Slow Living Through Art Collecting

I absolutely love what is happening with the slow living movement. If you’re somehow unaware or off the internet…

The Essence of Slow Living

At its core, slow living is a conscious choice to prioritize quality over quantity, to savor the present moment, and to create a sense of balance in our lives. It encourages us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, fostering a deeper connection with our environment and ourselves.

Yes please.

But once you really dip into the community, you’re going to see how much it’s about homesteading and doing sh*t like keeping hens and making your own yogurt. Which is not for everyone.

So I’m here to say that art can be an alternative way that we explore the essence of slow living, and integrate the movement and principles into our lives, without having to move to a farm.

Art as a Catalyst for Slowing Down

1. Mindful Art Selection

The process really begins with the careful selection of artworks that resonate with you. Value driven pieces are especially important for this particular pursuit. So consider what the subject matter, emotional tone and context says about you, your lifestyle choices and your household. Be aspirational here. Choose pieces that evoke emotions, tell stories, and invite contemplation.

2. Creating Intentional Spaces

Look I am not a proponent of either the maximalist or the minimalist aesthetic. You do you. In order for a curation of art to facilitate a slow living approach, you need to be intentional about what this is going to look like.

If you want a lot of art I strongly recommend taking some time to really plan out the colors and movements from piece to piece to create a sense of stillness, not wild, erratic chaos. Which I’m a fan of!! Just not for this particular purpose.

This is not to say color doesn’t belong. Just really consider how that color makes you feel, and if it inspires intentionality, present moment awareness, centeredness, etc.

Also, consider the placement of artworks in your home intentionally. Create cozy reading nooks or serene meditation corners where you can unwind and disconnect from the outside world. Notice that this has nothing to do with what the art actually looks like, it’s about the space you have around the art to appreciate it.

3. Embracing Imperfections

Slow living is about accepting imperfections and finding beauty in the simple and natural. Art, with its diverse forms and expressions, can serve as a reminder to embrace the imperfect, both in the artworks themselves and in our daily lives.

I love art that has random, ambiguous aspects to it that make you wonder. But find what does it for you. What components of art will bring you into a contemplative state?

4. Connecting with the Artist's Intent

A huge part of the slow living movement is intentional consumerism, and prioritizing people over products.

Art is so amazing because you get to learn about the real life individual who thought it up and made it. Each piece has its own story and intention. You get to learn about the artist’s background and inspiration. This adds so much depth and meaning to the pieces in our home. It creates roots. It fosters connection and community.

5. Daily Art Rituals

Incorporate daily rituals that involve art, such as starting your morning with a moment of reflection in front of a favorite piece or winding down in the evening with a cup of tea and the company of an artwork. I absolutely love incorporating these casually into my daily life. They offer me a lot of opportunity for meaning-making and processing my day.

These rituals can anchor you in the present moment. Create your own. It can be super brief or a long practice. Doesn’t matter. The point is cultivating awareness and intentionality all day long.

Rotate Your Collection

The slow-living movement is so focused on appreciating what we have, buying less, and moving through our day with present moment awareness.

Which means not buying things according to the season, or because you’re bored. However, this doesn’t mean your house has to be boring. I love rotating my art. Either around in my house, or keeping a stack of pieces off the walls that I can swap out whenever I get bored of my current aesthetic. A single art piece can dramatically change a space.

Incorporating art into your home is a powerful way to cultivate a slow living mindset. It encourages you to be present, to appreciate beauty, and to create a sanctuary where you can truly unwind. As you curate your art collection, remember that it's not just about the aesthetics; it's about fostering a connection to your values, your community, and what truly matters in life.

Sound great but don’t know where to begin?

I invite you to take the first step and fill out an application to work with me.