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DIY Art

August 18, 2009 by Marion Maneker

Douglas Coupland is a novelist and former artist. The New York Times showcased his Seattle home as a decorating story but within the images one can easily see works that are directly inspired by other artist’s work. Play along and spot the Hirst, LeWitt, Noland, Boetti, Oldenberg and many others:

He installed a number of art works, including many of his own creations (he was an artist before his writing career took off). “I’m suspicious of places that look decorated,” he said. “I can understand why people do it, but you see too many cushions or a piece of fabric hanging and it’s, like, ‘Ugh!’ A good house with good art will always work, no matter what.”

The works reflect the inventive point of view Mr. Coupland brings to his writing, like an installation he created in the entry hall by placing, on a ledged wall, pieces of various shapes and colors taken from vintage building kits, or the oversize detergent bottle in the hallway, his own work, titled appropriately, “Downy Fabric Softener.”

The colorful plastic piece on the dining room table, meanwhile, will be familiar to anyone who played the children’s game Mousetrap. “It becomes this amazing sculpture you can get for $3 at a flea market,” he said.

Saving the House Next Door (New York Times)

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