Artist Spotlight: Saya Behnam

While I have not studied art formally (save a few classes when I was abroad in Madrid), I have found myself increasingly interested in getting to know new (especially local) artists, such as Saya Behnam. 

Iranian-Born, DC-Based Artist Saya Behnam Discusses & Demonstrates Her Mixed Media Work and Process

After seeing a post from Artist's Proof on Instagram a few weeks ago, I rallied some friends to join me for a special event the gallery was hosting with Behnam. During the evening, the artist showcased mixed media works from her Saffron & Tea series, in addition to elaborating on her process in working with naturally derived colors from saffron and hibiscus (among other elements) and pairing them with paper, gold and ink to add further dimension to her work.

Behnam's Work on Display at Artist's Proof

Using a mortar & pestle, hot water and Chinese paint brushes, Behnam is able to create a range of colors and tones - noting that she enjoys the unpredictability of working with teas and spices.

The artist's work is currently on display at Artist's Proof in Georgetown, and you can see more of her work on her website and below.

Hibiscus Tea 2 by Saya Behnam

Saffron Sun 2 by Saya Behnam

Expand by Saya Behnam

Do you have a local artist you follow? Share in the comments below or email me at amber@athomedc.com! 

Amber Harris is the owner of At Home DC, an interior decorator and a licensed real estate agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties working with clients in DC, Maryland and Virginia. 

Investing in Art, Enhancing Your Home

When your first starting out on your own after college, "art" is a word that most likely was associated with what you'd check out in your local museum or when studying abroad...certainly not something that seems accessible or a priority for a tight budget.

"White Forest" by Texas-Based Artist Austin Allen James

If you're like me, your first wall art might have started with framed posters from the aforementioned museums or perhaps some mass manufactured pieces from Ikea (although I did make the move to paint four canvases in two shades of green and arranged behind my bed early on). However, as I've matured and especially as I bought my first home, I saw the value in adding unique pieces to my walls - buying a large-scale original painting a year and a half ago and later investing in a beautiful panoramic print (both acquired during travels for work) a few months later.

"Kennilieti Lunduna" by London-Based, Icelandic Artist Kristjana S. Williams

I decided I was going to start investing in art well before I found the right pieces and, since it may be intimidating for some, I thought I'd share a few tips if you would like to do the same:

1. Identify wall space (blank or that has something you'd like to replace) for your forthcoming investment.
2. Consider the scale of the space and surrounding items, the color palette of the room and they type of art you are most interested in (abstract, pop art, realism, etc.).
3. Set a budget range that is comfortable but treats this purchase as it will be - an investment.
4. Search for local galleries online (or post on a local message board to inquire about local artists, which I did) and set aside time on the weekends to browse and find out what you like and what you don't.
5. Do the same browsing when in different cities and even online. As noted above, my two recent acquisitions came from a trip to Austin, Texas and during an overseas stint in London.
6. When you find "the one" that speaks to you - if it fits with your space, design and budget - go for it! Don't forget to take into account any framing costs (if it's a print or canvas that needs it) and transportation (local delivery or cross-country shipping); both can be pricey but well worth it (my print required a custom mat and frame and my Texas painting had to be shipped via a specialized art freight company).
7. Hang that piece and pour a generous glass of wine as you stand back and admire! (Note: This step can be repeated.)