Art from Architectural Salvage

Art is where you find it. It is what you love. It is old and it is new. It is inexpensive, choke-your-wallet expensive, and free. It is a rusted old wrench that was hauled around in the back of an old pickup truck for 37 years by the man who supported his family as a plumber. Art is the the wooden bowl that she used to mix up pancake batter before feeding her kids and sending them to school and then rushing to get ready herself for another hard day at work with never enough time for herself. Art is the rusted gate that hung for sixty seven years in the fence between the two yards that saw kids spilling onto the grass summer day after summer day after summer day. Don't be afraid to bring these things into your home and allow them to breath their history into your collection. Be eclectic in your style. It is amazing what will speak to you and where you will find it. Don't overlook:

• Architectural Salvage Yards/Shops
• Neighborhood Antique Stores  or those in the next town
• Old Farmsteads
• Friend's Garages - what is junk to them may be Art to you
• Yard Sales, Yard Sales, Yard Sales

Adding these older items to your home brings a warmth you will appreciate.  Here are just a few finds we picked up recently.

These were found in a local Antique Store in a far corner, nearly out of sight.  Originally part of an iron fence, these hefty pieces were only $10 a piece.

These doorknob face plates were found at an Architectural Salvage and are rich with character. Simply leaned up against a wall or, in this case a wash stand, they make a beautiful collection.

I'm not even sure what the next item is!  I found two of these under a huge maple tree on the property of what had long ago been a working farm.  The owner gave them to me.  I saw them as amazing works of art.

These license plates spoke to me the moment I saw them - their colors are amazing.  Worn by use and time, these are juxtaposed against a modern, stylistic painting.  

Don't be dictated to as to what is or is not art.  Art is what speaks to you.  Plan to spend an afternoon in your neighborhood Antique Shops or take a drive to the next town.  Make a day of it.  See what Architectural Salvage Yards you can find and don't be afraid to stop at that Yard Sale or visit the Farm with the tired Old Barns and Buildings.  You may make new friends along the way and pick up some amazing Art!  See it.  Create it.