Original Art Archives - Visual Resource

Sep 06
0

NATURES SHAPE Collection 2 – creativity leads to new artworks

Posted by Toni Collins | Collections, VR Blog | No Comments

 

We are often asked, ‘how did you do that?’ and it is difficult to answer how new art travels from an imagining into reality. So rather than trying to give you a nuts and bolts account of the ‘how’ process (which is never the same twice…), we think a far more interesting topic to explore is the nature of creativity itself.

 

Much has been written about creativity, including:

Creativity is the process of bringing something new into being.

Creativity requires passion and commitment.

It brings to our awareness what was previously hidden and points to new life.

From ‘The Courage to Create’, by Rollo May

But enough about what others write or say… here is what we think about creativity.

Creativity is:

Setting forth on a path when you don’t know what the end destination will be. You venture and explore despite the uncertainly. And by embracing the unknown, allowing yourself to be hurled into unchartered waters: original, inventive, surprising and remarkable works are born.

The musings of Toni & Michael Collins

 

That is our experience of creativity. Is it scary? Sometimes. Is it energising? Definitely.

And as a result of putting creativity, exploration and play at the wheel: we proudly present you with a new collection of photographic artworks titled, ‘NATURES SHAPE – Collection 2’.

A small tasting plate is here for you. The feast experience waits – please click through to view the new Collection.

Original Photogrpahic Art by Michael Collins for Visual Resource 15 NATURES SHAPE Collection 2

15 NATURES SHAPE Collection 2 – Original photographic art by Michael Collins. Available exclusively from Visual Resource.

 

Original Photographic Art by Michael Collins for Visual Resource 06 NATURES SHAPE Collection 2

06 NATURES SHAPE Collection 2 – Original photographic art by Michael Collins. Available exclusively from Visual Resource.

 

Original Photographic Art by Michael Collins for Visual Resource 01 NATURES SHAPE Collection 2

01 NATURES SHAPE Collection 2 – Original photographic art by Michael Collins. Available exclusively from Visual Resource.

 

 

 

Aug 02
0

FLORAL THREADS collection of photographic art: in sync with the future ORGANIC MATTER trend

Posted by Toni Collins | Collections, News & Events, VR Blog | No Comments

ORGANIC MATTER is one of the trends predicted to influence interior finishes and schemes for 2017, by Lead Futurist – Victoria Redshaw.

 

The Organic Matter trend explores possible creative outcomes of extreme naturalness that is not pruned, coaxed or restrained. It is unrestricted and unencumbered, effectively tipping the balance of control back to Nature.
In this trend, the laws of Nature rule.

Presented by Victoria Redshaw, Lead Futurist of Scarlet Opus (UK)

 

The Floral Threads collection of photographic art by Visual Resource reflects the influence, and captures the inspiration of the Organic Matter trend beautifully.

Created using an extreme macro view of the natural texture and colour given to us by nature: Floral Threads artworks offer no refinements, processing or taming of nature. Instead, nature is unleashed in full, glorious, organic colour and texture.

We hope you enjoy the raw, unstructured wildness the Floral Threads collection has to offer.

 

02 Floral Threads photo art by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

The Floral Threads collection of artworks created by VR is in sync with the future trend Organic Matter, in colour palette & inspiration.

 

What is a Futurist?

Recently at the Décor & Design interiors event held in Melbourne, Victoria Redshaw, the Lead Futurist for trend forecasting agency Scarlet Opus (UK) presented three distinct upcoming trends for 2017 and beyond. Victoria Redshaw’s audience was gifted with the startling end result of the ‘Futurists’ trend forecasting work.

 

Lisa Green, Editor in Chief of ‘Australian House & Garden’ magazine, sheds some light on how the work is done. She wrote in the August 2016 edition of H&G

The world of the trend forecaster is a strange one. Forced to exist in the future, they spend their time gazing into the modern equivalent of a crystal ball, sifting through economic, social, consumer drivers and highly visible industries such as fashion, automotive and technology to predict what consumers will do next.

Victoria Redshaw’s report brings together the collective mutterings of scouts the world over, grouping like-finds into categories then filtering them further to arrive at broad-brush ‘movements’ that are then boiled down into subsets of social movements / consumer sentiments and further distilled into colour palettes for 2017 & 2018.

After reading this insight into the Futurists process, I continue to be intrigued by the work of Lead Futurist Victoria Redshaw and her UK agency Scarlet Opus. I understand there is extensive research and rigour that goes into the development of the trends predicted.

The trends ring true to me and I look forward to seeing the predicted influences in colour and materials start to filter through people’s projects. If (for example) the Organic Matter trend strikes a chord with you, perhaps a piece from the VR Floral Threads collection will make an excellent addition to your kitchen, or an artwork for the wall.

View the full collection for inspiration of the extreme naturalness kind.

03 Floral Threads photo art by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

Nature untamed in full, glorious, organic colour & texture – that is what ‘Floral Threads’ has to offer.

 

Jun 10
0

Enjoy art in the physical form – rather than just fleetingly on a screen

Posted by Toni Collins | VR Artwork - Projects, VR Blog | No Comments

We are surrounded, even bombarded with hundreds of images every day. We receive an abundance of visual stimulus from Facebook, TV and the Internet, even if we only see these visuals for a fleeting moment.

As a lovely contrast, it is calming, even restorative to slow things down and enjoy the physical experience of art. Imagine less volume of imagery, in place of something longer lasting and incredible.

Nothing compares to seeing something in person.  

 

The impact of art on your wall is not to be overlooked. Authentic photographic artworks deliver so many things, including:

  • Art creates an atmosphere
  •  Art can be exciting and inspiring
  •  Art can add further colour and character to your home
  •  Art can become a focal point for a room
  • “Art is like salt, pepper or chilli – it adds spice to life and encourages you to be inspired.”  Nicolia Monies – Jeweller – Copenhagen.

 

And by far, the most personal benefit is…

By adding your choice of art, you express your style while also setting your home apart.

 

To get you in the mood for selecting a new piece of astounding wall art, let’s consider two possible options.

Do I go bold and create an eye-catching focal point?

Or…

Do I go with more subtle design and tones to compliment the rest of the colour scheme? To blend in and be a team player…

Here are a few tips for you to consider, when making the decision for you and your home.

 

GOING BOLD

Tip 1.

If you have mostly neutral furnishings, they provide a ‘blank canvas’ if you like…

Your choice of artwork can create a contrast to the interior, instead of trying to match what is there now.

This gives you a free rein, as you can be guided by the artwork that moves you, regardless of its style, shape or colour palette.

 

Tip 2.

Once you have found the artwork that moves you, then you can draw inspiration from the artwork for items like cushions or vases to reflect some colours from your art. These ‘accents’ will serve to tie the room together.

Repeating colours within the artwork (accents), increases the artworks impact in the room.

 

Tip 3.

There is no end to the possible visual subject matter of art. It could be for example, a stunning Melbourne street scene, busting with life, character and colour. Like the ‘Street Art’ photographic artwork seen above.

Alternatively, you may like to make a splash with an abstract photo art: rich in colour along with a sense of movement in the design. For example, ‘Natures Shape # 4’ seen below.

Visual Resource Art Print Photographic Wall Art NATURES SHAPE 4

GOING BOLD. Instead of trying to match your interior, this option gives you free rein to select art that moves you. Art on the wall ‘Natures Shape # 4’

 

 

Then there is the second option…

BEING SUBTLE

Tip 1.

An alternative approach when selecting an artwork is to select a piece that matches or blends with your interior.

This involves selecting an artwork which combines colours, shapes, forms, and styles that are completely in unison with your interior.

This gives harmony where the artwork is a team player, rather than the star.

 

Tip 2.

Choices, choices! Don’t despair. There is no right or wrong when it comes to art. Having choice is not only inspiring – it is essential!

 

And for one last overarching tip, not specific to being bold or subtle…

As you look at art, you will know what you like. So trust yourself and go with your instincts. Your taste in art will be entirely personal, so why not choose something you love.

Art bought with your heart will never disappoint.

 

Visual Resource Art Print Photographic Wall Art LIQUID SCULPTURE NEUTRAL 01

BEING SUBTLE. Select an artwork in unison with your interior. The art will be a team player, rather than a star. Art on the wall ’01 Liquid Sculpture – Neutral’

 

Visual Resource Art Print Photographic Wall Art SHADOW PLAY 06

BEING SUBTLE. Art on the wall ‘Shadow Play 06’. Photographic artwork by Michael Collins.

 

Visual Resource enjoy art in the physical form not just on a small screen

Feeling bombarded by images? Keep in mind… Nothing compares to seeing something in person. And the impact of art on your wall is not to be overlooked.

May 23
0

One Home – Two Impressive VR Art Glass Features

Posted by Toni Collins | VR Art Glass - Projects, VR Artwork - Projects, VR Blog | No Comments

Within the one home are two very different art features. From the abstract grace of FIRE & ICE in the light filled kitchen upstairs, to the colourful CENTRE LANE street scene, adding character on an epic scale within the basement bar.

 

The selected artworks offer wonderful diversity: spanning from the Abstract, to the Modern Gallery.

VR Art Glass first featured in the kitchen. Delighted with the end result, homeowner Susie then looked for another area, where an artwork by Visual Resource could enhance the space. The basement bar & entertainment area provides family members a private retreat, where the addition of floor to ceiling sized photographic artwork, gives a welcome visual contrast to the sleek black surrounds of the bar.

Printed Glass VR Art Glass by Visual Resource Mural Sized Wall Art Melbourne street art photography

The home is grand in scale, calling for an equally impressive and engaging artwork for the entertaining area.

 

Finish: VR Art Glass.

View more photographic artworks like ‘Centre Lane’ by Michael Collins in the Melbourne Collection 2.

All works available exclusively from Visual Resource.

 

VR Art Glass printed kitchen splashback featuring FIRE & ICE by Visual Resource 3

Where it all began: FIRE & ICE VR Art Glass in the upstairs kitchen.

VR Art Glass printed kitchen splashback by Visual Resource.

 

 

May 16
0

Here today – gone tomorrow

Posted by Toni Collins | Q & A, VR Blog | No Comments

Imagine if the artwork you love, now installed in your home – had to be removed!

 

It can happen. If a company offers you an artwork, which is actually the work of another artist, (and that artist has not given permission), in order to resolve legal action, your provider may need to remove the artwork – replacing it with something else!

Doing your due diligence in the early stages of choosing your splashback provider is so important.

If you love an artwork, and really want that for your splashback – it’s important to know who created the artwork.

 

Here are a few tips on how to avoid the heartbreak and inconvenience a removal could cause.

Let’s say the artwork you are considering is photographic, or a combination ‘mash-up’ of photos; here are a few simple questions to ask:

  • Who took the photograph?
  • And… if someone else took the photograph, do you have permission to offer this image?

 

Beyond the questions there is another significant way to spot a provider of the unethical variety.

Is the artwork being offered to you visible on the companies website?

Or, is the work hidden away in a ‘private gallery’ for example?

 

If there appears to be some secrecy surrounding the work, rather than public openness… that is cause for suspicion. Please beware. Ask yourself; if the company did create the artwork, or had the authority to sell another’s work, wouldn’t they want to present it for all to see, rather than hiding it, and being secretive?

 

If a ‘private gallery’ is offered, that is good cause for alarm bells to ring, for you to be suspicious, and to ask questions about the origins of the artwork.

 

You may well ask, “And why does that matter?”

Because, if your provider is of the unethical kind, they are not likely to have permission to use an artwork created by another artist. And that can become a problem for you.

 

“Why would that be a problem for me?“

If the chosen splash back provider does not have permission to reproduce the art of another artist – that is copyright infringement. The original artist has the exclusive rights to the work, and can demand the removal of a reproduction.

After investing a lot of time and effort to consider, then select the artwork for your splash back, only to discover the person selling to you was not the original creator of the work and does not have any authority to offer it to you… the time spent will have been wasted.

So if you fall in love with a particular artwork, it is worth finding out just a few simple things before committing to a provider – to help you avoid the heartbreak and inconvenience removal of an unlawfully reproduced work may cause.

 

“Are there any exceptions?“

Another scenario entirely is stock photography from an image library source. Let’s say the image you like is from Getty Images – you will be able to source that image yourself; reading and agreeing to the terms Getty have to license the use of the image. It’s pretty straightforward.

 

The final word

The risk we are pointing out in the ‘here today – gone tomorrow’ scenario is when a company is either passing off another’s work as their own, and/or they do not have permission from the original artist to use the work. It will create issues, and you deserve not to be inconvenienced by the potential consequences.

May 06
0

Melbourne in Monochrome

Posted by Toni Collins | Collections, VR Blog | No Comments

Photography by Michael Collins captures the urban pulse of Melbourne.

 

And while our city is a thriving, contemporary, metropolis: the images seen in black & white add a timeless quality also. What a wonderful combination!

 

The ever-popular Melbourne Monochrome Collection has been updated with 13 new works.  

 

As creators of the photographic artworks presented within the VR Galleries, we can customise the works to black & white, or by adding a hint of warm sepia tone, for example. So please keep in mind as you peruse the Galleries: any image you like originally seen in colour, can be converted to black & white. This keeps your options wide open.

 

The photo artworks offered by VR can provide the perfect compliment to your kitchen or bathroom as a printed VR Art Glass splashback, or wall art in your living areas.

 

To leave you with an inspired quote to take with you as you look at some inspiring images:

 

“I’ve been forty years discovering that the queen of all colours is black.”   Henri Matisse

 

Hold on to that thought, as you view the selection of works presented below, showing you the full format of each composition. Then click through to see the full Melbourne Monochrome Collection.

 

Pictured above, the classic Pellegrini’s, titled ‘03 Melbourne Mono’, a personal favorite.

 

22 melbourne mono photographic image by Michael Collins for Visual Resource. Black & White Photography.

’22 Melbourne Mono’ a new addition to the ever-popular Melbourne Monochrome Collection of photographic art by Michael Collins.

 

07 melbourne mono photographic image by Michael Collins for Visual Resource. Black & White Photography

’07 Melbourne Mono’. An earlier work in the collection.

 

18 melbourne mono photographic image by Michael Collins for Visual Resource. Black & White Photography

’18 Melbourne Mono’. Photo artworks by VR can provide the perfect compliment to your kitchen or bathroom as a printed VR Art Glass splashback.

 

21 melbourne mono photographic image by Michael Collins for Visual Resource. Black & White Photography

’21 Melbourne Mono’. Photography by Michael Collins captures the urban pulse of Melbourne.

Apr 20
1

New Collection Released : Melbourne 4

Posted by Toni Collins | Collections, VR Blog | No Comments

A great writer will craft words capable of transporting the reader to a new place, time or understanding.  Equally, a skilled photographer will see an image – where others will not.

The photographer captures a scene in the most engaging way, using vision to see what the image could be, long before holding the viewfinder up to his eye. There is no ‘chance’ or fluking it involved. Instead, each image is considered and achieved through a robust combination of skill and creativity.

That’s how the new Melbourne collection # 4 came about. Michael exploring a city he loves, while putting his creativity and photographic craft to task.

To see the full body of work, please view the collection Melbourne 4.

All works created by photographer Michael Collins.

All works available exclusively from Visual Resource.

 

06 Melbourne Collection 4 photo art Melbourne Skyline by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

#06, Melbourne Collection 4.

 

19 Melbourne Collection 4 photo art Melbourne Skyline by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

#19, Melbourne Collection 4.

 

01 Melbourne Collection 4 photo art Melbourne Skyline by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

#01, Melbourne Collection 4.

 

20 Melbourne Collection 4 photo art Melbourne Skyline by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

#20, Melbourne Collection 4.

 

Photographer Michael Collins Self Portrait Creating Melbourne Skyline Night Shots

Photographer Michael Collins at work. A rare self-portrait by the man who would rather be behind the camera than in front of it.

Apr 15
0

LIQUID SCULPTURES: New Collections Announced

Posted by Toni Collins | Collections, VR Blog | No Comments

Photographer Michael Collins has created a series of original works titled LIQUID SCULPTURES.

Each artwork is created in camera, as opposed to a digital construction, making the collections even more impressive.

The works provide the perfect balance of dynamic forces frozen in time. Demanding of the creator, both vision and patience.

Selected pieces deliver bold combinations of colour and form, while others are more demure, offering subtle design and colour. Consistent for all LIQUID SCULPTURE works however: the boundary between colour and form is suitably blurred.

There is a lot to love about these new abstract photographic artworks. Please decide what you think by taking a peek at the new LIQUID SCULPTURES Collection # 1 and Collection # 2.

Conceived and created by photographer Michael Collins.

Available exclusively from Visual Resource.

Pictured here, a selection of works from COLLECTION 2 – LIQUID SCULPTURES

Liquid Sculpture collec 2 art 05 created by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

05 Liquid Sculpture – Collection 2. Each artwork is created in camera, as opposed to a digital construction.

 

Liquid Sculpture collec 2 art 10 created by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

10 Liquid Sculpture – Collection 2.

 

Liquid Sculpture collec 2 art 04 created by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

04 Liquid Sculpture – Collection 2. Abstract photo art created by Michael Collins.

 

Pictured here, a selection of works from COLLECTION 1 – LIQUID SCULPTURES.

To see the full collections, please visit the Abstract Gallery.

 

Liquid Sculpture collec 1 art 20 created by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

20 Liquid Sculpture – Collection 1.

 

Liquid Sculpture collec 1 art 11 created by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

11 Liquid Sculpture – Collection 1.

 

Liquid Sculpture collec 1 art 05 created by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

05 Liquid Sculpture – Collection 1.

 

 

Apr 11
0

Art Filled Bathrooms : Bold and Beautiful

Posted by Toni Collins | VR Art Glass - Projects, VR Blog | No Comments

When art dealer and 204 Art Space gallery director June Zhu selected the art for her new bathrooms, two pieces by artist and friend Chen Zhong were standout, easy choices.

 

About the process

The large original artworks by Chen Zhong were provided to Visual Resource on paper, each around 1.5 x 1.3m in size. Of course, paper in a bathroom ‘wet area’ would not survive – paper just does not love water, unlike VR Art Glass.

Michael from Visual Resource digitised each artwork, so the art could be prepared and printed onto glass.

 

Reproduction of any artwork requires careful colour management, both in the capture (digitising) and in the printing, especially when glass is involved. Being a photographer, Michael used his imaging skills to convert the art on paper to a digital format, and then during the print stage, he ensured the colour (on glass) remained true to the original.

Another important point when using an artist’s work: the homeowner June Zhu had permission from the artist to reproduce his work within her art filled home.

VR Art Glass printed glass by VISUAL RESOURCE Original Art by CHEN ZHONG Batman behind bath 2

VR Art Glass featuring original art by Chen Zhong. Unlike paper, VR Art Glass is perfect for ‘wet areas’.

 

 

VR Art Glass printed glass by VISUAL RESOURCE Original Art by CHEN ZHONG Girl in Ensuite 3

The finished VR Art Glass piece delivers a striking focal point in the bathroom. Original art by Chen Zhong.

 

About the art

From the back streets of Shanghai to the exuberance of contemporary Australian culture, Chen examines, explores, questions and celebrates the transcultural identity of being an Australian artist with a proud Chinese heritage.

Beginning with small sketches and paintings, Chen draws inspiration from everyday life, contemporary subjects and traditional Chinese ladies to blend the ancient themes of Chinese culture with a dynamic and ever-changing new world.

His practice of the ancient craft of Chinese ink brush painting is juxtaposed against fresh pops of pinks, blues and yellows. Counterbalancing traditional Chinese images and art form with sophisticated, modern technique is a cornerstone of Chen’s work.

 

VR Art Glass by VISUAL RESOURCE Original Art by CHEN ZHONG full original FORMAT 4

Original artworks by Chen Zhong. His practice of the ancient craft of Chinese ink brush painting is juxtaposed against fresh pops of pinks, blues and yellows.

 

About the artist

Chen Zhong was born in 1970 in Zhongshan, China and arrived in Australia at the age of 19 in 1989. Today he lives and works in Melbourne.

Chen’s exhibiting history has taken his artwork throughout Australia, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore and New York.

 

About 204 Art Space

June’s gallery 204 Art Space, specialises in contemporary art. Presenting the work of artist Chen Zhong, along with many renowned and emerging artists. Located in Kensington, Melbourne, the gallery is over 800m2 of exhibiting space, offering a unique experience for visitors. For more about 204 Art Space, past and future exhibitions, please click through to the website.

Artist Picture of CHEN ZHONG in front of his art

The artist Chen Zhong. Counterbalancing traditional Chinese images and art form with sophisticated, modern technique.

 

About the bathrooms

The bathrooms were designed, project managed and completed by Philip Theo of TSG Tiling Services and Mitcham Tile Centre. To see more great work completed by Philip, please visit the Mitcham Tile Centre website.

 

VR Art Glass printed glass by VISUAL RESOURCE Original Art by CHEN ZHONG girl close up 5

VR Art Glass featuring original art by Chen Zhong.

Apr 05
0

Create, don’t imitate

Posted by Toni Collins | News & Events, VR Blog | No Comments

Create, don’t imitate.

A message originally penned by Tess McCabe, founder of Creative Minds Publishing.

 

The quote, ‘Create, don’t imitate’, is one I appreciate and wanted to share with you as I think it can be interpreted in a few different ways.

Firstly….

When thinking about home decorating from a finding your style perspective, the quote provides encouragement to…

 

“Live for yourself and not for someone else”

a quote from Shaynna Blaze

 

While it may be unusual for someone to decorate a home, buying all furnishings at the one time and being true to only one style. I like to interpret the quote as license to let a personal style evolve over time, rather than emulating an established style, verbatim.

Perhaps it is more realistic (and certainly more personal and interesting), for our homes to be filled with items treasured from our past, along with newer pieces to meet our comfort, function and aesthetic needs.

When I think about the quote ‘Create, don’t imitate’ in this way, I believe it gives creative license to experiment with old and new, to tinker with established styles and my take on them, therefore mixing things up, in order to discover my own style.  A method which takes courage, and trust in myself.

 

Shaynna Blaze would also council:

“Your personal style will be a pinch of your past, a lot of your present

and ever evolving into the future.”

 

Beyond my home decorating interpretation of the quote, I am aware how the creator who originally penned the phrase intended ‘Create, don’t imitate’, to be received.  When creator Tess McCabe first shared the quote on Instagram, she wrote,

*SIGH* Another week, another armload of Insta-stories from artists, makers and designers regarding imitations of their original works being found online. Today, let’s send a message to those who trawl the web for ‘inspiration’ to step back and put their OWN thinking caps on! Feel free to re-post this image in your own feed. Here’s hoping it will flick on a few lightbulbs.

The message McCabe shared is a sentiment many creators of original work know only too well.  And lament when other less creative, or people with questionable ethics… simply copy their work.

As creators of original photographic artworks, we think the message behind ‘Create, don’t imitate’ is inspired, thought provoking and worthwhile.

Why? Because you deserve original artwork in your home – not a copy by someone lacking in the imagination to conceive an original idea, or the skill to execute an original work.

 

A note about the images:

I gave our young daughter an assignment to decorate the quote I had printed.   The visual at the top of the post, and the next, are both her work. The one you see below was her first go at it. It’s super creative! But then… a five year old is very qualified to provide fresh, unencumbered creative designs.

 

Create dont imitate - Tess McCabe Quote 2

Colouring design by Roisin Collins. Five-years-old and loving colour.