As an artist, many people often tell me that they would like to start buying art and/or start an art collection. However in the course of the conversation, these same people often confide that they feel too intimidated in a gallery situation to ask questions about buying art. Often when pressed, these otherwise very educated people, express concerns that they don't know enough about art to buy art. The transformation from art appreciator into the realm of art collector may in fact seem quite scary, but it can be a very exciting and satisfying path. I have a small, eclectic collection of art by a variety of artists that I have acquired over the past 30 years. I bought my first piece in college. My most recent acquisition was made as a supporter of an artist's Kickstarter project. I currently own 36 works by 27 artists. Each one was acquired slowly and thoughtfully. This small collection includes paintings, drawings, hand-made paper, photography, sculpture, glass art, ceramics and one of a kind jewelry pieces. Each piece speaks to me. Most pieces are small and were very affordable. Most importantly, each piece has particular meaning to me. Some were purchased while traveling but most were acquired in my own diverse, regional art community. I acquired them because I loved them and being surrounded by those works brings a certain type of happiness into my life.
An art collection begins with a single purchase and will grow at its own pace. Visiting small galleries in your own community can be a great place to begin. These galleries periodically host art "openings" where you can view the latest exhibitions, meet the artist, hear a short presentation about the work and mingle with other guests over a glass of wine and hors d'oeuvres. These free social events give those new to art appreciation and art buying a way to learn about works without feeling intimidated. You will quickly find that one doesn't have to have vast riches to afford art that moves you. Choose pieces by artists that interest you and pieces that you will enjoy living with. If you want to know more about the artist of a work you are interested in, ask the gallery owner questions about the artist. Sometimes the gallery owner can arrange for you to see other works by the same artist or can arrange a studio tour for you. Many artists, including this one, are happy to answer any questions you have about their work and welcome your curiosity. If price is what intimidates you, most galleries will also arrange a payment plan so you can make your purchase over time.
I encourage all of you to consider making that leap from art appreciator to art collector. In doing so you will open the door to surrounding yourself with objects that hold unique and particular meaning to you. You will create personality in your living space. And, by doing so you will also support the arts in a meaningful and purposeful way.
An art collection begins with a single purchase and will grow at its own pace. Visiting small galleries in your own community can be a great place to begin. These galleries periodically host art "openings" where you can view the latest exhibitions, meet the artist, hear a short presentation about the work and mingle with other guests over a glass of wine and hors d'oeuvres. These free social events give those new to art appreciation and art buying a way to learn about works without feeling intimidated. You will quickly find that one doesn't have to have vast riches to afford art that moves you. Choose pieces by artists that interest you and pieces that you will enjoy living with. If you want to know more about the artist of a work you are interested in, ask the gallery owner questions about the artist. Sometimes the gallery owner can arrange for you to see other works by the same artist or can arrange a studio tour for you. Many artists, including this one, are happy to answer any questions you have about their work and welcome your curiosity. If price is what intimidates you, most galleries will also arrange a payment plan so you can make your purchase over time.
I encourage all of you to consider making that leap from art appreciator to art collector. In doing so you will open the door to surrounding yourself with objects that hold unique and particular meaning to you. You will create personality in your living space. And, by doing so you will also support the arts in a meaningful and purposeful way.
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