Why does local art matter? Why should anyone care about it? You can stroll into any craft store and snag a Van Gogh or some other famous artist's work for a bargain. Hang it on your wall, gaze at "Starry Night," and maybe feel something, even if it's fleeting. Or perhaps it's just a safe, non-offensive piece that you can grab for twenty bucks, knowing if you tire of it, it can be relegated to a room away from your daily grind.
Sure, "Starry Night" by Van Gogh is iconic. But let's be real, we've all seen it a million times. It might have adorned the wall of your college dorm or be your current computer screensaver, popping up only when you're away from your desk too long. Maybe you bought it because it momentarily transported you, igniting a dreamlike state where you weren't quite yourself.
But the more you stare at that stretched canvas reproduction, the less magical it becomes. It's everywhere you look: at the supermarket, selling you chocolate bars; in the doctor's office, hanging on the wall. The same artwork, on the same canvas. You return home, and it's the first thing you see.
It no longer resonates; if anything, it annoys you. You crave something different, something more intriguing. But where do you find it? You could return to the craft store and pick up another work by a long-deceased famous artist. As you browse, you wonder why you're bothering. Will this be another "Starry Night" scenario?
You could scroll through Amazon, sifting through thousands of images, but nothing grabs you. Nothing stirs your soul like that one picture did. Frustrated, you shut your computer, leaving behind the dominance of "Starry Night" on your wall, and start asking questions. Where can I find art that speaks to me? Where can I find a piece that reignites my passion?
I might have an answer: local art. There are thousands of artists worldwide driven by the flames of creativity, crafting their worlds and visions. Some may be right in your hometown, perhaps next door. Maybe they have that piece that touches your soul. So break the mold, shake off the fatigue of famous artists. Who knows, maybe that seventy dollars you spend on a unique artwork will become a collector's item one day. But more importantly, it should mean something to you beyond a fleeting trend. Take pride in owning a unique piece of art, even if it's a reproduction.
Here are some pieces I hope ignite your soul. Even if they don't, seek out other artists you admire and support them. Every penny you give to a local artist fuels the flames of artistic desire.