MADELINE NELSON
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Decoration: Is It Art?

9/18/2018

2 Comments

 

This summer, between plein air sessions and in the comfort of my studio, I painted these two large panels. They are  based on a plein air acrylic I did in Maine, plus reference photos I took there. Today my partner Maikel glued them to the cabinet fronts on our living room wall unit. Their purpose is frankly practical and decorative-- they are now part of the furniture, covering a TV and its related junk that we'd rather not stare at when it's not being used.
For several years we've been covering our TV with a painting, even if the original purpose of those paintings wasn't camouflage. And I did paint the cabinet doors on our boat, disguising a jumble of cans and plastic cups. Not exactly with a tole painting, but something I saw as a little less than art.
So it was liberating to read a few nights ago about Monet's water lilies paintings, which he referred to as decorations and were conceived to be permanently attached to walls.
 I need to get over myself about thinking "decoration" is any less worthy than any other kind of painting. Is there anything wrong with art being useful?

Picture
Bunker Cove, Maine. Diptych, oil on gessoboard, 20" x 32" each.
2 Comments
Claire
9/19/2018 05:21:20 am

Wonderful! Draws the ey and makes one feel guilty for not reading books more. I do have a kindle though. This makes me want to move to NYC.

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Sandra Stowell link
8/27/2020 02:36:30 pm

Oh of course art on furniture is still art: it may or may not be your "best" effort, and you may or may not like it, of course!

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