A Conversation with Aisling Art Installation
Gallery MAR is pleased to hang most of our collectors' works as a complimentary service. But occasionally we call upon the experts, particularly when it is a tricky hanging job. When we do, we call Dave with Aisling Art Installation.
How did you get into the art installation business and why?
For years I was a finish carpenter to help pay for my skiing career. After that I worked for our family business, Park City Transportation. Then about five years ago a good friend of mine, Brian, at Peak Art & Frame, asked me if I would be interested in helping his frame shop by handling all of their installations and deliveries. He knew I had been a carpenter and he needed someone that was skilled and very personable. Until this past summer, I was doing installations as a part time job. It was time for me to move on from Park City Transportation and start something new. I wasn't sure exactly what to do, but then a few caring friends encouraged me to start an art installation business. It was something that I enjoyed doing and I realized that I had a knack for layout and design. So Aisling Art Installation came to be. I love it! I have found a greater appreciation for art and have become more a part of the community.
What does Aisling mean?
Aisling means "vision" in Gaelic. I spent about a month looking up thesaurus and domain names to find something that I liked. One day I decided to see if anything translated in Gaelic due to my Irish heritage. I came across Aisling and liked it. For about a week after I kept looking for names and realized I could spend years searching. I narrowed it down to a few and really loved Aisling Art Installation.
Why does a collector need an installer? Can't I just hang up my fine art with a hammer and nails?
You want to know that your art is secure; whether the piece of art was an investment or something that was inspiring, even pictures of beloved memories. Yes, you can install fine art with a nail and a hammer. Every piece is different; it really depends on how much the piece weighs and what means were put on the piece by the artist to hang it up with. I always carry a wide variety of hangers, nails, screws etc…
What are some basic hanging directions and insights?
You want to place your piece of art in a place that is going to display it the best. Some pieces of art need more light than others. Try not to put several different pieces in the same space. Many times on certain walls, less is more.
How do you decide how high to hang a painting?
Height is really personal preference. As for myself and many galleries, the preferred height is 60 inches to the center of the piece. It is a very pleasing height for your eye.
I want to hang something over my stone fireplace. Where should I start?
First you need to see what would fit in the space. Many fireplaces have stones that protrude out and make it difficult for an art piece to hang right.
I have something really, really heavy to hang on my walls. Where should I start and what should I look for?
Start by looking at the piece and see what was provided on the back to install with. There have been times that I have had to change what was provided to make sure it is secure on the wall. Always make sure that the piece is installed into a stud in the wall. There are many wall anchors and molly bolts that can hold significant weight, but nothing is as strong as installing something into a wall stud.
How far apart do you recommend I hang artworks in a series?
It depends on the size of the pieces and the space you would like to place them in. You don't want them to look too crowded or spaced too far apart. I like to take a few moments and place them on the floor and play with different spacing to see what looks best.
What is the most common thing that people comment on while you are installing art?
It would be about my red velvet installation slippers. They are Vans - slip ons to be exact. They are kind of fun! I make sure I always remove my shoes when I enter a home. My feet would kill me walking up and down my ladder, so I needed to find something to wear. I remembered I had purchased a pair of red velvet vans for a costume party a year earlier and didn't use them much. They were perfect! Not sure I will be able to match them if they ever wear out.
Do you have any hilarious stories about a time when you were installing?
I did an installation of several pieces for a couple that just purchased a new home. A week later they called me up and asked if I could come over for another install. They had several more pieces that they had just purchased and wanted to get them up right away. As I was installing the new pieces, I noticed that almost all of the pieces I installed a week before were not level. It seemed odd since I made sure that they were all level. I went ahead and leveled everything again. When I was about finished in the downstairs, the husband came home and we began talking as I finished up. I happened to look over my shoulder and noticed he was readjusting everything I had just installed and made level. I realized that he was the reason for all the other pieces I had installed previously for being out of level. I just smiled to myself and finished with the install. I never said anything to the couple about it. They are great clients and it makes me smile every time I'm called to come back and install more pieces.
How do I get hold of you?
The best way to reach me is by phone at 435.655.1322. I may also be reached by e-mail (dave@aislingartinstall.com). My website is aislingartinstall.com.
This posting comes courtesy of Maren Bargreen, owner of Gallery MAR at 580 Main Street in Park City. For information about the contemporary artists exhibiting at Gallery Mar go to 
Email
Print
Feed
Reader Comments:
Thanks for posting this. Dave is wonderful to work with, and very helpful to my clients in our Park City Art Gallery. I can't recommend him enough. You can see more and read more blogs from Gallery MAR here, on our website: http://www.gallerymar.com/blog/.