A Talk With Colorado Artist Jeremy Burns About Tips for Hanging Art and Supporting Local Artists

I’ve worked with Jeremy Burns as an art installer for my clients for over 5 years now and it took me a while to realize that not only is he a working artist, he’s also responsible for some of my favorite murals around Denver.  I thought this would be a great place to talk with him about some basics for how to hang art, where to start diving into the local art scene and how to commission him for a portrait. There’s a link to his art at the end of this interview.  The holidays are creeping up on us again and a pet or child portrait might make the perfect gift – I have a serious hankering for a Jeremy Burns portrait of my cat…

1. How did you get started hanging art?
I used to work at a frame shop called Platte River Art Services.  While working there building frames, I was introduced to installation and after some training I eventually became their main installer.  After
leaving Platte River, I decided to set out on my own and started On The Wall Installations. That was 9 years ago!

2. What height do you recommend hanging art at? 
Unless the piece is really tall, I always recommend hanging things at 60″ from the floor to the center “waistline” of the piece. This is the standard height for museums and galleries.  Taller works get dropped a little, especially in situations with lower ceiling heights.

3. Do you have any tips for starting a large scale gallery wall?  

I like to lay things out on the floor first and decide if I want the arrangement to be symmetrical or not. I also like to use my phone to snap pictures of the floor arrangment so as you go and start hanging things you can refer to the original idea.

 

4. Is there anything you see people doing with art in their home that you wish they wouldn’t do?

I often see work hung too high. I feel like this is done just to fill a wall and not for the proper viewing and enjoyment of the art. I also often see things being hung in relation to, or centered off of thermostats or fire alarms. I always prefer to center things on the full wall and to visually ignore those pesky alarms and thermostats.

 

5. You have your BFA in painting and printmaking from Western State in Gunnison, any advice to someone who would like to start learning about and investing in local artists?

I would reccomend going to art walks, gallery openings and open studios to see the work that the local artists are producing. And always buy the work that draws you to it. Don’t buy things to match a
wall color or couch! Build a collection of work you like to look at everyday and don’t worry about everything matching.

 6. Your murals brighten up my day when I see them around town.  I read in Go Play Denver that you started doing these after a car accident where you hurt your arm and it was a way for you to continue your art – but using your large motor skills.  Has doing the large scale work influenced your other work at all?

Thank you!! Yes I believe it has! After tackling huge walls, it gives you a boost of confidence when approaching a big canvas. And it has given me confidence that my style can work on large and small scale works. I also hear much more feedback on the public pieces which is always a great thing that never happened as much when I was just selling paintings out of the studio. All of these things are great at helping me believe in my vision.

 7. I also read that you’re doing commissioned portraits and other work – how can people learn more about this?  

I am! The best way is to shoot me an email!! I also have a website and a facebook page which are great for seeing what kind of work I do!

Email Jeremy at: JCBart@gmail.com
Jeremy’s website: www.jaysaybay.com
Jeremy’s Art Facebook Page

“If you have only two pennies, spend the first on bread and the other on hyacinths for your soul.”

–Arab Proverb