Remember when we took Ed The Bed’s top rails off and mentioned needing some finials to finish things off? That’s where a finial fashion show comes in. Yup, I’m nerdy like that. I ran out to Home Depot and Lowe’s where I bought these four options and I gave them all a spin on Ed to see which ones we liked best. Here’s the spread:
The long wood “finials” on the top right were actually chair legs from Lowe’s, but I just wanted to see if something long and lean was the way to go. And you know we like to use “weird” things as other things. So legs as finials wasn’t that much of a stretch for us. Unfortunately once John suggested that they resembled “man parts” I just couldn’t get past it. What can I say, the idea of sleeping under four willies gave me the willies. So they were instantly eliminated before even partaking in the fashion show fun.
But here are the other three options in place atop one of Ed’s posts. The first option was a set of round finials from Home Depot that were actually meant for curtains rods, but the attached screws at the base of each one slipped right into the predrilled holes in the top of Ed’s posts.
They definitely could work (especially if we painted them white to match Ed), but I thought the basic round ball sort of looked like the top of a banister. You know, kinda “builder.” So although it mimicked the shape of our big dandelion-esque light and most definitely wouldn’t “not work,” we weren’t 100% over the moon about them either. Just because they felt like we got banister tops from the home improvement store and tried to play them off as four-poster finials.
These ornate curtain finials (also from HD) felt very heavy, formal, and almost pineapple-ish:
The reason we picked these up to begin with (since you might think they would never work with the modern lines of Ed the Bed) was because we plan to bring in a curvy antique-ish dresser to play off of the more modern chandelier. So we wanted to see if the clean lines of the bed would actually work with something a little formal on top. Of course the dark color threw us off, but painted white we actually thought they’d work. Especially because they sort of tied into the shape of our mirror above the sink in the background too.
These last curtain finials (also from HD) are kind of the compromise between the builder basic round ones and the super ornate formal ones:
And they were already white (although not a perfect match) so it helped us visualize how they’d work without much effort. We liked how they still had round orbs within them (which subtly mimicked the light fixture) but they also had a semi-old-ish vibe going on, so they would tie Ed into a curvy and ornate leggy dresser if we ever get a hold of one of those (we’ve been stalking Craigslist like crazy).
When we stepped back, we knew we had a winner. They just felt the best to us after studying them all in person for a while and weighing our options. Here they are from afar:
It’s like they were made for Ed. Psst- Remember we’re contemplating a bedside lamp & night stand upgrade, we’re just working with those for now since we have ’em. So we packed up the other finials and back to the store they went. Thankfully I was able to slip one finial out of the top of the packaging without cutting or unstapling anything, which means I could slide each one back in and return them in perfect condition. In fact I remembered to take the picture of them in their packaging after putting each finial back in, so you can see how “mint” they looked. Yes, I’m actually proud of ridiculously random things like that.
Oh but actually adhering the finials was another little challenge. They each had screws that slid right into the predrilled hole on the top of each of Ed’s posts, but the hole was a smidge too wide for the screw (so they teetered ever so slightly if the post was jostled). And getting the screw out of the finials and replacing it with something thicker that might have fit Ed’s holes seemed like it might take a while. So being the impatient girl that I am, I decided we should try using a ball of poster putty to squeeze the screw through and beef things up, thereby creating a sticky-gum-like effect to hopefully hold things more securaly.
And holy cow it worked. The finials didn’t waver back and forth anymore, they were stuck in place for good. Except not really for good, which is good. If we ever change our minds, since poster putty is easily un-stuck, it’ll just take a few firm pulls on each finial to remove them without any permanent damage to Ed or the finials themselves.
So there you have it. The easiest and most reversible Ikea Hack ever. Haha. Oh wait- and yes, we still have to paint the finials to match Ed because they’re not exactly the same tone of white, so I’ll just bring home a bunch of paint swatches to see which one looks most like the paint on the posts and then I’ll just get a test pot of it for a few bucks and paint the finials for a more seamless look.
Wait, did you think that was the end of the post? Well… (cue the confetti)… we still have some art to discuss. We gave the ram and two thrift store finds a spin above our bed (I know not everyone would want to wake up under a ceramic ram head but it’s totally my idea of a good time). But – sad face – we’re thinking they’re probably too dinky for that spot.
Maybe once we add all the missing furniture and other art into the room they’ll feel a bit less teensy, but for now we’re not sold. But I like waking up under a ram so they’re still hanging there. We’re thinking about some giant canvas art or something for that spot down the road. Who knows where we’ll end up though.
Oh and here’s one of my favorite corners of the room that we realize hasn’t been pictured in a while.
How sweet does that chair and those curtains look through those finial topped posts? I love gazing at it sleepily in the morning. When I’m not smiling up at my ram friend of course.
I would have gone with the third set, too. I love using sticky tack (aka poster putty) to hold picture frames in place, too. Totally helps in a gallery wall if one doesn’t want to stay straight. I also used it to hold a few pictures on a rail above our son’s crib. Totally works! It’s actually pretty difficult to get it down.
I just shared this, but I thought it would be a fun idea for a playroom, too.
http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/interactive-art/
looks great…love your blog:)
Ditto and ditto!
Much love,
Future Mama
http://expectingablessing.blogspot.com/
Somehow I missed that you took the top rails off the bed in the other post. I kind of miss them!
I think a large canvas or mirror is the way to go as far as something over the bed.
See we’d love a mirror but since we have that huge one across the room over the sink we don’t want it to be this mirror-on-all-sides-effect. Haha. But we’re with you on the large canvas for sure!
xo,
s
Yeah, it would probably be something like the reverse of a disco ball. If you ever get a really crazy hair, the mirror over the sink would look great over the bed. But of course then you’d need a sink mirror. Oh well. Large canvas sounds great, too!
Haha to the reverse of a disco ball. I might be weird enough to enjoy waking up in the middle of a disco ball. Haha.
xo,
s
Hahaha to maybe being weird enough to enjoy waking up in a disco ball. I might be, too. I have WAY too many mirrors in my house…
Ha! Love the video!
Have you thought about maybe putting a frame around the three items above the bed? That would trick they eye into thinking you had something bigger there.
Love that idea!
xo,
s
I found a great examples of this on decor pad (http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=38157&index=12&searchQuery=apartment%20therapy&searchType=photos).
I also like the idea of spray painting a few extravagant picture/mirror frames a bold color and creating a collage. Kinda like this (http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/old-frame-installations-108647). Yes, I’m a linking fool today!
Obsessed! Love it so much! The not-straight-lines of the frame are key! Since I don’t want Ed to get too boxy looking. Thanks so much for the links!
xo,
s
Thanks for those links! The second one is helping me with ideas for a frame collage!
I am really loving the idea of Kim’s link (decorpad one) so you could keep your ram head there! I think a frame around it would make it look SO much more substantial and kind of be a clever modern/somewhat feminine take on the wood plaques real animal heads are mounted on.
Sherry, also have you considered hanging curtains on either side of the bed? That wall might be too big for it and I don’t know how it would look with the rest of the curtains in the bedroom, but part of why they look dinky is because the rest of that wall is so expansive. If you hung soft white Ikea panels down the wall on either side of the bed I think there would be way more focus on the area b/w the posts and it wouldn’t seem so lost?
That’s definitely a possibility! Who knows where we’ll end up, but we’ll keep you posted every step of the way!
xo,
s
Hehe, I love how both of Kim’s links had white ceramic animal heads in them. A new trend! :D
I love the finials – I don’t remember reading that you guys were going to finish off the bed posts with them so this was a nice surprise!
Great choice on the finials, and great idea to use silly putty. I would brought out the big guns: my glue gun. It always seems to do the trick!
Whether you leave the artwork or not, are you planning on painting your thrift store finds?
Not sure- at first we thought we should, but since we have the dark brown chair, leaning mirror, and plan to bring in a dark brown antique dresser, we’re not sure if we like that eclectic shot of dark brown. Time will tell I guess!
xo,
s
Oh drats… I was hoping you’d need finials that attached by “cupping” the posts – because that’s what I’m looking for and not doing very well! Never mind. Your finials look great and I love the ram.
If I’m understanding what you mean correctly, we used automotive freeze plugs (they’re meant for use on the side of an engine, I think) and drilled holes in them to use them with doorknob on our DIY version of the PB Claudia bed. The should work to cap off your bedpost and then you could drill a hole to add a finial.
Thanks Cait, you might have just saved the day! Love that bed.
You’re welcome, hope it helps! I’d love to see what you come up with! And thanks for the kind words about our bed :)
I love the video!!! So cute! :)
But, I’m not exactly in love (or like) with the finials or art. To each their own!!
Yup, we’re not sold on the art either… but the video, we can all agree that’s good stuff! Haha.
xo,
s
I would have to agree about not liking the finials. I think what is throwing me off is how tall the bed posts are. The bed still looks unfinished, like it is missing something.
No worries! We definitely don’t expect every choice that we make to be loved by all! It might help to remind you that we’ve only lived here three months so the room is extremely unfinished. The whole space is missing something! Haha. So with lots of furniture and art to be added along with just-for-now nightstands and lamps that we’ll switch out down the line, it definitely doesn’t look complete or finished. But we’re ok with that. Our last house took 4.5 years to “finish” and even then we weren’t really done. Haha.
xo,
s
So I got almost to the end of the post and was thinking to myself, “man I don’t want to keep working, I could go for a video” …and then, it was there! Like a miracle! You guys are easily my favorite way to procrastinate :)
And couldn’t the art stay if maybe the pieces were a smidge farther apart?
kelly,
I agree. I am a teacher and sometimes on a break, I open up this site. Some days it is just nice to watch a video of a dog climbing into bed instead of dealing with how to keep two rival gangs from shooting at each other in school!
burger is hilarious. he knows what he wants, and it’s not a made bed.
Hehe, I thought the video was great too :-)
Much love,
Future Mama
http://expectingablessing.blogspot.com/
Have you thought about a “zanzariera” (sorry, don’t know the english name.. maybe mosquito net or something like that?)
http://www.ikea.com/it/it/catalog/products/44361010
My response: oooh how exotic!
John’s response: too girly.
Haha.
xo,
s
Love the quirkiness of the art! Beth@Just{Heart}It’s idea about a large frame around those items would work. I’ve also seen paint used as either a “faux” frame or as a block of color to unite items hung over it (that would be my approach). That block of color could be pulled from another accessory in the room to unite the colors together. I will enable your wish of waking up under a ram’s head!
Haha, I love how it’s now my lifelong goal to wake up with one of my ceramic animal friends. Haha.
xo,
s
What about some vintage wallpaper as a background for the ram and vintage finds? You could even cut the edges to mimic an antique frame.
Fun!!!
xo,
s
I saw this makeover of cheap IKEA dressers as nightstands and thought they would work great in your room:
http://marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-ikea-diy-dorothy-draper-style.html
Love that! Sadly they’re too wide (see how the closed door in the wide shot would swing out and hit anything wider than the narrow side tables we have?). But it’s definitely an inspiring Ikea makeover for sure!
xo,
s
I was thinking the exact same thing! If it won’t fit on the right, maybe just on the left?
Could be! We want to DIY some built-ins for the nook on the left of the bed, so as long as nothing conflicts with that we’re golden!
xo,
s
Had family in town yesterday and spent about three hours trolling through IKEA and all around me were reminders of YHL. Was divine!
Just a quick word of caution–three things above the bed is bad feng shui. it seems to suggest “three people” in the bed–which is usually one too many for a marriage. The best feng shui choice is a pair of something–pair of paintings, pair of sculptures, etc. good luck! i want to keep seeing young house love–be full of love!
Interesting! The funny thing is that we had three small frames hanging above our old bed for 4+ years of engaged/wedded bliss. Haha.
xo,
s
John, Sherry and Burger!
Haha, maybe three things above the bed add up to relationship happiness when you, your hubby, and your dog sleep in the same bed. Haha. Because all three of us share Ed!
xo,
s
ohhh why does one kid get to sleep with mom and dad and one doesn’t…Clara is going to figure it out soon…shes a smart cookie!
Haha, it’s true! But that’s how we keep Burger feeling loved! We knew bringing home a baby from the hospital meant lots of attention going her way, so at least Burger gets to feel a little smug about sleeping with us so he knows he’s important to us too. Haha.
xo,
s
Finials look great. Sadly, ram and friends do seem too wee for that space. I would go one of two ways: 1) put a large canvas in the center and hang Mr. Ram over your lamp and another similarly sized white animal over John’s lamp 2) hang a medium to large vertical canvas aligned to the left and then Mr. Ram in the upper right quadrant w/ something else of appropriate size just below him. I may not be explaining the latter option well. Hmm… Say it’s a grid w/ 4 spaces:
1 2
3 4
1 and 3 would be taken up by the canvas, 2 would be Mr. Ram, and 4 would be… some other item.
This is slightly random, but that chair shot reminded me. Whatever happened to that old rocking chair you found on craigslist? Were you ever able to reupholster it?
Oh my gosh that chair is trying to kill me. I’m planning to work on it today actually!
xo,
s
What about creating a frame around the art, perhaps lining it with the fabric from your curtains for a little coordinated color and texture pop?
You’re the second one to recommend a frame- it could definitely work!
xo,
s
Ah thanks for the nice long post. Looks great guys. Have a lovely day!
hi! quick question unrelated to this post. i know you order a lot of shower curtains off of amazon (in the white waffle weave) – which brand do you order? i’ve see a lot of interdesign products and wanted to know if this is the same brand you have ordered in the past and if you like the quality of the fabric. thank you!!
Ours are the “extra long shower curtain” that’s waffle weave and sold by Target through Amazon.com. They’re 95″ long. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
I laughed out loud this morning as I read this post…I had the exact same thought as John when I looked at that first picture and thought, ‘I sure hope they don’t pick those long ones.’ I’m glad you were candid enough to include that little snippet in your post. Hope you have a lovely day!
Hahahahahahahaha! I’m so glad I wasn’t the only one!
Hahaha! Before I even scrolled down I thought those looked rather…naughty. And I wouldn’t want that above me while I slept either :)
hahah I thought the same thing too.
I am glad I am not alone. I think the “nude” color of the one set really added to the man-parts description. That would totally creep me out!
Me too! Before I even looked at what they were for, the “man parts” finials caught my eye. I had a giggle when I read that John thought so too! Love the ones you picked.
Haha “sleeping under four willies gave me the willies”! Love it! I love the favorite little corner too!
I bought new sheets this weekend and my husband and I were making our bed. My one cat is notorious for “helping” and loves clean sheets. So we worked around him to make the bed, put the comforter back on, and went about our day. I later went upstairs and couldn’t find Macky. He was not only under the comforter, but somehow under the flat sheet as well. That thing was tucked in tight! But he was under there, just taking in the scent of the Downy.
OMGosh…I was laughing so hard at Burger-man…LOL!!! I watched the video at work and found myself laughing outloud in the office…oops!
He reminds me of my lil Min Pin puppy Maximus. He LOVES to be under the covers and will RUN to me in the morning to be let up into bed. To which he promptly burrows UNDER the covers as fast as he can…lol
I have to comment on the Burger video – my Boston Terrier does the SAME thing! Trixie is her name and she loves a warm snuggle, or a cover to sneak under! So endearing, isn’t it? I used to “lose” her… until I figured out her routine. (She was adopted:)
I also have a Boston. I just told a friend on facebook that when you notice the Snuggie moving, you can find Anna Belle. She has her own Snuggie & will totally wrap it all around her. She also snores. It’s funny to see family look toward the Snuggie when they hear the snoring! And, I had to laugh at the man parts comment. I didn’t even notice at first, lol!
I wish my dog could watch how smoothly yours gets under the covers. Mine is much more aggressive and usually ends up with most of the covers off the bed and not on her. Hmmm…I will have to start teaching her his ways!
That Makes so much more sense than the top cross bars did with the light and everything. You may consider checking out the marimekko fabric on a frame if you have a c&b outlet nearby. Those suckers are big and not too pricey.
I agree – the art is to small.
More importantly: I love Burger – he is too funny. I have a cat that is a “nut-bar” like him. Too funny.
Not a fan of the finials on the post. Competes too much with the light and other elements. Sometimes it’s better to keep things simple and clean.
And please tell me we aren’t now referring to the ram head and wooden thingamajigs as art, are we? My suggestion is to go to the BFA/MFA open studios at VCU this spring and purchase a large canvas painting for a couple hundred bucks. You’ll be supporting a young artist (instead of some major corporation) and you’ll have real, unique art.
Oh Bob, you’re so full of love today. Haha. Who knows what we’ll end up with above the bed (we did mention a large art canvas). And please remember that when I say “we hung art” I believe that term is in the eye of the beholder! I think framing a fortune cookie you love can be art. And you might not agree, but to each his own! That ram just makes me happy and he hangs on the wall so to me he’s worthy of the title of “wall art” while others might call him “wall decor.” To me it’s just semantics! Haha.
xo,
s
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder (it’s not, but that’s another conversation), but the definition of Art is not in question. The ram and wood things are not art. Period. Best to understand it, embrace it, use it.
You did mention the canvas art, but I assumed you meant one of those awful things at TJ Maxx. Hopefully I am wrong. :)
Since it’s our blog, we choose the words we use when we write posts. Hope that’s ok with you! And isn’t the question “what is art?” one of those always debated age old things that no one (not even scholars) can agree upon? Either way, if you decide you don’t love what we do in our house or the words that we use to describe our adventures, why not find another blog that tickles your fancy? We just want you to be happy, Bob. Haha. No sense in reading a blog that makes you mad!
xo,
s
If someone disagrees with something they must be mad? That’s a logical fallacy. Trust me, you and I would be friends in real life. I’m just trying to help you out. You will see that eventually, I think. I was just like you once before but it took a lot of thought and conversations and reading to open up my beliefs.
The question “what is art” might still be debated, but it doesn’t mean there isn’t an answer. The same goes for equal rights. Just because some people are stupid and still debate it doesn’t mean there isn’t a right answer. It’s just a matter of people finding the right answer.
Of course you can use whatever words you want to and you can design your house however you see fit. But as long as you have open comments, you must accept that some people will disagree with you. You can close comments just as easily as I can read other blogs. I actually really like your blog. It’s my second favorite design blog.
Ultimately you either want a dialog or you don’t. That’s your call.
I just want you to smile and have a good day Bob! It seems like you’re getting fired up and bringing up crazy things like gay rights when we’re talking about a ceramic ram head. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, so we hope you don’t interpret our playfulness as minding when people disagree with us! We love the dialog! We consider ourselves to be some of the chattiest commenters in the history of blogging, so we’d never dream of closing comments. That’s crazytalk! You just want to express your opinion and we love that, but when I express one back it’s not “the right answer” to you, which is kind of a pickle, isn’t it? We know not everyone will love everything we do/say and we’re totally at peace with that. What a boring blog this would be if every word/decision we made was loved by all. Our posts would have to be a picture of a smiling baby with a caption like “babies are cute.” Haha, come to think of it someone might want to debate that too!
It might be a crime in your eyes if we call Ramsy art, but I love him and he’s art to me. Just like a finger painting by Clara or a favorite note from a dear friend could be art would be art to me. Maybe not to the world. But at least to me. I’m ok with that. I wish you no ill will – I’m actually smiling as I type this. I just hope you understand that I believe what I believe and you believe what you believe so beating this dead horse might get kinda old. So I hope every time I say “art” for the next 500 posts doesn’t leave you pissed off. Haha. Can’t we agree to disagree?
xo,
s
Sherry, you rock. That is all :)
Hmmm… two uses of “crazy,” one use of “fired up,” and one use of “pissed off.”
Dialog, or at least a mature, reasonable semblance of such, does not look to be possible after all. Oh well.
Oh, by the way, the definition of analogy is as follows: “a form of reasoning in which one thing is inferred to be similar to another thing in a certain respect, on the basis of the known similarity between the things in other respects.”
Hope it helps!
Who taught Bob that “art” is defined? Part of the beauty of the concept of art (to me, anyway) is its perpetual resistance to definition or classification. That is what makes all art challenge us, inspire us . . . even reexamine ourselves.
As always, YHL, I’m impressed with your grace and class!
geez. where’s the love? I’ve been shocked by how insensitive/uptight/mean/ridiculous people’s comments are getting. you guys created this blog for YOU, not for us. we’re along for the ride because it just so happens that you present something that interests us. if the ride becomes uninteresting for someone, then they should probably get off. or create their own blog so that they can write about stuff that DOES interest them.
Wow….I agree….some blog readers have been harsh lately! Having a difference in opinion is one thing, but some people are just being downright rude!
I think everyone should just re-watch the adorable Burger video and relax :)
Dina – Your position on art makes art easier to grasp. Much like religion. See definition of “analogy” from earlier.
Paige – “you guys created this blog for YOU, not for us”
There remains the question of comments being open for one and all to use.
Finials – not for me. But it’s not my house. The ART, I think you have something there, just need to “finish” it.
Bob – me thinks you have too much time on your hands. Besides – maybe at the BFA/MFA there may be a collage/photo that is very similar to the ART that Sherry and John did over the bed. Wouldn’t that be a pisser!
I think this might be a blog post that Bob should read and consider: http://www.thestoriesofa2z.com/2011/02/power-of-hurtful-words-commentary-on.html
While it refers to women in the title, I don’t think it’s a gender specific message at all.
This is a blog about home decor, DIY, and a family that’s doing what it loves and sharing it with others.
There’s a difference between offering constructive criticism and alternative ideas in a kind way and turning it into a debate.
And gay rights?! What the heck does that have to do with anything!?
If so, Emily, they would likely fail out of VCU. It’s a very good art school.
Hmmmm, I missed the memo that put Bob in charge of determining what constitutes art….
Michelle,
Let me simplify the analogy for you. We’ll even keep it on-topic so it’s easier for you to follow.
In Sherry’s pictures above, there is an object that she adds finials to. I bet you would call it a bed. I disagree, I think it’s a car. We can debate whether or not it’s a bed or a car, but fact is that it’s one and not the other. No amount of debate, personal opinion, etc, can change the fact that it is a bed.
The ram head is merely a decor object. It might have artistic qualities, but it has not been elevated to art by Sherry. She has simply made a design decision and that makes the ram head a piece of wall decor. Here’s an example where an animal head (in this case a full body), has been elevated to art (http://www.overthinkingit.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/goat.jpg). That piece is by Robert Rauschenberg, perhaps one of the greatest American artists of the 20th century. We can debate the goodness of the piece, but we cannot debate it being art.
Art is all about context. Buying a ram head and putting it above your bed does not make it art.
Hope it helps!
As I mentioned in my response above, it’s art to me – just as a finger painting by Clara can be art to me or a favorite feather could be framed gorgeously and enjoyed on the wall as art to me. Doesn’t have to be art to you! We can agree to disagree. To each his own! And you’re right, that’s not a bed – it’s a car. Haha.
xo,
s
Cameron,
Who determined that a bed is a bed? Did you get that memo? Or do you just know a bed when you see a bed?
Art is hard. And that’s OK. It doesn’t have to be easily understood by everyone.
this can’t be real!? Did April Fool’s Day come early?
Yep… it is a car TO ME and therefore it’s OK. Who cares if I am completely wrong about it? I feel good about my personal opinion. Yay, go me!
Bob,
People are jumping on your case because you are being condescending. The definition is as follows: showing or implying a usually patronizing descent from dignity or superiority
You’re right, Bob, art is sooooooo hard. Thank goodness we have pretentious know-it-alls to explain it to us.
Art is not able to be 100% defined – period. If I splatter a bunch of paint on a canvas, does that make it art? Am I Jackson Pollock now? If so, great! Because I could sell it for a ton of money.
Bob – For all your posts criticizing YHL’s and other commenters’ use of the word “art”, you have yet to proffer your own positive definition of what you think constitutes “art.” How about it? Maybe then a dialogue could occur.
Also, your analogy that a “bed is a bed and not a car is a fact not open to debate” is a view that HAS ACTUALLY been debated by some pretty intelligent and highly respected people. See, e.g., Berger, Luckmann, Foucault, Bhabha, and . . . ok, the entire social constructionism and post-structuralism schools of thought. So, a little less condescension could go a long way.
One of my favorite things about YHL (er, aside from all those great home decor ideas!) is that comments are open for all to use, but moderated so it’s a drama-free-zone!
This is how Princeton defines art:
1. the products of human creativity; works of art collectively; “an art exhibition”; “a fine collection of art”
2. the creation of beautiful or significant things; “art does not need to be innovative to be good”; “I was never any good at art”; “he said that architecture is the art of wasting space beautifully”
3. a superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation; “the art of conversation”; “it’s quite an art”
4. artwork: photographs or other visual representations in a printed publication; “the publisher was responsible for all the artwork in the book”
wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
So there are a lot of definitions of art.
I think everyone can agree that art is subjective.
For example, the women of Gees Bend Alabama made primitive quilts. They did not believe they were art. Someone happened upon them and did.
So at one point they were very utilitarian quilts, and then they became art. How is that different from Sherry and John’s art?
http://www.quiltsofgeesbend.com/
I love this line the best: “beautiful or significant things.” That’s how baby girl’s scribbles can be called art- and I definitely subscribe to that theory!
xo,
s
is it sad that I was excited to come home after violin and check on the progress of the ol’ art is WHAT? debate?!
maybe I shouldn’t admit that.
however, the progression has exceeded my expectations. this is really entertaining.
let’s start arguing about how old the earth is. I bet that can cause some dissension too.
I think that the earth………………….doesn’t really exist. how about that for opinion?
This is so applicable:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Bed
Bed as art!
My Bed is a work by the British artist Tracey Emin. First created in 1998, it was exhibited at the Tate Gallery in 1999 as one of the shortlisted works for the Turner Prize.[1] It consisted of her bed with bedroom objects in an abject state, and gained much media attention. Although it did not win the prize, its notoriety has persisted.
I think this really demonstrates how subjective art is. I may not agree that this is art. I see it as an unmade bed with some trash on the floor, but others (including the world famous Tate Gallery!)do.
So who is to say?
Now we’re talking. I like it!
Where to begin? I honestly can’t think of a definition for capital-A Art. I feel like I’ve gotten close in the past, but never 100% perfect. But, just because a good definition doesn’t exist does not mean it can’t be defined. Was that a triple negative? Sheesh. Same goes for “quality” but that’s off-subject (not really, but we can’t go that far here).
The definition of Art provided above is pretty much the lowest common denominator type of definition. It satisfies people because it’s easy. Art is actually all about context. It’s what makes Jackson Pollock’s drips Art but not yours. It’s what makes Albers’ squares, Noland’s concentric rings, etc, Art but not the Quilts of Gee’s Bend. I saw that exhibition (Corcoran in DC). And while they were profound, beautiful, striking, etc, they were not Art. Artistic? Absolutely. Art? No. It doesn’t mean they aren’t valuable, significant, or important, but they were not created with the intent to be Art.
The best way I can define Art, I think, is with a question to the person who creates the object. That is, why did make that drawing? Clara can’t even answer the question, so her doodles are out. Sherry, in regards to the ram head and knickknacks would likely say something about balancing the room and looking neat-o. Again, that is about design and decoration. Now, if she truly felt she was making a commentary on consumerist culture being juxtaposed with suburban lifestyle in the 21st century, now we’re talking. Not all art has to be so conceptual, but hopefully you get my point. Art is about the why, not the what.
My issue with all this stems from the fact that I am an artist. I exhibit all over the country and have work in public museums. So it frustrates me to see people spend money on objects from retailers and refer to it as Art. Art can be affordable. Why go out and spend $75 on a “painting” from TJ Maxx when for just a bit more you can buy a true work of art from an individual? Why not support the creative community? Not everything can be DIY’d, and that’s OK. I do think anyone can be an artist, but that’s another topic.
I believe we are losing touch with culture in America. Sherry and John have a huge audience and I think they could help things rather than hurt them. It’s a small issue in the big scheme of things, but it’s so easily dismissed. It’s a shame, really. Just imagine if they went to a VCU open studio and shared pictures of their favorite artworks along with the affordable prices. What if they bought a painting for above their bed? Would it encourage the readers to look more closely at the art community in their areas? Would it help people find value in the arts? And if yes to any of the above, isn’t that a good thing?
Oh Bob, this is silly, you know I went to FIT in NYC where I paid my own way and studied art for four years and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. There are very few things I love more than creating something meaningful & hanging it on the wall. In our archives you’ll find 50+ posts about how to make your own art, from vintage subway posters to framing keys from all of the places you’ve lived with small labels below each one. Those feel personal and charming to me, and they’re made with love – so as an artist with a BFA, I call them art.
To suggest that any item that speaks to someone is somehow sub-par if it’s not created by a “real artist” isn’t how I roll. I love encouraging others to be creative and open and confident about trusting what they like and creating a home that feels authentic to them. And it sounds like you want to say “leave the art to the real artists” which is an incredibly discouraging and creativity-crushing thing to say. I believe that whether something comes from a fancy gallery and costs $5500 or from a thrift store and costs $3, if it speaks to you and makes you smile, then who is anyone else to tell you not to get it or what to call it? I also think many posts like this and this show great support of the arts (both locally and nationwide). Artists are my jam.
Maybe someday you’ll open yourself up to seeing that a gorgeous feather that you find on a walk around a lake can be framed and become breathtaking art in your home. The funny thing is that you admitted that you loved our $5 art last week, which was just craft paper from Michael’s. Be open like you were with that about other things! You’ll be surprised how happy you might get.
xo,
s
Emily,
Emin’s bed is Art. That much is certain. It’s just bad Art.
Context is everything!
Very well said Sherry. I nominate that we put this subject to rest. Bob, you’ve made your opinion known several times. Let’s just agree to disagree and call it a day. If you feel the need to lecture people about art – start your own blog.
Sherry,
Unfortunately a serious conversation doesn’t appear to be possible with you as you have repeatedly misrepresented my position. You also insinuate that I cannot follow our conversations across multiple days. Finally, you seem to be fond of strawmen arguments. I’m not.
The one presumably offensive thing I will say is that I do not consider you to be an artist just because you went to fashion school. The industrial arts are a whole different thing. That BFA does not buy you any credibility with me when your viewpoints on art are so skewed.
If anyone else would like to continue the discussion, I will check back in later.
Cheers!
I didn’t study fashion I studied Advertising Design, which was two full years of fine arts “foundation classes” followed by two years of concept and design classes resulting in a Bachelor of Fine Arts. My work has been in NYC galleries. You should check out FIT’s requirements for entry into their arts program (a full art portfolio as judged by NYC art pros, with only about a 15% acceptance rate) and ask fellow artists about FIT art degrees. They’re the real deal and have nothing to do with clothing design. And with that I’m done with this conversation, both today and whenever you decide to bring it up in future posts.
Wishing you nothing but unicorns and rainbows,
s
I wonder what the artist who created that ram would have to say about this.
annabelvita,
Thanks for introducing some humor into the conversation. After all, you don’t really think the ram head was made by an artist, do you?
STOP THE MADNESS – agree to disagree, Bob. I have a quilt collection and I consider it to be art. I have one hanging in just about every room in my house, and when I look at them I am taken back to trips to Amish country and the families that held a quilting bee to create this masterpiece.
Art is subjective – defining whether every piece of decor, artistic item, and handmade pieces is or is not art is as fruitless as deciding which version of the Apostles’ Creed is the ‘best’ one.
…or which Becky was best on Roseanne.
Haha, you guys never fail to crack me up.
xo,
s
Can we get a dislike button for Bob? Sorry, I know that probably counts as a snarky comment :)
Sherry,
Well, now who’s spouting off their resume in a condescending tone? Clearly you are an art expert and I should have never doubted that. :)
I hope to see your work in NYC sometime. I’ll keep an eye out for it.
S – I think you are misunderstanding Bob’s definition of “art”.
ka,
You’re wrong, but that’s OK. And I prefer the Creed from Rocky, but that’s just me.
The ability to say an object is Art when it’s not must allow for the possibility to say the inverse, that something that is Art is actually not Art. Do you have that power to deny Art? Art is Art regardless of your opinion on it. It is what it is. Period.
bob- keep it cute or put it on mute.
Bob, I figure you’re one of two things- either you’re the “internet mean” guy who sits behind his keyboard and tries to stir up trouble and says things he never would in real life, or you’re the insufferable jerk that everyone tries to avoid at parties. Either way, you have come off as an elitist tool.
You obviously fancy yourself as an art expert, and you mock Sherry’s idea of art, and yet, you’re commenting on HER website. She’s the one with thousands of followers, not you. So you can stand out on that limb, all smug and self-assured, confident that you, and only you, truly understand what ART is. But at the end of the day, the number of followers speaks for itself.
Cameron, dear, you do yourself no favors. You know nothing about me. You have no idea if I am a writer for the NY Times or a lonely woman sitting at home with a dozen cats. You don’t know how many followers I have (I’ve had a blog for almost 8 years actually). You don’t even know if I am a man.
The reason I persist in this conversation is because what it reveals about people. How quick you are to assume you know something about me. How nice Sherry can be until she snaps and does the same thing I do. How understanding of Art is so different. How some people can listen and others can’t. How some people apparently feel safe in their bubbles and resist change. It’s utterly fascinating.
My interest in this thread will soon wane and we all will return to our lives whatever they may be. I, for one, have only judged that which has been written here. Not many others involved in this thread can say the same thing.
Think about it, if you can.
Bob, if you’re not interested in design blogs, then please stop trolling them. Your comments are mean-spirited, and not helpful to anyone here. I hope you are able to find people on an online forum somewhere that are actually interested in what you have to say.
Bob – can you explain to me why the Bed is Art? I’m not really convinced either way, but I would like to know why YOU (not the Art community, not the experts) thinks that it is.
Since Art is so subjective I’m curious to know why you seem to think that you are the only person on this blog who can define it.
You may not agree that it is Art, and that is fine, it is your opinion, but I don’t quite understand why you can’t see both sides of the coin. You believe the Bed to be Art, but I’m sure there are many people that would say the Bed isn’t. I assume you would not be shocked to hear someone believe that. Why can’t you see how it may work the other way around?
And to note I have some DIY art and some art that I have purchased from artists in my community and else where. I hold both dear.
And as someone who has also pretty good with pen and ink, pencil, and pastels, I hope I can still be considered an Artist even though none of my things will be shown anytime soon. Since this is what you seem to be implying by your comment to Sherry.
Oh, and I’m a structural engineer, so maybe we could talk about how I think that some buildings are Art.
Bob, I believe your last comment about looking out for Sherry’s art in NYC bordered on snarky. But maybe I took it out of context. Also, what makes you the expert? I can’t think of anything that exists outside of context, so in that way, couldn’t anything potentially be considered art depending on the framework through which you are assessing a piece? But who’s to say this context is more artistic than that context? What makes the bed “bad art,” and what is it about the context of the rams head that you linked us to that elevates it to actual art? Is it because you decided those things? Who is “Bob” and in what context is he given the power to decide what is art and what is not? And for that matter, does mass-production (as in the probable case of the ceramic rams head) mean that something is no longer art? Ok, so I buy a reprint of a Van Gough from TJ Maxx. Does taking it out of the context of the museum reduce the validity of the original as being real art? I do understand that you are referring to the context within the piece, not its literal context, but that can be a part of it, too. What if that is, in fact, a part of the artistic statement in and of itself, such as Duchamp’s “ready-made” urinal? Why can that be called art? Just because of the context? Ok, well, Rams heads aren’t usually ceramic and they don’t usually float on walls, but I put it there and now it’s out of its normal CONTEXT, so why is it not art? And besides, why would we need to go all the way to NYC to see Sherry’s art, when hundreds of us can see it for ourselves every day from the comfort of our own homes :)
Dude, whether you’re a man, woman, or talking dog, we can all surmise that you are, without a doubt, a pretentious jerk.
Ok we’re officially closing this thread (since it’s definitely veering off into snark territory) and enjoying a family meal! All comments submitted henceforth (yes I just used that word, haha) on this subject will be deleted. Love you all. Even Bob.
xo,
s
A carpenter friend of mine taught me a little trick to use when I have hole that’s too big for the screw I have to use.
He breaks off a toothpick (the same length as the screw, sans the head) and puts it next to the screw before he drills it into the hole. The extra bulk from the toothpick(s) fills the extra space in the hole. And later, if you need to take the screw out, there’s no goop, just crumbled toothpick.
Love it!
xo,
s
My mum does this with matches
Also works with a wooden matchstick, just break off the head.
The finials look great! As far as the Rams head which I really like…you might be able to make a wood plaque for it and attach the Rams head to it and then hang that on the wall. It would beef it up…you could paint it white or any fun color of your choice! Can’t wait to see your next post…
Kim’s comment just reminded me of a beautiful art piece my friend made by painting a frame behind a family photo. That might look cool to paint something behind the ram. Or like Kim mentioned a painted wood frame would be cool with it mounted on it.
OMG they totally do look like man parts! I just laughed out loud at work when I saw those. Hilarious.
On a more serious note, if you leave the art there, I think the sconces would look better spray painted white. Kudos on getting John to let you hang the ram head there!
Oh yeah we’re still debating painting them for sure!
xo,
s
I don’t know if you would consider going a little rustic, but I think filling up the space above your headboard and between the two posts with barn wood would look amazing and unique. The posts would almost frame it out. It would play off of the organic print in your duvet and totally contrast the modern vibes you already have going on.
Could be fun! Who knows where we’ll end up! And we do have some rustic wide plank floors going on in there…
xo,
s
Love the finials. And I agree with you on the art… too dinky. But I loved the Burger video. Can’t get enough of that silly dog!
Instead of bringing home a bunch of paint swatches to match the white and making several trips, you could try bringing in one of the shorter bed rails to the store and get a perfect computer matched color.
I did this with a billy bookcase, but of course it might be easier to bring in a shelf rather than a bed rail.
Very smart! Love it.
xo,
s
Love Burger’s video! And glad to see he can get under the covers without any help. Our pugs also sleep under the covers, but with their lack of nose, tunneling is an issue. They usually just stand by the pillows and look at us expectantly until we lift the covers.
I like the display above the bed. I just feel like it needs moved up about 2 or 3 inches, especially if you add a frame around it. Anyway, I would hate to see a post about John sitting up quickly in bed after having a nighmare about Sherry hacking down the other towel racks and hit is head on Ram’s nose. Do I get extra points for seeing the tiny smile face at the bottom of the comment screen? :) I dont know how it go there.
Haha, yes John would probably kill me if he somehow hit his head on the ram. As for the smiley face, that’s there to track our site’s stats. And I LOVE it!
500 YHL points to you for noticing.
xo,
s
I agree… the art looks like it’s hung to low to me.
It’s definitely just a “first try” with that art so it could be rehung or moved completely!
xo,
s
I actually really like the art! First of all, the ram is ,awesome…could he ever really look bad? With the large “statements” in the room (Ed’s posts, the disco ball), I like the subtle items above the bed. I think anything large would be too much.
Love it as usual!
I’m glad to hear the putty idea worked to keep the finials in place, but just so you have another idea up your sleeve for next time, here’s what my Dad says old-timers used. They would break the head off a match or two and put it down the too-big hole. Then the screw has some wood to catch onto. You can also put wood glue on the match so it stays in place. I’ve used it when the screws to attach some knobs onto a dresser were not catching. It worked like a charm.
I just used poster putty to hold a lampshade that would not sit straight in place. Love the video of Burger. Too cute!
That is genius. I’ve had one wobbly lampshade for over a year now and it drives me batty!
That Burger video made my morning. In fact, since it’s a chilly gray day out my window, I think I’m a little jealous of his warm little nest under the covers!! It’s like he’s burrowing into his own little den.
I’m going to have to vote for putting the supports back up on Ed–it just looks funny without them! I must have missed the post where you took them off because I was totally SHOCKED with this post. Why buy a bed like that if you’re just going to take off the coolest part?
Love the Burger Weasel, though.
Here’s the link to why we did that: https://www.younghouselove.com/thats-the-way-uh-huh-uh-huh-we-like-it/
We actually like it a lot better after living with it both ways for a few weeks, and the four giant posts still make it feel special to us.
xo,
s
Love the finials and agree with your opinion of the art. That rascal Burger–what a goof!
He is just such a rascal, isn’t he? Perfect descriptor.
xo,
s
Yeah I don’t love the wall decor either, but it’s a start. Can’t wait to see the room as more cast of characters are added!
I’m loving the chair corner – really coming together over there. And yeah, the ram is small for the space, although the dimension is a great idea. Have you hit your head on it yet? We have a huge painting above out bed and my husband hits his head on it daily.
John helped with the hanging and he’s all about function so he made sure it was virtually impossible to hit our heads on El Rammo. We’d basically have to stand up in bed since we can’t reach it in a sitting position. So sorry your hubby has head-hitting problems with your painting though! It would be a total challenge not to laugh if John had that issue!
xo,
s
I think the ram head would actually look fantastic in the corner with the club chair – and then you still get to see it every morning when you wake.
It’s true. He has to be viewable from the bed. Haha.
xo,
s
Oh! My! Goodness! hahahahahahaha, lol at your “man parts” comment. Too funny. I second Gina in the move them up a few inches idea. I think they really work width-wise, and think the pattern in the sconces looks good with the finials.
Maybe we’ll give the whole hang-them-higher thing a try! I’m also in love with the idea a while back to put the ram’s head through an ornate oval frame without glass to give him more heft. Should be interesting…
xo,
s
I have never been a fan of little dogs, but Burger has changed that. I think I’m in love with him!
Aw thanks Barb! Burger is flattered.
xo,
s
It’s amazing how those finials make such a difference to the look of the bed. I love it!!
Also loving that corner with the chair. I think every bedroom needs a chair/window corner like that!
Burger’s a goober! ‘Nuff said. :)
The room is looking great! I agree I think a BIG piece of art above the bed would look better! The ram and the sconces would be fabulous somewhere else!
One more thing LOVE the white pillow on the bed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh yeah that’s from Target. $12!
xo,
s