landscapes – The Interiors Addict

Three ways to style extra large artworks

Extra large artworks are an effortless way to create an atmosphere of understated luxury in your home.

Assuming that you can fit it through the door, an oversized piece is also an excellent solution for renters looking to add a big impact to plain white walls. Opting for a larger artwork will also help keep the space feeling uncluttered and most importantly, set the mood and tone of the room.

An Interiors Addict favourite and woman of many talents, photographer, stylist and author Kara Rosenlund has just released a new photographic print size option to her online store. To celebrate the launch of her new range, Kara shared with us three fun ways to style an extra large artwork in your home.

1. The lean

“I love the relaxed feel that a photographic work leaning on the wall gives to a room,” says Kara. “You don’t have to worry about hanging it and it gives you the versatility to handle the work like a piece of furniture and move it around the house.”

Kara suggests interchanging your artwork between rooms to lift and enhance the atmosphere depending on the season (or even your mood). An oversized piece can easily be introduced into the bedroom or hallways for some newness.

2. Companion pieces

“Pairing two extra large sized prints increases the visual impact of the works and is an effortless way to create an unforgettable space,” says Kara.

Kara’s big tip is to choose pieces to pair together that stay loyal to the same theme – seascapes, black and whites or landscapes with similar colour tones. This will strengthen your visual message in the room.

3. Make an entrance

Set the tone of your home as soon as you walk through the door with an oversized piece at the entryway.

“In my entryway it’s a rather narrow space, so I selected a vertical oversized piece to emphasise the height, rather than a horizontal work,” adds Kara.

Shop Kara Roselund’s collection of extra large photographic prints

Demian Carey Gibbins on his move from corporate life to full-time artist and working with Myuran Sukumaran

After a 10-year career in the corporate world, Demian Carey Gibbins decided to dramatically change direction. Feeling like he was living for his job, he made the decision to take action, to search for significance and make his life count. So without anything lined up, he handed in his resignation (much to his boss’ surprise!) and returned to his childhood love: painting.

“Since I resigned in January 2014, I have spent several months painting, made it to the semi finals of the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize with a painting of celebrated musician Jon Hume and coordinated a successful exhibition of reformed Bali 9 ringleader Myuran Sukumaran’s paintings in Melbourne with Ben Quilty and Julian McMahon. I also travelled a lot, meeting interesting people (including Myuran) and being creatively inspired.”

What immediately stands out when Demian reflects on his first year as a full-time artist is his collaboration with Myuran. Working as the exhibition and event manager for last year’s exhibit, Paintings from Kerobokan Prison – By Myuran Sukumaran, the experience was something Demian was originally hesitant to get involved in. “When I first got asked if I’d like to help run a show for this man on death row, who has been convicted and was guilty of trying to smuggle heroin, there was obviously a sense of hesitation. So I had to think about it. I started researching art rehabilitation, especially in respect to prisons, and I was blown away by what a worthwhile endeavour it was. So I quickly changed my mind and got involved.”

487858-b40c667c-34c4-11e4-b602-27137950fdd4-1 — Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s portrait by Myuran Sukumaran

For Demian, it also became apparent how amazing the effects of art rehabilitation had been on Myuran, getting to watch him work up close and personal in the Bali prison. “Before he was moved (to the execution site) he was running art therapy classes for the other inmates. He’s very motivated, focused on being productive, making himself useful and giving other people purpose. Then you add to that – and this is what really tipped it for me — his art is incredible. I’ve got a couple of his works on my walls.”

Alongside managing Myuran’s exhibition, Demian is also in the midst of preparing for his own show, which will open on 12 June in a pop-up space at Mirvac’s soon-to-open Array development in Melbourne’s Docklands. “My upcoming show will be a culmination of two years’ hard work. Inspired by the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met, it will showcase a considerable amount of work.”

Specialising in landscapes and portraiture, Demian’s central focus is perspective and texture — he even encourages people to touch his paintings! Inspired by impressionist and post-impressionist artists, his body of work, at first glance, may not seem all that cohesive. “A comment from some people is that my work is quite diverse. But I guess for me, I paint cities because I live in the city and cities have had a really significant impact on me. However, for me the thing that is most memorable about the cities I’ve visited is the people I’ve met, so that’s where the relationship between my landscapes and portraiture comes in. And you’ll definitely see it in my show!”

Demian’s art is available through his website. For more information.