If you have the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) maybe you watched her recent two-part interview with Nate Burkus, The Things That Matter.
“I believe your home should tell the story of who you are. What you love most, collected and assembled in one space. All your objects, finds, hand-me-downs . . . spelling out who you are to the world. Fact is, there isn’t a single item in my own home that doesn’t have a story behind it. This book celebrates the philosophy that things do matter. They have to. They’re what we live with and touch every single day. They welcome us home at night and greet us each morning on our bedside table. They represent where we’ve been, who we’ve loved, and where we hope to go. They make us happy, and I can’t think of a more beautiful way to live than that.”
—Nate
I was so grateful to hear him say that things matter and that we cherish things because of the memory they hold.
My husband, Jay, and I decided years ago to bring home a piece of art from every place that we visit. I could take you on a tour of our home and show you each painting, photograph, ceramic vase, lantern, stone – and tell you the story behind it. I believe things carry energy. I love having the sweet energy and memories of time spent with Jay all around my home.
All the artwork in my home matters to me. I cherish what we have from artists I love, found in places I love, with people I love.
Last week in LA we went shopping in the downtown Mexican Market. It was a joy-filled day spent with dear friends we adore. I came home and decorated my studio with my favorite things found in the market.
Color, beauty, love. It all matters.
Hello friends! I'm Lori Portka. I make art with the intention to radiate love and healing. 
I agree, I like to have things around me that make me happy to look at, brightly coloured cushions and throws, objects made by my children when they were little and even kitchen objects that look pretty and make it less of a chore to use them!
I’d love to go to a Mexican market, not much chance of that here though. I’ll have to enjoy your lovely pictures instead.xx
I love beautiful cushions and pillows and throws! I could go crazy buying blankets. I LOVE your newest painting so much!
i don’t get that channel, but i love the quote from Nate Burkus!! it is SO true! my sister travels extensively and does the same thing as you…she buys a beautiful sculpture every place she goes (her walls are filled!)… it’s so awesome to see them when i go over to her home!
I would love to see her home!!!
btw, one of my favorite things one my walls is the horses made by you. LOVE
Dearest Lori, this resonates so deeply. I was just looking around my home recently, noticing that for most of my adult life I feel like I’ve been “camping” in my spaces. Rarely have I made them feel like home, with art on the walls and paint that makes my spirit sing. Mainly because I’ve lived in a lot of rentals! Now that I can do anything I want with my space, I’m creating the beauty that I want to be surrounded by. Your art is a big part of it. I love you and thank you for who you are and what you offer in this world.
Alia, my husband and I keep thinking that we are moving eventually so I have noticed that I have not been invested in really making our home Our Home. That is changing thankfully, whether we move or not 🙂 xoxo
Homes should be sancutaries…places that soak us in good happy energy. I agree things can be precious and there’s no shame in that. If something reminds us of beauty, have it near and dear.