This seems to be one of the most commonly asked questions from clients coming into the gallery. Should they be purchasing art they like, but that doesn?t necessarily work in their home; or should they sacrifice the look, for something that blends better with the décor? This often goes one step further with clients wanting to take a piece they love, and bend and shape the framing in such a way as to better compliment the room.

The answer to this timeless question is that there is no right or wrong. Sorry! It would be easy if I picked one, but it really comes down to the individuals taste.

LaMantia Gallery has always taken the position that we prefer collecting to decorating. The idea being that in ones travels they come across art that touches them in some way. To me, that?s the most important reason for acquiring work than any. I find that the goal of bringing art into your home isn?t just to decorate (which it does) but also to capture memories and stories, or sometimes just an image that we want to look at because it makes us feel good about life. My house is about as eclectic as it gets when it comes to the art. I display a document that pre-dates the Revolutionary War hanging next to a European seascape, oil on canvas from 1912. I have a formal oil portrait of a gentleman from 1810 near a nude watercolor study by Raphael Soyer. And the best part is that it works. These are all pieces that I have in my life because they make me smile. If my wife and I find a painting that touches us, we never say ?where are we gong to put it.? We make room for it!!!

Keep in mind that this isn?t to alienate decorators. It?s simply a different approach. It?s like listening to jazz or rock. The listeners both get the same pleasure; they just get to it in different ways.

www.lamantiagallery.com

James LaMantia
Co-Owner of LaMantia Gallery