Inherent Art 001. Starting with light.

Let’s talk Light &Your Masterpieces: The Art of Illuminating Your Collection

Welcome to "Inherent Art," where on a semi-monthly basis we unveil the deep mysteries of the art world with a touch of non-streaking ammonia free glass cleaner.

Today, we're shedding light—literally—on a crucial aspect of showcasing your art collection. Whether your prized pieces were snagged from ETSY, secured at an auction house, or curated in a high-end gallery, the right lighting can transform your collection from ordinary to extraordinary.

Bright Ideas for Your Art Collection

So, you've invested time, thought, and perhaps a considerable amount of resources into curating your art collection. Each piece has a story, a unique essence that captivates the eye. But here's a secret that many overlook: the way you illuminate your art can make or break its visual impact.

1. The Power of the Spotlight

Imagine your art collection as a troupe of actors on a stage, each waiting for their moment in the spotlight. Proper lighting directs attention and enhances the drama of each piece. Consider using adjustable spotlights to highlight specific artworks, creating a dynamic visual narrative within your space.

2. Ambiance is Everything

Art isn't just about what's on the canvas; it's about how it makes you feel. The right lighting sets the mood for your collection. Whether you prefer a warm, cozy ambiance for your living room or a more clinical, modern feel for your commercial space, lighting can be your secret weapon.

3. Protecting Your Masterpieces = (TLDR really technical section)

While your art collection may not be a vampire fearing sunlight, it does have its own vulnerabilities. Natural and artificial lighting can contribute to the fading and deterioration of artworks over time. Invest in UV-filtering glass or consider using LED lights, which emit minimal heat and UV radiation, to preserve your treasures.

This point might also make you re-think placement of that piece you want installed in front of that giant south facing window all day.

When in doubt, there’s a bunch of LUX light meter apps on both the apple and google play stores, that allow you to skip buying a full blown handheld LUX meter, find one like this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.doggoapps.luxlight&hl=en_CA&gl=US&pli=1

When used correctly the sensor from your phone is facing or angled towards the light source, while positioned in front of the face of the artwork, a LUX meter app can give you a decent general idea of how much light is hitting your artwork from your lighting set-up or while exposed with sunlight at a certain time of day. You can then reference your LUX meter reading to the artworks medium by googling “accepted museum standards in LUX for different types of art mediums.)

Or go with this cheat sheet rule of thumb:

• Water colours max out at 50 LUX

• Oil, tempera and acrylic paintings can tolerate higher light levels of up to 200 LUX

To wrap up this TLDR section, try to think even a bit like a conservationist or a lighting technician and your art lasts a lot longer. As the Canada Council for the Arts says on their website, italics ours. - “The effect of light is cumulative and irreversible.”

4. The Art of Layered Lighting

Just as a painter uses layers to create depth, you can employ layered lighting to accentuate the dimensions of your collection. Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a balanced and visually compelling environment for your art.

5. Avoiding the Glare Game

Ever tried to appreciate a painting through a veil of glare? Not exactly the ideal viewing experience. Strategically position your lights to minimize glare and reflections. This not only improves visibility but also ensures that your art is the star of the show, not its shiny surroundings.

The same thing goes with glazed and framed artworks in rooms with lots of light bouncing around, ask yourself: is the best space to view this work in, or is there another room, more optimally lit for this surface/artwork to be consistently viewed? Or do we need a different lighting set-up for this to work?

Pro-tip: set-up your spotlights or track-lights at a 30-degree angle (from above) to your painting. This allows the light to bounce from the painting’s surface onto the ground (instead of bouncing the light into your eyes aka the dreaded GLARE SPOTS.)

6. Scale Matters

Consider the size and scale of your artworks when choosing lighting fixtures. A delicate pendant light may complement a small piece, while a larger, statement chandelier could be the perfect match for grand, oversized art. Proportion is key to achieving a harmonious visual balance.

7. Adaptable Lighting for Rotating Collections

For those avid collectors constantly refreshing their displays, consider adaptable lighting solutions. Track lighting or wall-mounted fixtures with adjustable heads allow you to effortlessly switch the focus and ambiance as your collection evolves.

8. Navigating the Online Art Market

If your latest acquisitions hail from the digital aisles of ETSY, don't underestimate the importance of proper lighting. Just because you bought it online doesn't mean it shouldn't shine—literally. Showcase your digital gems with the same care and consideration you'd give to a masterpiece from a prestigious gallery.

Conclusion: Lighting Things Up Is Part of Your Artistic Journey

Art handlers understand that your collection is more than just an assemblage of beautiful objects; it's a reflection of your taste, personality, and passion for the arts. By giving thought to the lighting of your collection, you're not just illuminating artworks; you're crafting an immersive experience that enhances their inherent beauty.

I guess that’s a lot to remember on the topic of lighting your art, but in general just remember: “don’t over do it” - burning and bleaching until there’s no way back.

So, Art enthusiasts and Collectors of all stripes, in summary, get into your light!! Maybe even go as far as downloading a LUX meter app and start reading those LUX’s today. Illuminate your collection with the same enthusiasm you have when acquiring each piece. The right lighting isn't just about showcasing art—it's about creating an atmosphere that breathes life into the work.

Your collection will thank you.

I.A.

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This has been another installment of "Inherent Art," the blkarts.ca blog where we bring you semi-regular insider details on all things art handling and collections management, one semi-regular blog post at a time. Thanks for reading!