I was at a rather odd dinner party recently *, the dinner conversation went through some very awkward pauses and it got me thinking, should it be mandatory to invest in good conversation ‘art’ pieces to assist in dinner table chatter?!!

I went on the hunt for examples sure to break the pause:

 

Now this painting would surely conjure up a lot of different topics, though could be a bit of a political hot potato and maybe that’s not always the best topic at the dinner table!  (and i know that from experience!!) 

Katie Leede

Katie Leede

 

Not wanting that hot potato in your lap, this could be the kind of thing to spruce up your dining wall. Its got me thinking all lovey and springy and stuff that makes the heart flutter.  This is very generous also, as if your guest isn’t into the fluffy lovey stuff, there is the option of dot counting, and wouldn’t that be a fun dinner date!

Philip Galanes

Philip Galanes

 

Maybe you are wanting a little more modern and groovy vibe at the dinner table?

This neon grid ticks my boxes and makes me wanna talk all things Blade Runner

(I could go on about that topic for a while!) 

Office for Word & image

Office for Word & image

 

Maybe you are more of a nature lover and want that kind of talk at your table?

(This butterfly freaks me out a little though! feels like its ready to attack!)

Living Etc

Living Etc

 

Of course Pop art is guaranteed to loosen some tongues. EVERY one has an opinion to share about that topic! -don’t they?  

Living Etc

Living Etc

 

Or maybe the conversation you want at your table is more of a monotone nature? Safe chat can only be good in some circles!

Living etc

Living etc

 

Now this art option is either rude, or genius!! Simply plaster the days newspaper on the wall and:

A. you can simply read over your guests shoulder in those quiet moments, or

B. Select topics to discuss!! 

Living Etc

Living Etc

 

Hmm,  this could work for those international guests looking to improve their language skills?!! 

A is for apple…

Or those wanting a bit more brain teasing – find a word! (love that game – its got me through some tough times!!!) 

Living Etc

Living Etc

 

And now as this is MY own dinner table, I wonder how this reflects on me! These creepy people watching over our daily consumption of goodness! I can tell you it does get the conversation flowing, especially when people hear what the title of the piece is called “Gods contemplating the fate of the universe” and also when we point out the rips in the canvas due to the fella not fixing to the wall when he was given lots of ‘encouragement’ to do so.  (no, don’t read nagging into this!) 

Sometimes when its just me and the fella I read him the numbers. It annoys him greatly which I don’t quite understand -as he is a nerd and I thought nerds liked that kind of thing!!!

CMD

CMD

 

On the topic of dinner conversation art, I had to include an image (be it a bad one!) of a recent painting I had commissioned for a project I have been working on.  Being just a small and dainty painting at 3 metres, the piece is designed around dinner conversation!

While it may look just like a big wave to you, to those in the know its the story of Medusa and how the winged horse came to be -hmm, you totally see it now don’t you!!

CMD

CMD

 

And well, if a painting on the wall isn’t going to get them talking, surely a giant tree trunk in the corner would get even the most difficult of guests chatting. Surely? If not, well you tried your best and odds are they wont be making a return visit!!!

Suzy Hoodless

Suzy Hoodless

 

* – if you think this relates to you and the fabulous dinner we had – it totally doesn’t. You were great, fantastic, lovely AND hilarious! Its not you at all, it was totally someone else. for real!