Sarah Susanka's house

"Bigger isn't better, Taller isn't braver, Stronger isn't always wise," a few thoughts from the musical Barnum. Though these lyrics refer to Tom Thumb from Barnum's circus acts, they can also pertain to design. In Sarah Susanka's Not so Big House series of books, she elaborates on how a home can be smaller and well designer where the owner doesn't need the size and space that the trappings of ego often influence in home decisions. With lowered ceiling in hallways, focal points, and datums, smaller spaces live large. Living smaller has another advantage of costs. Everything, including design is a balancing act, especially in budget. Living in smaller spaces allow one to spend more per square foot, if desired, or allows one to choose a few precious items to feature in the space, be it art, or a fabulous sink and faucet.
I just saw Sarah on an episode of This Old House, one of my favorite series from childhood. I was amazed that these guys could take a house down to the studs and bring it back different and better than before. I wanted to be able to do that to. I think that's why I care more about the making of a project, the design, how it works than seeing the end products. I do love the process. Of course, it is very important that the process produces your intent, or better, but the journey to the end can be a very rich dessert.

Tip Day- Buying art at an outdoor art show

Though some artists in larger cities might look down upon artists that show at outdoor shows. In the South, it is quite common for our gallery artists to also be at outdoor shows. Often times, their prices are better outside of their gallery cities.



So, some tips on buying outdoors:

1. know what you need-
take measurements for all the walls you will be buying art for. And, make notes of
any locations you might like 3-D pieces.


2. set a budget-
though you cannot know exactly what you will spend for each spot, set a hierarchy
for what spots are more important and spend accordingly.

3. buy only what you love-
Don't settle for less... in anything! Just because you would like to fill a certain spot,
do not buy for it until you buy the perfect piece. You will have buyer's remorse and
think about the hasty purchase every time you pass the piece.


4. buy for others-
Keep a list with you of the people you still need to buy for for Birthday's or the
holidays. Make notes on the list as you buy for people, so you will not forget what
you have already purchased. And, consult the list before you set out for the art
show, you never know how much gift giving you could find there!