How I use art to transform my space.

Every artist knows the struggle of staring at a blank canvas, waiting for inspiration to strike. Sometimes, it feels like an uphill battle, and other times, it's a flood of creative energy. 

Recently, I tackled an area of my home that was both practical and problematic: the space underneath my treadmill desk. I love the convenience of having a treadmill in my bedroom, but I'll admit that the clutter underneath wasn't exactly inspiring. Storage boxes had become an eyesore, stealing my focus and energy every time I looked at it. I knew I needed a creative solution, and that's where the idea of art came in.  ​

Using art to hide the chaos
I've always believed that art has the power to transform a space, so I decided to use it in a functional way too: as a barrier to hide the mess. I envisioned a large, bold painting that would not only cover the treadmill's underside but also add vibrancy and inspiration to my workspace. And people would see the painting rather than look at the mess when they passed my bedroom. How do you create something that serves as both a visual statement and a practical solution?

The creative process: finding beauty in the struggle.
This project didn't come easily. Unlike other pieces I've worked on, I struggled to balance colour, texture, and composition. I wanted the painting to feel a bit moodier-black background without too many distractions. After days of layering paint, stepping back, and starting over, I finally found my flow. The painting became a dance of blending rich hues with subtle textures. It was balanced and harmonious, just like the way I envisioned it (does not always happen).

When I finally placed the finished piece in front of the treadmill, the transformation wasn't immediate but I realized the piece was meant to be right there, right now. The clutter disappeared behind a wall of solid black with beautiful gold and dark metallic turquoise. The painting hid the mess and became a focal point that uplifts me daily. It's a reminder that even in the messiness of life and the creative process-there's beauty to be found.

I have used and done this before and it teaches me lessons: art doesn't have to be confined to galleries or walls. It can serve practical purposes, like hiding clutter, while still being a source of inspiration. If you're struggling with a messy or uninspiring space, consider how you might use art to transform it. Whether it's a painting, a sculpture, or even a fabric installation, creativity has the power to elevate any environment.

Do you have a story about using art in a unique way? I'd love to hear about it! Share your experiences in the comments or tag me on Instagram: @annica_artist_johansson.
​Let's inspire each other!