4 minute read
DIY Gallery
by Ron Fortier
As an artist, I’ve tried to seek out potential buyers and collectors, as I’m sure my fellow artists have. But the thing I soon realized was that you don't find them.
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No, the collectors find you. An art collector is, as you may have thought, a person who collects works of art.
But there’s so much more to it! According to a January 2018 article by Evan Beard (artsy.net/article/evanbeard-four-tribes-art-collectors), there are four kinds of art collectors.
There’s the Connoisseur, the Enterprising Collector, the Aesthete, and the Trophy Hunter. The Connoisseur is motivated by the possibility of an intellectual discovery.
Imagine finding a painting or a drawing that may be a missing link to a treasure trove of knowledge or a piece that wasn’t even known to exist? It’s the thrill of a lifetime!
The Enterprising Collector is mostly interested in art as an asset. Their goal is to buy low when the artist is just emerging onto the scene and grab a lot of early work at bargain prices.
The Aesthete is motivated by the visual experience and how the art “speaks to them” or, as Beard describes as, “an emotional extension of their being, separate from status or financial gain.”
The Trophy Hunter, on the other hand, is all about possession. Specifically, possessing something no one else has, or the one thing everyone else wants. Evan Beard wrote, “I recently toured one of the great private art collections with its owner and was struck by how he described each painting. Forget composition or color. Each picture was an anthropology lesson in the hunt.”
Starting your own collection
Have you ever had an interest in collecting or just buying art? Was it the furthest thing from your mind until you were presented with an opportunity?
Most individuals who buy art casually, do so when they can’t walk away from a piece because it reminds them of someone, a time, or a place. There’s an obvious emotional component to their attraction and purchase.
Some buy art occasionally. Their purchases are a random or impulsive diversion. Many are just naturally curious about art, artists, and process, and regularly visit galleries.
Buyers also frequent open studios and festivals because it’s readily available and free entertainment. Of course, there are those who buy art specifically to make a statement or to match their drapes or the couch.
It’s much easier to buy art without ever leaving the house. It’s an armchair expedition that includes scrolling through social media pages and then visiting the artist’s website.
Interacting with the artist is far more pleasurable. Yes, buyers of art can evolve into collectors.
It starts with a fascination or fixation of one or several artists’ works. These buyers in transition sometimes assume the status of a patron.
In short, the reason for collecting or just buying art is endless. But if you’ve ever wondered about buying art as an investment, it’s far too risky!
There is an old, often-told joke in the wine business. It goes, how do you make a small fortune in the wine business? Simple: you start off with a large one!
So how do you start buying art? First, please remember, it is an investment driven by practicality, emotion, investment, or intellectual satisfaction. How do you start? What kind of art should you buy?
To borrow once again from the world of wine: drink what you like. How do you know what you like?
Taste a lot of different wines! So get out there and attend art openings, visit art fairs, open studios, and art festivals.
Gallery prices are usually higher
because they invest in the artist’s career because it is mutually beneficial. A good gallery is in a partnership with the artists they represent. They invest time and money to show and market their artists and allow the artist the luxury of having to only focus on creating new art. Galleries offer a solid selection of curated works that are reflective of their clientele’s needs and wants.
An online acquaintance, Michelle Gaugy, art consultant, former gallerist, says that collectors “do not travel in packs. They do not buy randomly.” For artists, Beard says, “Placement with the right collector can bestow legitimacy on a young artist quicker than the blessing of any curator or critic.”
Thinking of starting to buy art or collect art? Ask yourself what’s in it for you and then go get it!
