“I don't think artwork can ever
be rated high enough. Actual artwork that you love, that speaks to you. You
look at it and it makes you happy. That makes a room.”
-Alexa Hampton, Designer
The most favorite piece of art, in my home, has the
ability to take me in, calm me, and make me happy. It holds a personal memory
for me as well.
I discovered the oil painting in an art gallery. It
had become an ‘orphan’; the painting had made it’s way to the gallery from an
estate, and then had languished, without a home, until I stumbled upon it.
The artist signed it ‘Fielder’; however, the artist’s
name didn't offer any clues as to his notoriety, or even the location. I felt
like it depicted the banks of the Seine river in Paris. I had no other clues to
follow.
Forward a few years; my daughter and I were in Paris,
and had just toured Notre Dame and the moving Memorial des Martyrs de la
Deportation*. The monument has a beautiful vantage point, begging for a
romantic photo of the city. As I framed my photo with the lenses, I spied the
cityscape that my painting captures! My daughter then took this picture,
celebrating our discovery, marking a special connection for my (then) teen
daughter and me.
Beyond this piece offering a sense of peace, the
memory of discovering the point where monsieur (or Mademoiselle) Fielder set up his or her easel, and painted an image that brings a
personal dialog of my life to my home, in the United States.
Finding a piece of art that speaks to you is a
treasure. When you are searching for art, look for an aspect that represents
your life- your travels, family, passions. It need not be expensive, of famous
provenance, or by a famous person. It needs to connect and be special to you. I
promise it will return the favor for many years to come, enhancing your home
and your story.
* Memorial des Martyrs de la Deportation is a memorial to the 200,000 people
deported from Vichy France to the Nazi concentration camps during the Second
World War.
