Globally Inspired Art Studio

Exploring new places sets my soul on fire! When we travel, I love to collect little items from our trips that remind me of our experiences. They can be as simple as a postcard or shell found on a beach. Since I often like to travel light, I like to bring small items that are easy to pack. These can be textiles, small artwork, small sculptures easy to pack, or ephemera. I also look for globally-inspired items from estate sales, vintage shops, artisans from around the globe, galleries, local shops, and Etsy when I return home. You can truly bring the world to your home or art studio by adding in a variety of elements. I look for items for my studio that are both useful and bring a unique style to my space. Below are some ideas on how to bring global decor into your own space!

When piecing elements together, you could go with a specific theme, follow a certain color palette, or you can take more of an eclectic approach. Personally, I tend to buy what I like rather than thinking of the big picture of how it will all go together so my house is more of an eclectic mash up. I find these items bring me such joy in my house because it tells a story, my story. Of places I have been, people I have meet, the artisans behind the pieces stories, and it makes my space feel interesting and different.

I also like to embrace different textures into my space. Busy and intricate embroidery table runners from Mexico or Peru with a simple ceramic vase from Japan for example. This ying and yang contrast can really balance each other out much like strong contrasts would in your own art. Another example would be a black and white lithograph or letterpress print next to a messy and vibrant abstract painting.

If you only have one carry on with you, look for postcards, small block prints, or textiles that can easily be framed when you return home. Even small vases or trinket dishes that can be used on a daily basis to hold your charcoal or some flowers.

Bringing my travels home really reminds me of the importance of experience in my life and serves as a daily reminder of just that.