Why Buy Art?
ByI’m going to an unusual business networking event tonight where we each get 90 seconds to make ourselves memorable without giving the usual “elevator pitch” about our businesses.
So I thought I’d bring some pieces of my own artwork to the event and do a David Letterman type Top Ten Reasons You Should Buy Art from a Living, Breathing Artist when it’s my turn to stand up.
Because if I want more people to buy art, I think I should be able to help them think about why it might be worth it to them to have it in their homes as part of their everyday lives–especially people who don’t feel that connected to the arts in the first place.
Creating this list was not as easy as I thought it would be. That was kind of alarming.
But, after doing a little thinking (along with some searching online for what other people thought–amazingly, there really wasn’t that much out there) I came up with a first draft of my Top Ten.
I’d love to know your thoughts and add your suggestions to my list for tonight.
Sarah’s Top Ten Reasons to Buy Art From a Living Breathing Artist:
- Hang art in your home and surround yourself with images that reflect your taste, define who you are, and resonate deeply for a long time. As with a good book or a great piece of music, your relationship with a work of art can develop and change over the course of a lifetime.
| - Support the Arts: Supporting an artist by buying their artwork is directly, positively affecting the stability of the arts in the United States. A lot more middle class, regular people buy contemporary art in Europe…when you buy a work of art or fine craft, you’re having a serious, positive impact on the health of the arts in your community and the country as a whole.
| - Become a Collector–make your own mark by collecting art you care about that speaks to you. Building a collection is a unique creative act in and of itself–one you can enjoy over time and hand down to the next generation.
| - Set Yourself Apart from the Crowd:
Most people don’t buy art or only buy posters of famous art instead. Buying artwork from a contemporary artist or craftsperson really sets you apart and shows you have the confidence to know what you like before it’s been sanctioned by museums or some other higher authority.
| - A work of art is a unique and passionate creation, which not only reflects the soul of the artist, but your soul as well, because you chose it. (This one, and the next two, are paraphrased from Mary Baker’s site, who I thought did a great job of expressing why someone should buy a work of art.)
| - Works of art can inspire your life and have the power to nurture and strengthen the spirit.
| - Be a part of the mystery: almost every artist will tell you that they don’t have complete control of their art–it has a life of its own that must be respected and listened to. Connecting to a work of art is connecting to the larger mystery of life.
| - The thrill of the hunt: Enjoy the enriching experience of developing your artistic taste–develop your own eye for up-and-coming artists or crafters, or support one or two artists whose work really speaks to you.
| - Get back in touch with your own creative self.
Most people don’t make things anymore, but this wasn’t always true, and our primal selves are all creative, hands on mammals who first began to express themselves to connect with the magic of the universe, to decorate their world, and to make their mark. Buying art and living with it every day reconnects you to that self.
| - Discover someone.
Did I miss anything? Why do you think people should buy art from a living, breathing artist or craftsperson?
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Sarah, I think you’ve done a great job at making your point. I know it’s taken me a long time to say “yes” when asked if I made this or that or if I am an artist, well the first part of the question is easy – the second has been hard for me. I’ve had to learn art/creativity is more than what “the old Masters” have created. I love the look of handmade items and I love buying from the artist, you get a chance to talk to them. The majority of my art is traded on a site I’m a member of but I like being able to do that too and acquire pieces from other artists and establish that friendship. But I’ve also sold my pieces and I really appreciate return buyers. Some people get the most wonderful expressions on their faces when a piece of your art touches them and they buy it – I love seeing that look – I create mainly for myself – but when someone sees what I see in a piece and buys/trades – it gives me the drive to make more.
This is wonderful, Sarah!
I’ve always loved buying art, especially when travelling as a way to remember the place I went and support the local artists there. One I especially love is a fun drawing of a mermaid drinking a martini that I picked up in Savannah, GA a couple years ago.
BTW, I shared this over on my blog because you hit this topic absolutely spot-on!!!
sarah…i love this so much i shared you and your reasons on my blog today…my reason would be investing in someone’s dream
http://cre8tivecompass.com/blog/2010/06/16/top-ten-reasons-to-buy-art/
I think that over time, you build a relationship with an original work of art. Having a piece that is contemporary often means that it is of direct relevance to your life now.
Buying art reminds me of the effort of the creator and the beauty of the piece itself. I purchased a picture of three little girls, one was reading a book and the other two were sitting on the floor rapt with thought. I love how this picture reminds me that reading is a journey. Art is always reminding me of where I purchased it, what the day was like and the beauty that surrounds us daily. What a blessing!
The best quality art at a reasonable price, or in some cases, a bargain. You very well could be purchasing an investment, as many good artists work goes up in value, in the very least, some if not alot, in time. It can be something of value to leave to your children and their children.
Sarah, I want to play devils advocate here and approach this from the opposite side of the coin.
I think a lot of people never consider buying art from the artist because it has been ingrained in our society that art is for the wealthy, and it should be an investment (i.e. something to brag about owning).
I have often wonderd if the loss of art classes in primary schools has helped to seperate the general public from artists, and purchasing their works *live*.
Another item is some people think they have to have an art education to buy; understanding abstract concepts, what is *good, what is *bad*, etc—as opposed to buying what speaks to their heart.
If more people realized that their purchases help artists to remain functioning and productive, that every purchase is the same as having a patron, they might be less hesitant to buy.
I love nothing more than purchasing art from a friend or someone I just discovered, and my home is quickly turning into a most quirky gallery…..and that is JUST FINE!
XXOO!!
Anne
You covered all the reasons, Sarah! The most heartfelt answer I could give to someone who asked the question would be the entwining of your answers in 1, 5, and 6.
Buy what you love, what speaks to you. A piece here and there, purchased over time, is like a travelogue of life.
But really, the critical thing about purchasing art from a contemporary artist is this:
If nobody bought the art from a living artist today, then the artist would not make art.
I buy art because it makes me happy or speaks to something in me. Either knowing the artist or knowing that I might get a chance to meet them makes me happy too. Therefore, I buy art.
Because with “current” art there is a good chance you get to interact with the creator of that piece-that the piece “speaks” to you in some way and you can actually learn the thought process of that artist. I love our local art festivals-because you can interact with the artist and hear how someone else creates. If you own a piece then you most likely have a good memory that goes with it.
My main reason for buying art is to nuture my spirit – reinforce my passions – and bring a smile to my face or peace to my soul. I believe that I am driven to create for all the same reasons!
I buy art because of all the reasons you cited and because it comes with a memory. Every time I look at a piece of art I bought directly from the artist I remember our encounter – our conversation – and the day. I love that – and it’s not something you get with a poster!
I buy art that calls me- some to add to a collection on a theme- some I find beautiful. Or , some I just find intriguing. I love it when I have the opportunity to buy directly from the artist. And… I always seek art when I travel.
When I find a place in my home for a new piece- it becomes a ghostly interluder in my home- reminding me of the artist I bought it from, or the place I traveled.
I buy somethings too that don’t ” fit” my tastes or usual collections if I find them beautiful. Although they are harded to find a home within my house-I appreciate them equally.
I always feel good about supporting an artist whose work I enjoy.
@Anne–such excellent points! I think a lot of people are intimidated and feel like they don’t “know enough” to trust their own taste–and it probably does feel like an extravagance. I think maybe if more people did make things–and you’re right, having art in school is a huge factor here–it would help them feel more connected to the arts in general. And those are 2 challenging obstacles to overcome–but great to think about as we sell our own art–putting ourselves in the potential buyer’s shoes!
i have been an artist for 15 years .i am not a pro because i dont know how to sell it.i have not had an art sale in my house .that is where i make my art.in my home studio.i do not sell online mostly because i dont know how.if i could sell i would.i buy art that i like.i am a collector of art .my own.it is the prettiest art i see out there.i give mine for gifts.and i hope to leave a legacy to my family with it.