Tips from the Christchurch art world: Distranged Design

Jacob Root is an urban artist who’s all about spreading the good vibes, and whose murals have brightened a fair few dull walls around Christchurch.

His style is all about finding positives in the negatives; showing that there’s light through the dark. Jacob has had a busy few years, including being part of the Melbourne urban art festival Can’t Do Tomorrow in 2020 and spending time collaborating with other street artists and painting murals in Las Angeles in 2019. You’re not limited to viewing his work out on the street, though – Jacob can bring the street art right into your living room, with individual artworks, commissions, or even an indoor mural, aiming to create effects you’d see on a wall down a city alley.

Jacob has some tips on bringing the street art look into your space.

Choosing art for your home Go with what you feel. Just because it says Picasso on it doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Art is a personal thing – don’t worry too much about who painted it and just choose what suits your personality.

Commissioning art Pick a space where you want to hang a feature piece, measure it out, and then talk to an artist whose style you like to work on some ideas. It helps to have an idea of a theme or colours you want to pick out before you start. I usually come up with a few different concepts to find what you like best before creating your unique artwork. It’s a great way to make sure you end up with a work you’re 100 percent happy with.

Integrating street art in your home or office I tend to go for opposite colours to what’s already in the room. You don’t want your art to just blend in with its surroundings – you want it to pop.

Furnishing around your art You can complement the colours in your new work with soft furnishings like cushions to help integrate it more. If you’re thinking of going for a full mural in your house, the possibilities are endless. You can go for a calmer look with just two or three colours, or you can go full noise – it totally depends on the person.

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