In Care of the Soul Thomas Moore enlightens us by explaining that how we
treat our surroundings affects our mental and spiritual health.

   

Moore writes, "Care for our actual houses then, however humble,
is also care of the soul. No matter how little money we have,
we can be mindful of the importance of beauty in our homes."
**

 

Beauty in our homes. The space around us should nurture us
and mirror who we are.   Art adds beauty and warms our living
and working spaces.   The art one chooses should reveal the color and character of one’s individuality.

Entrances are gateways, our first opportunities to establish a mood.    If the entryway is small and a feeling of spaciousness is desired, choose an artwork with "perspective", that is, depth.
Street scenes, expansive horizons, interior scenes portraying deep space are all good choices.   If the entryway is rather large, a still life with shallow space or a flat abstract design will
provide a reflective moment and create intimacy.

    
   
      
     
                    

Contemplative moments lead us toward an affectionate relationship to the world. My friend Monica refers to her weekly museum visits as “long, cool drinks for the soul.”   There is a connection between nourishment of the body, mind, and spirit.  Dining rooms are perfect settings to contemplate art.  Hung low, artwork creates a focal point for the seated viewer.

                  
  

Warm colors are active and inviting, like firelight; round shapes capture a sense of wholeness and abundance. Cool, watery
colors recede and create a sense of tranquility.  Horizontal lines and shapes create peace and rest.

Natural architectural features such as fireplaces are enhanced by works of art. Placing framed or matted prints on mantels, even overlapping a larger with a smaller one, draws us to notice the fireplace and

 

lends a sense of spontaneity. Leaning framed paintings against walls adds a comfortable, casual moment in an otherwise formal arrangement.

 

Doorways are natural frames for transitional spaces.  Placing a painting or print on the wall beyond invites us in.   Color in the artwork can give us a hint of the room to come, leading us smoothly and gently forward.

Beautiful artwork also aids in redesigning interior space. A strategically placed painting can move the focus from a window with an unfortunate view. Pairs of prints can balance a badly placed radiator or cupboard.

A beautiful environment nurtures a beautiful spirit, which builds a harmonious world. Transformation begins by enriching our surroundings with art.

   
 



**Care of the Soul Copyright© 1992 by Thomas Moore. Published
by Arrangement with HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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"Care of the Soul " on-line at Amazon.com

Article by:  Melody Phaneuf Copyright © 2002

Art Direction / Photography by:  Martha DiMeo Copyright © 2002

Reprint Permission Available Upon Request

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED