The Function of Art

Crisp, breezy early Autumn air. This home is surrounded by water, wood, and stone in McCall, Idaho. The room embodies those elements, and they are accentuated by the artwork behind the piano.

The art installation is functional - it softens the space and, importantly, the beautiful sounds created by the piano. Felted wool is used to craft shapes and textures. Careful attention is paid to the scale of the artwork in relation to the piano, window, wall, and space. Colors lead the eyes from the window through the rooms.

A bark-lined soffit over the piano further improves the acoustics. A luxurious and plush custom rug from Nepal, through Amara Rugs, floated in the space grounds the piano and also modulates the sound. All the elements play on nature - they are tactile, practical, and impart a peaceful elegance.

Andrea Graham of Santa Barbara, California is the featured artist. Corinne Brown and Brown Design Group also give thanks to our client, to architect Heather Susemihl of McCall Design and Planning, and to Lacey Construction. Our collective visions pay homage to our larger home, our natural surroundings.

Will you notice the textures and the rhythm created by shapes when you are next outdoors? How does it sound?