The local newspaper just ran an article about buying art. Actually it was about art investing and fraud.
It reminded me of a sale I had some years back. I had sold a painting though a gallery I showed in. I had a request from the client to give her a letter of authentication stating the painting was an original, and a one of a kind.
I was taken aback at first. Of course it was an original one of a kind painting. That is what I do. Even if I ever tired to duplicate one, I couldn’t. But I realized her concerns. It was the time of the infamous starving artist sales. Or painting by committee, as I like to call them.
As an artist, I know and understand the difference in originals and prints and original prints and multi-originals, photomechanical prints, signed and numbered, un-numbered. Don’t get me started on giclées I realize that the art market has become as complicated as the world of legalese. You need a lawyer to explain a document and you need an art expert, or someone knowledgeable to explain exactly what a piece of art is. Or what form of original.
I’ll give you my opinion on it, for what it’s worth. I managed galleries in my earlier career so I have been on different sides of the business. It is a tried and true method I think, unless you do have expert knowledge on the art market and it is simple. Do not ever spend a nickel more on a piece of art, than it is worth for you to see it on your wall. Be it a poster or a print or an original, it makes no difference. That is the formula for buying. You’ll never pay too much for art that way.
I don’t care who’s name is on it. If you are considering a piece of art and the salesperson uses the word, investment, run a mile. Art is not for investment for most people, or it shouldn’t be. Art is for enjoyment. If you buy a piece of art with the idea in mind that in a few years you can sell it for more than you paid, you’ll probably never have a moment of joy from seeing in on your wall or in your home.
I’ve collected art myself for many years. The way I see art is that it is like having small window into different worlds in my home. I have some pieces by artists you may have heard of. I have ones by artists you’ve never heard of. I treasure every one of them. I’ve paid more than I wanted to on some and got rocking good deals on others. I’ve never regretted a single purchase. Ever.
Art should make you smile, feel happy or remind you of a time or experience that bring up emotions, good or sad even. It should communicate something to you. Add ambience, or atmosphere to a space. If what it communicates and makes you feel is worth the price tag on it, buy it. In my opinion there is no other reason to. Or reason not to.
