digital marketplaces to find something you like, and know you’re going to use.

This is definitely not an easy task, and you have to be prepared to give it your full attention. It’s not easy to find the items that are perfect for you, but the search is definitely part of the experience. 

You will encounter a lot of art throughout this process, which will help you determine the styles and themes you like most. You might discover that you are partial to a specific time period when it comes to art, that you prefer darker or lighter hues, or that certain artists are much more likely to draw your attention.

Figuring out these aspects will make the process much easier, but it will take some trial and error to get there. In the meantime, expand your horizons and look for as many vendors as possible to get what you want. 

Art in daily life by emerging artists 

The classics never go out of style. This belief applies to the art world just as much as it applies to any other sector. While there’s no denying the beauty and artistic appeal of artwork dating back centuries, it’s essential to support modern and emerging artists as well to help the art world thrive and evolve.

Artist collectives are a good place to start looking for pieces. You can also look into artists in online galleries and even visit their websites to buy directly from the source. You can sign up for newsletters to get notified of upcoming releases as well. Some art groups also have brick-and-mortar locations you can visit. 

Don’t rush it 

If you’re not used to buying art to transform your home, you might feel an impulse to purchase everything you see. The best thing you can do, though, is to start with tinier works that you feel a genuine connection with. This is particularly important if you don’t plan on making your current living arrangements your forever home.

Prices are typically more affordable when it comes to art in daily life, so that you can stay within a budget in the beginning. With these more miniature paintings or sculptures, you can also buy from established artists without putting a dent in your finances, and you can be confident that the overall value of your collection will increase exponentially as well. 

Shop local to transform your home.

You’ve most likely heard this slogan before, typically in conjunction with grocery or clothing shopping, because it is the more sustainable alternative. But engaging with local art in daily life and around the world can be enriching, as it allows you to discover artists in your area.

Supporting artists living in your city or country will also make you feel like you’re part of a close-knit community. Seeing the artists in person and discussing their work with them will add a new layer to the works, helping you appreciate them much more by offering a different perspective you may not have even considered before.

If any local artist offers open studio hours, you should definitely consider joining. It is not just an entertaining way to spend your evening, but also a chance to buy exclusive works. 

Limited edition items 

In addition to getting original art, you should also consider investing in limited-edition prints. They are a crafty way to add significant works by your favorite artists to your collection for a fraction of the original price while still contributing.

Many artists also prefer prints because they make their work more accessible to the public. Look for giclée prints, produced on acid-free paper with premium-quality inks. They work perfectly as fine art pieces due to their superior quality. 

When you’re ready to bring art into daily life, to transform your home, make sure you arm yourself with plenty of patience. Take the time to browse as many options as you can before making a choice, so you are sure it is the best one for you.