Why surrounding yourself with personal art is important
By Christy Johnson, founder & CEO of United Goods
If you're reading this, you likely understand that art isn’t just something to admire in galleries or museums. Rather, it's something you surround yourself with in order to express yourself, evoke your emotions, and connect you with your favorite memories.
Doesn't it just feel "right" when you walk into your home and are greeted by art that resonates with your experiences, passions, and most cherished moments?
Filling your spaces with meaningful keepsakes can feel like being wrapped in a cozy blanket of nostalgia.
Here are the reasons I feel it's so important to collect art that tells your unique story.
Art as a time machine
Have you ever looked at a photograph and instantly been transported back to that time and place? That’s the magic of art. It has the uncanny ability to encapsulate memories in a 2D or 3D format.
For instance, the State Icon print of the Pensacola Beach Sign that hangs in your bedroom might remind you of summer vacations with your family, salty skin, and nonstop laughter.
Or every year when you hang your mini holiday ornament on your Christmas tree, the landmark illustration inside it reminds you of your first "real" job.
Having pieces like these around you is like revisiting the best parts of your past whenever you want.
Having an emotional connection to art
Art that tells your story does more than simply decorate your spaces. It also connects with you on a deeper emotional level by evoking feelings of joy or nostalgia. Sometimes, with my art, humor can even be the main sentiment you feel.
Here's a great example. I was recently contacted by a fan of my State Icon illustrations who told me why she bought a specific framed piece.
"I received my Hi-Lo Diner print today and I love it! It’s actually a birthday gift for my boyfriend," she said. "We had our first date there, and a couple months into dating as we drove past it he pointed it out. He drove by too fast for me to see it, but I pretended like I did. He knew I didn’t see it, so now he has this running gag where he points to random places or things and says, 'Hey look it’s the Hi-Lo diner!'
"Your print is going to bring so much joy into his space, and I know he’s gonna love it!" she continued. "I also know he’s going to point it out a lot. Haha."
Sentimental and even humorous connections like these help ground you and remind you of who you are and what you value. (As a self-described sap, this really resonates with me!)
Just seeing certain pieces of art can instantly lift your spirits by reminding you of the happiness you felt at that time—and that life is filled with fabulous, fleeting moments worth cherishing.
Art's inspirational and motivational benefits
Filling your space with art that speaks to you can also be powerfully motivating. Imagine waking up every morning to a little souvenir that symbolizes your dreams and goals. It’s like having a visual pep talk to start your day. (I've written a bit about the benefits of art in the past.)
Maybe it’s a print of the Deschutes National Forest Sign that fuels your love for hiking and adventure, which encourages you to plan your next trip.
Or even our TV Show Print of the Believe Sign from Ted Lasso. One of our fans said she "immediately ordered it for [her] twentysomething niece going through a tough season." We hope every time her family member sees it, she feels uplifted and strong.
Supporting artists and their stories
As you know, choosing art that expresses who you are or speaks to your heart doesn’t mean you have to splurge on expensive pieces (I've also written a little about this in a previous blog post).
By supporting artists like me, you’re not only enhancing your own space but also contributing to the artistic community and supporting small business owners. It means more to us than you can possibly know.
Plus, there’s something special about knowing the story behind a piece of art directly from the artist, isn't there? It adds another layer of connection and meaning to the work, and makes it even more significant.
So don't hold back! When you see a piece that speaks to you and makes you feel something, bring it home.
As your collection grows, you'll adore seeing the artwork in your space that reflects your experiences and the one-of-a-kind person you are.
Tell me:
What's one piece of art that you own that you feel visually tells your story? Share it in the comments! I can't wait to hear.
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