Collecting art is more than just a marker of adulthood—it signifies another more elevated level of adulthood entirely! Engaging with art will make you think and feel differently, adding a creative element to how we move through our interior spaces. Art can create and elicit joy and this is especially true as we incorporate art into our homes where we interact with it daily.
In this day and age, the act of moving houses is so common and can make investing in quality furniture, like that classic Eames chair, feel difficult and unmanageable. In fact, you question whether to purchase anything large at all not wanting to commit to the space. However, art is different because it’s something that you can appreciate instantly, quickly transforming the walls of any space you're in. It also adds to the designed feel of an interior by elevating your space.
If you’re currently in the process of curating your art collection or want to start a collection but don't know how, here are some key pointers to keep in mind.
1) Determine whether there is an emotional connection
When examining a piece to potentially incorporate in your space, you’ll want to ask yourself why it appeals to you. Think about how it makes you feel—does the color combination interest you or feel unusual? Does the piece elicit any emotion, bring you pleasure, or remind you of something? All of these questions build a foundation for an emotional connection between you and a specific piece.
2) Know what you're buying
Understand the difference between original work, a limited edition print, and open edition print. An original work is a piece created by the artist themselves, it's one of a kind and more valuable than a print. In general the rarer a piece is, the more likely it is to hold value or appreciate. As you look at originals, start to pay close attention to the mediums used to create a piece. Think about how the artist used specific materials to achieve certain effects that move and inspire you. When you start looking closely at lower and higher cost pieces, you begin to notice a difference. You’ll notice that more sophisticated art tends to feature higher quality materials, which are reflected in their value.
3) Invest wisely
Art is highly subjective and deeply personal—there’s no universally accepted standard of good or valuable. That said, the artist’s level of experience, how many well-known collectors have purchased their pieces, and their gallery representation all lend to the artist’s body of work growing in value. But truth be told, you shouldn’t pursue art for financial gain. It’s not that art can't be a good investment—this just isn’t what you should prioritize when making a purchase. Collecting art exists at a curious intersection of focusing on what you love, what your home needs, and what feels like a sound investment.
Note that even if your budget for your first collector piece is just $1,000, there are art consultants, such as Mason Lane, that can take on clients. While this is a paid service, it is guaranteed to help you find a piece of value that results in a smart investment.
4) Improve your eye
The best way to find art that moves you is simply to experience more art. And this should be a fun experience! Go to museums and collect a list of artists whose work you really love. This will help you hone in on the style of art and the mediums of art you like the best. Artsy is an excellent resource for this type of intelligence to explore more of the within the art styles that resonate with you. A quick search of their 100,000 artists turns up a bio, list of works, upcoming art shows, and more. Keep exposing yourself to art viewings in galleries or online discoveries. Over time you’ll be able to use your trained eyes to find those pieces that truly move you personally or you find a connection with. The more often you view art, the more you'll be able to spot quality pieces in the wild.
I hope these simple tips help give you the steps to approach collecting art for your home. Art is an integral addition to your home, creating meaning and adding a personal connection to your interior spaces. Further its a great way to add color and another layer to a designed interior making a room really sing! Please message me if you want to chat about how to begin collecting some pieces of your own.