In major cities you probably know that lamp posts use vertical banners to advertise artist exhibitions at major museums. You can actually grab these from Betterwall.com. They purchase from nine major cities, so just to add a little more art to the Chuck Close hanging in your wall, make it the banner ad for the exhibition. You can even shop by color scheme, to fit it perfectly. $400-800. BUY
Clipspringer has partnered with Gawker Artists, a division of Gawker Media (known as the parent company for Gizmodo, Lifehacker, and The Consumerist among others) to exhibit art from over 450 artists. See something you like on our Gawker sidebar space? Click on it, then click on the author’s name above his/her personal statement - and you’ll be taken to the artists personal webpage where you can usually make a purchase. You can even just refresh this page to see a range of work. Keep an eye out. ARTISTS
For a change, we’re highlighting something free. Who doesn’t like free? Mandolux is an online desktop art resource that we think is worthy of mentioning. The site offers artistic photographs as backgrounds for computers - and even offers them split for multiple monitors if you have them. All common screen sizes are below each image. You can even shrink them down for iPhone backgrounds, if you’re graphically inclined. Head on over and click “previous” to go through all prior art. $0. CLICK
Cappellini’s Medicine Cabinet was designed by Thomas Ericksson. The flap door is lined with a mirror and it is constructed of laquer metal. The only problem is it was such great design - it is now seen as an art piece, and part of the New York Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection. The “piece” is from 1992 but the company is still selling them. Does all that justify a $650 pricetag? Depends on your priorities. BUY
Bring the outside in, without the insects. Z Gallerie’s Moss Rocks are synthetic but give you the sense you’re near some kind of relaxing stream…somewhere more calming than you might be. They look almost beyond realistic, and at less than $20 for approximately 18 rocks, they’re worth a try. BUY
Want great sound but don’t like the looks of huge speakers around your flatscreen? Artcoustic Loudspeakers has cleverly concealed speakers under almost any piece of art you want. From Getty image photography to a range of artists, you can now hide your speakers under better looking art. Between these and your hidden tv - the living room is looking pretty good. Speakers themselves are around $1500. BUY
What happens when a brilliant artist’s parents tell him he’ll never make a living selling art? He goes to engineering school - and becomes an artist. Alexander Calder was a boy genius sculptor, and became famous for his mobiles. Put one of these Calder inspired works above the living room coffee table, or in the home office for that touch of art. Prices Range from $40 - $500. ($425 Shown). BUY
Mike Simonian and Maaike Evers have designed something fairly clever. “Juxtaposed: Religion” is a bookshelf that places the seven major religious texts all on the same level - literally. The The bookshelf is designed so that each book reaches the same height. Even more interesting is that Mike’s portfolio includes helping to design the X-Box 360. Somehow, we think there are many who will find similarities in the two. $2,500 (Books included). BUY
Media Decor has upgraded their line of hidden television, with the “QC Elite“. The silent rolling canvas system creates a great look when the painting goes up and down to reveal the television behind it. You can choose from almost any art, and even provide your own. This is the perfect solution for incorporating your television into your home. Choose your art, the frame, and the painting - couldn’t get any better. $Prices Vary.
Raumhochrosen’s Birdfeeder is what the birds have been waiting for. A remodel of their old box, your birds will now enjoy modern architecture. Spice it up a bit and bring the wildlife closer. Wake up to birds chirping out your window, live happier. If you buy it, they will come. House €164, Stand €81.
Need to relax? Try grabbing inspiration from the Peaceful Buddha statue. Whom better to take your cues from than a man who had it all as a prince and warrior, and gave it up to find nirvana. Maybe this will inspire you to see what’s really important in life - and if you’re up for it, a little meditation. Great art for any spot. Maybe next to your stock ticker just to even it out. Possible lifelong happiness, for only $135.
No need for a new chimney. Radius Design’s sleek Wallflame can be installed on any wall, and runs on bio-ethanol meaning it is clean, and residue free. Add warmth, light, and great design to that wall for a decent price. Comes in a variety of finishes, and far less expensive than installing a fireplace. Only $1,000.
Add art, and functionality to your living room with a vintage movie light. Repoductions have recently become more popular, but this is the real thing, and re-wired for actual use (probably want to downscale any bulb that exceeds a few hundred watts, unless you plan on opening a casting call in your living room soon). A great addition, with an equally great backstory. $3,200 from Sonrisa.
Spice up your bedside table or library with books in first edition. Pictured first edition of “The Great Gatsby,” (from which Clipspringer partially derives its name), is found at Manhattan Rare Books. Alibris also has a wide selection. Prices can obviously run the gamut - this one being $4,600.
DNA 11 is making art personal. Literally. You send in a sampling of your DNA (from your mouth…don’t worry), choose your style, color, size and frame. They capture your DNA image, and print the image in house on a Giclee printer. Each bright line is a connector on your double-helix. We can guarantee you won’t see another piece like yours….unless your name is Dolly and you’re a sheep. Can even be a gift (Don’t worry, no stealth DNA capture requred). Starts at $390.
