Because how you do one thing is also how you do many things, collecting artwork can be a way of strengthening your relationship to your intuition + self.

collecting art is a deeply creative and personal journey, and as such, it is guided by matters of the heart. it is informed by gut and spirit response, and trust me, we will get to chat about that soon, but today, I’d like to focus on some of the most basic, foundational questions to ask yourself when buying original art.

These questions provide logical parameters within which we can freely and confidently use our body’s pleasure system to guide us toward the art of our dreams.

1. do you like the art / artist?

I know, I know — this could go without saying, but I find it helpful to state the obvious in service of thorough communication 🙂

Perhaps a more important question: can you pinpoint specifically what you appreciate about the art /artist?

One wonderful element of collecting art is it gives us a window through which we can experience and know ourselves. In considering buying art, you get to consider, how the artwork makes you feel? What specifically do you enjoy about it? What sensations does it bring up in your body? In your imagination?

What elements of the artist’s practice/story inspire you? What qualities of theirs inspire you most? How are those qualities present in your self?

Great art invites you to know yourself. Do you feel known, feel seen, by this art?

 

2. do you have a spot to display the art?

Sexy question right? But it’s important! Great art is meant to be enjoyed by great company, so the question stands: is there a spot in your home, office, beach house, or rental property where you can hang this art?

If the art needs to be framed to be safely kept*, do you have a frame? I recommend collectors and buyers have spaces/frames prepped ahead of time, so once the art is delivered, it can go directly on your wall and yield maximum effect in your space.

*details regarding special care should be communicated by the person selling the work — the artist or gallery. in situations where you’re uncertain, feel free to ask!

 

3. do you want to afford this art?

I say this as not only an artist but also an art collector— art is priceless. We put a price on it to make it transactional, but you can’t put a dollar amount on the kind of lasting delight art brings into the world.

And because you’ll want to pass this artwork down as a family heirloom or leave it behind as a donation to a public collection, you’ll want to make sure it’s made with quality, long-lasting materials. It makes sense then that a painting would be a bit of a financial investment.

the question is simply — do you want to make that investment?

do you want to invest in yourself, your space, your legacy in this way?

Many artists offer payment plans to space out the payments of more expensive artwork, so in my experience, the question tends to move from “can I afford this?” to “how can I afford this?”

Saving towards a piece of art is such a joyful way to build self-trust, and practice self-love by gifting yourself an environment that delights you.

We’ll talk more soon!