Are you still clinging to those mass-produced IKEA prints you bought in 2003 for your dorm room? Ever stared at a blank wall in your home and thought, Am I lacking in personality? It’s time to throw yourself into the art world. If your house needs an update the most important design element IS the artwork. Abstract, Non Objective, and Non Figurative pieces compliment a contemporary setting. Finding the right artwork isn’t just for billionaires with private collections—it’s an exciting way to express your style and bring a unique story to your space.
Start your search by exploring online art hubs like Instagram, Etsy, or http://Artfinder.com . Hashtags like #AbstractArt, #ModernArt, #LocalArt or #OriginalArt can be goldmines for finding talented artists. Don’t overlook local galleries like PWD Art Gallery or art shows—nothing beats meeting an artist in person on the night of their art opening. Waterloo Region and Wellington County, are fantastic areas to find vibrant art fairs, neighbourhood art walks, night markets, and galleries throughout the year. There’s so much talent bubbling up in these communities. Whether it’s an emerging artist like William MacKenzie or a long-time local favourite like Edward Hanson, take the time to get to know which local artists resonate with your personal style.
Devote attention to their use of colour, texture, and shape. If you’re looking for calming neutral vibes but their work screams neon chaos, it might not be your perfect match. Trust your gut here—you’ll be living with this piece for years to come!
Of course, budget is always a factor. Most of us can’t just stroll into a gallery and buy whatever catches our eye. But here’s the thing: original art is an investment. It adds character to your home and reflects your unique personality. Finding an artist whose work resonates with you and fits your budget can bring lasting joy and peace of mind.
Think about it this way: some people spend $3,000 on a cruise in the Bahamas, only to come home with a few digital photos, a hangover, and maybe a few extra pounds. But what if you invested that $3,000 into a stunning, original art piece? Not only could it transform your space, but it might also appreciate in value—who knows, you could end up owning the next Picasso!
There’s no way to perfectly predict which emerging artists will become famous. So just rest in the fact that art is the gift that keeps on giving. So make space on your wall find the perfect piece, and take the plunge into becoming a collector of original art. It’s an investment you’ll never regret.
Featured Photo painted by: William MacKenzie
Helen Fidler seeks to create beautiful spaces that evoke strong emotions in her audience. Her bold and unique visual vocabulary observes her favourite artists and architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Jackson Pollock. She free-flows from surrealism into an unrestrained abstract style when she paints, which carries over into her interiors when decorating clients’ homes. “My art is an expression of how I work through the troublesome realities of this world in a way that hopes to bring beauty to everything I touch,” she explains. For her, designing gorgeous interiors and creating stimulating paintings are essential to making the world around her a more beautiful space.
