In an era of Top 40 chart reproductions, movie remakes, and throwback fashion, it appears everything with a creative medium has been done before. With so much repackaged and shipped back out to consumers, it’s difficult to distinguish and define a piece of work as original art. The staff at Queen Street Gallery in Martinsburg, WV, deconstructs what makes a piece stand out in a sea of the similar and how to find those unique gems.

Redefining Original

The word “original” in its most basic form means something that has never been done before. However, in an art gallery, you would be hard-pressed to find pieces that were not created from any sort of inspiration or nod to a previous work. Based on this theory, how is truly original art defined?

Some art experts claim any piece created by an artist of his or her own efforts is considered original. Others believe a work must not derive from any other form that was previously touched upon to be original. On that spectrum, there is a wide variety of discussion and debate, and perspective plays a large role in how an original piece is received.

Originals & Paintings

When a bridge is built between the artists and the collectors, the word “original” takes a different form. For example, paintings that were crafted on their first canvas would be considered the “original art” of that work. A print of that piece used in an art gallery or hung in someone’s home would be regarded as a reproduction or reprint.

However, if an artist does his or her own printing, how is that original defined? When these are printed, signed, and numbered by an individual artist, all of these works are considered to be originals. This definition plays a role in how works are collected and sold in the art world.

Original art, both in the world of creation and collection, is hard to find and define. Much of expert opinion is often based on subjective views and different areas of study. However, this presents the opportunity for the art appreciator to find what is original to their unique taste.

Queen Street Gallery celebrates many kinds of unique works, from antique prints and sculptures to African Tribal artifacts. They love promoting local artists and offer a variety of pieces that may suit your decor tastes. To find original art that speaks to you, visit their website or call (304) 263-9495.