Art -What is it? Everything!

Many have a preconceived misconception of what art is. Perhaps you do as well. Maybe it is something that most people do not really think about. Or could it be we think it fits into a certain category in life and only some people are artistic.t is probably easier to define what art is not as opposed to what art is. Art is all around us. We interact with art almost every moment of our day.

We will explore more of what is, think about what your likes and dislikes are in these various areas. You will find that you have a preference to which art you like. And the greatest thing about art, is that there is no right or wrong with any of it! Each expression of art is unique just like each person on earth is unique!

Traveling around the world has brought each of these areas of art to full focus. When people travel, they are enjoying some aspect of art. Think about it, museums are full of pieces of art, cultures have their own foods, music and beat. The adventurous person is viewing the majesty of nature from a different viewpoint, either from a mountaintop, from the air viewing it from a bird’s point of view or the surfer catching that perfect wave in the ocean.

First, I will break art down into different categories, starting inside your home. There are seven categories of art, I will cover; just getting out of bed, you will see how we are a very creative people, no matter where we live.

The interior design of our homes is unique to us. We typically put things in our home that we like. Sure, there are times we are limited to purchases within our budget and sometimes that includes Facebook Marketplace, but even with that, we search for the items that we like the best.

Some people may hire interior decorators to design their homes in a pleasing manner, while others design and decorate it how they like. There is no right or wrong way to design the interior of a home. The home is like a blank canvas for you to explore with.

When I was younger, I asked a friend if she could help design my home, because mine was a mishmash of things people had given us and things we had purchased. I expected her to come in and just make things beautiful, but instead she asked me “what do you like?” This question surprised me. Sadly, I had no idea what I liked! She gave me a magazine and said pick out what you like the best. Unfortunately, I did not find anything in the magazine that I loved; I only found things that I thought were so hideous and wouldn’t want in my house! My friend laughed and said even that was helpful.

My friend was able to have the insight to know the pictures that I thought were “okay” were starting points and actually fit into a couple design categories. She was able to help me find the designs I like.

Traveling gives a perfect example of the way different cultures decorate their homes. This can be seen in hotels, but especially in hostels, Airbnb’s or staying with the locals (if you already know them.) Perhaps you are unsure what your likes are in your own home. This magazine has some different designs so that you can explore and determine what fits your personality. The 30 Essential Interior Design Styles You Need to Know. Remember there is no right or wrong, it’s whatever your preference.

The furniture inside your home was designed not only for the purpose it serves, but also with an artistic design to bring pleasure to the eye. Most homes include bedroom furniture, living room furniture and kitchen furniture. Some homes are large enough to have extra spaces for more artistic designs such as games rooms, dens, sunrooms, and man-caves.

Everyone has unique design preferences for their furniture in their home, if it were not so, we would all have the same interiors! In addition, furniture has changed throughout the years and depending on the part of the world you live, it will be of its own design. Even while traveling within the U.S.A. various types of furniture designs can be found.

To explore more on furniture design, check out this article to learn more: SierraLivingConcepts

Wall art is what most people think about when they hear the word art, the paintings in a room and the people painting them. Art made for the walls comes in many forms, colors, shapes and sizes. Some are large enough to take up an entire wall while others are smaller and can be placed in groupings.

Wall art can be painted by an artist, or digitally printed from a photograph, it can even be metal shaped into something. The material used and what is created is so expansive making it perfect for the one creating it and for the one adorning their home with it.

Cultural art is a subcategory under wall art. It is unalike another culture. This type of art can be hung on the walls, set on shelves or even worn. Cultural art is the norm to the area it is found in. As we travel to various countries, or as people move to new areas, we can experience the cultures of others. If you would like to learn about some of the cultural art from around the world, follow this link: Art around the world .

I may post wall art from various places I have traveled to. Sometimes it is the medium that is used, or perhaps the designs. It could be something that just caught my eye that particular day. Art evokes countless emotions in us.

Music. Instruments. Singing. There are so many different forms of music and different styles and is another category of art. Have you ever thought about the music you listen to and why? What made you decide to listen to that genre?

Music is all around us. We may hear people in the house singing, we may be singing ourselves! Television and radio have been a huge influence in our lives by playing music and learning about the artists who sing.

Music can lift us up or even bring us down. It can make us dance or make us cry. There is a type of music for every mood we are in. If you are interested in expanding your music library, explore these genres: https://www.musicgenreslist.com

Are you a fashionista? We may not think of the clothes we wear as artistic. Perhaps you think only the models walking the runway in Paris are works of art, but the clothes we wear are an art statement as well. Clothes, just like furniture, is made for a purpose but designed differently depending on the need. For example, a professional needs different attire than the farmer.

As I have traveled around the world, I have seen many different cultures and their clothes. I try to be aware of this when traveling for a couple of reasons. First, I do not want to stand out, I know some people like that attention, but I am not that person. I prefer to blend into my surroundings, but not in camouflage. Secondly, if I wear my regular clothing from home, I may stand out as a tourist. This could put me at a higher risk as a target for pick pocketing or other crimes.

I am not saying to purchase an entire wardrobe to go on a trip but just be aware what the culture norm for where you are traveling to looks like. For example, many of the Latino areas I have been, enjoy bright colors as well as being a bit formal. This is the perfect time and place to wear colorful spring skirts and tops, even though it may not be the time to wear that at home because it’s winter. Don’t worry you will not stick out even though you do not match exactly, unless you purchased the clothes at the traveled to location.

Accessories and jewelry can pull an outfit together nicely and can be a simple thing to purchase prior to the trip or on the trip. It itusually be an inexpensive accessory. Normally it is not a good idea to wear you fine jewelry to certain areas of the world, unless you don’t mind it being stolen or lost. It happens.

Food is another common artform. It comes in many different colors and flavors. Additionally, it is a perfect example of our likes and dislikes. And who doesn’t like to eat? We don’t normally buy the foods we don’t want to eat, unless of course, we are cooking it for someone else.

People experiment with the various herbs and spices to come up with new creations. They prepare food differently for the different flavors. They present it in different ways to show their creativity, such as a deconstructed cheese hamburger. Of course, we also have the people who make art out of food! Any way you decide to prepare it is up to you!

The world continues to get smaller, which is a saying indicating how we are becoming more aware of the different cultures around the world. Food is definitely one of things that people are usually forced to have to try traveling, some people like to try new foods, while others like to stick with things they like. Unfortunately for those who are not adventurous with their taste buds will find even though there is a McDonald’s in Asia for example, it doesn’t mean the menu is the same as it is in their hometown!

When I travel, sometimes I visit museums that have ancient artifacts from that culture. It is interesting to see the tools people used many years ago, compared to what is currently used in the culture visiting, compared to what is used at home.

One time while visiting in Costa Rica, I was surprised to find out they do not use lawnmowers to cut their grass. They use machetes! The boys traveling with us thought it was so cool to use the machetes! Very interesting facts! I wonder if they still use them today.

The everyday tools we use in our lives change over time. Each generation brings in new designs. These may include kitchen utensils including plates and bowls or even tools used in the yard. You may even know people who love to shop for antiques! That would fall into the artifacts category, it’s just not at ancient! For more information on artifacts and archeology check out this site.

Some artifacts are common items used daily, while others are items from the royal families. If you do not live in a country with a monarch, it is interesting to see the items used by royal families in the past.

We are finally leaving the house on this art adventure! I hope it has not been too boring for you. There are so many things in life we take for granted. Normally we shop things based on our needs, for example, our homes. Do we rent or purchase? How many rooms do we need? How many children do we have? These are the type of questions we try to answer while determining our residence. Generally, we are more concerned what the inside of the house looks like as opposed to the outside.

Architecture is the design of the homes and buildings we live in and work at. This genre of art also varies from culture to culture. It may be practical for someone living in Africa, where the conditions are hot, to have a hut house, while someone living on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean may experience hurricanes with torrential downpours and powerful winds; a wooden hut would not be practical there. Feel free to explore the architectural designs of homes common in the United States. If you are from the U.S., do you recognize your home type?

I am always fascinated by the buildings I have seen as I have traveled. Sometimes the buildings are ancient ruins, historic or cutting edge. It is also interesting to learn how and when the building was built. I generally take pictures of buildings for its uniqueness, height, color, design or some other random reason.

Landscapes are another form of art. The most common landscapes we see are the ones outside our homes. They can take on various scenes depending on our location. From homes to small business to corporate building they are designed landscapes. Of course, nature’s natural layout has the ultimate landscape. Landscapes are full of the scenes from nature that surrounds our area.

Designs vary from place to place. Homes in the mountains have wildflowers, rocks and hills, homes in the desert may have rocks and cactus while others may have lush green blankets of grass with colorful blooms surrounding the house. Some people prefer designing their areas outside the homes while others let nature run its course. This article includes some ideas for your home.

Nature is God’s creativity for us to enjoy whether it be through plants and animals or oceans and mountains. His canvas is the earth. From colorful greens of the fields to the browns and purples of the mountains and the skies. I love to enjoy nature as I travel around the world. Some plants can only be found at that location.

As I close this blog, I hope you have seen how art is all around us. I did not cover all the aspects of art, such as bridges, highways, or vehicles. But my goal was to mention enough to bring out your curiosity in other parts of the world, and to appreciate the differences each culture has to offer. Keep these things in mind as you layout your itinerary for your next trip. For example, if you love nature, perhaps it would be better to spend four days in northern Italy or along the coast and only spend one day in Rome. This will help you enjoy your journey much more!

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Travel

Flowers, Plants & Trees

Art

Inspiration

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