A few weeks ago I was contacted by Redfin, a USA Real estate agent, on whether I’d like to share some thoughts and tips to add to their ‘Liven Up Your Wall With Art’ blog. I was very humbled and honoured to have been considered to give such advice. The blog features a range of talented creatives also offering their advice and tips, from fiber artists to woodcarvers.

The challenge was to give tips and advice in just three sentences, to which I was a bit perplexed initially at what to say. However, the more I reflected on my past works I realized I had a vast amount I was yearning to say. So, I’ve written this blog to share and express more thoughts and ideas on how to use art to liven up your walls. With that said, please do check out my feature tip here and come back for more ideas and thoughts.

Looking back

Over the past few years, I’ve created a number of metal wall art decor and sculptures, from singular pieces to larger installation showpieces, and I’ve always found them to truly shock and inspire whoever sees them. One of the reasons for this, I believe, is that we are so used to seeing the conventional rectangular painting that we are perhaps in awe and intrigue when we see a piece of art that has that extra dimension. Or perhaps it is because the majority of people think of sculpture as being just an object to be viewed in an open space.

Who knows, but ever since I made my first metal sculpture wall art piece, which was featured on the BBC show ‘Home is where the Art is’, these kinds of pieces have been a hit with my fans and clients. The majority of comments are about the tactile organic textures and forms I managed to portray. Perhaps the other point is that sculpture is tactile and alluring, it can be touched, creating a physical emotional connection with the viewer unlike painting, where you stand back to admire and dare not to touch. I’ve always found it humbling when somebody wants to touch my work as I feel like I’ve captured their emotions and imagination.

Does sculpture get enough recognition?

In many ways, I’ve thought sculpture doesn’t get as much appreciation as it should in the art scene, with the exception of large public work. But I believe medium-sized sculpture pieces often get overlooked. My reasoning is that you could argue that the majority of the public’s first thought of art would be to think of paintings hung on walls, which is justifiable, as there are just more painters than sculptors and thus more work, as it is easier to paint than it is to sculpt.

But my main view is that sculpture, especially interior sculptures, is a complex medium to market, compose, and sell to a buyer. Every sculpture is different in scale, form, and weight, and portrays challenges as to where to place it in a buyer’s home. Whereas paintings may be easier to curate in a gallery and in a home as we all have wall space we wish to decorate. With that being said, outdoor sculptures can solely claim the garden area. For me, though that’s not good enough, I want my work in the heart of the home, to be enjoyed and cherished. Making metal sculpture wall art opens up a lot of opportunities and can put me in the same room as conventional paintings.

The Scope of Freedom

One more aspect of metal sculpture wall art to consider is the potential scope of freedom to create works that truly fit and connect to your homes. Whether that be numerous individual pieces composed around a room, like this Interior Leaves Showpiece, or statement shapes that expand and work around your items at home, like this Scape Abstract Wall Showpiece.

For the future, I’m planning a range of abstract metal wall art that will tell expressive figurative stories. And that’s all I’m going to say... so stay tuned and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my thoughts and queries!

Many thanks

Ollie